AERION PARTNERS WITH FLIGHT SAFETY
Aerion has announced plans to collaborate with Flight Safety International to develop a flight training academy for supersonic civil, commercial, and military aircraft. The announcement came as pre-orders ramp up for the company’s AS2 supersonic business jet. NetJets has taken options on 20 and the manufacturer says the deal brings its backlog to $10 billion. “Our strategy is to connect the very best partners in the world within a new mobility ecosystem optimized for speed and founded on sustainability,” said Aerion CEO Tom Vice. “In NetJets and FlightSafety International we have two such partners; both globally recognized leaders in their fields who share our passion for a new era of mobility that is both fast and at the same time kind to our planet.”
AIRVENTURE OFFERS EXPRESS ARRIVAL
AirVenture is getting ready for a COVID-safe event and a key initiative is something it’s calling Express Arrival. Those heading to the big show can buy their tickets and book their campsites in advance and they will be mailed free of charge. When patrons get to the grounds, there is no need to check in first and that should reduce congestion and lineups. “This will reduce crowding at key entry points, support our safety efforts by promoting social distancing, and improve the efficiency of the overall entry process. With Express Arrival, you’ll be able to bypass the admission windows and head straight to gates.” The offer is open until June 15 and patrons must have current EAA memberships valid until July 31, 2021.
AOPA, NBAA WANT ACTION ON GPS JAMMING
AOPA and NBAA say it’s time the FAA and the Air Force found ways to minimize the effects of GPS jamming tests on civil aviation. The tests are part of the research and training programs needed to assess countermeasures and alternative systems but they are disturbingly effective at disrupting service to civilian aircraft that have become hooked on the technology. At the same time the FAA is cutting back on older navigation systems and relying more on space-based guidance. In 2017, the FAA asked the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics to suggest ways to minimize disruptions and in 2018 the organization made about a dozen recommendations. AOPA and NBAA have sent a letter asking what became of those recommendations.
ELECTRIC AIRLINER PLANNED FOR 2026
Norwegian airline Wideroe says it will begin scheduled service using an all-electric commuter airliner by 2026 and expects to be emissions free on all of its domestic routes by 2040. The airline is working with Rolls-Royce and Tecnam to begin electric service with an 11-seat P-volt aircraft. It’s an adaptation of the Tecnam P-2012, which is powered by Lycoming TEO 540s. The P-volt is fully electric, including propulsion, heating, air conditioning and anti-icing systems and is being designed for quick turnarounds with “dedicated battery technology.” Most of Wideroe’s flights are short hops over and around the rugged terrain of Norway. Some are only 10 minutes long.
AOPA WANTS STANDARD RAMP LABELS
AOPA is calling for standardized airport diagram labels for general aviation parking so pilots know what to expect when they arrive. The organization found 30 different descriptions for the same sorts of services in California alone and says a standard set of terms would make flight planning easier. “The use of these standard parking terms, if applicable to an airport, will be very helpful to pilots by indicating parking options to fit their particular needs,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. It’s really a matter of describing three separate types of parking and AOPA suggests using FBO Ramp to describe an apron where they expect services, GA Transient Ramp for parking without services and GA Tenant Ramp for based aircraft.
NOTAMS
Piper CEO Simon Caldecott retired … The Air Force is considering a replacement for the F-16 … The last A380 came off the assembly line in Toulouse … The Air Force is testing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet in tactical aircraft … See AVweb. com for breaking news in general aviation.
