Month: September 2022

Eviation’s Alice Achieves Milestone with First Flight of All-Electric Aircraft

Kim Stevens

Eviation Aircraft, a manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, successfully completed the first flight of its zero-emission Alice aircraft, a historic day and major milestone in electric aviation.

Alice lifted off at 7:10 a.m. from Grant County International Airport (MWH), flying for 8 minutes at an altitude of 3,500 feet. This trailblazing flight of the technology demonstrator provided Eviation with invaluable data to further optimize the aircraft for commercial production.

Richard F. Chandler, Chairman, Clermont Group, Majority Shareholder of Eviation; Steve Crane, Test Pilot; Greg Davis, President and CEO of Eviation.

“Today we embark on the next era of aviation – we have successfully electrified the skies with the unforgettable first flight of Alice,” said Eviation President and CEO Gregory Davis. “People now know what affordable, clean and sustainable aviation looks and sounds like for the first time in a fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft. This ground-breaking milestone will lead innovation in sustainable air travel, and shape both passenger and cargo travel in the future.”

Alice produces no carbon emissions, significantly reduces noise, and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops.

Fly the Future: Transforming Regional Travel

All-electric aircraft will make regional travel more economically and environmentally sustainable for businesses and consumers. This new generation of aircraft has the power to transform communities by providing access to airports not currently used by commercial flights due to noise concerns or restricted operating hours. Eviation Alice is targeted at commuter and cargo markets and will typically operate flights ranging from 150 miles to 250 miles.

Cape Air and Global Crossing Airlines, both US-based regional airlines, have placed orders for 75 and 50 Alice aircraft respectively. DHL Express is Eviation’s first cargo customer, with an order of 12 Alice eCargo planes. With this engagement DHL aims to establish the first electric express network, leading the way for a new era of zero-emissions air freight.

“The first flight of Alice represents a transformational milestone for the aviation industry,” said Cape Air Founder and Board Chairman Dan Wolf. “We currently fly more than 400 regional flights per day, connecting more than 30 cities across the United States and Caribbean. Alice can easily cover 80 percent of our flight operations, bringing sustainable, emission-free travel to the communities we serve.”

“The first flight of Alice confirms our belief that the era of sustainable aviation is here,” said Geoff Kehr, Senior Vice President, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express. “With our order of 12 Alice e-cargo planes, we are investing towards our overall goal of zero-emissions logistics. DHL is the industry leader by introducing new and more sustainable cargo aircraft types to the global market. Alice is the true game-changer by enabling long distance air transport for the first time with zero emissions. This historic flight marks a significant milestone on our journey to ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Flying electric aircraft will provide a sustainable, emission-free way to travel.

Designed from Ground Up to Transform Travel

The all-electric Alice aircraft features:

  • Max operating speed: 260 knots
  • Max useful load: 2,500 lbs for passenger version and 2,600 lbs for eCargo version
Eviation Alice Commuter Interior.

Alice is available in three variants including a nine-passenger commuter, an elegant and sophisticated six-passenger executive cabin, and an eCargo version. All configurations support two crew members. The executive cabin and eCargo variations are identical to the commuter configuration, except for the interior.

Alice is powered by two magni650 electric propulsion units from magniX, the only flight-proven electric propulsion systems at this scale. Other key suppliers include AVL (battery support), GKN (wings), Honeywell (advanced fly-by-wire system, flight controls and avionics), Multiplast (fuselage), Parker Aerospace (six technology systems), and Potez (doors).

Alice’s advanced battery system is highly efficient and endlessly upgradeable enabling range improvements as battery technology evolves. The aircraft also incorporates a fly-by-wire cockpit, providing greater reliability and systems redundancy.

Sabrewing’s Rhaegal Cargo UAV Shatters World Record Payload on First Flight

Kim Stevens

Sabrewing Aircraft Company, Inc. announced today that its RH-1-A “Rhaegal” (pronounced “Rye-gull”) VTOL air cargo drone had achieved its first hover flight while lifting a record-setting payload. This pre-production air vehicle, also known as the RG-1-A “Alpha” model, was able to lift a record-breaking 829-pound (374 kg) payload, shattering the previous world record for the “dead-lift” of any commercial, vertical takeoff, uncrewed air vehicle (UAV).

The Rhaegal “Alpha” aircraft is the world’s first autonomous cargo aircraft capable of both vertical and conventional take-off and is designed to take tons of cargo to any location on Earth, in almost any weather.

“We are extremely proud to have accomplished this milestone,” stated Ed De Reyes, chairman and CEO of Sabrewing. “It’s been a long journey to get here, but we were unwilling to compromise safety or design. Our design and tests teams—and our development partners—invested tens of thousands of hours to make this milestone such a history-making success,” De Reyes added.

Vast improvements to the blades, ducts, and shape of the shroud of the aircraft’s ducted fans allowed each duct to produce 30% more thrust than it was originally designed to provide. These improvements contributed to the aircraft’s ability to lift the record-shattering payload. The pre-production prototype aircraft weighed just over 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg) for the first flight and is capable of a maximum gross weight (with payload) of up to 3,100 pounds (1,406 kg) at altitudes up to 22,000 feet (6700 meters) and 200 knots. When taking off conventionally, this aircraft has enough thrust to carry over 2 tons of cargo with the same range, altitude, speed, and efficiency.

“This is only a fraction of what this aircraft can carry. But it proves that we’re able to lift more cargo on our maiden flight than any previous cargo UAV that has ever flown,” said De Reyes.

The Rhaegal aircraft uses a turbo-electric drivetrain based on Safran’s Helicopter Engines turbine-based motor, the Ariel 2E. The Ariel can use 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and turns an electric generator which produces nearly 1 megawatt of electric energy which in turn then powers electric motors in each of the four ducted fans.

“We’re able to generate more propulsive energy – much more efficiently – with a turbo-electric drivetrain and ducted fans than with batteries or directly driven by the turbine,” said Oliver Garrow, Chief Technology Officer for Sabrewing. “The Safran motor is currently cleared to use 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). We expect to be one of the first aircraft manufacturers to use hydrogen when Safran completes testing on their motor in the next couple of years,” Garrow stated.

The aircraft was developed in partnership with Safran (turboshaft motors), Leonardo Aerospace (avionics), Toray (composite materials), Garmin (navigation), Attollo Engineering (LIDAR), Spider Tracks (remote positioning), US Cargo Systems (cargo floors) as well as software development by Cal State Channel Islands, The Ohio State University, UCLA and Oklahoma University. The Rhaegal is the world’s best-in-class, highest fuel and maintenance efficiency cargo UAV on the market.

The Rhaegal RG-1-B “Bravo” production aircraft is designed for first, middle and last mile cargo deliveries. It can lift over 10 times more cargo than its closest competitor, fly 5 times farther, and operate in any airspace – from the most congested city to the most remote location.

Rhaegal is capable of opening new locations and profit centers for its operators, due to its range, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance. It is also capable of a range of missions besides heavy lift cargo – including search and rescue, firefighting, disaster relief, medical deliveries (including frozen vaccines), and even fuel and water deliveries. With such a long range and payload capability, both Rhaegal models are excellent for disaster recovery and humanitarian missions – such as in Ukraine. The Rhaegal “Bravo” is the only cargo UAV that is capable of carrying over ten different Unit Load Device (ULD) cargo containers –the same kind used by airlines for cargo. The Rhaegal can even power refrigerated cargo containers – known as “reefers” – both on the ground and in the air – and has over 675 cubic feet (19 m3) of cargo space.

Sabrewing currently has purchase orders for 28 of the aircraft – destined for the World Food/World Health program – and another 102 firm orders, and letters of intent for over 400 aircraft; these orders represent a $3.2 billion order book over the next 6-7 years. Sabrewing also has contracts with the US Air Force to study the use of autonomous cargo delivery to austere environments, and even a demonstration of casualty evacuation for up to 8 injured persons.

As the aircraft nears certification (Sabrewing was the first VTOL company to reach a ‘Basis of Certification’ agreement with the FAA in October of 2019), Sabrewing has also been working with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to begin certification flight testing of its aircraft. The first 28 aircraft are due to begin deliveries to the first customer by December of 2023.

Charleys Philly Steaks Partners with Flytrex to Bring Flying Cheesesteaks to Durham, North Carolina

Kim Stevens

Charleys Philly Steaks, the largest cheesesteak franchise in the world, today announced it has partnered with Flytrex, the leader in ultrafast delivery for food and retail, to deliver freshly grilled cheesesteaks via drone in Durham, North Carolina. Orders from Charleys are placed using the Flytrex app and delivered via the skies to front and backyards of local residents with an average flight time of just three minutes.

The process for ordering delivery via drone will be the same as previously established delivery stations – eligible customers can order their favorite cheesesteaks, fries, real-fruit lemonades, and more from Charleys, as well as food and goods from other local restaurants, cafes and retailers. Orders are placed using the Flytrex app, which updates customers regarding their order status along the route until the package is safely lowered by wire into their backyards.

“The future of delivery is here, and we couldn’t be more excited. I can think of no better way to receive a fresh cheesesteak delivered hot off the grill to my yard,” said Brian Hipsher, Charleys’ CMO. “We look forward to expanding our partnership with Flytrex to create a more cost effective and quick delivery service for all our guests.”

For Charleys Philly Steaks, the world’s largest cheesesteak franchise, digital initiatives are a top priority: the franchise places tremendous importance on engaging with customers through their loyalty program, Charleys Rewards, which already has over 1,000,000 members. Charleys guest-centric approach to improving the brand includes introducing new menu items and integrating accessible, supportive technologies that make it easier for guests to order online, giving the brand a competitive edge in the ever-growing QSR industry.

“We are thrilled to spread our wings once again in North Carolina and bring delicious cheesesteaks to our new customers in Durham,” said Yariv Bash, CEO and cofounder of Flytrex. “This partnership with Charleys and its accompanying expansion brings us one step closer to a future of affordable, ultrafast delivery that is both safe and green. We look forward to continuing growing our delivery service nationwide to reach the tens of millions of backyards across the country.”

This expansion to Durham marks Flytrex’s fifth station in the U.S. and fourth in the ‘First in Flight’ state. Flytrex has three other operational stations in the state of North Carolina: in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Holly Springs; and recently expanded its drone delivery service to Granbury, Texas, just outside of Dallas-Fort Worth. The service will operate in cooperation with longtime partner Causey Aviation Unmanned under the recently granted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver allowing a delivery radius of two nautical miles across its stations in North Carolina and Texas – reaching hundreds of thousands of potential homes.

In 2017, Flytrex successfully launched the world’s first fully autonomous urban drone delivery system in Reykjavik, Iceland. The company has since been working closely with regulators to help ensure the highest safety standards in getting drone delivery off the ground. It has participated in the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP), which concluded in October 2020, and continued in the FAA’s subsequent initiative, BEYOND, working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help tackle the remaining challenges of UAS integration.

Major Terminal Expansion Begins at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

Kim Stevens

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) is pleased to announce the start of a major terminal expansion project. The terminal expansion is part of a multi-faceted master plan designed to strengthen the airport’s long-term appeal and functionality for airlines and passengers alike.

The terminal project will increase the size of the facility by approximately 20% and include: new gates and dedicated airplane boarding bridges, a new terminal entrance canopy, an enhanced security screening checkpoint area, new modern restrooms, an extended baggage claim belt, an area for service animals, and many new energy efficient enhancements throughout. All are scheduled for completion by late summer 2024.

In a challenging time for the industry, EWN continues to demonstrate vision and leadership. “We recognize the importance of our airport for the economic well-being of the communities we serve and for the quality of life for folks who live or who wish to relocate here. We’re not waiting for airline volatility to settle down. We’re proudly investing now for a strong and bright future to meet the growing demands of the region. The terminal expansion is made possible through the FAA airport grant process, funding from the state of North Carolina, and local airport matching funds. We appreciate all of the strong support we receive from our local leaders, business stakeholders and the traveling public who choose to use EWN as their gateway to the world,” said Airport Director Andrew Shorter.

“We see EWN as a foundational contributor to the economic health of our area. We’re thrilled to see its master plan unfolding like this and believe EWN will continue to play a key role as a driving force in the future economic development of our area,” said Jeff Wood, Director of Economic Development, Craven County.

EWN also recently completed or initiated a number of other key projects that will help the airport grow into the future including: the new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, a commercial aircraft hangar facility, and an upcoming runway extension for the main runway.

SIU Researchers Pioneer Use of Psychology to Optimize Student Pilots’ Success

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Seeking to optimize performance: Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty Eric Lee, left, assistant professor in psychology, and Irene Miller, assistant professor in aviation management, are involved in research to examine whether sports psychology skills and techniques can help student pilots get in a good mindset and optimize their performances. (Photo by Russell Bailey)

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are examining whether sports psychology skills and techniques can help student pilots get in a good mindset and optimize their performances.

Starting this fall, a cross-disciplinary collaboration that involves the School of Aviation and the School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, both within the College of Health and Human Sciences, will aim to improve flight students’ scores on rigorous practical examinations, or check rides. Working with four clinical psychology graduate students, eligible aviation students who volunteer for the approximate 16-week online program will learn to increase their psychological flexibility, motivation and performance.

“We are looking at performance psychology that has been used in professional sports for many years, where simply they get athletes in the right head space for optimal performance,” said Irene Miller, an assistant professor in aviation management, adding that utilizing performance psychology is new to the aviation field.

The goal is to have 120 aviation flight students — 60 each in the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters — with varying amounts of flight experience participate. Students will participate in six, one-hour sessions via Zoom. The research study proposal has been reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration, and officials there, along with the U.S. Naval Training Command, are eager to see how the study turns out, Miller said.

Eric Lee, an assistant professor in clinical psychology, is supervising and implementing the study.

Rigorous demands

Students can experience many stress factors in college and that can be even more significant when coupled with passing FAA written exams and mastering flight skills needed to pass practical exams to obtain pilot licenses and ratings. A check ride is a 3- to 4-hour practical exam involving an oral and flight evaluation, usually to earn an FAA rating.

Miller explained students at times might make a seemingly minor error during a check ride but then dwell on that rather than focusing on the tasks at hand and anticipating the tasks ahead. The primary consequence of dwelling on a minor error is not passing the FAA practical exam (check ride). Ultimately, if the student’s performance continues to degrade, then they will risk the chance of not completing the flight training program.

Simply telling someone to “not be nervous” doesn’t work, said Miller, but giving them skills so they can cope and “thrive very well in those situations” is the goal. Faculty also involved in the research with Miller and Lee are Mike Robertson, a professor in aviation flight, and Ken Bro, an assistant professor in aviation management.

“Pilots have to take check rides throughout their careers. It is a part of the job that never stops,” Robertson said. “Often this causes stress, especially in the student population. If they can learn the skills to enhance their performance now, it will only benefit them as they continue their piloting career.”

Psychological flexibility

Lee explained that the sessions will be focused on skills and strengths and less on symptoms. “What we are doing is teaching these acceptance-based cognitive behavioral skills,” he said. “We are focusing on flight checks, but they are broadly applicable skills.”

Having psychological flexibility allows people to move away from a mind’s natural tendency to look back at something that was off rather than focusing on the task at hand. Students will practice skills to help them achieve that, he said. “Being psychologically flexible in the moment is to be present and aware,” he said.

Graduate students who are involved in the project will benefit from gaining clinical hours and having direct contact with students under his supervision, Lee said. The students discussed the study’s design and methodology over the summer. The goal is to have preliminary results by fall 2023, he said.

Lee is also excited about collaborating with another area of campus. “I think most disciplines are this way,” he said. “We can often feel kind of siloed and that we kind of just talk to ourselves and that we are only helping ourselves in some ways. In psychology especially, we are always trying to reach people who could benefit by this; what more can we do? There is a real possibility here to be useful.”

AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Releases Early Analysis on Santa Monica and Reno Crashes

Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) released new video from its Early Analysis series providing an initial examination of a recent tragic accident involving a light sport aircraft in Santa Monica and of a tragic accident that took place on September 18, 2022, at the Reno Air Races.

On Sept. 8, 2022, a PiperSport crashed at the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO) in Santa Monica, California. The accident caused the airplane to catch fire. No one on the ground was injured. Sadly, the certificated flight instructor and the student pilot died in the accident.

The flight had departed the Santa Monica Municipal Airport on what appears to have been a 30-minute discovery flight along the coastline before returning to SMO.

“In Early Analysis: N126WK, the AOPA Air Safety Institute wants to help pilots understand what is known about the accident as we look at factors that are likely to be a subject of the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB),” said AOPA’s ASI senior vice president Richard McSpadden.

McSpadden continued, “Light sport aircraft are highly pitch sensitive and the PiperSport pitched up aggressively before it spiraled into the ground. The accident sequence may have started from the PiperSport encountering disturbed air from a departing Beechcraft King Air.”

“Another possibility is based on ATC audio of the PiperSport’s cockpit communications. From that audio it appears that someone may have panicked and pulled back the stick aggressively during final approach to land,” said McSpadden.

Early Analysis videos provide an initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.

View the video here. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/KSMO-TrainingAccident

Early Analysis on Jet Crash at Reno Air Races

An Aero Vodochody L–29 Super Delfin crashed at the Stihl National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada. No injuries on the ground were reported. Sadly, air race competitor and 2021 Rookie of the Year Aaron Hogue was killed in the accident.

“In Early Analysis: Jet Crash at Reno Air Races, the AOPA Air Safety Institute wants to help pilots understand what is known about the accident. We look at factors that are likely to be the subject of an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board,” said AOPA’s ASI Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden.

The L-29 was in a tight competition for the overall trophy during the final heat of the Jet Gold race. In between Outer Pylons 4 and 5, the pilot initiated an unusual right-hand turn. He rolled out of the turn and began climbing to the outside of the track, then reversed to the left. The pilot appeared to attempt to reenter the race, pulling hard left, which was then followed by a relaxing of the turn and a continuous descent into the desert floor.

McSpadden added that, “The pilot may have experienced G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) that is impacted by factors such as fatigue, dehydration, nutrition, and fitness level. In addition, G-tolerance varies from day to day and can change in flight,” he concluded. “His hard turn followed by a relaxing of the turn and steady descent to the crash is a classic G-LOC profile. Or perhaps there was some type of structural issue that prevented full control of the airplane. We’ll watch the NTSB carefully to see what they can determine as the cause.”

Early Analysis videos provide an initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may provide important safety lessons for the general aviation community.

View the video here. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/n129mm

View other Early Analysis videos here. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis

Research Reveals Strong Growth in the EVTOL Market

Kim Stevens

New research from Revolution Aero, which monitors the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector, reveals the industry has secured over 4,600 orders.  It estimates that just over 1,000 of these were made pre-2021, around 1,950 in 2021 and there has been approximately 1,650 orders this year so far. 

Revolution Aero estimates the eVTOL companies EVE, EHANG and Vertical have the largest order books to-date with over 1,250, 1,200 and 500 respectively.

Revolution Aero’s analysis reveals that organizations from 19 countries have made orders for eVTOLs. Over 1,940 orders have come from organizations based in the US, followed, by 1,000 eVTOLs scheduled to be delivered to Canada.  Over 600 are destined for Europe and over 370 to Asia.

Of the eVTOL orders made so far, airlines have accounted for over 1,200, followed by medical operators (around 1,000 orders) lessors (over 700 orders) and helicopter operators (over 500 orders).  Organizations from the business aviation, car manufacturing, seaplane and package delivery sectors have also placed orders.

Revolution Aero’s analysis reveals deliveries are expected to be made from 2024 onwards.  Where delivery dates have been provided, the bulk are for 2026. 

Alasdair Whyte, co-founder, Revolution Aero said: “The global eVTOL market is estimated to be worth around $8.5 billion by 2025, and this is expected to grow to $30.8 billion by 2030.

“Our research shows strong growth in orders, but these are all with between 16 and 20 OEMs.  Globally, there are over 400 different electric VTOL concepts from some 240 plus companies and innovators, so many are still waiting for their first orders.  As the global economic environment worsens and investors become increasingly impatient for progress, we expect to see more eVTOL concepts close as they struggle to turn their vision into reality.”

Mesa Airlines Offers Accelerated Path to 1,500 Hours

Kim Stevens

Mesa Airlines announced that it has purchased 29 state-of- the-art Pipistrel Alpha Trainer 2 aircraft, with the option to buy an additional 75 over the next year. The new fleet will be the backbone of the Mesa Pilot Development Program (MPD), a major initiative to close the pilot shortage gap that has been affecting the industry over the last several years. As part of the program, pilots will be provided with the opportunity to accumulate up to 1,500 flight hours required to fly a commercial aircraft at Mesa Airlines.

The company is investing in the new program to alleviate the pilot shortage while giving new pilots a direct route to a long-term career. Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and CEO of Mesa said, “The pilot shortage could become a permanent feature of the airline industry if we don’t get more aviators into the system. It is basic math. If there aren’t enough trained pilots, customers suffer from loss of service and high-ticket prices,” said Ornstein. The aircraft will go into operation in Inverness, Florida starting in October 2022, with expansion to Arizona over the next year. At full strength, the fleet will have capacity for up to 2,000 daily hours of flying time and is expected to accommodate more than 1,000 pilots per year.

Ornstein continued, “We believe there is no faster way for a new aviator to enter commercial aviation and ultimately be employed at a major airline.”

In April of 2022, Textron eAviation acquired Pipistrel Aircraft, an award-winning pioneer and global leader in training, utility, and recreational aircraft. Pipistrel was also the first manufacturer to certify a fully electric aircraft. There are more than 2,700 Pipistrel aircraft operating in the US and other countries throughout the world.

Qualified pilots who join the program will be offered up to 40 hours of flight time each week. In addition, MPD pilots will begin building company longevity, receive flight benefits, and priority status for employment as a First Officer at Mesa Airlines. Flight costs of $25 per hour, per pilot, will be fully financed by Mesa with zero interest, providing no upfront out-of-pocket expense for flight time while the candidate is accruing the required hours to earn their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. As part of their commitment, flight costs will be repaid over three years during the term of employment at Mesa Airlines. Mesa’s first year pay rate of $100/hour is currently the highest in the regional industry. In addition, all Mesa pilots can join United’s Aviate program which offers a direct flow to United Airlines.

“Our program will be the most cost effective and one of the fastest routes to a long-term career as a professional pilot,” said John Hornibrook, SVP Flight Operations. “We want to make it as easy as possible for a whole new field of candidates to join Mesa, including and especially people who might not have traditionally considered aviation.”

The 1,500-hour federal mandate has made it particularly difficult for minority and other disadvantaged communities to become commercial pilots due to the high costs and training time needed. This program helps mitigate this significant barrier to entry.

According to federal statistics, the airline and commercial industry needs approximately 14,500 new pilots annually; however, average annual production of new pilots only meets approximately 44 percent of the need. The US produces an average of 6,335 newly certified pilots each year that are eligible for hire by the airlines. This leaves a gap of 8,165 jobs unfilled across the aviation industry. This is despite many airlines dramatically raising pilot pay. The shortage has forced airlines to reduce routes to many destinations and increase ticket prices, adding to overall inflation.

“In some cases, routes that get cut as a result of the pilot shortage are the only commercial air services to those communities,” said Ornstein. “Without action now, the U.S. air travel system may be snarled for the next decade. The stakes are high for both passengers and the U.S. economy.”

Fewer pilots coming out of the training pipeline is largely influenced by the 2013 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation that increased the number of flight hours prospective pilots need for an ATP certificate from 250 to 1,500. After graduating from flight school, newly licensed pilots may have to pay up to $250,000 to accumulate enough flight hours to qualify to fly for a commercial carrier—and the process often takes two to three years.

“Mesa’s Pilot Development program is an example of the private sector working to solve the challenges created by new regulations. No other country in the world has adopted the 1,500- hour rule. This creates a situation where many foreign licensed pilots can fly over this country and into some of the world’s busiest airports even though they would not be considered experienced enough to fly a commercial aircraft by the FAA,” said Jonathan Ornstein.

The Alpha Trainer 2 is a two seat, high wing, modern carbon fiber aircraft designed to be the ultimate training and time building aircraft. The design is configured by Right Rudder Aviation and built by Pipistrel Aircraft, a new addition to the Textron eAviation portfolio. Since 1989, Pipistrel has produced innovative aircraft that are in use by the US and foreign militaries, and leading flight training providers worldwide, with more than 2,700 in operation. The FAA approved aircraft provide a modern, comfortable cockpit with computerized touch screen instrumentation, and digital autopilot–improving safety through technology. The Kevlar reinforced cabin and full airframe ballistic parachute contribute to the focus on safety. The purchase of the aircraft is from the exclusive US distributer of Pipistrel Aircraft, Right Rudder Aviation.

Pilots interested in the program can learn more online at https://www.mesa-air.com/mesa-pilot-development.

Lucid Drone Technologies Selected as a Venture Atlanta 2022 Presenting Company

Kim Stevens

Lucid Drone Technologies announced today that it has been chosen out of a record-breaking 450-plus applicants as one of the top technology companies in the Southeast to present at Venture Atlanta FORWARD 2022 to be held October 19-20. For 15 years, the annual conference has been selecting the most promising tech companies and bringing in the top investment firms from across the nation to hear them pitch. Venture Atlanta has helped launch more than 700 companies and raise $6.5 billion in funding to date, spinning out $17 billion in successful exits.

“We are proud to be selected as a Venture Atlanta 2022 presenting company.” said Andrew Ashur, CEO and Co-Founder of Lucid Drone Technologies, “Being selected is a testament to the hard work of our team. We look forward to sharing our story and vision to become the go-to provider for responsible robotics that enable people to live better lives!”

Lucid Drone Technologies manufactures industrial spray drones designed specifically for labor-intensive jobs. Since their foundation in 2018, Lucid has developed and distributed drones nationwide for soft washing and window washing but plans to expand into other markets as well.

As in previous years, Venture Atlanta FORWARD 2022 is anticipated to be a sold-out event, with over 1,200 entrepreneurs, founders, investors, and business leaders expected to be in attendance. A new venue for this year’s Venture Atlanta—the Woodruff Arts Center at 1280 Peachtree Street—reflects the growing intersection of art and technology.

“Venture Atlanta has established itself as the authority for recognizing technology innovation across the Southeast and beyond, connecting the best and brightest innovators with top-tier, national investors and other leaders in the tech ecosystem,” said Venture Atlanta CEO Allyson Eman. “We again set a new record with nearly 500 applicants for Venture Atlanta Forward 2022—it’s our most competitive year yet in terms of presenter quality. With an impressive slate of 87 presenting and showcase companies, a record number of sponsors, and a brand-new venue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for what will be our 15th anniversary event.”

Venture Atlanta boasts a roster of highly successful alumni, including CallRail, Car360, Flock Safety, Florence Healthcare, Kabbage, ParkMobile, Pindrop Security, Salesforce Pardot, Salesloft, SingleOps, Stax, and Terminus. 

To learn more about Lucid Drone Technologies, visit www.luciddronetech.com. For additional information about Venture Atlanta, to register for the event, or to view the conference schedule, please visit www.ventureatlanta.org.

Cirrus Aircraft Unveils 189,000-Square-Foot Duluth Innovation Center Dedicated to Revolutionizing Personal Aviation

Kim Stevens

Cirrus Aircraft announced plans to develop the Duluth Innovation Center at its headquarters following the recent acquisition of the former Northwest Airlines Corp. facility, more recently occupied by AAR Corp., located at the Duluth International Airport (KDLH) in Minnesota. 

Cirrus Aircraft will invest heavily to transform the 189,000-square-foot building on 39 acres into a state-of-the-art Innovation Center where engineers will develop the next generation of Cirrus aircraft. The Duluth Innovation Center will feature amenities and flexible workspaces that enhance the working environment as people return to the office. Inspired interior features and design provide optimal collaborative workspace and break from the traditional office and lab environment.

“Doubling down with a massive facility such as this underscores our relentless pursuit of continuous innovation that makes owning and operating a Cirrus safe, convenient and easy,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are a company of big ideas such as putting a parachute on every Cirrus aircraft, designing and building a single engine Jet, introducing Safe Return Autoland, rolling out Cirrus IQ connectivity and offering a 360-degree ecosystem around the customer. This investment solidifies Cirrus Aircraft’s commitment to continuous innovation. We want talent to think of Cirrus Aircraft, Duluth, and now the new Innovation Center as a special place where the latest and greatest general aviation technologies come to life. The Innovation Center is designed to become the epicenter for personal aviation engineering and to attract top talent from around the world.”

“Duluth and Cirrus Aircraft have a long and important history of being great to, and for, one another and the site of the Innovation Center is no different,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. “For Cirrus Aircraft to expand their footprint in their hometown of Duluth means the world to us because it further elevates Duluth throughout the world of aviation. We are thrilled to support innovation while repurposing this asset. We are eager to decrease public liability while exponentially growing the aviation economy, and we are one hundred percent committed to Cirrus Aircraft’s vision as being central to our own vision of economic development within the City of Duluth.”

“From the founding days of Cirrus Aircraft in the basement of a Wisconsin barn to the new Innovation Center, the company has maintained a rich culture of innovation that has changed personal aviation,” said Pat Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations of Cirrus Aircraft. “This investment in a world-class facility brings together our engineering, flight test, experimental, advanced design and development, and other key Product Development areas. We are excited about how our investments in facilities, people and programs will lead to changing the world – again!”

On August 24, the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) approved the agreement authorizing the sale of the former Northwest Airlines facility with a 60-year ground lease. The agreement releases the DEDA’s ownership of the facility and the ongoing financial burden as the building has been without a tenant since May 2020, resulting in over 200 job cuts due to the pandemic. Moreover, the sale will save the city over $600,000 annually in maintenance, operating, and tax expense.

Cirrus Aircraft aims to begin renovations by September 2022.