News
Welcome to our News Room. Here you will find out what's going on in Virginia aviation.
-
NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Succeeds in Historic First Flight
On Monday, April 19, 2021, NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter became the first aircraft in history to make a powered, controlled flight on another planet. The Ingenuity team at the agency's Jet…
-
‘How to’ tips from the NBAA: Connecting Students with a Career in Aviation
The aviation industry in 2021 has never been more robust and evolving, and it is switching into high gear with proactive ways to encourage awareness and generate interest among young people regarding…
-
Thunderbirds Redesign Their Airshow Performance
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have redesigned their airshow demonstrations to present a shorter, tighter, more intense show that "tells a story". "We started with the [spectator] experience in…
-
Tail-heavy Airliner Aborts Takeoff
If a cabin crew has ever asked you to change seats on a commercial airliner and you wondered why, this story is for you! An Alitalia Airbus A320 had to abort its takeoff at Milan Malpensa Airport in…
-
Rules for Small Drones Take Effect
Final rules take effect today for remotely identifying drones and allowing operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. "Today's rules are an important first…
-
DOAV’s ICON A5 Debuts in Staunton
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) displayed its ICON A5 to teachers and rotary club members in Staunton to promote the educational programs that are offered with the aircraft. The first stop…
-
Chantilly Air Joins Signature Select Network
Aircraft owners and operators flying into Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) have a new fixed base operator (FBO) to meet their needs. Chantilly Air Jet Center offers an 11,000 sq. ft. terminal that…
-
Business Aviation Activity Bests Even 2019 Numbers
In another sign that the economy is starting to turn around, business aviation activity increased substantially in North America last month, growing 46.2 percent year-over-year. The biggest surprise…
-
$19 Million to Support 11 Airports in Virginia
The Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation announced that 11 airports in Virginia will share more than $19 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding. U.S. Sens. Mark…
-
Father and Son Pilots Fly Together
The Lynchburg News and Advance recently featured an article about the first time that a Virginia father and son flew together professionally. "It's probably the high point of my career," said Robert…
-
Video Series Educates Pilots about Airport Runways
When a runway incursion stemming from a pilot error occurs, it is a rare event, but it draws scrutiny from the FAA. According to FAA officials, more than 75% of runway incursions related to pilot…
-
New Nonstop Flights at Richmond
Starting April 12, travelers will be able to fly on Southwest direct from Richmond International Airport to Chicago Midway (MDW) four days a week. In May, the airline will increase frequency to…
-
2021 NIFA SAFECON Will be Virtual
The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) was formed for the purposes of developing and advancing aviation education; to promote, encourage and foster safety in aviation; to promote and…
-
FAA to Host Aviation Safety STEM Career Symposium
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the government agency responsible for overseeing air transportation in the United States. The FAA focuses on air transportation safety, including the…
-
Court Allows Baltimore Program to Continue
A Court decision was recently made in a case regarding aerial observations of the city of Baltimore. The results are contained below. In Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle v. Baltimore Police…
-
United Airlines Aviate Program Will Train 2500 Women and People of Color
United Airlines is the only major U.S. airline to own its own flight school to help produce the next generation of pilots for the airline. Today, United announced that it plans to train 5,000 new…
-
FAA Task Force Focuses on Youth Access to Jobs
The Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force held its second public meeting on March 31, 2021, hearing from guest speakers from Black Girls Who Drone and the Civil Air Patrol. Ernanda…
-
Aviation Trade Group Pledges Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
Members of Airlines for America (A4A) have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By working with government and other stakeholders through a rapid expansion of the production and…
-
Virginia Air and Space Science Center Creates New Online Program
Students in grades 3-8 are invited to the first Science Saturday beginning on April 17 hosted by the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. This fun online learning show is free and runs on the third…
-
Unregistered Drone Operator Indicted
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Roanoke indicted James Russell Weeks III nearly two years after a drone hovered over a Salem fire station and then dive-bombed and harassed firefighters and police…
-
Summer Camps announced for 2021, Registrations Now Open!
Summer Campers at the Military Aviation Museum dive deep into the world of aviation! From the Wright Brothers to the aces of World War II, campers will be able to engage with history and science in…
-
Demand for Pilots Returns
Delta Air Lines had to cancel about 75 flights yesterday (Easter Sunday) and packed remaining flights by suspending its seat-blocking policy a month early due to a pilot shortage. United Airlines…
-
Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing
A new Advisory Circular provides an educational roadmap for the development and implementation of preflight self-briefings, including planning, weather interpretation, and risk…
-
Deer Counting via Drone in Arlington
Arlington County will launch a fleet of drones in April in an attempt to get an accurate count of the deer population that call the urban county home. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) will take to…
-
Aero Elite and STEM Flights Partner to Offer Free Flights to Students
Liana McDonald, a sophomore at the Independent School of Winchester, soared into the sky, facing her fears as she got a free flight lesson. The opportunity was made possible through a recently…