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.
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.
Textron Aviation Plans Hybrid Appearance at Sun 'n Fun
The Wichita airframer will use augmented reality and other technology to staff its booth at the Lakeland, Florida event.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Expanding Customer Support Program
Airbus HCare now covers 2,400 helicopters and will be expanded to include legacy aircraft.
Rotorcraft
Robinson Helicopter Hits Milestone, Sees Daylight
Torrance, California-based Robinson Helicopter started off the year with the delivery of its 13,000th rotorcraft.
Rotorcraft
HAI Pilot of the Year Robert McCabe Brought Lessons to USCG
HAI's Pilot of the Year, USCG Lt. Cdr. Robert McCabe, demonstrated his skills coaching a pilot through disorientation and shared the lessons learned.
Rotorcraft
Hillsboro Aero Academy Keeps the Rotors Turning
Although flight hours dropped significantly during the Covid pandemic, Hillsboro Aero Academy has been able to keep its fleet busy.
Rotorcraft
Hill Reveals More Features for HX50 Helicopter
Hill HX50 to have options including folding blades and landing gear skids.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky Donation Helps Launch RedTail Academy
An anonymous donation of a Sikorsky helicopter is helping a chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen to launch RedTail Flight Academy.
Rotorcraft
Used Helicopter Market Attains Shaky Hover
Pandemic, falling energy prices, overhang used helicopter market.
Accidents
NTSB Chair Pushes for More Helicopter IFR
In the wake of the Kobe Bryant crash report, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt is pressing for more IFR helicopter operations.
Rotorcraft
Erickson To Begin Flying Optionally-piloted Air Crane Next Year
Erickson said it would begin flying an optionally-piloted S-64F+ in 2022 and that it aimed for first customer deliveries in 2024.
Rotorcraft
Kopter Restarts SH09 Helicopter Flight-test Program
The Kopter prototype was retrofitted with new rotor components, Garmin G3000H avionics.
Regulations and Government
New York City Helicopter Access War Heats Up
New York City is considering legislation that would effectively shut down heliports there.
Rotorcraft
HAI Expanding International Reach, Safety Programs
While HAI head James Viola's year didn't go exactly as planned, his association is making progress on a number of fronts from new members to safety.
Rotorcraft
CHC AW139s To Fly with HTAWS In Brazil
CHC is partnering with Shell and Leonardo to launch Leonardo's Helicopter’s Enhanced Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System in Brazil.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo's 2020 Helicopter Deliveries Fall 29 Percent
Leonardo delivery drop offset by increased military and support sales.
Rotorcraft
Rotortrade Posts 'Resilient' 2020 Results
International helicopter reseller Rotortrade said it completed 27 transactions last year.
Rotorcraft
CHC Buying Babcock's Offshore Aviation Unit
CHC is purchasing Babcock's offshore aviation business in the UK, Denmark, and Australia.
Rotorcraft
Babcock Offshore Posts Larger 2020 Loss
Babcock Mission Critical Services Offshore said it had a pre-tax loss of $30.285 million.
Rotorcraft
Bell Moves To Remedy Cracked 505 Collectives, Restrictions
Bell said corrective actions for cracked collective sticks on its model 505 light single helicopter are currently in engineering review.
Rotorcraft
Aero Asset: Heavy Twins Lead Used Helicopter Market Rebound
Consultancy Aero Asset said the used helicopter market showed "incredible resiliency" in the last half of 2020.
Rotorcraft
USHST Calls for Light Helo Stability, Autopilot Systems
The USHST has unveiled recommended practices document for developing stability augmentation systems and autopilots in light helicopters.
Rotorcraft
Construction Begins on Dubai Expo Helicopter Terminal
Leonardo, Falcon Aviation Services building new rotorcraft terminal for Dubai Expo 2020
Safety
Cracked Bell 505 Collectives Draw Second Emergency AD
Transport Canada is now mandating fluorescent penetrant inspections on Bell 505 collective sticks every 25 hours.
Avionics
Survey shows flight planning app preferences
AIN surveyed readers to learn more about how pilots are using flight planning tablet apps and which ones they prefer.
Rotorcraft
Aireon To Provide ADS-B for Helos in North Sea
Aerion ADS-B system will monitor helicopter operations in the Bodo Oceanic flight region to altitudes of 10,000 feet.
Maintenance and Modifications
Cracked Collective Prompts Bell 505 Emergency AD
Transport Canada issues emergency airworthiness directive mandating inspection of collective sticks in Bell 505s.
Regulations and Government
GAO: Controversy Still Surrounds Flight Expense Sharing
The practice remains controversial and what's permitted is still unclear, though the FAA issued guidance on this subject a year ago, according to the GAO.
Rotorcraft
Blade Expands Helicopter Rideshares into Chicago
Blade Urban Air Mobility announced that it would base helicopters at Vertiport Chicago.
Accidents
USHST Issues Guidelines To Combat Inadvertent IMC
The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) has developed a list of recommended practices focusing on spatial disorientation.
