FORT WORTH, Texas — Instead of airplanes, Hangar 11N at Meacham International Airport (KFTW) was filled with toys Dec. 11, 2019, as guests of the seventh annual American Aero FTW holiday luncheon filed in with gifts to brighten the holidays for a child in need.
[Read more…]Almost 80,000 GA aircraft ADS-B equipped
The latest statistics from the FAA show that the number of general aviation aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out — as of Dec. 1, 2019 — is 79,214.
Total number of all aircraft equipped before the Jan. 1, 2020, mandate requiring ADS-B Out in certain airspace is 111,400, according to the agency.
[Read more…]NBAA continues its fight for SMO
The city of Santa Monica, California, which operates the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO), has for years engaged in unlawful revenue diversion by entering into inadequately documented loans with SMO and collecting excessive landing fees from aviation users, among other compliance issues, officials with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) asserted in a Dec. 9 appeal.
[Read more…]Drone tracking standards developed by ASTM
A highly anticipated ASTM International standard is designed to satisfy the growing demand for better identification and tracking of unmanned aircraft systems — commonly known as drones.
Similar to the function of a car license plate, the Remote ID standard supports technology that allows the general public and public safety officials to identify a drone using an assigned ID, while preserving the privacy of the drone pilot’s personal information.
[Read more…]Westbound round-the-world record attempt happening now
Flying around the world isn’t for the faint of heart. Especially in a general aviation aircraft.
Efficiency expert Bill Harrelson, flying his Lancair IV (N6ZQ), is mid-attempt as I type this. At present, he’s over the Pacific Ocean enroute to Jakarta from Honolulu.
[Read more…]Piper opens applications for apprentice program
Piper Aircraft has opened the application period for the 2020 Apprenticeship Program.
The 2020 group, which will begin in late July, will be the second apprenticeship class at Piper Aircraft’s world headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida. The two-year program includes a combination of on-the-job training, as well as classroom instruction designed to qualify the participants as a Journeyman in Aircraft Assembly. Each apprentice is a paid employee of Piper Aircraft and receives a full benefits package.
[Read more…]Drone community to help FAA develop recreational drone flyer test
The FAA has asked 12 organizations, companies, and educational institutions to help it develop the new recreational drone flyer test.
The test will be “an important opportunity to educate recreational flyers about the rules of the sky as we continue to safely integrate drones into our nation’s airspace,” FAA officials said.
[Read more…]e-Beaver makes first flight from Fraser River
Electric motor powered aircraft have flown before. So this wasn’t that kind of first flight. But that doesn’t make it any less significant.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, Harbour Air CEO Greg McDougall flew the company’s MagniX500-powered deHavilland Beaver from the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia.
[Read more…]uAvionix tailBeacon approved for rotorcraft
uAvionix’s tailBeacon has been accepted by the FAA for installation on rotorcraft, with no further updates or changes required.
FAA officials reported in early December 2019 that only 53% of rotorcraft will be equipped with ADS-B Out by the Jan. 1, 2020, deadline.
“There is a significant gap left to cover, and the FAA is motivated to close that gap,” said Ryan Braun, uAvionix COO.
[Read more…]Save the date for DeLand Showcase 2020
The DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase (DSAS) has revealed the dates for the 2020 event: Nov. 12-14.
Based at the DeLand Municipal Airport (KDED) in Florida, the 2020 event will be the fifth show for the showcase.
[Read more…]