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
Used Helicopter Sales Slump—Again
Aero Asset notes a "parallel decline in both transactions and supply.”
Aircraft
75th Anniversary Bonanza Offers Nod to Olive Ann Beech
Textron Aviation has unveiled an optional package on the 75th anniversary of the Beech Bonanza that pays tribute to Olive Ann Beech.
Accidents
L.A. Drone Pilot Avoids Prison
The operator of a drone that struck an LAPD AStar last year has been sentenced to a $500 fine and probation.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Progressing on Training Center, AW609, TH-73A
Leonardo is readying to open its new training center in a few weeks and begin deliveries of its new TH-73A program.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Lands Asia-Pac O&G Launch Customer for H160
Derazona Helicopters in Indonesia has ordered an Airbus Helicopters H160 intermediate twin to service the local oil and gas sector.
Avionics
Garmin Adds Power, Type-C to USB Ports
The manufacturer's new charger offers more power and flexibility with Type-C and Type-A USB ports.
Rotorcraft
HAI Honors UM Team for Organ Delivery Via Drone
Golden Hour honorees, the University of Maryland UAS Test Site Team and Medical Center, developed a drone with monitoring equipment to deliver organs.
Rotorcraft
Bell Continues Cautious Swim into AAM Pool
Bell continues to move cautiously on its two marquis electric demonstration aircraft, the Nexus and APT.
Maintenance and Modifications
Safran Signs German Police to New Engine Support Deal
Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a new Support-By-Hour (SBH) contract with the German federal police.
Rotorcraft
Senior Airbus Exec: eVTOL Technology 'Not There Yet'
Romain Trapp said that it could be “decades” before eVTOL aircraft become integrated into an advanced air mobility (AAM) environment.
Accidents
Alaska Heli-ski Hit Ridge and Tumbled in Fatal Crash
Sole survivor rescued six hours after helicopter's last satellite ping.
Rotorcraft
Erickson Lands New U.S. Firefighting Contracts
Erickson will begin utilizing Bell 214ST in U.S. aerial firefighting.
Rotorcraft
ENAV and Leonardo Demonstrate Helicopter PBN In Italy
ENAV and Leonardo have tested and validated helicopter PBN for the Foggia – Tremiti S. Domino Island route in Southern Italy.
Rotorcraft
Ontic Portfolio Balance Helps Drive Record Year
Ontic's rotorcraft business has remained steady throughout the pandemic, executives say.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Offering H175 to NYPD
Airbus is offering its H175 super-medium twin helicopter in the competition to replace the New York City Police Department’s Bell 412s.
Rotorcraft
Neo Aik Sia Honored for Excellence in Safety
HAI's Excellence Safety Award recipient Neo Aik Sia helped bring SMS to the Republic of Singapore Air Force and a number of other organizations.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo's Lynx Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Lynx helicopter set a rotorcraft speed record in 1986.
Rotorcraft
GI 275 Simplifies Avionics Upgrades in Part 27 Helos
Garmin's new GI 275 electronic flight instruments feature touchscreen and dual concentric knob control.
Rotorcraft
Columbia Launches Multi-Mission Program For 234 Chinooks
Columbia Helicopters has unveiled its multi-mission helicopter program featuring its Model 234 Chinook tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopters.
Maintenance and Modifications
Foresight MX HUMS Approved for Bell 212/412
GPMS has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for its Foresight MX health monitoring system on the Bell 212/412.
Rotorcraft
Textron Powers Up New eAviation Division
Rob Scholl will lead Textron's formal entry into the electric aviation market.
Rotorcraft
HAI Honors California Nat. Guard for Creek Fire Rescue
Honored by HAI, the California National Guard 40th Combat Aviation Brigade used a Chinook and Black Hawk to rescue 242 trapped by the Creek Fire.
Rotorcraft
NASA Readies Mars Helicopter for First Flight
NASA Ingenuity helicopter could fly on Mars sometime in early April.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Begins Assembly of Racer Compound Helicopter
Airbus Racer isexpected to demonstrate increased speed and reduced emissions and noise.
Rotorcraft
Bell Opens Manufacturing Technology Center
Bell's Manufacturing Technology Center is designed to change the way rotorcraft are made.
Rotorcraft
Honeywell Adds Major Upgrades to Helicopter Avionics
Honeywell's latest avionics upgrades to synthetic vision, radar, and EGPWS are available for Leonardo's AW139.
Rotorcraft
StandardAero Continues Expansion in Helo MRO, STCs
One of StandardAero's newest STCs is an autopilot for light single helicopters.
Rotorcraft
EASA Recommends Fuel Lever Mods for Airbus Helo Singles
Airbus developed fuel lever modification in the wake of fatal 2018 NYC "door off" helitour flight.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Expanding Customer Support Program
Airbus HCare now covers 2,400 helicopters and will be expanded to include legacy aircraft.
Regulations and Government
NTSB: Close Passenger Revenue Loopholes in Part 91
NTSB addresses exceptions, exemptions, and perceived safety loopholes and shortcomings in passenger revenue Part 91 operations.
