Assertions of Increased Call-Outs, Maintenance Cancellations Heat Up Battle

The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots continues its public brawl with their employer, firing back after the company alleged that pilots were engaging in higher rates of fatigued call-offs. The union represents 3,200 pilots in the firm's service. The NJASAP response said that the company "did not provide any evidence to substantiate its extraordinary allegations". NetJets execs apparently believe that pilots are finding any excuse possible to stop flights, from calling in sick or fatigued or finding more faults than usual with aircraft before dispatch. The latter is especially chafing to the union, given the vital nature of the brand's competence as a safe or fu

But... Byrd’s Adventure Center Will Offer Alternative Event in '24

The ArkanSTOL organizers tell ANN that the “Ozark Backwoods Challenge” grew from an idea around a campfire to a one-of-a-kind aviation event that has wildly exceeded our expectations. "We created a truly unique experience and fantastic family in the aviation community, with an all-volunteer staff and leadership team!" The executive team recognizes the need for a season of recalibration to ensure a robust future for ArkanSTOL and time to develop a more sustainable growth model. Therefore, we have elected to take a one-year pause and not hold the Challenge in 2024.

Answers Incoming Surrounding Aerobatic Filmmaking Gone Wrong

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its preliminary report into an ongoing investigation of a mid-air collision involving two jet trainer aircraft over Port Phillip Bay, south of Melbourne. The incident occurred on 19 November 2023, a pair of SIAI Marchetti S-211 aircraft were being used for an aerobatic formation filming flight when they struck one another, with one of the aircraft colliding with the water below. Both occupants of the aircraft were fatally injured. The report describes a series of maneuvers repeated for effect that ultimately culminated in a wing-clipping.

Also: Collier Nominations, Electra Orders, EcoMine Lunar Facility, Army Recon Drone

A nearly decade-long project involving the Naval Postgraduate School and Naval Research Laboratory has come to a close, bearing out the utility of the Platform Vanilla UAV and its own flight planning software in the Arctic North. The collaborators integrated the NPS' flight path planning software named POTION (Path Optimization) with Platform Aerospace's Vanilla UAV, putting the combination to the test in the "daunting North Slope of Alaska, making the best of a narrow weather window." General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, has capped its 1st test flight of the upcoming Gray Ea

Flying Cars Quickly Becoming Reality Across the States

Samson Sky and Alef have been busy lobbying for a place in US law, trying to ensure their road-ready aircraft have a legal framework to operate under once they move to production. The 2020 passage of the "Jetson Bill" included wording to allow roadworthy aircraft to be registered for use on state roads and highways. The big players today have remained Samson Sky - a team with an active media presence and a continuous stream of promising developmental news - and Alef, whose Model A 'flying car' design is slated for delivery by 2026. Terrafugia rolled up operations in the US and took operations to China, and the Euro option, PAL-V, has set down roots in New Hampshire.

Another School, Another Expansion

A sub-campus of Enterprise State Community College, Alabama Aviation College, is embarking on an expansion in its efforts to increase output in its aviation programs. The school lies in Enterprise, Alabama, and it's quickly outgrowing its current home. The school offers training in composites, A&P, avionics, CNC ops, mechatronics, and commercial vehicle operation from its 2-year programs. Currently, Alabama Aviation College sees a few hundred students through its programs at any one time, but Stan Smith, school director, says that's not enough for what they see on the horizon. As such, the newly renovated James Douglas Brown Sr. Building will help them increase student throughput.

Educators Cotton to Widespread Need for Aviation Professionals

Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover, Massachusetts is joining the number of schools expanding their operations to address the shortage of qualified aeronautical personnel. The school is a 4-year tech high school serving the local communities of Andover, Lawrence, and Methuen, and they're moving into a new hangar at the Lawrence Municipal Airport to provide instruction regarding aircraft maintenance. The program will begin on a trial basis for 2024, moving on to a full-time 4-year program next September.

eVTOL Manufacturers Continue to Join the Fold of Honeywell Operators

Eve Air Mobility (Eve) selected Honeywell’s navigation, sensors, and lighting systems for its upcoming VTOL aircraft. The news isn't exactly surprising, given Eve's previous announcements regarding its selections for flight controls, thermal management, and avionics. Before, they confirmed that the Eve aircraft will sport a Garmin G3000 for its integrated flight deck, with Liebherr-Aerospace bringing the flight actuators, and Intergalactic providing the heating and cooling systems. Now, Honeywell will provide its expertise in 'critical navigation and motion-sensing data' to work nicely with the suite of onboard systems used.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Pilots Competed For $10,000 For A First Place Finish…

Drone Racing came to the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo in January, with pilots competing for a $10,000 first prize. But the event was about more than just the money, according to Chris Thomas, founder and president of MultiGP, which organized the event. Thomas told ANN CEO and Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell that the Sebring event was the first time MultiGP had worked with the FAA to conduct a drone race in close proximity to General Aviation activity. Thomas said

The Airplane Was Descending From An Altitude Of 7,000ft When The Accident Occurred

On January 14, 2024, about 1230 central standard time, a Cessna 310R, N252DL was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Poolville, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of FederalRegulations Part 91 personal flight. At the time of the accident, the pilot was operating on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The airplane departed Carrizo Springs Airport (CZT) in Carrizo Springs, Texas, about 1058 and was enroute to Bridgeport Municipal Airport (XBP) in Bridgeport, Texas.

Aero Linx: The Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) The Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) is a 501(c)(19) non-profit organization that recognizes professional excellence in Marine aviation, educates the public on its history and heritage, safeguards its future by publishing the recipients of the 28 Marine Corps Aviation Awards annually, and supports the fraternal bond of its membership.

Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS) The WAAS is a satellite navigation system consisting of the equipment and software which augments the GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS). The WAAS provides enhanced integrity, accuracy, availability, and continuity over and above GPS SPS. The differential correction function provides improved accuracy required for precision approach.

"At a time when aircraft safety is receiving heightened scrutiny – and deservedly so – it is outrageous that NetJets would question its pilots' dedication to prioritizing safety and their informed decisions when it comes to documenting identified aircraft maintenance issues or determining they are too tired to safely fly an aircraft. NJASAP pilots have a long and established history of ensuring that safety is the number one priority as they provide private air travel to owners flying with the luxury carrier."   Source: NJASAP President Captain Pedro Leroux, repudiating NetJets statements about the conduct of its pilot's union.