Airplane News Update

This week in airplane news; the AN225 Mryia has possibly been destroyed, PG&E has been cited for use of a heli-saw, the FAA is seeking an end to leaded GA emissions, and a 9-year-old snuck onto a 1500 mile flight.

Have you experienced PSI testing troubles? If so:

This is not acceptable. I need you to do 3 things:

- Email PSI to let them know your experience: https://www.psionline.com/contact/form?tab=support

- Email the FAA Testing Branch to let them know about your experience as well at [email protected] so they can follow up.

- Email me at [email protected] so I can compile the data and email both of these entities.

There are reports that the AN225 Mriya was destroyed in a fire due to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

There are pictures from what is reported to be military unmanned aircraft showing a possible fire in the hangar.

There are also satellite images that show the tail of the aircraft still intact.

We’re hoping this is not the sad end to the world's largest plane by weight.

avweb.com/aviation-news/an-225-destroyed-in-Ukraine-battle/

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/satellite-photos-give-hope-an-225-might-have-survived/

PG&E in California has been cited by CalFire for deploying a heli-saw over a park.

A Heli-saw uses 30-inch blades to trim back branches in and around power lines, preventing wildfires.

This trimming luckily resulted in no injuries, but CalFire estimates that branches up to 8 inches in diameter fell from altitudes as high as 150 feet.

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/pge-cited-after-deploying-heli-saw-in-san-mateo-county-park/2824027/

The FAA has announced the launch of a new initiative to eliminate leaded fuel.

The initiative, dubbed “EAGLE” ( - Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions), includes development of Unleaded fuel infrastructure, Commercial viability, Research, and Policy creation.

A 9 year old boy from Brazil was reported missing on Saturday morning by his mother.

Searching revealed the boy had snuck out and traveled to a nearby airport, where he boarded a plane without a ticket.

The boy traveled from Manau to Guarulhos, approximately 1677 miles.

The boy reportedly decided to travel and see family located in the other city.

https://nypost.com/2022/03/01/boy-9-sneaks-onto-plane-and-travels-almost-2000-miles/

This week in airplane news, Joby Evtol has experienced a mishap during flight testing, The FAA will certify every 787 off the line, 3 helicopter crashes caught on camera this week, and finally a successful flight test by the Autoflight Prosperity.

A Joby prototype aircraft was involved in an accident during flight testing last Wednesday.  The aircraft was being remotely piloted, and there were no injuries. “Safety is a core value for Joby, which is why we have been expanding our flight envelope with a remote pilot and in an uninhabited area, especially as we operate outside expected operating conditions. Experimental flight test programs are intentionally designed to determine the limits of aircraft performance, and accidents are unfortunately a possibility. We will be supporting the relevant authorities in investigating the accident thoroughly.” https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/joby-evtol-involved-in-testing-accident/ 

The FAA administrator said that Boeing needs “a systemic fix to their production processes” and until this fix is implemented, FAA inspectors will sign off on each aircraft. The administrator also said that quality control issues that stopped Boeing deliveries are up to being to fix and that by fixing these QC issues, Boeing will “increase the confidence we have in the stability of their processes, because we will actually be there looking at the results of each airplane as it comes off the line.” https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-inspectors-to-certify-each-787/ 

There have been 3 helicopter crashes this week caught on camera. 

Florida - the helicopter crashed into the surf near swimmers.  Both passengers were transported to the hospital with broken backs 

California - This crash appeared to be mechanical issues, crashing into a marina area. One passenger was killed and the other seriously injured. 

Utah - This crash was two national guard BlackHawks attempting to land in the snow.  No injuries. Portions of the rotor from the first helicopter struck the second causing both to go down.  

The Autoflight Prosperity has completed a proof of concept test flight. This flight involved the transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight and back. The company hopes to have this aircraft certified in Europe by 2025. https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/autoflight-evtol-completes-transition-test-flight/

This week in airplane news, a U2 pilot helped with a general aviation emergency, the Tecnam hybrid completed its first flight, Jeppesen has added backcountry airstrips, the Cessna Turbo 182 returns to the market, and the FAA administrator has announced he will be resigning.

A U2 pilot assisted in an emergency in Feb. 8th, 2022. A civilian aircraft experienced an engine failure over Lake Berryessa and was looking for a place to land The U2 pilot relayed the mayday call to Oakland ATC, who alerted local authorities. Due to terrain, the civilian airplane was not able to be seen on radar. About 30 minutes after the mayday, the airplane was found by CHP, having safely landed in a field.  https://theaviationgeekclub.com/u-2-dragon-lady-pilot-relays-radio-messages-to-civilian-pilot-in-distress-helping-him-to-find-a-safe-spot-for-emergency-landing-near-lake-berryessa/ 

The P2010 H3PS Hybrid aircraft made its first flight late December 2021.  It is powered by a 135HP Rotor 915 coupled with a 30kW Rolls-Royce electric motor.  The test was designed to show that this hybrid configuration can bear the same useful load as a 180HP combustion engine.  The electric motor is used for additional torque for TO/climb and the small battery can be charged in between.   

Collaboration between Avidyne, Jeppesen, and the Recreational Aviation Foundation will allow for many backcountry airstrips being added to the Jeppesen Nav databases These include private use strips, unimproved airstrips, and backcountry strips “Our goal is to promote backcountry flying and to encourage more pilots to join us in the adventure of flight, and the aviation community is fortunate to have a friend like Avidyne who recognizes the value of these off-the-beaten-path aviation destinations,” said RAF Chairman, John McKenna.  https://generalaviationnews.com/2022/02/12/backcountry-airstrips-added-to-jeppesen-nav-databases/ 

Textron is returning the Cessna T182 Turbo to its piston lineup Orders are currently open and deliveries will begin in 2023. The Skyline has a base price of $653,000 and will feature a G1000 avionics suite with a GI-275 electric standby, a constant speed three bladed, electric de-ice propeller and an in-cabin oxygen system The turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 allows the 182T to cruise at up to FL 200, at a top speed of 165kts with a range of 971-NM and a useful load of 998lbs. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/turbo-skylane-returns-to-textron-lineup/ 

The FAA administration released a memo stating: “Over the past several years, my family has been a source of tremendous encouragement, strength and support. Nevertheless, after sometimes long and unavoidable periods of separation from my loved ones during the pandemic, it is time to devote my full time and attention to them. As I wrote in my letter to President Biden, it is time to go home.” Administrator Dickson said he made the decision in light of growing extended family and time away from his family. It’s expected Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims will take over Dickson’s duties. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-administrator-to-resign/

This week in airplane news: Frontier and Spirit Airlines are merging, a new leaked video of the F35 crash, the FAA and the NTSB are at odds over space and an Airworthiness Directive for C120 and 140s.

Frontier and Spirit have announced a merger on Monday. The transaction, worth 6.6 billion, is expected to close in Q2 of this year. The goal is to expand the low-cost reach of both airlines.  The airlines stated they hoped to directly add over 10,000 jobs by 2026. https://www.npr.org/2022/02/07/1078842162/spirit-frontier-spirit-airlines-merger A

 leaked video shows the F35 crash on the USS Carl Vinson last month. It appears the aircraft was told to go around too late. In the second part of the video, you can see the pilot eject 7 injured, the pilot was picked up by a helicopter shortly after ejecting. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/video-appears-to-show-f-35c-carrier-crash/ 

The FAA administrator, Steve Dickson has released a statement stating the FAA “has statutory authority over all aspects of commercial space launch activities” and its authority to “investigate commercial space launch mishaps is well established and codified.” He asked NTSB Admin Jennifer Homendy to pull the NPRM and “refocus on its current successful working relationship with the FAA.” This comes after the NTSB’s NPRM for investigating commercial space flight accidents.  https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-tells-ntsb-to-stay-out-of-space-crash-investigations/ 

The FAA has proposed a new airworthiness directive that will affect Cessna 120 and 140s. The FAA estimates 2033 aircraft will be affected with an estimated cost of $142.75 per airplane to fix. The problem is the weakened aluminum seatbelt bracket. This stems from a fatal 2014 accident when an aircraft nosed over and the pilot was killed.  https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/january/27/new-ad-proposed-for-certain-textron-120-and-140-models

This week in airplane news: Boeing has invested another half a billion dollars into eVTOLs, a taxiing China air ran into some parked baggage carts, the FAA is looking to curb illegal charters and part 135 operations, and a new app that shows PIREPs.

Boeing has invested 495 million into Wisk Aero Wisk is a collaboration of Boeing and Kitty Hawk.  The Cora electric aircraft is in its 6th iteration and is flying regularly. The Cora has flown 1500 times. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/boeing-invests-another-495-million-in-evtol/ 

A China Airlines 747 hit parked baggage carts while taxiing at Chicago O’Hare. There were no injuries reported. https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/taxiing-airplane-crashes-into-baggage-cart-at-ohare 

The FAA is facing an increase in illegal flights that involve compensation for the transport of passengers. Unauthorized part 135 operations are “putting the flying public in danger, diluting safety in the national airspace system, and undercutting the business of legitimate operators.” Sharing of expenses clarification.  Only if the purpose of the flight is “common purpose”.  Also, remember that CPL certificate is not the same as Part 119 or part 135  certificate.   

An app called Virga is looking to simplify PIREPs. Virga allows a pilot to open and view PIREPs, including pictures. Virga also allows pilots to file PIREPs and include a picture. Alerts can be created to notify the user about changes in weather at a certain area.  https://generalaviationnews.com/2022/01/31/what-if-filing-pireps-were-easy/ 

An app called Virga is looking to simplify PIREPs. Virga allows a pilot to open and view PIREPs, including pictures. Virga also allows pilots to file PIREPs and include a picture. Alerts can be created to notify the user about changes in weather at a certain area.  https://generalaviationnews.com/2022/01/31/what-if-filing-pireps-were-easy/

This week in Airplane News: The AirCar has been issued an Airworthiness Certificate, Enstrom Helicopters goes bankrupt, Stowaway survives an 11-hour flight and the final update on FlyZolo.

The AirCar has been issued a certificate of airworthiness by the Slovak Transport Authority. This certification included more than 70 hours of flight testing and 200 take-offs and landings. The AirCar’s newest model is expected to reach speeds of 185 mph with a range of 620 miles.  https://generalaviationnews.com/2022/01/25/flying-car-certified-to-fly/

Enstrom Helicopters in Michigan has filed for chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy. Enstrom was started in the 1950s by a mining engineer who built prototypes in his garage. In the last few years, Enstrom struggled to deliver aircraft, with only two in 2021 and five in 2020.  https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2022-01-20/enstrom-helicopters-shutters-files-bankruptcy

A stowaway survived an 11-hour flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam. The man was found in the nose wheel section of the plane and was able to answer basic questions once conscious.  He was then transported to the hospital in stable condition. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60104010

At 19 years old, Zara Rutherford has become the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe in an ultralight aircraft. After 155 days of VFR flying, Zara has completed her world solo. She will now be going to college and going for her commercial pilot certificate, with another goal of becoming an astronaut. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/january/25/zara-rutherford-completes-solo-earthrounding-flight

This week in Airplane News: The EPA is looking to investigate leaded fuel to determine if it poses a hazard to air quality, Zeva e-VTOL completes its first untethered flight, the StratoLaunch has completed its third flight, and more info on the 5G mess!

The Zeva eVTOL called the “Zero” has taken its first untethered flight! These first untethered flights were unmanned, and the aircraft completed a series of maneuvers including  Hover Simulated taxi Vertical climbs Zeva says the aircraft has completed more than 50 tethered flights. The Zero will have a 50-mile range and cruise at up to 160 MPH. https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/zeva-evtol-completes-first-untethered-flight/

The stratolaunch “Roc” completed its third test flight reaching an altitude of 23,500’ and an airspeed of 180kts during its 4-hour flight This aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 1.3 million pounds and a capacity of over 500,000lbs. “Roc” will be used to launch hypersonic and Aerospace vehicles, such as the StratoLaunch Talon-A. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/stratolaunch-completes-third-flight-test/

AT&T and Verizon have delayed rollouts once again stating: “At our sole discretion, we have voluntarily agreed to temporarily defer turning on a limited number of towers around certain airport runways as we continue to work with the aviation industry and the FAA to provide further information about our 5G deployment since they have not utilized the two years they’ve had to responsibly plan for this deployment.” We’ll continue to keep you updated on 5G and how it may affect travel in and around major cities! https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/another-tuesday-another-5g-c-band-debacle-delayed/