FAA to hear from LA pilots and residents on noise pollution
Source: CBS Los Angeles, 12-Jun-13
A Southland lawmaker will hold a public hearing Monday night to discuss a recent government report on helicopter noise across Los Angeles County. (See Full Story)
Dart announces skidtube step for medium Bells
Source: DART Aerospace, 11-Jun-13
DART Aerospace is pleased to announce the launch of a skidtube step that provides a flat non-slip surface to stand on, increasing security for hoist operator or spotters for the Bell Medium aircraft. The step received approval from Transport Canada, FAA, EASA, and Japan. The Skidtube Step installs on the DART Round-I-Beam™ Skidtubes and installs [...]
FAA calls producers to facilitate move to unleaded fuels by 2018
Source: FAA, 10-Jun-13
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today asked the world’s fuel producers to submit proposals for fuel options that would help the general aviation industry make a transition to an unleaded fuel. The FAA is committed to the development a new unleaded fuel by 2018 that would minimize the impact of replacing 100 [...]
IAI to supply crashworthy seats for Bell 525 Relentless
Source: Flight Global, 06-Jun-13
Israel Aerospace Industries will supply, as a sole provider, crashworthy passenger seats to Bell Helicopter for its Bell 525 Relentless programme. (See Full Story)
New Draganflyer X4-ES Ultra Portable UAV released
Source: Draganflyer, 05-Jun-13
UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) able to carry high quality cameras have, until today, required prohibitively large transport cases. This has been changed by the release of Draganfly Innovations’ new Draganflyer X4-ES Ultra Portable Quadrotor UAV. Featuring new quick release patent pending tool-less removable rotors, new folding landing gear, and a new sleek molded carbon fiber, [...]
ACR Electronics gains FAA ‘Part 145 Repair Station’ approval
Source: ACR Electronics, 05-Jun-13
ACR Electronics, Inc., announced today that they have received authorization by the FAA to open and maintain a designated Part 145 Repair Station to service ARTEX brand name ELT’s in their 55,000 square foot facility in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. ACR Electronics, Inc. is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Artex brand of ELT’s. Previously, [...]
NBAA Welcomes US Senate Legislation to Simplify Certification for GA Aircraft
Source: NBAA, 05-Jun-13
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed the introduction of the Small Aircraft Revitalization Act of 2013 (S.1072) by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The bill is similar to the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013, which was introduced earlier this month in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Mike [...]
FAA advises against regulating helicopters over LA
Source: SF Gate, 03-Jun-13
A federal report released on Friday advises against issuing regulations to limit low-flying helicopters to cut down on chopper noise over the Los Angeles Basin.(See Full Story)
FAA issue Advisory Circular on Autorotation Training
Source: FAA, 29-May-13
The purpose of this advisory circular (AC) is to describe enhanced guidelines for autorotations during rotorcraft/helicopter flight training. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found a need to raise awareness of the risks inherent in performing autorotations in the training environment, and in particular the 180 degree autorotation. In this AC, the FAA recommends procedures [...]
Air Methods Reaches Highest Level in FAA’s Safety Management System Program
Source: Air Methods, 21-May-13
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, recently was informed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it successfully reached the highest level (Level 4) of the FAA’s voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) program. The SMS program is an organizational framework created and implemented by the FAA to systematically guide,track, [...]
Change of heart at FAA on control tower closures
Source: FAA, 13-May-13
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today that DOT has determined that the recently enacted Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 will allow the FAA to transfer sufficient funds to end employee furloughs and keep the 149 low activity contract towers originally slated for closure in June open for the remainder of fiscal year 2013. The [...]
NBAA Welcomes Legislation to Smooth Certification for GA Aircraft
Source: NBAA, 09-May-13
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed new legislation that would dramatically enhance the certification process for new light general aviation aircraft. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-4-KS), a stalwart of general aviation, the “Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013” (H.R. 1848) calls on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement recommendations from the [...]
Los Angeles Helicopters Expands Pilot Training to Rwanda Air
Source: Los Angeles Helicopters, 07-May-13
Los Angeles Helicopters, LLC (LAH), a leading helicopter flight training operator, is pleased to announce that after completing FAA commercial license and Instrument rating training for 6 pilots from Rwanda in 2012, LAH was invited to travel to Rwanda and provide additional Mountain training as well as Emergency Procedures training and a refresher course for [...]
Sikorsky bullish on S92 for Presidential VXX program
Source: Sikorsky, 07-May-13
Following the U.S. Navy’s release of the final Request for Proposals for The Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program (VXX), Sikorsky Aircraft issued the following statement: The men and women of Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin are ready to offer Sikorsky’s proven S-92® helicopter in response to the U.S. Navy’s formal Request for Proposals to build the next [...]
Report Critical of FAA Repair Station Oversight
Source: HAI, 07-May-13
A DOT Inspector General’s (IG) report requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Committee’s Aviation panel was released May 6 saying he FAA has “room for improvement” on oversight of aircraft repair stations. In the third audit in 10 years of FAA’s oversight of more than 4,000 aircraft repair stations worldwide that maintain U.S. [...]
ASU Completes 700th FAA Approved NVIS Modification
Source: ASU, 24-Apr-13
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) announced today that it completed its 700th FAA approved night vision cockpit modification. This modification was completed on an EC135 at Metro Aviation in Shreveport, Louisiana for MED TRANS Air Medical Services. “There are a lot of great people that have been instrumental in our reaching this milestone,” said ASU founder [...]
REACH receives FAA approval for GPS approaches in Oregon
Source: REACH Air, 19-Apr-13
REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) is pleased to announce approval from the FAA to use its own GPS approaches and routes, directly to hospitals and landing sites in Western Oregon. REACH is the first Helicopter Emergency Management Service (HEMS) program to commit assets to serve the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley. These areas are often [...]
HAL targets FAA certification for Dhruv
Source: Deccan Herald, 18-Apr-13
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said on Tuesday that India will make efforts to get Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) US, in the near future (see full story).
New Inspector General Report discusses FAA rule delays
Source: HAI, 18-Apr-13
A new report from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) inspector general on April 16 delivered a black eye to the FAA for missing new rule deadlines and a troubling increase in close calls for airplanes on the ground, even as it acknowledged air travel was in its safest-ever period. Some of the sharpest criticisms [...]
Metro Aviation Enters Level III status in FAA’s SMS Pilot Project
Source: Metro Aviation, 17-Apr-13
For safety to exist, it must be a way of life.” Those words are familiar in the Metro Aviation family and reiterated in a new safety video featuring Metro’s CEO Mike Stanberry. The video speaks directly to employees and customers and reaffirms Metro’s commitment to sustaining an active Safety Management System (SMS). The incorporation of [...]
FAA Extends Tower Closure Date
Source: FAA, 08-Apr-13
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that it will delay the closures of all 149 federal contract air traffic control towers until June 15. Last month, the FAA announced it would eliminate funding for these towers as part of the agency’s required $637 million budget cuts under sequestration. This additional [...]
Air Evac Lifeteam Awarded 7th FAA Diamond Certificate of Excellence
Source: Air Evac Lifeteam, 08-Apr-13
Air Evac Lifeteam has been awarded the Diamond Certificate of Excellence for the seventh consecutive year by the Federal Aviation Administration. The honor is bestowed on companies that have 100 percent employee participation in the Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards program. The program encourages aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) to complete initial and recurrent training, and then [...]
True Blue Power Paving the Way for Certified Lithium-ion Products in Aviation
Source: True Blue Power, 04-Apr-13
True Blue Power today announced several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the TS835 Series lithium-ion emergency power supply (EPS). True Blue Power received a Part 25 STC for installation of the TS835 Series in LearJet 35/36 models and a Part 27 STC for installation in BK117 and EC145 helicopters. The company [...]
US Rep. Ed Markey pushes privacy rules for domestic UAVs
Source: Congressman Ed Markey, 26-Mar-13
With tens of thousands of domestic commercial drone licenses expected to be handed out in the coming years, Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-Chair of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Privacy Caucus, today introduced updated legislation to ensure standards for informing the public and establish safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals from expanded use of drones. [...]
FAA Makes Tower Closing Decision
Source: FAA, 25-Mar-13
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 [...]
NBAA’s Bolen Responds to FAA Decision to Close ATC Towers
Source: NBAA, 25-Mar-13
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: [...]
HAI asks court to invalidate Long Island flight corridor
Source: NBAA, 22-Mar-13
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 [...]
New Federal Reporting Requirement for Air Tour Operators
Source: HAI, 19-Mar-13
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued guidance for a new data collection activity and reporting requirement to all Part 135 and Part 91 commercial air tour operators who conduct commercial air tour flights over or within one-half mile of the boundary of any unit of the National Park Service (NPS) and any abutting tribal [...]
NBAA Supports Moran Amendment to Preserve Control Towers Under Sequester
Source: NBAA, 15-Mar-13
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) supports an amendment from Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), which would halt the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) plan to close a host of air traffic control towers and other facilities. Noting the integral role of the towers in the nation’s aviation system, and the economic boost that airports with towers [...]
HAI Presses FAA on Contract Towers; Urges support of Moran Amendment
Source: HAI, 14-Mar-13
As the deadline for appealing the FAA’s decision to close three out of every four contract air traffic control towers approached, HAI President Matt Zuccaro reached out directly to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, writing in a letter, “I urge you to consider the importance of keeping these towers open to allow for safe arrivals and [...]
Air Traffic Control Faces Double Squeeze Due to Sequester
Source: HAI, 14-Mar-13
he FAA has imposed a hiring freeze to help blunt the sequester’s impact, but that threatens to disrupt the supply of new air traffic controllers needed to replace the thousands of workers eligible for retirement. This does not bode well for the controller population and flying public, as more than 3,000 out of the 15,000 [...]
FAA to Close 75% of Contract Towers Within 30 Days
Source: HAI, 13-Mar-13
This is an urgent follow-up to yesterday’s alert concerning the FAA’s plans to close within 30 days 75 percent of the air traffic control towers managed under the Federal Contract Tower Program. HAI President Matt Zuccaro is calling on all members of the helicopter industry to take immediate action: contact your two U.S. senators and ask [...]
FAA approves Arlington Police’s drones
Source: Star Telegram, 11-Mar-13
The Arlington Police Department recently won approval from the federal government to fly two remote-control helicopters for public safety purposes ( see full story)
Honeywell receives FAA STC for AW139 Zing HUMS
Source: Honeywell, 09-Mar-13
Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced that its onboard Zing Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) 1134 has received FAA approval for the Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for installation on AW139 helicopters. This STC, developed in partnership with Air Concepts International, will enable current and new production AW139 operators to select Honeywell’s Zing HUMS 1134 system at [...]
GAMA convenes Rotorcraft and Certification forum
Source: GAMA, 08-Mar-13
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) and the Helicopter Association International (HAI) called together aviation stakeholders to discuss the existing regulations governing rotorcraft design (Part 27 & Part 29). “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to address and change regulations impacting [...]
Civil/Military Aviation Conference becomes early casualty of FAA cuts
Source: Air Traffic Management, 08-Mar-13
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)
FAA approves MD902 gross weight increase to 6,770 pounds
Source: MD Helicopters, 07-Mar-13
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the MD Explorer 902 certification at an increased maximum gross weight of 6,770 lbs. (3,070 kg.). The extra payload of 270 lbs. (122 kg.) allows operators in every market [...]
US budget cuts (aka “Sequestration”) hit from today
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Mar-13
US budgetary cuts, known as “sequestration”, starts today – 1st March 2013. The FAA needs to reduce its expenditures by about $600 Million for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013. Among the changes which are likely to impact is a program whereby almost all their 47,000 employees will be forced to take unpaid leave for [...]
FAA and Spain cooperate in alternative aviation fuels
Source: FAA, 01-Mar-13
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) signed a Declaration of Cooperation to promote the development and use of sustainable alternative aviation fuels in the United States and Spain. The Declaration was signed by Carey Fagan, FAA Executive Director for International Affairs, and Isabel Maestre Moreno, Director of [...]
FAA Planning for $600M in 2013 Spending Cuts
Source: FAA, 25-Feb-13
To prepare for the possibility of a budget sequestration on March 1, 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making plans to reduce its expenditures by approximately $600 million for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013. Among the changes we are considering are furloughing the vast majority of our 47,000 employees for approximately one day [...]
FAA had twice suspended licence of pilot in fatal crash
Source: LA Times, 21-Feb-13
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Acton this month had his pilot privileges suspended twice in the last decade, according to FAA records (see full story). Details on the accident referred to can be found at 10-Feb-13 N59518 Bell 206B Acton, US-California (3F)
EASA approves Simplex AS350/AS355 aerial cleaning and de-icing System
Source: Simplex, 18-Feb-13
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has completed the validation of the Model 510 FAA STC. On February 8th, the Simplex Model 510 powerline insulator and windmill cleaning and de-icing system was granted EASA certification (EASA # 10043539) for installation and operation on AS 350 and AS 355 series aircraft. Simplex received an FAA STC [...]
HAI President: Dire consequences under Sequestration scenario
Source: HAI, 17-Feb-13
Sequestration appears on track to take effect March 1 – the faltering economic recovery is now in its 44th month, unemployment remains high, growth is sluggish, and forecasts for 2013 aren’t much rosier. President Obama unveiled no new ideas at his State of the Union address in Washington Tuesday evening, prompting HAI President Matt Zuccaro [...]
FAA Launches Second Phase of GA Airports Study
Source: FAA, 15-Feb-13
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 — [...]
FAA requests proposals for UAV test sites
Source: FAA, 14-Feb-13
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 [...]
Schiff, Feinstein, Boxer introduce Bill to Regulate LA helicopter traffic
Source: Congressman Schiff, 05-Feb-13
Today, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) introduced legislation today that would require the Federal Aviation Administration to provide Los Angeles County residents relief from the noise and safety concerns caused by low-flying helicopters above residential neighborhoods. The Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act would establish regulations [...]
HAI and AAMS win two year extension to FAA LOX exemption
Source: HAI, 31-Jan-13
On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, the FAA notified HAI that it is granting a 2-year extension of an exemption for helicopter EMS operators. Exemption 6002 allows properly trained air medical pilots to remove and reinstall liquid oxygen system containers under specified conditions. The exemption was set to expire on Thursday, January 31, 2013, but is [...]
HAI Attends Gulf of Mexico HSAC Meeting
Source: HAI, 30-Jan-13
HAI’s Director of Safety Stan Rose and Vice President of Government Affairs Ann Carroll attended the Helicopter Safety Advisory Council (HSAC) meeting in New Orleans, La., from Jan. 23-24. Rose and Carroll participated in a number of discussions with HSAC’s board, as well as with the FAA regarding offshore ADS-B issues.
RSG Delivers High Performance Air Conditioners for AW109E
Source: Rotorcraft Services Group, 22-Jan-13
Rotorcraft Services Group, Inc. (RSG), an industry leader in aircraft services and product development, announced the successful delivery and installation of its Agusta A109e high performance air conditioning system for Saudi Aramco. The FAA STC/PMA approved system was upgraded for operations in extreme temperature and humidity environment to satisfy Armaco’s specifications. “We strive to differentiate [...]
FAA change rating of NVG maintainers
Source: FAA, 18-Jan-13
1. Purpose of This Notice. This notice explains to airworthiness aviation safety inspectors (ASI) a different rating for the maintenance of night vision goggles (NVG). 2. Audience. The primary audience for this notice is airworthiness ASIs who certificate repair stations that maintain night vision goggles. 3. Where You Can Find This Notice. You can find [...]
North Carolina Safety Seminar Success Despite Weather
Source: HAI, 17-Jan-13
On Tues., Jan. 15, HAI Director of Safety Stan Rose joined the FAA Safety Team in hosting a seminar for helicopter pilots at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. More than 80 local pilots from law enforcement, air medical, NASCAR team flight departments, and other operations gathered to hear presentations on a variety of [...]
Noise Certification Standards for Tiltrotors
Source: HAI, 10-Jan-13
A new rule amends the regulations governing noise certification standards for issuing type and airworthiness certificates for the civil, hybrid airplane-rotorcraft known as the tiltrotor. This noise standard establishes new noise limits and procedures as the basis to ensure consistent aviation noise reduction technology is incorporated in tiltrotors for environmental protection. It provides uniform noise certification [...]
FAA backtracks on maintenance duty time limitations
Source: ARSA, 09-Jan-13
In a major victory for the aviation industry, on December 26, 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) withdrew its faulty legal interpretation of maintenance duty time limitations prescribed in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) section 121.377. Specifically, the agency reversed course on its May 18, 2010 legal interpretation meant to clarify the application of [...]
Bell receives 407 HF Antenna STC approval
Source: Bell, 07-Jan-13
Bell Helicopter, under its Aeronautical Accessories brand, announced it received FAA/STC approval for an HF Antenna for the Bell 407 helicopter model. The HF antenna is designed to interface with many types of HF radios, thereby increasing reception in remote areas, improving safety and communications. A “towel bar style,” the HF antenna runs the full [...]
Free Helicopter Safety Conference in North Carolina – 15 January
Source: FAAST, 07-Jan-13
Attention all Mid-Atlantic Helicopter pilots! Join us for the very latest information on the safety issues facing the rotorcraft industry presented by some of the top industry experts in their field. A panel of experts from the FAA Safety Team, CLT FSDO & ATC, North Carolina State Aviation, and Helicopter Association International (HAI) will discuss [...]
HAI Congratulates FAA Administrator Huerta on Confirmation
Source: HAI, 03-Jan-13
As one of its final acts of the 112th Congress, the U.S. Senate on Jan. 1, 2013 confirmed FAA acting administrator Michael Huerta to a full five-year term as the agency’s administrator. A vote on his confirmation had been held up for much of the previous year. “Michael Huerta has been a steady hand at [...]
FAA Safety Briefing now available in ePub and MOBI formats
Source: FAA, 21-Dec-12
We received several emails recently about subscribing to an e-reader version of the FAA Safety Briefing magazine. In future GovDelivery email notifications that announce new issues — available by clicking the green “subscribe” check mark found at the top of the FAA Safety Briefing home page at faa.gov/news/safety_briefing — we will include the direct links [...]
FAA and National Park Service release Air Tour Reporting Guidance
Source: HAI, 20-Dec-12
The recently passed FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 included a provision requiring air tour operators conducting tours over national parks and abutting tribal lands to submit reports to the FAA and the National Park Service (NPS). The “Notification and Guidance” will be posted on the FAA and NPS web sites very soon, and [...]
FAA and NPS issue list of National Parks exempt from NPATMA
Source: FAA, 20-Dec-12
The US Dept of Transportation has published a list of parks exempt from the provisions of the Air Tour Management Act. The 2012 FAA reauthorization amended the National Parks Air Tour Management Act to exempt national park units with 50 or fewer annual flights from the provisions of the act, and to publish the list [...]
Geisinger Life Flight obtains FAA air carrier certificate
Source: Geisinger Life Flight, 18-Dec-12
After an extensive two-year application and development process, Geisinger Life Flight has been awarded an air carrier certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The air carrier certificate will allow Geisinger Health System (GHS) to directly operate the aircraft assets it leases and owns. In addition, GHS will directly employ its own pilots, mechanics and [...]
Able expands Bell 206 offerings with two PMA approved parts
Source: Able Aerospace Services, 12-Dec-12
Able Aerospace Services, a leader in dynamic component repairs, overhauls, and approved replacement part solutions, announced today the availability of a new Bell 206 Main Rotor Strap Fitting and Pin replacement part (PMA). Operators of Bell 206 helicopters can now further reduce operating costs by utilizing these exclusive FAA-certified PMA parts along with other cost-saving [...]
NATA strongly urges the confirmation of Huerta as FAA Administrator
Source: NATA, 04-Dec-12
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) urges the U.S. Senate to confirm Michael P. Huerta as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Huerta has been the acting administrator of the FAA since he assumed this role in December 2011. “As our country prepares to undertake a massive evolution of our National Airspace System, the [...]
HAI enlists industry help to stop amendment SA2060
Source: HAI, 21-Nov-12
One of the measures on tap for the U.S. Congress’s lame duck session is to pass a bill that would reform the Postal Service (S.1789), due to its serious financial issues. However, the bill contains an amendment (SA2060) that would permit all federal agencies to attend only one association meeting per year. The category of “association meetings” [...]
HAI and industry urge continued NAS-UAS integration
Source: HAI, 09-Nov-12
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 [...]
FAA, SBA, and industry reps. discuss Part 145 rewrite
Source: HAI, 07-Nov-12
With the Nov. 19 comment deadline for the FAA’s revision of Part 145 repair station regulations fast approaching, members of the aviation industry met with FAA officials and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Nov. 5 to discuss the FAA’s proposed aviation repair stations rule, and its effect on aviation businesses. John Goodwin of the [...]
Bell receives STC for LongRanger radar altimeter mount kit
Source: Aeronautical Accessories, 06-Nov-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced it has received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a Radar Altimeter Mount Kit for the Bell 206L, Bell 206L-1, Bell 206L-3, and Bell 206L-4 helicopter models. The Radar Altimeter Mount Kit provides two flat mounting locations for installation of [...]
FAA approves new S-92 composite interior from AAR
Source: AAR, 02-Nov-12
AAR has received FAA certification of its new and improved Off Shore Airliner (OSA) interior design for Sikorsky’s S-92® fleet of offshore utility aircraft. In addition to the composite interiors for the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter program, AAR also provides precision machining services for several hundred aircraft. AAR made the announcement from the National Business Aviation [...]
FAA Upgrades Israel’s Aviation Safety Rating to Category 1
Source: FAA, 01-Nov-12
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that Israel complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), based on the results of an October FAA review of Israel’s civil aviation authority. Israel is now upgraded to Category 1 from the Category 2 safety rating the country [...]
EASA and FAA approve H+S Aviation to repair/overhaul GE CT7-8 engines
Source: H+S Aviation, 31-Oct-12
H+S Aviation, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO) company, has added the new generation General Electric CT7-8 series turboshaft engine to its EASA 145 and FAA approvals list. The CT7-8 is currently in production for Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW101 multi-engine helicopters. H+S Aviation now offers full scale support for engine repair, overhaul [...]
Thales TopDeck avionics suite integrated in FAA-certified S76D
Source: Thales, 19-Oct-12
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Type Certificate for the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation’s S-76D™ helicopter which is equipped with the Thales TopDeck® avionics suite. TopDeck is an integrated modular avionics suite in a glass cockpit, representing Thales’s most advanced avionics suite for rotor wing aircraft. The cockpit will feature a new “click to fly” [...]
Sikorsky S76D is FAA certified
Source: Sikorsky, 15-Oct-12
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Type Certificate for the S-76D™ helicopter, moving the aircraft forward to its highly anticipated delivery into the medium-sized marketplace. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. The FAA signed the certificate on Oct. 12, capping an intensive flight test program to introduce the S-76D helicopter, Sikorsky’s newest [...]
Additional FAA Efforts Could Help Identify and Mitigate Safety Risks, says GAO
Source: GAO, 07-Oct-12
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued report GAO-13-36 (PDF, 44 pages) after looking into GA safety issues. Here is their summary:- What GAO Found The number of nonfatal and fatal general aviation accidents decreased from 1999 through 2011; more than 200 fatal accidents occurred in each of those years. Airplanes—particularly single-engine piston airplanes—flying personal [...]
Obama’s three-day stay pinches pockets of helicopter tour operators
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal, 05-Oct-12
Officials from the Secret Service and FAA met with the tour companies last week to offer an alternative to grounding their helicopters. The plan moved the eight tour companies’ operations to the Jean Airport, where the FAA set up a temporary air traffic control tower to ensure safe aircraft operations. (see full story)
FAA establishes new GA Center of Excellence
Source: FAA, 28-Sep-12
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected a team of universities to lead a new Air Transportation Center of Excellence (COE) for general aviation. The COE will focus research and testing efforts on safety, accessibility and sustainability to enhance the future of general aviation. “The United States [...]
HAI urges ALL helicopter owners to respond to FAA’s GA Survey
Source: HAI, 26-Sep-12
The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting the 34th annual General Aviation (GA) and Part 135 Activity Survey for calendar year 2011. This survey is used by the FAA to measure the size and activity of the general aviation fleet – INCLUDING HELICOPTERS! This online survey is used as the basis for FAA estimates of annual [...]
