Noting there has been widespread misunderstanding of the term “actively engaged” for renewing an aircraft maintenance professional’s Inspection Authorization (IA), the FAA recently issued a long-awaited clarification. The enhanced definition will become effective with the next IA renewal expiration date of March 31, 2013, according to officials at the National Business Aviation Association. The clarification […]
Michigan company wins grant to explore using marinas for amphibs
Air Vehicle Integration, Inc. has received a grant from the Wolf Aviation Fund to research the potential to use marinas for amphibious aircraft operations. AVII is an aircraft design thru lean manufacturing consulting company in Oakland County, Mich., that has been involved with seaworthy aircraft. Company officials have been on the design teams that developed […]
Solar storms could impact GPS
A huge explosion on the surface of the sun Aug. 9 sent a wave of radiation sweeping outward into space, heralding the coming of an active solar storm season. That will likely spell occasional trouble for GPS approaches and satellite-based communications over the next decade — or perhaps longer, according to a report at NBAA.org. […]
Avionics industry optimistic despite economic concerns
About half of the companies responding to the Aircraft Electronics Association’s 2011 Rate & Labor Survey say they expect business to increase this year, with another 46% saying they expect business to remain the same. Only 5% expect a decrease in business, compared to the 15% who expected a decrease in 2009, and 8% in […]
SPOT Connect goes international
The SPOT Connect App is now available to international customers thanks to an update to the app, which pairs iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch with SPOT Connect, a satellite communications device that allows users to transmit messages via satellite from virtually anywhere in the world. The SPOT Connect device provides connectivity to the Globalstar satellite […]
Levil AHRS ‘mini’ introduced
Levil Technology has released its newest Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) for mobile devices. The new AHRS-G mini provides pitch and bank information, as well as magnetic heading, inclination, gravity load and yaw rate without any connections to the aircraft’s electrical or vacuum system, according to company officials. The 5 oz. instrument can also provide […]
Hawker Beechcraft teams with AOPA Insurance Agency
Hawker Beechcraft Corp. has formed an alliance with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Insurance Agency (AOPAIA) as the preferred insurance broker for its Beechcraft Barons and Bonanzas in the United States. “We are committed to supplying our piston owners with the highest quality of services available for their aircraft,” said Jim Holcombe, HBC vice […]
Wilson Air Center opens FBO at CHA
Wilson Air Center opened its FBO at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) earlier this month. The facility includes a newly built 9,000-square-foot executive terminal, an office complex, hangar facilities, ramp and self-serve fuel farm. The new terminal includes a lobby complete with fireplace, integrated coffee bar, an executive conference room, and a business center. The facility […]
Hate shipping charges?
Sporty’s has unveiled its Free and Fast Shipping Club, where pilots can pay an annual membership of $49, which covers shipping costs for a year. “If you’re an active pilot, it only takes a few orders for you to recoup your investment,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “Free shipping applies to any product ranging […]