The proposed bill, which drew strong criticism from the general aviation and business aviation community, has been “reported to study,” which means it won’t advance any further in the current legislative session.
Pilots
Pandemic puts dent in outlook for pilots and technicians
An uneven recovery from the market turndown cause by the pandemic means a 20% drop in the predicted demand for pilots in the next 20 years and a 15% drop. Even so, Boeing’s annual outlook notes that opportunities for aspiring aviators “abound” while companies will face “stiff competition in recruiting and retaining top tier talent.”
Companies team to develop technology to warn of potential mid-air threats
The collision avoidance safety system will use computer vision and machine learning to “see” when another aircraft is approaching from outside the pilot’s field of view and poses a risk, issuing 3D audio warnings.
New advocacy group, Friends of Aviation, takes off
“Our goal is to build a grassroots community of aviators to help prevent airport crisis and closure,” Friends of Aviation founder Andrew Crider said. “After COVID, the aviation industry is in crisis. Airports all around the country are facing more threats than ever before.”
Business Aviation Fact Book updated
This year’s edition of the Fact Book also highlights the emphasis business aviation has had on sustainability, association officials note. Over the past four decades, business aviation has achieved a 40% reduction in carbon emissions, officials add.
Latest edition of Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide released
The 10th edition includes a slew of new information, including flight simulators, ADS-B In and Out, BasicMed, and more.
Earn WINGS credit with PlaneEnglish Aviation Radio Sim
Pilots can now claim WINGS credit for completing PlaneEnglish’s first and free course in the FAA WINGS Program called “Radio Communications at Non-Towered Airports and Class E Airspace.” Other courses will be released soon, according to company officials.
Volunteers spruce up Oregon’s Toketee State Airport
Members of the Recreational Aviation Foundation and Oregon Pilots Association volunteered to help improve the primitive camping area at Toketee State Airport.
FAA expands weather camera coverage in Colorado and Montana
The cameras, along with weather data from the equipment, give pilots critical pre-flight information, such as weather trends and from which direction bad weather is approaching.