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Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Pete Buttigieg, sent a letter yesterday to the heads of the 10 largest airlines in the country, reminding them of their obligations to provide cash refunds to passengers. The letter followed a court ruling that temporarily relieved airlines from a DOT mandate requiring clarification on ticket surcharges for baggage and schedule changes—referred to as “junk fees” by the Biden administration.
Boeing announced today it has named former Rockwell Collins executive Kelly Ortberg as its new president and CEO. The appointment follows a monthslong search to replace Dave Calhoun, who announced earlier this year he would step down by year-end. Board Chair Larry Kellner also stated he would not stand for reelection.
The company behind the only remaining candidate in the FAA-driven Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative (PAFI) process to create a high-octane unleaded replacement for 100LL says it’s impossible, according to Aviation Week. “There is no such thing as a drop-in unleaded fuel to replace 100 [LL],” Dan Pourreau, business development manager with LyondellBasel Industries, told the publication. “We thought initially we were going to be able to do that, but we discovered we can’t do that either.” Pourreau said paper and technical modifications will be required on some engines to allow...
Ukraine is managing expectations as the first F-16s enter service with its air force in the coming weeks. Only six Ukrainian air force pilots have been fully trained to fly the Vipers, and Ukraine is expected to take a conservative approach to their deployment. According to the Washington Post, the initial F-16s will likely be used in defensive roles rather than engaging with Russian MiGs and Sukhois. The operating restrictions imposed by NATO countries donating the aircraft are still unknown.
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) reported today that last week’s AirVenture Oshkosh event set records for attendance and commercial exhibitors. Continuing to recover from COVID-19 challenges, the weeklong celebration of general aviation has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers.
Astrophysicist, visionary, and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson will deliver the keynote address at the opening session of NBAA-BACE on October 22 in Las Vegas. Tyson's speech is part of his cross-country tour, which includes numerous sold-out engagements. He is a frequent source for news outlets on astronomical phenomena and has a significant following on social media.
Two stalwarts in aviation lighting technology, Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT) and AeroLEDs, have joined forces. With a 70-year track record in the industry, WAT has announced an agreement to acquire “substantially all assets” of AeroLEDs LLC. According to the WAT statement, “This deal represents more than just a business transaction; it signifies the union of two like-minded entities dedicated to understanding and prioritizing the needs and values of the aviation community.”
AOPA has announced that its dual-fuel Beech Baron will remain in Oshkosh so mechanics can investigate stains discovered under the left wing during its display at AirVenture last week. The aircraft is being utilized as a test bed to compare the performance of General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s (GAMI’s) G100UL unleaded avgas with 100LL. The stains were found on the wing housing the tank containing G100UL, but it remains undetermined if they are fuel-related.
Volato, an operator of one of the world's largest fleets of HondaJets, has expanded its fractional ownership program fleet with the addition of the super-midsize Gulfstream G280. The company announced its order for four of these twinjets two years ago and expects to take delivery of its first G280 next week.
French electric aircraft developer Aura Aero will open its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. During last week’s Farnborough Airshow, the company announced its plans for a 500,000-sq-ft manufacturing and assembly plant at the school’s research park in Daytona Beach.
The opening of the Summer Olympic Games on Friday in Paris has provided a boost to private aviation in the host city. According to industry data tracker Argus International, the majority of this traffic was directed to Le Bourget Airport (LFPB), which saw more than a 34% increase in arrivals last week compared with the same period last year. Of the 705 business aircraft arrivals, there were 189 ultra-long-range, 145 large, 83 super-midsize, 64 midsize, and 40 very light jets, as well as 14 twin-engine and 50 single-engine turboprops.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today, July 30, that it has authorized the first commercial drone flights without visual observers. The authorization covers Dallas-area airspace and applies to Zipline International and Wing Aviation. These companies are now permitted to deliver packages while maintaining separation of their unmanned aircraft using technology provided by Unmanned Aircraft System Management (UTM).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of a parachute-equipped drone for operations over gatherings of people without requiring waivers. This marks the first such approval for drones, with the key feature being the parachute developed by Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions. The parachute is integrated into DJI M3D or M3TD drones, allowing them to fly over people without restriction.
French-based Aura Aero, which describes itself as a “pioneer in low-carbon aviation,” has announced a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to open its first U.S. facility later this year. The 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly complex will be part of ERAU’s Research Park. The announcement was made today during the biennial Farnborough Air Show in the U.K.
Flight Data Systems and Canada West Avionics have secured a Part 25 approved model list supplemental type certificate (AML-STC) for the installation of the Sentry cockpit voice recorder (CVR) with recorder independent power supply (RIPS) in various aircraft models.
Insurance underwriter Worldlink Specialty and Oneglobal Broking have introduced a liability insurance solution tailored for third-party contractors and consultants in the U.S. aviation and aerospace sectors. On Monday, the companies announced the new AeroPro product that addresses a gap in liability coverage for clients performing tasks such as aircraft development work or valuations.
The U.S. Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked a rule from the Department of Transportation (DoT) that mandates upfront disclosure of airline fees and final travel costs for consumers. According to a report by Reuters, the court ruling halts the new DoT rule pending a full review. This development is considered a significant setback for the Biden administration's efforts to enhance consumer protections regarding so-called "junk fees" associated with ticket pricing.
Air ambulance provider AirCare1 has received recognition for its safety management system (SMS) under the FAA voluntary program. The Phoenix-based organization emphasized that safety risk management is a cornerstone of its operations and stated it chose to implement the voluntary program ahead of the Part 135 mandate to demonstrate its commitment to safety.
On July 30, 2024, Sandie West shared her experience aboard Qantas flight QF34 from Paris to Perth on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With premium economy tickets in hand, she detailed various aspects of her journey.
On July 29, 2024, the latest developments at AirVenture were expected to center on the ongoing issue of unleaded fuel. However, attendees were met with vague assurances from FAA, EAGLE, and ASTM officials who reiterated that they are "working on it." The lack of concrete progress left many in the aviation community frustrated.