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.
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
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
CHC Buying Babcock's Offshore Aviation Unit
CHC is purchasing Babcock's offshore aviation business in the UK, Denmark, and Australia.
Rotorcraft
Rotortrade Posts 'Resilient' 2020 Results
International helicopter reseller Rotortrade said it completed 27 transactions last year.
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.
Rotorcraft
PHI To Operate Airbus H160s in Gulf of Mexico
Airbus Helicopters has broken into the U.S. offshore market with a deal to provide four H160s to PHI and Shell.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Racer First Flight Pushed to 2022
Airbus will begin final assembly of the first Racer compound helicopter in the coming weeks.
Flight Test: Garmin D2 Air Smartwatch
Garmin's D2 Air smartwatch packs a lot of features into a more reasonably priced device with an Amoled touchscreen.
Maintenance and Modifications
Air Methods Expands Airbus HCare To EC135 Fleet
A new Airbus HCare support contract will cover Air Methods fleet of 80 EC135 light twins.
Rotorcraft
HAI Safety Programs Help Reduce Operational Risks
HAI encourages industry to use its vast menu of helicopter safety programs that address culture, processes, training, and technology.
Accidents
'Fifty-Six Seconds To Live'
U.S. Helicopter Safety Team releases video on the perils of flying VFR into IMC.
Accidents
NTSB: Bryant's Pilot Disregarded Training
Pilot, operator faulted by NTSB in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash.
Rotorcraft
Bell Marks First European Delivery of 505 NXi
Bell recently delivered the first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-certified Bell 505 NXi.
Avionics
European Aircraft Can Upgrade to Garmin GI 275
The newly EASA-approved Garmin GI 275 flight displays are available for installation in a variety of aircraft types.
Rotorcraft
Highly-modified Kopter Begins Flight Testing
The flight test crew of a modified Kopter SH09 reported improved handling and stability.
