The Chapter 11 Sale Process Appears To Have An Early Bidder... Maybe

As we understand it, a 'stalking horse bidder' is the initial bid on a bankrupt company's assets from an interested buyer -- chosen by the bankrupt company. And judging by the questionable history of Icon Aircraft, to date, we are interested in what qualified any company to be preferred by Icon... Be that as it may, the proposed stalking horse bidder, SG Investment America Inc., has been designated to 'set the floor price for the sale of ICON’s assets.' Icon claims that this step is aimed at maximizing value for the company’s stakeholders and facilitating a smooth transition through the bankruptcy process. Hmmmm... ok. 

Forums Grant Inside Peek Into the Most Interesting Career in Experimental Aviation

Legendary, visionary experimental aircraft designer and builder Burt Rutan will be honored with a slate of activities at the EAA's AirVenture 2024, kicking things off with 5 days of themed presentations, airshows, and exhibitions. Starting on Monday, July 22nd, the Theater in the Woods will host a viewing of "Life, The Universe, and Everything Else". Tuesday the 23rd will see the presentation of "50-Year History of Homebuilt Composite Canards" in Forum Pavilion 7, where most of the following will be held. Topics later in the week include "Voyager", "Commercial Space & WingShips - Arrested in Russia, 1993", "Burt's New Designs and his Heroes", and "Why Beech Did Not Replace King Airs with Starships" from Wednesday through Friday. 

Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD

This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World War II aviation as the EAA launches a nationwide tour with its restored B-25 Mitchell bomber, known as the "Berlin Express." The Berlin Express will begin its journey at the TBM Avenger Reunion in Peru, Illinois, from May 16-19, before moving on to other locations including Cincinnati, Ohio; Olathe, Kansas; Rockford, Illinois; and Madison, Wisconsin. Textron Inc. reported a solid financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, indicating a strong start to the year with notable gains across its primary business segments. The conglomerate announced a net income of $1.03 per share, up from $0.92 in the same period last year. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the delivery of the first two G700 aircraft, marking a significant milestone with the rapid customer deploym

Private Jet Operator Continues to Build Momentum in a Post-Covid Market

Bombardier lifted the cover on a deal from last December, showing that NetJets bought 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft with an option to one day purchase an eye-popping 232 more. The deal for the firm order sees Bombardier snag about $326.4 million for its troubles, though that would swell to an impressive $6 billion with a couple hundred aircraft added to the ticket. Bombardier is pretty happy to see its 'super midsize' platform find footing in the market, being the newest addition to the corporate family. The first shipments of Challenger 3500s is slated to make its way into customer hands in the second half of 2025. 

Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal

To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. Lakeland’s Airport reported that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport, notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations..." After months of wrangling, an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation prioritizes investments to strengthen aviation safety standards, enhance consumer protections, advance technology and innovation, and build a modern, well-trained, safety-centric workforce. The US Parachute Association tells us that whether you have thousands of jumps, or skydiving is on your bucket list,

Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview

Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (now in production with Pitman Air), has been lost in an aircraft test accident. Shortly after his appearance at SUN n FUN 2024, Bailey reportedly was asked to test fly a customer-built Dragonfly out of the Groveland airport in Florida... Recent investigations and a great deal of data has resulted in ANN’s SportPlane Resource Guide’s report card system having to deal with new and worrisome reports on a number of companies. Evidence and data received from customers of the Czech-based Orlican sportplane operation has resulted in a ‘Not Recommended’ rating for the troubles documented by at least one one owner who has been trying to get his aircraft for nearly two years... The US Parachute Association tells us that whether y

Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization

After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to discontinue the manufacture of the Bushcat, the Knoll family (AeroSport) has come up with a heck of a second act... and it should be a strong one. Advanced Powerplant Solutions, LLC (APS), under the new ownership of Jeremy and Daniela Knoll has acquired Leading Edge Air Foils, LLC (LEAF). Better yet, effective immediately, APS will serve as the ROTAX independent Service Centre for the Central United States. The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out for help in rebuilding their private runway in Mentone, IN -- the home of the PRA, itself. "We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help. We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting effect on the gyro comm

New Order Expands Training Fleet to the Tune of 56 Aircraft

The Leadership in Flight Training, or LIFT Academy, has expanded its training fleet with a recent order with Diamond Aircraft, bringing on 56 new planes. The deal sees LIFT gain 50 new single-engine DA40s, and 6 twin-engine DA42s. The training facility has continued to expand thanks to a steady pipeline of students, some coming in from Republic Airways on one hand, and just as many brought into the industry thanks to record pay for airliners on the other. As such, LIFT has had to stretch operations a bit, bringing in fresh aircraft to take advantage of record attendance. 

Also: NAAA Asks UAVs To Give Way, Viasat-uAvionix, Oshkosh Defense, Wright Intros WEAETC

Skydweller Aero successfully completed the first flight of its solar-powered aircraft, the Skydweller, earlier this month. This groundbreaking aircraft, which boasts a wingspan exceeding that of a Boeing 747, undertook its inaugural flight autonomously--without any human pilot onboard or in direct control--from Stennis International Airport in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. VoltAero has commenced certification testing for the innovative electric-hybrid powertrain of its Cassio 330 aircraft. This testing phase marks a crucial step in the development of the Cassio e-aircraft family, specifically tailored for the five-seat Cassio 330. The Vertical Flight Society Selected the Winners of this year's Design-Build-Vertical Flight Student Competition, sending the team from Texas A&M home with the gold. The competition assesses student's ability to draft, develop, and c

State Has its Game Face On for Building New Industry

The Oregon UAS Accelerator, announced the installation of Joseph Wyno as its new executive director, noting that he took office from the interim director on April 15th to train into the role. Wyno will see the state's "only Center of Innovation Excellence dedicated exclusively to unmanned aircraft systems and robotics" through the coming years, drawing on his resume of business and entrepreneurial work in years past. Wyno got his start more than 25 years ago, working his way up to a position as a senior advisor and director for Octane's LaunchPad SBDC Accelerator.