Aerospace Systems Technical Group

ASTG Business Meeting

We held our technical group Business Meeting on Friday, Nov 22nd. Thanks to all the members who participated!

Main highlights:

• 2024 budget of $31,595, stable year over year

• 378 members (+50% over 2 years)

• Two open roles to join the executive committee next year (TG vice chair and Program vice chair), nomination form opened up to Wednesday Nov. 27th.

ASTG has an exciting leadership team with our all-star volunteers Katie, Rodrigo and Shraddha. We meet every other Friday for 30 min to touch base and share responsibilities to organize news activities for our members. If you want to join the team, simply email Phil (philippe.doyon-poulin@polymtl.ca) or Arjun (arjun.h.rao@boeing.com) and we will add you to the call.

By Srishti Rawal

General

• Audit of FAA's STC Process: The U.S. DOT's Inspector General has initiated an audit to address delays and inconsistencies in the FAA's Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval process, ensuring uniformity across regions. (also covered on AIN)

• CAE's New Pilot Training App for Apple Vision Pro. CAE's immersive app for the Vision Pro enhances remote pilot training, debuting on the Bombardier Global 7500.

• Bombardier Global 8000 Production Begins. Bombardier launches its Global 8000, the fastest civil jet since the Concorde, with entry into service slated for 2025.

• Starlink Transforms In-Flight Connectivity: Airlines like Hawaiian, United, and Qatar Airways are rolling out Starlink's high-speed satellite internet, setting new standards for in-flight connectivity and sparking industry competition.

• Honeywell's Aspire 350 Hybrid SATCOM Terminal Certified. This new SATCOM system provides pilots with high-speed connectivity and real-time updates, enhancing in-flight efficiency and safety.

eVTOL

• FAA Finalizes Rules for Powered-Lift Aircraft Certification. The FAA's new regulations pave the way for eVTOL air taxis and piloted powered-lift operations in urban air mobility.

• Lilium Files for Insolvency Protection Amid Funding Setback for eVTOL Development. Lilium seeks insolvency protection after the German parliament denied a €50 million loan, pausing critical funding. Despite this, they aim to conduct full-scale tests of the Lilium Jet in 2025 with a 2026 certification target.

Space

• NASA's Transition to Commercial LEO Platforms: NASA is exploring flexible strategies for human presence in low Earth orbit as it transitions from the ISS to commercial platforms, focusing on sustainable operations.

• Axiom Space & Prada Unveil Artemis III Spacesuit. In a collaboration of fashion and space tech, Axiom and Prada introduce a flexible, durable spacesuit for NASA's upcoming lunar mission.

• NASA's Europa Clipper Launches on a Mission to Jupiter's Moon. Aiming to explore Europa's potential for life, the probe will reach its destination in 2030.

For fun

• The End of an Era: In-Flight Magazines Fade into the Sunset. With seat-back screens and personal devices now standard, traditional in-flight magazines are disappearing, marking the end of a tactile, shared travel ritual.