Also: FAA Safety Steps, Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, Salem Airport RWY Fight, GA-ASI’s New Uncrewed Fighter

After months of pushback from local pilots and aviation groups, the Kissimmee City Commission officially approved landing fees for Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) on December 20, 2024. The charges took effect on February 1, 2025, requiring pilots to pay $3 per 1,000 pounds for fixed-wing aircraft and a flat $20 for helicopters. Despite overwhelming opposition from the pilot community, the commission locked in a three-year contract with Vector Airport Systems to handle billing—at a 15% commission, of course. The historic B-29 Superfortress “Doc” will be in Abilene, Texas, and is available for booking flight experiences before and after the Wings Over West Texas Air Show at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. Doc will be open for ground and cockpit tours while at Dyess when not performing on April 18-20. In celebratio

Greek Airline Purchases 8 More Airliners to Support Network Growth

AEGEAN, Greece’s flagship carrier, has placed an additional order for eight Airbus A321neo aircraft, bringing its total direct orderbook with Airbus to 60. More than half of these have already been delivered, allowing the airline to support its growing network. AEGEAN’s fleet modernization began with a $5 billion order in 2018.

Also: Electric Helicopter Engine, Spitfire Report, Nat'l Aeronca Convention, Skydiver Manual 

Xyla Foxlin is a social media personality who is an accomplished electronic engineer which allows her to build things she likes, such as campers, boats, airplanes, and rockets. She is also a private pilot and proud owner of a 1946 Cessna 140. Flying has been her passion since childhood... but the FAA is creating bizarre problems for her. We’re not sure that the late Frank Robinson would approve, but Robinson Helicopter Company announced its all-new R88 Model that incorporates the newest Safran Arriel model 950-shp engine. The helicopter is capable of transporting an internal payload of more than 3,000 lbs, has a range of 350 nm, and can remain airborne for more than 3.5 hours. Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to welcome back a familiar sight: the Hemisphere Dancer plane. The iconic seaplane, a centerpiece outside Jimmy Buffett’s Marga

About 100 Ft Above Ground Level, The Engine Exhibited A Reduction In Power To Idle RPM

Analysis: The pilot had recently performed maintenance to the engine carburetor and fuel lines, then completed multiple full-power engine tests before the accident flight. The preflight and engine run-up before takeoff were normal and no anomalies were noted. During the takeoff roll, the engine achieved full rpm. About 100 ft above ground level, the engine exhibited a reduction in power to idle rpm.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Drone Racing A Hit At Sebring

The Sebring Sport Aviation Expo has "Sport" prominently featured in its name, and one of the fastest-growing segments of sports, and sport aviation, is drone racing. So it would seem to make sense that steps from the Sebring Speedway, drone racing was taking place at the January air show. Brian Morris of Team Multistar told ANN CEO and Editor in Chief Jim Campbell that there were about 110 of the fastest drone pilots competing at the show for a total prize purse of $20,000, with $10,000 going to the overall winner of the event.

Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Directional Control Of The Airplane During Takeoff

Analysis: The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff, the airplane yawed left, exited the runway, and ground looped. During the ground loop, the airplane’s right wing impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel head bracket was broken in two places. Metallurgical examination of the fractured tailwheel head bracket revealed that the bracket flanges had separated due to overstress, likely because of the pilot’s loss of airplane control during takeoff and subsequent ground loop.

Aero Linx: Mercy Medical Airlift Mercy Medical Airlift provides assistance and charitable medical transportation system to those in need of air medical transportation. These are their programs: National Patient Travel Center, Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, Airlift Hope America, Charitable Patient Airline Tickets, Air Compassion America, Air Compassion for Veterans, Angel Bus, HSEATS, Special Lift, Stretcher Patient Transport, Air Charity Network Support, Charitable Aviation Association Management, and Angel Flight at NIH.   

Choose How YOU Want To View Your Aero News: 'Headlines Only' Mode

We're all pretty excited about the current website design here at ANN, but we HAVE heard from some of you that you liked the way that content was displayed on the old site.  We hear you, and before you chuck your bitgrinder out a 5th story window, you should know that there are several ways that you can view your Aero-Content.

Decision Height (DH) With respect to the operation of aircraft, means the height at which a decision must be made during an ILS or PAR instrument approach to either continue the approach or to execute a missed approach.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be able to lead such an impactful global organization that is known for the great work it does on behalf of the general aviation industry. I look forward to working with our membership to continue to advocate for policies and regulations that allow for the industry to grow, flourish and advance innovation... While this is an exciting time for our industry there is still a lot of work to be done to meet new and ongoing challenges. It is important that we continue to illustrate the robust opportunities and economic and societal benefits that our industry provides around the world. Under my leadership, I plan for GAMA to provide valuable thought leadership and continue to be a commanding and astute voice for the good of its membership and the entire industry.” Source: A statement by James A. Viola who is now officially the new President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the sixth leader of the association since it was founded 55 years