Hide/Show Archive Navigation.

All News

August 20, 2020

Van Horn Aviation Receives 206B FAA STC/PMA

206B Version 2 Main Rotor Blades Now Available

Van Horn Aviation (VHA) has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification / Parts Manufacturer Approval (STC/PMA) on its updated composite main rotor blades for the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. The VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades contain different carbon fiber ply counts and orientations than the original VHA 206B main rotor blades. This “softens” the blades to mimic the ride and feel of metal blades while maintaining the increased performance of composite blades.

New Waiver Also Permits The Remote Pilot In Command To Fly From A Mobile Command Center

The ability of Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus to fly unmanned aircraft systems beyond visual line of sight is expanding. The campus's Applied Aviation Research Center has received a new waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration that permits K-State Polytechnic to fly unmanned aircraft beyond visual line of sight, or BVLOS, in all Class G airspace nationwide. Class G airspace is where a majority of UAS flights take place, allowing K-State Polytechnic and the Applied Aviation Research Center to enhance research, education and training opportunities. Along with conducting flights in all Class G airspace, this new waiver also permits the remote pi

Pilot 'Informed The Passengers He Would Be Conducting An Emergency Landing'

On August 8, 2020, at an unknown time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N284S, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Marathon, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured, and the three passengers were fatally injured. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations 91 aerial survey flight. The flight's mission was to conduct aerial survey of desert bighorn sheep in the Texas Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. When the helicopter did not return for refueling at the expected time, a search was initiated. The wreckage was located about 1200, by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department personnel who notified authorities.