News

The FCC has stayed their rule (PDF) on the prohibition of 121.5 MHz ELTs (signals no longer processed by satellites) and is “planning a new Notice requesting public comment on the future of legacy 121.5 ELTs.” The action is a response to concerns expressed by the FAA, one of which is supply. The FAA warned […]

Investigators poring over the American Airlines Boeing 757-200 that ran off Runway 19 while landing at Jackson Hole, Nov. 19, have so far found that a bushing was missing on part of the auto speed brake mechanism. During testing, investigators found “no discrepancies” in the aircraft’s air/ground, autobrake, and thrust reverser systems. They found the […]

Wednesday, Piper Aircraft Inc. announced that it will no longer be marketing the PiperSport LSA, citing “differences in business philosophies,” with Czech Republic-based Czech Sport Aircraft (CSA), the PiperSport’s manufacturer. The two companies had worked together for roughly one year in an arrangement that had Piper brand a version of CZAW’s SportCruiser Light Sport Aircraft […]

The Gulfstream G650 flight-test aircraft recently flew for the first time using only an electrically powered, fly-by-wire backup flight-control actuation system, the company said this week. “There was no difference in handling qualities between the electrically and hydraulically powered modes,” said Pres Henne, of Gulfstream. The flight, on Dec. 21, evaluated the electric backup system […]

The U.S. Navy launched its flight program in 1911, and a number of events will mark the 100th anniversary this year. The official kick-off is set for Feb. 10-13 in San Diego. On Saturday the 12th, hundreds of historic and current Navy aircraft, including the Blue Angels, will take to the skies for a Parade […]

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Ill., and Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis., senior members of the House Transportation Committee, are circulating a letter among fellow lawmakers asking them to join their effort to persuade President Barack Obama to avoid general aviation user fees in the next federal budget. Costello said he favors maintaining the current mechanism of […]

A new version of the G.I. Bill, which was signed into law last week by President Barack Obama, could provide funding for veterans who want to pursue flight training, according to AOPA. “This bill is a big step forward for both active-duty members of the armed services and for veterans,” said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA’s senior […]

Although there isn’t usually a strong link between them, the business jet and housing markets appear to be on parallel courses to a long and slow recovery, according to a Wall Street analyst. David Strauss, of UBS, told The Wall Street Journal that the divergent industries suffer from the same boom-induced malady: too much inventory. […]

The NTSB is recommending the FAA require retrofitting shoulder harnesses in all general aviation aircraft that don’t have them as the “cheapest and simplest” way of improving crash survivability. In a study that was mainly focused on the potential safety benefits of airbags in GA aircraft, the board determined that while airbags will probably help, […]

While it may have seemed like a good time when it was introduced, Maine legislators on both sides of the house now seem unified in getting rid of a controversial “use tax” on private aircraft. The difference between then and now is that Maine is trying to build an aerospace industry and the tax will […]