New Drone Rules Deal with Remote ID and Operations Over People

The FAA has released final rules for Unmanned Aircraft (UA), commonly known as drones. The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots. Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules support technological and operational innovation and advancements.

Also: Flexjet COVID-19 Testing, Eclipse 500 Training Program, CAF Stretch Goal, First ATR 72-600F

ANN Flight Test Report on Pipistrel Panthera is now Complete! OK... it took a LOT longer than expected, but with a pandemic affecting so much of our industry, as well as other factors, ANN’s massive 12,000 word flight report on the 200 knot Pipistrel Panthera is now complete as a humongous six part series on the ANN web site. One reason it took so long is the exacting standards we maintained throughout the flight and documentation period surrounding this plane... as we have for each and every one of o

Will Align US Standards With The International CO2 Emissions Standards Set By ICAO

The EPA has finalized emissions standards for airplanes used in commercial aviation and large business jets. This action will align U.S. standards with the international carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring domestically manufactured aircraft remain competitive in the global marketplace. This final rulemaking also sets a precedent with the Trump Administration being the first to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft.

From 2014: Tecnam Finetunes An Already Accomplished Product Line With A Low-Wing Design

At Sun ‘n Fun 2014 ANN took a look at the new Tecnam Astore. ANN meets up with Phil Solomon, a sales agent for Tecnam U.S.A., and asks what’s so different about the Astore. Solomon responds by pointing out that Tecnam has been known for its high wing airplanes and this is their first low-wing design. Solomon said that Tecnam has been known for their high-wing airplanes that are heavily used at training schools, and this airplane was intended as an upgrade follow-on to the high-w

AMA Issues Statement on FAA's Final Remote ID Rule

Tyler Dobbs, Director of Government Affairs at AMA, has issued a statement on the organization's behalf regarding the FAA’s final rule on remote identification of UA. “The final remote ID rule prioritizes the safety and security of the national airspace, while also accommodating the longstanding, safe hobby of flying model aircraft. The rule sets forth requirements that will allow seasoned aviators and burgeoning pilots to continue enjoying our hobby responsibly. Flying model aircraft has proven to be an effective tool for generating interest in high-demand STEM-related fields, such as aviation, engineering and aerospace..."

NATA’s Part 135 Charter Operators And FBOs That Provide Ground Handling Services To The Airlines Are Included

Last week, Congress passed a $900 billion stimulus package to support American workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19. President Trump has just signed into law the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2021, which included the $900 billion stimulus package. Importantly, for members of the National Air Transportation (NATA), the Act provides for a second round of the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), relief for passenger air carriers and contractors through the airlines through another round of the CARES Act Payroll Support Program, and limited funding for general aviation airports.

As The Airplane Came To A Stop The Right Wing Contacted The Ground

On December 16, 2020, at 1419 eastern standard time, an Embraer EMB-500, N661EP, was substantially damaged when it overran the runway during landing at Jacksonville Executive Airport at Craig (CRG), Jacksonville, Florida. The pilot, copilot, and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 corporate flight. According to the pilot, he performed an instrument landing system approach to runway 32 at CRG. He landed in the touchdown zone at a speed of 100 knots. After the airplane slowed to 80 knots, he applied full manual braking, but the airplane “was not reducing speed for stop as expected.”

AD 2020-26-10 Requires Revising The Existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter and installing a placard to prohibit intentional entry into autorotation. This AD would also allow replacement of an affected fuel control unit (FCU) as an optional terminating action for the RFM revision and placard installation. This AD was prompted by reports that certain FCUs may not have been calibrated to specification during overhaul. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective February 1,

AD 2020-26-13 Prompted By Seven Incidents Of Fatigue Cracks In The Horizontal Stabilizer Root Fitting

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This AD was prompted by seven incidents of fatigue cracks in the horizontal stabilizer root fitting FWD (forward root fitting). This AD requires establishing the life limit of certain part-numbered forward root fittings, establishing the life limit of certain part-numbered stabilizer strut fittings, repetitively inspecting certain parts, and depending on the inspection results, removing parts from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective February 1, 2021.

NATO Intercepts Hundreds Of Russian Military Jets In 2020

NATO air forces across Europe scrambled more than 400 times in 2020 to intercept unknown aircraft approaching Alliance airspace. Almost 90 percent of these missions - around 350 - were in response to flights by Russian military aircraft. This is a moderate increase from 2019. Russian military aircraft often do not transmit a transponder code indicating their position and altitude, do not file a flight plan, or do not communicate with air traffic controllers, posing a potential risk to civilian airliners.

Aero Linx: The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) is the world’s largest pilot trade association representing over 30,000 professional passenger and all-cargo airline pilots.  CAPA’s mission is to address safety, security, legislative and regulatory issues affecting the professional flight deck crew member on matters of common interest to the individual member unions. We are an advocate for strong safety and security programs that continue to fortify the continuously vulnerable aviation industry.

Unpublished Route A route for which no minimum altitude is published or charted for pilot use. It may include a direct route between NAVAIDs, a radial, a radar vector, or a final approach course beyond the segments of an instrument approach procedure.

“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns. They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.” Source: FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, discussing the publication of new regs for drone flight. The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.