EAA Convention & Aero Club AirWeek March 2025.
Piper Aircraft announces fleet agreement with FTEJerez.
Enstrom Helicopter corporation celebrates a successful 2024.
H55 and Aerovolt partner to revolutionize electric pilot training and charging infrastructure.
Cessna SkyCourier achieves Canada type certification, bringing operational support to remote regions of North America.
BMA issues tender for UAV procurement.
Airbus sees continued growth in helicopter sales in 2024.
Lockheed Martin to modernize Air Force F-22 Raptor with advanced infrared threat-detection sensors.
This week in history - January 2 2004 - USA Spacecraft Stardust successfully flies past Comet Wild 2, collecting samples that are returned to Earth.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Sport Aerobatics Regionals Klerksdorp 2023
EAA CONVENTION & AERO CLUB AIRWEEK MARCH 2025
PIPER AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES FLEET GREEMENT WITH FTEJEREZ
Piper Aircraft today announced a new fleet agreement with FTEJerez (Flight Training Europe) for the acquisition of 20 new Piper Archer DX aircraft, delivering the first 10 units in December of 2024. The addition of these aircraft enhances FTE's training fleet, further solidifying its position as a leader in professional pilot training.
Based in Jerez, Spain, FTEJerez is recognized for its world-class pilot training programs and close partnerships with major airlines, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Etihad, Iberia, Ryanair, and others. Training cadets from around the globe, the academy consistently delivers industry-ready pilots equipped to meet the demands of commercial aviation.
“Our acquisition of these brand-new Piper Archer DX aircraft is a testament to FTE's commitment to excellence in aviation training,” said Oscar Sordo, CEO of FTEJerez. “Having successfully operated older Piper Warrior aircraft for many years, we have a proven track record with Piper as a reliable aircraft supplier. The Archer DX will enhance our training capabilities and ensure that our students receive the best possible training in a modern, sustainable, and efficient flying environment.”
The Piper Archer DX is renowned for its reliability, advanced safety features, and modern design, making it a trusted choice for flight schools worldwide. With this expansion, FTEJerez continues to lead in delivering the highest standards of aviation training while embracing more sustainable solutions.
“Expanding into the European market with FTEJerez underscores Piper Aircraft's commitment to supporting top-tier pilot training,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support and Quality at Piper Aircraft. “The Archer DX delivers the reliability, performance, and efficiency required to meet the demands of students and airline partners alike.”
ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORPORATION CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL 2024
Enstrom began the year by celebrating the opening of its brand-new FAA-approved repair station in Menominee, which now provides helicopter maintenance, damage repairs upgrades, and component overhauls - all at the hands of Enstrom's premier repair experts. A few months later, the repair station earned its validation from EASA, allowing it to also serve customers in the European Union.
Another exciting development: customers were reintroduced to the Enstrom Owner's Insurance Program, forged from a new partnership with sister company Aviation Specialty Insurance. The program provides customers with ultra-competitive rates, tiered rating credits, instant rate indications and more.
This year, Enstrom welcomed Larry Pilkington as its new Senior Vice President of Engineering. The SVP-Eng is responsible for setting goals and direction for the engineering team, also functioning as the department's face to executive leadership and the aerospace industry. Pilkington now plays an instrumental role in Enstrom's resurgence into both the stateside and international markets.
Enstrom continued to impress at trade shows and conferences worldwide. Several highlights include EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, which welcomed a record 686,000 visitors; SUN 'n FUN in Lakeland, Florida; European Rotors in Amsterdam, Netherlands; and the Africa Aerospace & Defence Expo in Waterkloof, South Africa.
ENSTROM As has become tradition, Enstrom saved its biggest announcements of the year for HAI HELI-EXPO, which this year was held in Anaheim, California. Enstrom announced a new collaboration with Genesys Helicopter Autopilot for the 480B, a partnership with Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems to provide air conditioning for the 280FX and F28F helicopters, and an expanded partnership with Airwolf Aerospace to allow for the installation of True Blue Power® TB17 Lithium-ion batteries in the 480B. Enstrom also debuted several never-before seen paint schemes for customers to select from.
Enstrom affirmed its commitment to serving its global teammates on multiple continents in 2024. The Peruvian military purchased a total of four training helicopters from Enstrom, two for the Army, which arrived in Peru in August 2024, and two for the Air Force, which are due to arrive in February 2025.
In March, the Zambian Air Force (ZAF) welcomed two newly delivered Enstrom 480B helicopters into its fleet. Enstrom representatives joined ZAF personnel for an induction ceremony in Lusaka, Zambia. ZAF Commander, Lieutenant General Oscar Msitu Nyoni, said the Air Force will use these helicopters for training and utility missions.
Then in November, Enstrom visited its largest international customer, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), to celebrate the completion of 100,000 flight hours in their fleet of 30 TH-480Bs. Enstrom President Todd Tetzlaff and Vice President of Product Support Doug Smith attended a special commemorative ceremony in Utsunomiya, toured the JGSDF Aviation School in Ise, and visited the Aero Facility Co., Ltd. Offices in Tokyo. Aero Facility has served as Enstrom's sales representative in Japan for many years.
Chief Commercial Officer Dennis Martin had the distinct honor of taking part in a general aviation flyover of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The flyover was in celebration of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)'s 85th anniversary. Martin flew the Enstrom 480B - one of only a select few helicopters invited to take part - down the Potomac River and through restricted airspace along the designated route.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be an equally monumental year for Enstrom. Stay tuned for many more exciting announcements in the months to come!
H55 AND AEROVOLT PARTNER TO REVOLUTIONIZE ELECTRIC PILOT TRAINING AND CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE.
H55 SA, a global leader in certified electric propulsion and battery management systems for sustainable aviation, and Aerovolt UK Ltd, pioneers in electric aircraft charging solutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing electric aviation.
This partnership marks a significant step towards realizing the full potential of electric aircrafts by addressing key industry challenges such as charging infrastructure and pilot training. By combining H55's expertise in electric aviation technology with Aerovolt's robust charging networks, the two companies aim to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation solutions worldwide.
As part of its commitment to advancing electric aviation, Aerovolt will acquire two BRISTELL B23 Energic aircraft powered by H55's certified electric propulsion systems. These aircraft will play a pivotal role in showcasing the feasibility of sustainable pilot training and will be deployed in the UK at: Devon and Somerset Flight Training*, based at Dunkeswell Aerodrome and Squadron Flying Club*, Aerovolt's flagship location at Goodwood Aerodrome.
Together, H55 and Aerovolt are committed to fostering collaboration with airports, flight schools, civil aviation authorities, and local governments. By sharing data and insights, they aim to unlock new opportunities for sustainable aviation, including cross-country pilot training programs and long-term partnerships with aviation stakeholders.
“The future of aviation is electric, and this partnership ensures we are not just preparing for that future but actively building it,” said Martin Larose, CEO of H55 SA. “Electric aviation is no longer a concept; it's a reality. By joining forces with Aerovolt, we're tackling two of the biggest challenges-scalable charging infrastructure and accessible pilot training. Together, we're laying the foundation for a greener and more sustainable aviation industry, not only in Europe but globally.”
As part of its visionary “Across America” initiative, H55 will prominently feature Aerovolt's innovative charging solutions. Aerovolt's expertise in deploying reliable and scalable charging infrastructure will support H55's efforts to demonstrate the feasibility of coast-to-coast electric aviation. Together, the two companies aim to showcase the seamless integration of electric propulsion and charging networks, accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation across the United States.
This partnership between H55 and AeroVolt represents a major milestone in the journey toward sustainable aviation. By combining innovative electric propulsion systems with an expanding global charging network, the two companies are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for the aviation industry.
CESSNA SKYCOURIER ACHIEVES CANADA TYPE CERTIFICATION, BRINGING OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO REMOTE REGIONS OF NORTH AMERICA
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that its twin-engine, large utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier, has been awarded type certification by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), expanding the aircraft's ability to support operational activities in some of the most remote areas of North America.
The first SkyCourier in the region - a freighter variant - is expected to be delivered this year to Air Bravo Corporation, a passenger, cargo and air ambulance flight service company based out of Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie and Meaford, Ontario since 2001
“The SkyCourier's outstanding performance will be a game-changer for our customers across Canada,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The maximum flexibility and low operating costs of this aircraft make it an excellent choice for a wide range of missions throughout the region.”
The SkyCourier is an ideal solution for air freight, passenger and special missions. With the ability to be operated by a single pilot, the aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment. The aircraft also has capabilities to support a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.
BMA ISSUES TENDER FOR UAV PROCUREMENT
The Border Management Authority (BMA) of South Africa has announced plans to enhance its operational capacity by acquiring advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for deployment at critical ports of entry.
This initiative aligns with the BMA's mandate to safeguard the nation's borders and ensure the secure and efficient functioning of key entry points.
BMA officers will work closely with other security agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Department of Home Affairs. This cooperative approach ensures that their operations overlap seamlessly with existing security frameworks.
The new drones will operate at various ports of entry and along border regions, providing tactical support for day-to-day activities. The procurement of these systems is a strategic move to enhance surveillance, safety, and operational efficiency.
AIRBUS SEES CONTINUED GROWTH IN HELICOPTER SALES IN 2024
Airbus Helicopters logged 455 gross orders (net: 450) in 2024, highlighting a steady market growth with a strong performance this year for its light, light twin-engine, and heavy helicopters. The orders came from 182 customers in 42 countries. The Company delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, resulting in a preliminary 57% share of the civil and parapublic market.
“Airbus Helicopters' order intake in 2024, with an increase bordering 10 percent in units for the second year in a row, highlights its stable growth in a complex global environment,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “I would like to thank our customers for continuing to place their trust in Airbus Helicopters in 2024,” he added.
The Super Puma programme performed strongly on both the civil and parapublic and military markets with 58 orders thanks to the German Bundespolizei, the Japan Coast Guard, the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands, and the Romanian Ministry of National Defence. 2024 saw the launch of a comprehensive upgrade, known as Block 1, for the NH90 as well as the start of flight testing for France's Special Forces Standard 2 configuration, and the delivery of the first Standard 3 configuration to the Spanish Air Force. The H145 and H145M programme welcomed many new defence and security customers such as the Brunei Air Force, the Belgian Ministry of Defence, the Indonesian Air Force, the Bahraini Police Aviation Command as well as the Irish Ministry of Defence.
“Defence and security is a strategic priority at Airbus Helicopters. We are proud to support our customers with helicopters that enable them to protect and serve their nations as we saw in 2024 with the U.S. National Guard's Lakota supporting disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Helene and the H135 and NH90 in the flooding in Valencia, Spain. We continue to innovate and expand the mission capabilities that we offer - we integrated Flexrotor into our UAS portfolio, we demonstrated crewed - uncrewed teaming capabilities with the VSR700 and an H130, and we are laying the groundwork for the European Next Generation Rotorcraft through dedicated concept studies,” continued Even.
2024 saw the first flight of Racer and the unique compound helicopter surpassed its 407 KM an hour objective in just seven flights along with the maiden flight of CityAirbus NextGen in Donauwörth. On the civil and parapublic market, the H175 completed its de-icing flight test campaign in Canada and Norway ahead of certification this year and the H160 continued its progressive entry into service around the world with more than 30 helicopters now in service.
“Supporting our customers is essential and our global footprint is a key element to achieving that. We celebrated several milestones in 2024 that attest to that - firstly the 40 years of our facility in Fort Erie, Canada. This proximity will be important for our landmark contract for the 19 H135s that will be delivered to our first Canadian defence customer. Secondly, we marked fifty years of presence in the UK and inaugurated a brand-new facility in Oxford. We will continue to grow our international footprint with the addition of an H125 final assembly line in India in partnership with TATA,” Even continued.
The Company also ramped up the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its own development test flights and training flights in Marignane, Albacete, and Donauwörth to nearly 20%, and added the use of SAF at its facility in Oxford, UK.
LOCKHEED MARTIN TO MODERNIZE AIR FORCE F-22 RAPTOR WITH ADVANCED INFRARED THREAT-DETECTION SENSORS
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has received a $270 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to integrate a system of next-generation infrared defensive sensors on the F-22 Raptor.
The F-22 will soon feature a newly developed, distributed set of embedded TacIRST sensors developed by Lockheed Martin to enhance aircraft survivability and lethality, known as the Infrared Defensive System (IRDS). In addition to managing integration of IRDS on the F-22, the company will also support integration on other platforms.
"We understand the need for advanced and versatile infrared systems like IRDS that will make pilots' missions more survivable and lethal against current and future adversaries," said Hank Tucker, vice president of Missions Systems at Lockheed Martin. "We're committed to supporting the Air Force through continuous innovation of capabilities to deter and defeat evolving threats."
Justin Taylor, vice president, F-22 program at Lockheed Martin added: "Lockheed Martin is proud to continue partnering with the Air Force on essential modernization efforts for the Raptor, leveraging our expertise in 5th Generation aircraft and air dominance systems to integrate capabilities that ensure uninterrupted U.S. air superiority today and into the future."
2 January 2004
THE USA'S SPACECRAFT STARDUST SUCCESSFULLY FLIES PAST COMET WILD 2, COLLECTING SAMPLES THAT ARE RETURNED TO EARTH
Stardust was a 385-kilogram robotic space probe launched by NASA on 7 February 1999. The spacecraft was designed, built and operated by Lockheed Martin Astronautics as a Discovery-class mission in Denver, Colorado.
The primary science objectives of the mission included: Providing a flyby of a comet of interest (Wild 2) at a sufficiently low velocity (less than 6.5 km/s) such that non-destructive capture of comet dust is possible using an aerogel collector. Facilitating the intercept of significant numbers of interstellar dust particles using the same collection medium, also at as low a velocity as possible. Returning as many high-resolution images of the comet coma and nucleus as possible, subject to the cost constraints of the mission.
En route to Comet Wild 2, it also flew by and studied the asteroid 5535 Annefrank. The primary mission was successfully completed on 15 January 2006 when the sample return capsule returned to Earth.
A mission extension, codenamed NExT, culminated in February 2011 with Stardust intercepting Comet Tempel 1, a small Solar System body previously visited by Deep Impact in 2005. Stardust ceased operations in March 2011.
USA, near Charlottesville, VA: Narrative: A Beechcraft V35B Bonanza was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Charlottesville, Virginia. The sole pilot onboard sustained fatal injuries. Preliminary information indicates the aircraft was descending through 5500 ft about ten miles south of KCHO when the pilot declared an emergency due a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that he would not make it to the airport, and the airplane impacted a wooded area shortly afterwards.
Chile, Coelemu, Ñuble: A Cessna 182Q Skylane II CC-KKM of Club Aéreo Naval crashed in teh region of Coelemu, Ñuble, after participating in the Festival Aéreo Internacional de Villarrica 2025 (SCVI). The flight was bound for Concepción/Carriel Sur Airport (SCIE) before the hop to Concón (SCVM). The crash happened en route. A Chilean Navy Dauphin helicopter (Naval 58) rescued two injured passengers in critical state, while two were found dead on site.
Brazil, near Cruzilia, MG: A Robinson R44 Raven II, modified for agricultural work, crashed near a farm in Cruzilia, Minas Gerais. The three occupants perished and the helicopter was destroyed.
