The Government Accountability Office‘s (GAO) recently issued aviation safety report, “Certification and Approval Processes are Generally Viewed as Working Well, but Better Evaluative Information Needed to Improve Efficiency,” misses the mark in that it fails to provide meaningful information on the root cause and scope of the FAA regulatory interpretation inconsistencies and lacks an insightful […]
Problems found in FAA certification process
Washington, DC — A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of the FAA programs to certify aircraft, aviation equipment and systems found irregular procedures, delays and consistency problems. Because of a lack of uniform standards and evaluation criteria, the FAA certification of new aircraft, parts, equipment, and aviation system components is often delayed, according to […]
FAA approves fuel reimbursement for volunteer pilots
A groundbreaking ruling by the FAA means good news for volunteer pilots engaged in charitable flying who will now be able to operate under an FAA exemption allowing them to receive reimbursement for fuel used in the transport of patients, wounded warriors, and veterans. Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, Airlift Hope, and Mercy Medical Airlift are 501(c)(3) […]
NavWorx now shipping ADS-B equipment
NavWorx, Inc. has begun shipping its ADS-B Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) designed to receive subscription-free aircraft traffic and aviation weather. The NavWorx® ADS600-B transceiver delivers TIS-B traffic and FIS-B weather and flight information to a variety of aircraft electronic displays. It is designed to be fully compliant with FAA TSO-C154c and is FCC Approved. ADS-B […]
Scheyden partners with renowned designer
Scheyden Precision Eyewear, which produces lenses and frames for aviators, has struck a partnership with renowned eyewear and optics designer Patrick Hussey, who will oversee product development beginning with the brand’s 2011 collection. Hussey’s more than 20 years of industry experience includes serving as president of Persol North America, developing a patented, integrated goggle/helmet system […]
West Star appointed Hawker Beechcraft service center
West Star Aviation’s Grand Junction, Colo. (GJT) facility has been appointed by Hawker Beechcraft (HBC) as an authorized service center. The agreement includes services on all Beechcraft KingAir models, as well as on Beechcraft Baron and Bonanza models. “We have numerous loyal KingAir customers at GJT, and this agreement will allow us to provide complete […]
Avfuel expands with Avplan
Avfuel Corp. has created a dedicated flight and trip-planning subsidiary called Avplan. Avfuel acquired Pacific Coast Forecasting (PCF) of Van Nuys, Calif., in the first quarter of 2010 to enhance the trip-planning and ground-handling arrangements Avfuel has provided to existing customers. Adding the option of in-house, professional trip planning will streamline and enhance Avfuel’s service […]
Simulated engine failure gets real
This October 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Piper Tomahawk. Injuries: None. Location: Friant, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to […]
TTF good for airports, EAA says
In comments submitted to the FAA on Monday, Oct. 25, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) reiterated its efforts to persuade the FAA that adjacent residential through-the-fence (TTF) agreements will not harm general aviation airport operations; rather, they create an economic stimulus tool that will actually strengthen local community ties to the airport. Read more here.