Task-Based Phase I to Revolutionize Flight Testing

EAA has reported that the FAA has published draft guidance to implement an optional task-based Phase I program for Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft. Under the program, once an aircraft completes a flight test plan that meets FAA standards, Phase I is complete. The standard 25- or 40-hour flight test period for Phase I will remain an option for all E-AB, and Experimental Light-Sport (E-LSA) continues to carry a 5-hour test period. The program is part of an upcoming update to Advisory Circular (AC) 90-89B. Flight test programs do not need specific approval by the FAA, but the Circular lays out certain required flight test points and requires the use of test cards for data collection in fli

The Company Was Founded By Leland Snow

Last week; an Air Tractor 502XP, a single-seat agricultural aircraft, was delivered to its new owner during a send-off ceremony attended by employees and local dignitaries. It is the 4,000th airplane Air Tractor has produced since it began operations in 1972. "After 49 years of continuous production of airplanes, all of us here are really pleased to celebrate this moment,” said Jim Hirsch, Air Tractor president. “Only eight years ago we built our 3,000th airplane; now we just surpassed number 4,000. This year we find ourselves in the fortunate position to have historically strong demand for our aircraft. While we are subject to agricultural market ups and downs, our manufacturing continues year af

Also: Hartzell 3-Blade Navigator, Heroes at Sun 'n Fun, SnF Press Conferences, ARTEX Gets Boeing Nod

Virgin Galactic has added the first SpaceShip III to its  fleet. VSS Imagine will commence ground testing, with glide flights planned for this summer from Spaceport America in New Mexico. The livery design, finished entirely with a mirror-like material, reflects the surrounding environment, constantly changing color and appearance as it travels from earth to sky to space. Along with providing thermal protection, this dynamic material is appealing to the human eye. The SpaceShip III class of vehicles

Electron Launch Vehicle Is The Second Most Frequently Launched US Rocket

Rocket Lab will launch multiple missions to low Earth orbit for BlackSky, a leading provider of real-time geospatial intelligence and global monitoring services. The multi-launch agreement with launch services provider Spaceflight Inc., who will manage the integration and launch services for BlackSky, includes the launch of nine BlackSky satellites across five Electron missions this year. The deal represents the largest number of satellites BlackSky has committed to a single launch provider to date and includes the successful launch of BlackSky’s latest spacecraft on Rocket Lab’s “They Go Up So Fast” rideshare mission earlier this week. 

The FBO Received Its First Load Of The Fuel On March 11

Avfuel Corporation is now supplying Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel on a consistent basis to its branded FBO, Monterey Jet Center (KMRY), in Monterey, Calif. The FBO received its first load of the fuel on March 11, marking the beginning of a new era for the Avfuel Network in sustainability: "Avfuel's provided a number of demonstrative SAF loads over the years, but this is our first opportunity-through Neste MY SAF-to regularly provide the fuel for a customer," said Keith Sawyer, Avfuel's manager of alternative fuels.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Assisted In The Rescue Of At Least 65 People On Five Continents In 2017

At least 65 people have been rescued by drones in the last year, according to a new report from drone maker DJI. The report, "More Lives Saved: A Year Of Drone Rescues Around The World," is available for download. It highlights how improved drone technology, rapid adoption by first responders and smart aviation regulations have combined to increase the pace of drone use in critical public safety missions.

“Almost 10,000 WestJet Careers Remain In Limbo, With Only 4,800 Employees Remaining On Staff..."

Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) Canada, issued the following statement following more than 400 additional pilot layoffs at WestJet Airlines, as uncertainty remains at other major carriers including Air Transat. “Canada's aviation sector is a critical part of Canada's economy that facilitates both local and international commerce, plays an instrumental role in tourism, and ensures the free movement of people and cargo throughout our vast and diverse country and around the world. Before COVID-19, the industry employed more than 141,000 Canadians with an economic footprint of $ 50 billion, which supported

449 Grants To 390 Airports In 39 States, Puerto Rico And The Federated States Of Micronesia

The FAA will award more than $627.7 million in infrastructure and safety projects through the FY2021 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). AIP projects promote safety, efficiency, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and security at the nation’s airports. The grant announcement includes 449 grants to 390 airports in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Federated States of Micronesia. “These grants are an investment in safety and continued innovation,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “Every airport in every community plays a vital role in our air transportation system.”

Also: 20 Days Out From The BIG Day!

We are less than 20 days out from the first aviation event of 2021 after a year of pandemic-induced delays. But... things ARE looking up as SnF Boss Lites Leenhouts discloses that advance tickets sales look exceptionally promising and SnF21 has the potential of being pretty big. Lites discusses the precautions and safeguards Sun ‘n Fun has prepared for SnF21, as well as what we should all expect when we get to the Lakeland airport. As we get closer to the event, circumstances appear to be swinging in favor of this annual event, and Lites’ enthusiasm is app

As Soon As The Nose Lowered, They Heard A Loud Noise

On August 19, 2020, about 2150 mountain standard time, a Diamond DA-40 airplane, N386MA, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Benson, Arizona. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 instructional flight. The CFI stated that they departed from Tucson, Arizona with the purpose of landing in Benson for the PUI to fulfill a night cross-country flight time requirement toward his commercial license. The PUI completed a normal approach to runway 10 and started the landing flare at about 65 kts.

Aero Linx: The Classic Jet Aircraft Association (CJAA) The Classic Jet Aircraft Association (CJAA) is a federally chartered, tax exempt 501(c)7 organization with headquarters in Maryland. CJAA is organized into a nine-member board supported by experts in finance, safety and administrative functions. CJAA is not directly associated with other flying organizations, but we do maintain contact and coordinate some activities. Many of our members have multiple memberships combining their CJAA membership with many other organizations.

Lost Communications Loss of the ability to communicate by radio. Aircraft are sometimes referred to as NORDO (No Radio). Standard pilot procedures are specified in 14 CFR Part 91. Radar controllers issue procedures for pilots to follow in the event of lost communications during a radar approach when weather reports indicate that an aircraft will likely encounter IFR weather conditions during the approach.

"This is the result of more than eight years of work by EAA and the FAA and we couldn't be happier that it is now nearing completion. This will be a true paradigm shift in E-AB flight testing." Source: Tom Charpentier, EAA Government Relations Director, explaining that the FAA has published draft guidance to implement an optional task-based Phase I program for Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft. Under the program, once an aircraft completes a flight test plan that meets FAA standards, Phase I is complete. The standard 25- or 40-hour flight test period for Phase I will remain an option for all E-AB, and Experimental Light-Sport (E-LSA) continues to carry a 5-hour test period.