For Homebuilt, Kit-Built, Very Light Aircraft Markets

VoltAero announced the launch of its HPU 210 aircraft powertrain, making the patented hybrid-electric propulsion available to propeller-driven aircraft in the homebuilt, kit-built, and very light aircraft categories.

Australian Rocket Launch Actually Cancelled By a Less Cute, More Mundane Fault

Australian launch provider Gilmour Space Technologies had to cancel a mission in May thanks to a nosy little bird, or so the internet had hoped. On May 16th, Gilmour Space cancelled the mission when an electrical fault triggered deployment of the rocket’s payload fairing prior to fueling. With the issue discovered, Gilmour put off the launch for a later date and got to work trying to figure out what went wrong. Not long after, the company’s social media posted a whimsical still frame from one of their myriad system cameras, found as they methodically scrubbed through each and every second of footage for the problem’s cause. 

Alvin Brown Was Fired in Early May for Unknown Reasons

Alvin Brown, former Jacksonville mayor, is suing President Donald Trump after being removed from his position as vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board. His dismissal had seemingly no reasoning to back it up, putting it in direct violation of the agency’s statutory protections.

Plant Takes a Well-Deserved Fishing Trip to Mark the Milestone

Sensenich took a company-wide day off on June 6, 2025, to celebrate a major milestone: the production of its 100,000th composite propeller blade. The manufacturer began venturing into composites, expanding from its already wide collection of wood and metal designs, in the late 1990s.

One-Stick Solution Inching Closer to Fulfillment

Skyryse has been given FAA approval to enter for-credit flight testing using their proprietary SkyOS operating system. Their current demonstrator for the Skyryse One is a Robinson R66 with Rolls-Royce power. It will be interesting to see their success with it, as they continue flight testing. The single-stick control scheme already has appreciators in the industry, too, like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Rapid Implementation Needed Of FAA Reauthorization Section 627

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) testified to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation during a hearing to discuss stakeholder feedback on the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. The Association urged the rapid implementation of rules to support low-altitude IFR operations for rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft.

Major Carriers Seek a Two-Year Delay for the Secondary Barrier Ruling

A group of major US airlines, represented by Airlines for America, recently filed a petition to delay a federal mandate for secondary flight deck barriers. This generated some worthy confusion and criticism from pilot unions, including the Air Line Pilots Association.

From 2021: The Inside Skinny On What Being An ANN Oshkosh Stringer Is All About

By ANN Senior Stringer Extraordinare, Gene Yarbrough The annual gathering at Oshkosh is a right of passage or a pilgrimage to Mecca for many. However the rank and file public rarely have the opportunity to experience the FULL Oshkosh experience. Oshkosh, like onions and ogres, is a multi-layered microcosm within the enigma of the greater Wisconsin county in which it transpires. The Aero-News Network stringer has opportunity, and if so inclined, the access to every aspect of general aviation including the "behind the scenes" view few even know exist.

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: AV-30-C Software Upgrade, Paraglider Extremes, EarthX STC for Pitts, Vintage Aircraft Association

Not only have the folks at Van’s Aircraft designed a new wing for the RV-15, but they just started flying it. One of the most anxiously awaited aircraft expected at Oshkosh 2025 seems to be hitting its final strides before Van’s freezes the design and starts on a path to kithood. The new wing offers a number of upgrades including an expansion of fuel capacity to 60 gallons, and the first flight apparently met with the approval of those involved in the initial flight test, though data is slim at this point. The first in the Scalebirds Lite Fighter series is nearing design completion after extensive flight testing and some final load tests. The first of their birds, a P-36 (to be followed by a P-40), has been flying for some time now and some kits are in the process of being distributed and evaluated by test builders. A novel Son