Aviation News

Claiming a power-to-weight figure “4.6 times better than any existing battery system,” researchers at Embry-Riddle’s Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC) are working on a gas-powered hybrid system that could underpin future electric aircraft. This is potentially a big deal because it’s assumed that electric aircraft will use some form of battery power but what’s not […]

A trickle has turned into a torrent as major airlines announce the permanent elimination of change fees. Alaska Airlines announced today that it is permanently eliminating a $125 change fee on all but the most basic tickets, a move that follows United, American and Delta’s decisions to make permanent what many airlines had agreed to […]

The FAA has approved Amazon Prime Air’s request for a Part 135 certificate for its unmanned delivery drones. “Amazon Prime Air’s concept uses autonomous UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) to safely and efficiently deliver packages to customers,” said the FAA. “The FAA supports innovation that is beneficial to the public, especially during a health or weather-related […]

Following its postponement due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase (DSAS) will now take place on Jan. 28-30, 2021. The event, which focuses on experimentals, homebuilts, light sport aircraft and ultralights, was originally scheduled for Nov. 12-14, 2020. According to show organizers, the new time slot was selected in consultation with […]

Pipistrel, the innovative Slovenian company that has been producing electric trainers for several years, now says it’s ready to take orders for a hybrid-electric eVTOL cargo carrier capable of delivering up to 1000 pounds (460 kg) over an unspecified distance. But the Nuuva V300, says the company, will be able to fly a 50-kg load […]

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg has been appointed to a second term in his position. His previous term as vice chairman began on Aug. 7, 2018, alongside a five-year appointment as an NTSB board member. According to the board, Landsberg’s priorities for his new term include “improved weather forecasts and reduction […]

Called Safe Return, the Garmin-built Autoland system previously announced for the Cirrus Vision Jet has been FAA approved. Safe Return joins with a full-airframe parachute to be what Cirrus calls “the most comprehensive, must-have total safety solution in general aviation.” “With Safe Return, we are making personal aviation more accessible, elevating the passenger experience and […]

AOPA is warning aircraft operators to be careful in choosing the disinfectants used to keep aircraft COVID-19 safe. A Florida flight school had to remove the instruments and switches and resurface the panels of two Cessna 172s after a well-meaning renter used ethanol-based sanitizer to clean the yokes of the aircraft. The overspray hit the […]

Boeing has told at least three airlines to immediately ground a total of eight Boeing 787 Dreamliners for structural defects that occurred during manufacturing. The company issued a statement late last week that said it knows the aircraft have “two distinct manufacturing issues” that “result in a condition that does not meet our design standards.” […]

A Japanese company has completed what it says is the first manned test of a single-seat octocopter in the country. SkyDrive did a four-minute hop with the SD-03 electric VTOL vehicle at the Toyota Test Field on Aug. 28. The pilot was at the controls but computers helped him maintain stability. There were also backup […]