Legislation Includes Priorities To Strengthen Aviation Safety, Boost Aviation Workforce, Modernize Nation’s Airports... 

After months of wrangling, an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation prioritizes investments to strengthen aviation safety standards, enhance consumer protections, advance technology and innovation, and build a modern, well-trained, safety-centric workforce.

Big Surprise To All... Including Employees and Airport Personnel

Waco Kitchen, one of our favorite airport restaurant 'chains' has taken itself off the flight roster... To the surprise of  everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. The Lakeland Linder International Airport reported, via Facebook (see attached image) that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport (3900 Don Emerson Dr. Ste. 201), notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations...

Test Flight Of Customer-Built Aircraft Results In Wing Failure

Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (now in production with Pitman Air), has been lost in an aircraft test accident. Shortly after his appearance at SUN n FUN 2024, where he was supporting the attendance of Pitman, Bailey reportedly was asked to test fly a customer-build Dragonfly out of the Groveland airport in Florida. Airport manager, Eric Williams, a friend of Bailey's for a number of decades, reported that a California customer brought the aircraft to the field for a test flight but allegedly did not complete the wing assembly properly. “The plane was not assembled correctly,” claimed Williams in local media reports. 

“This Day Is About More Than Just The Thrill Of The Jump..."

The US Parachute Association tells us that whether you have thousands of jumps, or skydiving is on your bucket list, WorldSkydivingDay on July 13 is the perfect time to take the leap. The U.S. Parachute Association (USPA), Australian Parachute Federation, British Skydiving and Canadian Sport Parachuting Association are thrilled to introduce the inaugural World Skydiving Day, set to take place on July 13, 2024. This exciting event aims to celebrate the unforgettable experience of skydiving while also setting the record for the most skydives on this day worldwide.

Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD

This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World War II aviation as the EAA launches a nationwide tour with its restored B-25 Mitchell bomber, known as the "Berlin Express." The Berlin Express will begin its journey at the TBM Avenger Reunion in Peru, Illinois, from May 16-19, before moving on to other locations including Cincinnati, Ohio; Olathe, Kansas; Rockford, Illinois; and Madison, Wisconsin. Textron Inc. reported a solid financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, indicating a strong start to the year with notable gains across its primary business segments. The conglomerate announced a net income of $1.03 per share, up from $0.92 in the same period last year. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the delivery of the first two G700 aircraft, marking a significant milestone with the rapid customer

Also: NAAA Asks UAVs To Give Way, Viasat-uAvionix, Oshkosh Defense, Wright Intros WEAETC

Skydweller Aero successfully completed the first flight of its solar-powered aircraft, the Skydweller, earlier this month. This groundbreaking aircraft, which boasts a wingspan exceeding that of a Boeing 747, undertook its inaugural flight autonomously--without any human pilot onboard or in direct control--from Stennis International Airport in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. VoltAero has commenced certification testing for the innovative electric-hybrid powertrain of its Cassio 330 aircraft. This testing phase marks a crucial step in the development of the Cassio e-aircraft family, specifically tailored for the five-seat Cassio 330. The Vertical Flight Society Selected the Winners of this year's Design-Build-Vertical Flight Student Competition, sending the team from Texas A&M home with the gold. The competition assesses student's ability to draft, develop, and c

2.8 Tons Of Cocaine Nabbed In The Eastern Caribbean Sea

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations worked with partners in the Eastern Caribbean to disrupt smuggling of 2.8 tons of cocaine, denying transnational criminal organizations approximately $73,892,000 USD (give or take a few bucks...) on April 9, 2024. “Partnerships are key to stopping drugs from reaching our borders,” stated Creighton A. Skeen, Director of Air and Marine Operations, Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “We will continue to leverage unique capabilities to stop illicit smuggling on the seas.”

Massive Aviation News Event Started 2024 Off With a Plethora of Exciting Info

Last year, we introduced the SnF Innovation Preview in which 25 companies introduced over 30 new planes, products, engines, accessories, and more… in other words… a LOT of news. Rotax previewed the powerful 916iS, CubCrafters showcased the Carbon Cub UL, Bose introduced the A30, Aerox revealed the Boomula… and so much more. This year, we went beyond that... way beyond all that, with a larger selection of news announcements that covered ALL aspects of sport, general and commercial aviation... all at the start of the 50th Annual SUN n FUN Aerospace Expo... the undisputed start to the aviation year. This year was also a major news-breaker... especially with the announcement that the DeltaHawk Diesel engine folks were working with Piper Aircraft on an STC for the PA44 Seminole. It also hosted the first forma

Inspection to Rudder Control Linkage Required Within 200 Hours for Diamond Twin Operators

Diamond has issued a revised Airworthiness Directive for the DA42, DA42 NG, and DA42 M-NG aircraft that replaces a rudder axle, superseding a previous publication regarding the same part. The Directive orders the inspection of a self-locking nut used in the rudder T-yoke's bolt, and its installation should the nut be missing to begin with. Should the assembly not be correctly installed, operators run the risk of developing increasing play in the vertical movement of the bolt, diminishing effective rudder control in flight.

Also: EP Systems' Battery, Boeing SAF, Repeat TBM 960 Order, Japan Coast Guard H225 Buy

Despite nearly 100 complaints totaling millions of dollars of potential fraud, combined with employees who claim to have been defrauded, numerous false statements, aand an attempt at a bankruptcy that failed; the Rotor X situation continues to decline. Rotor X STILL claims to be reorganizing and entertaining offers from investors -- but this is a well-worn excuse that has been utilized numerous times without fruition. The Fernandina Beach Florida Municipal Airport (FNB) is considering implementing an automated aircraft landing fee system proposed by Airport Director Sam Carver -- one that could have a decidedly negative effect on GA In the area. This initiative, aimed at generating additional revenue, is primarily focused on funding essential maintenance projects, including a $4 million runway refurbishment. Major Shane Gentry, a third-generation Marine a