AVweb’s search of the news in aviation found a new FTD for Canadian helicopter pilots, AOPA’s latest loan program, updates to the Red Bull Air Race, and a new STC approval for Sikorsky helicopters. FRASCA International Inc. has contracted with HNZ Group Inc. of Montreal, Canada, for the supply of an AS350 Level 7 Flight Training Device. The FTD will be convertible between three different configurations of the aircraft. This will be the first Level 7 Flight Training Device certified in Canada.The AS350B FTD will be installed inside the airport terminal at Edmonton International Airport and will be used for initial and recurrent training for pilots flying demanding missions in remote areas of Canada. It will also be made available for training use by other Canadian helicopter operators.AOPA announced the availability of flight training financing developed by the AOPA Aviation Finance Company. The funds can be used for everything from starting and finishing primary training to advanced training, such as instrument training or obtaining a commercial certificate. Unique features of AOPA flight training financing include the ability to borrow up to $100,000 over a 24- to 84-month period with no money down, no loan minimum and minimal paperwork.
Red Bull Air Race announced the third race of this year’s air racing World Championship will be staged in Rovinj, Croatia. The stop in Rovinj will replace Sochi, Russia, which unfortunately cannot be conducted due to financial and organizational challenges. “It would have been great to host the first Red Bull Air Race in Russia this year, but due to the current situation with the international capital markets, our partners in Russia are facing extremely high exchange rates,” said Erich Wolf, General Manager, Red Bull Air Race. “However, this gives us the chance to return to Croatia, where we had a spectacular race last year.” The eight-stop 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship began in Abu Dhabi in February.Maxcraft Avionics Ltd. announcedit has received FAA STC SR03498NY (TCCA STC SH14-36) for installation of the Latitude Technologies IONode Flight Data Monitor on Sikorsky S-76 Series helicopters. The IONodeTM ION100 lightweight flight data recorder will help improve aircraft operating efficiencies, reduce maintenance costs, increase safety, and help improve a fleet’s bottom line.
