Yes... another week and another collection of intriguing news. This week's report starts with the sad news that long-time NATA Boss Jim Coyne will retire this year, Ryan Airlines announced its long-rumored bankruptcy. Fifty pilots are about to get unemployment as they get laid off by American Eagle and a former Navy jock is lost in a tragic Kfir accident at NAS Fallon. We have more details of our upcoming coverage of AEA 2012 as well as some info on the ASF report that suggests that glass panel cockpits are not influencing safety -- positively or negatively. All this and SO MUCH MORE in this week's edition of AIRBORNE!
As always, PLEASE keep sending us your feedback and ideas... you have no idea how important that is to us as we evolve the Airborne mission. As we listen to your critiques, we're getting a far better idea as to how to tweak and fine-tune future Airborne programming to fit your needs. We think you're going to like what we have in mind for the future.
Airborne 03.09.12 is chock full of info about the week ending Friday, March 9th, 2012... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom Patton, this episode covers:
Coyne Stepping Down
Ryan Airlines Bankruptcy
American Eagle Furlough
Kfir Down In Nevada
ANN's AEA Coverage Getting Wide Spread Support
AOPA Glass Panel Study
Latest letter to the White House
LAS Embarrassment
Calming Brazil Over A-29
F-35 First Operational Sortie
UPS Pilots Lobby LaHood
Boeing Delamination Inspections
Barnstorming: Aiding The Lee Bottom Airfield
NTSB Prelim: Cirrus
NTSB Prelim: Elevator Trim
FAA Colgan Fine
United Assimilates Continental
Aero-Video of the Week: Lego Shuttle Flies Again!
Drunk Driver Charged With Flying Under Influence
Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again next week for the next edition of "Airborne" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you next week!
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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!!!
Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase', meaning it's just about to head into the oven, but the recipe isn't inked just yet. CubCrafters VP Brad Damm wants to see everyone chip in with their two cents to see how they feel about the prospective aircraft. So far, everything that's been shown off paints a very attractive portrait of a lightweight, capable, eager little bird, boasting an empty weight "well below 900 lbs..." CKD Aerospace hit innovation preview with a couple goodies right off the bat, updating fans on their line of kit aircraft, Fisher Flying Products. Now, Fisher Flying Products are looking to moving from spruce into rag & tube. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down south to enjoy the Florida sunshine in the same excellent facilities as Sun 'n Fun. The Affordable Flying Expo will focus on the love of flight, and all things that bring it into reach of the average, fun-loving pilot. Everyone is invited, from pilots and AMT's to manufacturers and owners. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Airborne-Flight Training 04.17.24: Feds Need Controllers, Spirit Delay, Redbird Flt
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto
The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for a short time. The FAA has issued a call to action, requesting anyone and everyone meeting the relatively accommodating standards. They will have to bolster their numbers soon, with plans to hire 1,800 more controllers this year, and another 2,000 in 2025. Spirit Airlines announced its decision to defer the delivery of new Airbus aircraft and furlough approximately 260 pilots. The budget airline, headquartered in Miramar, Florida, is taking these measures as part of its strategy to boost liquidity amidst challenging times. Redbird Flight, manufacturer of flight simulators and training devices, came out in force to Sun 'n Fun 2024, with all kinds of new goodies in tow. Their new friends at the Recreational Aviation Foundation have kept up their momentum in keeping a presence at the yearly fly-in, helping them to support the development of future pilots, hone the active ones, and improve safety for all. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganization as they continue to move away from the brink, and by all accounts, things are going great. Clyde Hamstreet indicated that things are going pretty well in the Chapter 11 process, and they expect their reorganization plan to be approved by the court come May. Hammerstreet noted, with pleasure, that few companies in a similar position manage to survive the process, but Van's is sitting pretty. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down south to enjoy the Florida sunshine in the same excellent facilities as Sun 'n Fun. The Affordable Flying Expo will focus on the love of flight, and all things that bring it into reach of the average, fun-loving pilot. The Commemorative Air Force's Jeremy Lashbrook, Squadron Leader for the B-29 and B-24, broke some bad news to fans looking forward to the upcoming Air Power History Tour: The B-24 Liberator, Diamond Lil', will need a lot of unanticipated maintenance. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 04.12.24: SnF24!, G100UL Is Here, Holy Micro, Plane Tags
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad
After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production and there are a million gallons currently available. You can NEVER have too many good aids in keeping a flight safe... Holy Micro has an interesting approach to keeping pilots informed. The folks at Plane Tags have collected memorabilia from over 200 aircraft of all makes and categories... And offer mementos of great planes in aviation’s proud history. SPA’s Steve McCaughey updates the Airborne team on the latest and greatest in one of the aviation world’s coolest (sometimes we mean that literally) aviation pursuits. ANN had the honor of helping to introduce the Rotax 915 at last year’s Innovation Preview and we got a chance to review what a year in the field is teaching the aviation biz. Gene Conrad Catches His Breath During Our Morning Brief... and joins Airborne for an update on the 50th Annual SnF Aerospace Expo and what may be in the offing for the future. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
FIFTY YEARS! What a milestone for the aviation world’s master aero-education duo! John, Martha, along with their CEO Barry Knutilla have come to Sun ‘n Fuin to celebrate a half-century of keeping us educated while also casting eyes upon the future. Ya want to land and take off REALLY short? Ya want to keep it simple? Ya want it to cost less than your house? Bryce Angell’s newly created Top Rudder aircraft has some affordable, highly capable STOL-ready aero-toys for you! The ultimate cockpit visual aid? Aileronics has introduced the Sentinel, a portable sensor that can be mounted in any cockpit and assist with the chores of seeing and avoiding hazards in your flight path. There is a cool new offering by the name of Flight Club... Flight Club is a double-sided marketplace that connects aircraft owners with pilots looking to rent an aircraft. The idea is not a new one but this execution shows promise... The sun is your friend... except when its not. Jet Shades seems to have come up with a more protective solution when it comes to the heat, glare, UV and other distractions of the sun while in flight... and make flying a lot more comfortable. In-cockpit video and all the accessories that go with it have become an important facet to many fliers... as a way to enjoy their flights as well as a valuable educational tool. The MyGoFlight folks have a number of ways to support your aero-video aspirations. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL
The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offered last year with a Rotax 912... but a desire for more historical accuracy led to the A50 Heritage. The Helicycle has gone through a number of owners and iterations but looks to be in good hands with a company that keeps tweaking and improving this unique turbine single-engine, single-seat kit helicopter. The Brazilian Montaer MC-01 is about to be joined by a four-place sibling, the MC-04. The two-seater is holding its own though with a number of impressive fleet sales and growing popularity here in the states. Life throws challenges at you now and then... and the folks got thrown a curveball at the start of SnF24. AeroSport has been the US Distributor for SkyReach and its BushCat light sport aircraft... until the manufacturer announced that they were not going to offer kits or complete aircraft anymore... leaving AeroSport with a number of challenges. A four-place helicopter kit? Really? There are nearly 400 Hummingbird 300SL kits out in the world now... Piling up hours and impressive record. Vertical Aviation’s Brad Clark fills us in on upgrades and plans for this impressive machine. The Carbon Cub UL hit the sport aviation world by storm last year, powered by the (then) brand new Rotax 916 engine. Production plans are now afoot, the plane is being fine-tuned, and the Carbon Cub UL order book is filling fast... All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: ForeFlight Upgrades, Cicare USA, Vittorazi Engines, EarthX
We have a number of late-breaking news highlights from the 2024 Innovation Preview... which was PACKED with real news and probably broke more real news in one day than any other aviation event... again! The big announcement of the 2024 Sun n Fun Innovation Preview? Piper is working alongside the DeltaHawk diesel folks on what could eventually show up as a Diesel Piper PA-44 Seminole... which would be a VERY fuel-thrifty airplane. Not content to produce a classic aircraft with an inline engine, Junkers has updated... or backdated for that matter the A50 platform with an honest-to-goodness radial engine. And the results? Gorgeous... in both sight and sound. CKD Aerospace has taken over Fisher Flying Products and is making BIG changes to the highly regarded SportPlane line. New products, new services, new engines... CKD had a lot to discuss... In addition to their usual list of a bazillion or so new upgrades, ForeFlight is pushing tech limits with a new product called ForeFlight Voyager. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 04.05.24: Vans Reorg, ICON Bankrupt, SUN n FUN Programs!
Also: Dynon Expands, FeEx Not Happy W/USPS, Soaring Society of America, KleinVision Flying Car
Van's Aircraft filed its long-awaited Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization with the Federal Bankruptcy Court on March 29, 2024. This step is essential for the company's financial recovery. The process will be complete after the court sets hearing dates and the judge signs a certificate approving the plan. Then, the plan will be mailed to the same approximately 40,000 people notified when Van's filed for bankruptcy. Perrenially troubled ICON Aircraft has filed for Chapter 11 protection. This strategic restructuring process is reportedly aimed at addressing the company's financial challenges while continuing to support customers and operations. The management team remains committed to the company's mission... whatever that may actually be at this point. Here it comes! ANN has prepared its most comprehensive coverage EVER of the SUN n FUN Aerospace Expo... and we guarantee you that this is the best there is. We’re already posting stories to the SUN n FUN Digital Daily website at www.snfdd.com, but the real excitement starts on Tuesday morning at 1030ET when the SUN n FUN Innovation Preview starts with announcements of over 30 new products, developments, and other surprises. Log on to www.airborne-live.net to see it all LIVE. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne-Flight Training 04.04.24: ALPA Refutes Shortage, FAA Grants, WAI24
Also: Fired Boeing Pilots Win, MAC Air Group, Kansas State Salina $$, Drone Safety Day
The Air Line Pilots Association says they have plenty of pilots, so there's no need to change anything about the aviation system from top to bottom. They publicized the fact that "the United States continues to certify more airline pilots each month than in the years prior to COVID-19", noting that the last 12 months have seen more than 11,000 ATP-MEL ratings issued. The FAA has granted $27.2 million to 11 universities across the US under its Aviation Sustainability Center program. The awards will be matched in-kind by a range of partners with a 1:1 grant as a sort of cost sharing agreement. Women in Aviation International capped off its 2024 Conference with a flurry of activity, completing its year get-together for the 35th year running - and things were busier than ever. The Conference saw some record attendance and exhibition numbers, with more than 5,200 attendees representing 35 countries. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
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!!!
