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
Airbus Helicopter Deliveries Dip 9.6% in 2020
Airbus Helicopters maintained a 48 percent share of the worldwide civil and parapublic market in 2020.
Rotorcraft
Vertical Flight Society Moves Annual Show Online
The Vertical Flight Society saw its membership rise during 2020 and has announced a new partnership with the U.S. Army to support skills training.
Accidents
Drone Injures Helicopter Crewmember
Drone pierces windshield of Chilean Navy UH-57B, injuring front seat crewmember.
Rotorcraft
VFS Cancels In-person Forum 77
The Vertical Flight Society has canceled its annual in-person Forum gathering due to continuing covid concerns.
Rotorcraft
HAI Cancels Heli-Expo 2021 Trade Show
The Helicopter Association International has cancelled its annual Heli-Expo trade show scheduled for March 22 to 25 in New Orleans.
Rotorcraft
Bell 412 Turns 40
Since 1981, Bell has delivered more than 1,100 412 medium twins across 11 different variants.
Accidents
Pilot To Be Sentenced after Drone Hits LAPD Helicopter
Andrew Rene Hernandez, 22, could receive up to one year in federal prison.
Accidents
NTSB: Winds Triggered 2018 Helitour Fatal
The NTSB has issued its final report on the 2018 Grand Canyon helitour crash.
Avionics
FreeFlight Gains Approval for Datalink ADS-B Transceivers
FreeFlight's new ADS-B Datalink transceivers are now approved for installation in more than 400 airframe types.
Rotorcraft
Several OEMs Passing on Heli-Expo Show
Companies including Bell, Metro Aviation pull out of this year's Heli-Expo.
Rotorcraft
HAI Doubles Down on In-person March Heli-Expo Show
The Helicopter Association International said it expects New Orleans to lift its Phase One covid restrictions in time for its annual trade show.
Avionics
Compact Cockpit Video Recorder Wins New Zealand Nod
Eye In The Sky approved for installation in Airbus and Robinson helicopters.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Helicopters Makes Fresh Latin American Inroads
Leonardo Helicopters reports new AW139 and AW169 sales in Colombia, Mexico.
Rotorcraft
Blade To Start Westchester County-NYC Helo Service
Helicopter rideshare service Blade partnering with Ross Aviation to build a vertiport at Westchester County Airport in New York.
Accidents
Malaysia Suspends Heli Operator's Training Certificate
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has suspended the training certificate of My Heli Club following its second crash in less than two months.
Rotorcraft
Air Methods: 'No Surprises' Law Details Raise Concerns
Air ambulance company urges fair compensation after new law bans "no surprises" medical billings.
Accidents
Mexico AW109 Crash Now a Homicide Investigation
Mexican authorities have detained four people in connection with the December 2018 fatal crash of a 2011 Leonardo AW109S.
Rotorcraft
EASA Proposes Modifications for Overwater Helo Ops
EASA is proposing equipment changes for Part 27 and 29 helicopters that are operated for extended periods over water.
Safety
Pilot Captures Video of 'Jetpack' Flying in LA Airspace
The video of what appears to be a manned jetpack shows it flying at 3,000 feet over the ocean near Palos Verdes, California.
Avionics
Moog Buys Genesys Aerosystems
Flight control manufacturer Moog is adding to its capabilities with the purchase of Genesys Aerosystems.
Regulations and Government
Congress Nixes 'Surprise Air Ambulance Bills'
Covid relief legislation ends health insurance denials for "out-of-network" transports.
Rotorcraft
DOT Watchdog Gives FAA Fresh 'Doors Off' Upbraiding
DOT IG critical of FAA current supervision of "doors off" helitour flights.
Rotorcraft
Air Methods Takes Aim at Helicopter EMS Membership Programs
The nation’s largest helicopter air ambulance company has launched a full-frontal assault on competitors who sell annual “memberships.”
Rotorcraft
Heli-Union Signs Up for Airbus H160s
Héli-Union is purchasing two new multi-mission Airbus H160 medium twins.
Avionics
H135 Gets New Max Weight, Single-pilot IFR Upgrades
Airbus's H135 light twin gets a 265-pound boost in mtow, along with a new single-pilot IFR cockpit.
Turtle Fliers Save a Large Load of Stranded Turtles
A Saab 340 was drafted to carry 120 cold-stunned turtles to aquariums in Texas.
Maintenance and Modifications
Safran Signs China Utility To Engine Support Program
Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a Support-By-Hour contract with State Grid General Aviation Company of China.
Avionics
Garmin Adds Smart Rudder Bias to Piston Twins
Smart Rudder Bias is the newest addition to the Garmin Autonomi family and brings new safety features to piston twins.
Avionics
Icon Offers G3X Upgrade for A5 Amphibian
Icon A5 buyers can now purchase an optional Garmin G3X Touch display and two-axis autopilot.
