On 08 June 2023, the FAA published a preview of its long-awaited Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) addressing operational and airman qualification requirements for powered-lift aircraft. Subject rulemaking, which the FAA called “a key step toward safely enabling Advanced Air Mobility (AAM),” is salient to the industry-wide launch of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Is Washington Prejudiced Against Experienced Aviators?
DOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg has been selected to serve as acting FAA administrator, replacing the eminently qualified Billy Nolen, who announced his intention to step down from the position earlier this year. What’s more, Kathryn “Katie” Thomson will serve as the FAA’s deputy administrator, replacing Brad Mims, who is assuming a new, senior role at the DOT as head of the agency’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
On 07 June 2023, McFarlane subsidiary Airforms introduced a new series of FAA-PMA engine baffles compatible with all Cessna-152 OEM configurations. Designed as replacements for aging factory installations, Airforms’s new baffles have undergone individual PMA approval and may be purchased as standalone units or as a complete set.
The NTSB has released its final report on a 12 April 2021 accident in which a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration N7242F, was substantially damaged when the aircraft impacted ground during an attempted go-around at Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD). The Cherokee’s pilot and single passenger suffered serious and minor injuries respectively.
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