Ranger Rotorcraft Group, Inc. and its largest subsidiary, Texas Aviation Services, Inc., are increasing their scope of MRO services for aging helicopter fleets. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul is a critical part of the company’s business model, since the fleet of aging helicopters is enormous and steadily growing, according to officials at the company, which is […]
Indiana seaplane pilots fight for lake access
The Indiana Seaplane Pilots Association (ISPA) has issued a call to action in support of a proposal to increase public access to Indiana lakes for seaplanes. “After ten years of a pilot program designed to show the feasibility and compatibility of opening more Indiana lakes to seaplane traffic, the Indiana Departments of Natural Resources (INDNR) […]
Gobosh introduces 700X
Gobosh Aviation introduced the new Gobosh 700X at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida. The 700X is a Dynon-equipped version of the Gobosh 700S, an all-metal Light Sport Aircraft. “The 700S was introduced with conventional instrumentation at AirVenture 2007,” stated Tim Baldwin, president of Gobosh Aviation. “Since then, a number of sport pilots […]
Sporty’s Fly-In set for May 16
Sporty’s Sweepstakes airplane, a new Cessna Skyhawk with Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology, will be awarded May 16 during Sporty’s Annual Fly-In. “We decided to incorporate our sweepstakes drawing into our fly-in to share with our customers the excitement of awarding a brand-new airplane,” said Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “Of course, you don’t have to be […]
New LSA, NG IV, debuts
The ROKO AERO NG IV, an LSA designed from the ground up as a training aircraft, was introduced this week. Designed by Milan Bristela, who also designed the CZAW Sport Cruiser, the NG IV has reduced pitch sensitivity and more lateral stability due to new winglets and stall characteristics that make it “the ultimate forgiving […]
New requirement for hangar fire suppression
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which develops building fire codes including requirements for aircraft hangars, recently proposed new technical changes that will affect aircraft hangar owners. The current March 6 comment period deadline to address the changes limits the amount of time the general aviation industry has to review, prepare and submit its concerns. […]
406-MHz ELT requirement starts Feb. 1
The FAA Safety Team has issued a notice reminding aircraft operators that satellite monitoring of 121.5-MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) will end as of Feb. 1. As of that date, the International Cospas-Sarsat Organization will monitor only 406-MHz ELTs, which “transmit a much stronger signal, are more accurate, verifiable and traceable to the registered beacon […]
Ultralight pilot arrested for flying over tribal land
The Hualapai Nation tribal police have cited a pilot for flying his ultralight over tribal lands near the Gand Canyon, according to a Jan. 22 report by Cyndy Cole in the Arizona Daily Sun. After flying over the western Grand Canyon, pilot Lionel De Antoni landed to find that his motor home had been towed […]
Air Tractor’s new trainer takes off
Air Tractor has introduced the AT-504 – an all-new turboprop spray plane and trainer. Side-by-side cockpit seating is the most noticeable feature of the AT-504. Under its aluminum skin the AT-504 is built on Air Tractor’s AT-502B airframe. It also is powered by the same engine, a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34AG turboprop. “The AT-504 performs […]