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
14-Jun-2016Source: HAI
HAI President and CEO Matthew S. Zuccaro has expressed disappointment at helicopters’ exclusion from a new FAA incentive for general aviation (GA) aircraft owners to equip aircraft with ADS-B technology. He called the exclusion “counter to the reality that the helicopter industry is the GA segment to first embrace ADS-B technology and continues to support... Read more
9-Jun-2016Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working with commercial airlines and pilots’ unions to improve mental health evaluations, and encourage voluntary reporting of pilot mental health issues. An Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) comprised of aviation and medical experts has made several recommendations about pilot medical fitness. “Safety is always our first... Read more
8-Jun-2016Source: Vector
Vector Aerospace has announced that it has received FAA supplemental type certificate approval for a new ADS-B solution which is applicable for installation on the Airbus Helicopters AS332, Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW139 and Sikorsky S-76 series of helicopters. The new ADB-S In/Out retrofit upgrade (FAA STC # SR02473AK) features an intuitive, panel-mounted touchscreen transponder which replaces the aircraft’s existing transponder. ... Read more
7-Jun-2016Source: FAA
Today on a national press call, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Deputy Administrator Michael G. Whitaker announced a $500 rebate incentive for General Aviation (GA) aircraft owners who equip their aircraft with required avionics technology. Accelerating compliance is critical to ensuring that pilots, manufacturers, and retail facilities have adequate time and capacity to equip... Read more
2-Jun-2016Source: USHST
The United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.ushst.org) is offering a supportive voice to recent changes made by the Federal Aviation Administration in its Practical Test Standards (PTS) for helicopter instructors. (https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/media/FAA-S-8081-7B.pdf) “The revision provides examiners a path to mitigate some risks associated with the Flight Instructor PTS requirements to demonstrate proficiency in the touchdown portion... Read more
1-Jun-2016Source: PHPA
On May 20, 2016, the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association learned that the FAA denied all four of the Los Angeles Area Helicopter Noise Coalition petitions to regulate helicopter operations over the Los Angeles Basin. The LAAHNC had asked the FAA for four (4) SFAR’s: * A 2000’ AGL minimum operating altitude for all helicopter operations,... Read more
25-May-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its largest union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, AFL-CIO (NATCA) announced today they have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering the air traffic control specialists assigned to the terminal and en route options, traffic management coordinators/specialists, air traffic controllers assigned to the... Read more
19-May-2016Source: HAI
HAI and five other general aviation associations yesterday wrote to key congressional committee leaders to prevent a move to amend a federal bar to states issuing laws or regulations related to air carrier prices, routes, or services. The move was contained in a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochrane (R-Miss.) and the panel’s... 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
11-May-2016Source: HAI
In my travels, I hear one comment a lot: “I had no idea HAI did all that!” So I want to tell you about some — but certainly not all — of the ways HAI works for our members. HAI advocates for: The safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the airspace and developing... Read more
10-May-2016Source: HAI
HAI has submitted its application to serve on a newly formed FAA working group to enhance helicopter bird strike protection. The FAA recently announced the formation of the working group, which will provide advice and recommendations to the aviation rulemaking advisory committee (ARAC). According to the FAA’s announcement in the Federal Register, data shows that... Read more
10-May-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expanding the part of its Pathfinder Program that focuses on detecting and identifying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flying too close to airports. Today the FAA signed Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRDAs) with Gryphon Sensors, Liteye Systems Inc. and Sensofusion. The FAA will evaluate procedures and technologies designed to... Read more
10-May-2016Source: Robinson
On 6 May 2016, Robinson Helicopter Company received FAA certification for its two-place R44 Cadet helicopter. Combining the best of the R22 and R44, Robinson believes the Cadet’s modest price of $339,000 (with floats $367,000) will appeal to the training market as well as operators that want the economy of a small helicopter with the... Read more
9-May-2016Source: Boost Systems
Boost Human External Cargo Systems Inc. has secured Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for an innovative new HEC System for light helicopters. This provides American-based operators, industry, and rescue teams access to the most advanced dual hook equipment for HEC fixed line helicopter operations. Boost Systems (http://www.boostsystems.ca) specializes in human external cargo (HEC) kits that... Read more
5-May-2016Source: FAA
Speaking today at the AUVSI annual conference in New Orleans, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced the agency is establishing a broad-based advisory committee that will provide advice on key unmanned aircraft integration issues. He also announced plans to make it easier for students to fly unmanned aircraft as part of their coursework. Huerta said the drone... 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
27-Apr-2016Source: Aspen Avionics
Aspen Avionics (Booth #526) announced today it has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of its Evolution Backup Display. It is a fully digital, independent primary flight display (PFD) designed to replace mechanical backup instruments and the associated vacuum system supporting those instruments in Part 23 electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) installations. The... Read more
27-Apr-2016Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, today announced that its new Remote Hook Electrical Release Kit for the Robinson R44 Raven II aircraft has been STC certified by the FAA and Transport Canada. Onboard has also submitted this kit to EASA for certification in Europe. Onboard’s Remote Hook... Read more
25-Apr-2016Source: FAA
The FAA and general aviation (GA) group’s #FlySafe national safety campaign aims to educate the GA community on best practices in calculating and predicting aircraft performance, and on operating within established aircraft limitations. What is Loss of Control? A Loss of Control (LOC) accident involves an unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled flight. LOC... Read more
22-Apr-2016Source: FAA
What’s not to like about an automated government system that’s faster, simpler and more user-friendly than the paper-based system it supplements? In a Federal Register notice (PDF), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially notified owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used for commercial, public and other non-model aircraft operations they may now use the FAA’s... Read more
15-Apr-2016Source: HAI
The FAA has extended the comment period for a draft advisory circular (AC) on establishing a fatigue risk management program for aircraft maintainers. Comments are now due Monday, May 2, 2016. The agency in recent years has recognized that fatigue among maintenance technicians is as significant a risk factor as it is among pilots. In... Read more
14-Apr-2016Source: AOPA
The FAA is no longer requiring most applicants for a flight instructor certificate in the rotorcraft category, helicopter class, to demonstrate a straight-in or 180-degree autorotation to touchdown on the practical test, citing safety. See full story... Read more
12-Apr-2016Source: FAA
FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker visited the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly In and Expo in Lakeland, Fla. this week as part of the agency’s ongoing partnership with the general aviation community to improve safety. Whitaker announced the FAA’s Got Data? initiative to give the private sector better access the FAA’s aeronautical data. Speaking at... 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
6-Apr-2016Source: Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics announces successful testing of departure clearances (DCL) using Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Tech Center. The company’s Cessna Citation VII equipped for Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A+ completed the live test of the system in Louisville, Kentucky, USA (KSDF). When equipped and properly trained for CPDLC-DCL,... Read more
4-Apr-2016Source: PHPA
The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association is troubled with the LAAHNC’s ongoing efforts to solicit helicopter complaints from Los Angeles residents. Although we encourage people to utilize the Federal Aviation Administration’s automated helicopter noise complaint system when they are bothered by helicopter noise, it appears the LAAHNC may be encouraging people to “game” the system and... Read more
1-Apr-2016Source: Heli-One
Heli-One’s Rzeszow, Poland facility has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) repair station approval. Heli-One Poland’s facility, which opened in 2014, provides base maintenance support for Airbus AS332, H225, and H135 aircraft. In addition, it offers component repairs such as the AW139 exhaust duct. This approval offers U.S.-based operators or U.S.-registered aircraft a new cost-efficient maintenance... Read more
1-Apr-2016Source: FAA
Thursday, March 31 – Starting today, owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used for commercial, public and other non-model aircraft operations will be able to use the FAA’s new, streamlined, web-based registration process to register their aircraft. The web-based process will significantly speed up registration for a variety of commercial, public use and other... Read more
30-Mar-2016Source: FAA
As part of its ongoing efforts to develop an acceptable unleaded fuel for small airplanes, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it has selected two unleaded fuels for further testing. This will move the general aviation (GA) community a step closer to having new fuels that eliminate their reliance on... 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
29-Mar-2016Source: LifePort
LifePort, a Sikorsky company, amended its Bell 407 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to add the new Machined Stretcher, improved Oxygen Cylinder Mount, and new Utility Mount. This new product offering provides operators with increased capability and improved durability, including: 16% weight reduction over the previous composite AeroSled, which results in a savings of 9 pounds... Read more
29-Mar-2016Source: FAA
The FAA has released its annual Aerospace Forecast Report Fiscal Years 2016 to 2036 that finds a sustained increase in overall air travel and the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). A key portion of the forecast focuses on projections for the growth in the use of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones. The FAA... 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
23-Mar-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects thousands of birds may be saved each year because of changes the agency has made to its communication tower lighting standards. The FAA has developed a number of tower lighting configurations for tall structures to warn pilots they are approaching an obstruction, particularly during nighttime hours and in bad... Read more
23-Mar-2016Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that two of its retired employees, Dwayne Williams and Wayne Brown, were honored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with its Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award – one of the most prestigious pilot safety awards in the industry. The “Master Pilot” award recognizes pilots who... Read more
23-Mar-2016Source: Aerometals
Faced with the prospect of increasing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) scrutiny and policy changes for future Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) development standards, Aerometals (formerly FDC/Aerofilter) continues to encourage aircraft owners, operators and concerned aviation professionals to respond to the FAA proposed policy statement No. PS-ASW-27/29-7. A recent extension for public comment submittal extends the due... Read more
21-Mar-2016Source: HAI
The FAA on Wednesday, March 16, issued a policy notice to correct an error made when it issued its helicopter safety rule two years ago. Specifically, it corrected operations specification (OpSpec) paragraph A021. The helicopter safety rule “made provisions allowing HAA aircraft to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) at locations without weather reporting if authorized by... 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: Aircraft Structural Repair
Aircraft Structural Repair, Inc. of Stevensville Montana recently received the STC SR02475SE for the installation of the tailboom motion detection system for UH-1H helicopters. On September 16, 2013, about 1535 Pacific daylight time, a Garlick UH-1B, N204UH, experienced a tailboom separation while logging in heavily wooded terrain about 3 miles east of Detroit, Oregon. The... 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
14-Mar-2016Source: Airwork (NZ)
The United States Federal Aviation Administration today approved Airwork (NZ) Ltd as an FAA Part 145 Repair Station. Airwork currently holds maintenance approvals from EASA, Transport Canada, and the civil aviation authorities in New Zealand and South Africa. This FAA approval is the next major step in ensuring that Airwork has the ability to support... 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
11-Mar-2016Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today proposed a rule that overhauls the airworthiness standards for small general aviation airplanes. The FAA’s proposal, which is based on industry recommendations, would reduce the time it takes to get safety enhancing technologies for small airplanes into the marketplace while also reducing cost. “This proposal... Read more
9-Mar-2016Source: NBAA
The FAA-led effort to develop and test a detection system that identifies unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating on and near airports is a good first step, said Sarah Wolf, NBAA’s senior manager of security and facilitation. As this technology matures, it will contribute to the safety of NBAA members that operate both manned and unmanned... Read more
3-Mar-2016Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its Bell Helicopter Blades repair operation has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to repair Van Horn composite tail rotor blades for Bell 206 Series models. The Broussard, LA based facility has more than 35 years of helicopter blade refurbishment experience. The location... Read more
2-Mar-2016Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a subsidiary of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) announced today that its Universal Filter Module (UFM) has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for installation and use on Sikorsky Aircraft S-61 and H-3 helicopters. The FAA issued the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for an Inlet Barrier Filter System (IBF)... 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
29-Feb-2016Source: NATA
On Friday 26th February, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced a new “FAA Medical Certification Services” benefit program for Part 135 and 91 operators and their pilots. Administered by Harvey Watt & Co., this program was previously available only when combined with insurance products or through airlines for their pilots. The NATA FAA Medical... Read more
29-Feb-2016Source: BLR Aerospace
BLR Aerospace is working with Airbus Helicopters to certify the FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System on an H125 helicopter, the company announced today. Proof of concept flight tests were successfully completed in 2015. BLR is nearing the end of its certification flight test program and is on track for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)... Read more
28-May-2015Source: FAA
The FAA is working with the commercial aviation and medical communities to study the emotional and mental health of U.S. commercial pilots. The joint FAA and industry group known as the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) recommended the study based on the recent Malaysia Flight 370 and Germanwings Flight 9525 accidents. The Pilot Fitness Aviation... Read more
16-Feb-2015Source: Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy Inc., a division of Bristow Group, today announced it will award an annual scholarship in honor of Chief Executive Officer Emeritus William (“Bill”) E. Chiles for his contribution to creating a safer global helicopter transport community. The scholarship award covers full tuition at Bristow Academy for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) CFI helicopter... Read more
16-Feb-2015Source: Online Athens
Pending the successful negotiation of a couple of concerns expressed by Athens-Clarke County’s fire marshal, Athens Regional Medical Center can begin construction of a helicopter landing pad adjacent to the hospital’s emergency department. See full story.... Read more
24-Nov-2014Source: Peninsula Clarion
Since work began 14 months ago on the PRL Logistics Inc. facility at Kenai Landing, CEO Ron Hyde has strived to be a good neighbor in the community. See Full Story... Read more
23-Oct-2014Source: Airbus
The latest EC145 family member – the EC145 T2 – has been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The type certificate paves the way for the first deliveries on U.S ground which are scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. Since the certification of the EC145 T2 by the European Aviation Safety... Read more
