When ChatGPT emerged on the scene in late 2022, it put artificial intelligence, or AI, “in the zeitgeist.” While still in its infancy in the aviation industry, AI is now at the forefront of many people’s minds, said Rob Mather, v-p of aerospace and defense industries at software intelligence corporation IFS.

Less is known about what AI is and what it can do, but many agree it has the power to revolutionize how the industry does business.

Embraer’s Phenom 100 isn’t a runaway bestseller like its larger Phenom 300 sibling, but since receiving FAA certification in 2008, the single-pilot jet has carved a niche in the very light jet (VLJ) market. The arena in which the Phenom 100 was designed to compete has changed considerably from the heady days when pundits were predicting that VLJs would dominate business aviation, and Embraer has consistently updated its entry-level jet, a move that is increasingly necessary to attract repeat and new buyers.

The latest version, the Phenom 100EX, is expected to enter service in the current quarter. It squeezes more space into the cabin and cockpit and adds amenities that pilots and passengers alike will appreciate, all while reducing weight and maintaining the $4.995 million price of the previous model.

Textron Aviation’s largest jet—the Longitude—is gaining ground in the super-midsize market. As of the end of 2020, the company had delivered 31 Longitudes, following certification in September 2019.

Although it shares the flat-floor cabin width and height dimensions of the Latitude, the Longitude is a fairly big step up from its smaller sibling. With a maximum takeoff weight (mtow) of 39,500 pounds, the Longitude is longer, by 3 feet 5 inches in cabin length and 10 feet 11 inches in overall length.

Eviation has shaken up its leadership team while the company’s all-electric Alice commuter airplane is undergoing a redesign. The Arlington, Washington-based aircraft developer has appointed Andre Stein, co-founder and former CEO of Eve Air Mobility, as its new CEO. Former Cirrus and Gulfstream executive Jeff Hurford is assuming the role of CFO.

Gregory Davis, who joined Eviation as president in May 2021 and took on the added role of CEO one year later, “is stepping away from the company to pursue a new chapter in his career,” a company spokesperson told AIN, adding that Davis is “assisting with the transition.”

Helicopter pilots frequently sustain injuries. And not just from accidents.

Rather, it’s from the seats and helmets in concert with the aircraft’s constant whole-body vibration (WBV) and flight control positions. The injuries can be permanent, debilitating, even career-ending, as pointed out by a study published in 2011 by the Naval Postgraduate School. According to a survey of hundreds of Navy helicopter pilots, 88.1 percent experience back pain on at least 50 percent of their flights, and 34.4 percent admitted that it affected their situational awareness. However, those who experience pain from uncomfortable seats are reluctant to seek treatment for it for fear of being removed from active flight status.

A tarmac incident at Mexico City International Airport gave fresh meaning to “a wing and a prayer.” Last week, an AeroMexico airplane bound for Guatemala City was delayed on the ground for more than three hours, without air conditioning or water for the increasingly uncomfortable passengers. Eventually, one man took matters into his own hands—and feet—pulling open an emergency exit door and taking a stroll onto the aircraft’s wing.

“In addition to safety issues, incidents like this cause delays and cancelations, and it again underscores the benefits of flying privately,” said Doug Gollan, founder and president of Private Jet Card Comparisons. Added Jordan Brown, CEO of Jet Agency: “This would never happen, because outside of FAA rules, the passengers are in control of the experience.”

NASA’s Mars helicopter Ingenuity has bitten the dust after three fruitful years of exploration on the Red Planet. According to NASA, the aircraft suffered damage to its rotor blades during a rough landing after its final flight on January 18.

The Ingenuity helicopter, endearingly nicknamed Ginny, arrived on Mars in February 2021 after hitching a ride on the agency’s Perseverance rover. Three months later, it became the first aircraft to conduct controlled, powered flight on another planet. Mars’ thin atmosphere presented a challenge for the little rotorcraft, which had to spin its blades up to 10 times faster than helicopters on Earth to stay aloft.

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