January 8, 2025- No. 02 In This Issue : Groundbreaking new jet engine generates thrust directly from electricity : New Chinese Advanced Combat Aircraft Emerge In Flight : Aviation advocates call for FCC to investige Ligado claims : Florida guys bought an abandoned Falcon 20 jet from Facebook Marketplace for $15k but then received the ‘unbelievable’ repair bill : STEM Career Paths: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians : Archer Aviation completes Georgia air taxi factory Groundbreaking new jet engine generates thrust directly from electricity The combustion of these fuels powers vehicles, planes, and industrial equipment while contributing nearly 29% of greenhouse gas emissions Joshua Shavit Published Dec 23, 2024 4:47 AM PST Note: See important photos and technical graphics in the original article. Researchers have developed a prototype jet engine powered by microwave air plasmas, offering thrust without fossil fuels. (CREDIT: CC BY-SA 4.0) Share this story The global reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in transportation, has severe consequences for the environment and public health. Fossil fuels are a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change and impacting respiratory health. A groundbreaking development from Wuhan University, however, hints at a future where jet propulsion depends entirely on electricity and air. The Fossil Fuel Challenge Transportation is vital for modern life, but its dependence on fossil fuels comes at a significant environmental cost. The combustion of these fuels powers vehicles, planes, and industrial equipment while contributing nearly 29% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The urgent need for sustainable alternatives has spurred innovation. Plasma Jet Engines Could Revolutionize Aviation and End Fossil Fuel Dependency. (CREDIT: Freepik) Professor Jau Tang and his team at Wuhan University have developed a prototype jet engine powered by microwave air plasmas, offering thrust without fossil fuels. This revolutionary approach could transform air travel by eliminating carbon emissions. “Our work aims to solve global warming problems by replacing fossil fuel combustion engines,” Tang explained. “With our design, there is no carbon emission to cause greenhouse effects and global warming.” How Plasma Powers the Engine Plasma, the fourth state of matter, consists of charged particles like ions and electrons. Found naturally in the sun and lightning, it can also be generated in controlled environments. Tang's engine harnesses this state of matter through a sophisticated process involving air compression and microwave technology. • Here’s how it works: 1. Air Compression: The system starts by drawing in atmospheric air, which is then compressed to high pressures using a turbine compressor. This compressed air provides the necessary density for effective plasma generation. 2. Microwave Ionization Chamber: The compressed air flows into a quartz tube fitted with a microwave ionization chamber. Microwaves, operating at 2.45 GHz—the same frequency used in microwave ovens—are directed into this chamber. 3. Ionization: Inside the chamber, the high-frequency microwaves excite the air molecules, stripping electrons from the atoms and creating a plasma state. The resulting plasma reaches temperatures exceeding several thousand degrees Celsius. 4. Jet Thrust Generation: The high-temperature plasma rapidly expands as it exits the ionization chamber. This expansion produces a jet thrust capable of lifting a 1-kilogram steel ball, demonstrating thrust comparable to conventional jet engines. Tang’s approach differs from other plasma propulsion systems, such as those used by NASA. For example, NASA’s xenon-based plasma thrusters, like those on the Dawn spacecraft, work well in the vacuum of space but are ineffective in Earth’s atmosphere due to their low thrust output. Tang’s design overcomes this limitation by using atmospheric air, making it feasible for terrestrial and airborne applications. A schematic diagram of a prototype microwave air plasma thruster and the images of the bright plasma jet at different microwave powers. This device consists of a microwave power supply, an air compressor, a compressed microwave waveguide and a flame ignitor. (CREDIT: Jau Tang and Jun Li) The Road to Scalable Plasma Jets While the prototype is promising, scaling it to power large aircraft presents unique challenges. The current design requires megawatt-level microwave sources and advanced energy storage systems capable of delivering continuous high power. “For a large jumbo jet, development could take another decade,” Tang estimated. Scaling up involves integrating multiple plasma jet modules in a parallel configuration. This would increase the overall thrust while maintaining efficiency. The prototype already achieves a jet pressure of 24,000 newtons per square meter with 400 watts of power, comparable to commercial aircraft engines. However, larger aircraft will require significantly higher power outputs, which demands advancements in battery technology. Tang believes smaller-scale applications, such as heavy-duty drones or pilotless cargo planes, could become operational within five years. These aircraft would be ideal for logistics and delivery services, reducing emissions in the transportation sector. Schematic diagram of a simple homemade heat-resistant device for the propulsion pressure measurements, consisting of a hollow steel ball on top of the quartz tube. The device has a small hole at the top for inserting smaller steel beads in order to adjust the threshold weight at which the ball starts to rattle due to the effect of the plasma jet. (CREDIT: Jau Tang and Jun Li) However, even for these smaller applications, challenges remain. The high energy density required for sustained flight means that current battery technologies must evolve to be lighter and more efficient. Weight is a critical issue, as heavy batteries could negate the benefits of this zero-emission propulsion system. Addressing Engineering Challenges Another hurdle is thermal management. Plasma engines generate extreme heat, which can damage engine components over time. Tang’s team is investigating advanced materials and cooling systems to mitigate these effects. “We still need to improve the engine’s efficiency and address the impact of high temperatures on the equipment,” Tang noted. “Managing the heat and ensuring durability under continuous operation are our next big challenges.” Additionally, achieving stable and controlled thrust across different flight conditions is crucial. The team is optimizing the flow dynamics within the ionization chamber to ensure consistent performance. A Vision for the Future of Air Travel Despite the challenges, Tang remains optimistic. His research has garnered attention from the global scientific community, with many experts recognizing its potential to revolutionize aviation. If successful, plasma jet engines could lead to a new era of sustainable air travel, free from the environmental and geopolitical constraints of fossil fuels. “Our results demonstrate that a microwave air plasma jet engine could be a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuel engines,” Tang said. Net jet pressure (excluding the contribution from the injected air but with no microwave power) at various air flow settings as a function of the microwave power (in a unit of W). Linear fits were obtained with m representing the slope and c representing the y-axis intercept. I represents the air flow rate (in a unit of m3/h). (CREDIT: Jau Tang and Jun Li) While it may take years before you see plasma-powered planes in the sky, the foundation is being laid for a future where aviation is cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable. Tang’s groundbreaking work not only promises a solution to climate change but also redefines what’s possible in propulsion technology. New Chinese Advanced Combat Aircraft Emerge In Flight Share Steve Trimble December 26, 2024 Images of a new Chinese combat aircraft with a diamond-style wing and no vertical tails emerged on the Internet Dec. 26, 2024. Note: See photos in the original article. Credit: Weibo user (above and photo below) New Chinese combat aircraft broke cover in a flood of social media photos and videos on Dec. 26 showing them in flight and revealing two new examples of China’s evolution as an aerospace innovator. One new aircraft appeared in social media posts revealing a large, three-engine warplane with a cockpit and diamond-style wing with no vertical tails. Yaw control appears to be managed by Northrop Grumman B-2-style split rudders. The engines are fed by a single dorsal inlet and two ventral inlets, the latter using caret-shaped intakes. The dorsal inlet features a stealth-enhancing, diverterless supersonic inlet, but not the ventral inlets. The aircraft’s large ventral fuselage section likely provides room for an internal weapons bay. The main landing gear features two wheels each, a hallmark of heavy fighter-bombers such as the Sukhoi Su-34. The apparent test flight over a populated Chinese area included appearances by a Chengdu-manufactured J-20S fighter, possibly flying a chase mission. “Its size and arrangement tentatively suggests that this is the long awaited J/H-XX ‘regional bomber’, designed to provide a low observable high-altitude precision strike capability against bases and possibly ships throughout the Indo-Pacific,” said Justin Bronk, senior research fellow for Airpower and Technology at the Royal United Services Institute. “However, it remains possible that this prototype represents China’s known 6th Generation fighter program.” Hours later, further social media posts revealed images and video of a second new Chinese combat aircraft, also in flight test. The images show a more traditional fighter design with a cranked arrow planform and possibly folding tailfins. It was not immediately clear when these images were captured, but one post marked the picture with a Dec. 22, 2024, time stamp. The mystery warplanes emerged on the 13th anniversary of the rollout of the J-20 stealth fighter, which itself came 13 years after the first flight of the Chengdu-made J-10 in March 1998. The Dec. 26 date marks the 131st birthday of Mao Zedong, the late founder of the Chinese Communist Party. The role each of the aircraft would perform is not immediately apparent. No Chinese government or industry channel has acknowledged the imagery on official channels, but there also appears little effort by internal security services to censor the content posted by dozens of people on the ground. China has been developing the H-20 long-range stealth bomber and the medium-range JH-XX fighter-bomber, according to the annual China Military Power Report published by the U.S. Defense Department. Chinese industry officials also have confirmed that work is underway on a sixth-generation fighter. - Tony Osborne contributed to this article from London. Aviation advocates call for FCC to investige Ligado claims By General Aviation News Staff January 4, 2025 · Leave a Comment (Photo courtesy NBAA) Note: See photo in the original article. Aviation advocates, as well as others outside the aviation industry, are calling for the FCC to take a closer look at claims made by Ligado Networks regarding a key mitigation to reduce the potential for interference with GPS signals. In April 2020, the FCC issued its controversial “Ligado Order” approving a high-speed broadband cellular network that aviation advocates assert has been proven to interfere with GPS and satellite communications networks, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Among the order’s requirements was for Ligado to market by Sept. 30, 2024, a dual-mode mobile satellite service/ancillary terrestrial component (MSS/ATC) device able to switch between satellite and ground-based cellular networks that are less likely to interfere with GPS. Ligado claimed such a device was available in an October 2024 statement to the FCC. However, aviation advocates assert no such device appears ready to purchase in a Dec. 13, 2024, letter to FCC Secretary Marlene Dortch. “A review of the commission’s equipment authorizations in the commission’s EAS database and public Internet searches failed to identify examples of any certified dual-mode equipment or devices available for purchase or lease in the marketplace that operate on the frequencies which Ligado is authorized to use for ATC operations or that match Ligado’s description of the device,” the letter stated. Even if such a system was available, the letter notes that “the mere existence of a certified device does not necessarily mean that the device was ‘available in the marketplace’ by the deadline…raising questions regarding whether the equipment exists and impairing the ability of interested parties to ascertain Ligado’s actual compliance with the Ligado Order.” The letter calls on the FCC “to require Ligado to publicly identify the relevant equipment authorization for the dual-mode equipment and provide details of the manner in which the equipment has been offered for sale or lease.” Meanwhile, NBAA and other aviation advocates continue to call on the FCC to vacate the Ligado Order. In a letter sent earlier in 2024 to President Joe Biden and members of Congress, NBAA officials cited “unified and unprecedented opposition to the order from the federal government, including 14 federal agencies and departments.” Florida guys bought an abandoned Falcon 20 jet from Facebook Marketplace for $15k but then received the ‘unbelievable’ repair bill • This abandoned Falcon 20 jet is grounded in Florida, US • It was bought by five friends via Facebook Marketplace for $15K • However, the bill to repair it came as somewhat of a shock Published on Dec 31, 2024 at 6:00 PM (UTC+4) by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones Last updated on Jan 02, 2025 at 3:13 PM (UTC+4) Edited by Kate Bain Note: See photos in the original article. We know that supercars can be expensive to upkeep, however the bill to repair this abandoned Falcon 20 jet grounded in Florida, US, took that figure skywards. The aircraft had been listed on Facebook Marketplace for an unbelievable $15,000. A car enthusiast content creator and four friends chipped in for what they believed to be a bargain investment. That’s until they saw the restoration bill. The abandoned Falcon 20 Cleetus McFarland owns the world-famous Freedom Factory located in Bradenton, Florida. While the car enthusiast was keen to prove the naysays wrong and get her airworthy again – he needed a quote ‘to get this bad girl airworthy again so we can know what we’re up against’. Manufactured from 1965–1991, it was one of the first business jets developed by Dassault Aviation that more recently unveiled a luxurious $75 million private jet considered the ‘penthouse of the skies’ While we are used to seeing supercar maintenance that costs more than the average car – this restoration estimate will take your breath away. The ‘unbelievable’ repair bill When McFarland’s friend and automotive expert, Joe, was asked for his estimate and to ‘give us the bad stuff off the rip so we can focus on the good stuff’ – the news was brutal. It will cost $2.5 million dollars plus to get it back into the air. “I thought you were going to say $70,000,” exclaims a voice off camera. Key issues include an expensive engine overhaul totalling $1 million, a hush kit that is going to set them back $100,000, and significant corrosion on the plane’s structure. That’s not all. The jet also needs new landing gear at $300,000, batteries, and inspection fees totaling $750,000, with additional costs for unanticipated damage. “I wish I had better news,” he tells McFarland who thanks him for not sugarcoating the reality of it all. Ultimately, the plane is not airworthy and will require deregistration if used for ground events at the Freedom Factory. Cleetus plans to tow it there and sell the engines for $20,000 to offset repair costs. STEM Career Paths: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians by Rising Aviation Aug 17, 2024 Note: See photos in the original article. Are you interested in working on massive jet engines? A career as an aircraft mechanic is the perfect path for you! Aircraft mechanics, also known as aviation maintenance technicians, work on nearly every component of an aircraft. Aircraft mechanics earn good money, with a median yearly pay of $70,010 in the U.S. This unique career path can allow you to work on any aircraft, from massive 777 jets to small stunt planes. To become an aircraft mechanic, you need special training. Many people start with classes at a tech school or community college to prepare them for their airframe and powerplant certificate tests. Once you pass the exam from the FAA you’ll officially be an aviation maintenance technician. This field offers many opportunities to grow and learn new skills over time. If you love planes and enjoy hands-on work, this could be a great career for you! Role And Responsibilities of Aviation Maintenance Technicians Aircraft mechanics and service technicians play a crucial role in keeping planes safe and airworthy. You’ll be responsible for a wide range of tasks that ensure aircraft are in top condition. The Primary Duties of an Aircraft Mechanic As an aircraft mechanic, your main job is to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft. You’ll work on various parts of the plane, including engines, landing gear, wings and more. Your duties include: • Performing routine maintenance checks • Diagnosing mechanical or electrical problems • Repairing or replacing faulty components • Conducting thorough inspections to ensure airworthiness • Testing aircraft systems and equipment • Reviewing and troubleshooting issues identified by pilots You’ll also need to keep detailed records of all the work you do. This helps track maintenance history and ensures compliance with safety regulations. Day-to-Day Activities And Tasks Your daily routine as an aircraft mechanic will be diverse and hands-on. You might start your day by: 1. Reviewing maintenance schedules and work orders 2. Inspecting aircraft for signs of wear or damage 3. Performing scheduled maintenance tasks Throughout the day, you’ll tackle various jobs like: • Troubleshooting complex systems using diagnostic tools • Repairing or replacing aircraft components • Cleaning and lubricating parts • Running tests on engines and other systems You’ll also spend time updating maintenance logs and discussing issues with pilots or other technicians. Safety is always your top priority, so you’ll need to stay focused and attentive to detail in everything you do. Required Education And Skills Becoming an aircraft mechanic requires specific education and skills. You’ll need a mix of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and certifications to succeed in this field. Necessary Educational Background And Degrees To start your career as an aircraft mechanic, you have a few paths to choose from. Most employers prefer you to have a post-secondary certificate from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. This program usually takes 12-24 months to complete. These programs, like the one at our partner school, Thrust Institute of Maintenance, will prepare you to take your airframe and powerplant exams with an FAA examiner. Some mechanics get an associate’s degree in aviation technology or a related field. This option takes about 2 years and can give you a broader knowledge base. If you prefer on the job learning you can apprentice under an A&P technician and after a minimum of three years be ready to take your FAA exams. Key Skills And Qualifications Needed As an aircraft mechanic, you’ll need a mix of technical and soft skills.Strong problem-solving abilities are crucial, as you’ll often diagnose complex issues. Key technical skills include: • Understanding of aircraft systems • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals • Knowledge of safety procedures Important soft skills: • Attention to detail • Effective communication • Physical stamina You must be at least 18 years old and fluent in English to get FAA certification. Attending A STEM High School Attending a STEM high school can give you a head start in your aircraft mechanic career. These schools often offer advanced classes in math, physics, and engineering that directly relate to aviation technology. At Rising Aviation High School, you’ll get hands-on experience with tools and technology similar to what you’ll use on the job. Many STEM high schools also have partnerships with local airports or aviation companies, giving you chances for internships or job shadowing. In addition to the STEM education our students receive, they are also able to enroll in our aircraft maintenance program that will help them build a solid foundation in aircraft maintenance and prepare them for a career as an aviation maintenance technician. Career Path And Advancement Aircraft mechanics have many options to grow their careers. You can move up the ranks or become an expert in a specific area. Let’s explore the typical path and opportunities for advancement. Typical Career Progression You usually start as an apprentice (if you didn’t attend a formal program). Here, you learn the basics and get hands-on practice. After gaining experience, you can become a certified mechanic. To move up, you need your airframe and powerplant FAA certifications. This shows you have the skills to work on planes safely. With more time and skills, you might become a lead mechanic or supervisor. Opportunities For Advancement And Specialization As you grow, you can pick special areas to focus on. You might become an expert in: • Engines • Electrical systems • Avionics • Helicopter maintenance These specializations can lead to higher pay and more job options. You can also move into management. You might become a: • Team leader • Maintenance manager • Inspector Some mechanics even start their own repair businesses. Challenges And Rewards There are many pros and cons to a career as an aviation maintenance technician. This job requires skill, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Common Challenges Faced In This Career Working as an aircraft mechanic can be demanding. You’ll often deal with high-pressure situations to ensure aircraft safety. This means paying close attention to details and following strict rules while trying to meet tight deadlines. The job can be physically tough too. You might work in tight spaces or uncomfortable positions. And lifting heavy parts is common. Keeping up with new technology is also crucial in this role. You’ll need to learn about new aircraft systems and tools throughout your career. Teamwork and communication are key. You’ll work closely with other mechanics, pilots, and managers. Clear communication helps avoid mistakes and keeps everyone safe. Rewards And Benefits Of Pursuing This Career Path As an aircraft mechanic, you can enjoy a good salary. The median annual pay is around $70,010 in the U.S. And those who choose to work for major airlines can earn considerably more. Your skills are in high demand. The aviation industry needs qualified mechanics, so job security is strong. You’ll have chances to grow in your career. You could become a lead mechanic, inspector, or even move into management roles. The work is never boring. Each day brings new challenges and problems to solve. You’ll use your critical thinking skills often. Seeing planes you’ve worked on take flight is very satisfying. You play a key role in keeping air travel safe for everyone. Future Outlook The job market for aircraft mechanics and service technicians looks promising. New tech and more air travel are shaping the field’s future. Let’s look at what’s ahead for this career path. Trends And Future Developments In The Field New tech is changing how you’ll work on planes. Training methods are shifting to focus on skills, not just tasks. You’ll need to keep learning as planes get more high-tech. Electric and hybrid planes are coming. This means new skills for you to learn. Drones and AI might also change your job. You’ll likely work with these new tools. Safety rules might get stricter. This could mean more careful checks and paperwork for you. But it also means your skills will be even more valued. Job Market Outlook And Demand Your career outlook is great one. There is an ongoing shortage of qualified aircraft mechanics and as a result, pay for technicians has been climbing in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics sees 4% job growth from 2022 to 2032. While Boeing, in the their latest Pilot and Technician Outlook, predicts that over 700,000 new aviation maintenance technicians will be needed over the next 20 years. The future is bright for aviation maintenance technicians. If you’re a teen considering a career as an aircraft mechanic be sure to reach out to Rising Aviation High School to see how our program for high school students could help you prepare. Archer Aviation completes Georgia air taxi factory The company aims to manufacture two planes monthly by year’s end but plans to ramp production up to 650 annually by 2030. Published Jan. 2, 2025 Dan Zukowski Senior Reporter Note: See photos in the original article. Archer Aviation received the certificate of occupancy for its approximately 400,000-square-foot aircraft manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia, the company announced last month. Production of air taxis is planned to begin in early 2025. Courtesy of Archer Aviation Dive Brief: • Archer Aviation announced last month that it received the certificate of occupancy for its approximately 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia. The air taxi developer said it plans to begin initial production in early 2025. • Archer broke ground on the facility in March 2023. The company said in December that it is finalizing its agreement with global automaker Stellantis, which will become its exclusive contract manufacturer. • Archer aims to manufacture two aircraft per month by the end of next year. By 2030, it plans to produce 650 electric takeoff and landing aircraft annually. Dive Insight: On a November 2024 investor call, Archer Aviation Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein named New York City, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Miami as the company’s first U.S. markets. Archer also has interest from the United Arab Emirates and Japan. The company plans to deploy a network of air taxis in Southern California in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Los Angeles. Archer worked closely with Stellantis to construct the Covington facility. It will produce Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which is optimized to fly routes of 20 to 50 miles at up to 150 mph, with a quick recharge between flights. The air taxi can carry up to four passengers and their carry-on luggage, plus the pilot. “Supporting Archer’s electric aircraft growth with our deep manufacturing expertise is a great opportunity for the two companies,” said Stellantis Chief Manufacturing and Supply Chain Officer Arnaud Deboeuf. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement that Archer’s announcement reaffirms the state’s “commitment to working with innovative companies like Archer to create quality jobs and opportunities for years to come.” The incoming Trump administration could prove friendly to air taxi developers as they work toward commercialization. President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for advanced air mobility technology such as air taxis in a 2023 campaign speech. Curt Lewis