FORT WORTH, Texas — Aero Kinetics, the first company to file for FAA Type Certification for multi-rotor unmanned aircraft, has been acquired by Strat Aero US Holdings, a U.S. subsidiary of Strat Aero. The acquisition, valued at $24 million, will allow Aero Kinetics to broaden its reach domestically, according to company officials. “We are excited to move […]
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New Southwest Texas Aviation owners seek to continue legacy
SAN MARCOS, Texas – Driven by the desire to continue previous owner Russell Stalling’s legacy, JD and Laura Casteel have assumed ownership of Southwest Texas Aviation, with business resuming Jan. 1, 2016, at San Marcos Regional Airport. Southwest Texas Aviation was founded by Stallings in 1985. He became known throughout the aviation community for his support of Mooney owners […]
Two new locations for next year’s Red Bull Air Races
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will mark its ninth season in 2016 with two new stops where fans are passionate about motorsports: The famed Lausitzring in Germany and the U.S. city of Indianapolis, Indiana, home to the Indianapolis 500. The season will span seven countries over eight races, kicking off March 11-12, with the traditional season […]
FAA updates Airspace Obstructions Standards
The FAA has updated its guidelines for the proper way to light and mark obstructions affecting navigable airspace. Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L for Obstruction Lighting and Marking is effective immediately. It cancels Advisory Circular 70/7460-1K, dated Feb. 1, 2007. The main changes to the updated advisory circular include: Federal law requires that the FAA determine whether a […]
Applications now being accepted for Flying Musicians scholarship
The Flying Musicians Association is now accepting applications for the 2016 FMA Solo Program. The program is open to juniors and seniors in a high school band, who have always wanted to learn to fly. The scholarship covers flight training up through first solo. Rich Chiappe, general manager at Sky-Tec, the makers of the FLYWEIGHT Starter, has agreed to sponsor one […]
Discovery Channel’s ‘How It’s Made’ to air tonight
VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Discovery Channel’s “How It’s Made” documentary television series featuring Piper Aircraft airs tonight, Dec. 17, at 9 p.m. EST on Discovery’s Science Channel. Filming of “How It’s Made” began at Piper Aircraft’s factory the end of January of this year. Over the course of three days, a film crew collected footage of various […]
Kansas university offers drone safety instruction for hobbyists
SALINA, Kansas — As the estimated number of unmanned aircraft systems owners is expected to grow this holiday season, the UAS program at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus is offering a half-day course specifically for hobbyists to ensure proper use and safety. Kansas State Polytechnic’s inaugural UAS Multirotor Hobby course will be Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, […]
Million Air Burbank prepares for Rose Bowl traffic
BURBANK, Calif. — While Pac-12 champion Stanford and Big Ten runner-up Iowa prepare to square off at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California, Avfuel-branded Million Air Burbank is gearing up for heavy airplane traffic in and out of the area. “This is one of the most exciting times of year for us […]
The incentives young aviators need: Fast planes, new friends and good food
By ALLISON LEEWARD I’m awoken on a cool Georgia morning by the sound of a shiny blue beauty buzzing my tent only 50 yards away. Long-time friend and fellow aviator Rocky Driggers enjoys waking us all up with a dawn patrol, whether it is in his pristine V-tail Bonanza or with the grumbling radial of […]