XB-1 Now has a Date with the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor

Boom Supersonic got the first instance of Special Flight Authorization to go supersonic, planning to push their XB-1 aircraft beyond the sound barrier. The FAA granted the authorization for them to test fly at Mach 1+ in the R-2508 Complex and part of the R-2515 High Altitude Supersonic Corridor. The FAA says that it completed a thorough review and Environmental Assessment, paving the way for future supersonic flight testing in the commercial sphere. The testing will see the XB-1 push the limited with a T-38 chase plane tagging along, monitoring, recording, and adding some extra safety of flight assurance. Naturally, the authorization extends to the chase plane, too.

Mission-Driven Helo Playground Provides Realism in Training

Blackcomb Helicopters announced a new addition to its Advanced Training Center in the Powerline Training Facility, a skill-building emporium of structures suited to proper SAR operations. The location in Pemberton, British Columbia, "stands as a testament to Blackcomb Helicopters’ commitment to excellence in utility operations, offering a controlled and safe environment where crew can hone their abilities and ensure precision performance in the field." Powerline is equipped with a double circuit, 138KV monopole with five structures; a self-supporting lattice tower; a single circuit, 230 KV H-frame with four structures; a practice H-frame structure; 2 culverts for pole sets; and

AMA Hosts Eclipse Watchers, Promotes Model Aviation

On April 8, 2024, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, became a bustling hub of activity as over a thousand enthusiasts and spectators gathered to witness a rare total solar eclipse. The AMA IAC, recognized as an official viewing site, partnered with the city of Muncie to host this unique astronomical event, which captivated attendees with more than just a celestial phenomenon.

ALPA Prez Ambrosi Applauds Congressional Boeing Oversight

On April 17, 2024, in response to recent U.S. Senate hearings scrutinizing Boeing's safety practices, Captain Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association International, expressed strong support for the oversight efforts. The hearings, spearheaded by Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, addressed concerns over Boeing's handling of safety protocols in their manufacturing processes and whistleblower treatments.

2019 Introduction Becoming a Fast Favorite on the Turboprop Scene

It may seem a bit silly to have a favorite engine in the aviation world, with so many stalwart classics to choose from, but for enjoyers of smaller, more accessible aircraft, the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 series probably finds a spot on the top 10 no matter what. The E-Series, as Pratt & Whitney designates their latest and greatest version, recently shipped out the 500th unit at their Lethbridge, Canada production line. The engines have mostly been delivered to Daher for their TBM 960, and Pilatus for use in their PC-12 NGX.

Usable Battery Pack On the Way for Flight Trainers, Pattern Burners

EP Systems came to AERO 2024 in Friedrichshafen, Germany with their EPiC 2.0 aircraft energy storage system. The system is said to provide 30 minutes of additional flight time over existing battery packs used in electric aircraft, while requiring no considerable engineering to make the switch. The drop-in system replaces their EPiC 1.0 TSO package, allowing early adopters to stay abreast of modern tech and gain about 50% in endurance. 

NPAUSTS UAS Set Site Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of significant contributions to the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. Since its inception in December 2013, the site has been instrumental in developing systems, rules, and procedures to integrate UAS safely into the National Airspace System.

Alaska and Horizon Jets End Grounded for an Hour

Alaska Airlines was given a brief ground stop by the FAA, lasting from 10:50 eastern to just about an hour later on April 17th. The culprit? A computer system "upgrade" that messed with their flight planning capability. In a statement to the media, Alaska Airlines said "This morning we experienced an issue while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance," only adding that the knock-on effects of the pause would affect flights throughout the day.  

Also: Flight Club, Jet Shades, MyGoFlight’s FlightFlix Acquisition

FIFTY YEARS! What a milestone for the aviation world’s master aero-education duo! John, Martha, along with their CEO Barry Knutilla have come to Sun ‘n Fuin to celebrate a half-century of keeping us educated while also casting eyes upon the future. Ya want to land and take off REALLY short? Ya want to keep it simple? Ya want it to cost less than your house? Bryce Angell’s newly created Top Rudder aircraft has some affordable, highly capable STOL-ready aero-toys for you! The ultimate cockpit visual aid? Aileronics has introduced the Sentinel, a portable senso

Also: Flight Club, Jet Shades, MyGoFlight’s FlightFlix Acquisition

FIFTY YEARS! What a milestone for the aviation world’s master aero-education duo! John, Martha, along with their CEO Barry Knutilla have come to Sun ‘n Fuin to celebrate a half-century of keeping us educated while also casting eyes upon the future. Ya want to land and take off REALLY short? Ya want to keep it simple? Ya want it to cost less than your house? Bryce Angell’s newly created Top Rudder aircraft has some affordable, highly capable STOL-ready aero-toys for you! The ultimate cockpit visual aid? Aileronics has introduced the Sentinel, a portable sensor that

Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL

The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offered last year with a Rotax 912... but a desire for more historic accuracy led to the A50 Heritage. The Helicycle has gone through a number of owners and iterations but looks to be in good hands with a company that keeps tweaking and improving this unique turbine single-engine, single-seat kit helicopter. The Brazilian Montaer MC-01 is about to be joined by a four-place sibling, the MC-04. The two-seater is holding its own though with a number of impressive fleet sales and growing pop

Surveillance Cameras Recorded The Airplane Depart The Runway Surface, Bounce, And Impact A Hangar

Analysis: The pilot reported that during the landing roll his feet become entangled in the rudder pedals and he inadvertently applied brake pressure. The airplane veered left and the pilot unsuccessfully attempted to regain directional control with opposite rudder and increased engine power. Airport surveillance cameras recorded the airplane depart the runway surface, bounce, and impact a hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram

Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession with mobile photography. Instagram is a social networking app made for sharing photos and videos from a smartphone - which has lent itself well to the news industry. Did you know that approx. 62% of adults in the United States get their news from social media? That’s more than you thought right! Aero-News Net

Aero Linx: Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC) The Latin American Civil Aviation Commission, LACAC, is an international organization with a consultative character, and its conclusions, recommendations and resolutions will be subject to the approval of each one of the member States. The primary objective of the Commission is to provide the civil aviation authorities of the member States an appropriate framework within which to discuss and plan all the required measures for cooperation and coordination of all their civil aviation activities.

Glideslope Provides vertical guidance for aircraft during approach and landing. The glideslope/glidepath is based on the following: Electronic components emitting signals which provide vertical guidance by reference to airborne instruments during instrument approaches such as ILS; or, Visual ground aids, such as VASI, which provide vertical guidance for a VFR approach or for the visual portion of an instrument approach and landing. PAR. Used by ATC to inform an aircraft making a PAR approach of its vertical position (elevation) relative to the descent profile. 

"Following XB-1's successful first flight, I'm looking forward to its historic first supersonic flight. We thank the Federal Aviation Administration for supporting innovation and enabling XB-1 to continue its important role of informing the future of supersonic travel." Source: Blake Scholl, founder, and CEO of Boom Supersonic, commenting after the XB-1 received the FAA's OK to head into supersonic flight testing when the program progresses to the proper point to do so.