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The Gulfstream G650 flight-test aircraft recently flew for the first time using only an electrically powered, fly-by-wire backup flight-control actuation system, the company said this week. “There was no difference in handling qualities between the electrically and hydraulically powered modes,” said Pres Henne, of Gulfstream. The flight, on Dec. 21, evaluated the electric backup system […]

The U.S. Navy launched its flight program in 1911, and a number of events will mark the 100th anniversary this year. The official kick-off is set for Feb. 10-13 in San Diego. On Saturday the 12th, hundreds of historic and current Navy aircraft, including the Blue Angels, will take to the skies for a Parade […]

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Ill., and Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis., senior members of the House Transportation Committee, are circulating a letter among fellow lawmakers asking them to join their effort to persuade President Barack Obama to avoid general aviation user fees in the next federal budget. Costello said he favors maintaining the current mechanism of […]

A new version of the G.I. Bill, which was signed into law last week by President Barack Obama, could provide funding for veterans who want to pursue flight training, according to AOPA. “This bill is a big step forward for both active-duty members of the armed services and for veterans,” said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA’s senior […]

Although there isn’t usually a strong link between them, the business jet and housing markets appear to be on parallel courses to a long and slow recovery, according to a Wall Street analyst. David Strauss, of UBS, told The Wall Street Journal that the divergent industries suffer from the same boom-induced malady: too much inventory. […]

The NTSB is recommending the FAA require retrofitting shoulder harnesses in all general aviation aircraft that don’t have them as the “cheapest and simplest” way of improving crash survivability. In a study that was mainly focused on the potential safety benefits of airbags in GA aircraft, the board determined that while airbags will probably help, […]

While it may have seemed like a good time when it was introduced, Maine legislators on both sides of the house now seem unified in getting rid of a controversial “use tax” on private aircraft. The difference between then and now is that Maine is trying to build an aerospace industry and the tax will […]

China’s stealth fighter, the J-20, has flown for the first time, Chinese officials said on Tuesday. The 15-minute flight took place Tuesday morning from the Chengdu airfield where it was seen last week. Chinese President Hu Jintao confirmed that the first flight had taken place when asked by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is […]

NBAA and NATA have both responded to claims in the current issue of The Atlantic magazine that private aviation is a “public menace” due to inadequate security safeguards. In his commentary, Atlantic correspondent Jeffrey Goldberg says anyone who is rich enough, including a terrorist, can “buy [their] way out of airport security.” Eric Byer, vice […]

Free beer tomorrow; free lift today! That’s not the FAA’s new slogan but, instead, a reminder that some things in life – and flight – are free. Defend your free access to the sky by acing this free quiz. Take the quiz. More Brainteasers