Recent Updates

Did you get a drone for Christmas? I know some of you did and I know a lot more people will be interested in the video I’m publishing in today’s blog. I predict a range of reaction from slack-jawed wonder to spittle-spewing high dudgeon that people like this are now invading our sacred airspace. (Better […]

Suhkoi’s Superjet RRJ95, a regional airliner, has been grounded by aviation authorities in Russia and Mexico after inspectors found metal fatigue near the tail in one of the planes. The fleet is fairly new, having entered service in 2011. All of the airplanes must be inspected, and records made including photographs of the suspect parts. […]

EAA and AOPA have filed formal comments with the FAA that raise questions about the agency’s proposed Airworthiness Directive regarding certain NavWorx ADS-B units. AOPA asked the FAA to provide more information about the unit’s reported deficiencies, and to better explain the necessity for the proposed AD. “The safety benefits offered by UAT [Universal Access […]

Colombia’s accident investigation team has released its preliminary report on last month’s fatal air charter crash, and confirmed that the LaMia Avro RJ85 crashed due to fuel exhaustion. The investigators said they found no technical fault with the aircraft, and no evidence of sabotage or a suicide attempt. Twenty-three investigators, including 10 from Colombia, formed […]

A Chinese official told local reporters last week that researchers are moving forward with plans to build a four-engine tiltrotor aircraft capable of speeds up to 310 mph, substantially faster than other heavy-lift helicopters. The Blue Whale project was first reported on about three years ago, so last week’s announcement seems to signal a commitment […]

The Afghan air force’s only female pilot has asked for asylum in the U.S., saying it’s too dangerous for her to return to her own country. Capt. Niloofar Rahmani finished a type course on C-130s with the U.S. Air Force last Thursday and promptly requested to stay in the U.S. She had been training in […]

A Russian military aircraft carrying 92 people, including the Red Army Choir heading to entertain troops in Syria, crashed Christmas Day into the Black Sea. The Tu-154 took off from Sochi just after 5 a.m. Moscow time and disappeared from radar a short time later. It was carrying 84 passengers, including 64 members of the […]

AVweb‘s search of aviation news around the world found announcements from Bell Helicopter, Airbus Helicopters, Cutter Aviation and Austro Engine.Bell Helicopter announcedits Bell 505 Jet Ranger X has been certified by the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). Unveiled in 2013, the new, five-seat helicopter went from concept to a successful first flight in 20 months. […]

Boeing and Saab flew their T-X trainer for the first time on Tuesday and officially entered the race to provide the Air Force with its next generation training platform. The single-engine twin-tailed jet took off from Boeing’s facility in St. Louis for a flight that lasted 55 minutes and covered basic flight characteristics. Boeing lead […]

Embraer has created a new business unit that will focus on services and customer support, the company announced on Tuesday. “The new business will bring together capabilities that are currently spread throughout different business areas to offer customers a broad portfolio of solutions,” said CEO Paulo Cesar Silva. “We see an opportunity to expand and […]