22-Jun-2024Source: EHang
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, announced the completion of a series of flights by its EH216-S electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft flights, supported by European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (“EGNOS”), Europe’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System (“SBAS”). The flights were... Read more
18-Jul-2022Source: Atkins
Vertical Aerospace, Virgin Atlantic, Atkins, Skyports and NATS, along with Connected Places Catapult and leading academic institutions Cranfield University and WMG, University of Warwick, today announced the creation of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium. Together, the organisations will develop key technology and infrastructure in a project that will significantly accelerate the introduction of AAM in... Read more
22-Apr-2019Source: HeliHub.com
Wheeler Army Airfield will soon adopt their new layout plan for Class D and E airspace on April 25. Class D airspace now has an increased lateral extent from 1,800 feet to 3,300 feet. In collaboration with the FAA, Wheeler Army Airfield has worked on the changes for the past four years, reports AOPA.... Read more
7-Oct-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The Unmanned Traffic Management Convention 2016 will be held at the Oncenter, Syracuse, on November 8th, 9th and 10th, hosting over 500 air traffic professionals. The convention will showcase the latest advances in unmanned aircrafts such as drones and how they will be integrated into the nation’s airspace. The convention will showcase discussions on unmanned... Read more
3-Oct-2016Source: Helitech International
From advanced oil rig inspection to aerial search and rescue missions, the rise of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) use is allowing businesses to utilise new technology across a range of industries on a scale not previously possible. With the UAV market estimated to be worth $5.5bn by 2020[1] there are many opportunities available to rotorcraft... Read more
21-Sep-2016Source: Bird Control Group
Effective bird control is essential to ensure aviation safety. New awareness for the risk of bird strikes in aviation is being raised by the release of motion picture “Sully: The Untold Story of the Miracle on the Hudson”. Wildlife strikes are relatively infrequent, only 3 percent of the strikes results in aircraft damage and less... Read more
10-Aug-2016Source: BGA
Following a number of recent incidents that have compromised safety when aircraft over-flying glider sites have come into close proximity with winch-launching gliders, the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) and the British Gliding Association (BGA) seek to remind pilots about the dangers of over-flying gliding sites, especially as the summer months mean much greater gliding activity... Read more
13-Jul-2016Source: SESAR
The SESAR Joint Undertaking has launched a call for exploratory research projects on the integration of drones into civil airspace within the framework of the SESAR 2020 research and innovation programme. Specifically, the call aims to stimulate initial solutions for drone traffic management, supporting the sharing of airspace between manned and unmanned systems. A total... Read more
28-Jun-2016Source: Blighter
The world’s first fully integrated detect-track-disrupt-defeat Anti-UAV Defence System (AUDS) – developed by a trio of British companies including Blighter Surveillance Systems, Chess Dynamics and Enterprise Control Systems, and integrated/supported in North America by Liteye Systems Inc. – has been selected by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for evaluation at US airports as... Read more
21-Jun-2016Source: FAA
Today, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has finalized the first operational rules for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”), opening pathways towards fully integrating UAS into the nation’s airspace. These new regulations work to harness new innovations safely, to spur job growth, advance critical scientific research and save... Read more
19-May-2016Source: BALPA
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has welcomed the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the Government will introduce new regulations on drones in a forthcoming Modern Transport Bill. Jim McAuslan, BALPA General Secretary, said: “We are pleased that the Government is planning to bring forward drone legislation in a new bill. The number of... Read more
19-May-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today posted a large database showing the city, state and zip code of each registered drone owner. Release of the database responds to a number of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted since the new unmanned aircraft registration system began operating on December 21, 2015. The FAA is not... Read more
17-May-2016Source: FAA
The FAA and its government partners are expanding research on ways to detect “rogue” drones around airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its government, industry and academia partners have joined forces to evaluate drone detection technology at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. Over the last two years, the FAA has... Read more
5-May-2016Source: EASA
The European Aviation Safety Agency announces today the creation of a task force to assess the risk of collision between drones and aircraft. The task force will: Review all relevant occurrences including the occurrences collected by the European Member States, Analyse the existing studies on the subject of impact between drones and aircraft, Study the... Read more
28-Apr-2016Source: On The Radar
In the past week the FAA quietly issued a historic decision, approving commercial drone flights at night. See full story... Read more
8-Apr-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently reviewing the report and recommendations of the Micro Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Aviation Rulemaking Committee. The agency had tasked the group to develop recommendations for performance-based regulations that would let certain unmanned aircraft operate over people not directly involved in the flight of the aircraft. The rulemaking committee,... Read more
30-Mar-2016Source: FAA
After a comprehensive risk analysis, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised the unmanned aircraft (UAS) “blanket” altitude authorization for Section 333 exemption holders and government aircraft operators to 400 feet. Previously, the agency had put in place a nationwide Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for such flights up to 200 feet. The new... Read more
28-Mar-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released an updated list of pilot, air traffic controller and citizen reports of possible encounters with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The latest report covers August 22, 2015 through January 31, 2016. Reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically since 2014. Safely integrating unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system is one... Read more
17-Mar-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and key government agencies involved in unmanned aircraft operations are expanding participation in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Executive Committee (EXCOM). The committee provides federal agencies with a forum to share information and reduce redundancies on UAS research and development, and resolve policy and procedural issues on safe UAS integration... Read more
15-Mar-2016Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Sally French, “The Drone Girl,” today led a lively panel discussion about the future of small unmanned aircraft at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin on Monday. The panel included a diverse group of innovative thinkers from industry and government. In his opening remarks, Administrator Huerta outlined recent progress on... Read more
13-Mar-2016Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will make opening remarks and moderate a panel discussion with several industry and government partners about the future of small unmanned aircraft – at the SXSW “South By South West” event. Discussion topics are expected to include UAS registration, the MicroUAS aviation rulemaking committee, steps to speed integration, new uses for... Read more
29-Feb-2016Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is establishing an aviation rulemaking committee (PDF)with industry stakeholders to develop recommendations for a regulatory framework that would allow certain UAS to be operated over people who are not directly involved in the operation of the aircraft. The FAA is taking this action to provide a more flexible,... Read more
25-Feb-2016Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is establishing an aviation rule making committee (PDF)with industry stakeholders to develop recommendations for a regulatory framework that would allow certain UAS to be operated over people who are not directly involved in the operation of the aircraft. The FAA is taking this action to provide... Read more
19-Feb-2016Source: FAA
Each month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receives more than 100 reports from pilots and others who spot what appears to be an unmanned aircraft (UAS) flying close to an airport or a manned airplane. It’s become a serious safety concern for the agency, and a potential security issue for the Department of Homeland Security... Read more
17-Feb-2016Source: EDA
A contract for the Enhanced RPAS Automation (ERA) project was signed between the EDA and a multinational industrial consortium in mid-December 2015. The project will support the widespread use of both civil and military RPAS in non-segregated airspace in Europe in general and their integration in airport operations in particular, addressing several capability gaps identified... Read more
12-Feb-2016Source: HAI
The timing is critical for the helicopter industry to help stave off major changes to the FAA that will impact your operations and bring additional costs for your operation. The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee will vote on Thursday on a bill that could fundamentally change how U.S. airspace is governed and what kind... Read more
9-Feb-2016Source: Schiebel
Schiebel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the Netherlands Coastguard and the Royal Netherlands Air Force conducted a series of successful flights with a newly developed airborne Detect and Avoid System at the airport of Den Helder in December 2015. The AIRICA (ATM Innovative RPAS Integration for Coastguard Applications) project marks a major step forward... Read more
11-Jan-2016Source: FAA
North Carolina was “first in flight” when the Wright Brothers took to the skies at Kitty Hawk, and now it’s leading the way to the next generation of air traffic control. NextGen procedures are helping flights operate more efficiently at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), improving on-time performance and decreasing emissions. The Charlotte Metroplex project includes new arrival and departure procedures for CLT and surrounding airports in North Carolina, South Carolina and southern Virginia. Procedural changes in... Read more
30-Oct-2015Source: Garmin
Garmin is pleased to announce installation of the GNC 255 NAV/COM and GTR 225 COM series is easier and more cost-effective for European-registered helicopters. This certification reduces installation time and the cost associated with the installation of the GTR/GNC radios in a wide variety of helicopter types in Europe. Additionally, Helicopter operators are offered an... Read more
29-Oct-2015Source: CAA
A helicopter pilot who illegally entered controlled airspace, causing disruption to flights at London Heathrow Airport, has been successfully prosecuted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Christopher Kiley was flying from Wycombe Air Park to Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire, when he entered the London Control Zone, without air traffic control clearance, just after 1pm on 30 April,... Read more
15-Oct-2015Source: China.org.cn
China’s National Day holiday might be over, but there is no end in sight for the business of flying. See Full Story... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: FAA
Denver International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are partnering to raise awareness about safe unmanned aircraft operations. The agencies teamed up on a Public Service Announcement that will run on the video towers in the airport’s main terminal. The PSA uses the “No Drone Zone” slogan to drive home the point that flying... Read more
24-Aug-2015Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a new list of pilot, air traffic and citizen reports of possible encounters with unmanned aircraft (UAS). The reports cover November 13, 2014 through August 20, 2015. Because pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, the FAA wants to send a clear message that operating drones... Read more
5-May-2015Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will announce two new initiatives related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) tomorrow at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Unmanned Systems 2015conference in Atlanta, GA. The FAA is moving ahead with safe integration of UAS into the busiest, most complex airspace in the world. Even as the agency proceeds with rulemaking for small... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: ARSA
On April 23, ARSA submitted comments to the FAA’s proposed rule regarding its control of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The association added its voice to the thousands who provided guidance to the agency in its pursuit of new regulations to oversee the use of the vehicles commonly referred to as “drones.” While its comments recognized the congressional imperative that the FAA... Read more
12-Feb-2015Source: ND Government
The Northern Plains (UAS) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the approval to expand operations throughout the state of North Dakota. This authorization, granted under the FAA’s Certification of Authorization (COA) process, allows the industry more efficient access to airspace for collaborative research. The FAA was able... Read more
11-Jul-2014Source: FAA
Recently, seven aerial photo and video production companies asked the FAA for regulatory exemptions that would allow the film and television industry to use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with FAA approval for the first time. Because these requests may set a precedent for future commercial UAS exemptions, the agency is asking the public to weigh... Read more
21-Apr-2014Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that the first of six test sites chosen to perform unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research is operational more than two-and-a -half months ahead of the deadline specified for the program by Congress. The FAA today granted the North Dakota Department of Commerce team a... Read more
29-Jan-2014Source: Saab
Saab has been selected by the U.S. Army to supply a Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) system at Joint Base Lewis – McChord (JBLM), Fort Lewis, Washington. The WAM system will provide precise surveillance during low level aviation tactical maneuvers during training at JBLM. JBLM will be the fourth U.S. military installation to utilize Saab WAM... Read more
11-Nov-2013Source: Airservices Australia
Airservices has commissioned two new Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) ground stations, further enhancing air traffic surveillance coverage for aircraft flying in Australian airspace. A decade in the planning, ADS-B is the future for air traffic surveillance in Australia and will provide an increase in safety to non-radar airspace while improving operational efficiency for the... Read more
8-Nov-2013Source: Airservices Australia
Airservices Australia, in conjunction with the Australian Airports Association, launched a new aircraft noise website along with its commitment to managing aircraft noise at its annual industry conference, Waypoint. The website, aircraftnoise.com.au provides easy to understand information about aircraft noise and its impacts. Airservices Executive General Manager Environment, Dr Rob Weaver said, “The continued growth... Read more
7-Nov-2013Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released its first annual Roadmap outlining efforts needed to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the nation’s airspace. The Roadmap addresses current and future policies, regulations, technologies and procedures that will be required as demand moves the country from today’s limited accommodation of UAS... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: HAI
The FAA has released its 2013 NextGen Implementation Plan, updating estimates of cost and time savings to help gain support for the program. Between now and 2020, the FAA estimates NextGen improvements will reduce aviation delays by 41 percent compared with what would happen if no further NextGen improvements were made from this point forward. The... Read more
25-Mar-2013Source: FAA
Today, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reached the decision that 149 federal contract towers will close beginning April 7 as part of the agency’s sequestration implementation plan. The agency has made the decision to keep 24 federal contract towers open that had been previously proposed for closure because doing so would have... Read more
25-Mar-2013Source: NBAA
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen today released the following statement in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) decision to proceed with the closure of 149 contract air traffic control towers and other facilities across the United States, to comply with “sequestration,” or mandatory budget curtailments required of federal agencies:... Read more
22-Mar-2013Source: NBAA
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) is continuing its legal challenge of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) authority to restrict helicopter flights due to noise complaints as concerns grow that more and more communities will seek legislative solutions to resolve local helicopter noise issues. HAI’s actions come as Congress considers two bills, introduced in February, seeking... Read more
8-Mar-2013Source: Air Traffic Management
The US budgets cuts – or sequester – that have forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to seek $637 million in savings before the end of the current tax year have claimed their first event casualty – a top civil military aviation conference due to be held next month in Geneva. (see full story)... Read more
17-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Belgian based website helispot.be has recently launched a new page, featuring the helicopter traffic which flies each day. For every tracked helicopter that flies in Belgium and Netherlands, you can see the first and last recorded track times each day [in UTC], along with the registration, type , serial number, operator, pressure altitude and... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: FAA
The FAA is beginning the second phase of its general aviation (GA) study issued last spring, General Aviation Airports: A National Asset, to further define the role of GA airports. In the original study, the FAA captured the critical and diverse roles of the nation’s 2,952 general aviation airports, which resulted in four new categories —... Read more
14-Feb-2013Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today solicited proposals from state and local governments, eligible universities and other public entities to develop six unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country. Through the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Congress directed the FAA to establish this program to conduct critical research into... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will host a March symposium on the nonmilitary uses of unmanned aerial vehicles. The “AIAA Policy Symposium: Civilian Applications of UAVs – A California Perspective” will take place March 26–28, 2013, at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, Thousand Oaks, Calif. The event is co-hosted by California State Assemblyman... Read more
12-Nov-2012Source: Aermatica
ENEL, the main Italian electric utility and one of the most important in the world, started a study concerning remote monitoring of its own power plants through small RPA. The possibility to satisfy those needs is only partially matter of mere technology; on the contrary starting of use of small RPA in professional industrial contexts... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: HAI
HAI President Matt Zuccaro and 19 other aviation industry leaders have sent a letter to Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on behalf of their associations, urging the FAA to continue to press forward with the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). “… As a goal, the FAA should ensure that... Read more
16-Oct-2012Source: EBAA
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) commends the European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas and MEP Brian Simpson for having voiced so forcefully their frustration over the lack of decisive action taken by Member States and for having unequivocally condemned them for failing to make the changes needed to deliver the benefits of the Single European... Read more
16-Aug-2012Source: ERHC
Starting August 6, the North Shore Route is mandatory for all helicopter transiting along the north shore of Long Island. The FAA mandate requires pilots to maintain an altitude of at least 2,500 feet. The FAA has developed a training capsule describing the route, altitudes and exceptions to the rule and that the course should... Read more
25-Jun-2012Source: CAA
A definitive pilot’s guide to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been launched today by the Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI). The 100-page manual navigates pilots through the various security and operational airspace restrictions in place for the duration of the Games, as well as detailing the specific additional procedures to be followed... Read more
6-Jun-2012Source: 27East
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council on Monday issued a statement in anticipation of the new Federal Aviation Administration regulation, claiming the mandate would “exacerbate air traffic congestion and make helicopter noise permanent over some communities.â€Â (see full story)... Read more
8-May-2012Source: SESAR
In the future air navigation environment, it will be increasingly difficult to work on ATM concepts without integrating the different types of airspace users, including unmanned aircraft. The deployment of the new SESAR systems, procedures, technologies and standards requires a high degree of synchronisation among all stakeholders, and the UAS community has become also a relevant... Read more
7-May-2012Source: Air Traffic Management
The FAA has approved an (IFR low level helicopter infrastructure for use by Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The infrastructure consists of five helipads in key locations throughout central Iowa (See full story)... Read more
1-Feb-2012Source: UK CAA
To enhance safety, to enable the more efficient use of airspace, and to align the management of airspace more closely with other nations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on its intention to raise and harmonise the Transition Altitude in UK airspace to 18,000ft. At lower levels, it is important... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: AOPA
A proposal to create new restricted airspace in North Dakota for training of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)raises more questions than it answers, undermines safety, and would set a dangerous precedent in creating additional restricted airspace for use solely by UAS, AOPA said, urging members to comment on the proposal by Feb. 12. On Nov. 28, the FAA published a... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: PHPA
THe PHPA has advised that… From our friends at the Southern California Airspace Users Working Group (SCAUWG): Pilots in the Southern California area will be interested in the newly announced NPRM for the Long Beach Class C airspace. You can see the details at: http://www.scauwg.org/scauwg/LongBeachClassCAirspace2011Revised.html There will be public meetings in October and the NPRM... Read more
16-Sep-2010Source: Minnesota Public Radio
Military officials say they need restricted training airspace for a planned unmanned aircraft base in Grand Forks, but the FAA says it’s not ready to establish such an airspace in North Dakota.... Read more
22-Jun-2010Source: HAI
HAI members Urged to File Comments With FAA Before Friday June 25. On May 26, 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled the New York North Shore Helicopter Route. This proposal would establish the first ever mandatory VFR route not predicated on safety or the efficient management of airspace,... Read more
17-Sep-2009Source: NTSB
NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman testified on the status of the ongoing investigation into the mid-air collision over the Hudson River. The collision occurred on August 8 between a helicopter and an airplane. All 9 persons on board both aircraft were killed. Chairman Hersman provided an overview of the ongoing investigation based on facts... Read more
5-Sep-2009Source: Examiner
The helicopter, tail number C-GKCW, landed at a regional airport in Leesburg, Va., after the intrusion. The aircraft is a Bell 206L Long Ranger equipped with spraying bars used for agricultural crop dusting. The helicopter is operated by Sunrise Helicopters, Inc.... Read more
12-Aug-2009Source: NY Daily News
The FAA, she charged, has failed to make changes. “We believe if the recommendations were implemented, aviation safety would be improved,” the blunt-speaking Hersman said. She said 225 aircraft fly within 3 miles of the crash site every day, and pilots below 1,100 feet are free to choose their routes without monitoring from air-traffic controllers.... Read more
