magniX and Harbour Air Ink LOI for 50 magni650 Electric Engines

In a landmark agreement announced on April 22, 2024, magniX, a leader in electric aviation technology, has entered into a Letter of Intent with Harbour Air to supply 50 magni650 electric engines. This initiative is set to transform Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane operator, by electrifying its fleet starting with the iconic De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver aircraft. The collaboration between magniX and Harbour Air dates back to December 2019 when they achieved a historic milestone by successfully retrofitting and flying the eBeaver, making it the world's first fully electric commercial aircraft.

Downsizing Will Result in 65 Job Losses

Has-been private jet operator Wheels Up has notified employees at one of its locations that they would be laid off in the near future, putting 65 people out of work. The operator told those at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport of Jefferson County, Colorado that pretty much all Wheels Up employees there would be getting the axe. “All of Wheels Up’s operations at the hangar are expected to cease," the announcement reads. It effectively puts to rest ops for the "Uber for Jets" operator at the third largest airfield in the state.

Piper's Spiciest Turboprop Gains More Functionality via STC

The latest iteration of the long-lived Malibu platform - now the Matrix and Meridian - cut a pretty impressive figure upon its recent announcement, offering the same single-engine affordability and family hauling capacity of classic Pipers, with a brand-new Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-52. With better performance than ever before, operators venturing into flight levels may find it a tad irritating to miss out on using Reduced Vertical Separation Minima. Having RVSM equipment and authorization makes planning and flying easier all around, with more tracks and altitude blocks available to aircraft equipped for it.

Elixir Aircraft Rolls Out Additional Capacity

French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. The new location in France will see the addition of 10,700 square feet near Elixir's flagship location in La Rochelle, France. The new one will produce composite parts for the fuselage and flight control systems, nestled in the comfy little town of Aytré (who apparently offered a better deal for the new factory).

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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

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Boom Supersonic got the first instance of Special Flight Authorization to go supersonic, planning to push their XB-1 aircraft beyond the sound barrier. The FAA granted the authorization for them to test fly at Mach 1+ in the R-2508 Complex and part of the R-2515 High Altitude Supersonic Corridor. The FAA says that it completed a thorough review and Environmental Assessment, paving the way for future supersonic flight testing in the commercial sphere. Paul Poberezny's work needs little introduction in the world of experimental aviation, sport flying, and hobbyist aeronautics, being attached to what has grown into a titan today. Sometimes, growth makes it easy to miss the little things, and today's "little guy" is smarting more than ever just looking at the price tags of "cheap" aircraft. Poberezny, seeing similar things while he was still with us, tried to fores

With Expo Ahead, Sim Folks Go Recruiting for Fresh Faces

The Flight Simulation Association capped a successful week of acquiring new acolytes at Sun 'n Fun 2024, thanks to a bevy of demonstrations that showed the IRL pilots just how far the industry's come. At the Future 'n Flight Plaza, the Flight Simulation Association brought out a full roster of all the greats, like Microsoft Flight Sim, X-Plane, and DCS with varying levels of cockpit hardware. Full-motion, virtual reality, and more affordable desktop units show just how deep the flight sim addiction could go - and how realistic its training can be. “

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Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase', meaning it's just about to head into the oven, but the recipe isn't inked just yet. CubCrafters VP Brad Damm wants to see everyone chip in with their two cents to see how they feel about the prospective aircraft. So far, everything that's been shown off paints a very attractive portrait of a lightweight, capable, eager little bird, boasting an empty weight "well below 900 lbs..." CKD Aerospace hit innovation preview with a couple goodies right off the bat, updating fans on their line of kit aircraft, Fisher Flying Products. Now, Fisher Flying Products are looking to moving from spruce into rag & tube. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down sou

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The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for a short time. The FAA has issued a call to action, requesting anyone and everyone meeting the relatively accommodating standards. They will have to bolster their numbers soon, with plans to hire 1,800 more controllers this year, and another 2,000 in 2025. Spirit Airlines announced its decision to defer the delivery of new Airbus aircraft and furlough approximately 260 pilots. The budget airline, headquartered in Miramar, Florida, is taking these measures as part of its strategy to boost liquidity amidst challenging times. Redbird Flight, manufacturer of flight simulators and training devices, came out in force to Sun 'n Fun 2024, with all kinds of new goodies in tow. Their new friends at the Recreational Aviation Foundation have kept up their momentum in keeping a

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Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganization as they continue to move away from the brink, and by all accounts, things are going great. Clyde Hamstreet indicated that things are going pretty well in the Chapter 11 process, and they expect their reorganization plan to be approved by the court come May. Hammerstreet noted, with pleasure, that few companies in a similar position manage to survive the process, but Van's is sitting pretty. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down south to enjoy the Florida sunshine in the same excellent facilities as Sun 'n Fun. The Affordable Flying Expo will focus on the love of flight, and all things that bring it into reach of the average, fun-loving p