In an update from the FAA on the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), which is the agency’s quest for an unleaded avgas, FAA officials now say the completion of testing of the new fuel isn’t expected until mid-2020. [Read more…]
Homebuilt accident rate drops to new low
In 2017, pilots of experimental amateur-built (E-AB) aircraft were involved in fatal accidents at a lower rate than has ever been recorded, according to the 2017 General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey). [Read more…]
A modern-day milestone for CAP
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – A save on the afternoon of Sept. 30, 2018, off the southern tip of Florida has given the Civil Air Patrol a new record for lives saved in a fiscal year — 155, as credited by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC).
Virtually all of those saves – 147, or 95% – occurred with the support of CAP’s National Cell Phone Forensics Team.
The organization totaled 154 saves in fiscal 1983 and again in fiscal 1994, surpassing 100 in 16 of the previous 51 years. Before that, saves weren’t reported annually. [Read more…]
Aerospace industry has $24.8 billion impact on South Carolina economy
South Carolina’s aerospace industry cluster is one of the largest in the state, according to a study released by the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness.
The study finds that there are more than 350 aerospace companies operating in the state that, together, employ 54,881 people, creating a $24.8 billion economic impact. [Read more…]
LSA weight limit changes still years away
Experimental Aircraft Association Chairman and CEO Jack Pelton revealed that the FAA is going to increase the weight limit for light-sport aircraft to 3,600 pounds at the AOPA’s Regional Fly-In, but EAA officials are now advising the general aviation community that there’s “much work to be done” before this becomes reality.
The proposed weight limit change is just part of current discussions between EAA and the FAA before any broad MOSAIC — Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates — rulemaking — and those discussions are still in the formative stage, according Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety.
“There are numerous ideas that have emerged from discussions regarding MOSAIC, which began more than two years ago as informal conversations between EAA and FAA,” he said. “One area that emerged was how to help LSA fulfill its full potential. While weight-limit changes are one possibility, a specific number such as 3,600 pounds is something that is still very much in the exploratory stage.” [Read more…]
LSA weight to increase to 3,600 pounds, another ADS-B rebate in the works
At the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Regional Fly-In in Carbondale, Illinois, Oct. 6, it was revealed that the FAA will start the rulemaking process in January 2019 to increase the weight of light-sport aircraft from 1,320 pounds to 3,600 pounds.
According to Jack Pelton, chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the FAA will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking on Jan. 19, 2019, for the weight increase.
“That will allow you to fly in a 172, have four seats in the airplane, and fly 150 mph,” said Pelton, who also anticipates a rule change that would allow professional builders to build experimental amateur-built aircraft. [Read more…]
Goulian wins Red Bull race in Indy
Michael Goulian became the first Red Bull Air Race pilot from the United States to win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. [Read more…]
Free webinar gives overview of FAA reauthorization
A free, 90-minute recording of a webinar given by aviation attorneys dives into the newly passed, 1,200-page FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and its implications for general aviation, manufacturers, the drone industry, the airlines, and more.
After six extensions over the past year and a half, the U.S. Senate finally passed the law on Oct. 3 in a 96-to-4 vote. For the aviation industry, the task is now to understand and respond to the cascading implications of the five-year reauthorization, says Mark A. Dombroff, co-leader of the LeClairRyan law firm’s aviation industry practice.
“To say this act covers a broad array of topics is an understatement,” Dombroff said. [Read more…]
FlightServ plans new FBO facility at KTTN
EWING, N.J. – After years of negotiation with Mercer County and the Trenton Mercer Airport Authority, FlightServ has acquired a new ground lease to build a new FBO and hangar at Trenton Mercer Airport (KTTN). [Read more…]
Sporty’s now official store for Women in Aviation International
Sporty’s Pilot Shop is now managing all online sales for Women in Aviation International merchandise. [Read more…]