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
Weekend Helicopter Crashes Caught on Camera
One dead, four injured in California and Florida helicopter accidents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rotorcraft
Enstrom Helicopters Shutters, Files Bankruptcy
Enstrom delivered more than 1,300 helicopters during its 64 year history.
Aircraft
Cirrus Announces 2022 G6 SR-series Improvements
Cirrus Aircraft announced its 2022 SR-series model improvements at its Cirrus CX customer experience convention in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Aircraft
Trainer Leasing Firm FlytFinance Launches
Flight schools can lease new training airplanes from FlytFinance.
Regulations and Government
The Problem With 5G
While it appears the airlines and telcos have cut a deal on 5G C-band roll-out, biz and rotorcraft appear out in the cold.
Rotorcraft
Bell 429 Fleet Tops 500,000 Hours
Bell's 429 light twin has a diverse roster of global customers.
Rotorcraft
French Police Takes 10 Airbus H160 Helicopters
The Gendarmerie Nationale has ordered 10 new Airbus H160 medium twin helicopters.
Genav Aircraft Owners Get Help with AOG Alerts App
AOG Alerts is a free app designed to allow pilots stuck away from home to request help from local aviators.
Accidents
Bad Night At Black Rock
The 2017 crash of an Irish S-92 highlights the hazards of night-time SAR operations.
Regulations and Government
FAA, FCC Head for 5G Showdown
The debate over 5G C-band and radio altimeters is likely headed to court.
