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
Fifth Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor Joins Flight-test Program
The first production AW609, AC5, will fly soon and then join the ongoing flight-test program in Philadelphia.
Rotorcraft
HAI Honors Jeffrey Donnell for Maintenance Excellence
Jeffrey Donnell has had a 45-year helicopter maintenance career that has encompassed multiple roles with operators and major mx organizations.
Rotorcraft
Metro Embraces Camera, Training Technology
Metro Aviation works to improve operations through the use of supplemental technology including base weather cameras and Icarus IFR training devices.
Rotorcraft
HAI Salutes USCG in Cape Cod for Safety Excellence
The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod has not only increased safety in New England but has had "far-reaching effects" throughout the service.
Avionics
Hands On: Garmin Smart Glide
Smart Glide is another tool in Garmin's box of Autonomi safety products and helps lower pilot workload during an engine-out emergency.
Rotorcraft
Helicopter Ambulance Crews Facing Pandemic Burnout
"Everyone in healthcare is just exhausted," said Cameron Curtis, CEO of the Association of Air Medical Services.
Rotorcraft
Milestone, Helitak Develop Firefighting Sikorsky S-92A
Milestone Aviation has partnered with Helitak to develop an easy install, aerial firefighting kit for the S-92A featuring a quick-fill 1,050-gallon tank.
Fuel
FAA, Industry Partner on Eagle Unleaded Avgas Initiative
Although the FAA-industry Eagle initiative aims to eliminate leaded avgas by 2030, unleaded aviation gasoline already exists.
Engines
Leonardo Aims For Hybrid-powered AW09
In efforts to assess helicopter hybrid propulsion, Leonardo has selected its single engine AW09 on which to build its hybrid prototype.
Rotorcraft
Covid Drives Record Tempo at Rega Air Ambulance
Swiss air ambulance provider Rega saw covid transports increase 49 percent in 2021.
Accidents
Weekend Helicopter Crashes Caught on Camera
One dead, four injured in California and Florida helicopter accidents.
Regulations and Government
5G Interference Spurs Helo Operators To Seek Exemptions
Helicopter operators file petitions with the FAA seeking exemptions to radar altimeter requirements in wake of 5G interference.
Aircraft
Textron Aviation Nets King Air Order at Singapore Show
Textron Aviation Special Missions this week delivered four Cessna Skyhawk 172s to the Philippine Navy and an order for two Beechcraft 360s for Aerodata.
Airports
East Hampton Closure and Conversion Delayed until May
East Hampton, New York city officials and FAA try to resolve issues related to making KTHO a private-use airport.
Aircraft
China’s General Aviation Market Resumes Growth Trend
China GA growth prospects are robust, with flight hours set to increase by a factor of six by 2035
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Milestone Signs 11-ship Deal with Omni Helicopters
Milestone Aviation Group has signed an 11 aircraft deal with Brazilian operator Omni Helicopters covering Leonardo AW139 and Sikorsky S-92A helicopters.
Aircraft
Textron Aviation Resumes Turbo Skylane Production
After a nine-year hiatus, Textron Aviation announced it will resume production of the Cessna T182T Turbo Skylane piston single.
Airports
Partners Adding Airstrip Information to Nav Databases
The Recreational Aviation Foundation, Avidyne, and Jeppesen have teamed up to add public and private airstrips to Jeppesen Nav Databases.
Rotorcraft
Bell 505 Fleet Tops 100,000 Hours
Bell's turbine light single has been delivered into 59 countries and amassed 100,000 flight hours since the first deliveries.
Avionics
Garmin D2 Air X10 Watch Adds Voice, Phone Functions
The updated Garmin D2 Air X10 smartwatch adds new phone calling and voice assistant features as well as longer battery life.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Milestone Completes Aramco Helicopter Fleet Renewal
Lessor Milestone delivered 26 helicopters to Aramco as part of that company's fleet renewal program.
Maintenance and Modifications
Dart Floats Approved for Airbus Five-blade H145s
Dart Aerospace has received FAA supplemental type certification for its emergency float system with integrated life rafts in water up to sea state 6.
Rotorcraft
Bristow Spends Latest Quarter In Hover
Helicopter operator Bristow Group breaks even on lower revenues, higher expenses.
Rotorcraft
Blade CEO Bullish On New York
Blade CEO anticipates a better political atmosphere and growth potential for helicopter and eVTOL passenger service in the New York City area.
Garmin Updates InReach Mini Iridium Satcom
The inReach Mini 2 satellite communications device is now available from Garmin and offers increased battery life and access to more satellite networks.
Rotorcraft
Hill Details Progress on HX50 Turbine Single
UK start-up helicopter company plans first deliveries in 2023.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters Posts Big Order Jump in 2021
Despite sales uptick, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even warns that a pre-pandemic market recovery is still two to three years away.
Avionics
FAA Issues AML-STC for Appareo AIRS-400 Data Recorder
The FAA has issued an approved model list supplemental type certificate for installation of Appareo's AIRS-400 in Part 27 helicopters.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Wingcopter Strikes Deal for Medical Delivery Drones
German drone maker Wingcopter will provide a fleet of its tiltrotor Wingcopter 198s to the Spright unit of Air Methods.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters Delivers Last Dauphin
Airbus produced more than 1,100 Dauphin series helicopters over 40 years.
