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.
Maintenance and Modifications
Boost Gets Canada STC for Personnel Carrying System
Boost Systems has received Transport Canada STC approval for its personnel carrying device system for transport category rotorcraft.
Avionics
FAA Approves Garmin GI 275 Instrument for AStars
Garmin has received FAA supplemental type certificate approval to install its GI 275 electronic flight instrument in Airbus AStar helicopters.
Regulations and Government
FCC Proposes Radio Licenses for UAS Operators
FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on mandatory radio licenses and potential spectrum interference for UAS operations.
Accidents
One Dead as Phenom 300 Crashes on Takeoff at Provo Airport
Pilot dies after Embraer Phenom 300 crashes on takeoff in Provo, Utah.
Accidents
Four Dead in Australian Helicopter Midair
Four dead, nine injured after pair of Airbus EC-130B4 air tour helicopters collide near Australian theme park
Aircraft
Textron Announces First Airline Order for SkyCourier
Mexico's startup regional airline Aerus has placed an order for two Cessna 408 SkyCourier and four Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop singles.
Safety
Polaris Launches Advanced FlightRisk Safety App Features
Polaris Aero has expanded its Vocus app suite of aviation safety software with a sharable FlightRisk component.
Regulations and Government
FAA Clears One-shot Covid Vaccine
The FAA has approved the one-shot Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine for pilots, air traffic controllers, and others subject to FAA medical clearance.
Maintenance and Modifications
Robinson Mandates Tail Rotor Inspections, Replacements
Loose tail rotor tips prompted a Robinson service bulletin affecting all of its helicopter models.
Aircraft
New FAA Policy Could Delay Aircraft Transactions
U.S. aircraft owners could be forced onto foreign registrations by a new FAA privacy policy.
Aircraft
Gulfstream G650 Marks 10 Years in Service
Gulfstream has delivered more than 500 of its flagship G650/G650ER long-range jets since its entry into service in 2012.
Maintenance and Modifications
KULR Vibe AI Technology Mitigates Helicopter Vibrations
KULR Vibe technology utilizes artificial intelligence and on-aircraft sensors to mitigate helicopter vibrations.
Accidents
Metroliner Had Autopilot Issues Before Crash Landing
The Metroliner full of rescue dogs that crashed onto a Wisconsin golf course last month had autopilot and control issues, according to the NTSB.
Accidents
NTSB: Altimeter Working on Power Line-snared Mooney
Mooney that flew into Maryland power lines was off-altitude and off-course.
Accidents
Transport Canada Mandates Bell 407 Tail Boom Checks
Transport Canada issued an airworthiness directive mandating torque checks and visual inspections on Bell 407 tail booms following in-flight separation.
Rotorcraft
Hirschberg Stepping Down at Vertical Flight Society
Mike Hirschberg said he plans to step down as executive director of the Vertical Flight Society.
Maintenance and Modifications
MT Flight Tests an 11-blade Propeller
MT-Propeller has flight tested an 11-bladed propeller on a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne twin turboprop.
Avionics
Safety Notice Issued on Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot
A problem with Garmin's GFC 500 autopilot when equipped with auto trim may cause an uncommanded trim runaway when the autopilot is first engaged.
Training and Workforce
EAA Young Eagles On Track after Covid
More than 49,000 young people received free introductory aircraft rides this year as part of the EAA's Young Eagles program.
Regulations and Government
New York Governor Vetoes Helicopter Noise Bill
Hochul cites federal preemption in vetoing the "Stop the Chop' Act, which would have allowed anyone to sue operators and others over helicopter noise.
Avionics
Congresswoman Flies Helicopter with Pilot Assist System
Skyryse's FlightOS system enables almost anyone to fly a helicopter with almost no training.
Avionics
Rotor Tech's 'Cloud Pilot' Flies Uncrewed R22 Helo
Rotor Technologies hopes to apply its remotely-operated aircraft technology to aerial firefighting.
Maintenance and Modifications
Alpine's New Bear Paws Approved for AStars
Alpine Aerotech's Bear Paws have received Transport Canada STC approval.
Rotorcraft
Atlanta Police Department Upgrades to MD 530F
The Atlanta Police Department will purchase two MD 530F helicopters and upgrade its MD 500E.
FBOs
Yingling Teams with Ortega for Employee Flight Training
Wichita Eisenhower National Airport FBO Yingling Aviation to subsidize employees' flight training through Ortega Aviation Services.
Aircraft
Tupan Unveils Turbine-powered Cargo UAV
Tupan Aircraft's unmanned cargo UAV family combines turbine and electric power to deliver high performance.
Rotorcraft
Bristow Expands Leonardo Fleet For UK SAR
Bristow Group is expanding its Leonardo fleet with the purchase of six AW139 helicopters to support its UKSAR2G contract.
Accidents
Bell 407 Tail Booms To Get Fresh Scrutiny
NTSB calls on FAA to impose stricter inspection regime after Bell 407 in-flight tail boom separation
Rotorcraft
Erickson Delivers Eighth Air Crane to South Korea
The Korean Forest Service took delivery of its eighth Erickson S-64 Air Crane on December 3rd.
Aircraft
Airbus Helicopters Expands Middle Eastern Market Inroads
Airbus Helicopters announces new sales and service deals during MEBAA Show.
