General Aviation
News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.
Rotorcraft
Aircraft Lasered During George Floyd Protests
Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were lasered in at least three American cities during the recent George Floyd protests.
Rotorcraft
Coptersafety Qualifies AW139 Sim To Level-D
Helsinki-based Coptersafety has received FAA Level-D qualification from the FAA for its CAE AW139 full flight simulator.
Rotorcraft
Airbus E-Delivers New Helicopters to Helitrans
Norway’s Helitrans is the first customer to take delivery of new Airbus helicopters using the OEM’s e-Delivery process.
Avionics
Mid-Continent Adds Popular Autopilot Line
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics was named an authorized sales and service center for BendixKing AeroCruze, xCruze autopilots.
Avionics
Appareo Adds Conexus Connectivity Collection
Appareo's new Conexus Aircraft Communication Units will help operators and manufacturers collect flight monitoring data.
Rotorcraft
New Bell Buyers Get Garmin OnePak
Bell is offering buyers of new civil aircraft a free one-year subscription to Garmin OnePak database bundles and the Garmin Pilot app.
Rotorcraft
Canada's Universal Helicopters Shuts Down
Citing debt, Covid-19, Universal Helicopters ceases operations
Avionics
Coalition Concerned About Radio Altimeter Interference
An aviation industry coalition is concerned that a recent FCC decision will cause interference with radar altimeters.
Rotorcraft
Airbus, Bell Continue Rotor Research
Covid-19 has not stopped new rotor blade research and patents at Airbus and Bell.
Safety
Starr Offers Usage-based Insurance Pricing
By sharing flight records with Starr Insurance, pilots can obtain discounts on aircraft rental insurance.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
New Venture Jettisons Parked Offshore Helos
A new venture has been formed to help lenders to the offshore rotorcraft industry dispose of under-utilized assets.
Accidents
Flight Safety Foundation Tackles VFR Helicopter Accidents
Flight Safety Foundation proposes strategy to reduce commercial VFR helicopter operations.
Safety
Opinion: Autonomous Genav Flight Not Far Away
Does Garmin's Autoland system mean that fully autonomous general aviation flying is next?
Rotorcraft
K-Max Operators Awarded Key Firefighting Contracts
Forty percent of all Type 1, large helicopters exclusive use USFS firefighting contracts awarded to Kaman K-Max operators.
Accidents
NTSB Faults Lacking Safety Culture in Aeromed Crash
The NTSB found that a helicopter air ambulance operator’s “inadequate management of safety” led to the fatal crash of a Survival Fight helicopter.
Maintenance and Modifications
Appareo Upgrades EnVision FDM Software
EnVision can now accept flight data from third-party devices.
Safety
AOPA Issues New Covid-Era Operation Guides
As GA operators look to take flight again amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, AOPA issues advice for rusty pilots and prudent operators.
Avionics
Garmin Autoland Certified in Piper M600
Garmin's Autoland technology has been certified in the Piper M600, the first time such a system has ever received FAA certification.
Maintenance and Modifications
Covid-19 Exacerbating Maintenance Technician Shortage
Twenty-five percent of Part 147 schools have suspended operations.
Maintenance and Modifications
Robinson Offers Tougher Windshields for Helicopters
Robinson is offering optional impact-resistant windshields for R22, R44, and R66 helicopters.
Accidents
Vortex Ring State Likely Preceded Fatal Bell 407 Crash
The NTSB has issued its final report on the fatal 2017 crash of a Virginia State Police (VSP) Bell 407.
Rotorcraft
Bristow-Era Merger To Close in June
Senior management team announced for merged Bristow-Era.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Insurance Hikes, Limited Covid Aid for Helo Operators
"Seismic changes” will continue for helicopter insurance.
Rotorcraft
Perot Pushes Alliance as eVTOL Hub
Perot promotes Fort Worth Alliance airport complex as home for UAS, eVTOL development.
Avionics
Airbus H135 with Helionix Approved in Canada
Transport Canada has granted certification validation to the Airbus Helicopters H135 light twin equipped with the Helionix aviation system.
Accidents
NTSB: Wisconsin EMS Crash Followed Loss of Control
The pilot was non-responsive before his ship rolled inverted.
Accidents
Houston Police Investigating Helo Crash as Homicide
Houston Police are investigating the fatal Saturday morning crash of one of the department’s helicopters as a homicide.
Rotorcraft
Textron CEO Scott Donnelly Bullish On Bell
Textron CEO Scott Donnelly sees a bright future for the company’s Bell unit.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Helo Safety Team Offers Case Studies for Survival
The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team has released a new recommended practice training guide to mitigate risks, including plans based on real acccidents.
Maintenance and Modifications
Maintenance Trainer Adopts Online Learning
Fulcrum Labs and Aviation Institute of Maintenance have partnered to offer more online training for A&P mechanic students.
