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We do aviation news differently, so naturally, we want to try something different for our print magazine. We put keywords from this month's stories into AI Dall-e to see what AI thought the future of aviation and society might look like. Then we added a dash of specificity from our talented design team and voila... We don't know what the future holds but the news of today and tomorrow form the chronicles of our journey.
As we look back on July 2024, one thing is clear: aviation continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
The aviation industry saw major advancements this summer, particularly in sustainable energy and flight technology. Falcon Aviation’s new Leonardo AW139 helicopters will enhance energy transport, while Colorado’s Firehawk is now ready to fight wildfires. Meanwhile, future aircraft, led by Joby Aviation and partnerships like Maeve and Pratt & Whitney Canada, are moving closer to reality, offering cleaner, quieter skies.
As we continue to track these innovations, it’s clear that the future of aviation lies in pushing boundaries—not just with new technologies but in how we think about flight itself. The shift toward electric and hybrid propulsion systems, coupled with growing interest in autonomous aircraft, shows how the industry is constantly evolving to meet both environmental and operational challenges.
Our magazine’s evolution also reflects this forward momentum. As we bring in spaceflight news alongside
our aviation coverage, we’re excited to see growing interest from younger readers. The intersection of aviation and space is a natural one, and covering topics like rocket launches and lunar missions gives us the chance to explore a broader range of advancements. Spaceflight is not just the next frontier—it's a vital part of how we envision the future of flight.
In response to this growing interest, we’ve also committed to making these developments easier to understand. Whether you’re an industry professional or a newcomer, we want everyone to feel connected to what’s happening. Breaking down complex concepts in helicopters, eVTOLs, and space technologies helps us ensure that the excitement of flight is accessible and encouraged for all.
Our mission is clear: we will continue to highlight the fascinating stories from aviation and spaceflight, educating and inspiring a diverse audience. We’re thrilled to have you on this journey with us, as we explore the skies and beyond.
- Jason
PUBLISHER
Sacha Wetzel
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Jason Jorgensen
DESIGN LEAD
Gustavo Bello
RESEARCH LEAD
Bhaskar Bhuyan
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Summary of this month's top news
Source: Avfoil News
Author: A.I. Editorial
U.K. orders H145 helicopters, Recoil Aerospace achieves STC, LifeFlight ends 30-year partnership, Airbus delivers first ACH160 in Canada, Orange County gets two Firehawks.
1st - Falcon Aviation to Expand Energy Transport Mission Capabilities with Leonardo AW139 Helicopter Order
Falcon Aviation has placed an order for Leonardo AW139 helicopters to enhance its energy transport missions. The AW139 offers advanced safety features and versatility, making it ideal for supporting the growing demand in energy sector operations. This addition strengthens Falcon Aviation's position as a leader in specialized helicopter services.
2nd - Colorado’s First Firehawk Is Finally Ready to Fight Fires
Colorado’s first Firehawk helicopter is officially ready to join the firefighting fleet. The modified Black Hawk helicopter is equipped with advanced firefighting capabilities, allowing it to combat wildfires more efficiently. This addition is a crucial step in boosting the state’s wildfire response and protecting communities at risk.
3rd - Omni Helicopters Guyana’s First Guyanese Search-andRescue Rear Crew Graduates
Omni Helicopters Guyana celebrated the graduation of its first Guyanese search-and-
rescue rear crew. This marks a milestone for local aviation, with trained personnel now able to support life-saving operations. The program demonstrates Omni’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening Guyana’s emergency response capabilities.
4th - LifeFlight Helps Record Number of People in FY24
LifeFlight set a new record by helping more people than ever during FY24. Their helicopters and crews provided critical medical and rescue services, saving lives across the region. This milestone reflects LifeFlight’s growing role in emergency healthcare and the importance of rapid medical response for those in need..
These articles were the most popular helicopter news stories with our readers last month. To stay updated with the latest daily news from the helicopter industry, be sure to visit: avfoil.com/news
Source: Leonardo Press Release
Helicopter service provider Falcon Aviation announced a further reinforcement of its longterm partnership with Leonardo through the introduction of the AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter into its fleet supporting the energy industry.
Falcon Aviation has signed a contract during an official ceremony at the Farnborough International Airshow for one aircraft plus one option. This latest move will expand the fleet of Leonardo helicopters operated by Falcon Aviation which already includes the AW109SP, AW169 and AW189 types.
In particular, five AW169s and four AW189s are used for offshore transport missions in the UAE and Kuwait. The introduction of the AW139 will make Falcon Aviation another prime user of the entire AW Family of latest generation helicopters of Leonardo, a unique concept design based on commonalities across the three models in terms of certification and safety standards, components, cockpit layout and appearance, training and technical support approach.
The Family concept has now been delivering for years unequalled benefits to major global operators in terms of training, fleet management, versatility, efficiency and sustainability. Capt Raman Oberoi, the CEO of Falcon Aviation, said: “Our acquisition of the AW139 helicopter reinforces our commitment to enhancing our energy transport mission capabilities. This
addition to our fleet underscores our dedication to providing the highest level of service to our clients while continuing to invest in the latest technology and safety standards. With the integration of the AW139, we are poised to meet the growing demands and enhance our operational capabilities across the UAE and beyond.”
With the AW139 Falcon Aviation will be able to deliver complementary services in terms of capacity and range, in a weight/size category perfectly fitting between the AW169 and AW189, becoming even more competitive to meet emerging market requirements in UAE and across other geographies.
With over 1,400 units on order, more than 1,200 units already in service and over 4 million flight hours logged to date with more than 300 operators worldwide in over 90 countries, the AW139 has demonstrated its ability to meet all requirements in every market application such as energy, emergency medical services (EMS), search-and-rescue (SAR), law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief, Corporate – VIP, government and military tasks.
For this mission, the AW139 features advanced capabilities also including, among others, a unique 60-plus minutes run-dry capable main gear box allowing greater reliability and safety and advanced navigation, collision avoidance and landing approach capabilities.
Source: The Colorado Sun / Aerial Fire Magazine
Author: Olivia Prentzel
Three years after lawmakers allocated $30 million to purchase its first “Firehawk,” the modified military helicopter that is capable of quickly crisscrossing Colorado to detect and douse flames is finally ready for action.
But that doesn’t mean it will be called to attack the next wildfire that sparks as overgrown fuels dry up in the stifling summer heat.
Highly specialized training for four primary pilots is complete but whether the one-of-a-kind aircraft is called to the next fire depends on what other resources are available nearest to the fire, said Mike Morgan, director of Colorado’s Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
“We’ll send the closest available helicopter,” Morgan said. “It might be a large air tanker, might be a single-engine tanker, depending on what the fire is doing — it’s different tools in the toolbox. Sometimes you need a hammer, sometimes you need a screwdriver, and so that’s why we have a wide array of resources.”
The state’s second Firehawk, which was purchased last year, arrived in Colorado at the end of June and is expected to be operational by August 2025, Morgan said.
The first chopper — purchased at $26 million plus more to cover operational costs — was highly anticipated, as officials told the public it would go into service earlier this year to help Colorado fight fires, which are becoming larger and more frequent as climate change causes dangerously dry conditions across the Western U.S.
The purchase of Firehawks was part of the state’s push to rely less on rented aircraft to fight wildfires. In 2020, for instance, when Colorado had the three largest wildfires in its history, the state struggled to secure the aircraft it needed because there were also fires burning in California, New Mexico, and several other states.
When the first one was purchased in 2021, it had not been built yet, Morgan said. This particular model was built in Poland, shipped to Texas and then brought to Colorado, where it was disassembled as a military aircraft and then rebuilt with new technology to be able to fight fires.
Then after a delay in delivery, the engine was recalled, Morgan said.
“And so there were a bunch of things that just weren’t going quite right for us,” Morgan said.
The first Firehawk is stationed at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Jefferson County, but can be moved anywhere in the state based on fire conditions, he said. State officials are still working to determine the location of the second Firehawk.
The Firehawk can fly at 160 mph when empty and 140 mph with a full load of water.
The Firehawk was not called to the Interlaken fire, which ignited June 11 after a campfire was not properly doused near Twin Lakes before growing to more than 700 acres, because it wasn’t the nearest resource, Morgan said.
“When a fire happens, we’re going to send the closest available one because that’s what makes
the most sense, to get water on the fire the soonest,” he said. “If we had a big fire in Durango tomorrow, would the Firehawk be the first aircraft to be deployed to it? No, because it’d fly over the top of six other helicopters before it ever got there.”
“Catch it before it gets big”
The Firehawk will give Colorado’s firefighters “a leg up” in their initial attack and boost their chances of stopping a fire while it’s still small, Morgan said.
A traditional firefighting helicopter must fly to a landing zone near the fire, hook a bucket up to the bottom of the helicopter, identify a water supply and then avoid flying over subdivisions and homes due to the weight it’s carrying.
“They’re quick, but by the time you go and land and hook things up, identify a water supply, close roadways and start bucket operations, you’ve got a delay in time,” Morgan said. “The Firehawk helicopter is different.”
The Firehawk, which has a 1,000-gallon tank attached, doesn’t have the same restrictions of not being able to fly over roadways or subdivisions, he said. It also has a snorkel that allows fire crews to fill the tank without ever landing.
It can also refill its tank in about a minute or less before returning to the fire.
“Catch it before it gets big — if we stop this unwanted fire before it gets big, and before we lose 1,000 homes, and before we deal with flooding and mudslides for the next five years, we’re saving millions and millions of dollars by being proactive with our investment,” Morgan said.
“And that’s what this whole thing is really about. It’s about reducing the impacts of these big fires by providing early intervention to the unwanted fires.”
Based on a five-year average, Colorado will spend $20 million for large fires with 10% of overall costs going toward fire suppression, he said.
“When you take a fire that we find when it’s small and we send a Firehawk helicopter to it and we put it out, those numbers don’t ring true,” he said. “We’re spending a little bit of money today and
we’re saving millions on the back end.”
Colorado has several contracts with firefighting aircraft and positions them around the state depending on which area is seeing the highest frequency of fires and where people and homes are at highest risk.
Colorado’s growing aerial firefighting fleet also plays a role in reducing the rising insurance rates across the state, Morgan said. Coloradans are facing 50% to 100% price hikes for home and car insurance — or cancellation altogether — as climate disasters mount.
“If we don’t stop these large fires from turning into conflagration burning hundreds of homes, we’re not going to be able to get insurance,” Morgan said. “So this is an investment in a lot more than just helicopters. It’s much bigger than that.”
Above-average snowpack levels across the state and a very wet spring and early summer is good news for Colorado’s fire year. But that moisture also translates to overgrown grasses that will soon dry out and become fire fuel, Morgan said.
There are also a lot of dead ponderosa and lodgepole trees that have been killed by the nefarious, burrowing mountain pine beetles.
“With the dead trees, that’s already ready to go. All it takes is for the light fuels to dry out, to carry it to those and we’re in trouble,” Morgan said.
It’s unclear how long the moisture is expected to last into the summer months, but forecasts suggest that southeastern Colorado could have higher than normal fire activity this year, he said.
Southwestern Colorado is also getting a lot of moisture, but that could quickly dry up later in the summer, too. That part of the state saw its snowpack disappear much earlier than usual this season because of a rare, sudden and large melt in late April.
“We don’t have a lot of good data to tell us what’s going to happen as we transition from the moisture patterns,” Morgan said. “But we’re hopeful we can keep enough moisture to keep the light fuels green and then hopefully get a big snowpack to push it down so it doesn’t just end up being fuel for next spring.”
Source: Omni Helicopters Guyana Press Release
Omni Helicopters, an air mobility solutions provider for the offshore sector, has announced the successful completion of training and graduation of OHGI`s first Guyanese SAR Rear Crew class.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for Guyana, OHGI, and most importantly Curt Mendonca, Daniel Yorris, Ishwar Parbhu, Kevin Sawh and Johnelle Ogle, who were awarded their wings in the presence of their proud families.
After an exhaustive selection process focused on water confidence, physical fitness, and helicopter underwater escape training, the new SAR Rear Crew Team went on to ground school where they covered rescue equipment, techniques, and procedures, along with CRM and helideck operations.
Simulator training in Canada provided hoist emergency response techniques and, on return to Guyana, was followed by live training with the SAR helicopter over land, vessel, and water with extensive hoisting
operations and emergency procedures testing the team’s competence, endurance, and perseverance.
Each phase concluded with confirmation check rides and a final written test to ensure operational readiness.
The graduation ceremony held at OHGI´s Terminal in Ogle Airport was graced by several distinguished guests, including the director general of the GCAA, the national security advisor to the president, Gerald Gouveia Sr., and the CEO of Go Invest Guyana, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, who delivered the keynote address, congratulating the graduates and aligning the company’s training efforts with the vision of His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali on education.
Ramsaroop emphasized that this initiative is a step in the right direction and urged Omni to continue investing in Guyana and its people.
“We are incredibly proud of our new Team Members for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout this demanding training program,” said Duncan Moore, executive vice president, International Offshore and Onshore & Group COO at Omni Helicopters International,
“Their commitment to excellence and readiness to respond to emergencies is a testament to their character and professionalism. We are proud to have contributed to the development of this Guyanese capability, staying true to our promise of proactively developing the nation´s aviation capabilities. “
This SAR Crew Team is a testament to the capabilities and will of the young professionals in Guyana. They are now an integral part of the country’s national capabilities. This milestone is one of the several OHGI initiatives to promote Guyanese talent and professionalism in the aviation sector.
Source: Aerial Fire Magazine
Aeromedical provider LifeFlight helped a record 8,177 people in FY24 – more than 11 percent higher than the previous year.
Data released this week by the Queensland notfor-profit shows its helicopter crews completed 3,378 missions, including 150 motor vehicle accidents and 89 search-and-rescue missions. Crews aboard the nine rotary wing aircraft helped 5,313 people – up 131 percent on FY23.
LifeFlight choppers spent 5,159 hours in the air, with Toowoomba LifeFlight crews clocking up the most hours across the fleet with 1,164 hours.
LifeFlight’s fleet of helicopters, air ambulance jets and specially trained medical teams, including LifeFlight critical care doctors, flight nurses and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics, helped patients with a range of illnesses and injuries.
There were 158 missions for animal-related injuries while search and rescues totalled 59 and taskings associated with motor vehicle accidents increased by 156 percent to 710.
The surge in car crashes is why LifeFlight is investing more in First Minutes Matter, a free safety education program that draws on LifeFlight’s decades of aeromedical experience to teach emergency trauma training for those first on the scene of accidents.
LifeFlight Chief Operating Officer Lee Schofield, said rescue crews helped an average of 157 patients per week – the equivalent of one every 64 minutes.
“The numbers keep rising each year which shows how crucial LifeFlight’s aeromedical service is, reaching far and wide across our state, and helping thousands of people,” said Schofield.
“This past financial year our crews have saved people from challenging situations on land, sea and even on the side of mountains.
“Our crews are called any day, anytime, and are always ready to spring into action, even in
precarious situations, all at no cost to the patient.
“This next financial year we’ll be able to do even more with five additional AW139 helicopters added to our fleet and new expanded bases in Mount Isa and the Sunshine Coast.”
In November, the Sunshine Coast crew rescued two men floating in the ocean after their light plane experienced engine difficulties and plunged into the sea.
The LifeFlight helicopter reached the scene within minutes of the crash with the crew winching the rescue basket down and bringing the men up one at a time before they were flown to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
In February, the Bundaberg crew was called to help an elderly man after he fell and struck his head on a cruise ship 80 nautical miles off the coast.
The helicopter crew lowered down a Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) flight paramedic to the ship where the patient was treated and winched into the chopper before being airlifted to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a stable condition.
The same crew was also tasked to K’gari four times in one week to airlift patients with marine stings.
The top four missions* in FY24 included:
1. Cardiac – 1,033
2. MVAs – 710
3. Animal-related – 158
4. SAR – 59
*By people helped
LifeFlight’s fleet of four air ambulance jets and nine rotary wing aircraft operates from eight bases across Queensland, and Singapore, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, directly servicing an area of 1.85 million square kilometres.
It supports search and rescue efforts across 53 million square kilometres of land and sea for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Medical teams work onboard a network of both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft from aeromedical bases, comprised of Mount Isa, Townsville, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Roma, Brisbane and Singapore.
LifeFlight’s Brisbane Airport base accommodates two air ambulance jets, with two other jet bases in Townsville and Singapore to ensure long-distance fixed wing aeromedical coverage.
The jet crews helped 948 people in FY24, a 100 per cent spike from 473 in 2023. It included evacuating Keith Davis and Kerry Jordan from Bangkok to Australia in May after they were injured when their Singapore Airlines flight was hit by severe turbulence.
There is also a helicopter based at Brisbane Airport, which helped 1,672 people.
LifeFlight will become a major tenant when the new Queensland Regional Aeromedical Base is completed in 2026 making Brisbane Airport the proud home of LifeFlight.
LifeFlight medical director Dr Jeff Hooper, said the organisation continued to lead the way in the aeromedical sector with world-leading standards of care.
“This is often while our crews deal with extremely challenging conditions, whether that is stabilizing a patient mid-air, winching down a paramedic to the side of a cliff face, or rescuing people stranded in the ocean,” said Hooper. “Our teams have the specialist emergency medicine
skills required to provide the best available treatment to people, who are often in remote locations, while battling the elements.
“Our critical care doctors, nurses and paramedics are a mobile intensive care team able to provide rapid aeromedical intervention, which often is the difference between life and death. That’s why the work is so important to hundreds of thousands of people living in regional and remote communities throughout Queensland.”
The organization directly provided a net injection of $95 million into the Queensland economy through its profit-for-purpose activities as well as the operation of eight Queensland bases, training academy, foundation and engineering facilities.
The community impact from LifeFlight’s services is significant with every $1 spent equating to a social benefit of $8.20 for an overall social and economic benefit of more than $1 billion. This means the value to community in the number of lives saved and the economic benefit outstripped the cost of providing the service by more than eight times.
While FY24 saw many dramatic rescue missions, much of LifeFlight’s aeromedical work involves Inter-Facility Transfers (IFT), which refers to moving patients between medical facilities. This ensures all communities have equal access to the best possible healthcare, no matter where they live. There were 6,565 of these missions in FY24.
LifeFlight also has a partnership with Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS). SGAS was created in partnership with LifeFlight and four CSG/LNG organisations – Arrow Energy, Origin Energy, Shell QGC and Santos — to ensure company employees, their contractors and the wider southwest Queensland community have access to prompt emergency medical services and to minimise the impact on local medical services.
As part of its commitment to the southwest region, SGAS donates 150 flying hours to the community.
Since taking to the skies 45 years ago LifeFlight has helped close to 90,000 people.
LifeFlight rescue helicopters contribute to the Queensland Emergency Helicopter Network via a fully costed agreement with the Queensland Government which came into effect April 2024.
Falcon Aviation is getting new helicopters called AW139s to help with important energy transport missions. These helicopters will be used to fly people and equipment to places where energy projects are happening, like oil and gas sites. The AW139 helicopters are very safe and can handle tough jobs, helping Falcon Aviation become even better at flying important missions.
Colorado has a brand new helicopter called the Firehawk, which is ready to help fight wildfires. This helicopter is special because it was made from a Black Hawk, a type of helicopter used by the military. Now, it’s been changed to carry water and other tools to stop wildfires quickly and safely. This helicopter will help protect forests and homes in Colorado when wildfires start.
For the first time, Guyanese people have trained to join helicopter search-and-rescue missions in their country! These brave graduates will now help save lives during emergencies, like when someone is lost or in trouble. Omni Helicopters has been training them to make sure they’re ready for action, and it’s a big moment for Guyana because it shows how local people can help keep their communities safe.
LifeFlight helicopters helped more people this year than ever before! These special helicopters are used to quickly fly sick or injured people to hospitals, saving lives in emergencies. Thanks to the brave LifeFlight teams, a record number of people got the help they needed this year, showing how important these helicopters are for emergency rescues and medical care.
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Source: Avfoil News
Author: A.I. Editorial
A tragic Fireboss accident claimed the life of Juliana Turchetti, pilot shortages raise concerns according to InFlight Crew Connections, Magellan Jets partners with LIV Golf star Dustin Johnson for a luxury travel experience, and Titan Firefighting purchases a second flight simulator from Entrol to enhance pilot training for aerial firefighting.
- Juliana Turchetti Lost in Fatal Fireboss Accident
Pilot Juliana Turchetti tragically lost her life in a Fireboss accident while battling wildfires. The accident underscores the dangers faced by aerial firefighting pilots, highlighting the importance of continued focus on safety and proper equipment for those risking their lives to protect communities from wildfires..
2nd - Pilot Shortages: Worth Digging Deeper, Says In-Flight Crew Connections
In-Flight Crew Connections addresses the growing pilot shortage, which impacts airlines and passengers alike. The shortage is driven by increased retirements, fewer new pilots entering the industry, and high
training costs. The company urges deeper analysis and solutions to address this crisis and ensure a sustainable future for aviation.
3rd - Magellan Jets Partners with LIV Golf Star Dustin Johnson
Magellan Jets has partnered with LIV Golf star Dustin Johnson to offer luxury private jet travel for golfers and enthusiasts. This partnership provides exclusive access to high-end travel experiences, combining Magellan’s reputation for luxury aviation services with Johnson’s star power, appealing to a high-end clientele.
4th - Titan Firefighting Purchases Second Entrol AT802 FTD Level 2 Flight Simulator
Titan Firefighting has purchased its second Entrol AT-802 FTD Level 2 flight simulator to enhance pilot training for aerial firefighting. The simulator provides advanced, realistic training for pilots operating in challenging environments, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle dangerous firefighting missions.
These were the most popular stories with our readers last month. Stay informed daily with the newest developments and trends shaping the future of aviation by visiting: avfoil.com/news.
Source: Aerial Fire Magazine
Author: Aerial Fire News
The aerial firefighting and agricultural aviation industries have lost one of their own: Juliana Turchetti, a smart, beautiful lady. When anyone told her she couldn’t, she did!
As a writer, Juliana joined the sister publication of AerialFire Magazine, AgAir Update, several years ago. In that position, she always did a fantastic job relating to other ag pilot readers, even though she was of the opposite gender of most ag pilots.
Juliana started her aviation career flying in the corporate world in Brazil. Longing for a more fulfilling career, she started ag flying in a Brazilian Ipanema. From there,
she progressed to ferrying Thrush and Air Tractor planes from the US to Brazil. She often wrote about her experiences on those flights. She flew ag in the US, and finally, she landed a seat in a firefighting AT-802F and from there to the Fire Boss.
The Fire Boss was the last plane she flew. While performing aerial firefighting operations in Montana yesterday, sadly she perished. At this writing, the next day, the accident details have not been determined.
Juliana will be missed by her readers, her loved ones, flying acquaintances, and the AerialFire and AgAir Update family. May God speed her to the next page.
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Source: Corporate Jet Investor
Author: Mike Stone
Worries about pilot shortages may be justified but “it’s worth digging a little deeper” into the origins of the shortfall, according to Clint Cannaday, Operations & Safety Analyst, In-Flight Crew Connections.
Judging by data from airlines and from different operators, there has been a pilot and captain shortage, says Cannaday. “Due to regulations and insurance requirements, a freshly-minted 800 hour pilot or 1,500 hour pilot (as airline hiring cooled down) could not land a job,” he tells CJI. “While the regionals previously hired many lowhour pilots to fill first officer positions as captains moved to the mainline, it left a void.”
Also, airlines struggled to find qualified pilots to meet the demands caused by retirements. The regional airlines appeared to struggle to find captains and mainline was short pilots as well, the corporate industry was losing countless pilots to legacy airlines to fill direct entry positions, he said.
Further evidence is supplied by consulting firm
Oliver Wyman. It estimates a pilot shortfall across North America would continue for the next decade, said Cannaday. Airline retirements are predicted to peak in 2025 – 2026, along with industry growth, presenting more challenges to resolving the shortfall.
“It will be interesting to see what happens over the next two years,” he adds. “Of course, many things will play into this from new aircraft deliveries, state of the economy, etc.” In-Flight Crew Connections has a large pool of pilots and we are positioned to provide high quality on short notice. (Don’t miss CJI’s recent One Minute Week probing pilot shortages).
Meanwhile, apparently bucking the global trend in pilot hires, British Airways revealed at Farnborough Airshow, UK its plan to fully-fund up to 200 places on its Speedbird Pilot Academy recruitment programme for 2025. “The money provides real opportunity for people who have been put off from applying to become a commercial airline pilot because of the £100k cost of training,” it said.
Source: Corporate Jet Investor
Author: Rob Hodgetts
Magellan Jets and golf star Dustin Johnson’s LIV Golf team have combined in an exclusive global private jet partnership.
Two-time major winner Johnson flies exclusively with Magellan and has recruited 4Aces teammates Patrick Reed, Pat Perez and Harold Varner III to promote the company and host experiences for its customers.
“Dustin Johnson is highly recognized as one of the best golfers in the world and one of the most knowledgeable and seasoned private fliers in all of sports,” said Joshua Marc Hebert, founder and CEO of Magellan Jets. “As with many tour players and professional athletes, we appreciate Dustin’s loyalty to Magellan Jets.”
Johnson, the 2016 US Open champion and 2020 Masters winner, said his time is at a “premium” between golf, business and family and described the partnership as the “perfect fit”.
“I committed to being a Magellan Jets cardholder because I trust its personalised service and range of aircraft,” said Johnson, who is from South Carolina but lives in Florida.
“My team at Magellan always goes the extra mile to ensure the comfort and safety of my family and the 4Aces on every trip.”
Magellan Jets recently became the private aviation provider of the Boston Red Sox and hired Todd Goldstein to expand its sports and entertainment division.
The company offers jet card ownership, membership, on-demand charter and aircraft sales and management services.
The 4Aces is one of 13 teams competing in LIV Golf, the league which operates outside the more established PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
Source: Aerial Fire Magazine
Author: Aerial Fire News
Entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD and FFS flight simulators, is pleased to announce the sale of a second AT-802 FTD 2 flight simulator to Titan Firefighting, the Spanish leader in aerial firefighting training. This state-of-the-art simulator is based on the AT-802 aircraft and is designed to provide a highly realistic training experience for pilots.
This flight simulator boasts real avionics and a replica configuration of the AT-802 operated by Titan Firefighting, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer from the simulator to the actual aircraft.
The unit features a 200ºx40º cylindrical visual system, powered by Entrol’s Envision and supported by Unreal Engine, not only
providing a high-resolution database of Spain but also offering realistic firefighting scenarios for comprehensive training. To further enhance the training experience, the simulator additionally includes the latest vibration system.
AT-802 FTD 2 flight simulator will be used for a variety of purposes, including type rating, proficiency checks and specialized firefighting training. Its installation and certification are expected to be completed this summer.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Titan Firefighting and support their mission to upgrade firefighting training with our advanced flight simulators”, said Juanjo Lechosa, Business Manager at Entrol.
Juliana Turchetti, a brave pilot, lost her life while flying a special plane called a Fireboss to help fight wildfires. Pilots like Juliana work hard to stop fires from spreading and help protect people. This accident reminds us how dangerous these jobs can be and why safety is so important. It also shows how much we rely on these skilled pilots to keep communities safe from wildfires.
There aren’t enough pilots to fly airplanes, which is causing problems for airlines. More pilots are retiring, and it’s very expensive to become a pilot. This makes it harder to find new ones. In-Flight Crew Connections says it’s important to figure out ways to fix this problem to keep flights running smoothly. Without enough pilots, passengers might face more delays or fewer flights, making travel more difficult.
Magellan Jets is working with famous golfer Dustin Johnson to offer special private jet travel for people who love golf. With this partnership, golfers can fly in luxury jets, making their trips extra special. It’s perfect for people who want a top-notch flying experience with their favorite golfer! Golf fans will now have a chance to combine their love of the sport with a premium travel experience.
Titan Firefighting bought a new flight simulator to help train pilots. This simulator is like a video game, but it feels real, letting pilots practice flying in tough situations like fighting wildfires. It helps them stay safe and do their job well when they’re battling dangerous fires from the sky. Pilots can keep practicing important skills in a safe way, helping them prepare for real emergencies.
Source: Avfoil News
Author: A.I. Editorial
Joby Aviation embraces new aviation technologies for eVTOL aircraft, Maeve partners with Pratt & Whitney Canada to design a regional electric aircraft, Beta Technologies is selected for a Michigan state grant to advance electric aviation, and Lyte Aviation teams up with H3 Dynamics to develop hydrogen propulsion for its Skybus eVTOL.
Joby Aviation is pushing forward with its vision for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, moving away from traditional aviation technologies. By embracing innovation, Joby aims to lead the future of urban air mobility. Their eVTOL designs offer a new way of flying, focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
Maeve has joined forces with Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop an all-electric regional aircraft. This partnership combines Maeve’s innovative electric aircraft vision with Pratt & Whitney’s expertise in propulsion. The new
design will support sustainable air travel for regional flights, reducing emissions and paving the way for cleaner aviation.
Beta Technologies has been chosen as one of four projects to receive a Michigan state grant aimed at advancing electric aviation. The grant will support Beta’s work on eVTOL aircraft and electric propulsion systems, contributing to the development of greener aviation technologies and helping Michigan become a leader in electric aviation.
Lyte Aviation has partnered with H3 Dynamics to develop hydrogen propulsion and refueling systems for its Skybus eVTOL. The collaboration focuses on using hydrogen as a clean energy source, making the Skybus more environmentally friendly. This partnership highlights the potential of hydrogen to power future eVTOL aircraft efficiently and sustainably.
To stay updated with the latest news in the future flight industry, visit: avfoil.com/news for daily updates and in-depth coverage of groundbreaking advancements.
Joby Aviation: “Maybe it’s time to let the
Source: eVTOL Insights
Author: Chris Stonor
The impression the nascent eVTOL industry gave at the Farnborough Airshow this year was one of excitement and enthusiasm… even awe, but above all of a new and bold confidence. It is growing up fast, very fast indeed, and Joby Aviation is at the forefront of this green aviation movement.
The company’s impressive large stand in Hall 4 not only displayed its full-size eVTOL that is being prepared for commercial flight, hopefully next year, but there was a big-sized screen offering videos of the craft in flight, educating the public about Urban Air Mobility and Joby’s place within it.
There were freebies like a cloth bag, a wooden pen, sticker and patch; the promotion of a nearby cafe, the type that people may experience in many future vertiports; but most enterprising, an actual simulator, allowing the public to experience what it’s like to fly a Joby eVTOL. Not forgetting a very poignant audio that proves just how quiet the aircraft is during flight compared to a helicopter or plane. Founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt’s famous quote, “As quiet as whispering leaves” is spot-on.
People thronged around the stand, excited to be photographed there, but not to be outdone, Joby offered an opportunity for them to sit in the craft’s cockpit, where a tiny camera, fitted into the front dashboard, took an image, which then was seamlessly downloaded on to their mobile.
During the five day event, leading staff members like Bonny Simi and Brian Garrett-Glaser were on hand to answer the public’s questions, while Bevirt was involved with Forum discussions and talking to the media.
The whole Joby experience echoes the film A Star is Born, when the main character Jack, says, “Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die….”
Therefore, it is apt that Joby released a press release this week entitled, “A Look Back at Joby’s Impact in 2023.” This is not a boast or a brag, but another sign of the industry’s growing confidence.
Joby ticks every green box, diversity box, educational box, community box, good egg box… in fact, there are even boxes ticked that aren’t widely known about yet. Safety of flight is paramount, of course, as the company’s manifesto portrays.
Enterprise Safety Management System: We are actively developing and implementing an enterprise-wide safety management system (SMS) to ensure safety oversight and improvement in all areas in line with our type certification efforts.
Aircraft Design: The safety of our pilots, passengers and surrounding communities has been a guiding principle in the design and development of our aircraft from the very beginning. Compared to traditional singlepropeller airplanes and helicopters, the Joby aircraft has greater redundancy across flightcritical systems to guard against failure.
Flight Operations: We had two flight operations safety programs accepted by standards-setting organisations: the International Business Aviation Council and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) Program for Part 135 Air Carriers.
Team member safety: We conducted over 4,000 hours of team member training on key Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
And then the environment, a subject very close to Bevirt’s heart.
GHG Inventory: We established our first global Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, allowing us to gain more insight into where we are today in terms of emissions and the places where we can work to improve.
Renewable Electricity: The majority of our GHG footprint comes from our electricity consumption. To reduce our impact, we consumed 100% renewable electricity at our primary facilities in 2023. As we continue to expand our business, Joby is committed to using 100 percent renewable electricity for our primary facilities and at Joby-operated Skyports, where available.
Manufacturing and Battery Recycling: Joby recycled almost 60,000 pounds of manufacturing waste including our tested batteries. In partnership with Redwood Materials, we recycled 1,000 poundsof damaged or abused lithium batteries in 2023. We are already incorporating recycling into our processes before we scale, and by establishing this partnership now, we can ensure that both organizations grow together.
Infrastructure to Unlock Electric Aviation: We conducted the first-ever exhibition flights of an electric air taxi in New York City, showing local stakeholders what the future of transportation could look – and sound – like. NYC Mayor Eric Adams committed to electrifying the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, marking a major step towards creating an electric aviation network in a major global city.
Electric Aviation Charging System: We released to industry the specifications of the Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS), which Joby developed to meet the unique needs of electric aircraft. By working towards broad industry adoption of GEACS, we aim to ensure the entire sector is able to operate safely and efficiently while maximizing the life of onboard batteries.
While not forgetting the community and how Joby’s growing manufacturing and business may impact on this.
Apprenticeship Program: We hired 63 apprentices across 12 manufacturing specialties at our California manufacturing facilities, with 71 percent of our 2023 apprentices coming from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.
Diversity and Inclusion: We added 300 team members in 2023 and our US-based new hires were our most diverse to date, with 55 percent of new hires from underrepresented racial/ ethnic backgrounds. To support our evolving talent pool, we established our first Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) – Women of Joby and Joby Pride – in order to drive equity, increase representation, and foster community and connection across the company.
Educating and Inspiring: Through our extensive outreach efforts in STEM and Career Technical Education programs, we engaged with more than 1,800 students to ensure that the next generation of engineers, operators, and technicians have access to career opportunities in aviation.
Recognition: We were identified by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2023.
The AAM industry is in a good place right now and Farnborough showcased this well. Compared to just two years ago, there were five eVTOLs on display. And for each one the media were invited to step inside their interior and try out the seats for comfort.
The best one? Now that would be telling.
Source: Revolution.Aero
Author: Yves le Marquand
Maeve is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada on the design of its M80 hybridelectric 80-seater regional aircraft.
The M80 design aims to offer the performance of a jet and the cost efficiency of a turboprop. With a range of up to 1,200nm (2,222km), developers of the M80 aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% relative to benchmark regional jets while cruising at comparable speeds and altitudes. Maeve is targeting entry into service in 2032.
Raytheon Technologies company, Pratt & Whitney has over four decades’ experience providing propulsion solutions to the regional aviation market.
Anthony Rossi, vice president, global sales and marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada said: “Reaching the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and making aviation more sustainable will depend on combined efforts to accelerate technology innovation and drive collaboration across our industry. It’s in this spirit that we will collaborate with
Maeve, leveraging our growing expertise in sustainable propulsion technologies.”
Martin Nuesseler, chief technology officer, Maeve added: “As a clean sheet design, the performance and efficiency of the Maeve M80 will be a game changer for the regional aviation market, combining advanced aerodynamics and a disruptive propulsion technology. Working together with Pratt & Whitney Canada at this stage of the programme will enable us to validate and optimize the design of the aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion system, tapping into the full potential of this promising new technology.”
Source: Revolution.Aero
Author: Yves le Marquand
TheState of Michigan has selected BETA as one of four recipients of $6m-plus in grant funding allocated for projects to help scale AAM infrastructure in the state.
The programme is one of the first state-wide initiatives aimed at readying the region for the arrival of AAM operations. It has been capitalised through Michigan’s AAM Activation Fund, and forms part of a broader push to increase coordination across state entities to create a centralised pipeline of projects that can accelerate AAM growth in the state.
The project marks BETA’s first venture into Michigan to deploy charging infrastructure.
Nate Ward, BETA’s head of Network Development said: “AAM has the power to change the way we move goods and people in a significant way. It will increase operational safety and reliability while also reducing costs and emissions.
BETA will use the funding to install its multimodal, interoperable electric chargers at four airports throughout the state, to support cargo and passenger transport missions. The airports receiving the infrastructure are Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Capital Region International Airport (LAN) just north of Lansing, West Michigan Regional Airport (BIV), Willow Run Airport (YIP) just west of Detroit and West Michigan Regional Airport (BIV) near Lake Michigan.
The firm’s electric chargers utilise an internationally recognised charging standard — CCS — to ensure compatibility with electric cars, trucks and airplanes
(couplers are the same on both the land and airside). BETA announced the charger had been certified by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) back in April.
“BETA is focused on building dependable and accessible charging infrastructure that will enable this new mode of transportation,” added Ward. “Michigan has a long history of driving transformation in mobility, and we’re grateful to be working with Michigan on this transformative technology.”
The grant arrives during BETA’s broader efforts to roll out a nationwide network of charging infrastructure. To date, the company has 20 sites online along the east and gulf coasts, with 50 more sites in development.
In November last year, BETA agreed a deal to supply its aircraft chargers to fellow eVTOL developer Archer. The California-based company is using two of BETA’s Charge Cubes at its flight test bases, as well as an undisclosed number of Mini Cube mobile charging systems which can be deployed as required.
“Fast charging is critical to ensure rapid turnaround times between flights,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, at the time. “A widespread, fast charging system is critical to ensuring electric air taxis reach scale in the coming years and this collaboration between two industry leaders is an exciting step towards achieving that.”
BETA has also announced a partnership with business aviation FBO, Signature Aviation which has seen it install charging infrastructure initially at three on-airport locations across the US east coast.
Source: LYTE Aviation Press Release
LYTE Aviation announced it has selected Toulouse-based H3 Dynamics to equip its new 40-seater VTOL aircraft with aviationgrade hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion systems.
Furthermore, in order to secure competitive hydrogen fuel for its new hydrogen aircraft line-up, LYTE aviation is also supporting the installation of H3 Dynamics’ self[1] contained electrolyser systems at its airport destinations.
LYTE Aviation is pioneering the industry’s first 40-seat eVTOL, a heavy-weight passenger mass transit vertical take-off and landing aircraft branded the SkyBus LA-44.
Currently, LYTE is working on 19 different projects in Europe, U.S., Asia and Africa, and has secured 23 pre orders worth €920m within the last 12 months. LYTE is also designing a cargo variant, SkyTruck LA-44C, with a payload of 4.5 tons, as well a 19- seater version business jet, the X-Prime version.
Furthermore, it has expanded its range to up to 2.000 kilometers for humanitarian aid and natural disasters use cases.
“The SkyBus and SkyTruck are ideal solutions to extend today’s regional aviation to places
with no runway” comments Freshta Farzam, LYTE Aviation’s founder and CEO.
“Unlike most eVTOLs carrying a maximum of two to four passengers, we want to move more people and more goods, with higher speed, lower-cost, frequency and flexibility.”
eVTOLs have long-suffered from limited flight times since they rely on heavy battery-packs. But new hydrogen-electric VTOLs with much longer range are on the way.
Joby Aviation just recently flew its five-seater eVTOL aircraft for 523 miles on hydrogen. This is almost six times the range of its 150 mile battery-version, a game-changer for the eVTOL sector.
LYTE Aviation chose H3 Dynamics to equip its systems with the most proven and durable systems, backed by solid industry references such as its recent work on an AIRBUS A330 APU fuel cell.
With more than 15 years development of hydrogen technologies in the aerospace and defense sector, H3 Dynamics team can offer a unique safety and performance-driven expertise.
It will help guide LYTE’s hydrogen eVTOL design and accelerate its time to market. LYTE Aviation
will be integrating H3 Dynamics’ aero-compliant fuel cell power systems, in a design capable of working alongside tilt-wing and tilt-engine movements.
Moreover, H3 Dynamics will work with LYTE Aviation to ensure hydrogen is available for its aircraft regardless of the location. The company now supplies a range of self-contained hydrogen electrolyser systems capable of producing green hydrogen on demand.
“As we are already in close collaboration with airports in Europe and the U.S., and we need to make sure that our customers can benefit from efficient and easily available hydrogen infrastructure solutions,” added Farzam.
“Given the progress achieved by H3 Dynamics and by the broader ecosystem, we believe now is the time to begin transitioning eVTOLs from batteries to hydrogen. We are proud to be partnering with LYTE Aviation to move the world another step forward,” said Taras Wankewycz, founder and CEO of H3 Dynamics Group.
Joby Aviation is creating a new kind of aircraft that can take off and land straight up and down, called eVTOL. These aircraft use electric power instead of regular fuel, making them better for the planet. Joby wants to change how we fly, using these cool new aircraft to make getting around cities faster and greener. They’re moving away from the old way of flying and embracing the future of air travel.
Maeve is teaming up with Pratt & Whitney Canada to create an electric plane that can fly between nearby cities. This special plane will use electricity instead of regular fuel, helping to reduce pollution and make the skies cleaner. Maeve hopes to make flying not only faster but also much better for the environment, especially for shorter trips. An important step toward creating a future where planes are quieter and greener!
Beta Technologies has been given a special grant from Michigan to keep working on electric flying vehicles. These vehicles will use electricity to fly instead of regular fuel, helping make air travel cleaner. The grant will help Beta build better electric planes and make flying greener for everyone. This project is a big step for Michigan to lead the way in clean aviation technology!
Lyte Aviation is teaming up with H3 Dynamics to use hydrogen to power their Skybus aircraft. Hydrogen is a clean fuel that doesn’t pollute, making it perfect for the environment. The Skybus is a special plane that can carry lots of people, and using hydrogen will help it fly while keeping the air clean. This partnership could change how big planes are powered in the future!
Find the words in the puzzle:
AUTOPILOT HYBRID
PROPULSION
SPACEPORT
VERTIPORT ELECTRIC
HYDROGEN
SUPERSONIC
SPACECRAFT
Words can go in any direction.
Words can share letters as they cross over each other.
Check your answers on page 94
Source: Avfoil News
Author: A.I. Editorial
Moya Aero reveals a new hybrid cargo drone design, the FAA authorizes Zipline and Wing for BVLOS operations in Dallas, EASA approves certification for Veronte Autopilot, and Honeywell partners with Odys Aviation on uncrewed aircraft projects in Oman and the Pacific, pushing innovation in aerial technology.
Moya Aero has unveiled a new hybrid cargo drone design that combines electric propulsion with a traditional engine, aimed at enhancing range and payload capabilities. This innovative drone is designed to meet logistics demands in remote areas, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution for cargo transportation.
The FAA has granted authorization for Zipline and Wing to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations in Dallas. This approval marks a significant milestone for drone delivery services, enabling safer, more efficient operations, and
advancing the use of autonomous drones in urban areas.
EASA has approved the ETCS certification basis for the Veronte Autopilot system, allowing it to meet European safety standards for aviation. This certification is crucial for expanding the system’s application in advanced UAVs, ensuring compliance and improving safety for unmanned flight operations.
Honeywell and Odys Aviation are collaborating to develop uncrewed aircraft systems for operations in Oman and the Pacific. The partnership will explore new technologies for autonomous flight, aimed at improving cargo delivery and other services in remote regions, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
To stay updated with the latest news in the UAS/UAV industry, visit: avfoil.com/news for daily updates and in-depth coverage of groundbreaking advancements.
Source: Revolution.Aero
Author: Yves le Marquand
In a bid to extend range, Brazilian drone developer Moya Aero has unveiled its new hybrid-electric cargo drone.
The hybrid Moya eVTOL expands operational range to 300km with improved efficiency while maintaining a 200kg payload capacity, said developers.
Alexandre Zaramela, Moya’s CEO said: “In our pursuit of innovation and excellence, we have identified the necessity for a solution that addresses the limitations of traditional electric drones, particularly in terms of range and operational efficiency. Our hybrid cargo drone combines electric and conventional propulsion technologies, offering superior performance and reliability.”
The new aircraft offer a range of improvements:
Extended Range—300 km: The cargo drone’s hybrid design allows it to cover greater distances, making it suited for
long-haul deliveries and remote locations.
Enhanced Efficiency: The drone optimizes fuel consumption and energy usage by integrating a hybrid propulsion system. This results in lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
Uncompromised Payload Capacity: Despite the extended range, the hybrid drone maintains its payload capacity of 200kg.
Reliability and Versatility: The hybrid system provides increased reliability and flexibility to switch between power sources as needed.
“We are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that meet our customers’ evolving needs. The development of our hybrid cargo drone is a testament to this commitment,” added Zaramela. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to set new standards in the logistics and transportation industry.”
Source: Revolution.Aero
Author: Yves le Marquand
The FAA has authorised Zipline and Wing to operate commercial drone flights without visual observers in the same Dallas-area airspace, in a first for US aviation.
The authorisations allow the companies to deliver packages while keeping their drones separated using unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) technology. In this system, the operators manage the airspace with FAA safety oversight.
Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and co-founder of Zipline said: “This approval of Zipline’s UTM system lifts up the entire industry. We’ve been able to leverage our expertise and learnings from flying 80m commercial autonomous miles, to make the entire industry safer, scalable and more efficient. Millions of Americans will soon be able to safely get fast, convenient, instant delivery of the products they need when they need them 10x as fast, for half the cost, and with zero emissions.”
This move away from traditional operations when the pilot must always be able to see the aircraft, are thanks to new advancements in air traffic technology and procedures
Using UTM services, companies can share
data and planned flight routes with other authorised airspace users. This allows the operators to safely organise and manage drone flights around each other in shared airspace. All flights occur below 400ft (121m) altitude and away from any crewed aircraft.
The FAA expects initial flights using UTM services will begin in August and issuing more authorisations in the Dallas area soon.
This news comes as the FAA works to release the Normalizing UAS BVLOS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which would enable drone operators to expand operations while maintaining the same high level of safety as traditional aviation. The agency said it is on track to release the NPRM this year, following Congressional support in the recent FAA reauthorisation.
Rinaudo Cliffton added: “This year 5 billion instant deliveries will be made, via on-demand apps, in the U.S. alone, and that doesn’t even include the billions of packages that FedEx, UPS and Amazon will also deliver. We at Zipline believe there’s actually global demand for tens of billions of instant deliveries per year but there hasn’t been a system in place to do that — until now.”
Source: Embention Press Release
EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, has approved the certification basis for the Veronte Autopilot, making it the first guidance and flight control system for UAS and eVTOL to undergo an ETSO-C198 certification process, according to Embention.
Since its inception, Embention has demonstrated a strong commitment to reliability and certification. After complying with aviation standards DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, and achieving ISO9001 and EN9100 certifications, the Spanish company has reached the first milestone with EASA in obtaining an ETSO authorization for the Veronte Autopilot.
This miniaturized flight control system is designed for advanced control of both manned (eVTOL/VCA) and unmanned (UAS) autonomous vehicles.
EASA has verified and approved the Certification Programme and the Article Technical Specification, documents that establish the certification basis for the Veronte Autopilot under the framework of ETSO-C198 “Automatic Flight Guidance and Control Systems (AFGCS).”
This milestone marks the first step in obtaining an ETSO certification level for the autopilot.
This certification of the autopilot as a component will confirm compliance with manned aviation standards, facilitating the certification of both manned and unmanned aircraft.
These levels of compliance are necessary for the operation of unmanned aircraft in the Certified Category (according to Regulation (EU) 2019/947) and for VTOL (VCA) aircraft that carry passengers.
It will also enable the installation of the Veronte Autopilot in already certified manned aircraft in accordance with Regulation (EU) 748/2012 and its annex, known as Part 21.
According to Javier Espuch, chief business development officer at Embention: “This achievement with EASA represents an unprecedented advancement in our path to certify the Veronte Autopilot under the ETSO-C198 framework. This step reinforces our commitment to innovation and safety to enabling drones to populate our skies.”
At the same time, this milestone positions Embention as a pioneer in the certification of critical systems for unmanned and VCA/eVTOL aircraft. It represents another step towards enabling and normalizing critical operations with these types of aircraft, such as urban air mobility, including air taxis and urban freight transport.
Source: eVTOL Insights
Author: Chris Stonor
Honeywell and Odys Aviation, a developer of hybrid VTOL aircraft, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the design of new Ground Control Stations to support the rollout of Odys’ aircraft in the Middle East and Pacific, reports a press release.
Under the MOU terms, Honeywell is to provide a Ground Control Station for uncrewed aerial system (UAS) operations and support Odys unmanned drone, named Laila. Trial programs of the Control Station are expected to begin next year.
Laila is designed in multiple configurations and with a 230-mile range, is ideal to support pipeline inspections, leak detection, geological surveys, maritime operations and logistics services, including the delivery of time-critical goods.
Honeywell’s Ground Control Station, which can be scaled to meet the needs of any VTOL platform, enables remote pilots to manage multiple vehicles simultaneously, over long distances, and without direct visual contact.
In addition, several advanced automation functionalities such as traffic awareness, contingency management, and ground-based detect-and-avoid, help reduce pilot workload. These features increase the safety and efficiency of unmanned drone operations.
David Shilliday, VP of Advanced Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, commented,
“Our planned collaboration with Odys Aviation will represent a significant milestone, moving our innovative solutions from testing to real-life scenarios.”
James Dorris, CEO and co-Founder of Odys Aviation, added, “Honeywell shares our view that the key to commercialising new aircraft technologies and moving from R&D to market lies in partnerships. They have shown extensive leadership in the sustainable aviation space, and we’re excited to be working hand-in-hand with their world-class team to deliver on the promise of advanced aerospace technologies as soon as next year.”
Under the terms of the MOU, both companies will work closely with MWASALAT, the Omani National Transportation Company.
Bader AlNadabi, CEO of MWASALAT, remarked, “Together with the proven experience of Honeywell and the technological innovation of Odys Aviation, Oman is laying the groundwork to become a leader in this exciting new age of aviation.”\
Odys Aviation was founded in 2019 and designs, develops and manufactures advanced VTOL aircraft “that solve global challenges for commercial airlines and private operators.”
Based in Long Beach, California with a design office in Munich, Germany, the company is pioneering the next generation of VTOL aircraft which use hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
Moya Aero has made an exciting new cargo drone that uses both electric power and a regular engine. This helps the drone fly much farther and carry bigger, heavier loads of packages. It’s designed for delivering important things to hard-to-reach places, like far-away towns or islands. The best part is that it’s also more eco-friendly, using less fuel and helping the environment while making sure deliveries get where they need to go!
The FAA now allows Zipline and Wing to fly their delivery drones in Dallas without needing to watch them every second. These drones can now fly over busy areas and make deliveries faster and more safely. This is a big deal for the future of package deliveries by drones! It means that someday, drones could be a normal part of how things get delivered, even in busy cities, making everything more efficient.
A special autopilot system, called Veronte, has been approved in Europe. This system helps unmanned planes (or drones) fly on their own without needing a pilot. With this approval, more drones will be able to use this system to fly safely and smoothly, especially for important jobs like delivering packages. It’s an important step in making sure unmanned flights are safe for everyone!
Honeywell and Odys Aviation are working together to build special planes that don’t need a pilot to fly. These uncrewed planes will be able to deliver packages and other goods to far-away places, like Oman and islands in the Pacific Ocean. Without needing a pilot, these planes can make deliveries faster, help people in remote areas, and save money. It’s a great way to transport things efficiently to places that are hard to reach!
Source: Avfoil News
Author: AI Editorial
Dialog Group expands its terminal for renewable fuels, VerdeGo Aero unveils a hybrid-electric powerplant for eVTOLs, Elfly and Gotland explore electric seaplane flights, and Japan Airlines signs an agreement with ENEOS to use SAF, advancing global efforts toward sustainable aviation and carbon reduction goals.
Malaysia’s Dialog Group is expanding its Pengerang terminal to support renewable fuels, strengthening its role in Asia’s clean energy market. This move aligns with global sustainability trends, increasing capacity for production and storage to meet carbon reduction goals. Dialog's expansion reflects its commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure.
2nd - VerdeGo Aero Unveils VH-4T 400KW Turbine Hybrid-Electric Powerplant
VerdeGo Aero has launched the VH-4T, a 400kW
hybrid-electric powerplant designed for eVTOL aircraft. The hybrid system combines electric efficiency with turbine range, boosting sustainable aviation. This innovation marks a major step toward reducing emissions while ensuring high performance for future urban air mobility.
Elfly Group and the Gotland Government are exploring sustainable seaplane flights between Gotland and the mainland. The partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions by using electric seaplanes, offering a model for eco-friendly regional air travel and advancing green aviation in coastal areas.
Japan Airlines has partnered with ENEOS to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in its operations. This agreement supports the airline’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with global sustainability targets through the use of renewable fuel sources.
To stay up to date with the latest news and trends in the Sustainable Aviation industry, visit: avfoil.com/news
Source: Revolution.Aero
Author: Fayaz Hussain
Malaysian integrated technical services provider Dialog Group announced plans to expand storage facilities by additional 150,000 cubic meters for renewable and petroleum products at the existing Tanjung Langsat terminal at Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia.
The terminal expansion is due to complete by 2027.
The company said that the first 100,000 cubic meters of the expanded storage has already been awarded to EcoCeres Ltd, which will use the facility to process sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The remaining 50,000 cubic metres will be awarded to third party customers.
EcoCeres plans to use the expanded capacity at the terminal to process output from its recently-announced investment in setting up a new biofuel production facility in Pasir Gudang, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia.
The new biorefinery is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025 and is located less than 1km from Dialog’s terminal with direct connection to the terminal’s storage tanks via rundown pipelines.
Dialog said that it has secured a take-or-pay storage agreement with EcoCeres Limited for the dedicated 100,000 cubic meters of storage which serves as a catalyst for the expansion.
EcoCeres’ biorefinery has an annual capacity of up to 350,000 tonnes.
EcoCeres is a pure-play renewable fuel producer, with over a decade of experience in biomass utilization, backed by international investors Bain Capital and Kerogen Capital.
Earlier this week, Eni, Petronas and Euglena reached final investment decision to develop biorefinery to produce SAF and HVO in Malaysia.
The construction of the biorefinery is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, and upon completion, will have the capability to process about 650,000 tonnes per year of raw materials to produce SAF, HVO, and bio-naphtha.
The biorefinery will be located at the Petronas’ Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) in Johor, Malaysia.
Source: eVTOL Insights
Author: Chris Stonor
VerdeGo Aero, a company that aims to “revolutionise aerospace technologies with cutting-edge propulsion solutions” is to unveil its VH-4T turbine hybrid-electric powerplant, reports a press release. The 400kW powerplant is designed to address a wide array of applications in high-performance electrified aircraft for commercial and military markets.
Founded in 2017, U.S - based VerdeGo has leveraged the previous seven years of hybrid-electric development, including the experience from building its 185kW VH - 3 program, to create the VH-4T.
Full-scale Iron Bird testing of the VH-4T began in late 2023, and a flightworthy prototype is the subject of a current USAF Small Business Innovation Research Phase II effort for AFWERX.
Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero, commented, “We are excited to expand our
hybrid-electric powerplant portfolio up to the 400kW power level. This revolutionary powerplant enables drones, VTOL and CTOL electrified aircraft to achieve higher levels of performance and mission capability.”
David Eichstedt, VerdeGo’s VP of Product Management, added, “We are seeing strong market demand across a variety of new electric aircraft configurations 400 kW seems to be a sweet spot for 5–7 passenger air taxis, eCTOL or eSTOL aircraft that carry up to about 9 passengers, as well as cargo drones that need to carry over 1000 lb of payload.”
The release states, “VerdeGo is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney to use the PW206/ PW207 engine series in the VH-4T hybrid. As a highly efficient and reliable engine family, the PW200 is well suited for hybridelectric configurations, with over 17 million hours of operation accrued by more than 6,700 engines produced to date. The VH-4T program continues RTX’s collaboration with
VerdeGo Aero, which started through RTX Ventures’ investment in VerdeGo Aero in mid-2022.”
Scott McElvaine, VP of Pratt & Whitney, Canada, remarked, “Hybrid-electric propulsion has the potential to enable improvements in performance and fuel efficiency for a wide array of future aircraft applications. Our partnership with VerdeGo is helping to accelerate the application of this technology, which we are also advancing across multiple RTX demonstrator programs.”
VerdeGo’s hybrid powerplants are tightly integrated systems that include the engine, generator, power electronic, control systems, thermal management and mechanical integration, to create a new type of powerplant for electrified aircraft.
A VH-4T prototype will be on display in the AFWERX booth 439 at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture show in Oshkosh (July 22nd to 28th). VerdeGo will also be attending the Farnborough Airshow (July 22nd-26th) at chalet number D020.
Source: Revolution.Aero
Author: Yves le Marquand
Elfly Group is partnering with the government of Gotland, Sweden, with plans to launch zeroemission commercial seaplane flights to the island by 2027.
Located in the Baltic Sea off Sweden’s east coast, Gotland is the largest of Sweden’s islands, some 90km east of the mainland. Local government is keen to secure more sustainable solutions like Elfy’s ‘Noemi’ aircraft and would like to have at least one commercial operator flying electric aircraft from the island in the future, it said.
Meit Fohlin, Social Democrats, chairman of the Regional Board, Gotland, said: “One of our biggest regional development requirements is securing good communications to and from the island. We are working actively to get electric flights to Gotland. We are, accordingly, pleased and proud to be able to announce today that with this Letter of Intent we are initiating a deeper collaboration with Elfly Group.”
Eric Lithun (pictured above), CEO of Elfly Group
added: “We are excited to partner with Region Gotland in this groundbreaking initiative as we move towards a greener future. Our electric seaplane Noemi can create new opportunities for Gotland and showcase the potential of zero-emission solutions in many markets worldwide. We will contribute to Gotland so that it reaches its goal to start commercial zero-emission flights by 2030.”
Interest in next generation seaplane travel is mounting. Speaking last month at Revolution. aero in London Lithun compared the market potential to that of eVTOL aircraft.
“These new electric seaplanes are certifiable to both VFR and IFR conditions – today. Huge amounts of funding have been poured into eVTOLs that don’t have the regulations to certify, so they have a lot of work to do to get certificated. We are working within the rules and regulations of today. Commercial next generation electric seaplane operations don’t need costly infrastructure, just a small pontoon with chargers, dockside. The water is our runway.”
Source: SAF Investor
Author: Rayaz Hussain
Japan Airlines and ENEOS Corporation announced an agreement on the purchase and sale of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This agreement will enable ENEOS to become the first Japanese oil refiner to import SAF and supply it to JAL.
ENEOS is building an integrated system for SAF, from raw material procurement to in-
house production and sales with plans to produce SAF at its Wakayama Works.
Both firms said that they will continue to work together to promote the use of SAF in Japan and to contribute to the decarbonization of the aviation industry through the establishment of a domestic SAF supply chain.
Earlier, Japan Airlines launched the JAL Corporate SAF Program to certify environmental value of CO2 reduction achieved through the use of SAF for corporate customers in Japan. Under the program, JAL will use SAF and track pollution reduction from using the cleaner jet fuel and convert that amount into certificates.
Japan Airline has shown its commitment to replace 1% of total fuel on board with SAF by 2025 and 10% by 2030. The airline is currently procuring SAF both domestically and overseas.
Dialog Group is expanding its terminal to store more renewable fuels, which are better for the environment. The larger terminal will help store and deliver ecofriendly fuel that causes less pollution than regular fuel. This move helps Asia transition to cleaner energy, ensuring more places can access renewable fuels and reduce pollution. It’s an important step in keeping our planet healthier!
VerdeGo Aero has designed a new engine for flying vehicles! This engine uses both electric power and a traditional turbine, allowing planes to fly longer while using less fuel. It’s an exciting way to make city air travel cleaner. This engine will reduce air pollution while allowing flying cars and planes to travel quickly. It’s a big step for greener air travel!
Elfly Group and the Gotland Government are working together to explore using electric seaplanes for flights between Gotland and the Swedish mainland. These seaplanes use electricity instead of regular fuel, which lowers pollution and makes flying more eco-friendly. This project could set an example for greener air travel between islands and the mainland, helping to protect the environment.
Japan Airlines is teaming up with ENEOS to use sustainable aviation fuel, which is better for the environment. This special fuel creates less pollution than regular jet fuel and helps keep the air cleaner. Japan Airlines plans to use more of this eco-friendly fuel, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint by 2050, and making air travel greener!
A.I. DALL-E's illustration depicting sustainablity concepts on the ground and in the air
Find the words in the
ELECTRIFICATION
EMISSIONS GREENER HYDROGEN INNOVATION PROPULSION RECYCLING
SUSTAINABILITY
Words
Check your answers on page 94
Source: Avfoil News
Author: AI Editorial
In recent space updates, SpaceX resolved the cause of Falcon 9’s July anomaly and is ready for flight again. Rocket Lab will launch its 51st Electron mission for Synspective, continuing their collaboration. Boeing's Starliner completed a docked hot fire test, nearing its Crew Flight Test. Firefly Aerospace successfully launched Alpha FLTA005 for NASA, advancing small satellite deployments.
SpaceX has completed its investigation into the Falcon 9 launch anomaly from July 2024, identifying a cracked sensor line as the cause. While all 20 Starlink satellites from that mission re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, SpaceX has made corrections to ensure the issue won’t affect future launches, preparing to return Falcon 9 to flight.
Rocket Lab is preparing for its 51st Electron mission to deploy a StriX satellite for Japanese
company Synspective. The launch is scheduled from New Zealand, marking the fifth of 16 total missions for Synspective. This continued partnership highlights Rocket Lab’s role as a leading small satellite launcher.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully completed its second docked hot fire test of the Reaction Control System thrusters, helping to prepare for its Crew Flight Test return. Engineers reviewed real-time data to ensure all systems performed at peak efficiency, with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams onboard providing feedback.
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha FLTA005 mission for NASA, deploying payloads and validating the rocket’s on-orbit capabilities. The mission, part of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative, helps small satellites access space, and Firefly’s Alpha rocket demonstrated its readiness for future NASA missions, including lunar services.
To stay up to date with the latest news and trends in the Space flight industry, visit: avfoil.com/news
Source: Space X Press Release
SpaceX submitted its mishap report to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding Falcon 9’s launch anomaly on July 11, 2024. SpaceX’s investigation team, with oversight from the FAA, was able to identify the most probable cause of the mishap and associated corrective actions to ensure the success of future missions.
Post-flight data reviews confirmed Falcon 9’s first stage booster performed nominally through ascent, stage separation, and a successful droneship landing. During the first burn of Falcon 9’s second stage engine, a liquid oxygen leak developed within the insulation around the upper stage engine. The cause of the leak was identified as a crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor attached to the vehicle’s oxygen system. This line cracked due to fatigue caused by high loading from engine vibration and looseness in the clamp that normally constrains the line. Despite the leak, the second stage engine continued to operate through the duration of its first burn, and completed its engine shutdown, where it entered the coast phase of the mission in the intended elliptical parking orbit.
A second burn of the upper stage engine was planned to circularize the orbit ahead of satellite deployment. However, the liquid oxygen leak on the upper stage led to the excessive cooling of engine components, most importantly those associated with delivery of ignition fluid to the engine. As a result, the engine experienced a hard start rather than a controlled burn, which damaged the engine hardware and caused the upper stage to subsequently lose attitude control. Even so, the second stage continued to operate as designed, deploying the Starlink satellites and successfully completing stage passivation, a process of venting down stored energy on the stage, which occurs at the conclusion of every Falcon mission.
made contact with 10 of the satellites to send early burn commands in an attempt to raise their altitude. Unfortunately, the satellites were in an enormously high-drag environment with a very low perigee of only 135 km above the Earth. As a result, all 20 Starlink satellites from this launch reentered the Earth’s atmosphere. By design, Starlink satellites fully demise upon reentry, posing no threat to public safety. To-date, no debris has been reported after the successful deorbit of Starlink satellites.
SpaceX engineering teams have performed a comprehensive and thorough review of all SpaceX vehicles and ground systems to ensure we are putting our best foot forward as we return to flight. For near term Falcon launches, the failed sense line and sensor on the second stage engine will be removed. The sensor is not used by the flight safety system and can be covered by alternate sensors already present on the engine. The design change has been tested at SpaceX’s rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas, with enhanced qualification analysis and oversight by the FAA and involvement from the SpaceX investigation team. An additional qualification review, inspection, and scrub of all sense lines and clamps on the active booster fleet led to a proactive replacement in select locations.
Safety and reliability are at the core of SpaceX’s operations. It would not have been possible to achieve our current cadence without this focus, and thanks to the pace we’ve been able to launch, we’re able to gather unprecedented levels of flight data and are poised to rapidly return to flight, safely and with increased reliability. Our missions are of critical importance – safely carrying astronauts, customer payloads, and thousands of Starlink satellites to orbit – and they rely on the Falcon family of rockets being one of the most reliable in the world. We thank the FAA and our customers for their ongoing work and support.
Source: Rocket Lab Press Release
Rocket Lab announced the launch window for its 51st Electron launch, a mission that will launch the latest satellite in a constellation being built by its longstanding customer Synspective.
The “Owl for One, One for Owl” mission is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand during a 14-day launch window that opens on July 31st NZST / July 30th UTC. In addition to deploying a single StriX satellite to low Earth orbit for this mission, Rocket Lab will perform an advanced mid-
mission maneuver with Electron’s Kick Stage to shield the satellite from the sun and reduce radiation exposure.
The mission will be the fifth launch of a total of 16 launches on Electron for Synspective, a Japanese Earth observation company deploying a constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites designed to deliver imagery that can detect millimetre-level changes to the Earth’s surface from space. Rocket Lab has been the sole launch provider for Synspective’s constellation to date, and this latest mission continues a lasting and trusted partnership to deploy their StriX constellation to low Earth orbit. Most recently that partnership was further cemented by a new multi-launch contract of ten dedicated Electron launches for Synspective announced in June 2024, with the launches in that new deal set to take place across 2025-2027.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: “Synspective’s long-standing
trust in the team to build out their constellation is recognition of Electron’s continued dominance as the ultimate small launch vehicle for the industry. Schedule flexibility, a reliable rocket launching more and more frequently, and our unique in-space capabilities that support mission needs are all critical functions at play in the multi-launch contracts being signed by our domestic and international launch customers. It’s an honor to continue launching for Synspective through our ongoing partnership.”
“Owl for One, One for Owl” will be Rocket Lab’s 51st Electron mission and ninth launch this year. As well as an additional launch for Synspective scheduled to take place before the end of this year, other launches for multilaunch contract customers include spacebased intelligence company BlackSky and French Internet-of-Things (IoT) company Kinéis.
Source: Boeing Press Release
The Starliner team completed a docked hot fire test of the spacecraft’s Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters Saturday afternoon, and monitored its helium system, providing additional data points for the Crew Flight Test’s return to Earth.
With Starliner flight director Chloe Mehring at the helm and Boeing engineers on console monitoring the spacecraft’s systems, flight controllers commanded the sequential firing of 27 RCS thrusters.
“The integrated teams between Starliner and ISS worked extremely well together this week to finalize and safely execute the docked hotfire sequence,” said Mehring, who will lead the Starliner flight control team in the upcoming undocking from the International Space Station.
“Both teams were very happy with the results.”
The one-pulse firings were designed to confirm the performance of each thruster. Aft-facing thrusters were fired for 1.2 seconds and all others for .40 seconds. Between each firing, the team reviewed real-time data and all
thrusters performed at peak thrust rating values, ranging from 97-102%. The helium system also remained stable. Additionally, an RCS oxidizer isolation valve that was not fully seated previously, was cycled several times during today’s testing and is now operating normally.
This is the second time the spacecraft has been hot fired successfully while docked, an integrated operation the station and Starliner teams will also conduct during future longduration missions.
Flight test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were inside Starliner Calypso giving the team on the ground real-time feedback during the test. In preparation for the return home, Wilmore and Williams will participate in two undock to landing simulations next week.
A Flight Test Readiness Review is tentatively planned for late next week, and the data gathered today will be reviewed and included in return flight rationale. While a landing date has not yet been set, opportunities are available throughout August.
Source: Firefly Aerospace Press Release
Firefly Aerospace, an end-to-end space transportation company, today announced it successfully launched its Alpha Flight 5 (FLTA005) rocket and completed the payload deployment sequence as part of the company’s Venture-Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 (VCLS Demo 2) contract with NASA.
The mission, called Noise of Summer, lifted off from Firefly’s SLC-2 launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base at 9:04 p.m. PDT on July 3, 2024. Following payload deployment, Firefly successfully performed a second stage relight and plane change maneuver to further test and validate Alpha’s on-orbit capabilities.
“The Firefly team knocked it out of the park,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “As a NASA vendor for both launch and lunar services, we look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the agency’s larger space exploration goals from Earth to the Moon and beyond.”
As a NASA VCLS Demo 2 task order, the successful mission further validates Alpha’s capabilities to provide small satellite launches for NASA on a recurring basis. The mission’s CubeSats were selected through NASA’s CubeSat Launch
Initiative (CSLI) that provides U.S. educational institutions and nonprofits with low-cost access to space.
“The launch of Firefly Aerospace’s demonstration mission marks one more way NASA is innovating for the benefit of humanity,” said Hamilton Fernandez, mission manager for NASA’s Launch Services Program. “NASA is using CubeSat missions to demonstrate the capability of small rockets and build relationships with this new part of the U.S. launch vehicle industry.”
At the time of this release, ongoing activities are underway by NASA and the CubeSat teams as they work to acquire signals for all satellites. Additional updates will be posted to the mission webpage.
Looking ahead, Firefly is in the final testing phase for its next Alpha launch, FLTA006, in support of a dedicated commercial mission for Lockheed Martin. The Firefly team is concurrently ramping up for a responsive on-orbit Elytra mission that will launch on Alpha FLTA007 later this year while also working to complete the final readiness milestones for its first Blue Ghost mission to the Moon launching in Q4 2024.
SpaceX had an issue with their Falcon 9 rocket during a launch in July 2024. One part of the rocket had a crack, which made it hard for the rocket to work correctly. Even though the rocket didn’t finish its full mission, SpaceX fixed the problem and made sure future rockets will be safer. The satellites that were sent into space came back to Earth safely, and no one was hurt. SpaceX is working hard to keep improving and making sure their rockets are reliable for important missions.
Rocket Lab is getting ready to launch its 51st Electron mission! They’re going to send a special satellite called StriX into space to help scientists see changes on Earth, like tiny shifts in the ground. Rocket Lab has been launching many satellites for their partner, Synspective, and this new launch will help build a bigger group of satellites that can look down from space and help with important research.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is getting ready to bring astronauts back from space. The team tested 27 engines while Starliner was attached to the International Space Station, and everything worked just as planned. They also fixed a small issue with a valve, making sure it’s working perfectly. Astronauts on board helped give feedback during the test. Now, Starliner is fully prepared for its next mission, where it will safely return the astronauts to Earth!
Firefly Aerospace launched its Alpha rocket on a mission called “Noise of Summer,” sending tiny CubeSats into space for NASA. After deploying the satellites, Firefly tested the rocket’s ability to change direction, and everything worked perfectly. This success shows Alpha can handle more advanced missions, with more exciting launches coming soon, including a Moon mission!
HELP THE DRONE DELIVER THE PACKAGE TO MR. SMITH - pg 64 -
AUTHOR
Jason Pritchard
Mike
Ryan Mason
Rob Hodgett
Jeff Serpa
