Program In Place To, "Reduce The Immediate And Longer-Term Regulatory Demand On Healthcare Resources"

Our friends at the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association tipped us off to some interesting news from North of the Border... COPA notes that, "Recognizing that many Civil Aviation Medical Examiners (CAMEs) are not seeing patients or those seeking medical certificates in their offices or clinics on a face-to-face basis due to the ongoing pandemic, Transport Canada has announced temporary provisions for the renewal of medical certificates permitting the use of virtual visits instead."

'Workforce Adjustments' Reportedly Made in Response to COVID-19

Bombardier has announced that it will 'adjust its workforce' due to the 'extraordinary industry interruptions and challenges caused by COVID-19.' Bombardier will reduce its workforce by approximately 2,500 employees. The majority of these reductions will impact manufacturing operations in Canada and will be carried out progressively throughout 2020. Bombardier’s worldwide customer service operations have continued to operate largely uninterrupted throughout the pandemic. When the pandemic first arose, Bombardier Aviation claims that it responded quickly -- suspending manufacturing operations to support local government efforts to slow the spread of the virus and to protect the h

Global Aviation Standards Pave Way for Safe Return to Air Travel

ALPA has applauded recommendations from ICAO that provide guidance to global aviation authorities on how to safely resume air travel as the world begins to rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic, while reiterating their call for airlines to be required to adhere to established public health protocols. The report, Take-off: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, underscores ALPA’s efforts to establish a baseline set of uniform guidance for COVID-19 health monitoring, protection, and employee exposure notification and workplace disinfection as a key component in regaining public confidence in air travel and getting our passengers back on board.

From 2017: The Traditional "Zip Tie" Is Dead…

That's the assessment of Mark Patey, Director of Strategic Innovations and Co-Owner of LockRight LLC, who told ANN CEO and Editor in Chief Jim Campbell at AirVenture that the product developed by his company ... GripLockTies ... will make the universally-known version of the fastener obsolete. The rubber lining on the GripLockTies prevents the zip tie from sliding around on whatever it is securing, Patey said. Worse, he said, the tie has chaffed through a wiring bundle and shorted out a system. The GripLockTie allows the user, whether it be a pilot, off

“This Amendment Will Result In Long-Term Cost Savings, Safety Improvement, And Efficiency Gains..." NATA, on behalf of its members conducting air carrier operations under Part 135, requested rulemaking to expand the number of pilot line checks performed by operators, improving safety and decreasing demands on limited FAA resources. NATA’s petition, if adopted, would allow FAA-approved company check pilots to conduct the pilot line checks required by § 135.299 throughout the certificate holder’s fleet of aircraft that are of the same category and class. In addition, NATA requested the FAA provide guidance specifying the suggested content for the pilot line check.

China 'Blinks' In The face Of US Restrictions

What a difference a few days make... The U.S. Department of Transportation took regulatory action on June 3rd in response to the failure of China to permit U.S. carriers to perform scheduled passenger air services in accordance with China’s obligations under the U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement. On June 4th, the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) responded by revising its restrictions to permit U.S. carriers the ability to operate one flight per week each, starting June 8, 2020. The revisions to the Notice also include “incentive measures” that would allow a carrier to increase or, alternatively, require it to decrease weekly frequencies based on criteria relating to the healt

For Citation 560 (V), Encore, and Ultra Aircraft

Southeast Aerospace has completed a new STC, ST00174MC for Citation 560 (V), Encore, and Ultra aircraft. Originally developed for the United States Military UC-35 aircraft, the STC brings FANS 1/A+ & CPDLC capability, international internet connectivity, a new cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder combo unit (CVFDR) and more to the Citation 560 (V), Encore, & Ultra. FANS 1/A+ and CPDLC capability is accomplished through the use of Universal Avionics Corp UNS 1EspW FMS', UL 801 VDL Mode 2 datalink, the CVFDR-145R, and the Cobham Aviator 300D with an Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA-5001).

Pilot Felt An Airframe Vibration And Decided To Make A Precautionary Autorotation

On May 20, 2020, about 0933 eastern daylight time (edt), a Bell OH-58A, N153SA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near West Bank, Michigan. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) personal flight. The pilot reported that he and his passenger departed the pilot's private airstrip for a local flight to observe recent flood damage in the area. As they were en route to the area, the pilot felt an airframe vibration and decided to make a precautionary autorotation in a field. He did not observe any caution or warning lights, or horns associated with the vibration.

AD 2020-12-03 -- Manufacturer Found That A P30 (Air Pressure) Sense Line Could Become Partially Blocked

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. This AD requires updating electronic engine control (EEC) software. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's finding that a P30 (air pressure) sense line could become partially blocked with a mixture of ice and water, which would cause a time-lag in the P30 signal, interfering with the fuel flow limit calculations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective June 18, 2020.

Aero Linx: The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) Since 2006, the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) has sought to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability for aviation through the use of alternative jet fuels. CAAFI is a coalition of airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, energy producers, researchers, international participants and U.S. government agencies. Together these stakeholders are leading the development and deployment of alternative jet fuels for commercial aviation. CAAFI’s goal is to promote the development of alternative jet fuel options that offer equivalent safety and favorable costs compared with petroleum based

Cleared For The Option ATC authorization for an aircraft to make a touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop and go, or full stop landing at the discretion of the pilot. It is normally used in training so that an instructor can evaluate a student’s performance under changing situations. Pilots should advise ATC if they decide to remain on the runway, of any delay in their stop and go, delay clearing the runway, or are unable to comply with the instruction(s).

“Although NATA previously filed a petition for exemption permitting the same authority for a limited duration due to COVID-19, we subsequently determined that the safety and efficiency gains afforded by this relief were beneficial enough to warrant a permanent change through a petition for rulemaking. This amendment will result in long-term cost savings, safety improvement, and efficiency gains for operators, as well as a positive impact for the FAA and, potentially, the environment.” Source: NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts, detailing the thinking behind NATA's efforts, on behalf of its members conducting air carrier operations under Part 135, where they requested rulemaking to expand the number of pilot line checks perfo