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November 26, 2022

Update: FAA Publishes Draft Rule to Include Powered-Lift Under Air Carrier Def's

Administration Does Some Needed Housekeeping Before Commercial eVTOL Operators Arrive to the Party

The FAA has published a draft regarding an update to Air Carrier definitions that would add all powered-lift to existing definitions. The draft says that the rule is an "important step in the FAA's integration of new entrant aircraft in the National Airspace System”, paving the way for the expected wave of eVTOL aircraft on the way. The upcoming slate of electric or hybrid multirotor aircraft is expected to begin entry into commercial service by decade's end, with most manufacturers hard at work developing their aircraft for certification within the next 3-5 years.

Successful Chute Deployment Dumps S/E Jet Into Pond

With increasing frequency, the questionable record of the Cirrus Vision Jet becomes all the more questionable. Friday morning, a Cirrus Vision Jet, N15VJ, (SN #215) went down shortly after takeoff from the Indianapolis Regional Airport. Whatever occurred to convince the pilot that this was a proper course of action took place early in the flight and barely a mile off the end of Runway 25. Video of the late 2020 certified aircraft, under the canopy, is already on social media, and in one there seems to be a smoky trail above the aircraft that might point to powerplant issues.

AD 2022-20-14 Prompted By Reports Of Cracks Found On The Main Transmission Support Case

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters and various restricted category helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the main transmission support case. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the main transmission housing assembly for cracks, pitting, and corrosion and depending on the results, corrective action. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective December 27, 2022.

Shortly After Takeoff, The Pilot Reported He Was Unable To Maintain Main Rotor RPM

On November 2, 2022, about 2014 central daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N61KH, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Greenville, Illinois. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries and one passenger sustained no injury. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 business flight. The helicopter, which has a normal and a restricted airworthiness certificate, had completed 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application work during the day.