Aviation Needs Stability, Credibility, Expertise, and Integrity...

We're coming off one of the most successful, if not THE most successful, Oshkosh special event coverage programs in our 30 year history. It was an uplifting week, despite a few moments of serious heartburn. By now, most of you know that the state of aviation journalism has gone from really really (really) bad... to far worse, as a number of combined publications utilizing practices that disturbed us, appear to be swirling the drain.... taking some good people and a fair amount of the industry with it. 

Metro Nashville Airport Authority Found to Have Violated Grant Assurances

The Federal Aviation Administration Office of Airport Compliance recently issued a Director’s Determination that takes the side of a Nashville skydiving center, finally putting an end to a six-year legal dispute. The agency pointed out multiple grant violations, unreasonable requirements, and purposeful inaction in its decision.

Midnight Aircraft Completes 55 Mile Flight at Speeds Exceeding 125 MPH

Archer Aviation’s ‘Midnight’ electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has completed a 55-mile, 31-minute flight, marking its longest piloted flight to date. This, along with recent speed advancements, is a testament to the company’s envelope expansion efforts ahead of FAA certification.

Also: Solar-Powered Record, IAM Appeals, Airshow Pilot Lost, Air India Flamed

The Unlimited Class recently confirmed that it would be withdrawing from this year’s National Championship Air Races (NCAR), unfortunately following suit with the Sport Class, which announced its decision in late July. This leaves five classes to compete. The Reno Air Racing Association announced the Unlimited Class decision, calling it disappointing but not unexpected given the logistical hurdles of relocating an event that, until now, had spent 59 years in Reno. SpaceX’s Starship is getting prepared to launch on Sunday August 24, with the launch window opening at 6:30 pm CDT. SpaceX has completed its investigations into the ninth flight test that ended with the loss of Starship as well as the Ship 36 static fire anomaly. DoT Secretary Sean Duffy said recently that he is not considering privatizing the FAA or its air traffic control system, despite Pre

Takes Over Role Of TACAMO Missions

The U.S. Navy Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) and the Strategic Communications Wing 1 (SWC-1) revealed the new official popular name for its new Take Charge and Move Out, or TACAMO mission aircraft: the E-130J Phoenix II.

Also: iFly EFB, World Skydiving Day, Air Avionics, Two New CubCrafters Kits

After a master strategy meeting this past 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. Van’s Aircraft RV-15 has officially gone into production. Wing kits will be the first off the line, with deliveries expected before the year’s end. Van’s Aircraft is an iconic name in the homebuilt community, with more than 11,000 aircraft flying worldwide. One of the many surprises at Oshkosh, this year, was not just the classic and classy new Spirit SE-1, but the all-new engine that powered it. Spirit Engine

Organization Highlights Need for Enhanced Safety as Air Traffic Rises

While aviation may be the safest form of travel, a recent report from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) shows just how much room for improvement there is. It pointed out the need to keep safety a top priority as both accident rates and air traffic congestion continue to rise.

Klyde's NOT Feeling The Recovery... (From 04.26.10)

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Building Manufacturing Plants In Dallas-Fort Worth Area

Bell Textron is moving ahead at full throttle to deliver a prototype of the U.S. Army’s Bell MV-75 attack aircraft meant to replace the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.

Agency Issues Official Accreditation Letters For the Multi-Class Competition

Despite recent controversies, the Federal Aviation Administration has given its official approval for the National Championship Air Races to continue, issuing accreditation letters that extend through August 31, 2027. The move allows organizers to move forward with the event’s highly anticipated relaunch in Roswell, New Mexico, this year.