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

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.

Engines

Safran Arrano Helicopter Engine Gets FAA Nod

Safran Arrano engine approval brings FAA certification closer for Airbus Helicopters H160.

Rotorcraft

DOD IG Report Critical of 'Dusting' Protestors with Helos

This latest incident fuels the debate on the proper use of law enforcement helicopters.

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

Attorney Bailey, Former Enstrom Company Owner, Dies

F. Lee Bailey owned Enstrom from 1971-1979.

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

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.

Accidents

Helo Safety Experts Stress IIMC Avoidance Over Recovery

Webinar participants stress the need for better preflight and enroute weather decision-making.

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.

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.

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.

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.