The agency intends to use this software to more effectively track its increasing number of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), which are vital for investigating accidents. The NTSB does not have a centralized system for tracking its drones, which are used to capture video and photos of incidents and perform mapping and photogrammetry.

In its posting, the NTSB notes that, until recently, its UAS program has been operated on a small scale, with just five drones, four active crewmembers, and one program lead. Documentation of fleet assets and personnel was managed manually through basic spreadsheets and databases, a process the agency described as “archaic” and “inefficient,” making it difficult to maintain a robust safety management system.

The NTSB said it has recently launched its UAS Flight Operations program—expanding its aircraft fleet from five to 12 drones—and has increased personnel to a team of 15.

“Implementation of a solution for both aircraft and program management will serve to improve the effectiveness and integrity of NTSB investigations,” the agency said.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post NTSB Working to Streamline Drone Program appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The announcement was made Thursday during a signing ceremony at Gulfstream’s customer support facility in Farnborough, England.

• READ MORE: Gulfstream G400 Makes First Flight, Launches Test Program

“We appreciate DC Aviation’s commitment to and confidence in the G400, bringing this category-leading aircraft to European charter customers,” said Scott Neal, Gulfstream’s senior vice president of worldwide sales. “The compelling combination of speed, efficiency, and cabin size of the G400 fills a much-needed void in its category. We are seeing strong demand for this aircraft in Europe and around the world.”

• READ MORE: Gulfstream G700 Obtains FAA Certification

The G400 made its debut flight on August 15, reaching a speed of Mach 0.85 and altitude of 41,000 feet. The aircraft boasts advanced technology, including Gulfstream’s Symmetry Flight Deck and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines, promising superior performance and efficiency.

The G400 has an impressive projected range of 4,200 nm and features a 100 percent fresh air system and low cabin altitude pressurization. The aircraft is priced at $34.5 million.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Gulfstream Secures First G400 Sale appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

SA-097 emphasized that “as little as 1/4-inch of wing-leading edge ice accumulation can increase the stall speed by 25 to 40 knots and cause sudden departure from controlled flight.”

The alert also warned that ice buildup on pitot tubes can lead to instrument failure, impacting readings for airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed.

The NTSB acknowledged that some pilots have been taught to wait for a certain amount of ice to accumulate on the leading edges before using deice boots due to concerns about ice bridging. However, the FAA’s recent tests show that modern deicing boots, from aircraft manufactured after 1960, are not prone to ice bridging.

The agency warned that performance issues may arise if deice boots are not engaged promptly when icing begins and advises pilots to refer to their operating handbooks for specific procedures on boot activation and use.

The alert also cited several accidents where failure to follow operating handbook instructions led to in-flight loss of control, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to recommended deicing practices.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post NTSB Issues Deicing Safety Alert appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Dallas-Fort Worth’s KXAS-TV, Denton-based TWU is now the only woman-focused university nationwide with a professional pilot program.

Backed by a $15 million grant from the Doswell Foundation, TWU’s program will offer two degree tracks: professional pilot and flight operations. Classes will be held on campus, with flight training conducted at Denton Enterprise Airport (KDTO) in partnership with the U.S. Aviation Academy. The initiative aims to enhance career opportunities for women in aviation and support the growing demand for pilots.

Brittany Dinsmore, the school’s associate director and chief flight instructor, highlighted the program’s success.

“What we’re really excited about with our program is that we’re kind of seeing a reverse,” Dinsmore told KXAS. “So, in traditional aviation programs like the one I went to, it’s usually mostly men. And you might get two or three women. But what we’re seeing with our inaugural class that’s coming in, it’s actually 25 women and two men. So, we’ve completely reversed the ratio.”

Each semester is limited to around 30 students, so the school with a total enrollment of about 15,000 is already at capacity for the fall. However, recruitment for the spring semester is underway.  

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Texas Woman’s University Launches Flight Program appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to the Journal, earlier this month, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the arrival of the first of 80 F-16s in the country. While the Ukrainian Air Force didn’t specify the number of aircraft received, a U.S. official confirmed a total of six had arrived with six Ukrainian pilots trained to operate them.

• READ MORE: Ukraine to Use First F-16s Cautiously

The cause of Monday’s crash remains unclear amid conflicting reports. The Journal suggested the crash was likely due to pilot error, as initial reports indicated the jet was not brought down by enemy fire. However, a Ukrainian military source told CNN that the Ukrainian Defense Forces do not believe pilot error was the cause.

• READ MORE: Ukraine Looking for Retired F-16 Pilots

CNN further reported that pilot Oleksiy Mes, known as “Moonfish,” was killed in the crash while defending against what was described as Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine. Mes was one of the few pilots trained to fly the F-16.

According to the source, Ukrainian pilots began their training in the U.S. last fall, and while the standard training period is one year, Mes and the others completed it in just six months.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Ukrainian F-16 Destroyed in Crash Just Weeks After Arrival appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to a report from CBS News Detroit, in August 2007 pilot Karen Dodds, 52, and her fiance, passenger H. Brooke Stauffer Jr., 56, disappeared while flying a SOCATAa TB-20 Trinidad from Mackinac Island. While Dodds’ remains were recovered two months after the crash, the aircraft and Stauffer were never found.

In October 2023, at the request of family members, a private firm, Great Lakes Search and Recovery, resumed the search. Earlier in August, the team discovered aircraft wreckage near Bois Blanc Island.

State police reported that divers recovered skeletal remains from the crash site that have been confirmed to be those of the missing passenger.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Aircraft Wreckage Found in Lake Huron 17 Years After Crash appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Wildlife production company, River Road Films, pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently fined $25,000 while the drone pilot was fined $5,000. According to DroneDJ, the case marked the first time a fine was issued in Canada for the unlawful use of a drone to capture killer whale footage.

The company has a tumultuous relationship with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), which investigated the incident. In 2020, River Road Films sought a permit to film the protected species, but the request was denied. However, the film crew continued to use drones and underwater cameras tracking orca movements on Vancouver Island.

Canadian law states it is prohibited to fly a drone within 1,000 feet of marine mammals, such as whales, or within a half nautical mile. These rules, enforced under the Marine Mammal Regulations, aim to reduce human disturbance to vulnerable species.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) says the company is restricted from using the drone footage captured during the event.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Film Company Fined for Illegal Drone Use Near Killer Whales appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to the agency, the proposed rules would tackle cybersecurity threats for transport category aircraft, engines, and propellers. The goal is to standardize the FAA’s cybersecurity criteria, which would help lower certification costs and time while maintaining the current safety levels.

Under the proposed rules, any aircraft with more than 19 passenger seats or a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 19,000 pounds will be required to undergo a cyber security risk assessment. Manufacturers will then need to address any vulnerabilities.

The FAA noted that the new mandates were introduced as flight equipment has become more connected to internal and external data networks and services—including satellite communications and internet-connected devices.

The agency is accepting comments and feedback on the proposed rules until October 1.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post FAA Proposes New Cybersecurity Standards for Aircraft appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Students from American Aviation Flight School, including Thida Aung, reached out to local news station WTTG-TV (FOX 5 DC) seeking help.

According to FOX 5, Aung had paid the flight school $100,000 up front for the school’s “Career Pilot Package,” which includes training sessions. However, Aung reported that the school’s owner, Kevin Rychlik, allegedly informed her that no refunds would be issued.

FOX 5 obtained an email from the school to its students stating: “After reflection and exploring every possible scenario, we have come to the conclusion there is no viable path forward.” The email also mentioned several health issues the owner has faced over the past year.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) reported that Rychlik filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on August 6, citing business debts between $10 million and $50 million as the main cause.

Students are considering legal action to address the situation.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Virginia Flight School Closure Leaves Students Stranded appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

In an August 6 letter to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) president Jason Ambrosi urged the manufacturer to reconsider its proposal to reduce cockpit crew from two to one from entering the commercial aviation environment.

• READ MORE: Airbus, Avincis to Explore Europewide Electric Air Taxi Operations

Ambrosi cited the recent CrowdStrike cybersecurity incident as an example of the risks associated with an overreliance on technology. Ambrosi stated that technology should complement human expertise and monitored airline operations rather than replace it.

“Technological advancements can and have enhanced aviation safety, but in order to maintain and enhance our current level of safety, technology alone will never replace the indispensable role of two pilots in the flight deck,” Ambrosi said in the letter.

In addition to ALPA, the letter garnered support signatures from leaders of the European Cockpit Association and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, which represent tens of thousands of pilots around the world.

This article first appeared on AVweb.com.

The post Associations Urge Airbus to Reconsider Single-Pilot Cockpit Proposal appeared first on FLYING Magazine.