National Aviation Organizations Applaud The Move

National aviation organizations are praising Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie for declaring 2013 the “Year of General Aviation.”  In Hawaii, general aviation contributes more than $412 million into the economy every year and aviation supports more than 58,000 jobs. Across the country, general aviation has an economic impact of $150 billion annually and supports 1.2 million jobs.

Former Oklahoma University Football Player Was Among Those Fatally Injured

The cockpit voice recorder from a Beech Premier 1 that went down in a residential neighborhood in South Bend, IN, is on its way to an NTSB lab in Washington, D.C., where it will be examined as a key part of the accident investigation. Two people were fatally injured in the accident, and two others on board the plane sustained serious injuries.

Congressman Re-Introduces Drone Legislation As National Debate Continues Over Expanded Use

With tens of thousands of domestic commercial drone licenses expected to be handed out in the coming years, Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-MA), co-Chair of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Privacy Caucus, introduced updated legislation Tuesday he says will "ensure standards for informing the public and establish safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals from expanded use of drones." The bill would require privacy protection provisions relating to data collection and minimization, disclosure, warrant requirements for law enforcement, and enforcement measures in the licensing and operation of drones.

Provisions Become Effective On August 2, But Uncertainty Remains

In a message posted on its website, ALPA reminds pilots that new ATP qualifications outlined by the FAA will go into effect on August 2 of this year. In 2010, the U.S. Congress passed a bill titled the “Airline Safety and Federal Administration Extension Act of 2010” requiring first officers in FAR Part 121 operations to hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

Former President And CEO Of The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA)

The Tennessee State Legislature has passed a Senate Joint Resolution honoring the retirement and contributions of Raul L. Regalado, former President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), for his advancements to the civil aviation industry and his tenure with the MNAA.

Airplanes Are The Centerpiece Of The Saudi Air Force Fleet Modernizations Program

The U.S. Air Force and its prime contractor Boeing have completed a successful first flight of the new F-15SA advanced fighter aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The F-15SA's maiden voyage took place Feb. 20  at the Boeing facilities in St. Louis. The flight went as planned, meeting all test objectives to support the aircraft's on-schedule development.

Will Hold The Telescope Steady As It Studies The Cosmos

A massive backplane that will hold the primary mirror of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope nearly motionless while it peers into space is another step closer to completion with the recent assembly of the support structure's wings.

Will Allow Parts To Be Stored And Processed Duty-Free

StandardAero's Components business in Cincinnati, OH has been designated and received its activation and approval as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). Foreign Trade Zones are designated sites approved by the Foreign Trade Zone Board where imported goods can be stored or processed with duty-free treatment on items that are re-exported or where duty payment can be deferred.

New Helo Flown At Stops In Louisiana, Texas, Las Vegas

The Eurocopter EC175’s performance, advanced avionics, handling qualities and operational safety got high marks during a U.S. demonstration tour of this next-generation medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter for airlift providers to the off-shore oil and gas sector, as well as the law enforcement and emergency medical services.

Sends Letter To Administrator Pistole Expressing Union's View

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa repeated his strong opposition to the Transport Security Administration's (TSA) decision to allow knives in the aircraft cabin in a letter sent Monday to TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. In the letter, Hoffa demanded to know why the administrator didn't consult any of the unions that represent flight attendants before moving forward with this proposal.

Allows Astrium To Better Serve North American In-Space Propulsion Customers

Astrium Americas, an EADS North America company, has opened an office to provide Astrium's in-space propulsion capabilities to the North American market. This new office is based in the Los Angeles area and will initially focus on business development.

Pilot Was Held Hostage, Both Fugitives Recaptured

A helicopter pilot in Canada who thought he was making a routine sightseeing flight Monday wound up as an unwitting accomplice in a prison break, as he was forced at gunpoint to fly to a prison in Saint Jerome north of Montreal, Canada, and help two inmates escape.

Riddled With Error, ABC Story Damages GA In A Number of Ways

Aero-News/Analysis/Opinion By James R. Campbell, ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Ya gotta pity Rich Stowell right now... after being approached by a National news network some months ago to work with them on a story about people with interesting occupations, he had little idea as to how that effort was destined to turn out as poorly as recent data suggests. Stowell, a leading expert in the teaching of unusual attitudes, stalls and spin training, took an ABC news reporter "up for a spin" several months ago with the best of intentions... only to see the story finally hit the airwaves months later, riddled with error and slanted to take advantage of the sensationalism surrounding a spate of tragic acc

Avionics Development In The Light Sport Aircraft Market Continues To Impress

It started simply enough... according to the folks at GRT -- "Grand Rapids Technologies was founded in 1991 by an electrical engineer named Greg Toman. His day job involved writing algorithms that powered inertial navigation systems for the Boeing 737 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Greg enjoyed his engineering work, but the world of experimental aircraft held his true passion. He realized that the technology he worked with every day for the 'big guys' could be adapted to serve even the smallest ultralights.

American Society Of Civil Engineers Says Additional Investment Is Needed

In its annual report on the nation's infrastructure, the American Society Of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gives aviation infrastructure a grade of "D". The report says that the FAA estimates that the national cost of airport congestion and delays was almost $22 billion in 2012. If current federal funding levels are maintained, the FAA anticipates that the cost of congestion and delays to the economy will rise from $34 billion in 2020 to $63 billion by 2040.

Approval For 2000 EASy Series Also Granted

EASA has certified the two newest members of the Falcon family of business jets, the 2000S and 2000LXS. Approval from the FAA is expected to follow shortly. Unveiled in May 2011, the Falcon 2000S is the new entry level jet in the Falcon family.

Plans To Acquire 175 New Airplanes For Fleet Expansion

Ryanair has placed the largest order ever for a European airline with Boeing, agreeing to purchase 175 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft of just under $8 billion. The announcement was made in conjunction with a visit Tuesday by Irish Prime Minister Edna Kenny to Washington, D.C. Kenny plans to travel to the Puget Sound region later this week.

RTCA Standards Were Not Used For Initial Dreamliner Testing

Boeing says that it will use the stringent Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) standards to test its re-designed lithium-ion battery systems even though they are not required by the FAA. Boeing helped develop and publish the standards in 2008, but the FAA did not require that the Dreamliner's batteries to meet them in the initial certification of the Dreamliner.

Lawson Is A Former Executive VP With Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

The board of directors of Spirit AeroSystems has named Larry A. Lawson, president and chief executive officer, effective April 6, 2013. Mr. Lawson, formerly executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics business segment, succeeds Jeff Turner who has been Spirit's CEO since the company's formation in 2005. Mr. Turner is expected to remain on Spirit's board of directors.

Pilots Hand-Selected From Among The Best In Several Types Of Aircraft

The F-35 Lightning II at California's Edwards AFB entered a new phase of testing with the arrival of the first two operational test aircraft March 6. Team members from the 53rd Wing's 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, a tenant unit at Edwards, will determine how to best tactically operate the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant of the fifth-generation fighter.

“On behalf of U.S. airports, I applaud ASCE for conducting such a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s infrastructure. The report clearly shows that we can no longer rely on the status quo funding system." Source: ACI-NA president and CEO Greg Principato.

An event during landing that results in excessive G-forces being transmitted into the structure of the aircraft and may result in an inspection for damage to the aircraft.

An Australian company specializing in restoring antique aircraft to like-new condition. These guys literally dig an aluminum carcass out of the jungle, and return it to its rightful glory.