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April 13, 2022

Airborne 04.13.22: Savage Norden STOL, GAMI Unleaded Avgas, Flexjet Hires!

Also: Biden Touts SAF, Launchpoint Electric Propulsion, Airbus Sells 80 More A320s, Vertical Flight Society

Sun 'n Fun, always a chance to see the latest and greatest in the world of sport aviation, brought out a pleasant surprise this year in JMB Aircraft's new VL-3. The two-place, retractable gear LSA and SportPlane is a lightweight, carbon-bodied, Rotax-powered Czech sportplane aimed at making the $100 burger possible once again. The VL-3 shown at the exhibition was a great example of what is possible with the type, sporting an eye-catching, red leather interior and glass panel G3X avionics ensconced in carbon fiber paneling, looking every bit the part of a sporty enthusiast's aircraft. Recent journalistic digging has brought up some interesting indus

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Piper Makes SnF Seminole Sale to Puerto Rican University

Multi-Engine Trainer Inbound to Territory for 1st Time in 2 Decades

Piper Aircraft has made a rare announcement, publicizing the recent sale of their Seminole twin trainer to the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. The occasion marks the first new Seminole to be sold to the territory in more than 20 years. The order was received during the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo 2022, a great time for school staff to go shopping in the springtime sunshine in the warm April weather. The Seminole will be delivered in the first quarter of 2023, which will join a Piper fleet of 8 Archers, an Arrow, and a sister Seminole.

SportairUSA Reports It Has Presold Seven Aircraft

SportairUSA has reported that the American version of the Savage Norden by Zlin Aviation has received an FAA certificate of airworthiness in the category of Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA). SportairUSA is the distributor and service center for Savage and other sport aircraft in the USA. “The Norden is a high performing, aluminum-wing airplane with electrically controlled leading-edge slats, designed and thoroughly tested for short-field and off-runway performance,” SportairUSA said.

Advanced Air Mobility Nabs New Director to lead Tech Push

Hartzell Propeller is getting their ducks in a row for a big push as they begin courting the market for sustainable aircraft. They have announced the appointment of Mitch Heaton as director of Business Development and New Technology, putting him in charge of propeller development for eVTOL, eSTOL, electric, hybrid and hydrogen powered aircraft.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): The Traditional "Zip Tie" Is Dead…

That's the assessment of Mark Patey, Director of Strategic Innovations and Co-Owner of LockRight LLC, who told ANN CEO and Editor in Chief Jim Campbell at AirVenture that the product developed by his company ... GripLockTies ... will make the universally-known version of the fastener obsolete. The rubber lining on the GripLockTies prevents the zip tie from sliding around on whatever it is securing, Patey said. Worse, he said, the tie has chaffed through a wiring bundle a

UK Company to Assume Service for Legacy Honeywell Avionics

Muirhead Avionics has announced a 10-year agreement that will see them become the exclusive support company for all Honeywell cockpit, control, and displays for ERJ 140/145/135/Legacy aircraft. The Ametek MRO subsidiary will be the sole global repair specialist, requiring that customers ship all units to the Muirhead Avionics facility near London Heathrow airport for service. In their statement publicizing the deal, they promise OEM-quality standards and prompt turnaround times, "commensurate with a repair partnership of this caliber."

StandardAero Expands Mobile Response Team

After Acquiring Dallas Airmotive's F1RST Personnel, the MST is Stronger than Ever

StandardAero has released a revised branding for its global Mobile Service Team after the acquisition of Dallas Airmotive's F1RST Support field service team. Now fully integrated under the StandardAero brand, MST's personnel has swelled to more than 100, with on-site and AOG engine support available to both business aviation and helicopter engine customers - whenever, wherever.

Improved Datasets, Enhanced Navigation Allows Operators to Track Service Provider Adherence to Safety Programs

NATA has officially launched an online directory to gauge the participation of FBOs and airports in "leading industry safety programs." The National Air Transportation Association launched the Safety 1st Verify in order to give interested customers an easy, one-stop spot to see who participated and maintains standards as a part of "Safety 1st, IS-BAH, Safety 1st Clean, and Fuel QC Management System." The Safety 1st directory is a continuation of an older dataset from the NATA, the FBO Status Map, that offers improved search and filtering actions as well as more robust operational and facility information.

BOC Aviation Continues Fleet Expansion

A wide-ranging aircraft leasing company has inked a firm deal with Airbus for 80 new A320neo family aircraft, bringing their total fleet orders to 453 from the marque. The breakdown will see the 80 total aircraft split between 10 A321XLR, 50 A321neo and 20 A320neos for delivery throughout 2027 and 2029. The Singaporean aircraft lessor has, like many others in its market, seen increasing demand from its clients around the world, and it doesn't seem to be too picky about which manufacturer they come from. Last month, BOC Aviation entered into a similar deal with Boeing for the purchase of 11 737 Max 9 through 2024.

About 3,800 Ft AGL, The Engine Lost Power

On March 24, 2022, about 1350 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-300, N111NW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near St. George, Utah. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that during the approach to runway 19 at St. George Regional Airport (SGU), about 3,800 ft agl, the engine lost power. Despite several attempts, he was unsuccessful at restarting the engine. He lowered the flaps to try and gain lift and soon realized he was not going to make the runway.

AD 2022-08-03 Requires Determining If The Seat Belt Center Bracket Is Made Of Steel...

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) (Textron) Model 120 and 140 airplanes and all Model 140A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of seat belt center bracket failures from overstress. This AD requires determining if the seat belt center bracket is made of steel and replacing any non-steel brackets. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective May 17, 2022.

Aero Linx: Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, Inc. This site is the official homepage of the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, Inc. This group is comprised of family members and friends of those whose lives ended when a terrorist bomb exploded on Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland on December 21, 1988. We are committed to seeking the truth about this tragedy and keeping the memory of our loved ones alive.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.13.22): Nonapproach Control Tower

Nonapproach Control Tower

Authorizes aircraft to land or takeoff at the airport controlled by the tower or to transit the Class D airspace. The primary function of a nonapproach control tower is the sequencing of aircraft in the traffic pattern and on the landing area. Nonapproach control towers also separate aircraft operating under instrument flight rules clearances from approach controls and centers. They provide ground control services to aircraft, vehicles, personnel, and equipment on the airport movement area.

Aero-News Quote of the Day

“Mitch Heaton has experience leading strategy and business development across multiple industries, with aviation and aerospace often as a focus. His efforts have included design of connection systems for aircraft, growing unmanned aerial ecosystems, and collaborating with leaders of global aerospace and defense companies and organizations.” Source: Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge, explaining a recent addition as they get their ducks in a row for a big push as they begin courting the market for sustainable aircraft.