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AINonline • Hanneke Weitering

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

As the FAA’s Part 108 framework nears completion for BVLOS operations, the drone industry is warning of a widening talent gap. The effort hinges on sourcing and training enough qualified BVLOS operators and specialists—yet current pipelines may not scale in time.

2026-04-21T14:51:51.704232-07:00

Aviation Week

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028

2026-04-21T13:20:45.874450-07:00

Vertical Mag

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e

2026-04-21T13:51:53.497275-07:00

FlightGlobal

Textron Aviation wins FAA/EASA approval for Starlink installation on Cessna Citation Ascend and 560XL fleet

2026-04-21T08:52:08.985394-07:00

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

Air Force acquisitions nominee pledges to curb F-35 sustainment costs amid nuclear modernization push The nominee for the Air Force acquisition leadership role said controlling rising F-35 sustainment costs would be a top priority, pairing cost and availability focus with support for nuclear modernization. The pledge signals sustainment as a near-term budget and readiness lever as the service sets its procurement agenda.

2026-04-21T15:49:48.947584-07:00

Air Force acquisitions nominee pledges to curb F-35 sustainment costs amid nuclear modernization push

AINonline

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Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion As the FAA’s Part 108 framework nears completion for BVLOS operations, the drone industry is warning of a widening talent gap. The effort hinges on sourcing and training enough qualified BVLOS operators and specialists—yet current pipelines may not scale in time.

2026-04-21T14:51:51.704232-07:00

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

Vertical Mag

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e MD Helicopters has received FAA certification for the Super D20R upgrade, integrating Super D airframe enhancements with the Rolls-Royce 250-C20R powerplant to deliver increased power. The approval supports a certified modernization path for Super D20 aircraft seeking higher performance capability.

2026-04-21T13:51:53.497275-07:00

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e

Aviation Week

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028 Reliable Robotics, the U.S. autonomous-flight startup led by a SpaceX alum, secured a $160 million funding round led by Nimble Partners, pushing valuation toward $1 billion. The company is pressing the FAA for certification of its autonomous flight system, targeting a first commercial uncrewed cargo approval in 2028.

2026-04-21T13:20:45.874450-07:00

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028

AINonline

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ForeFlight adds Emergency Glide Mode for engine-failure scenarios ForeFlight has introduced “Emergency Glide Mode” to help pilots identify reachable runways and off-airport landing sites during engine-failure events. The feature is designed to surface better landing options in real time when glide range planning becomes time-critical, improving decision support in an emergency.

2026-04-21T09:26:01.880926-07:00

ForeFlight adds Emergency Glide Mode for engine-failure scenarios

FlightGlobal

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Textron Aviation wins FAA/EASA approval for Starlink installation on Cessna Citation Ascend and 560XL fleet Textron Aviation says it has secured FAA and EASA approval to install Starlink connectivity on its Citation Ascend, with the capability also certified for the Cessna Citation 560XL fleet. The company will offer Starlink as an aftermarket upgrade, citing strong customer demand as the driver.

2026-04-21T08:52:08.985394-07:00

Textron Aviation wins FAA/EASA approval for Starlink installation on Cessna Citation Ascend and 560XL fleet

Vertical Mag

FlySight opensight mission console with ATR deployed for Norway SAR operations FlySight has advanced its search-and-rescue mission support stack, completing successful integration tests for the opensight mission console paired with an ATR platform for SAR operations in Norway. The validated setup is designed to improve mission support and operational integration for search-and-rescue stakeholders.

2026-04-21T08:19:30.479477-07:00

FlySight opensight mission console with ATR deployed for Norway SAR operations

Flying Magazine

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FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information The FAA is modernizing its NOTAM platform via a “back-end changeover” designed to make critical flight information easier to interpret, improving clarity and communications. The shift targets safer skies by changing how NOTAM content is presented to users, particularly when time-critical operational decisions are required.

2026-04-21T07:56:21.013403-07:00

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

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Aviation Safety & Regulation News

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028

MD Helicopters gets FAA certification for Super D20R upgrade combining Super D airframe enhancements with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R e

Textron Aviation wins FAA/EASA approval for Starlink installation on Cessna Citation Ascend and 560XL fleet

News Timeline