Communications Satellite Constellation Reinforces Network with 5 Additional Satellites

The mystery launch provider for Iridium's next satellite launches has been revealed, with an agreement for SpaceX to take 5 of the company's 2nd-generation satellites aboard its Falcon 9. The Satellites will go to join the rest of the next-gen communications network that the company began launching in 2017. The mission, Iridium-9, will take place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in the middle of 2023 as they deploy 5 of the company's 6 spare satellites for added network redundancy.

Ends Their Summer Shopping with Purchase of 4-Seater Air Taxis

United Airlines announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility, with a conditional purchase agreement for 200 of the marque's 4-seater eVTOL aircraft. The deal includes an option for 200 more aircraft, with the initial deliveries expected to take place in 2026. The Eve aircraft are intended to become flying taxis for united, sustainable, short range commuters that will allow the airline to start laying the groundwork for the impending urban air mobility ecosystem. As part of that effort, United has been fairly involved in a number of new aviation systems throughout the burgeoning industry, being the first major airline to create a corporate venture fund to specifically support

Hydrogen and Battery Powerplant to Power Blown Lift eSTOL

Electra.aero, Inc. has successfully completed a fully-integrated test of its proprietary hybrid-electric propulsion system. The hydrogen and battery-electric power-plant is destined for use in Electra’s electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. Electra's hybrid system comprises a combination of high-power battery packs and a turbogenerator which powers eight electric motors and their respective propellers. Testing of the system took place at the company’s propulsion development facility in Switzerland.

Modular MAFFS II System Adds Another Niche to Multi-Mission Millennium’s Resume 

Embraer has completed the majority of its certification campaign for the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System as installed on the C-390 Millennium. The Brazilian manufacturer completed testing of the system, MAFFS II, at their São Paulo, home. The test included several in-flight water drops, testing the system's ability to communicate with the aircraft and deliver its payload on target. While in flight, the MAFFS II-equipped C-390 was assessed for handling, controllability, and maneuverability during the mission.

Wait A Second, Klyde... Elon ISN'T From Another Planet?

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Foreign Materials Used in Honeywell Engion Materials, May Continue After Waiver

The F-35 Lightning II program has reached its newest snag after a Pentagon investigation encountered unauthorized materials used in recent construction. The issue stems from an alloy used in the aircraft engine's lubrication pump that was found to be made from unauthorized materials of Chinese origin. The alloy in question was passed to Honeywell, the manufacturer of the engine, from one of their suppliers before being used to produce a magnetized part within the USA. The material, a cobalt/samarium alloy, likely violates the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement.

New Legacy Maintenance Package Finds Customer in 36-Aircraft Fleet

Airbus signed its first customer for their HCare Classics support package, a maintenance program aimed at safeguarding airworthiness in out-of-production aircraft from the marque. The customer, HeliDax, flies 36 Airbus H120 helicopters in the course of its operation providing basic and advanced training to the French and Belgian armed forces. Over the last 14 years, HeliDax has managed to maintain an impressive 100% availability rate with nearly a quarter million flight hours in the H120.

From 2015: E-Fest -- The Greatest Indoor Airshow We've EVER Seen!

While at E-Fest 2015, it’s obvious that ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, had a great time, and he talked with E-Fest committee member Frank Noll to get some background on this great event. Noll explained that E-Fest is an annual indoor electric R/C Festival that brings together about 250 pilots every February to fly, and to advance their sport. The event takes place at the University of Illinois Track and Field Armory in Champaign, Illinois. The primary sponsor of E-Fest is Hobbico, a major source of the equipment that makes flying indoor electric RC aircraft so much

Accident Flight Was The First Aerobatic Demonstration Flight For The Foreign Pilot/Pilot-Rated Passenger

On August 24, 2022, at 1639 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built MXR Technologies MX2, N263MX, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain in Osteen, Florida. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an aerobatic demonstration flight. According to witnesses, the flight was part of a training and demonstration package organized by the pilot for a group of foreign air force pilots. The pilots had travelled to the United States earlier in the week for the training, which included three flights with a fli

Aero Linx: CANSO - Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation

CANSO is the global voice of the air traffic management (ATM) industry and is shaping our future skies. We raise the bar on global ATM performance by connecting the ATM industry to share knowledge, expertise and innovation.

ILS PRM Approach   An instrument landing system (ILS) approach conducted to parallel runways whose extended centerlines are separated by less than 4,300 feet and at least 3,000 feet where independent closely spaced approaches are permitted. Also used in conjunction with an LDA PRM, RNAV PRM or GLS PRM approach to conduct Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approach (SOIA) operations. No Transgression Zone (NTZ) monitoring is required to conduct these approaches. ATC utilizes an enhanced display with alerting and, with certain runway spacing, a high update rate PRM surveillance sensor. Use of a secondary monitor frequency, pilot PRM training, and publication of an Attention All Users Page

"We have always said that when the right opportunity presented itself, we would launch many, if not all, of our remaining ground spares, and just such an opportunity came about. Our constellation is incredibly healthy; however, the spare satellites have no utility to us on the ground. We built extra satellites as an insurance policy, and with SpaceX's stellar track record, we look forward to another successful launch, which will position us even better to replicate the longevity of our first constellation." Source: Iridium CEO Matt Desch, explaining the selection of Iridium's next satellite launch provider, with an agreement for SpaceX to take 5 of the company's 2nd-generation satellites aboard its Falcon 9.