Aviation - VibeWire Magazine

NASA opens first new wind tunnel in more than 40 years

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August 4, 2026
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The new vertical wind tunnel replaces two ageing facilities, the 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel and the 12-Foot Low-Speed Tunnel, while significantly expanding NASA’s ability to conduct aerodynamic and flight dynamics testing across a broad range of airc…

FAA finally gives stamp of approval to 737 MAX 7

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August 4, 2026
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With the amended type certificate and updated Production Limitation Record, the 737-7, Boeing’s smallest and longest-range aircraft in the 737 MAX family, is now cleared to enter commercial service after an eight-year certification process.

FAA finally gives stamp of approval to 737 MAX 7

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August 4, 2026
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Australian-owned firefighting helicopters in deadly mid-air crash

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August 3, 2026
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The Bell aircraft, owned by McDermott Aviation, were battling a fire near Porto Germeno in Greece when the rotor of one appeared to strike the underside of the other, causing the lower helicopter to crash in flames, while the other flew away after dump…

Sydney Airport traffic ‘resilient’ despite Iran conflict

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August 3, 2026
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A total of 9.96 million passengers travelled through Sydney’s terminals in Q2 2026, down 0.7 per cent on the same period in 2025, but half-yearly passenger traffic was up 1.5 per cent on 2025 levels, with growth in Asian routes helping offset the slump…

NZ government requests info on long-range maritime surveillance drones

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August 3, 2026
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The information gathered will provide indicative costs and time frames for the potential delivery of a system to conduct maritime surveillance activities across the South-West Pacific.

Premium Podcast: ‘Top Gun for kids’

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July 31, 2026
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In this premium Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake talks to author Melanie Hill about how she brought the high-speed, high-stakes world of air races to life, as well as how her book “Jett Cooper” could inspire more young people to a career in – or along…

Launceston Airport marks new record financial year

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July 31, 2026
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A total of 1,478,925 people travelled through Launceston’s terminal in 2025-26, up three per cent on the previous year, with January the busiest month in the airport’s history. A total of eight monthly records were beaten over the last 12 months.

Australia sends helicopters to help battle French wildfires

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July 31, 2026
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The CH-47D Chinook helicopter, equipped with an 11,300-litre water tank, and Bell 412 reconnaissance and support aircraft will be deployed to France, accompanied by 24 highly skilled aerial and ground crew from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.

New standard operating procedures adopted for large air tankers

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July 31, 2026
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The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council developed the procedures, which include minimum drop heights, after the ATSB’s findings around the crash of a Boeing 737-3H4 Fireliner, N619SW (similar aircraft pictured), on 6 February 2…