- The Antonov An-124 cargo jet sitting idle at Toronto-Pearson airport for the last 2-1/2 years will probably continue to collect parking fees for another six months, according to news out of Ukraine. That country’s Pravda news agency cites Antovov Company sources as saying the legal framework under which Canada can officially seize the aircraft and turn it over to Ukraine to be used toward its defence against Russian invading forces is still six months away.
- The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) of the United States has named a new CEO to take over from Mark Baker, who has served in that role for over 11 years. Darren Pleasance will become the organization’s sixth CEO on January 1, 2025. He has over 8,000 hours logged including time in corporate jets and the Alaska bush. He owns a Piper Meridian turboprop, a Van’s RV-6 and an amphibious SeaRey.
- The RCAF Foundation is organizing four special events to celebrate the RCAF’s 100th anniversary this autumn. The events are to be held at Montreal’s Club St. James on Oct. 22, Halifax’s Juno Tower on Oct. 24, Winnipeg’s 17 Wing on Oct. 29 and at Comox’s 888 Wing Museum on Nov. 12. The Foundation’s commemorative book Pathway to the Stars will be presented and signed copies will be available. Further information can be found by clicking here.
- California’s governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law state legislation that will ban the sale and distribution of leaded avgas in that state starting in 2031. Several alternative unleaded aviation fuels are being tested and are expected to be commercially viable and available by then.