Helicopter Tour Operator Seeks Approval to Fly at 700ft Rather Than 1,500

Aerial tour operator Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is seeking an exemption from the FAA that would chop its minimum altitude from 1,500 feet above ground level to just 700. Locals are not happy with the sudden proposal, pointing out threats to the community and wildlife below.

The Bomber Will Soon Rejoin Her B-29 Sister Ship, FIFI, in the Skies

The Commemorative Air Force’s iconic B-24, Diamond Lil, is working hard to maintain its status as the only regularly flying Liberator. It recently accomplished its first engine run in more than a year and is now progressing through extensive testing and inspections before getting back in the air.

Flight Ban Was Imposed After Multiple Airlines Were Under Fire Last Year

The Federal Aviation Administration has pushed back the expiration date for the Port-au-Prince flight ban from September 8, 2025, to March 7, 2026. The restriction, originally set to last just 30 days, was implemented in November 2024 after multiple American aircraft took gunfire while attempting to land in Haiti’s capital.

Also: Carrier Landings Not Required, UAL To Tel Aviv, ATC in College, EMAS Systems Stop 2

Swift Fuels 100R unleaded fuel has earned ASTM production specification approval. This 100-octane blend is the company’s third to pass the milestone, with its UL94 being on the market for over a decade. The Commemorative Air Force’s iconic B-24, Diamond Lil, is working hard to maintain its status as the only regularly flying Liberator. It recently accomplished its first engine run in more than a year and is now progressing through extensive testing and inspections before getting back in the air. Diamond Lil was grounded in April 2024 after routine inspections revealed weather damage to her fabric-covered control surfaces. Who said we can’t be excited for Florida’s favorite airshow year-round? EarlyBird Tickets for SUN ‘n FUN’s 52nd annual aerospace expo, celebrating ‘Red, White, and Blue at 52,’ have offic

Agreement For Seven With Options For Eight More

Bell Textron announced that Global Medical Response signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 429 aircraft with options for an additional eight. GMR remains the world’s largest operator of Bell helicopters in the Helicopter Emergency Response Service segment. The company is headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, and has 381 operational bases in all 50 U.S. states and internationally.

Also: Space Command Moves, Alpine Eagle, Duffy Names Amit Kshatriya, Sikorsky-CAL FIRE Collab

Textron eAviation is putting the development of its Nexus electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on hold, meaning its first flight is no longer part of the 2025 agenda. The manufacturer claims that its current aircraft lineup takes priority over the Wichita-based eVTOL project. The Nexus, a four-passenger, single-pilot design designed to serve short urban routes, was slated for tethered flight testing this year. Joby Aviation announced the completion of a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its autonomous flight technology in logging more than 7,000 miles of autonomous operations in over 40 flight hours, including the successful completion of a 4,925 mile ferry flight across the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii. The demonstration flights were part of the Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) exercise led by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF

American Pilot Departs King George Island On Chilean Navy Ship

Ethan Guo, the 20-year-old American pilot seeking to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents in his pursuit to raise money for cancer research, was permitted to leave King George Island in Antarctica two months after landing there under disputed circumstances.

MOSAIC-Centric Event Set For November 6-8, 2025... DON'T Miss It!

After a master strategy meeting this last week on the grounds of the Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo campus, details have been completed for the first MOSAIC-dedicated, MOSAIC-centric Affordable Flying Expo (AFE25). With the rule officially announced, AFE25 stands to be the best opportunity for MOSAIC-interested folks to get their questions answered and for the industry to show the aviation community that they are ready to serve this expanding niche. 

Aimed At Schools, Governments, Agencies, Law Enforcement

TCB Drones Academy, a Dallas, Texas-based provider of drone training programs, announced the launch of a new program of two-day, FAA Part 107 readiness workshops intended for city governments, city and county agencies, high schools, universities, HBCUs, and law enforcement departments.

Also: Sikorsky-CAL FIRE Collab, Big WestJet Order, Southwest Fined, AA's 1000th Mainline Aircraft

The folks at Deltahawk took us up on an invitation to join us at the Midwest Aviation Expo in Mt. Vernon Illinois... where Jim Campbell conducted a reacquaintance test flight in their SR20 testbed... 2 and half years after he flew it the first time... the first aviation journalist to enjoy the distinction. The next generation of Deltahawk Diesel, as installed in the SR20 is an astounding 277 pounds lighter... The aviation world, occasionally, has to put up with its share of nutballs... this time from a 57-year-old man from North Bend, who is now facing 17 charges after police say he broke into the GA area of Southwest Oregon Regional. Joby Aviation announced the completion of a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its autonomous flight technology in logging more than 7,000 miles of autonomous operations in over 40 flight hours, including the succe