H2Fly, a German Hydrogen-Electric Demo Company has successfully completed a test flight using its liquid hydrogen-electric powered HY4 aircraft. The HY4 demonstrator was able to set a company record with a 3-hour flight, showing some promising performance that points to a max range somewhere around 1,500 kilometers. Compared to the previous, gas-hydrogen fueled HY4, that's about double the range, all thanks to the improved energy carrying capacity of liquified fuel.
The EAA has opened reservations for its summer teen education programs for 2024. The EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin offers 12 to 18-year olds an aviation focused getaway, with 3 different skill and experience levels available. The first, the Young Eagles Camp, is appropriate for ages 12 to 13, and runs for 2 4-day spans in June. That tempo stands for each course, allowing a brief respite between sessions before jumping right back into the mix after a 2-day break. The second level is the EAA Basic Air Academy, for ages 14 to 15, held at the tail end of June to the 2nd week in July. The highest level, the EAA Advanced Air Academy, targets the 16 to 18 crowd with sessions running in late July t
Approval Heralds Dawn of Safe BVLOS Operations in N.D.
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted uAvionix approval to conduct Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights utilizing Vantis, North Dakota’s first-of-its-kind UAS system. uAvionix, with support from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, demonstrated to FAA personnel that it had established adequate risk mitigations to satisfy requisite safety standards for the specified BVLOS operation within the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). The precedent-setting approval speaks to the FAA’s determination that the Vantis system meets applicable requirements of industry consensus standards or an alternative set of requirements ensuring safe integration of routine BVL
Also: Marilyn Lovell Goes West, Ukrainian F16 Training, CH-53Ks for the USN, uAvionix-CAP
The AEA, in conjunction with a number of industry partners, has requested a ninety-day extension of the MOSAIC NPRM comment period. Notwithstanding the buzz MOSAIC has occasioned amongst pilots and aeronautical stakeholders, AEA notes that little mention has been made of the FAA’s intentions—under MOSAIC—to amend nine discrete regulations. The Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation (BHLF) Board of Directors has formally met for the first time after expanding its leadership team, and prepping for an upgraded mission. Recently added to the board
Iris Automation, a startup company about the business of developing an artificial intelligence-based collision-avoidance system for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) has partnered with uAvionix to integrate the former’s Casia G ground-based collision avoidance data into uAvionix’s SkyLine services for combined Command and Control (C2) and Detect and Avoid (DAA) services. The described combination stands to enable operators of uncrewed aircraft to obtain comprehensive low-altitude airspace awareness and best-in-class command-and-control connectivity at price-points not antithetical to the economic advantages instantiated by small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).
Companies to Develop Infrastructure and Charging Support
Volatus Infrastructure, LLC signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with LEO Flight by which the two concerns will collaborate to provide manufacturing support for LEO’s wireless VertiStop charging technology. Volatus will also supply the Indiana-based electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) manufacturer with vertiport infrastructure.
Saint-Gobain aerospace has been announced as the supplier of choice for Lilium's windscreen and windshield needs. The agreement "follows extensive collaboration" between the two as they look to "leverage advanced solutions to meet the highest aircraft safety requirements and deliver an unparalleled experience for the Lilium Jet’s passengers".
(Pilot) Attempted A Forced Landing To A Hayfield But Impacted Terrain In A Cornfield
On August 20, 2023, about 0800 central daylight time, a Pietenpol Aircamper airplane, N929DH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hanover, Illinois. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the engine lost partial power about 45 minutes after departure from Monticello Regional Airport (MXO), Monticello, Iowa. He attempted a forced landing to a hayfield but impacted terrain in a cornfield short of the intended forced landing location. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Matternet, a developer of commercial drone-delivery systems for urban and suburban environments, disclosed on 07 September 2023 that its partner-organization, UPS Flight Forward (UPSFF), a wholly owned subsidiary of United Parcel Service (UPS), was granted FAA approval to undertake Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operations with the former’s Matternet M2 drone.
Aero Linx: Seaplane Pilots Association
The Seaplane Pilots Association is the only organization in the world solely focused on representing the interests of seaplane pilots, owners and operators. SPA is dedicated to promoting safe seaplane operations, and to protecting the sharing of our nation’s waterways with other user groups.
Tetrahedron
A device normally located on uncontrolled airports and used as a landing direction indicator. The small end of a tetrahedron points in the direction of landing. At controlled airports, the tetrahedron, if installed, should be disregarded because tower instructions supersede the indicator.
"These weeklong camps allow youths to participate in a variety of activities to teach them about aviation. These activities range from building flyable model aircraft, to ground school sessions on flight science and aviation history, to workshops where they can learn technical skills involved in aircraft construction, restoration, and maintenance. Attendees are housed in the Air Academy Lodge on the EAA grounds. They receive tours of the EAA Aviation Museum and Pioneer Airport. Weather permitting, the youths also receive flights in both an airplane and a helicopter."
Source: From an EAA statement, discussing that they have has opened reservations for its summer teen education programs for 2024.
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