Deadline For Public Comments June 3

The National Business Aviation Association urges its members and business aviation stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns on a U.S. Department of Commerce investigation into the impacts of imports of commercial aircraft, engines, and parts on national security.

Premier Display Area For Featured Aircraft

As many readers probably know, Boeing Plaza is in the center of the grounds and is EAA AirVenture’s premier display area where many aircraft featured during the show are placed for static display. A few of the aircraft usually remain in the plaza through the entire week, but many rotate in and out almost every day and they range from awesome military jets to warbirds to the latest innovations in aviation.

Also: Horizon X7 eVTOL, Golden Dome, Merlin Exp A/W Cert, Rotors v Trees

SpaceX launched its ninth flight test of a complete Starship vehicle nearly on time after a few minutes of holds before getting a move on. This was a far tougher flight test than previous missions, especially for the booster which was subjected to some aggressive and adverse test conditions... which it did not survive before its scheduled landing in the Gulf of America. This was the second flight of the booster... Electra has conducted wind tunnel testing at the MIT Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel that confirmed its blown wing design delivers the high lift for takeoff and landing within just 150 feet, or about 10% of the distance required by conventional aircraft of similar size. Elektra Solar announced that its Elektra Solar Trainer aircraft successfully completed a 900-mile trip from southwestern Germany through Austria and Hungary, terminating in Brasov, Romania. The tri

Also: Duffy Wants $$$, KS Airports, Morningside U’s Aviation School, New Airstrip In ID

After 6 were killed in a helicopter crash over the Hudson River, several US Representatives presented bizarre legislation that would ban pretty much all non-essential helicopter operations across New York City. The bill addresses a general heightened concern for growing air traffic rates in high-density areas and new irrational anti-aviation sentiment. Around 3,000 machinists from two Pratt & Whitney plants in Connecticut officially inked an end to a three-week strike over wages, job security, and retirement benefits by approving a four-year contract. The strike, which began on May 5, marked the company’s first labor stoppage since 2001. H55, Swiss-based developer of electric aircraft, announced the conclusion of the Arizona segment of its Across USA Tour for its Bristell B23 Energic aircraft with 104th landing up to this point. This was the thir

"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. 

Also: Hermeus Quarterhorse MK1, Seaplane Rating Guide, Vietjet A330neos, SFO Wacky Weed Bust

As the air traffic controller shortage trudges on, the US Department of Transportation is rolling out even more financial incentives (aka bribes) to encourage experienced controllers to remain on the job beyond retirement age. The latest offer is a 20% annual bonus. Vertical Aerospace announced that its VX4 eVTOL performed its first successful winged flight with a pilot at the controls, marking the first piloted wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in open European airspace. The flight, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, came on the heels of approval by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, or CAA. SpaceX launched its ninth flight test of a complete Starship vehicle nearly on time after a few minutes of holds before getting a move on. This was a far tougher flight test than previous missions, especially for the booster which was subjected to some ag

Companies Add to the Nearly 40-Member Electric Propulsion and Innovation Committee

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced today that Robinson Helicopters and DeltaHawk have joined the association as full Members. Whisper Aero also joined as an Associate Member under GAMA’s Electric Propulsion & Innovation Committee (EPIC).

Also: Warbirds In Review Schedule, Yak-55M Gets Tossed, DOGE-NTSB Budget Cuts, Joint Base Andrews

The Ercoupe Owners Club announced its 2025 National Convention will be held from Tuesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 19, at the Wausau Downtown Airport (KAUW) in Wisconsin. This year’s event will celebrate the 85th anniversary of the ‘Coupe’s Type Certificate. After the convention, the group will depart for the EAA AirVenture fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh. Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, PHD, discussed on the FAA’s YouTube channel “Pilot Minute” what came out of the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on mental health. Their work was informed through feedback gathered from aviation and medical professionals around the world regarding the barriers that prevent or hinder pilots from reporting and seeking treatment for mental health concerns. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association i

Golden West Jet Center to End FBO Services on June 1

Golden West Jet Center of Oxnard Airport is on its way out, after owner Harold Lee chose not to bid on a renewal for fixed base services. The Oxnard, California airport has been good to Golden West Jet Center, according to Lee, but times have changed and the company just doesn’t jive with the site like they once did. For more than 40 years in the FBO industry, Lee has been everywhere around the area, owning Van Nuys Skyways, Inc, operating as Million Air Burbank at Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR). 

Exploring Potential Use Of Expandable Space Station On Moon

Sierra Space, a Colorado-based commercial space and defense company developing expandable space station, announced it has secured a significant contract from NASA to explore using its technology to develop new solutions for lunar surface logistics and mobility as part of the agency’s Moon to Mars initiative.