NOTAM Pathway Secures Model Events Sans Remote ID

After much ado, concerns about event sanctions held by model aircraft groups associated with the Academy of Model Aeronautics have been put to rest. Under the authorization, the FAA grants AMA members the ability to operate without broadcasting remote ID information at AMA Sanctioned Events. It's great news for the group, who has been operating with trepidation since a 2021 Final Rule made it seem like they wouldn't have a pathway to comply. Not all lightweight little model planes have the space, aerodynamics, or power to drive a remote ID module, but without authorization, they would be effectively grounded for large events. 

Burt Will Be Busy... Forums, Presentations and Aircraft Displays To Be Part Of Schedule

The (truly) legendary Burt Rutan will return to Oshkosh in 2024 with appearances and forums coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his VariEze canard aircraft design. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. “Burt is best known to the public for his historic designs of SpaceShipOne, Voyager, and Global Flyer, but for EAA members and aviation aficionados, his unique concepts began more than a half-century ago with fiberglass canard aircraft that revolutionized the amateur-built airplane community,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture

Air Resources Board Solution Would Do Little to Bolster SAF Use In-State, While Adding Additional Cost Burden

The National Business Aviation Association published a letter to the California Air Resources Board, surprisingly taking issue with a proposed regulation that they believe would be counterproductive to rolling out increasing proportions of sustainable fuel. "The business aviation industry and CARB have the same goal here: to reduce carbon emissions through safe alternative fuels,” said Phil Derner, NBAA’s regional director for the Western region. “We urge CARB to work in partnership with the industry to achieve our common objectives.”

Top Three Finalists For Future Home Of National Championship Air Races Disclosed

The Reno Air Racing Association folks have disclosed the top three locations in the running to become the future home of the National Championship Air Races (NCAR). The three finalist cities are Casper, Wyo., Pueblo, Colo. and Roswell, N.M. The Reno Races brought an estimated $100 million in annual economic impact to its now-former home in northern Nevada. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing, positive feedback we’ve received from the six bidding communities as a whole, as we search for the future home for the National Championship Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board for the Reno Air Racing Association.

In-House Services Get Increased Time for Warranty Service, Greater Availability

Hartzell Propeller has announced some nice changes to gear from its official Hartzell Service Center, with a new warranty increase to 2 years or 2,000 flight hours (whichever comes first, as usual). The increased coverage will be accompanied by a wider selection of parts kept on hand at the Center, allowing quicker turnaround times for those sending in their props or hubs for overhaul and service. Hartzell's home base for services, Piqua, Ohio, is additionally helpful because fly-in services are exempt from state sales tax. Along with the warranty improvement, Hartzell is committed to retaining a bevy of propellers and governors on hand, ready to rock for anyone w

At A Cruise Altitude Of FL 240, The Airplane’s Engine Experienced A Substantial Drop In Oil Pressure

On February 10, 2024, about 12:45 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20K airplane, Canadian registered C-FLQQ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Burley Municipal Airport (BYI) Burley, Idaho. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cross country flight. The pilot reported that at a cruise altitude of FL 240, the airplane’s engine experienced a substantial drop in oil pressure that resulted in a loss of power.

Survey and Imaging Platform Begins Testing with Austrian Manufacturer Ahead of Summer Release

Diamond Aircraft reinforced its relationship with Vexcel Imaging with an expansion of the sensor portfolio of the manufacturer's survey and ISR plane, the DA62 MPP. Vexcel Imaging showed off its newest hybrid aerial mapping system last year, the Ultracam Dragon 4.1, immediately catching Diamond's eye with a solid combination of high-resolution imaging and LiDAR accuracy. The Dragon will not be available until summer 2024, since Diamond is currently undergoing a test campaign on their DA62 MPP SurveyStar platform. Once it gets Diamond's blessing to be installed on production aircraft, customers will be able to check the box just like any other option.

Volatus Infrastructure Paves The Way

The name “Volatus” seems to be everywhere these days, popping up in a series of partnerships and projects around the country. ANN correspondent Rex Alexander got to the bottom of things by popping in on Volatus Infrastructure’s tent at AirVenture 2023, checking in with CEO Dan Sloat and co-founder Grant Fisk. Volatus wants to be the go-to in building up the charging, refueling, and operational infrastructure required of the next-gen Advanced Air Mobility industry. Their big claim to fame is their distinctive red charger, the keystone of what Fisk calls a “full, turnkey infrastructure solution for EVTO

Also: Lakewood Airport v SportAv Haters, UTI-Miramar A&P Program, AERO Friedrichshafen, SnF 24 Update

Set Jet, a private jet operator hoping to carve out a niche offering by-the-seat charter flights, has quietly folded up shop and closed down after running out of investor money. For the firm's almost 3,000-strong membership base, the news is bad all around, according to an apologetic but disappointing email. Set Jet's operations are completely closed. Delta Air Lines will be offering passengers a chance to view the upcoming solar eclipse from the air, using an Airbus A220-300 with "premium viewing, extra-large windows" to follow the path of the eclip

According to Klyde... It's All About Location, Location, Location!

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Airbus Inks Deal for 15 H135 Aircraft at Heli-Expo

Airbus Helicopters signed a 'framework contract' for up to 15 of their H135 helicopters, accounting for a 5-firm/10-optional deal. Bristow has been on a buying spree this week, building out their fleet as a part of a 2025 to 2028 expansion program. It's not for no reason, since they've garnered more than a few new duties in recent months. New deals, returning clients, and increasing offshore energy investments have combined to increase demand for Bristow's heli-transit services across the board. The 5 new H135s are expected to begin trickling into Bristow hands in October of this year.

Governments Cottoning to Internet Connectivity At Last

SKYTRAC Systems Ltd has been chosen by Nova System to provide mission-critical satcom solutions in support of a handful of European Coast Guard programs. The deal will see Nova Systems install upgraded SAR systems in a series of AW189 and AW139 helicopters, which will now include a SKYTRAC SDL-350 satcom system and MTC-100 control unit. The upgrades will improve the all-around capability and performance of the aircraft when used in a Search & Rescue role, now even more effective with continued cellular connectivity.

Also: Lakewood Airport v SportAv Haters, UTI-Miramar A&P Program, AERO Friedrichshafen, SnF 24 Update

Set Jet, a private jet operator hoping to carve out a niche offering by-the-seat charter flights, has quietly folded up shop and closed down after running out of investor money. For the firm's almost 3,000-strong membership base, the news is bad all around, according to an apologetic but disappointing email. Set Jet's operations are completely closed. Delta Air Lines will be offering passengers a chance to view the upcoming solar eclipse from the air, using an Airbus A220-300 with "premium viewing, extra-large windows" to follow the path of th

Also: Intuitive Machines, Another UAV-Related NPRM, Drone Soccer Tourney, UltraViolet EXplorer Mission

Flight operations personnel from Pyka and AFWERX gathered on the tarmac at New Braunfels National Airport to witness the arrival of Pyka's Pelican Cargo, a large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft with a 400-pound payload capacity and 200-mile range, built for remote off-airport operations. The FAI has confirmed that Drone Racing is to be a feature at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. Following the successful debut of the drone racing competition at the 2022 Games in Birmingham, USA, this novel air sport is set to captivate audiences once again a

Aero Linx: Solway Aviation Museum The Solway Group of Aviation Enthusiasts was formed on 4th February 1961, by five members of the Royal Observer Corps. Funds were tight and so for two years members helped to load and unload baggage from visiting aircraft to the airport in exchange for the use of a room in the airport’s operations block for their meetings. The group meetings included guest speakers as well as general aviation discussions and training. A number of members trained to be Civil Aviation Authority approved fire fighters and provided weekend fire cover at the airport, using one of our members Green Goddess fire tender and the Airport’s Thorneycroft Nubian Crash t

No Gyro Approach A radar approach/vector provided in case of a malfunctioning gyro-compass or directional gyro. Instead of providing the pilot with headings to be flown, the controller observes the radar track and issues control instructions “turn right/left” or “stop turn” as appropriate.

“These improvements at the Hartzell Service Center give our customers extended warranty protection and additional inventory, leading to less flight downtime. We continually look for ways to add convenience and value for aircraft owners and operators.” Source: Director of Hartzell Service Center Scott Foster, offering some insight into the Hartzell Propeller to gear from its official Hartzell Service Center, with a new warranty increase to 2 years or 2,000 flight hours (whichever comes first, as usual).