Some Long-Sought Major Changes Were Achieved Benefiting The GA Community

This year saw some pretty exciting news in General Aviation, including the long-awaited rewrite of Part 123 certification standards. That was just one of the major stories of the year for the largest segment of the aviation community.

January 2016

Legal Foundation Sues FAA Over ATC Hiring Practices 
A lawsuit has been filed in Arizona federal district court against the FAA, charging the agency of violating the rights of air traffic controller candidates rejected under its new hiring guidelines.

FAA Administrator Says 2015 Was A Year Of Safety And Continued Modernization 
The FAA made significant progress last year as it continued to modernize and streamline the nation’s air traffic system while also preparing the way for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to safely play a growing role in aviation, according to administrator Michael Huerta.

Flight Design Confirms Approval Through FAA Audit 
German aircraft manufacturer Flight Design passed an FAA audit as 2015 came to a close. A three-day audit was conducted at the Flight Design headquarters facility in Kamenz, Germany by a team of three auditors from different sections of the FAA.

Charlotte Leads In NextGen Air Traffic Improvements 
North Carolina was “first in flight” when the Wright Brothers took to the skies at Kitty Hawk, and now it’s leading the way to the next generation of air traffic control. NextGen procedures are helping flights operate more efficiently at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), improving on-time performance and decreasing emissions.

FAA Updates Student Pilot Application Requirements 
The FAA has published an update to its student pilot application process in the federal register that includes a major change in how the certificates are issued.

Flight Design C4 To Be Part Of Full Scale Safety Box Testing 
Flight Design has announced progress in development work on the advanced occupant protection research and testing referred as the "Safety Box". The purpose of the research is to improve occupant safety by creating a safety cell around the aircraft cockpit, and Flight Design's new four seat C4 was chosen as the first testbed.

Graves, Rokita Call For Rapid Move To ATC Privatization 
Congressmen Sam Graves (R-MO)  and Todd Rokita (R-IN) say the FAA has had ample opportunity to modernize the nation's air traffic control system, and shifting that function to a private organization should be fast-tracked by the U.S. legislature.

Opposition Builds To FAA Privatization 
Four U.S. Senators on the Senate Appropriations Committee have written a letter to the House Transportation Committee that is set to begin consideration of an FAA reauthorization bill, which many think will include a plan to strip Air Traffic Control from the FAA.

February

House Appropriators Voice Opposition To Privatized ATC Funded With User Fees 
A bipartisan letter from House appropriators has been sent to the leaders of both parties in the full House which expresses the legislators’ opposition to plans under consideration for creating a privatized air traffic control (ATC) system funded with user fees.

Pilot Ditches Cessna 337 Off Hawaii Coast 
A pilot with some experience in emergency ditching put a Cessna 337 into the water in Keehi Lagoon near Oahu.

EAA Releases Youth Protection Policy Document 
The EAA has released a document that is designed to help members understand how Young Eagles (YE) is impacted (or not impacted) by the new policy at EAA.

Authorities Discover Wreckage Of One Plane Believed Involved In Mid-Air 
The wreckage of an airplane and the remains of the two people on board were found in about 100 feet of water Sunday of the coast of southern California. It is believed that the aircraft was one of two involved in a mid-air collision. The second plane and its pilot were still missing as of Monday.

GAMA Releases 2015 Sales And Delivery Data At 'State Of The Industry' Event 
GAMA has released the 2015 worldwide year-end aircraft shipment and billing numbers at its annual “State of the Industry” press conference at the Newseum, and the news was pretty dismal for much of the industry.

Flight-Sharing Companies Seeing Glimmer Of Hope In AIRR Act 
An amendment added to the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act of 2016 (AIRR) to reauthorize the FAA which was passed by the House Transportation Committee last week includes an amendment that could breathe new life into flight-sharing online companies like Flytenow.

EAA: ATC Privatization Brings Few Savings, Threatens General Aviation Services 
The Experimental Aircraft Association urged its members to contact their congressional representatives and express opposition to provisions in the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act that separate the nation’s air traffic control system from the Federal Aviation Administration to be managed and operated by a not-for-profit, non-government entity.

Coming In June … Airman Certification Standards 
For many years pilots have used the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for guiding them through testing for pilot certification. The PTS ultimately determines the level of training because of the requirement for new pilots, or pilots obtaining additional ratings, to comply with the standards. In June of this year, private pilots being tested for an airplane rating, and instrument rating applicants will be tested under a new system.

Here We Go Again? House Republican Leadership Prepares CR For FAA 
The FAA reauthorization bill is unlikely to make it to the full U.S. House of Representatives in its current form, as the Republican leadership in the house is reportedly preparing a short-term extension ... known as Continuing Resolution ... to continue funding the FAA past the end of March.

March

New ASTM Small-Plane Standards Help With Handling And Icing 
ASTM International’s Committee on General Aviation Aircraft (F44) has approved two new standards that cover handling characteristics and icing protection. The standards are part of the committee’s efforts to generate a set of industry standards that help with compliance to regulations from certification authorities.

Aviation Foundation Of America To Honor Bob Hoover 
The Aviation Foundation of America  will unveil a life-size statue of beloved aviation legend R.A. “Bob” Hoover at a reception at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Hoover’s contributions to aviation and aerospace have advanced the United States’ global leadership in the industry as well as safety and skill for millions of pilots and passengers.

FAA: Emails In Alleged ATC Cheating Scandal Missing 
The FAA has admitted in court that it is not able to recover emails that are key to a lawsuit involving applicants rejected from the agency's ATC selection process.

FAA Issues Warning About Ameri-King Products 
The FAA has issued a notification concerning the unapproved status of Ameri-King Corp. parts and articles.

GAMA Applauds FAA Part 23 NPRM 
The GA industry is praising the long-awaited release of an NPRM that will lead to changes directed by the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013.

Huerta, Whitaker Headline NATCA Safety Conference 
Top officials from the FAA are participating in the annual National Air Traffic Controllers Association’s (NATCA) annual conference, Communicating for Safety, to highlight intense, collaborative efforts between the agency and air traffic controllers that are making the world’s safest aviation system even safer.

Farnborough Air Show Addresses Safety Concerns 
Organizers of the Farnborough Air Show have posted a statement on their website to answer questions about safety concerns related to the annual air show, planned this year for July 16-17.

FAA Aerospace Forecast Shows Trouble For GA 
The FAA's long-range aerospace forecast showed an anticipated decline in fixed-wing piston-engine airplanes over the next 20 years ... with the fleet shrinking by about 17,500 aircraft through 2036.

FAA Announces Finalists Working To Get The Lead Out Of GA Fuel 
As part of its ongoing efforts to develop an acceptable unleaded fuel for small airplanes, the FAA has announced that it has selected two unleaded fuels for further testing. This will move the general aviation (GA) community a step closer to having new fuels that eliminate their reliance on leaded fuel.

GAMA, EAA Hail Unleaded Avgas Transition Milestone 
GAMA and EAA have noted the FAA’s announcement that it has selected two unleaded aviation fuels, developed by Shell and Swift Fuels, for Phase 2 full-scale testing in engines and aircraft. The selection is based on the least impact to the existing fleet following the results of rigorous Phase 1 laboratory and rig testing of fuel properties and compatibility with aircraft materials and components, as well as an assessment of predicted costs and environmental factors.

April

NTSB Highlights Challenges Of Flying Into Major Events 
If you're planning to fly in to Sun 'n Fun this week, or AirVenture later this summer, the NTSB has some advice for you concerning safety at such high-traffic events.

Soloy Aviation Acquires STC For A36 Bonanza Turbine Conversion 
Soloy Aviation Solutions has reached an agreement to purchase the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Tradewinds Turbine Bonanza conversion package.

Cessna Skyhawk Aircraft Now Equipped With Angle Of Attack System 
An Angle of Attack (AoA) indicator ... recognized as one of the most useful instruments for preventing loss of control accidents ... will now come as standard equipment on all new Cessna 172 aircraft, and will be available on new 182s and 206s.

University Of North Dakota Selects Piper For Primary Training Aircraft 
Piper was awarded the contract for primary trainers for the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the UND Aerospace Foundation. Deliveries begin in the fourth quarter of 2016 and are expected to stretch out over eight years and could amount to more than 100 units.

EAA Partners With FAA, Dynon For STC Breakthrough 
Sometimes the industry and the government CAN actually work together. That was proven Wednesday morning when the EAA joined the FAA and Dynon Avionics in announcing a breakthrough that will improve flight safety and reduce avionics upgrade costs for owners of certain type-certificated aircraft.

FAA Issues Final Rule On Use Of Sims For Instrument Training 
The FAA released a final rule that will allow instrument pilot candidates to make more use of simulators in obtaining their rating.

Solar Impulse Ready To Resume Around-The-World Flight 
Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg are ready to resume their attempt to achieve the first ever Round-The-World Solar Flight with Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) – the first solar airplane capable of flying day and night using only solar energy. After replacing overheated batteries and running maintenance flights, the team is now re-entering “mission mode”, and are now working to identify the first favorable window for Bertrand Piccard to fly toward North America, despite the current difficult weather conditions.

Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill 
The U.S. Senate has passed and sent to the U.S. House an FAA reauthorization bill that does not include the House's controversial plan to privatize Air Traffic Control ... and the leadership of the Senate Commerce Committee passed along a subtle warning to House leaders about the plan after the vote.

AEA Names 2016 Award Winners At Annual Convention 
Three prestigious industry awards were presented during the opening session of the 59th annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show in Kissimmee (Orlando), Florida, on Wednesday, April 27.

May

General Aviation Community Praises FAA Part 23 Rulemaking 
On the eve of an FAA public hearing in College Park, Georgia on the Part 23 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), a coalition of general aviation leaders applauded the FAA’s efforts to improve safety and make it easier to bring new products to market for the light general aviation sector, while strongly encouraging the agency to finish its work on the issue by the end of 2016.

FAA Proposes Policy Change To PFC Funding For Airport Rail Projects 
The FAA has issued a Federal Register Notice seeking public comment on proposed changes in the Passenger Facility Charge program. Currently, passenger facility charge (PFC) funds may support rail projects that are on airport property only if they are for the exclusive use of airport patrons and employees.

Martin Aircraft Nears Production On 'Jetpack' 
It is always an exciting moment for a company when it watches its first products roll off the commercial assembly line, especially when that product has taken more than 30 years to evolve from concept to reality.

Purdue Aviation, Tecnam Combine Resources 
Purdue Aviation LLC, Purdue Research Foundation and Tecnam US Inc. announced a partnership that will support a U.S.-based sales, maintenance and training center in the Purdue Research Park Aerospace District in West Lafayette, IN.

GAMA 1Q/16 Sales Numbers Continue To Take A Dive... 
GA's long downward sales slide remains uninterrupted, and a late Friday press release suggests no one is all that happy about spreading the news. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the first quarter 2016 aircraft shipment results. The general aviation industry shipped 614 aircraft in the first three months of the year for a total value of $4.5 billion.

U.K. Makes Changes To Private Pilot Medical Requirements 
The equivalent of the 3rd Class Medical in the U.K. will soon no longer be required for private pilots. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that medical requirements for some private pilots are to change in line with its top level principles for GA regulation. These changes do not apply to pilots with commercial licences or those displaying at airshows who will still need to be approved as fit to fly by a specialist aviation medical examiner.

Solar Impulse Arrives In Tulsa 
Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) landed at Tulsa International Airport, in Tulsa, OK with Bertrand Piccard at the controls, on May 12 at 11:15pm local time (UTC-5).

FAA Looks To Improve Safety Culture In Alaska 
The FAA's Alaska Division Manager has sent a letter to pilots in the state saying the agency is concerned about a recent increase in Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents.

FAA, NATCA Reach Tentative Contract Agreement 
The FAA and its largest union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, AFL-CIO (NATCA) announced Wednesday they have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering the air traffic control specialists assigned to the terminal and en route options, traffic management coordinators/specialists, air traffic controllers assigned to the flight service option, and Notice to Airmen specialists (NOTAMS).

June

Lancair Announces The End Of The 'Legacy' 
Lancair announced that it will no longer be offering "Legacy" kits after 15 years of production. In a post on the company's website, Lancair said that the final kit will be a retractable Lancair Legacy "Reno Race Version." Closing down the Legacy production line was a "tough but necessary decision," according to Lancair.

FAA Issues New Standards For Pilot Training 
The FAA published new standards for private and instrument pilot training. The Airman Certification Standards (ACS)—which replace the Practical Test Standards and Learning Statement reference guides—modernize how the FAA's training and knowledge standards are presented to aspiring pilots while not creating new training requirements. The ACS enters into effect on June 15.

FAA Offers NextGen Equipage Incentive To GA Community 
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker announced an upcoming rebate program that will help general aviation pilots equip their aircraft with NextGen technology.

Ohio Funds Planned For Wright Brothers’ Factory Project 
The Ohio General Assembly approved $1 million to save the Wright Brothers’ Factory for a national park site, Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger announced Wednesday in a news conference in front of the historic factory buildings that included several Dayton-area lawmakers.

Solar Impulse On The Ground In New York 
Solar Impulse 2 left Lehigh Valley International Airport, Pennsylvania, late Friday evening and landed at New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport early Saturday morning, after circling the Statue of Liberty.

Women Pilots Take To The Skies In 40th Annual Air Race Classic 
More than 100 women pilots will take off on the adventure of a lifetime when the flag drops to mark the start of the 40th annual Air Race Classic (ARC), the oldest airplane race of its kind in the United States.

FAA Finalizes Rules For Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems 
The FAA finalized the first operational rules for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”), opening pathways towards fully integrating UAS into the nation’s airspace. These new regulations work to harness new innovations safely, to spur job growth, advance critical scientific research and save lives.

Solar Impulse 2 Lands In Spain 
On its journey around the world, Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) landed in Seville, Spain, after a flight of three days and three nights (71 hours and 8 minutes) without fossil fuel, completing the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean with several world records.

Schumer Calls For More Ramp Checks In New York 
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) wants new york pilots to undergo more ramp checks. During a media event in Farmingdale, NY Monday, Schumer called on the FAA to step up ramp checks of small airplanes, which he says might prevent accidents.

New UAV Rules May Have Significant Impact On Model Airplane Hobby 
An attorney who has analyzed the new FAA rules regarding unmanned aircraft says the new UAS rules may have an adverse effect on the model airplane industry and model airplane flyers.

July

World-Record Electric Motor Makes First Flight 
Siemens researchers developed a new type of electric motor that, with a weight of just 50 kilograms (approx 110 pounds), delivers a continuous output of about 260 kilowatts (approx. 350 horsepower) – five times more than comparable drive systems.

GA Groups Praise Third Class Medical Reform In FAA Bill 
The FAA authorization bill that will be debated in Congress over the next few days contains third class medical certificate reforms that were proposed in the Pilots' Bill of Rights 2 by U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK).

President Signs FAA Reauthorization Bill 
A huge number of EAA members and other aviators will now be free from many of the expenses and hassles of the current FAA medical certification system under legislation signed by President Obama that reforms that system. The provision was included in an FAA funding extension that replaces a short-term funding measure.

First Airplane Efficiency World Record Established 
Two pilots recently completed a flight to establish the first Airplane Efficiency World Record in the C-1-c class as sanctioned by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (the organization sanctioning aviation world records).

EAA STC Expanded To Include Dynon’s 7 Inch EFIS-D100 
The FAA recently added the EFIS-D100 as an acceptable substitute to the EFIS-D10A on EAA’s STC. With this addition, the EFIS-D100 becomes the only 7” widescreen PFD available for installation into legacy type certificated aircraft.

Pelton: AirVenture Off To A Great Start 
EAA president and Chairman Jack Pelton said the AirVenture week is off to a great start at his annual opening day news conference on Monday. Pelton said that 860 exhibitors have brought products and services to Wittman Regional Airport for the show.

Hart: Part 23 Rewrite Will Be Good For Aviation Safety 
The proposed rewrite of FAR Part 23 will benefit aviation safety, according to Christopher Hart, the Chair of the NTSB. Hart was in Oshkosh for a "Meet the Chairman" event at AirVenture Tuesday. Speaking with ANN on the sidelines of the show, Hart said that the Board is excited about the Part 23 re-write.

EAA/Daher Mark 10 Years Of Young Eagles International Scholarship 
A successful trans-Atlantic partnership is marking its 10th year of existence as the EAA/Daher Young Eagles International Internship’s two latest recipients participate in this week’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture fly-in.

Rotax 915iS Progressive Power Available Soon 
Rotax aircraft engines discussed advancements and upgrades to several of their popular engine lines including the ubiquitous 912 series. Additionally, Rotax unveiled a new derivative of the 912 the 915iS.

NASA Tests Pipistrel Electric Propulsion Systems 
The fact that NASA is researching electric aircraft is nothing new - but Pipistrel is very proud and honored that the researchers at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California decided to use several electric propulsion systems from Pipistrel, which would normally power the Taurus Electro G2 aircraft.

FAA Administrator's Speech Looks Back More Than Forward 
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta held his annual "Meet the Administrator" session at AirVenture, but anyone who attended hoping to hear something new or substantial was probably pretty disappointed.

August

AirVenture Shows Slight Attendance Increase Over 2015 
The number-crunchers at EAA have released the final accounting for AirVenture 2016, and the numbers of attendees, warbirds, showplanes, homebuilts and exhibitors all increased.

The FAA Is Hiring Air Traffic Controllers 
In preparation for the future workforce, the FAA announced that it will be accepting applications from entry-level candidates for air traffic controller positions from August 8-15, 2016.

GAMA Publishes 2016 Second Quarter Aircraft Shipment Data 
GAMA has released worldwide aircraft shipment and billing figures for the first half of 2016, and the news is not pretty. Industry airplane shipments declined 4.5 percent to 970 units, and airplane billings fell 11 percent from $10.4 billion to $9.3 billion. Rotorcraft shipments also dropped 16.1 percent, from 467 units during the same period a year ago to 392 units in 2016. Billings for rotorcraft fell 32.5 percent, from $2.1 billion to $1.4 billion.

RedHawk Training Aircraft Becomes Even More Compelling With TBR Increase 
RedHawk Training Aircraft announced that the Time Before Replacement (TBR) for the Continental CD-135 engine has been increased from 1,500 to 2,100 hours.

FAA Issues Policy Statement On Decommissioning VORs 
The FAA issued a policy statement on its proposed reduction of VORs in the U.S. The document outlines the selection criteria for VORs that may be shut down as part of the VOR MON (Minimal Operational Network) Implementation Program and United States (U.S.) National Airspace System (NAS) Efficient Streamline Services Initiative.

Continental Motors Comments On ECi Cylinder AD 
Continental Motors Group issued a statement saying it was incorrectly named as the manufacturer of the cylinders referenced in the Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive, AD 2016-16-12. Continental Motors wishes to make it clear that the cylinders covered by this AD were not produced by Continental Motors Group or any of its affiliates.

The FAA Announces A New Center Of Excellence 
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced that the agency has selected the University of Oklahoma and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University teams to lead the new Air Transportation Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance (COE TTHP). The COE will conduct research and development on technical training for air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, pilots and technicians.

ICAO Flight Plan Mandate Pushed To January 2017 
The FAA has again delayed the implementation of the international flight plan form (ICAO) for all civil domestic flights. Barring another postponement, the FAA will eliminate use of the domestic flight plan format and make the transition to ICAO format in January 2017.

Norfolk International Airport Closes Crosswind Runway 
The crosswind runway at Norfolk International Airport has been closed indefinitely as talks about the runway continue with the FAA. The Virginia Pilot online reports that the runway was closed July 21 when it was determined that its crash zones no longer meet FAA safety guidelines.

Successful Engine Start For Flaris Jet 
The Polish company building what it says is the world's smallest single-engine jet has successfully run the aircraft's engine for the first time. In an update posted to the Flaris website, but company says it has just finished adapting the fuselage of the Flaris LAR 1 airplane with the new Williams FJ33-5A engine.

September

FAA To Santa Monica: Airport Must Remain Open Through At Least 2023 
The FAA reacted to the passage of a resolution by the Santa Monica (CA) City Council calling for the closure of the airport "as early as 2018" with a strongly-worded letter to the city's mayor saying the airport must remain open through at least 2023.

NTSB Recommends Emergency Training For Air Traffic Controllers 
The NTSB issued two safety recommendations to the FAA addressing emergency identification and response training for air traffic controllers derived from its investigations of five accidents.

SAFO Focuses On Maneuvering During Slow Flight In An Airplane 
The FAA issued a SAFO advising pilots, flight instructors, and evaluators of a change to the evaluation standard for the slow flight maneuver. The Private Pilot Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) (FAA-S-ACS-6), which became effective June 15, 2016, reflects this change.

Lockheed Martin Sponsors Able Flight Scholarship 
Able Flight and Lockheed Martin announced a scholarship to aid wounded warriors of the United States armed services. The Lockheed Martin Fighting Spirit Scholarship provides sports and physical activity programs for wounded veterans, with the honorees introduced as part of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl activities Dec. 23 in Fort Worth.

FAA ADS-B Rebate Program For GA Aircraft Owners To Begin Next Week 
On September 19, 2016, the FAA’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) rebate website went live, and general aviation aircraft owners will have the opportunity to apply for a $500 rebate to help offset the cost to equip eligible aircraft in a timely manner, rather than waiting to meet the mandatory equipage date.

Atlantic Aviation Seeks Cease And Desist Order Against Santa Monica 
Atlantic Aviation filed a cease and desist motion from the FAA to stop its eviction from Santa Monica airport (KSMO).

LA Times Supports Santa Monica Airport 
The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board published an editorial supporting the continuing operation of Santa Monica Airport as an airport. The Editorial Board points out that there are many "compelling reasons" to keep the airport open.

Santa Monica 'Starvation Strategy' To Get FAA Scrutiny 
The FAA will be taking a very close look at what is described as a "starvation strategy" on the part of the City of Santa Monica as the city works to close KSMO in two years.

Vanecek Takes Gavel As ACI-NA Chair 
William (Bill) Vanecek, Director of Aviation at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, assumed the chair position of the Board of Directors of the Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA). He succeeds outgoing Chair Maureen Riley, Executive Director of Salt Lake City Department of Airports.

NATA Praises FAA’s Swift Action On Atlantic Aviation Santa Monica Complaint 
In a letter to the City of Santa Monica (City), the FAA announced an investigation into a series of recent actions by the City intended to de facto close the Santa Monica Municipal Airport in advance of the expiration of its 2023 Grant Assurances.

October

Atlantic Aviation Works To Stave Off Eviction From KSMO 
While aviation associations and other groups keep up the pressure on the FAA and the City of Santa Monica over the looming eviction of two FBOs on the airport, one of those businesses is also fighting to stay on the premises.

Four-Place Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Flies For First Time 
The HY4 aircraft took off on its first official flight from Stuttgart Airport on Thursday. The HY4 is the world’s first four-seat passenger aircraft powered solely by a hydrogen fuel cell system. Researchers from the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) developed the aircraft's power train and worked on the project with industry and research partners.

Santa Monica's Anti-Aviation Attacks Claim Another Victim 
Anywhere else a story like this would not be believed... that a city would drive out successful businesses, tax-payers, and other entities that brought attention, money, fame, and prosperity to its locale. Not only foolish and counter-productive, one has to wonder how something like this could happen here in America... and sadly, I really have no answer for you.

e-Go Airplane Company Offered For Sale 
In another testament as to how difficult it is to make it in the light aircraft business, e-Go, a U.K. company that developed a single-place "unregulated" aircraft, has announced it is closing and is up for sale.

Supreme Court Asked To Hear Aircraft Liability Case 
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case involving aviation products liability, an issue that could have a significant impact on the cost of flying.

Gone West: Aviation Legend Bob Hoover 
ANN is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of aviation legend R.A. "Bob" Hoover, who was often referred to as a "pilot's pilot." Hoover passed away early in the morning on Tuesday in a hospital near his home in Rancho Palos Verdes in California. He was 94 years old.

One-Third Scale B-17G Ready For Flight Testing 
A 17 year labor of love is about to reach a significant milestone in Dixon, IL. A one-third scale B-17G built by Jack Bally has been certified by the FAA, and is ready for flight testing.

Redbird Migration 2016 Pushes Innovation In Flight Training 
A well-attended 2016 Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference finished its latest edition on an up-note as the company announced a number of additions and transitions.

November

GAMA Board Of Directors Elects New Officers 
The Board of Directors of GAMA at its Fall Board meeting elected Simon Caldecott, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, as its Chairman for 2017. In addition, Phil Straub, Managing Director of Aviation and Vice President of Garmin International, was elected as Vice Chairman. Straub is a former Chairman of GAMA’s Technical Policy Committee.

UND Receives First Piper Archer 
The first of 100 new Piper Aircraft trainers was delivered to the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, which placed the unprecedented order for 80 Archer TXs and 20 Piper Seminoles in April of this year.

Celebrating The Life Of Bob Hoover 
The aviation world has lost a friend, a legend, and a true gentleman with the passing of Robert Anderson “Bob” Hoover. Beloved by aviation enthusiasts of all stripes, Bob’s friends held a memorial service in his honor at Clay Lacy Aviation’s hangar at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, CA this November 18th.

Wounded Veteran Receives First LMC/Able Flight Scholarship 
Able Flight selected Captain Ferris Butler, US Army (retired) as the first recipient of the new Lockheed Martin/Able Flight Scholarship. Butler is a Chester, Maryland, resident who sustained severe lower leg injuries in Iraq in 2006 when struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Butler, a double amputee, is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

GAMA Publishes Third Quarter Aircraft Shipment Report, And Its Ugly 
GAMA released its third-quarter shipment and billing numbers for the general aviation manufacturing industry. Worldwide, general aviation airplane shipments declined 3.5 percent, from the same period last year, with 1,504 units shipped in the first nine months of 2016 compared to 1,558 units in 2015.

Prevention Of GA LOC Accidents Remains On NTSB Most Wanted List 
The NTSB released its annual "Most Wanted" list, which identifies the top safety improvements that can be made across all modes to prevent accidents and save lives in the future. These issue areas are both significant in impact and ripe for action.

Obama Administration Recommends Supreme Court Should Decline Flytenow Case 
The Obama administration advised the U.S. Supreme Court that it should let a ruling of the D.C. Circuit stand and not take up the case of Flytenow Inc., a web-based service through which pilots offered seats on private airplanes to people willing to share the expense of the flight.

Ron Alexander Fatally Injured In Pike County, GA Accident 
The aviation community has lost another of its icons. A JN4D Curtiss Jenny went down at Candler Field in Pike County, GA, resulting in the fatal injury of the two occupants. One of those on board was Candler Field Principal Ron Alexander, according to the Pike County Journal-Reporter, radio station WKEU and other sources.

Schuster: IG Report Underscores Need For Air Traffic Control Reform 
The Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General recently released another critical report highlighting the uncertainty, delays, and reduced expectations in the FAA's NextGen air traffic control (ATC) modernization program.

Elaine Chao Tapped By Trump For Secretary Of Transportation 
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Elaine Chao, the former Labor Secretary, to be the Secretary of Transportation in his administration. Politico reports that multiple sources have confirmed the choice, which will be officially announced later today.

December

 Aviation Community Welcomes Nomination Of Elaine Chao To Serve As DOT Secretary
Several aviation advocacy groups are welcoming the nomination of Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation.

Tecnam Unveils The 2nd Generation P2002 Sierra MkII
Tecnam has introduced what it says is a substantially updated and improved Mark 2 version of the company’s popular P2002 Sierra.

FAA Issues Emergency Order Revoking Certificate Of Atlanta Technical College 
The FAA has issued an emergency order revoking the maintenance technician school certificate of Atlanta Technical College (ATC) of Atlanta, GA.

FAA: No Immediate Evictions Of Aviation Companies At Santa Monica
The FAA dealt a setback to city officials in Santa Monica, CA who hope to close Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) by issuing a cease-and-desist order to stop the immediate eviction of the two privately-owned FBOs on the field.

FAA Issues Final Rule On Small Airplane Safety Certification Standards 
A long-awaited day in the GA community has finally arrived. The FAA has issued a final rule that overhauls the airworthiness standards for small general aviation airplanes.

Majority Stake In Diamond Aircraft Industries Purchased By Wanfeng Aviation
Canadian company Wanfeng Aviation (Canada) Inc. has completed an investment to acquire a 60% interest in Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. (“Diamond Canada”). Diamond says the investment will support expanded production, sales and service activities globally, with a strengthened focus on the US market.

U.S. Senators Urge Trump To Support Contract Tower Program 
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and 32 of their Senate colleagues have sent a letter to President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Pence in support of the FAA's Contract Tower Program.

Huerta Staying On During Trump Administration... At Least For Now
When FAA Administrator Michael Huerta released the revised Part 23 rules, he said at the end of his news conference that the planned to stay on after the administration shifts from President Obama to President Trump January 20.

FMI: www.aero-news.net