Author: FlyMarshall Newsroom
“We had the challenge of taking an airplane that has only flown once and converting it into a versatile autonomous testbed, which demonstrates Scaled’s agility and flexibility in achieving new test objectives. One example was assuring flight safety when engaging the autonomous system and how to effectively integrate protections into the flight controls.” Source: Scaled Composites Project Engineer Yuto Shinagawa, commenting as the Model 437 “Vanguard” has returned to flight testing. The aircraft first flew in 2024, quickly taking a break from the skies as it prepared to serve as the airframe for Northrop Grumman’s Beacon autonomy test program.
Ground Communication Outlet (GCO) An unstaffed, remotely controlled, ground/ground communications facility. Pilots at uncontrolled airports may contact ATC and FSS via VHF radio to a telephone connection. If the connection goes to ATC, the pilot can obtain an IFR clearance or close an IFR flight plan. If the connection goes to Flight Service, the pilot can open or close a VFR flight plan; obtain an updated weather briefing prior to takeoff; close an IFR flight plan; or, for Alaska or MEDEVAC only, obtain an IFR clearance. Pilots will use four “key clicks” on the VHF radio to contact the appropriate…
From 2018 (YouTube Edition): Stratos Jets Will Initially Be Offered Kits Stratos Aircraft presented an update on its VLJ program and introduced the Stratos 716 model at AirVenture this summer. The Stratos 716X is an evolution of the 714 Proof of Concept (PoC) aircraft. The all carbon fiber 716X features trailing link gear, is powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 and is configured with dual G3X screens, GTN 750 MFD, integrated Garmin Autopilot, dual standby attitude indicators, custom switch panels, fully automated pressurization system and air conditioning. The Stratos 716X kit will be comprehensive and include a builder’s assist…
Also: Douglas Day Event, Tidal Flight And DeltaHawk, Runway Lighting Systems, Supersonic Regs British Airways suspended one of its pilots who was drunk while traveling as a passenger and caused a disruption in the cabin, with the captain returning to the departure gate at Edinburgh Airport (EDI/EGPH) and delaying the flight to London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) for more than 90 minutes. Textron Aviation announced the rollout of the first production unit of its new Citation Ascend business jet from its manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas. The FAA is expected to certify the aircraft later this year. The Citation Ascend is…
It’s normal to see airlines add all kinds of summer seasonal routes to Europe. Often we see airlines make one big announcement, though in the case of Delta Air Lines, the Atlanta-based carrier seems to be taking more of a “drip” approach to revealing new service.For the summer of 2026, Delta has already announced plans to launch flights from Boston (BOS) to Madrid (MAD) and Nice (NCE), flights from New York (JFK) to Malta (MLA) and Sardinia (OLB), and flights from Seattle (SEA) to Barcelona (BCN) and Rome (FCO). We can now add a seventh route to the mix. Delta…
Lufthansa has revealed a special 100th anniversary livery that has been applied to one of its incoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner widebody twinjet aircraft to celebrate its centenary year. Earlier today, the German flag carrier and Star Alliance founding member shared the design with the world by releasing a promotional video that details the spectacular new paint scheme in all of its considerable glory. First Delivery September 25, 2011 Number Delivered 1,138 Launch Customer(s) All Nippon Airways Manufacturer Boeing Aircraft Type Widebody While Lufthansa will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, the crane design that forms an integral part of…
AAR Corp., a major aviation services provider to airlines and defense customers, has acquired ADI American Distributors for $146 million in cash. The deal, announced on September 25, 2025, expands AAR’s parts distribution business, its fastest-growing segment. ADI, founded in 1983 and based in Randolph, New Jersey, supplies electronic components and assemblies to aerospace and defense customers. The company employs about 400 people and operates from six locations in the United States, United Kingdom, and India. For the 12 months ended June 30, 2025, ADI generated $149 million in revenue. The business will be integrated into AAR’s Parts Supply unit, which…
I’ve gotta hand it to Lufthansa, this is one of the coolest special liveries we’ve seen. Lufthansa highlights crane with 100th anniversary livery Lufthansa is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, and to mark this special occasion, the airline will be introducing a Boeing 787-9 in a special centennial livery. This Dreamliner is currently in Charleston (CHS), and is expected to be delivered to Frankfurt (FRA) in November 2025, prior to entering service in December. Hopefully Lufthansa can afford to pay for the plane! Lufthansa 100th anniversary Boeing 787 livery Lufthansa’s special anniversary livery heavily emphasizes the crane, which is…
In terms of low-intensity dramas, it doesn’t get any slower than United Airlines’ Airbus A350 order – a commitment that was made allll the way back in 2009. For years and years now, the Star alliance carrier has been putting off taking delivery of the A350s and there has been heavy speculation that it will never actually follow through since it now has an all-Boeing-widebody fleet. source
United Airlines has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its first mainline aircraft fitted with SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi. On September 26, 2025, the US-based carrier confirmed that a Boeing 737-800 had been certified, with the first commercial flight planned for October 15, 2025, between Newark and New York. The FAA approved Starlink’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) amendment for the Boeing 737-800 to include United’s fleet. On September 13, 2024, United announced a landmark deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for its entire fleet to be fitted with satellite enabled high-speed Wi-Fi. The latest certification also comes less…