Reusable Vehicle Exceeds Mach 5 In Second Launch, Recovery

Stratolaunch announced the second successful launch and recovery of its Talon-A2 autonomous vehicle in a March flight that exceeded its previous speed beyond Mach 5, also for the second time, demonstrating its practical reusability.

Bill Would Place a 10% Tax on Aircraft Valued at Over $500K

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is making its voice heard, urging the Washington Governor to throw out a potential new tax on ‘luxury recreational vehicles.’ This applies to not only motor homes and boats, but also non-commercial aircraft valued above $500,000.

Distributor? Sells Out SUN ‘n FUN Display, Begins Filling Up 2025 Slots

Light sport aircraft Distributor, DirectFly USA, brought several of its best-sellers, the Alto NG, to this year’s SUN ‘n FUN aerospace expo. In the end, every single one sold and will be put to work in a flight training role. Demand has yet to slow, with this year’s production slots still filling up.

ATC Asks Two Delta Flights to Go-Around Due to a Military Helicopter Nearby

Federal Aviation Administration investigators are looking into two aborted landings at Reagan National Airport (DCA) on May 1. These go-arounds were issued by an air traffic controller who believed a military transport helicopter was too close for comfort.

Saudi Arabia, UAE May Also Be Lining Up Investments

According to reports, Qatar Airways is finalizing a large order for Boeing widebody aircraft, and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are also planning to announce aircraft investments when President Donald Trump visits the Middle East beginning May 13.

State Dept Approves $310M Deal For F-16 Support

The U.S. State Department has given initial approval for the sale to Ukraine of $310.5 million worth of equipment and training support for F-16 fighter jets in a deal that will also promote improved cooperation with the U.S. Air Force.

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

An Amazing Experience Awaits The Chosen Few...

Oshkosh, to us, seems the perfect place to get started on watching aviation recover the past couple of years... and so ANN is putting EXTRA effort and resources into our coverage of Oshkosh 2025... just a little under 90 days hence. We are now undertaking the process to seek talented stringers to help us present Oshkosh and the sport and general aviation community to the world around us. If you ever thought about joining us, this is THE year to do it. IF YOU want to be a part of this unique adventure, speak up NOW, rather than later, because we're going to be looking for the best volunteer folks we can find and are planning to do so ASAP. You've been warned (grin)....

Also: AMA Names Tyler Dobbs, More Falcon 9 Ops, Firefly Launch Unsuccessful, Autonomous F-16s

The Air Force has begun ground testing a future uncrewed jet design in a milestone towards pilotless dogfighting. The YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A will be used to evaluate proposed focusing on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration and ground control interfaces, helping to validate the performance of things as they are now while the USAF plans for future developments. A recent analysis claims that drones are responsible for up to two-thirds of near-misses with commercial aircraft at America’s busiest airports. The FAA has taken steps to avoid these events, but the spike in unauthorized drone flights certainly is not aiding their cause. Joby Aviation has reason to celebrate, recently completing its first full transition from vertical to horizontal flight with a pilot on board. This puts the aircraft one step closer to achieving commercial operation

National Mediation Board Says Parties Met 2X in April, But Nothing’s Inked Yet

FedEx pilots added the fourth annual notch in their prison wall carving this week, marking 4 years of negotiations since they opened things up in 2021. FedEx pilots have been flying using the last Collective Bargaining Agreement from November of 2015, soldiering on as they try to reach an agreement with the company. “The case has been under federal mediation since October 2022,” the ALPA says.