Vehicle Experienced “Anomaly” During Fuel Loading For Static Fire Test

A SpaceX Starship second stage, Ship 36, mounted on a test stand loading fuel for a static fire test was destroyed in a huge explosion that was seen and heard for miles around Starbase in South Texas, startling residents in Cameron County where Starbase is located.

Aerodrome Awaits FAA Authorization for Returning Air Bosses

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has cancelled a second weekend of events, further delaying the start of its 2025 airshow season. The organization clarified that the setback is out of its control, with two of its three Air Bosses awaiting reauthorization from the FAA.  

“Freedom of Flight” Event Treats Local Heroes to Rides on the Iconic Bomber

In August, the Commemorative Air Force’s legendary B-25 bomber will be part of a very special “Freedom of Flight” event at Michigan’s Menominee Regional Airport (MNM). Rides on “Miss Mitchell” will be offered to veterans and open for public purchase.

Higher Energy Density Cell Extends Electric Aircraft Range

magniX announced its new next-generation Samson battery is powered by a 400 Wh/kg cell developed with its cell partner and leads the industry in energy density. magniX now looks beyond electric aircraft at wider, non-aerospace applications for batteries in defense, industry, storage, and marine.

Purchase Comes Just Ahead Of Paris Air Show

Elixir Aircraft announced it has received an order fro 30 of its training aircraft from the French flight school École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile, or ENAC, to replace its fleet of VFR trainers and is expected to be completed during 2026-27.

Also: Aviation Mental Health Bill, JetZero Taps NC, Radia Windrunner Avionics, Iowa Lakes Aviation Program

The Vertical Flight Society announced that dozens of the world’s electric aircraft developers and tech experts will be presenting at the 19th Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium (EAS) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 19-20, 2025, just prior to the EAA AirVenture. More than 35 experts will participate in this year’s EAS in 12 in-depth moderated discussions that will cover the full range of topics across the entire advanced air mobility – AAM – Industry. The FAA’s MedXpress website has been updated to assist pilots getting ready for the next visit with their AME, or aviation medical examiner, to renew their medical certificate. A comprehensive “Know Before You Go” document walks applicants through the steps necessary to prepare for the AME exam. This includes gathering medical records that must be su

"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: ENAC Orders 30 Elixir, Sporty’s New IFR Focus, Mental Health Bill, Enhanced Controller Training

King Schools and Four Forces announced a collaboration that integrates the Cessna Flight Training System’s Course Tracking Application with Four Forces' Flight School Management Software suite. The integrated software packages eliminate the need for double or triple-entry of flight training data between the flight lesson tracking system and the scheduling and billing systems. The FAA’s MedXpress website has been updated to assist pilots getting ready for the next visit with their AME, or aviation medical examiner, to renew their medical certificate. A comprehensive “Know Before You Go” document walks applicants through the steps necessary to prepare for the AME exam. This includes gathering medical records that must be submitted as well as any guidance on post-exam procedures that might be necessary. Bryan Bedfo

Leonardo Extends Long Partnership At Paris Air Show

The Paris Air Show chalked up another aircraft deal as Leonardo and Falcon Aviation Services announced a new order for an AW139 twin-engine intermediate helicopter. The aircraft was ordered by Falcon’s owner, His highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and will feature a VVIP 8-seat configuration, hinged doors, and other comfort and entertainment equipment.

Also: Ukrainian A-22 UAV Shootdown, Axiom 4 Launch, G7 TFR Intercept, Sao Paulo Hot Air Balloon Fatality

DeltaHawk published a short video of a recent test flight using a Van’s RV-14, giving builders and buyers a hint of what’s to come. The test flight looks promising so far, and DeltaHawk is excited to offer builders some cutting-edge tech to finish off their build. They gave a little peek behind the curtain with a recent YouTube clip showing their RV-14 testing. Boeing and GE Aerospace are taking a step out of the public eye after both of their tech went down in an Air India crash on June 12. Both companies cited a need to focus on investigating the accident, which left more than 240 people dead. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was scheduled to operate as AI 171 from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMB) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Bryan Bedford, President Trump’s nominee to head the FAA, has cla