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
Fatal Bell 212 Crash Tied To Defective Pin
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has linked the fatal crash of a 1979 Bell 212 to the failure of a main rotor blade hub strap retaining pin.
Rotorcraft
Bristow Wins Equinor SAR Contract
Bristow will provide a trio of SAR-configured Sikorsky S-92s to Norway's state-owned energy company.
Maintenance and Modifications
Airbus Launches HCare Classics Support for Legacy Helos
HeliDax has enrolled its entire fleet of 36 Airbus H120s in Airbus's new product support program.
Rotorcraft
MD Helicopters Emerges from Bankruptcy
MD Helicopters's assets have been acquired by a new operating company and it has appointed a new board, CEO, and senior executives.
Avionics
Lightspeed Unveils ‘Safety Wearables’ Headset Series
Lightspeed's new Delta Zulu changes the parameters of aviation headset design with new safety and audio features.
Maintenance and Modifications
Canada's G2 Performs VIP AStar Conversion
Quebec-based G2 Aviation has converted a utility AStar to VIP configuration for use by Helicraft for VIP transport and aerial city tours.
Avionics
Safran Bidding for Thales' Power Business
Safran is negotiating with Thales to acquire its aeronautical electrical systems business.
Environment
GAMI Secures Piston Fleet Approval for Unleaded Avgas
The FAA, which gave fleet approvals for use of GAMI's G100UL in piston aircraft, plans to use the same review process for other unleaded candidates.
Airports
AAM Infrastructure Still the Known Unknown
Panelists at the VFS Electric Aircraft Symposium stressed the need for advanced air mobility infrastructure for commercial success.
Avionics
SkyLink 7100 Qualified for Crewed Aircraft
Blue Sky Network has qualified its SkyLink 7100 Iridium satcom to DO-160G, and the antenna has received FAA TSO C159d approval.
Rotorcraft
PHI Opens Regional Headquarters in Perth
PHI's new regional headquarters in Perth will oversee operations in the Asia Pacific.
Avionics
Australia Offers VFR Pilots ADS-B Avionics Subsidy
The Australian government is offering up to AUS$5,000 to help offset costs of installing ADS-B equipment in crewed VFR aircraft.
Regulations and Government
Investigator: Hansen Helicopters Fleet 'Not Airworthy'
The Hansen Helicopters trial in Guam saw the final prosecution witness testify about the company's many accidents.
Maintenance and Modifications
Flexjet Unveils New Helicopter Interior
Flexjet has unveiled a bespoke interior and paint livery on one of its Sikorsky S-76 helicopters based on the Bentley Bacalar luxury automobile.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
CHC Helicopter Restructures Finances
CHC Group's debt restructuring will provide more than $100 million in new capital and liquidity for the company.
Charter & Fractional
Tailwind To Launch NY to D.C. Seaplane Service
Tailwind's New York to Washington DC flights will serve College Park Airport in Maryland with Cessna Caravans on amphibious floats.
Accidents
Co-pilot Jumps Without a Parachute, Dies
After damaging the landing gear during a landing attempt, the co-pilot of a CASA 212 results in co-pilot's airborne suicide.
Regulations and Government
Helo Schools Agree To Pay $7.5 Million False Claim Settlement
Universal Helicopters and Dodge City Community College are alleged to have violated Veterans Affairs benefit rules.
Regulations and Government
Another Fatal Crash As Hansen Helo Trial Resumes
Prosecutors allege Hansen executives formed Pacific Spotters to continue 'fraud scheme.'
Regulations and Government
Australia Launches General Aviation Safety Campaign
Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority has launched a general aviation pilot safety campaign in cooperation with other agencies and associations.
Rotorcraft
Artemis To Fly Aboard Norwegian SAR AW101
Technology that transforms cell phones into rescue beacons to be demonstrated in upcoming search and rescue exercise.
Regulations and Government
OSHA Orders Metro To Reinstate Air Ambulance Pilot
OSHA orders pilot who turned down two flights over visibility concerns reinstated.
Avionics
ANAC Validates Taillight ADS-B Transponder
The Brazilian STC for uAvionix's tailBeaconX ADS-B transponder covers more than 250 single-engine airplane models.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Logs VIP Orders at LABACE
Leonardo logged orders for three VIP configured helicopters during LABACE 2022 which will be delivered next year from Leonardo's new facility in Itapevi.
Avionics
HAI Requests Expanded Radar Altimeter Exemption
Continuing 5G concerns prompt requested for expanded radar altimeter exemption for air ambulances
Maintenance and Modifications
JSSI Sees Growing Opportunity in Latin America
As business flying in the region is becoming more "professional", JSSI sees the market as primed for expansion.
Avionics
Satcom Direct Keeps Bandeirante Connected
The first-ever Plane Simple Ku-band satcom installation for a turboprop will be in an Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante
AOPA Notches 200th You Can Fly Flying Club
Over the past decade, AOPA has provided resources to and supported the formation of 200 flying clubs as part of an effort to foster the GA community.
Aircraft
Plane Aviation Back at LABACE, and So Is Cirrus
Among the returning LABACE exhibitors this year is Cirrus Aircraft distributor Plane Aviation.
Rotorcraft
Bell Delivers 400th Model 505
With deliveries of the first Bell 505 beginning in 2017, the company has announced the milestone 400th delivery of the model to a customer in the UK.
