With the stroke of a pen, the FAA has certified that the Thrush 510P joins its sibling, the Thrush 510G, as being fully compliant with the most modern certification standards — and able to officially fly at its fully operational gross weight of 10,500 pounds. The new certification marks the culmination of more than eight years […]
Briefings
Mario Andretti named honorary chairman of Learn to Fly Month initiative
Race car legend Mario Andretti has been named honorary chairman of the Flight School Association of North America‘s Learn to Fly Month, slated for May. FSANA officials say they expect the initiative to reach “international proportions” within a few years. “With time, we see public response creating a ‘Black Friday’ effect on the entire flight […]
Textron inks deal with University of Dubuque
Textron Aviation has signed a multi-year agreement with the University of Dubuque, establishing the university’s commitment to purchase new flight training aircraft solely from Textron Aviation through 2026. As part of the new agreement, Textron Aviation will provide product support, parts and training for the university’s new Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft, which will be equipped […]
Sun Flyer to benefit from Part 23 reform
DENVER – The recent release of the revised Part 23 airworthiness standards for the Federal Aviation Regulations will “significantly” streamline the process of certifying the Sun Flyer, according to officials with the company developing the electric flight trainer. The FAA released a final rule in December 2016 for the new Part 23, which enables a more […]
AOPA welcomes drone pilots
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched a new line of membership options for drone pilots. Opening up the association to drone pilots is “a key part of an ongoing effort to unite manned and unmanned pilots for the common purpose of safe integration of all users,” AOPA officials said. AOPA has already been […]
Van Allen Airmotive lands at Queen City Airport
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Van Allen Airmotive has opened at Queen City Airport (KXLL). The new company is headed by David Van Allen, a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley who earned his pilot’s license at Queen City Airport in 1982 and has used it throughout the years in his businesses. According to Van Allen, the time was […]
NATA launches LifeLine Response
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has added LifeLine Response to its array of products and services. LifeLine Response provides situational awareness and on-demand protection for passengers and pilots in dangerous or vulnerable situations worldwide, NATA officials explained. LifeLine Response utilizes global imagery, communication tools and proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to provide […]
Shipments, billings down for GA manufacturers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At its annual industry review Feb. 22, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2016 year-end aircraft shipment and billings numbers. GAMA Chairman Simon Caldecott, president and CEO of Piper Aircraft, revealed that airplane shipments globally fell 3.9%, from 2,331 in 2015 to 2,241 in 2016, while airplane billings declined 14.1%, from $24.1 billion […]
Brandywine Flight School expands fleet with taildraggers
WEST CHESTER, Pa. —Brandywine Flight School has added two taildraggers — a Cessna 140A and Cessna 170A — to its fleet of airplanes at Brandywine Airport. With these new additions, the flight school will offer “classic flying” instruction to its array of aviation packages and rental services, officials noted. “It makes educational sense to offer primary flight training in a tailwheel […]