AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom Have Provided Backbone For USMC Rotor Ops Since 2010

Bell's doing a bit more crowing... and for good reason. The H-1 mixed fleet of AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom attack and utility helicopters have accumulated more than 400,000 joint-flight hours. Designed by Bell, as the dedicated military helicopters for the United States Marine Corps, the Viper and Venom have been deployed around the world across a full spectrum of military operations since 2010. “Reaching the 400,000 hour milestone represents the collective efforts of the men and women dedicated to upholding the H-1’s legacy of success,” said Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 vice president and program director.

Also: Bombardier, Rocket Lab Approved, Air Shows May Request Exception, Kittyhawk = Aloft

On 20th of May 2021, the SW-51 Mustang successfully performed its first flight at Mlada Boleslav airport (LKMB) in the Czech Republic. Aircraft serial number #001 took off at 11:37 am into a light cloudy sky. Chief Test Pilot Jirko “Jiri” Hybler subsequently praised the balanced and maneuverable handling of the aircraft, managing crosswinds of more than 10kts. Within the first flight hours, all systems were checked to proof their functionality. These flights already included the retraction of the electr

New Technologies, Expert Coverage, and CREATIVE Programming Distinguish This 12th Anniversary Event

The Aero-News Network, in an exciting 12 year-long partnership with the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), is pleased to announce the schedule for this year's programming initiatives and programs for the upcoming 2021 AEA Convention and Trade Show, to be held in Dallas, June 22-25, 2021, in what will be our record-setting 12th LIVE online programming initiative -- and after the avionics news drought of 2020, we can't wait to see ALL the new goodies! Primary LIVE coverage starts Monday, June 22nd, with the webcasting of AEA’s pivotal New Product Introduction (NPI

Will Also Provide The Opportunity To Carry On The Legacy Of Captain Jenn Casey

Airshow London seems pretty stoked to announce the addition of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds to an already packed list of performers for SkyDrive 2021, Canada's original drive-in air show, taking place August 27-29 at the London International Airport. Airshow London is welcoming back Canada’s national military demonstration team as they continue last year's Operation Inspiration, uniting and inspiring Canadians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Flying under Operation Inspiration will also provide the opportunity to carry on the legacy of Captain Jenn Casey, the Snowbirds Public Affairs Officer, who was pivotal in creating this cross-country tour last year.

NASA's 22nd SpaceX Cargo Resupply Mission Launches

The latest SpaceX Dragon resupply spacecraft left on its way to the International Space Station after launching at 1:29 p.m. EDT Thursday from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, bearing more than 7,300 pounds of science experiments, new solar arrays, and other cargo. The spacecraft launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy. It is scheduled to autonomously dock at the space station early Saturday at about 0500, and remain at the station for about a month. This 22nd contracted resupply mission for SpaceX will deliver the new ISS Roll-out Solar Arrays (iROSA) to the space station in the trunk of the Dragon spacecraft.

Agency Issues Emergency Order Over Alleged Illegal Charter Flights

The FAA issued an emergency order to revoke the ability of Universal Flight Services to charge passengers for flights. The FAA also revoked the pilot certificate of the owner of Universal Flight Services for allegedly conducting illegal charter flights. Universal Flight Services, a Sarasota, Florida-based company, allegedly conducted 26 passenger-carrying flights without the required FAA certificate between Oct. 22, 2015 and Feb. 17, 2019. The flights occurred between the following airports: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Key West International Airport, Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport, and Witham Field.

Will Provide Training For FMS Participants, RSAF F-16 Training

The Department of the Air Force selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas, as the preferred location to establish an F-35 Lightning II training center for Foreign Military Sales participants and the new location for the 425th Fighter Squadron, a Republic of Singapore air force F-16 Fighting Falcon training unit currently based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This decision comes after several U.S. ally and partner nations showed interest in conducting F-35 training at a U.S.-based F-35 training facility. Ramp and airspace capacity constraints at Luke AFB limit expansion. This new training center will have capacity for up to 36 fighter aircraft.

Authorizes Launch Site At The Clinton-Sherman Industrial Airpark

After completing a comprehensive review, the FAA approved the renewal of the spaceport license for the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority. The license authorizes the Authority to operate a launch site at the Clinton-Sherman Industrial Airpark in Burns Flat, Okla., in support of FAA-licensed or –permitted suborbital missions by reusable launch vehicles. The license is valid for five years. There are currently 12 commercial FAA-licensed spaceports, located in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Canadian Pilots Open Up To Aero-News At AirVenture…

Canada has had a privatized Air Traffic Control System for some time. With the debate raging over privatization in the U.S., Aero-News stringer Maxine Scheer caught up with some Canadian GA pilots at AirVenture to ask them what it was like to fly under such a system. EAA Canadian Council member, Ian Brown, told Scheer that they don't notice that it is a privatized system at all. "We get a bill once a year, and my bill for my RV is $68 per year for all Air Traffic Control services," Brown said. He said it is his impression that most of the fear for GA pilots

"We Are Truly Appreciative Of His Willingness To Listen To And Work With The Industry"

Following the announcement of FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Ali Bahrami’s plans to retire on June 30, 2021, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) issued the following statements: "NATA, on behalf of its Board and members, congratulate Ali Bahrami on his many years of service to the FAA and achievements as Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. We are truly appreciative of his willingness to listen to and work with the industry in advancing key initiatives as well as his steady leadership in the most challenging of times,” stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts.

The Engine Began To Shake And Lost Total Power

On May 14, 2021, at 1500 central daylight time, a Beech A36, N1875W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pinckneyville, Illinois. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, while at an altitude of 8,000 ft mean sea level, he noticed the engine oil pressure began to fluctuate. The pilot contacted air traffic control and requested to divert to the nearest airport, which was the Pinckneyville-Du Quoin Airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to shake and lost total power.

Aero Linx: The Honourable Company of Air Pilots The advancement of the public interest by the promotion of safety for all those who are employed in connection with or who travel by means of aircraft (which expression shall be deemed to include all means of locomotion in the air or space). The objects shall be carried out by any or all of the following means: by arranging for the carrying out of statistical and other research work into air safety; by preparing and collating evidence relating to air safety for presentation to Royal Commissions, Courts of Enquiry, committees or boards; by arranging for the delivery of lectures

Nonapproach Control Tower Authorizes aircraft to land or takeoff at the airport controlled by the tower or to transit the Class D airspace. The primary function of a nonapproach control tower is the sequencing of aircraft in the traffic pattern and on the landing area. Nonapproach control towers also separate aircraft operating under instrument flight rules clearances from approach controls and centers. They provide ground control services to aircraft, vehicles, personnel, and equipment on the airport movement area.

“Reaching this milestone is a culmination of thousands of hours of work by pilots, maintainers, engineers, test teams, and industry partners. It is a true team effort. The H-1s have defended warfighters for six decades, and with the integration of new capabilities, H-1s will continue to support warfighters for decades to come.” Source: Col Vasilios Pappas, program manager PMA-276, commenting on the milestone experinced by the Bell H-1 series as it reached 400,000 hours.