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.
Avionics
Back in the Live Show Saddle
The aviation industry seems closer to normal after I attended my first in-person event since the coronavirus pandemic started in early 2020.
Avionics
Mid-Continent Introduces TSO’d Chronos Clocks
Mid-Continent's new Chronos clocks combine features such as USB power, time, timer, volts, and temperature.
Aircraft
Blade, Eve Strike U.S. Urban Air Mobility Service Deal
UAM manufacturer Eve and transport provider Blade have struck a deal whereby Eve will provide Blade with eVTOL use starting in 2026.
Accidents
Settlement Reached in Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash
Operator, pilot's estate, settle with families in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash.
Avionics
FAA Approves First General Aviation Head-up Display
The STC for MyGoFlight's SkyDisplay head-up display brings added safety features to GA aircraft at a significantly lower price.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Mass. Gov. Declares GA Month, Senate Mulls Landing Fee
While Massachusetts governor declares July general aviation appreciation month, the state senate is considering a $1,000 per GA aircraft landing fee.
Accidents
Court Limits Access to NTSB Investigation Documents
U.S. Fifth Circuit rules that helitour crash counsel isn't entitled to view all interagency documents between the NTSB and parties to the investigation.
Rotorcraft
SAF Group Adding Three More Airbus H145s to Fleet
SAF is adding three more five-bladed Airbus Helicopters H145s to its air ambulance fleet in France and Belgium.
Accidents
Snorkel Suspect in Fatal Firefighting Copter Crash
The Black Hawk helicopter's snorkel was observed swinging "violently" before impacting the main rotors and perhaps the tailboom.
Rotorcraft
Customs To Investigate Helicopter Use on Protestors
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said it would investigate the use of one of its helicopters at a Minnesota protest.
Aircraft
Fresh European Push on SAF
Airbus, Safran, Dassault, Onera, and the French Ministry of Transport launch study to evaluate burning 100 percent SAF.
Engines
Safran Arrano Helicopter Engine Gets FAA Nod
Safran Arrano engine approval brings FAA certification closer for Airbus Helicopters H160.
Icon Shareholder Suit Claims IP Expropriation to China
A group of minority shareholders have filed a lawsuit against majority shareholders saying they are attempting to move Icon Aircraft IP to China.
Rotorcraft
DOD IG Report Critical of 'Dusting' Protestors with Helos
This latest incident fuels the debate on the proper use of law enforcement helicopters.
Rotorcraft
Attorney Bailey, Former Enstrom Company Owner, Dies
F. Lee Bailey owned Enstrom from 1971-1979.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters Taps Gorka as Russian Distributor
Gorka previously announced maintenance agreements covering Airbus EC130 and AS350 series helicopters.
Safety
Pfizer Flight Dept Helped Get Vaccine to Market Sooner, Exec Says
The head of Pfizer's corporate flight department detailed the integral role his operation played in getting a Covid-19 vaccine to market.
Accidents
NTSB: Spatial Disorientation Cause of AW139 Crash
The NTSB concluded that spatial disorientation was the cause of the 2019 night AW139 crash in the Bahamas.
Aircraft
Vref Sees Strong Market for Business Aircraft Sales
In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, some segments of used aircraft inventory cannot keep pace with demand.
Rotorcraft
VAST Seeks To Harmonize Helicopter Safety Sharing
The Vertical Aviation Safety Team's mission is to build on industry best practices and the latest international standards.
Accidents
Helo Safety Experts Stress IIMC Avoidance Over Recovery
Webinar participants stress the need for better preflight and enroute weather decision-making.
Aircraft
Alliance To Bring Electric Caravan Flights to New York City
An alliance between Lima NY, Blade Urban Air Mobility, and Magnix will see Lima convert its Caravan seaplane fleet to all-electric.
Rotorcraft
Bristow Narrows Losses On Declining Revenues
Bristow Group says it expects the offshore helicopter market to recover in late 2021.
Training and Workforce
Hands On: Training with the ForeFlight Master
Gary Reeves specializes in avionics training and also teaches pilots how to use their electronic flight bag apps.
Accidents
Helo Crashed while Testing New Fire Bucket System
All four aboard the Brainerd Helicopters UH-60A were killed during the test of a new fire bucket release system.
Accidents
Metroliner-Cirrus Midair Occurred on Parallel Approach
An NTSB prelim report notes the May 12 midair collision between a Cirrus SR22 and Swearingen Metroliner occurred while they were on parallel approaches.
Rotorcraft
Subaru and Bell Deliver First 412EPX
Japan’s national police has taken delivery of the first customer production Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter.
Rotorcraft
Universal and Bell Team On 505 Training
Universal Helicopters (UHI) is partnering with Bell to deliver pilot training in the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light turbine single.
Aircraft
Tuskegee Airmen's RedTail Academy Buys Piper Trainers
Two Piper Pilot 100i aircraft will help launch the Tuskegee Airmen RedTail Flight Academy, which will provide flight-training opportunities for minorities.
Rotorcraft
Insurer Seeks Removal from Bryant Crash Lawsuit
OC Helicopter insurer Endurance claims $10 million policy does not cover rotorcraft.
