The Light Utility Chopper First Flew in 1975 Before Being Certified in 1979

Robinson Helicopter Company is celebrating the 50th air-niversary of its iconic two-seat workhorse design: the R22. This light utility helicopter is not only the cornerstone of Robinson’s offerings, but also a staple in the worldwide market for entry-level buyers and flight training centers. Since it hit the market in 1979, more than 5,000 have been delivered.

Controversial Study Finds that Facial Hair Compromises Oxygen Mask Seals

Qantas Airways is considering cracking down on grooming standards for its pilots, referencing a recent (and controversial) study that tied beards to improper seals in oxygen masks. Prior research directly contradicts these findings, earning the airline plenty of pushback from crewmembers.

Project Earned $8.5 Million in FAA Funding Last Year

After more than a year, Philadelphia International Airport’s Runway 8-26 has reopened with a new feature to protect runaway aircraft. The Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) is proven technology, with 24 real-world overrun saves already under its belt.

Also: GADFLY AI-Driven Engine Analysis, Knockoff Iranian Drones, Russian Surveillance, 40 NASA Missions Chopped

This year’s Zenith Homecoming event will soon be taking off at the plane maker’s kit factory, located on the grounds of Mexico Memorial Airport (KMYJ) in Missouri. 2025 marks the 34th round of the annual Open Hangar Days and Fly-In, bringing together kit builders and aviation enthusiasts from across the country. The event, held on September 19 and 20, has a fairly similar format to previous years. The FAA’s Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) is the current path for unleaded aviation fuels to clear regulatory hurdles… and it is not designed for shortcuts. Race Fuel Technology developer VP Racing is diving headfirst into this multi-year process with its UL100E unleaded avgas. After a master strategy meeting earlier this month on the grounds of the Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo campus, details have been completed for

Cadets Collect Atmospheric Observations With GLOBE Observer App

The Civil Air Patrol and NASA collaborate in the agency’s Aviation Weather Mission team to lead a nationwide project to advance scientific understanding of weather in the atmospheric layers where aircraft fly.

Also: 500-Aircraft Deal With China, Florida ANG's F-35, FAA Denies Petition, UC Central Arkansas Aviation Academy

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is offering its apologies to fans for the double class withdrawal from this year’s National Championship Air Races (NCAR). This comes in the form of 10 percent ticket refunds on existing orders, a 10 percent price drop on all new tickets, and the option to seek a complete refund or deferral to 2026. The three largest European suppliers of leaded avgas were recently granted an extension to the EU’s ban, securing 100LL production until April 2032. The first of the three approvals, granted for Shell, came from the European Commission’s REACH Committee on June 26. It passed with 26 votes in favor, one abstention, and none opposed, effectively securing Shell’s 100LL supply chain for the next seven years. DHS may be looking to create its own sort of airline for deporting illegal i

With SpaceX’s Push for 44 Launches Per Year, Delays Will Only Worsen

SpaceX’s plan to not only bring its Starship megarocket to the Sunshine State, but also expand operations to 44 launches per year could mean serious trouble for major airports and airlines. The FAA predicts average delays of up to two hours… or longer, if Starship keeps its habit of turning launches into firework shows.

Also: ERAU Uses UAVs, P550 Group 2 UAS, Starship’s Florida Launches, NASA Missions Chopped

The Air Force has put out a call to commission a one-to-one copy of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136. This is a low-cost attack drone that Russia has been using heavily against Ukraine… and that the US wants to know just how to take down. The request for information specifies that the drone must match the Shahed’s form, fit, and function, though the government isn’t providing any technical specifics. The X37B Orbital Test Vehicle launched this past week, August 21, on its eighth mission, lifting off at 11:50 p.m. ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The vehicle is now reported as 'healthy' on orbit and proceeding with standard checkout. Less than six months after completing its seventh mission with a landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., on March 7, 2025, the spaceplane is back in space. The US Army is

Also: Air Race Tkts Marked Down, Kirk Hawkins Lost, GADFLY AI-Driven Engine Analysis, Sport Aviation Halls of Fame

The Aero-News crew is getting ready to pack up a lot of video gear, their laptops and other tools in order to cover next week’s MidWest Aviation Expo. The 17th ANNUAL Midwest Aviation Expo will be Thursday, September 4-6, 2025 at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (MVN) Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Midwest Aviation Expo has been specifically organized to showcase the sport aviation industry and they do it quite well... turning into one of our favorite annual events... affording one and all to see some of the latest LSA and other sport aircraft as well as conduct a LOT of demo rides and one-on-one conversations about the planes and products on display. With MOSAIC finally in the rear view mirror, a number of promising LSA and Sport Aviation projects are starting to emerge out of the darkness. one of the more interesting is the Vickers wave, and all

With Vintage Halon Units About the Expire, the Time to Replace is Now

Avcon Industries has been given STC approval for the installation of their non-halon portable fire extinguisher replacements in a long list of Learjets. With Halon on the outs around the globe, it's good news if any Learjet operators are still running around with their original units. Avcon says they've got things started for approval from EASA, but for now, the FAA's given their blessing.