Evaluation, Validation of Systems Capabilities For STC Approval

Merlin, developer of  assured autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, announced its flight testing campaign continues to rapidly progress with its certification-ready Cessna Caravan at Quonset State Airport (KOQU) in North Kingstown, Rhode island.

MSFS's Super Patriot to Make In-Person Appearance Alongside Digital Rendition

FlightSimExpo is coming back for 2025, taking place at the Rhode Island Convention Center from June 27 to 29. It’s nice to see the Flight Simulation Association keep up their tempo in the industry, as one of the few cost-effective, accessible routes to onboard newcomers into aviation. Sim fidelity is worlds apart from where it was in decades past, and each year the Association finds ways to show the computer-avoidant what they’ve been missing.

Manufacturer’s Concerns Met With Silence by the Dubai CAA

Prague-based start-up Dronetag has confronted the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority for allegedly selling an identical copy of its remote ID device, the Mini. Despite its legal team reaching out several times, they have not received a response. Dronetag is an EU-funded and NATO-supported manufacturer.

Modern Skies Unites Over 50 Aviation Industry Organizations

The National Business Aviation Association threw its weight behind Modern Skies, an aviation industry coalition of more than 50 organizations, in endorsing Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s proposal to invest in completely overhauling the nation’s air traffic control system.

First Of Its Kind For Large Remotely-Piloted Aircraft

The Military Aviation Authority of the UK announced it issued a Military Type Certificate to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 uncrewed aircraft system, also known as the MQ-9B, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), of Poway, California.

Also: Rotax Service Instruction, LAA Jabiru Alert, New AMA Boss, FlightSimExpo

ANN’s Jim Campbell got an hour in the SLEEK Blackshape Prime last week along with a chance to wring it out a bit in order to investigate its performance and capabilities. The current generation of tandem hotrods are getting a lot of attention... but the Prime appears to deserve it. Our low-wing composite test bird was powered by a Rotax 915 and an MT prop, retractable gear and a lavish bubble canopy that makes one feel like they are flying a goldfish bowl... The Porto Aviation Risen has gotten a LOT of attention for a non-stop Trans-Atlantic run to oshkosh last year, distinctive looks and some impressive cruise speeds... but now, Porto reports that they have conducted necessary flutter analysis to make sure that the bird can handle the speeds demonstrated to this point. DirectFly USA brought several of its best-sellers, the Alto NG, to this year’s SUN

Restored Beech SNB Expeditor Open For Skydiving Opportunities

A beautifully restored Twin Beechcraft 18 in its original military configuration as an SNB-5 Expeditor called “Sonoran Beauty” of the Commemorative Air Force’s Mile High Wing in Broomfield, Colorado, has been officially certified as a platform for parachute jump ops.

Also: 787-Billion Pax, Ryanair Buying Chinese, Ballooning HoF, ERAU MX Competition

An NTSB Preliminary report is shedding some light on the Rob Holland tragedy. And there now seems to be a mechanical element as a prime suspect. The flight was destined for LFI, where the airplane made a normal approach to the runway and when it was over the end of the runway, it leveled off about 50 ft above the runway and flew straight down the runway for several hundred feet. ‘The airplane then “porpoised” twice, pitched “straight up,” rolled 90° to the left and descended to ground impact.’ 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. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be thro

Also: Tricky Golf Course Deadstick, Textron Special Olympics, Artemis II, FlightSimExpo!

Stratolaunch conducted the second successful launch and recovery of its Talon-A2 autonomous vehicle in a flight that exceeded its previous speed beyond Mach 5, also for the second time. Stratolaunch is focused on expanding its hypersonic flight testing to support US defense objectives in its return to hypersonic flight since the end of the X-15 program in 1968. FIFI, one of only two flying B-29 Superfortresses, will be grounded for the next month or so for intensive repairs to two of its engines. Unfortunately, this timing means that the Commemorative Air Force will be forced to push back its 2025 AirPower History Tour. Spirit AeroSystems is temporarily laying off between 250 and 350 employees at its Wichita facility, citing an overproduction of parts for the Boeing 737. The furloughs, which begin May 12 and are expected to last about 30 days. They will

Extensive Knowledge, Expertise, Experience Characterize Anderson

Janet Petro released the statement below concerning President Donald Trump’s nomination of Matt Anderson to serve as the Deputy Administrator of the agency. “As a retired United States Air Force colonel and executive of the Space Force Association, Matt Anderson brings extensive knowledge of space operations, aeronautics expertise, and industry experience. If confirmed, he would join NASA’s leadership team at a time when partnerships and a sharpened focus on mission are essential to our continued success.