Feds Approve License Modification While Holding Back Launch Clearance

The Federal Aviation Administration recently granted SpaceX several license modifications for  Starship Flight 9, but not without a catch. The agency will have to either complete its investigation of the Flight 8 mishap or make a return to flight determination before Starship is launched again.

Montana Guardsmen Cited for Unauthorized Landing on Private Property

Three Montana Army National Guard members are facing criminal trespassing charges after authorities say they landed a Black Hawk helicopter on private property to collect elk antlers. The penalty is a $185 fine. The alleged incident occurred on May 4 during a training flight from Billings to Helena.

Two On Board Swim To Shore After Escaping Uninjured

A glider with two persons on board made what was called a spectacular emergency landing in the Eisack River in Bolzano in northeastern Italy on May 10, 2025. The two were uninjured and were able to exit the glider and made it safely to shore.

Also: FedEx Pilots, Army Restructuring, Alaska ANG, Incentive for ATC Hiring

EAA Chapter 534 in Leesburg, Florida announced that the 2025 Ray Aviation Scholarship winner is Abdiel Hernandez from Tavares, Florida, a 16-year-old finishing up his sophomore year at Tavares High School. Abdiel has been a member of the EAA Chapter 534 youth program for some time and has taken several flights with their Young Eagles program. He has always had an interest in aviation, and wants to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. 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. 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 f

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: National Space Council, IAG Orders, Joby Formation, MH17 Blame Placed 

A bill to limit frivolous use of ADS-B tracking data was signed into law by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. This legislation battles the recent trend of US airports using ADS-B information to impose landing fees on general aviation planes. fter a ‘telecommunications issue’ with Philadelphia TRACON brought yet another string of delays, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared plans to cut back flights into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The ground stop lasted for around 45 minutes. Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport will be reduced “for the next several weeks,” Duffy claimed... Hartzell Engine Tech acquired E-MAG, maker of aircraft electronic ignition systems that are lightweight, reliable, and provide longer engine lifespans, improved starting, and smooth idle. Hartzell Engine Tech intends to obtain certif

Also: MQ-9B UAS MTC, FlightSimExpo, New JPL Director, Japanese Lunar Lander Preps

Merlin’s flight testing campaign continues to rapidly progress with its certification-ready Cessna Caravan at Quonset State Airport (KOQU) in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Recent test flights validated core systems functionalities including Flight Guidance and Autothrottle. These assist the aircraft in maintaining its desired flight path and automatically manage airspeed using engine thrust. Dronetag has confronted the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority for allegedly selling an identical copy of its remote ID device, the Mini. Despite its legal team reaching out several times, they have not received a response. Dronetag is an EU-funded and NATO-supported manufacturer that produces a variety of technologies for drones. Several of these are remote ID devices, which serve as a sort of digital license plate to broadcast the drone's location data to other parties

Also: Qatar Boeing Order, Bernie Sander's Carbon Footprint, Bell's 6,000th, 27th Air Force Secretary

DJI’s recent flagship drone announcement was slightly diminished by the decision to exclude US customers from the launch. Though the US and DJI have been on poor terms for years, many did not expect the drone manufacturer to willingly sacrifice such a large market. More than a decade after the accident occurred, the UN's aviation council ruled that Russia was responsible for the deaths of all 298 passengers and crew on board Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. ICAO will decide how the nation can right its wrongs. On July 17, 2014, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 took off from Amsterdam with plans to land in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It was in cruise over a rural area in the Donetsk Oblast of Eastern Ukraine when a surface-to-air missile shot it down, killing 298 passengers and crew. Australia-based company CycloTech recently

First Direct Boeing Purchase For Global Aircraft Lessor

Saudi Arabia-based AviLease announced its first direct order for Boeing aircraft, which includes a firm purchase of 20 737-8s and options for 10 more. The order furthers AviLease’s goal of becoming a top-ten global aircraft lessor, the company announced on May 13.

Deal Worth $1.4B Green-Lit Before President’s Visit

The U.S. State Department announced the approval of a $1.4 billion sale of helicopters and F-16 parts to the United Arab Emirates, with the Congress already notified in the days prior to President Trump’s visit to the country. The proposed sale is for $1.32 billion for CH-47 Chinook helos and about $130 worth of F-16 parts.