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.

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

Rotor Experts Tout SMS and Automation

Intelligent application of new technologies promises to have a dramatic impact on helicopter safety.

Rotorcraft

CalFire Braces for Record Year

Sikorsky Firehawks prove major game-changer as California confronts another record wildfire season.

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.

Engines

Safran Runs Makila 2 Helicopter Engine on 100% SAF

Safran has successfully test run one of its Makila 2 helicopter engines on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel .

Rotorcraft

Milestone Leasing Three AW139s to Thai Aviation

The intermediate twin AW139s will be used by Thai Aviation Services to support an offshore production and exploration contract in the Gulf of Thailand.