Vehicle Experienced “Anomaly” During Fuel Loading For Static Fire Test

A SpaceX Starship second stage, Ship 36, mounted on a test stand loading fuel for a static fire test was destroyed in a huge explosion that was seen and heard for miles around Starbase in South Texas, startling residents in Cameron County where Starbase is located.

Aerodrome Awaits FAA Authorization for Returning Air Bosses

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has cancelled a second weekend of events, further delaying the start of its 2025 airshow season. The organization clarified that the setback is out of its control, with two of its three Air Bosses awaiting reauthorization from the FAA.  

“Freedom of Flight” Event Treats Local Heroes to Rides on the Iconic Bomber

In August, the Commemorative Air Force’s legendary B-25 bomber will be part of a very special “Freedom of Flight” event at Michigan’s Menominee Regional Airport (MNM). Rides on “Miss Mitchell” will be offered to veterans and open for public purchase.

Purchase Comes Just Ahead Of Paris Air Show

Elixir Aircraft announced it has received an order fro 30 of its training aircraft from the French flight school École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile, or ENAC, to replace its fleet of VFR trainers and is expected to be completed during 2026-27.

Also: ENAC Orders 30 Elixir, Sporty’s New IFR Focus, Mental Health Bill, Enhanced Controller Training

King Schools and Four Forces announced a collaboration that integrates the Cessna Flight Training System’s Course Tracking Application with Four Forces' Flight School Management Software suite. The integrated software packages eliminate the need for double or triple-entry of flight training data between the flight lesson tracking system and the scheduling and billing systems. The FAA’s MedXpress website has been updated to assist pilots getting ready for the next visit with their AME, or aviation medical examiner, to renew their medical certificate. A comprehensive “Know Before You Go” document walks applicants through the steps necessary to prepare for the AME exam. This includes gathering medical records that must be submitted as well as any guidance on post-exam procedures that might be necessary. Bryan Bedfo

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: Aviation Mental Health Bill, JetZero Taps NC, Radia Windrunner Avionics, Iowa Lakes Aviation Program

The Vertical Flight Society announced that dozens of the world’s electric aircraft developers and tech experts will be presenting at the 19th Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium (EAS) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 19-20, 2025, just prior to the EAA AirVenture. More than 35 experts will participate in this year’s EAS in 12 in-depth moderated discussions that will cover the full range of topics across the entire advanced air mobility – AAM – Industry. The FAA’s MedXpress website has been updated to assist pilots getting ready for the next visit with their AME, or aviation medical examiner, to renew their medical certificate. A comprehensive “Know Before You Go” document walks applicants through the steps necessary to prepare for the AME exam. This includes gathering medical records that must be su

Higher Energy Density Cell Extends Electric Aircraft Range

magniX announced its new next-generation Samson battery is powered by a 400 Wh/kg cell developed with its cell partner and leads the industry in energy density. magniX now looks beyond electric aircraft at wider, non-aerospace applications for batteries in defense, industry, storage, and marine.

"OIQ"???—What The Heck Is That?

Pay attention, Oshkosh exhibitors... this is IMPORTANT. The OIQ is something essential for those of you doing any kind of business at AirVenture 2025— it's your OSHKOSH INNOVATION QUOTIENT, and it can be critially important to the success of your efforts. It determines your relevance, your ability to innovate, and your value to the aviation world.  And this year, we think there is no better way to display it than one of the most anticipated episodes of ANN's award-winning Airborne news program—dramatically scheduled for the Friday before AirVenture opens the gates.