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
Nebraska Patrol Orders Bell 505
Bell has signed a purchase agreement with the Nebraska State Patrol for a new Bell 505.
Maintenance and Modifications
JSSI Integrates Conklin Data into Customer Portal
JSSI has expanded its data, maintenance tracking, and sustainability services.
Aircraft
Pilatus Back at BACE and Bullish
Sales of PC-12NGX, PC-24 "exceed projections," said Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher.
Maintenance and Modifications
Elliott Helps Baron Owner Seeking Upgrade Move To Like-new Turboprop
Elliott puts customer in used but "like-new" King Air.
Engines
Blackhawk Adding PC-12 Engine Upgrade to Portfolio
Blackhawk Aerospace is announcing an engine upgrade program for the Pilatus PC-12 .
Regulations and Government
HAI Offering New, Lower-cost SMS Program
The HAI SMS software program is designed for small operators and others with cost concerns.
Avionics
Universal Launches Connectivity-enabled Avionics Ecosystem
Universal Avionics' new FlightPartner and FlightReview apps are the first steps in creating a connectivity-enabled ecosystem for avionics.
Avionics
SkyDisplay HUD Now Available for Pilatus PC-12
Mygoflight has licensed Honeywell’s high-speed ASCB data bus for the Skydisplay HUD.
Rotorcraft
Air Ambulance Charges Continue Rapid Ascent
The cost of air ambulance transports increased by three to four times the inflation rate between 2017 and 2020.
Aircraft
Flight Training Schools Order 30 Cessna 172 Skyhawks
Deliveries of the orders from Sichuan Longhao Flight Training Co. and Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus will begin in 2022.
After Pandemic Delay, Airshows Return with a Bounce
Will airshows appeal to younger audiences in the post-pandemic era?
Rotorcraft
Ambulance Company Orders Another 21 Airbus Helicopters
Global Medical Response (GMR) has ordered 21 more new Airbus helicopters with options for 23 more.
Rotorcraft
EHang To Collaborate with Spanish National Police
EHang and the Spanish National Police will explore potential use cases for autonomous air vehicles.
Safety
JSFirm: Testing, Vaccines Not Required by Most Av Employers
JSFirm sample of aviation companies found that a 83 percent do not require Covid-19 vaccination.
Avionics
Metro STCs Garmin GTN 650/750 Xi in Airbus EC145
Metro Aviation has received FAA STC avionics approval for installation of the Garmin GTN 650/750 Xi, certified for SPIFR, in the Airbus EC145.
Accidents
NTSB Investigating Fatal Arizona Flight Training Midair
The NTSB is continuing its investigation into the fatal midair between a Robinson R22 and a Piper PA-28 at Arizona's Chandler Municipal Airport.
Rotorcraft
CalFire Braces for Record Year
Sikorsky Firehawks prove major game-changer as California confronts another record wildfire season.
Rotorcraft
Rotor Experts Tout SMS and Automation
Intelligent application of new technologies promises to have a dramatic impact on helicopter safety.
Engines
GE Aviation Completes Catalyst First Flight
GE Aviation made the first flight with its new fadec-equipped Catalyst turboprop engine this afternoon in Berlin.
Rotorcraft
CHC Supporting Search-and-rescue Charities
CHC Helicopter is celebrating #HeliSARWeek on its social media.
Environment
CHC Flies S-92 with Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Helicopter operator CHC has completed the first flight of a Sikorsky S-92 on sustainable aviation fuel.
Rotorcraft
Bell Establishes 525 Experience Center in Norway
Bell is promoting its new super-medium twin to offshore energy and military customers in the region.
Engines
Airbus Testing Hybrid Propulsion on Flightlab Helo
Airbus Helicopters says experimental electric engine backup system could eventually lead to serial production hybrid engine models.
Rotorcraft
Phoenix PD Orders Five Airbus H125s
Phoenix PD calls Airbus H125 "best aircraft for the job."
Avionics
Garmin Certifies Smart Rudder Bias in Cessna 414A
Garmin has received FAA approval for Smart Rudder Bias in the Cessna 414A and for the GFC 600 autopilot in the Piper Meridian.
Rotorcraft
Blade Aims To Dominate Organ Transport Market in U.S.
Blade said it will merge its MediMobility business with Trinity Air Medical, which it has signed an agreement to acquire.
Avionics
Thales Begins Flying FlytX Helicopter Avionics
Thales has begun flight testing its compact FlytX helicopter avionics suite in a Helicopteres Guimbal Cabri G2.
Avionics
Hands On: Garmin GFC 600H in Bell 505
Garmin's GFC 600H helicopter flight control system has been certified in the Bell 505, the company's second rotorcraft application for the system.
Training and Workforce
RedTail Flight Academy Opens at Stewart Airport
Wheels Up has partnered with RedTail Flight Academy to offer internships to graduates of the academy's commercial pilot training program.
Avionics
Becker Teams with Iris on Collision Warning System
Becker Avionics and Iris Automation are developing a non-required safety-enhancing equipment collision avoidance safety system for GA aircraft and UAVs.
