Rob Mark

Albany, Georgia-based Thrush Aircraft, makers of a variety of turbine-powered agricultural and firefighting aircraft said in a news release that despite the wide-ranging effects of the Covid-19 virus on the US economy, the company enjoyed a very strong first quarter. “The company’s 2020 order book so far includes some 17 aircraft for both spray and […]

The FAA last week ruled the Collings Foundation could no longer accept money from people who wanted to ride on the organization’s World War II aircraft. The ruling included a critical look at the NTSB and the agency’s finding following the October 2, 2019, crash of the foundation’s B-17G, “Nine O Nine” at Bradley International […]

One reason pilots have for years sought jobs at some of the fractional business jet operators is because, like the airlines, cockpit crewmembers can live pretty much anywhere they choose. Companies like Flexjet cover the cost of an airline ticket to ensure pilots appear wherever their next trip begins. These kinds of crew repositioning costs […]

On March 22, Michigan, Ohio and Louisiana joined Illinois, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, California and Oregon as states that have ordered residents to remain in their homes as the nation wrestles with the deadly COVID-19-inducing Coronavirus. The illness can be spread when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or even touches an object later touched by […]

According to its website, “Skyryse develops technology that automates the mechanics of flight, reducing the learning curve so that learning to fly is as easy as learning to drive.” Earlier this week Skyryse unveiled its FlightOS, “a new flight automation system that can be retrofitted to any aircraft and enables anyone to fly as safely […]

In FAA lingo, the phrase “ATC Zero” means an air traffic control facility is unable to offer ATC services. Chicago Center went ATC Zero in November 2014 when an FAA contract employee cut communications lines that normally kept controllers and pilots in radio contact with each other before he set fire to the center’s equipment […]

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation announced on March 18, 2020, that the first Mitsubishi SpaceJet M90 (FTV10)—in its final, certifiable baseline configuration—had successfully completed its maiden flight from the Prefectural Nagoya Airport in Japan. The crew performed basic aircraft performance tests during a two-hour flight conducted over the Pacific Ocean. With the completion of this first flight, […]

A handful of aviation industry experts believe the social and economic fallout in the US from the COVID-19 virus is the worst seen since the market crash of 2008, others since 9/11, while still others say the airline service cutbacks and employee layoffs are simply unprecedented. Calling the current situation dynamic would be an understatement. […]

On March 8, 2017, the FAA granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the 737 Max 8, the 12th derivative of the 737 and the first successor aircraft to the 737 NG series. The first fatal crash of a Lion Air 737 Max 8 occurred just 17 months later near Jakarta, Indonesia. Another Max 8, […]

If you’ve ever considered learning to fly through one of the branches of the US military, men and women between the ages of 18 and 33 with a bachelor’s degree might find the US Air Force welcoming them with open arms. Air Force officials last week told members of the House Armed Services subcommittee that […]