From WAI2011: An Examination Of The Future And Potential Of NextGen
One of the high points of our year is our annual trek to the Women in Aviation gathering. Unfortunately; due to commitments overseas, we're going to miss most of the event this year but for those of you with the ability, we can't recommend a visit highly enough... no matter what gender you represent.
This year's rendition takes place in Dallas (which we visited a few days ago for the 2012 HeliExpo). The 23rd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held from Thursday, March 8 through Saturday, March 10, 2012. This year's Conference will take place at the Hilton Anatole. Participants in the 2012 WAI Conference will be immersed in the tactics and strategies necessary for successful aviation careers. More than 3,000 women and men from all segments of the aviation industry are expected to attend.
Last year's NextGen panel is an example of the high quality information and presentations to be enjoyed at such events. The NextGen panel was presented by WAI President Peggy Chabrian and featured Donna Taylor, manager of the FAA’s Airports Division, Northwest Mountain Region; Amy Lind Corbett, regional administrator for the FAA's New England Region; Teri Bristol, FAA vice president of Technical Operations Services; and Nancy Risso, manager of the Eastern Region Flight Standards Division NextGen Branch.
Please join Aero-TV and this intriguing group of experts as we look at the efficiencies that NextGen may offer to the future of aviation.
Airborne 05.06.24: Gone West-Dick Rutan, ICON BK Update, SpaceX EVA Suit
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts
A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7:08 PM PDT. The last time Dick Rutan flew towards the western horizon was on December 14, 1986 when he and copilot Jeana Yeager set the last great aviation record by flying around the world, nonstop and unrefueled, in nine days, three minutes and 44 seconds in an aircraft called 'Voyager.' designed by Burt Rutan. 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. 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. In and amongst all the drama surrounding the latest rockets and associated programs, there are a million little details that need to be resolved... details like spacesuits capable of conducting an EVA... Polaris Dawn, the first of the program’s three human spaceflight missions, is targeted to launch to orbit no earlier than summer 2024. During the five-day mission, the crew will perform SpaceX’s first-ever Extravehicular Activity (more commonly known as an EVA or spacewalk) from Dragon. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
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 community..." FAI has announced a new type of drone race, this time using the EreaDrone flight simulator to offer the E-Drone Racing World Cup 2024. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne Affordable Flyers 05.02.24: Bobby Bailey, SPRG Report Cards, Skydive!
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 you have thousands of jumps, or skydiving is on your bucket list, WorldSkydivingDay on July 13 is the perfect time to take the leap. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Airborne 05.01.24: WACO Kitchen, FAA Reauthorization, World Skydiving Day
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, WorldSkydivingDay on July 13 is the perfect time to take the leap. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
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 construct a VTOL drone from the ground up, and this year's wet and windy conditions added an additional level of difficulty on top of the normal trials and travails of the DBVF. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
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 deployment following its FAA type certification. This luxury jet is not only about comfort but also performance, capable of flying 7,750 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 and achieving a maximum speed of Mach 0.935, making it the fastest in the Gulfstream fleet. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 04.26.24: Beta Alia 250, SPEEA v Boeing, Anti-Av Climate Attacks
Also: 1st Kodiak 100 Series III, Kaman Buyout, Airmate Hits 250,000, Airbus Names Robin Hayes
Vermont-based Beta Technologies has marked a significant advancement in the eVTOL aircraft sector with the successful piloted transition of its Alia-250 from vertical hover to cruise flight. This development underscores Beta's commitment to pioneering practical and commercially viable eVTOL solutions. The transition, which occurred with a pilot on board, involved moving from a stationary hover to forward flight, showcasing the aircraft's dual capabilities. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) has lodged a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging retaliation by Boeing management against two of its union members. On the morning of April 20, a protest by climate activists at Hanscom Field airport in Bedford, Massachusetts, led to the arrest of 20 individuals. The protesters, believed to be associated with the group Extinction Rebellion -- previously linked to other protests that often involved damage to aircraft or airport property -- were part of a larger gathering of approximately 25 people voicing opposition to the proposed expansion of the airport. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne-Flight Training 04.25.24: eDA40 Progress, LIFT-Tuskegee, U of OK
Also: Fernandina Beach Airport $$$, Controller Duty Time, Wheels Up Axes CO Ops, Elixir USA
Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of their battery-powered eDA40s to the test in some true-to-life training operations. The results are good enough to brag about, apparently, since both Diamond and Lufthansa Training said the eDA40 passed muster. In a significant step forward for aviation education in Alabama, Leadership in Flight Training Academy (LIFT) and Tuskegee University have unveiled the inaugural Tuskegee University Flight School. This marks a pioneering collaboration aimed at fostering a new generation of aviation professionals. The University of Oklahoma celebrated a significant expansion in its aviation training capabilities with the introduction of eleven new aircraft to its School of Aviation. This event, which took place on Friday at OU's Max Westheimer Airport, featured the arrival of the school's first two helicopters and nine Piper single-engine airplanes. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The result, which should enter service in 2026 (or thereabouts, given developmental delays). French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. Stateside, Elixir will open a reassembly facility in Florida at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. Parts delivered from France will be checked, inspected, and assembled into full aircraft there, with the Florida location becoming the administrative, sales, and support hub for the entire US domestic market. AeroMech Incorporated will offer an RVSM STC for the M700 Fury, just like it offered for previous M-Models like the Meridian, M500, and M600 in years past. The STC allows Fury operators to get the absolute best out of their birds, flying at higher flight levels, saving fuel, lowering carbon, and avoiding weather with increased operational flexibility. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
UAVOS has recently achieved a significant milestone in public safety and emergency services with the first operational deployment of its UVH 170 unmanned helicopter, designed specifically for wildfire suppression. The deployment, which involved both day and night operations, represents a critical advancement in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in managing natural disasters. In a landmark agreement announced on April 22, 2024, magniX, a leader in electric aviation technology, has entered into a Letter of Intent with Harbour Air to supply 50 magni650 electric engines. This initiative is set to transform Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane operator, by electrifying its fleet starting with the iconic De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver aircraft. The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) announced a significant milestone in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector, with its World eVTOL Aircraft Directory now documenting over 1,000 aircraft designs. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
Airborne 04.22.24: Rotor X Worsens, Airport Fees 4 FNB?, USMC Drone Pilot
Also: EP Systems' Battery, Boeing SAF, Repeat TBM 960 Order, Japan Coast Guard H225 Buy
Despite nearly 100 complaints totaling millions of dollars of potential fraud, combined with employees who claim to have been defrauded, numerous false statements, aand an attempt at a bankruptcy that failed; the Rotor X situation continues to decline. Rotor X STILL claims to be reorganizing and entertaining offers from investors -- but this is a well-worn excuse that has been utilized numerous times without fruition. The Fernandina Beach Florida Municipal Airport (FNB) is considering implementing an automated aircraft landing fee system proposed by Airport Director Sam Carver -- one that could have a decidedly negative effect on GA In the area. This initiative, aimed at generating additional revenue, is primarily focused on funding essential maintenance projects, including a $4 million runway refurbishment. Major Shane Gentry, a third-generation Marine and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilot, was recently named the 2024 Marine Aviator of the Year, a distinguished accolade traditionally reserved for pilots of manned aircraft. This historic recognition marks the first time a drone pilot has been honored with the prestigious Alfred A. Cunningham Award. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
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. Paul Poberezny's work needs little introduction in the world of experimental aviation, sport flying, and hobbyist aeronautics, being attached to what has grown into a titan today. Sometimes, growth makes it easy to miss the little things, and today's "little guy" is smarting more than ever just looking at the price tags of "cheap" aircraft. Poberezny, seeing similar things while he was still with us, tried to forestall such a development, beginning the Sport Aviation Association, a group that centered itself entirely on the average everyday pilot. Now, a passionate group of industry vets have inherited the charter of Paul Poberezny's lesser-known organizational baby, and they're taking up his mission anew. BRM Aero and H55 have announced the upcoming commercial availability of the B23 Energic, the first fully electric aircraft in the CS-23 general aviation category. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne-Flight Training 05.09.24: ERAU at AIAA, LIFT Diamond Buy, Epic A&P
Also: Vertical Flight Society, NBAA Maintenance Conference, GA Honored, AMT Scholarship
For the first time, students from Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach, Florida, campus took top honors at the AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) Competition, held in Wichita, Kansas. A second Embry-Riddle squad, this one from the Prescott, Arizona, campus, also placed among the top teams, earning eighth overall. 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. Epic Flight Academy has officially launched its new aircraft mechanic school at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), marking a significant advancement in aviation training and workforce development in Kentucky. The opening of this $8 million, 32,000-square-foot training facility was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by staff, students, and dignitaries. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Airborne 05.08.24: Denali Update, Dad-Daughter Gyro, Lake SAIB
Also: NBAA on FAA Reauth, DJI AG Drones, HI Insurance Bill Defeated, SPSA Airtankers
The Beechcraft Denali continues moving forward towards certification, having received its FAA Type Inspection Authorization early this year. Textron advertised that their single-engine turboprop competitor has logged more than 2,000 flight test hours across 830+ flights, on track for completion in 2025. Aerodyne, a new gyroplane manufacturer, will be commemorating its entry into the market with an attempt at setting some records as it runs a lap around the United Kingdom. Founder, executive chairman, and pilot Rangaraja Iyengar will make a full lap around the whole lot with his 8-year-old daughter assisting, aiming to complete a 3-day, 5,000-mile journey. The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) that alerts all owners, operators, maintenance technicians, and inspectors of Revo Incorporated Model Colonial C-1, Colonial C-2, Lake LA-4, Lake LA-4A, Lake LA-4P, Lake LA-4-200, Lake Model 250 (including those modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA469NE) and Lake 270 Turbo Renegade... All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator
US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft, or VISTA, to illustrate just how far autonomous aircraft have come. The aircraft sounds much snazzier than it is in reality, being a 30-year old, 2-seat F-16D with a nifty paint job and an R2-D2 in one of the seats. The aircraft has long been in the US Air Force Test Pilot School, where it received modifications for multi-axis thrust vectoring and aerodynamics. AgEagle Aerial Systems will ship 40 of its eBee VISION systems, along with 9 more eBees, with all the parts, support, connections, control stations, and miscellany required to keep the fleet operational in French army service. Maxar Intelligence has confirmed that the first two WorldView Legion satellites are performing well after being launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket last week from Vandenberg SFB, California. Shortly after launch, the satellites deployed their solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
