Business & Military

NASA engineers are now testing an airplane wing fitted with 18 electric motors, and they plan to replace the wings and engine of a Tecnam P2006T with an improved version of the system within the next two years. The project, called LEAPTech, for Leading Edge Asynchronous Propeller Technology, “is a key element of NASA’s plan […]

The FAA this week released its annual aviation forecast for the next 20 years, predicting growth for the turbine and rotorcraft fleets but downturns in sales of most fixed-wing piston airplanes. The business jet market grew in 2014 for the first time since 2008, and the forecast predicts “robust growth” in that sector over the […]

Chinese authorities plan to build general aviation airports in most of the country’s 2,800 counties to spur economic growth, according to a report in the Global Times published on Monday. China currently has just 78 county airports. China’s economic five-year plan for 2016-20 predicts the airports could help to generate up to $44 billion in […]

The Navy is being sued for $65 million by the makers of a new type of airship after the aircraft was wrecked when the roof of a hangar it was in partially collapsed on it. Aeros says the hybrid airship itself was worth $35 million but the total losses from the mishap total $65 million. […]

The FAA has attempted to shut down a drone operator’s website advertising photo and video services. But so far, Steve Girard of Gorham, Maine, continues to promote his side business, Xtreme Aerial View. On the site, he offers “aerial pictures and videos, perfect for real estate listings but also great for weddings, family parties or […]

Gulfstream’s G650 business jet will receive the 2014 Robert J. Collier Trophy this spring, the National Aeronautic Association announced Thursday. The long-range, high-speed G650, FAA-certified in 2012, has “strengthened business aviation through significant technological advancements in aircraft performance, cabin comfort, and safety,” the Collier Selection Committee said. The panel includes 30 individuals from the aviation […]

AVweb’s search of aviation news worldwide found newly awarded scholarships from Able Flight, a Sun Flyer sale to Independence Aviation, Garmin’s new upgrade for G3X autopilots, and progress on Flight Design’s C4. Able Flight announced seven new scholarship recipients, including Randy Green of Missouri, who will train for his ATP certificate. Green was born without […]

French company Guimbal has entered the U.S. helicopter training market with its Cabri G2, a light aircraft that has features similar to larger modern helicopters. AVweb interviewed CEO Bruno Guimbal at the recent HAI Heli-Expo in Orlando. view on YouTube

Mesa Airlines and ATP Flight School are starting a new program that offers tuition reimbursement for pilots who commit to fly for the airline. The program is starting with ATP’s current instructor group of 200 pilots at its Florida site. Phoenix-based Mesa, which operates as American Eagle, US Airways Express and United Express, said the […]

The Secret Service announced it will conduct “exercises” using unmanned aerial vehicles around Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks. While the agency didn’t disclose further details, including what kinds of drones are involved or the nature of the activities, it’s fair to surmise they will include some kind of security-related testing. A Washington Post blog […]