Transmedics: Short Sellers Are Out for Blood

Transmedics, an organ preservation company, has recently gained attention in the private aviation world for its rapid acquisition of a fleet of Phenom 300s and Summit Aviation. The stock price was soaring, but after a reduction in sales in Q3 of this year, short seller Scorpion Capital released a scathing report accusing the company of fraud, trafficking organs, and other unconfirmed accusations. The 340-page report fails to recognize the nuance of why private jets are used for organ transport, comparing the operating costs of older turboprops to brand-new Phenom 300s. We break it down on the pod this morning.

Sustainability Gets Simplified

The new AvfuelZero program promises to redefine sustainable aviation operations by simplifying the net-zero journey. It gives operators unmatched, direct access to innovative solutions like sustainable aviation fuel and carbon offsets. More than that, it demystifies sustainability by helping operators make sense of available sustainable solutions, including what they are and how they work together to help aviators achieve measurable goals.

LA Firefighting Aircraft Damaged by Drone

Leaving a 3x6 inch hole in the left wing, the “Super Scooper” landed safely but is out of service after striking an unauthorized drone over the Palisades fire. Over 40 reported incidents of unauthorized drone use have grounded firefighting operations, impacting containment efforts. Private aviation is also coming to the rescue by airlifting in supplies and conducting animal and pet airlifts.

FAA Study Reveals Hurricane-Force Downwash Generated by eVTOLs

After a quiet release of the study a few weeks ago, some critics are saying the findings of the study will severely impact how eVTOLs will be able to operate, particularly in and out of heavily populated areas. “ The maximum 100 mph velocities recorded are those found in Category 2 hurricanes per the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Those velocities can cause significant damage to roofs, windows, and trees. It can damage power lines. Flying debris can damage property and injure or even kill people it hits.”

NYC Activists Try to Ban Helicopter Operations, Welcome eVTOLs

“Activists are now advocating for legislation that would prohibit non-essential operations by conventional helicopters, but not quieter eVTOLs, at New York City heliports (with exceptions made for "essential" flights by military, police, air ambulance and news” The Air Current. Skyport agreed to install charging stations when it received approval to operate the Downtown Heliport, and promises to charge lower landing fees for the vehicles; when these technologies will actually be in use is anyone’s guess…

Would-Be Epic Buyers Gain Approval for Class Action Suit

Almost a decade ago, Epic Aircraft was building the E1000 and eager buyers paid a refundable $27,500 to lock in a price for their aircraft. After 6 years of cost overruns and delays, Epic cancelled plans to build the E1000, and opted to build an upgraded E1000 GX; it then asked the buyers to pony up $600K+ for the “new” aircraft model, saying the agreement “does not contain any obligation on the part of Customer to purchase or Epic to sell an Aircraft.” Interestingly, while the aircraft is manufactured in the US, it is owned by Russian billionaire Vladislav Filev and has not been sanctioned by the US Government, thus far.