Recent Updates

Facebook announced on Wednesday that it is ending its Aquila drone program after four years of development. Aquila was a high-altitude platform station (HAPS) system designed to deliver internet in remote locations. In part, the company points to increased industry interest in drone technologies as a reason for stepping away from Aquila. “… It’s been […]

The FAA published a rule that it says “relieves burdens on pilots seeking to obtain aeronautical experience, training, and certification by increasing the allowed use of aviation training devices” on Wednesday. The rule makes changes to a number of other areas as well, including further modifications to complex aircraft requirements for commercial applicants and credit […]

A JetBlue flight out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) triggered a significant security response after it lost radio contact with the tower while taxiing for takeoff at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday night. “Shortly before departure, Flight 1623 from New York JFK to Los Angeles experienced a radio issue impacting the […]

If ever there were click bait for naysayers, it would be this week’s announcement by Boeing that it’s exploring a Mach 5 passenger jet capable of hopping the Atlantic Ocean in two hours and the Pacific in three. Boeing revealed the concept at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. As a more or less […]

Cleveland Center: Airliner xyz, turn right heading xxx to intercept the localizer, cleared for the RNAV xx approach at XXX. Use caution for party balloons on the final approach course at around 2,100 feet. Airliner xyz: Party balloons? Cleveland Center: Yes a previous arrival told us he saw a group of party balloons at about […]

I was on an IFR arrival into Houston a while ago with busy Approach Control, when I heard the following exchange: Approach Control: “N1234 say altitude.” N1234: “Altitude.” Approach without hesitation and very patiently: “N1234 say the altitude you are flying.” N1234: “Oh, 5,500 feet.” Approach: “Thank you. Altimeter 29.93.” Mark Robertson Alvin, TX

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics, based in Wichita, Kansas, has established a new scholarship for aspiring avionics technicians, in honor of Pat Napolitano, who worked as an A&P mechanic and Staggerwing pilot for the company for more than 15 years. “Pat’s love for aviation was contagious,” said Todd Winter, CEO of the company. “He was a […]

Congress needs to take action now to ensure that commercial space operations are safely integrated into the national airspace, ALPA president Tim Canoll told the U.S. House aviation subcommittee on Tuesday. The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation must work with the industry to develop standards for communication, navigation and surveillance, Canoll said, and certify […]

Airlines are losing weight and saving millions as a result, according to Business Traveller magazine. The publication is saying that United Airlines is saving $300,000 a year by using thinner paper for its in-flight magazine while other airlines are using lighter food packaging, trimming seat weight and even ditching paper manuals in favor of tablets […]