Agreement Enables Bypassing ATC Academy Amid Shortage

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s first cohort of students in its air traffic control program is on track way to advance to FAA facilities for controller training. Skirting the FAA’s ATC Academy was made possible by a 2024 agreement signed onto by the agency and University to fast-track controller hiring as the agency faces a staffing shortage.

Falcon 9 Operations in Vandenberg Boosted, Cape Canaveral May Follow

The Federal Aviation Administration recently took the Air Force’s advice and granted SpaceX a drastic increase in annual Falcon 9 operations out of Vandenberg Space Force Base. Now, a draft environmental assessment is in place to bring Cape Canaveral operations from 50 to 120 per year.

Potential US Tariffs Could Derail Carrier’s Relationship With Boeing

Low-cost carrier Ryanair has confirmed that incoming tariffs under US President Donald Trump could put an end to its long-standing commitment to Boeing and instead make it a customer for Chinese plane maker COMAC. This statement earned some words of caution from US officials.

Manufacturer Ships the Airline’s A350 From France to Tokyo

Airbus is resurrecting a former trade war tactic by redirecting aircraft deliveries to US airlines through other countries to avoid President Trump’s tariff chaos. The move is part of a broader effort to minimize the financial impact of proposed import duties on civil aircraft.

Two H215s to Serve in rescEU Fleet

Greece has placed an order for additional firefighting helicopters from Airbus, opting for 8 new H215 aircraft as the region seeks to bolster readiness for future deployments. The purchase will be supported by European funds, resulting in a government-owned, contractor-operated model. That means the new H215s will largely be operated by Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, knowledgeable and experienced firms in the European firefighting world. 

Also: Sustainable Aircraft Test Put Aside, More Falcon 9 Ops, Wyoming ANG Rescue, Oreo Cookie Into Orbit

Joby Aviation has reason to celebrate, recently completing its first full transition from vertical to horizontal flight with a pilot on board. This puts the aircraft one step closer to achieving commercial operation. The manufacturer’s all-electric air taxi demonstrated its in-flight transition capabilities for the first time in 2017. General aviation manufacturer Diamond Aircraft recently launched its official flying community, Diamond Flying Club (DFC), and its connected online portal. Through this, members can register their profile, share stories, and presumably talk about how much they love their DA62. “Pilots in Canada have faced numerous issues related to eligibility, aircraft type, age, and costs, all of which have impeded their ability to take to the skies. COPA aims to remove these obstacles with its new insurance pr

An Amazing Experience Awaits The Chosen Few...

Oshkosh, to us, seems the perfect place to get started on watching aviation recover the past couple of years... and so ANN is putting EXTRA effort and resources into our coverage of Oshkosh 2025... just a little under 90 days hence. We are now undertaking the process to seek talented stringers to help us present Oshkosh and the sport and general aviation community to the world around us. If you ever thought about joining us, this is THE year to do it. IF YOU want to be a part of this unique adventure, speak up NOW, rather than later, because we're going to be looking for the best volunteer folks we can find and are planning to do so ASAP. You've been warned (grin)....

Also: EDMO Adds MicroAir, Starbase City?, B-29 Doc Goes To Reading, MX Provider Sued

Dynon Avionics has made a strategic investment in Trig Avionics. This investment brings Trig into the Dynon Group of companies and strengthens a long-standing partnership between the two innovators in general aviation. Dynon Avionics was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Woodinville, Washington. The U.S. Navy lost an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet in the Red Sea when it rolled off the USS Harry S. Truman while it was being towed. A factor in the incident was that the Truman was making hard turns to avoid Houthi fire. All personnel involved in towing the aircraft were able to avoid being dragged and are safely accounted for. Fairbanks pilot Kenneth Jouppi is being forced to forfeit his Cessna 206 Stationair after ‘knowingly’ using it to transport a six-pack to a dry village… 13 years ago. Jouppi, as the owner of KenAir LLC, was found

Also: Airplane-Helo Risks, AirVenture Showcasing Korean War, United Purchasing JetZero Birds, Boom Gears Up

The FAA announced that the agency will not move ahead with its policy of issuing denials of incomplete medical applications when the prior long-standing policy was to defer them until the applications were complete. The agency said it will instead work with the aviation community to establish initiatives that will give pilots information on best practices to facilitate their medical applications as well as assist the FAA in processing applications deferred by AMEs. A recent report from the National Weather Service, showing vacancies as high as 40% in some forecast offices, has the industry bracing for lower accuracy and slower data reporting. The agency has already begun cutting several weather collection methods in more heavily affected areas. Aviation charter company AeroVanti is adding to its long list of lost lawsuits with sports t

Also: Boeing Reports, Airbus-Spirit, USAF CV-22 Milestone, ANN/Oshkosh 2025 Stringers

A HEXA electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft experienced a component failure while performing demo flights at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Though it was able to land without an issue, the bird and its twin will remain grounded until event organizers say otherwise. The HEXA is manufactured by LIFT Aircraft. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been busy spearheading a multi-million dollar communications project at the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency that regulates the same airspace Musk’s SpaceX flies through. Employees pulled into this project, charmingly named “Project Lift,” have claimed that they have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements. As airmen medical applications reach an all-time high, the FAA is turning to the public to review questions, comments, and concerns about