A little Bit Quieter, Said Testers, But in the End it's Still a DA40

Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of their battery powered eDA40s to the test in some true-to-life training operations. The results are good enough to brag about, apparently, since both Diamond and Lufthansa Training said the eDA40 passed muster. The project saw engineers and flight test pilots head to Dübendorf Airport in Germany to carry out five assessment flights. Diamond hoped to uncover any developmental issues, weaknesses, or irritations ahead of full commercial release, and who better than one of the biggest customers of the DA40 NG?

Margrit Waltz Almost to the 50-Year Mark in 48 Years

Daher highlighted the efforts of one of their most experienced ferry pilots after her 960th flight for the business. Margrit Waltz made flight number 960 in a very appropriate TBM 960. Like so many other trips for Daher, Waltz flew the single engine turboprop from its birthplace in Tarbes, France on to the Daher Aircraft Division's American home in Pompano Beach, Florida. The ferry flight took Waltz 15 hours and 38 minutes, with stops in the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Canada. Once hitting the eastern seaboard, Walts stopped at Bangor, Maine before making the final leg home to Pompano.

Airbus Racer Demonstrator Makes Inaugural Flight

Airbus Helicopters' ambitious Racer demonstrator has achieved its inaugural flight as part of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, a cornerstone European research project aimed at enhancing aviation sustainability. Taking to the skies over Marignane, the aircraft completed a 30-minute test flight, marking the beginning of a two-year intensive flight campaign intended to expand the aircraft's flight envelope and demonstrate its advanced high-speed capabilities. Developed with the collaboration of 40 partners across 13 countries, the Racer stands out with its 90 patents, showcasing a high level of innovation that European cooperation can foster.

NBAA Applauds New FAA SMS Rule

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has officially praised the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for integrating essential feedback from the association into the newly finalized rule on Safety Management Systems (SMS). This rule extends SMS requirements, previously limited to Part 5 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, to include all Part 135 operators, certain Part 21 certificate holders, and §91.147 air tour operators.

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Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The result, which should enter service in 2026 (or thereabouts, given developmental delays). French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. Stateside, Elixir will open a reassembly facility in Florida at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. Parts delivered from France will be checked, inspected, and assembled into full aircraft there, with the Florida location becoming the administrative, sales, and support hub for the entire US domestic market. AeroMech Incorporated will offer

ZeroAvia Expands Market Approach in Hydrogen Cell Propulsion

ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen-electric aviation technology, has announced a significant expansion in its market approach by offering some of its proprietary components to other innovators in the clean aviation sector. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for sustainable aviation solutions and further its impact on reducing environmental harm from aviation. The company has initiated the certification process for its ZA600 engine designed for up to 20-seat aircraft and is advancing development of the ZA2000 engine for aircraft with up to 90 seats.

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Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase', meaning it's just about to head into the oven, but the recipe isn't inked just yet. CubCrafters VP Brad Damm wants to see everyone chip in with their two cents to see how they feel about the prospective aircraft. So far, everything that's been shown off paints a very attractive portrait of a lightweight, capable, eager little bird, boasting an empty weight "well below 900 lbs..." CKD Aerospace hit innovation preview with a couple goodies right off the bat, updating fans on their line of kit aircraft, Fisher Flying Products. Now, Fisher Flying Products are looking to moving from spruce into rag & tube. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down sou

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Despite nearly 100 complaints totaling millions of dollars of potential fraud, combined with employees who claim to have been defrauded, numerous false statements, aand an attempt at a bankruptcy that failed; the Rotor X situation continues to decline. Rotor X STILL claims to be reorganizing and entertaining offers from investors -- but this is a well-worn excuse that has been utilized numerous times without fruition. The Fernandina Beach Florida Municipal Airport (FNB) is considering implementing an automated aircraft landing fee system proposed by Airport Director Sam Carver -- one that could have a decidedly negative effect on GA In the area. This initiative, aimed at generating additional revenue, is primarily focused on funding essential maintenance projects, including a $4 million runway refurbishment. Major Shane Gentry, a third-generation Marine a

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UAVOS has recently achieved a significant milestone in public safety and emergency services with the first operational deployment of its UVH 170 unmanned helicopter, designed specifically for wildfire suppression. The deployment, which involved both day and night operations, represents a critical advancement in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in managing natural disasters. In a landmark agreement announced on April 22, 2024, magniX, a leader in electric aviation technology, has entered into a Letter of Intent with Harbour Air to supply 50 magni650 electric engines. This initiative is set to transform Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane operator, by electrifying its fleet starting with the iconic De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver aircraft. The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) announced a significant milestone in the electric vertical takeoff and

GAMA Issues White Paper on Euro Electric Aviation

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association took a significant step forward in promoting the development of electric aviation in Europe by releasing a white paper at the Aero Friedrichshafen event in Germany. The document, titled "Recommendations for Accelerating the Development of the Electric Aviation Sector in Europe," outlines critical measures that European regulators and policymakers should adopt to nurture this burgeoning industry. The white paper encapsulates GAMA's ongoing advocacy efforts, pushing for essential policy and legislative support necessary to spur the growth of electric aviation across the continent.