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.
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
Airbus Helicopters Grows Revenues, Profits in 1Q20
Improved earnings on the military side of the helicopter business have balanced disappointing news from the struggling oil and gas sector.
Avionics
New Garmin Portable Adds Approach Overlays
Garmin's new aera 760 portable GPS navigator adds many avionics-like features in a compact 7-inch display.
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.
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.
Airlines
Air Ambulance Crews Adjust To Covid-19 Operating Conditions
Flying in masks and gloves and distancing from cabin medical crews is now required conduct for emergency helicopter pilots.
Accidents
Huey Crash Kills Former L.A. Newscopter Pilot
Chip Paige was killed when a 1969 Bell UH-1H crashed into a Mesa, Arizona park.
Training and Workforce
Agreement Could Help Diamond Aircraft's Worker Pipeline
Diamond Aircraft Industries and Centennial College have agreed to collaborate in several areas such as student work placements.
Rotorcraft
Bell 525 Edges Closer To Certification
Bell recently completed noise testing on its 525 super-medium twin.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Air Ambulance Industry Asks for Another $816M
Air ambulance bailout would cover estimated losses for the next six months.
Accidents
NTSB Releases Factual Report on Halladay Accident
The NTSB factual report on the fatal crash of baseball player Roy Halladay's Icon A5 found nothing wrong with the airplane.
Rotorcraft
Helo Operators Increase Use of Safety Tools
International Helicopter Safety Foundation survey shows marked increase in the use of best practice safety tools.
Regulations and Government
Covid-19 Brings Changes To HEMS Aircraft, Crews
Covid-19 forces helicopter operators and regulators to make significant changes to air ambulance transports.
Avionics
Aspen Avionics Lowers Multi-display Pricing
Aspen Avionics is offering discounts on the purchase of multiple displays and on safety features.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Air Ambulances Seek $363.5M in Emergency Aid
Air Ambulances Seek $363.5 Million In Emergency Covid-19 Relief
Rotorcraft
EASA Issues Covid-19 Guidance for Helo Ops
EASA has issued guidance for continued helicopter operations in the face of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.
Rotorcraft
Helijet Offers Free Flights To Medical Professionals
Responding to the Covid-19 crisis, Helijet is offering free flights to medical professionals in the Vancouver area.
Maintenance and Modifications
SmartBay Certified on Tecnam P92JS
Operating costs of the SmartBay sensor suite-equipped Tecnam P92JS are about half that of a light helicopter.
Rotorcraft
Air BP Providing Free Fuel To UK Air Ambulances
Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, Air BP is providing free jet fuel for a number of UK air ambulance helicopter services.
Safety
Piper Aircraft Opens Face Shield Production Line
The Flordia-based airplane manufacturer established the production line last week after developing a successful prototype.
Avionics
Appareo Unveils Stratus Insight EFB App
The new Insight app from Appareo gives pilots a clearly spelled out transcription of ATC communications.
Rotorcraft
German Medevac Transports Patients In Special Isolettes
German helicopter air ambulance service DRF Luftrettung will begin transporting Covid-19 patients in “EpiShuttles” this week to protect patients and crew.
Rotorcraft
Covid-19 Shutters London Heliport
The London Heliport at Battersea is closed until at least April 13.
