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Good morning! On this day in 1988, the United States government's ban on smoking for flights two hours or less went into effect. “No Smoking” signs remained lit on 80% of domestic airline flights and flight attendants were to be armed with gum and candy for those in anguish — the more you know ✈

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Boom Supersonic: XB-1 Takes Flight

• World’s First Flying Motorcycle Is Coming. But first, military mega-drones

• Upcoming Airshows

• Around the Skies: Air Traffic Controllers need a rest, Aging Navy T-44 Trainer gets a replacement, I found the company to upgrade your aircraft’s interior, Skydiving plane taxis into MV-22 Opsrey - Feds settle for $2M, American Airlines has bold plans for passenger cabins

• PilotTube: The GOAT of Aviation YouTube — Trent Palmer

• Aircraft For Sale: New to market

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Here Comes the Boom

Just over one month ago, Boom Supersonic made history with it’s maiden flight of XB-1, surpassing Mach 1 in it’s demonstrator aircraft. This marked a major milestone toward the return of supersonic travel that is more affordable, more convenient and more sustainable.

Thanks to the FAA, a unique flight authorization has been given to the company allowing up to 20 flights within the next year to breach the sound barrier within the confines of the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor in Mojave, California. In the coolest video I’ve seen all week, the XB-1 set the stage for the validation of the technological advancements crucial for Boom's forthcoming project, Overture, an ambitious endeavor aimed at reigniting civilian supersonic air travel.

Blake Scholl, the driving force behind Boom Supersonic as its founder and CEO, eagerly anticipates the forthcoming historic supersonic flight following XB-1's successful debut. Scholl extended his gratitude to the Federal Aviation Administration for their unwavering support of innovation, enabling XB-1 to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of supersonic travel.

Future Flying Motorcycle Paused — For Now

U.S.-based company, Mayman Aerospace, has been working to advance its autonomous warfare technology — a super-drone called the Razor. It is a high-speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) drone for the battlefield. The company had previously unveiled ambitious plans to develop a jet bike, however it has been reported that Mayman has temporarily shifted focus away from that development and redirected efforts towards the Razor.

Designated for military use, the Razor boasts eight small jet turbines, promising speeds exceeding 400 knots, soaring up to 20,000 feet and covering a range of 200 miles. While it shares technological foundations with the envisioned flying motorcycle, the Razor presents a more immediate and enticing business proposition for Mayman's enterprise, garnering attention and development deals from the Department of Defense.

UPCOMING AIRSHOWS

SNIPPETS

On Friday, the FAA announced its plans to revise air traffic controller rest guidelines, mandating a minimum of 10 hours off between shifts (previously 9 hours) and 12 hours off before midnight shifts.  This change will be implemented based on the guidance of a safety panel that was formed last year, in response to several near misses.

The Navy just received it’s first two T-54A aircraft, which are set to replace the aging T-44C Pegasus in Corpus Christi, TX. As part of a contract awarded to Textron to acquire up to 64 King Air 260 aircraft, the T-54A's ProLine Fusion avionics suite will better prepare aviators for future challenges in multi-domain environments. I’m not sure whether to be happy, sad or jealous - I earned my Wings of Gold in the T-44 just over a decade ago. 🫠

Aviation X Aircraft Interiors might be the prettiest cockpit interiors I’ve ever seen. Located at Conroe North-Houston Regional Airport (KCXO), this full-service aircraft interior designer specializes in custom designs, repairs and much more. Check out their Instagram page once and no original-from-the-factory cockpit will ever be good enough.

The U.S. Government settled a lawsuit after a skydiving plane taxied into a parked Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey in San Diego. The settlement, reached last Monday, resulted in a payment of $2,020,000 to the Department of the Navy, with the case being dismissed with prejudice. C’mon man, the last thing the Osprey needs is another mishap…

American Airlines unveils it’s Flagship Preferred Suites. Set to roll out later this year, American's new A321 and 787 cabins, along with forthcoming 777 retrofits, promise enhanced comfort and luxury. And from the looks of it, leg room seems to remain unchanged for us peasants in the back.

PilotTube

Trent Palmer recently released another top-notch backcountry flying video — just in time to remind me to get my tailwheel rating and figure out a way to buy a bush plane ASAP. His content is the best there is in the aviation niche, so be a hero for your kids tonight and play this 20 minute video on your living room TV. It could become the best parenting decision you’ll make all week!

AIRCRAFT FOR SALE - NEW TO MARKET

This 1999 Mooney M20R Ovation has been renovated with no damage history, no corrosion and one previous owner. If you’re looking for a reliable bird to go from A to B with four seats, this could be the one.

• Asking Price: $359,500

• Location: San Marcos, TX

Here’s a meticulously maintained, low time 2007 Cessna 421C with modern avionics! N-registered, but currently located in Europe (ferry services can be arranged). The is a beautiful twin that can carry you and up to seven of your smallest friends!

• Asking Price: $625,000

• Location: Germany

While I don’t know too much about helicopters, I know that this 2018 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X would be a fantastic physics-defying machine to have sitting in your hangar. Very low time, like new and well equipped with A/C, heater, rotor brake, G100H integrated avionics system with WAAS, upgraded avionics with HTAWS, traffic advisory system and synthetic vision.

• Asking Price: $1,725,000

• Location: Decatur, TX

Here's a unique opportunity to own the 2013 CubCrafters CC11-160 Carbon Cub, flown by airshow legend Mike Goulian at STOL Drag! This extremely well-sorted carbon cub has numerous upgrades, including brand new 29" ABW's, 3x3 gear with Acme Black Ops Shocks, Beringer big brake kit, VG's and a Garmin G3X panel.

• Asking Price: $229,900

• Location: Wheeling, IL

This immaculate 2016 Citation XLS+ is the leader in its class. Privately owned with full-time flight crew. Great exterior paint, new interior Finishings (2023), seating for 9, carpet, newly Installed Gogo L3 WIFI with Gogo Vision 360. No damage history or known corrosion.

• Asking Price: $10,900,000

• Location: Watkinsville, GA

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I’m the founder of Royal Aviation Group, a veteran-owned aircraft brokerage that specializes in video content to get airplanes sold. Send me an email at [email protected] if you’d like to chat.

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