News

Hundreds of creditors are named in court documents obtained by AVweb relating to the bankruptcy of Silver State Helicopters. The aggressive Las Vegas-based training company, which had 34 locations, closed them all earlier this week, leaving a trail of unpaid bills. We were caught flat footed like everybody else, Robinson Helicopter Vice President Kurt Robinson […]

The federal Transportation Department this week released the latest version of its budget request, including user-fee-based funding for the FAA, and reaction has been swift. “What part of ‘NO!’ doesnt the White House understand?” asked AOPA President Phil Boyer. “Once again, the Bush administration wants huge new taxes and user fees imposed on general aviation, […]

Shocked by the downfall of Silver State Helicopters, the Nevada-based flight school that declared bankruptcy earlier this week, former students and employees are telling AVweb they face major financial losses. Silver State Helicopters abruptly shut down operations at its 34 nationwide locations on Sunday afternoon, leaving more than 800 employees without jobs and more than […]

A new law that requires 10 percent ethanol in all auto fuel sold in Oregon is worrying pilots in the state. State officials said the law does not apply to aircraft fuels, but there is no mandate that ethanol-free fuel must be made available. “The fuel distributors we’ve talked to have all agreed that they […]

More than three months have gone by since President Bush nominated Bobby Sturgell to take over Marion Blakey’s job as head of the FAA, but the Senate needs to confirm that choice, and so far they haven’t taken action. This Thursday, Sturgell will at least get a hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, […]

The former lead investor in bankrupt Symphony Aircraft Industries has formed a new company and hopes to resume production of the two-seat aircraft. Lou Simons told AVweb in an exclusive interview that the new company, North American Factory for Technologically Advanced Aircraft (NAFTAA), is aiming at an initial production rate of at least 80 aircraft […]

An Indian newspaper says India’s Minister of Civil Aviation has overruled his own department and ordered reinstatement of the operating certificate of a flight school that allegedly rubber-stamped the conversion of foreign pilot’s licenses to Indian permits. According to the Sunday Express, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel approved the resumption of business by Carver Aviation […]

Cirrus Design co-founder Dale Klapmeier said a prototype of the company’s single-engine personal jet will probably make at least a fly-by at EAA AirVenture this summer. However, he told AVweb in an exclusive interview that the jet may not be ready for static display at the show. The Duluth, Minn., manufacturer has taken more than […]

This month, AVweb‘s survey of the latest products and services for pilots, mechanics and aircraft owners brings you a mini-tug, instrument panel lighting, satellite phones and more. Click here for the full story.

Pilots may not like sharing airspace with unmanned aircraft, but many like the temporary flight restrictions that often accompany UAVs even less — so here’s the good news. A recent decision by the FAA to issue an advisory NOTAM instead of a flight restriction for unmanned military aircraft operations has AOPA voicing its approval. “This […]