Aircraft Took Off In Less Than 170 Ft And Landed In Under 114 Ft Ground Roll

Electra has successfully achieved the first high-performance ultra-short flight operations of its piloted blown-lift hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) demonstrator aircraft (EL-2 Goldfinch). “Today’s milestone is an incredible achievement as we’ve proven that our eSTOL aircraft has the capability to do what we said it could do – operate from spaces shorter than 300 feet,” said JP Stewart, Electra Vice President and General Manager.

Spacesuits, Cargo Ops on Station as Starliner Targets June 5 Launch

The ISS Expedition 71 crew kicked off Monday with spacesuit work and cargo operations aboard the International Space Station. Back on Earth, mission managers are reportedly targeting June 5 )don't hold your breath) for the launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on NASA’s Crew Flight Test. Four NASA astronauts spent much of Monday in the Quest airlock checking out spacesuits and reviewing procedures for a trio of spacewalks targeted to take place in June. Flight Engineer Mike Barratt started the work as he powered up the spacesuits, cleaned cooling loops, and serviced suit components throughout the day.

98-Year-Old TBM Radioman Joe Will Revisits Some Memories

The annual TBM Reunion took place on May 17 and 18 at Illinois Valley Regional Airport. Despite challenging weather conditions across the nation, ten TBM Avengers flew in to participate in the event. The Commemorative Air Force's Ghost Squadron has three TBM Avengers, and the Rocky Mountain Wing's TBM 309 and the Missouri Wing's TBM were present. Unfortunately, the Capital Wing's TBM Doris Mae couldn't attend due to an ongoing maintenance project on the propeller.

Firm Deal Is For 10 E190-E2 And 10 E195-E2 New Aircraft, Starting In 2q25

Mexicana de Aviación has ordered 20 Embraer E2 aircraft. The deal is for 10 E190-E2 and 10 E195-E2 jets. Deliveries will begin in 2Q25. Mexicana will configure the E190-E2 with 108 seats, and the E195-E2 with 132 seats – both in a single class layout. Mexicana will be the first E2 operator in Mexico, benefitting from the E2's low operating costs and fuel efficiency.

Training Built Familiarization And Shared Tactics, Techniques And Procedures

As Washington National Guard helicopter crews can confirm, emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time in the state. Hikers slide down cliffs and a routine walk on a nature trail could require an emergency airlift. To build familiarization and share tactics, techniques and procedures, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew from 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, joined members of the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue team May 15 at Crystal Mountain ski resort to rehearse rescue operations with military aircraft.

First Collective Agreement Addresses Concerns of All PAL Aerospace Pilots

PAL Aerospace pilots have reached a tentative agreement with management on a new employment contract. The three-year deal was unanimously approved by PAL Aerospace ALPA leadership on May 31 and contains significant improvements to scheduling, working conditions, compensation, job security, and benefits. The new agreement underscores the complexity and significance of representing a diverse group of professionals operating across multiple divisions and geographic locations. Over the next few weeks, the agreement will be shared with the entire pilot group, and then a vote will take place. If ratified, this will be the PAL Aerospace pilots’ first Collective Agreement.

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The Rotax folks have published a Service Bulletin after issues were noted that may affect all R915i and R916i series engines. Rotax operators have reported occasional, isolated, cases a momentary slipping of the overload clutch -- which may lead to a slight exceedance of the maximum rpm limit, followed by the engine rpm quickly normalizing. As previously noted, the next Starship launch seems to be pending... soon. According to Elon's troops, the fourth flight test of Starship could launch as soon as June 6 (pending regulatory approval). The launch window will open as early as 0700CT. As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change. PlaneTags has finished up a run of plates using some of the castoff skins of the upper wings from the Experimental Aviation Association's B-17 Aluminum Overcast. The skins were taken off in March of 2014

Capsized Vessel Located Near Dauphin Island, Alabama

The Coast Guard rescued four boaters after their vessel capsized near Dauphin Island, Alabama, Thursday. Coast Guard District Eight watchstanders received a call at approximately 1:50 p.m. from the Coast Guard National Command Center reporting an SOS signal from a satellite communicator. Watchstanders were able to link to the satellite communicator and communicate with one of the boaters who reported that the 28-foot catamaran vessel he was on had capsized with four persons aboard.

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GAMA released their 1Q/24 GA Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report -- with mostly mixed news. The results for the first three months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, show deliveries were flat for piston airplanes and piston helicopters, decreased for turboprops and turbine helicopters, and increased for business jets. Total aircraft billings were up 3.2% at $4.7 billion. Czech sportplane manufacturer Direct Fly has finished delivering its 200th ALTO NG, the latest iteration of their 600-kg sportplane. The Alto was previously offered as the Alto 912 TG model, sporting some light tweaks and changes for improved stiffness and durability. One such modification added additional engine space up front, shifting the weight a tad to prevent the TG's habit of tail standing when disembarking. The newer ones also make full use of the 15-kg

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The warbird community celebrated Mark Novak, Chief Pilot of their B-29 'Doc', and his accomplishment of racking up 500 hours in the vintage bomber. On top of that, Novak built up more than 300 hours of time flying the other B-29 'Fifi', making him the modern era's most experienced B-29 pilot. The Airspace Center for Excellence has been given the blessing to begin operating Lakeland Linder International Airport's first concessions store, riding on the tail of new commercial service by Avelo Airlines. Evidently, there weren't too many bidders for the opportunity, with most in the area eschewing what they believed is a non-starter. The approving body came by way of Lakeland commissioners, who voted unanimously to approve the Center's lease agreement. If you've been looking for exciting aviation oriented programming, a new reality series just MAY do the trick. P