CH-YH1000 Takes Flight Just a Year After the Program’s Launch

China has completed the maiden flight of its heavy-lift cargo drone: the CH-YH1000. The bird, developed by Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd, is part of China’s growing effort to modernize transport infrastructure through unmanned aviation. The flight took place at an undisclosed airfield in Northwest China.

Seaglider Begins Sea Trials, With Eye Towards On-Foil Test

Regent has shown off some of their recent Viceroy seaglider testing in bits and pieces as Spring turns to Summer, highlighting its program’s headway in developing electric ‘flight’ in ground effect. Their first trial seaglider was named “Paladin”, and prepped for action as the Regent team loaded it into Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Paladin’s descent into the water finally ended their first ‘dry’ phase of testing, capping off “months of rigorous sub-system testing of the critical onboard systems, including motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems, and vehicle control software.” Their first outing was fairly mundane, from a performance perspective, as they puttered around the bay at a max speed of 16 knots. 

Major Hurdle Cleared In Bipartisan House T&I Committee Vote

The Seattle, Washington,-based nonprofit Pilot Mental Health Campaign applauded the approval of the Mental Health in Aviation Act in a bipartisan vote in the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, advancing the bill to the House floor for consideration, where passage requires a simple majority vote.

Also: Women’s Air Race Classic, Sensenich 100K, ‘Premature’ GAMI G100UL Motion, Quicksilver Ultralights

Sonex Aircraft announced that its high-wing prototype aircraft has had its first engine start, which fired up with no issues and it also successfully completed its first taxi and brake tests. Sonex said the aircraft has a short task list yet to complete before first flight, which it hopes to achieve before Oshkosh. The company is eagerly awaiting the aircraft registration to be returned by the FAA and final inspection. An intriguing idea, oft talked about in various circles, is now a reality as Lockwood Aviation has installed, tested and is preparing production of Rotax 916iS installation for Van’s RV-9... with other RVs doubtlessly waiting in the cue. The published numbers are incredibly impressive... and Phil Lockwood is not a guy to exaggerate... boasting a Cruise climb @ 120 KIAS of 800+ ft/min, (in eco mode) bu

Also: TN Skydiving Accident, MD Helicopters, Supersonic Flight Welcomed, More Flightdeck Security

Private Jet Services (PJS) recently filed a lawsuit against Westchester County and upper leadership at the Westchester County Airport (HPN) for alleged discrimination. The filing claims that the company’s jets were denied access to the airport while other, similar charter flights were welcomed with open arms. More than a hundred female pilots from across the US are gearing up for a 2,426-mile, 9-state journey as part of the 48th annual Air Race Classic. The fun officially begins in Fairhope, Alabama, on June 17. The original Women’s Air Derby shifted through several forms, including the so-called ‘Powder Puff Derby,’ before taking shape as the annual aviation event we now know and love: the Air Race Classic. Australian launch provider Gilmour Space Technologies had to cancel a mission in May thanks to a nosy little bird,

Enables 8x Faster Carbon Fiber Production At Half Cost

Samson Sky, makers of the Switchblade Flying Car, announced the introduction of its new manufacturing process, which will enable the company to produce carbon fiber parts eight times faster and at half the cost of traditional carbon fiber parts production.

Also: Four Forces & King Schools, CAF Joins ARC, Hansen CEO Sentenced, Sporty’s New IFR Focus 

Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, went down in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, very shortly after lifting off from runway 23 at Ahmedabad International Airport (AMD), India. Indian news reports indicate that all but one of the 242 passengers and crew perished in the accident.... And so far, as many as five people on the ground may have been killed as well. With practically no warning, South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has pushed a controversial regulation into action that requires overhauls for any aircraft engine older than 12 years. This rule grounds upwards of 1,400 aircraft until the pricey service is performed. China has completed the maiden flight of its heavy-lift cargo drone: the CH-YH1000. The bird is part of China’s growing effort to modernize transport infrastructure through unm

Alleged Immigration Detainee Freed Himself from Restraints Before Boarding

A man who was reportedly being deported from the UK to India escaped from his restraints while being escorted to an aircraft, beginning a several-minute goose chase around Heathrow Airport (LHR) grounds. More than six personnel were dragged into the chaos before he was apprehended.

"OIQ"???—What The Heck Is That?

Pay attention, Oshkosh exhibitors... this is IMPORTANT. The OIQ is something essential for those of you doing any kind of business at AirVenture 2025— it's your OSHKOSH INNOVATION QUOTIENT, and it can be critially important to the success of your efforts. It determines your relevance, your ability to innovate, and your value to the aviation world.  And this year, we think there is no better way to display it than one of the most anticipated episodes of ANN's award-winning Airborne news program—dramatically scheduled for the Friday before AirVenture opens the gates. 

Nearly 300 Killed in the First-Ever Crash of a Boeing 787 Widebody

Authorities are reporting only one survivor of the more than 240 passengers and crew members on board Air India Flight 171, which crashed in a residential area on June 12. Many people on the ground became victims of the incident, bringing the death toll to almost 300.