Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) The operation of a UAS beyond the visual capability of the flight crew members (i.e., remote pilot in command [RPIC], the person manipulating the controls, and visual observer [VO]), if used to see the aircraft with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, spectacles, and contact lenses.

Choose How YOU Want To View Your Aero News: View Everything

We're all pretty excited about the new website design here at ANN, but we HAVE heard from some of you that you liked the way that content was displayed on the old site.  We hear you, and before you chuck your bitgrinder out a 5th story window, you should know that there are several ways that you can view your Aero-Content.

“After eight months of negotiating, and a failed TA, unfortunately management has not recognized the pilots’ needs. We have expressed to management that we are willing to work with them to further address the issues that clearly remain for our pilots. Until WestJet Encore management negotiates a contract that recognizes the current labour market conditions in Canada’s airline industry, and addresses the needs of our pilots, management will continue to struggle to attract and retain the well-trained, highly skilled pilots required to help our airline be successful.” Source: Capt. Carin Kenny, chair of the WestJet Encore ALPA Master Executive Council, following the announcement of a 72 hour strike notice.

'Doc' Has a Busy Season Ahead of Itself Heading Into Summer

The warbird community celebrated Mark Novak, Chief Pilot of their B-29 'Doc', and his accomplishment of racking up 500 hours in the vintage bomber. On top of that, Novak built up more than 300 hours of time flying the other B-29 'Fifi', making him the modern era's most experienced B-29 pilot. In celebrating the milestone, the details surrounding how one goes about becoming the world's foremost captain of a nearly extinct type certificate, unsurprisingly starts with 'who you know' like any cool piloting job.

One Step Closer, But Many More to Go...

Archer Aviation has finalized the criteria for final airworthiness certification of the Midnight aircraft, laying out the path to come as they look to dive into the eVTOL market. The Midnight eVTOL has been given an updated, final set of airworthiness criteria by the FAA, which is a "significant regulatory milestone" but still a ways off from being production-ready. Archer does proudly note that it's one of only "two companies in the world to achieve this certification progress with the FAA for an eVTOL aircraft," helping to cement their position at the head of the pack.

With Commercial Service on the Way, Aerospace Center for Excellence Sets Up Terminal Shop

The Airspace Center for Excellence has been given the blessing to begin operating Lakeland Linder International Airport's first concessions store, riding on the tail of new commercial service by Avelo Airlines. Evidently, there weren't too many bidders for the opportunity, with most in the area eschewing what they believed is a non-starter. The approving body came by way of Lakeland commissioners, who voted unanimously to approve the Center's lease agreement. Airport Director Kris Hallstrand admitted that despite their best efforts... nobody really wanted 'in', aside from ACE.

Lawsuit Describes Nightmare of Intertwined Businesses

Long Beach Airport is home to some juicy gossip lately, after the Aeroplex and Aerolease Group fired their CEO and began a highly visible, contentious legal duel in the public eye. The outgoing CEO is a somewhat notable industry face in his own right, Curt Castagna, who led Aeroplex as CEO of its expansive hangar and office leasing operations. Castagna is involved in a good deal of industry advocacy, too, working with the local Long Beach Airport Association, Van Nuys Airport Association, and National Air Transportation Associations. Castagna wears many hats, being the president and CEO of NATA, and a co-chair in the EAGLE initiative. 

From 2019 (YouTube Version): The Extra NG Is 'A Whole New Dimension Of Aerobatic Aircraft

Extra Aircraft unveiled its next generation of aerobatic aircraft during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The company says the Extra NG is "a whole new dimension of aerobatic aircraft", featuring an all-carbon rigid base frame - a first in aerobatic aviation history. The airplane truly represents a "quantum leap forward" by offering its owner not just a stunningly beautiful silhouette, but also an ergonomically advanced cockpit. It is designed for maximum pilot comfort and equipped with state-of-the-art avionics. Improved aerodynamics permit the highest degree of maneuverability and precise handling up to +10g/-10g while also making the Extra NG a “really fast” aircraft.

Falcon 9 Reusability Emphasized with 21-Time Veteran

SpaceX has really been driving home the concept of reusability for its Falcon series of rockets, with its recent Starlink mission account for the 21st launch for that particular spacecraft. It's a testament to the level of engineering and dedication they had to bring to the table, not to mention the attractive cost savings that come with reusing expensive space assets. In the old days, rockets were one-time use, costlier than even expensive aircraft by an order of magnitude, and about as long-lived as a Dixie cup moldering on a dorm room shelf (about 3 to 6 months, depending on how frequent room inspections are.) That particular Falcon 9 was Booster 1062, which managed to deliver 23 more V2 mini Starlink satellites into orbit. 

Polish Court Weighs in On Passenger Name Record Issue

The European Business Aviation Association has taken a victory lap regarding a successful legal victory in Poland, establishing a "historic precedent for the Passenger Name Record (PNR) issue in the country." It was the first 'PNR case' heard in Poland, setting a precedent to shape enforcement into the future. The case in question was brought by an air carrier in the business sector, fined by the Polish Border Guard for allegedly violating PNR law on the books. Poland's Supreme Administrative Court agreed with the plaintiffs, reversing the judgment of the lower court and annulled the decision imposing the fine, aligning its ruling with the provisions of the European Directive 2016/681 (PNR Directive) and the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).