Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Two-Year Deal Includes Improvements In Scheduling And Working Conditions
Pilots flying for Keewatin Air, a subsidiary of the Exchange Income Corporation announced that they have secured a two-year contract with management. The pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) and this is the first-ever collective bargaining agreement between pilots and the airline.
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Further Damages Safety Reputation of the Controversial Machine
The Japanese military has grounded its fleet of V-22 Osprey vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft after a takeoff mishap. The aircraft involved was participating in a joint exercise with the US, titled Keen Sword, and carrying 16 service members. No injuries were reported, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
FAA Issues Directive Following Reports of In-Flight Shutdowns
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) affecting Lycoming engine models with specific connecting rod assemblies. This was prompted by a series of reports of con rod failures that caused uncontained engine breakdowns and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). According to the FAA, around 16,000 engines on US aircraft fall under the directive.
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Also: Senator Pushes FAA, Gulfstream Goes Starlink, Crew-8 Astro Out of Hospital, PC-12 Flight Hours
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft successfully carried out Flight Six last week, achieving the primary objective of testing the Flutter Excitation System (FES). The company said the flight made significant progress toward validating a fully functional FES, as it was successfully tested at Mach 0.65, a higher airspeed than the previous flutter test point. Evektor has partnered with Odyssey Pilot Hours, a training and time-building operation in Erie, Colorado, to deliver twelve Harmony aircraft in the next few months. Odyssey has taken delivery of the first six Harmonys, with four more to come by the end of 2024, and the final two will join the fleet in early 2025. On 27 October 2004, the American adventurer Steve Fossett set a new speed record in a Zeppelin NT airship. His speed of 115 km/h still stands today, 20 years on, as an abso
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Reservations Still Being Accepted For Future Editions
Los Angeles, California-based Skyryse announced that reservations for its Skyryse One First Edition helicopters have sold out in just six months. Early adopters received an exclusive introductory base price of $1.8 million but reservations are still being accepted with current pricing based on placement on the reservation list. Enthusiasm is high and interested parties are encouraged to act as quickly as possible to get on the reservation list.
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Also: Boeing To Sell Off Space Biz?, Naval Aviator Honors, Prop Accident, More B-21s?
The ArkanSTOL executive team announced that its annual event and competition would be suspended indefinitely. They cited “evolving professional and personal responsibilities” as the cause, which is certainly a believable statement with the amount of commitment and planning that these grassroot aviation outings require. This unfortunate, yet understandable decision follows last year’s uniquely successful event. Stratolaunch recently completed a set of flight tests aimed to expand the envelope of its Roc air launch aircraft. With a 385 foot wingspan, the Roc is larger than any other aircraft to date. This series of flight tests were held during May and June. They confirmed Roc’s ability to support speeds up to Mach 0.63, operate at altitudes up to 35,000 feet, and return to flight with a shortened break period. NASA has released an updated set of
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Also: Large Formation Skydiving, USCG Medevac, ARTCC Meteorologists, SpaceX 2024 100th
The 2024 Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Drone Racing Championship has kicked off in Hangzhou, China. The FAI chose the Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC), supported by the National Sports Group, to host the 2024 event. Manta Aircraft has entered a partnership with Shenyang Aviation Industries Group to develop and certify its hybrid-electric vertical/short takeoff and landing (HeV/STOL) aircraft in China. The six-seater aircraft, dubbed the ANN Plus, aims to enhance versatility, efficiency, and sustainability in regional air transportation. Appareo has introduced Stratus Power Max -- the latest addition to their TSO-certified USB charging products. Designed to provide maximum power and versatility with dual USB-C connectors, the device delivers up to 60 watts of charging power. This advanced charging solution ensu
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Regulations Modify Currency, Qualification, and Training Processes
On December 1, 2024, the FAA will be finalizing major changes for current and future certified flight instructors (CFIs). While many modifications are included in this, the most major is the elimination of certificate expiration dates. The FAA claims that these regulatory changes will allow more efficient licensing and keep CFIs engaged in flight training.
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
Agency Shares DPE Utilization and Authorization Growth Effort
This year’s Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Symposium began with a presentation from FAA senior leadership. It discussed the agency’s work to increase the DPE pool and how it has paid off so far. The presentation was led by Trey McClure, the FAA's Acting Manager of the General Aviation and Commercial division, and Everett Rochon, the agency’s Manager of Airmen Training and Certification.
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Tue, Nov 05, 2024
New Lithium-Ion Batteries Reduce Weight, Maintenance, and Costs
As a part of the 2024 National Business Aviation Association’s Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), True Blue Power showcased its 5th generation battery lineup. This uses lithium-ion technology to increase power available while maintaining size and decreasing weight. True Blue’s 5th generation of batteries aim to ensure that customers “start lighter, start faster, and start smarter.” They are more compact than standard options, saving up to 85 lbs per battery, and permit smoother engine starts in all weather conditions. The built-in Battery Management System (BMS) also reduces costs by eliminating the need for maintenance checks. Gen5 batteries only require on-condition inspections and can last up to 8 years.
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