Version 3.0.1 for the Company’s Flagship AV-30-C Flight Display Earns Approval

The FAA recently gave its nod approval to the latest software version of uAvionix’s certified AV-30-C flight display. This upgrade aims to provide both feature and functionality improvements for VFR and IFR pilots. The AV-30-C is widely used in general aviation as a replacement for the traditional AI or DG in VFR or IFR operations.

Issues RFI For “Integrator” To Coordinate All Aspects Of Project

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the FAA is looking for an innovative company to play the role of “integrator” who will lead the build-out of a brand-new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system. As a way to encourage industry partners to join in and discuss the plan, Duffy and the FAA are hosting “Industry Days” on June 10-12.

Rocheleau Asks for $22 Bil to Modernize the National Airspace System

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau recently took the stage to present the agency’s budget request for fiscal year 2026. His $22 billion ask, on top of the pre-allocated $5 billion, would support some much-needed technology upgrades, a hiring supercharge, and several other projects.

Branch Looks to Revamp Trainer Fleet, Flight Instruction, and Simulator Use

Under its Flight School Next initiative, the US Army is looking to completely revamp its helicopter training programs. This could include replacing its well-loved UH-72A Lakotas, bringing in new instruction methodologies, and introducing additional simulator training.

Cost-Cutting Not Targeting ATC, Engineers, Inspectors

Departures and resignations are surging at the FAA, driven in part by a cost-cutting program implemented under the Trump administration, numbering about 1,200 and accounting for about 3% of the 46,000 employees, but the agency said frontline positions such as air traffic controllers, engineers, and inspectors are not part of the program and the cuts do not affect them.

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)....

12V Lithium Batteries Provide Impressive Weight and Life Span Savings

Colorado-based lithium battery manufacturer EarthX is now offering its 12V and 24V FAA TSO-certified batteries to the general aviation market. The 12V model was even recently granted an STC for several Cessna 172 and Aviat Pitts aircraft.

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 Sonex Waie

Also: AV-8B Harrier For CAF Arizona, Boeing Gets ODA, Army NG Rescue, Longitude To C. America

A California Superior Court judge recently ruled that GAMI’s unleaded avgas does not meet the legal definition of “commercially available,” meaning FBOs and distributors in the state are not required to stock or sell it, particularly not in place of 100LL. The decision follows a motion by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) seeking to enforce a 2014 consent judgment requiring fuel sellers to offer a lower-lead alternative when one becomes widely available. The FAA has required SpaceX to conduct an investigation of the Starship Flight 9 mission, which lasted significantly longer than the two previous flights but still resulted in the loss of the Ship upper stage vehicle after a propellant leak led to a loss of control and a controlled termination of the mission. Jordan Dwayne Jackson, 36, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 15