Aviation News

The FAA has activated a new tool to minimize disruption of atmospheric flying machines when those headed for space are passing through. The Space Data Integrator tracks all spacecraft going up and coming down and transmits the location of those vehicles directly to the air traffic control system. “This new capability increases safety for all […]

A DHC-2 Turbo Beaver crashed shortly after takeoff from Sweden’s Örebro airport on Thursday, killing all nine people on board. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and eight skydivers, all members of a local skydiving club. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven declared a day of mourning for the victims, whose names have not been released […]

France-based aerospace company Thales has successfully flown a half-scale prototype of its UAS 100 long-range unmanned aircraft system (UAS/drone). The final version of the hybrid-electric UAS 100 is expected to have a range of greater than 100 kilometers (54 NM), be capable of carrying a 10-kilogram (22-pound) payload and feature a “jam-resistant” navigation system. It […]

Transport Canada and the FAA have issued emergency airworthiness directives (ADs) grounding some Bell 212, 204B, 205A-1 and 205B helicopters pending replacement of certain outboard main rotor hub strap pins. The ADs stem from an investigation into the fatal crash of a Bell 212 helicopter in Edmonton, Canada, last week, which found that the outboard […]

NASA’s Glenn Research Center has announced that it plans to retire its Lockheed S-3B Viking research aircraft after 16 years of service. The last example of the model still flying, NASA acquired its S-3B from the U.S. Navy in 2004. The aircraft has been used primarily for flight communications research, including missions designed to help […]

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Pilot Proficiency Center will be offering remote simulation exercises and scenarios for people unable to attend AirVenture 2021. As with onsite instruction, remote training will be provided by flight instructors who are members of either the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) or the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators […]

Bell Textron has announced plans to open a new systems integration lab (SIL) at the Bell Flight Research Center in Arlington, Texas. The facility is intended to support Bell’s participation in the U.S Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programs. According to the company, the SIL will be used […]

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has shifted its official Year of Security Culture from 2020 to 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The body notes this year is particularly significant for aviation security as it marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. ICAO cites new and emerging threats as aviation infrastructure […]

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved Garmin’s G1000NXi upgrade for Embraer Phenom 100s and 300s that have the manufacturer’s Garmin-derived Prodigy Flight Deck. The upgraded suite has the same mechanical footprint and harness connections, minimizing the time and cost of the update. Available features of the upgrade for the Phenom include: SurfaceWatch […]

Pilatus announced “numerous new features” it is adding to all its PC-24 twinjets, starting with the current production run. The updates include cabin amenities, avionics updates and upgraded systems, including new lithium-ion batteries. All the improvements can be retrofitted to existing PC-24s, said Pilatus. In the cabin, new-design seats will be lighter and more comfortable […]