Israeli company Flytrex on Friday announced the milestone, which it believes makes it the largest commercial provider of food drone delivery in the U.S. The firm said 70 percent of the households in its delivery areas—which comprise a handful of towns in North Carolina and Texas—have used the service to deliver items such as sandwiches, hot wings, and even ice cream.

“We are focused on bringing our customers the best experience—and that includes delivery that is convenient for their schedules and preferences,” said Scott Scherer, chief information officer of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems.

Zipline leads the commercial drone industry in deliveries with more than 1 million as of August, but the company primarily delivers medical items such as blood samples and vaccines. Similarly, Wing, the drone delivery arm of Google parent Alphabet, has completed 350,000 deliveries as of January, flying a combination of food and convenience items with partners such as DoorDash and Walmart. But it’s unclear what proportion of those are in the U.S., as the company also has a robust presence in Australia.

Flytrex, by contrast, is focused almost exclusively on food delivery in the U.S. The company’s self-flying drones, which are monitored by FAA-certified operators, can carry up to 5.5 pounds of cargo and fly at around 32 mph, covering a range of 5 miles round trip.

Average delivery time is less than five minutes, with the fastest order being completed in just two minutes. A delivery box is fastened to the drone and lowered to the ground with a tether, protecting delicate items such as eggs. Orders are delivered either to the customer’s house or a public pickup spot.

The FAA in 2021 approved Flytrex’s request to fly over people and deliver to customers’ backyards in North Carolina, allowing it to begin flying commercially. Later that year, around the same time Flytrex launched in Texas, the agency expanded the range of the company’s service to 1 nm, then doubled it in 2022. According to the firm, the second expansion allowed it to reach nearly 100,000 customers.

Last year, Flytrex operating partner Causey Aviation Unmanned became just the fifth company—joining Zipline, Wing, Amazon Prime Air, and UPS Flight Forward—to earn FAA Part 135 permissions for drone delivery, which according to the regulator “is the only path for small drones to carry the property of another for compensation beyond visual line of sight.”

The key phrase there is beyond visual line of sight (or BVLOS as it is known in drone industry parlance), which denotes flights beyond the pilot’s field of view. The FAA has yet to finalize regulations on BVLOS operations, which has forced drone delivery providers to obtain waivers to add the permissions.

These exemptions typically expire after a couple of years. However, a Part 135 holder can have BVLOS permissions added to its certificate, as Zipline and Wing have done, rather than requesting temporary relief.

“Flytrex continuously innovates to overcome delivery challenges, ensuring our drones can handle anything from large and heavy family meals to bad weather and oddly shaped packages,” said Yariv Bash, CEO and cofounder of Flytrex.

According to Flytrex, french fries, chicken nuggets, turkey sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, and burrito bowls have been the company’s most popular restaurant orders, while bananas, limes, and ice cream reign supreme at grocery stores. About 36 percent of all grocery orders included some kind of fresh produce.

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The post Drone Firm Flytrex Makes 100K Food Deliveries in North Carolina, Texas appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

New details reveal the incident occurred during a skydiving operation at Raeford West Airport (NR20) in North Carolina. The pilots were on approach to pick up another group of skydivers with second in command (SIC) Crooks flying. According to the NTSB report, the approach was stable until the aircraft descended below the tree line and encountered wind shear. Crooks initiated a go-around, but before establishing a climb, the right main landing gear struck the runway surface and then detached.

The pilots then declared an emergency and requested to divert to a larger airport. The pilot in command (PIC) took over while Crooks communicated with ATC. According to the unnamed PIC, Crooks became visibly upset following the hard landing. He proceeded to open his side cockpit window and lower the ramp in the back of the aircraft, indicating he needed air. Crooks then apologized, left his seat, removed his headset, and ran out of the airplane via the aft ramp door.

• READ MORE: NTSB Preliminary Report Sheds Light on Copilot Mid-Air Departure

According to the report, “although the PIC and operator reported that the SIC’s departure from the airplane was an intentional act, there was insufficient information to support that assertion.”

Federal investigators also noted that the PIC, who was flying with Crooks, served as the chief pilot for the operator, which could have contributed to his stress. Family members told investigators Crooks was “extremely happy” and “loved to fly,” noting that he was in “a fabulous state of mind” prior to the flight.

• READ MORE: Copilot’s Departure of Aircraft in Mid-Flight Baffles Authorities

Ultimately, investigators listed the probable cause as “the airplane’s encounter with wind shear during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the right main landing gear, and the pilot’s subsequent decision to leave his seat in flight, which resulted in his fall from the airplane.”

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post NTSB’s Final Report Leaves Unanswered Questions in Copilot’s Fatal Fall appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Wright Brothers Day event, which the organization hosts annually in partnership with the National Park Service, will take place at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, on Sunday. It will feature a flyover, band concert, and wreath-laying ceremony “by the descendants of the Wrights and witnesses to the first flight.” The celebration will also include speakers from the Beech family, American Bonanza Society, and National Park Service. The event, which offers free admission, is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

The society will also honor Walter and Olive Ann Beech as part of the December 17 celebration. The couple co-founded the Beech Aircraft Company, later known as Beechcraft, in Wichita, Kansas, in 1932. They will be inducted into the Dr. Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine, which honors “great accomplishments in the history of aviation,” and a portrait of them unveiled and presented during the festivities.

• READ MORE: First Flight Society Selects 2023 Honorees

Chartered in 1927, the First Flight Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “We tell the story of the Wright brothers through community events, education, and the commemoration of the world’s very first powered flight, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina,” the organization said.

Wilbur and Orville Wright’s airplane flew for the first time in 1903, in Kitty Hawk. With Orville at the controls, the initial flight lasted 12 seconds. They flew four times that day, marking the beginning of powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flight.

More information about the First Flight Society and Wright Brothers Day event is available here.

The post Society Celebrates 120th Anniversary of First Flight appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Before purchasing Tailwinds Airport (06NC) in St. Pauls, North Carolina, the couple had dreamed the lifestyle change into existence, writing the airport’s address as their own, even before closing on the property. 

“We were specifically looking for a runway home and were living up in Michigan at the time,” Jonathan said. “I’m not a big fan of Michigan, because it’s cold and wet for too many months of the year for my preference. We were looking for some place further south that wasn’t quite as cold and wound up finding this place.”

Not long after seeing a link for the airport listing, the Admudsens were on a jet headed to look at the property and make an offer.

“It was kind of funny because one of the first questions that the realtor had was, ‘Well, what are your intentions with the property?’” Jonathan said. “I kind of laughed and said, ‘Well, what do you mean? It’s an airport! We plan on keeping the runway!’” 

The couple, both A&P/IAs and pilots, have owned the airport for less than a year and say, so far, the experience has aligned with their expectations for owning an airport. 

“My wife and I recently bought the airport in September of last year,” Jonathan said. “So, it’s still fairly new to us, and we are in the process of getting it all set up the way that we want it. Tailwinds Airport was originally constructed in 1993. The guy who was originally there was named Bob Rogers, and I wish that I could have met the guy. He was a staple in the area, and everybody knows who he is. Anytime we give our address out, everyone says, ‘That’s Bob Rogers’ old place!’ But his granddaughter actually still lives there on the property, our next-door neighbors, and they were excited to hear that we were going to keep the runway.” 

According to Jonathan, the airport was largely turnkey, allowing the couple to move in and fill the hangars with planes of varying types. 

“The runway was in pretty good condition when we bought the airport, but it hadn’t been used much recently because Bob was getting older and hadn’t been flying as much,” he said. “Once we got it, we, of course, had to mow the grass and get it all cleaned back up again. It has runway lights, so we got those all back in working condition again. Right now, we are in the process of cleaning up some trees around there and getting everything the way we want it. 

“Our plan for the future is that we want to build another bigger hangar there as well. There are presently three shade hangars on the field, and there is a workshop hangar, which is all air-conditioned. That makes it really nice for working on planes in the summertime.”

The couple keeps several of their own aircraft at the airport, in addition to temporarily hangaring aircraft that they work on for others. 

“We have several airplanes,” Jonathan said. “My wife and I just finished putting a [Piper] J-3 [Cub] back together and have a [Aeronca] Champ there that’s flyable. Then we have her little Cessna 150, and I have a Cessna 172 that I use to commute back and forth to Charlotte [North Carolina] for work [as an airline pilot]. I do it every week, and it’s an hour and a half from my house to walking into the airport terminal.

“We have been having a lot of fun running the airport so far and are still trying to get the word out that we are there. We are hoping that we get some more people that come over, stop by, and say hi from time to time. But we are starting to get known a little bit in the area and people are coming by. I think that a lot of people are nervous, though, since we are a private airport, and they need prior permission. So everybody is worried whether they are going to get permission or not. I always tell them that we have trees on both ends of the runway, so as long as you pay attention to your performance numbers, then, yeah, absolutely, come on in!”

The North Carolina transplants have been just as excited to explore other airports in the state and beyond. Jonathan highlighted some of the places that they’ve either visited or hope to soon. 

“I haven’t explored the area as much as I want to yet, but there are a lot of amazing places nearby,” he said. “There are a couple of really good on-airport restaurants. One of them is neat but had burned down last year and just got it back up and running. It’s called the Pik-n-Pig, a little barbecue joint up north in Carthage [at Gilliam-McConnell Airfield, BQ1]. There are several other restaurants around that we are slowly getting around to.

“We are also not far from First Flight Airport (KFFA) in Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers first flew. That’s a little over an hour away. Then, of course, there’s Wilmington, Myrtle Beach [South Carolina], and many other things are close by as well. One of the other places I’d like to take the kids to is Ocracoke Island Airport (W95).”

Overall, owning an airport of their own has been worth the sacrifice, Jonathan Amundsen said.  

“As far as recommendations to anyone else wanting to have a place of their own, it is an absolutely amazing experience and I have zero regrets,” he said. “But it does require a lot of time, sweat, tears, and help from the right people. It takes a lot of cooperation and communication to get the results we have here. I’d never been able to do it without the help from friends, neighbors, and family that have supported us.”

The post This Runway Is a Keeper, New Airport Owner Says appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Winds were howling at full windsock speed out of the northwest, featuring great VFR but a scary wind shear potential and more. 

In MSFS, this highly detailed airport is filled with fun and challenge. Even the VFR sectional shown here has a preprinted warning of dangerous turbulence near Mount Mitchell to the east (the highest summit east of the Rocky Mountains). 

• READ MORE: Practicing the Impossible Turn

This airport is enhanced with a small purchase available online in the MSFS built-in store. It’s one of the few scenery areas I have purchased because it’s so darn good. (If you purchase this, don’t forget to get FSRealsitic for added head effects, sounds, and vibrations left out of default aircraft in MSFS.)

With winds howling at an estimated 30 gusting to 45 knots, I decided to test the newly enhanced winds and shear model brought into the simulator a few months ago. In addition, ridge lift, thermals, temperatures, and sky cover all come together to the delight of virtual glider pilots. But anything good for glider pilots is even better for us, as these features have been lacking in flight sims I have previously flown. 

The takeoff at over 4,000 feet msl was noticeably sluggish, but the powerful Beechcraft Bonanza did it well. With the 40-plus-knot headwinds, we were airborne immediately. The joy was short-lived, however, as the uphill runway, close terrain, houses, and trees started in with an immediate stall horn peeping, wind shear on the airspeed gauge, and control sloppiness. Usually takeoffs don’t require a battle or fight. I have found that’s always the case on landings but not on takeoffs. Here’s where the realism kicked in. It was a fight to several hundred feet off the departure end and as the terrain fell out from beneath you. I was all smiles as this was so much fun, but how would the landing be? Even on a calm day, this place looked challenging. 

• READ MORE: Simulated Flight in Real, Uninterrupted Time

A week later, I returned to the mountaintop to see what calm weather might have in store. I chose the default Mooney Ovation for the mission. The winds were northwest at 1 knot according to the in-flight map that displays the live conditions. I figured it would be perfect, but at a simulated time of day, I once again experienced a hellacious downdraft on the departure end of Runway 14—this time more than 2,000 fpm down.

• READ MORE: Safety, Originality on an Even Scale at Unique North Carolina Community

This photo shows the reality of the short final to Runway 14.  

This was certainly one of the most challenging airports I’ve ever seen in flight-sim life. I believe it is even more risky than Aspen, Colorado (KASE). I’d highly recommend it to you MSFSers—just have several aircraft lined up as you’re probably going to wreck quite a few on any given day. It’s a mental and physical workout as well. 

The Honeycomb flight controls offer precision and quality to get you through those crosswinds and wind shear days with ease.

The post A Virtual, Wind-Battled Landing on a Mountaintop Runway appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Boom said it is leading the collaborative effort in developing the new supersonic engine—dubbed Symphony— alongside Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT) for engine design, GE Additive for additive technology design consulting, and StandardAero for maintenance for Symphony.

The announcement comes three months after engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce exited its contract with the commercial airline manufacturer, prompting Boom to look to other engine manufacturers with supersonic propulsion programs. At the time, Rolls-Royce said commercial supersonic flight was no longer a short-term priority for the company.

• READ MORE: Rolls-Royce Will No Longer Power Boom’s Supersonic Airliner

Company officials, however, then decided the solution was to design the aircraft and engine together.

“Developing a supersonic engine specifically for Overture offers by far the best value proposition for our customers,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic,

The announcement comes at a pivotal point of development for Boom following Rolls-Royce’s exit. The first Overture aircraft—expected to fly as fast as Mach 1.7, as high as 60,000 feet msl, and carry between 65 to 88 passengers—was scheduled to roll out in 2025 and begin commercial service with passengers by 2029.

Now, with Symphony, Boom said that design is already underway and that Overture is expected to achieve type certification in 2029. The company will build Overture at the Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, with ground testing to begin in 2026 and flight test in 2027.

• READ MORE: How North Carolina Got Boom’s Overture ‘Superfactory’

“Through the Symphony program, we can provide our customers with an economically and environmentally sustainable supersonic airplane—a combination unattainable with the current constraints of derivative engines and industry norms,” Scholl said.

A Boom-Led Partnership

FTT, a Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc business unit, will lead the engine design portion. Boom indicated that it would leverage FTT’s “supersonic engine design expertise,” notably because FTT’s workforce, including engineers involved in the “designing the F-119 and F-135 supersonic engines that power the F-22 and F-35,” Boom said.

“The team at FTT has a decades-long history of developing innovative, high-performance propulsion solutions,” FTT President Stacey Rock said. “We are proud to team with Boom and its Symphony partners and look forward to developing the first bespoke engine for sustainable, economical supersonic flight.”

• READ MORE: American Airlines Inks Deal for 20 Boom Supersonic Overture Aircraft

Boom has also tapped GE Additive for additive manufacturing design consulting. Boom said the partnership would enable more streamlined development, reduced weight, and improved fuel efficiency.

“GE Additive will bring industry-leading capabilities to Symphony, providing additive manufacturing design consulting and technology while looking for additional areas to potentially collaborate,” Chris Schuppe, general manager of engineering and technology at GE Additive, said in a statement.

Looking ahead to maintenance, Boom selected StandardAero in order to deliver “reliable and economical operations and provision of maintenance services for the life of the aircraft,” it said.

StandardAero also has experience as a supersonic engine assembler.

“Our current qualifications, capabilities, and experience assembling and servicing supersonic military jet engines make us the intelligent solution for future commercial supersonic engine MRO applications,” said Russell Ford, chairman, and CEO of StandardAero.

• READ MORE: Curious About Boom Supersonic? Here Are Five Things to Know

Here’s What to Know About Symphony

According to Boom, the powerplant will be a medium-bypass turbofan engine, similar to powerplants on current commercial aircraft. However, unlike subsonic turbofans, Boom said its Symphony would feature a Boom-designed axisymmetric supersonic intake, a variable-geometry, low-noise exhaust nozzle, and a passively cooled high-pressure turbine. It won’t have an afterburner. 

Boom said the powerplant would produce 35,000 lbs of thrust on takeoff and would run on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel. To keep things quiet and meet Chapter 14 noise level requirements, Symphony will be designed with a single-stage fan. The process will include additive manufacturing to keep its weight and parts count low and reduce assembly costs. Finally, it will need to meet FAA and EASA Part 33 engine certification requirements.

Boom said it expects Symphony to reduce airplane operating costs for airline customers by 10 percent compared to other derivative powerplants.

The post Boom to Lead New Powerplant Design for Supersonic Jet appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL)

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville Regional Airport is located 9 miles south of the city. The airport elevation is 2,164 feet and it sits in hilly terrain. The runway is orientated 17/35 and measures 8,001 feet by 150 feet. Right traffic is used for Runway 35.

• READ MORE: Explore the Eclectic Vibes of Asheville

When approaching from the south, be mindful of a series of smoke stacks, the highest of which is noted on the VFR sectional at 2,562 feet msl, and located approximately 8,688 feet from the approach end of the runway. The airport is located within Class C airspace, so be ready to contact Asheville Approach within 20 nm of the facility.

• READ MORE: Fly These Aircraft to Asheville

For IFR pilots using the ILS and RNAV approaches, refer to the notes for special takeoff minimums on the departure procedures. The airport offers 100LL and jet-A fuel, and it serves commercial airline traffic as well as flocks of migratory birds, so don’t be surprised if you are sharing the pattern.

Hendersonville Airport (0A7)

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Hendersonville Airport (0A7) is located 2 miles to the east of Hendersonville, North Carolina. The airport elevation is 2,084 feet and the runway, 15/33, measures 3,075 feet by 40 feet. Users should note: The airport is limited to daylight operations only, as the runway markings are faded. There are no instrument procedures for this airport.

Pilots are urged to use caution when landing when the winds are greater than 10 knots. There are numerous obstacles on the north side of the runway including fences, a road, and 60-foot trees that are some 80 feet off the extended centerline. There is also a hangar located 90 feet to the left of Runway 33. Beware of the aircraft parked just 40 feet from Runway 33.

The airport is privately owned but has public-use privileges. It was established in 1932 and still has that vintage vibe to it, which dovetails nicely into the air museum located next door. Hendersonville has hosted a few famous visitors, including President George H.W. Bush, who landed there on board Marine One en route to a campaign stop.

This article was first published in the 2022 Southeast Adventure Guide of FLYING Magazine.

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The Lay of the Land

Asheville is located in the center of North Carolina’s mountain region at the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers in the southern Appalachian mountains. Given its elevation (2,200 feet) and location, it’s a great place to visit year-round to experience all four seasons. Summers are warm and humid with July reaching average highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. January, being the coldest month of the year, has average lows of 27 degrees F and average highs of 44 degrees F.

The steep rocky peaks surrounding the city range from 4,000 to almost 7,000 feet in elevation, creating a hikers’ mecca. With several ski slopes in the area, Asheville is also a great jumping off point for winter sports.

• READ MORE: Flying to Asheville? Here’s Where To Land

A popular site for geological study, the rocks in the area tell a complete story of the evolution of continents. Scientists estimate the majority of the region’s stones to be more than 1 billion years old to about 500 million years old, with the “youngest” rocks being at least 200 million years old.

At close to 6,000 feet, the highest point on the Blue Ridge is Grandfather Mountain. Southwest of Asheville are the Great Smoky Mountains and several other mountain ranges. To the northwest are the Bald Mountains and the Black Mountains, which include Mount Mitchell—the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. From Mount Mitchell, backpackers can access the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Added to the state park system in 2000, the trail stretches 1,175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, passes through 37 counties and four national parks, and connects to 10 state parks.

Outdoor Diversions

But you don’t need to hike for miles to enjoy the great outdoors of western North Carolina. Near Asheville there are trails of varying distances and for all skill levels. The most traveled paths reward hikers with gorgeous views—and sometimes a misting from a waterfall or a refreshing plunge in a natural pool.

There are, literally, hundreds of waterfalls in the area. Just 25 minutes from the city, you’ll find Skinny Dip Falls, where a half-mile trail leads to multiple pools fed by cascades. It’s no surprise it’s a favorite local swimming spot; however, bring your swimsuit. Despite the name, clothing is not optional.

A little farther from the city in Pisgah National Forest, you can take a short hike to or view the 75-foot Looking Glass Falls from a roadside observation point. And, from Asheville, it’s just 65 miles to the Great Smoky Mountains, which has waterfalls galore. One trail in the Smokies leads you past three waterfalls: Deep Creek, Indian, and Tom’s Branch falls. Looking for a scenic drive and not quite as much walking? A trip to Chimney Rock State Park, located 25 miles from downtown, rewards those willing to climb 500 steps to the top of a towering stone overlook that offers views of up to 75 miles on clear days. Geologists estimate the Chimney Rock monolith to be 500 million years old.

• READ MORE: Fly These Aircraft to Asheville

There are so many trails to choose from in the Asheville area that you might want to use a hike search website or app to help you narrow your options. There are several with skill-level and other preference-based filters that can assist you in this task.

You can find a more organized outdoor experience at the Adventure Center of Asheville, which offers ziplining, a treetop challenge course, and mountain biking. The center’s Kolo Bike Park has 4 miles of trails to test your endurance and balance skills. Designed to be progressive, there’s a designated kids bike playground and trails for beginners to experts. Features include “step downs, tabletops, road gaps, drops, and transfers,” according to the website. When it gets warm in the summer, the French Broad River, which runs right through the city, is a popular spot to tube or paddle. You can float past the Biltmore Estate and through the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District on trips that range from 3 to 12 miles coordinated by French Broad Outfitters.

A more active sport, fly fishing, is also a favorite activity for visitors. Nearby, the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests offer streams that are plentiful with trout, small and large-mouth bass, crappie, and sunfish.

Another favorite outdoor (and indoor) diversion is the Biltmore Estate. From early April through the end of May, the estate celebrates Biltmore Blooms. Guests can wander the property’s 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds and enjoy its colorful variety of carefully curated flowers and plants. The estate also has 20 miles of trails, a winery, and offers tours of the historic George and Edith Vanderbilt home.

City Scene

Given its modest population of 94,000, Asheville has a surprisingly large number of cultural centers and museums. But in light of the city’s history of celebrating and preserving the arts, as well as craftsmanship, it makes perfect sense. In fact, the Asheville Museum of Art was established in 1948 and is the third oldest art museum in the state.

Today, the region’s appreciation for art and culture is just as prominent. Local artisans are known for demonstrating their skills and techniques, many of which are distinctive to the Appalachian region.

The city’s River Arts District, a revitalized industrial area, is a great place to visit to see artists in action. The 2-square-mile district has 23 buildings and is home to 200-plus working artists. You can peruse the studios of potters, sculptors, painters, glassblowers, photographers, jewelry makers, and other artisans, most of whom are happy to answer your questions. At the North Carolina Glass Center, you can watch glass blowing demonstrations and make your own glass work with guidance from a professional artist. Nearby, the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts offers classes and workshops as well.

For a different kind of interactive experience, visit the Asheville Pinball Museum. It has 35 working pinball machines that you can play for a price, and serves food and drink. Another Asheville museum honors the life and works of author Thomas Wolfe.

As an aviator, you will enjoy the Western North Carolina Air Museum. Located about 25 miles south of Asheville in the city of Hendersonville, the museum has a 1927 WACO 10, a 1915 Sopwith Baby replica, a 1915 Morane Saulnier N, and several other historic aircraft.

Asheville has something for music fans, as well. Both the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the Moog Factory call the city home. Known for revolutionizing music with the invention of the synthesizer in 1964, Bob Moog opened the factory here in 2002. It offers tours and allows visitors to experiment with its synthesizers.

Asheville is well known for its breweries too. In fact, it has the most breweries per capita in the U.S. With roughly 100 local beers and 40 breweries, it has earned its nickname as “Beer City USA.” The city hosts many annual beer festivals, including the NC Small Batch Festival in April, Asheville Beer Week at the end of May to early June, Beer City Festival in May, Burning Can Festival in August, Tour de Fat in September, North Carolina Beer Month in October, and more.

History

To learn about Asheville’s history, take a stroll along the city’s Urban Trail, which winds past 30 interpretive placards that narrate historical moments and celebrate the achievements of individuals with deep ties to the region. Famous local people featured on the trail include: George Vanderbilt II, a philanthropist and founder of the Biltmore Estate; E.W. Grove, a real estate developer who established the six-story Grove Park Inn in 1912—now an Omni property and luxury hotel; plus authors Thomas Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and O. Henry; and Douglas Ellington, an Art Deco architect. The No. 1 placard is located at Asheville’s Pack Square, which is named for George Pack, who donated the land in 1900 to be used as a public park. A frequent scene for local festivals and gatherings, the park also contains the art deco City Hall, a Veterans’ Memorial, and other historic buildings.

The most notable historic building in the area is the Biltmore Estate. George Vanderbilt II, the youngest son of William Henry Vanderbilt and an heir to the Vanderbilt family fortune, first visited Asheville in 1887. A year later, he returned and started buying land for what would become his country estate. The 250-room French Renaissance-style chateau took six years to complete.

This article was first published in the 2022 Southeast Adventure Guide of FLYING Magazine.

The post Explore the Eclectic Vibes of Asheville appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The report, released Tuesday, comes nearly three weeks after the CASA 212-200 was substantially damaged by a hard landing near Raeford, North Carolina. 

• READ MORE: Copilot’s Departure of Aircraft in Mid-Flight Baffles Authorities

According to the surviving pilot—who was acting as pilot-in-command (PIC)—they had flown two skydiving runs, then descended to Raeford West Airport (NR20) to pick up a third group of skydivers. The CASA 212 is a fixed-gear design with a ramp that lowers in the rear to allow for the egress of skydivers.

At the time of the accident, only the PIC and copilot—also known as the second-in-command (SIC) in the report—were on board.

The SIC was flying an approach that, according to the PIC, was “on heading, altitude and airspeed” at Raeford until the airplane descended below the tree line and the aircraft encountered an abrupt and uncommanded loss of altitude.

Both pilots called for a go-around, which the SIC initiated, but he was unable to prevent the aircraft from landing hard on the runway. The impact damaged the right main landing gear. 

The PIC assumed the flight controls when the aircraft reached 400 feet agl and flew a low pass over the runway so airfield personnel could verify the damage, as the landing gear of the aircraft is not visible from the cockpit. 

The personnel subsequently called the PIC to let him know that they had recovered the fractured landing gear on the runway. 

The PIC directed the SIC to declare an emergency and request a diversion to Raleigh Durham International Airport (KRDU), some 78 nm away, for an emergency landing.

Crew Coordinated with ATC

According to the PIC, while en route to Raleigh, the crew coordinated with air traffic control operations and planned their approach and landing at KRDU. The SIC was responsible for communicating with air traffic control while the PIC flew the airplane.

In Live ATC recordings of conversations between the aircraft and air traffic controllers, a pilot aboard the CASA 212 (using the callsign “Shady 2”) is heard declaring an emergency, stating “We have lost our right wheel. We’d like to proceed to Raleigh and make the landing at Raleigh.”

ATC confirmed that Raleigh-Durham was the desired airport and advised Shady 2 to resume its own navigation to Raleigh-Durham. 

ATC asked for information about the home base of the aircraft, how many people were on board, and the amount of fuel. The pilot’s transmission indicated there were two people on board and they had enough fuel for approximately four hours of flying. 

Later in the transmission, ATC asked for verification that a wheel was missing from the aircraft as the result of a landing. The pilot replied, “affirmative.” Another voice replied, “the wheel assembly has been found.” A second voice from Shady 2 explained there was a hard landing and the aircraft went around “and at that point, we lost the wheel.”

A few minutes later, the controller supplied Shady 2 with the telephone number for Fayetteville Approach to call when they were on the ground. The next transmission was Shady 2 checking in as they passed through 3,500 feet.

Pilot: Copilot Became Visibly Upset

The PIC told investigators that there was moderate turbulence during the flight, and that about 20 minutes into the diversion, after conducting approach and emergency briefings, the SIC became visibly upset about the hard landing. 

The PIC stated that the SIC then opened his side cockpit window and "may have gotten sick," and the PIC took over radio communications. The SIC then lowered the ramp in the back of the airplane indicating that he felt like he was going to be sick and needed air.

According to the NTSB report, the SIC "got up from his seat, removed his headset, apologized, and departed the airplane via the aft ramp door."

The PIC stated there was a bar one could grab about 6 feet above the ramp, but he did not see the SIC grab the bar before exiting the airplane.

Next, the PIC turned the airplane to the right to search for the SIC and notified air traffic control that his co-pilot had departed the airplane without a parachute.

The body of the SIC was found a short time later in the backyard of a home some 20 miles from the airport.

The PIC proceeded on course to KRDU, where he performed a low-approach and then emergency landing. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest upright in the grass. The PIC sustained minor injuries.

The post-accident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right main landing gear, the landing gear fittings, and the airframe structure where the fittings attach.

The post NTSB Preliminary Report Sheds Light on Copilot Mid-Air Departure appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The first flight was brief—it lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. For perspective, that is about 40 feet short of the width of a high school football field. On the fourth flight that day, the Wright Flyer would be in the air for approximately 59 seconds and cover a distance of 852 feet, but duration and distance were not critical metrics that day. After years of experimentation, trial, and error, piloted sustained powered flight had been achieved.

December 17, 2021, marks the 118th birthday of powered flight—but did you know there were other aviation events that have happened on December 17? 

1925

T. Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle (yes, that Embry and Riddle) signed a contract forming their company at Lunken Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. Embry was the president, Riddle was the general manager. The Embry-Riddle Flying School opened in the spring of 1926. The company slogan? “If it’s flying, we do it; if it’s airplanes, we have them.”

1935 

The Douglas DC-3 took flight for the first time. “DC” stands for Douglas Commercial. The twin-engine taildragger was designed to be an airliner to compete with Boeing’s 247.

1941 

U.S. Army Air Forces Lt. Col. Boyd Wagner, the pilot of a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, became the first American ace of World War II when he shot down his fifth Japanese airplane in the skies over the Philippines.

1944 

U.S. Army Air Forces Maj. Richard Bong became the top-scoring American ace of World War II on this day when he notched his 40th and final aerial victory while flying a Lockheed P-38 Lightning.

1947 

The XB-47—the prototype of the Boeing B-47 Stratojet—made its first flight. The B-47 was America’s first multiengine swept-wing bomber. 

1954 

The 1,000th Wichita-built Boeing B-47 Stratojet was delivered to the Strategic Air Command. The aircraft was originally designed to carry nuclear warheads, but was subsequently modified to accomplish a variety of military missions.

1960 

The visitor’s center at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, was dedicated. The memorial covers approximately 428 acres. The site gets an estimated 500,000 visitors a year, making it one of the top tourist attractions in the region.

1963 

The Lockheed C-141 Starlifter made its maiden voyage. It’s America’s first all-jet military troop transport and cargo carrier. The Starlifter saw extensive service between 1965 and 2006.

1969 

The U.S. Air Force shut down “Project Blue Book,” a program created in 1947 to investigate UFO sightings. In the 22 years of its operation Project Blue Book investigated a total of 12,618 reported UFO sightings. Of these, 701 remain categorized as “unidentified.”

1994 

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy sets a national record by taking off with the maximum payload of 920,836 pounds. The C-5 entered service in 1969 and is still used to this day, holding its place as one of the world’s largest aircraft.

2003 

On the 100th anniversary of  powered flight, thousands of people gather at the Wright Brothers Memorial at Kill Devil Hills to watch a re-enactment of the first flight. The build up to the centennial celebration was great. A virtual version of the Wright Flyer traveled the country to various air shows and museums. People were invited to try their luck, lying on their bellies to fly the famous aircraft. A replica of the Wright Flyer was built for the actual flight and pilots were selected and trained for the event. 

Alas, the morning of December 17 in coastal North Carolina was marked with downpours and light winds. The first re-enactment flight was scrubbed owing to the poor weather. A second attempt was made shortly after noon. The combination of light winds and high humidity resulted in insufficient lift, and the Wright Flyer failed to gain altitude and took a nose dive into the sand.

The post Celebrating a Day Full of Aviation History appeared first on FLYING Magazine.