Pipistrel Delivered 111 Certified Pipistrel Velis in 2020

It's been an interesting year in oh-so-many ways for the aviation world... good and bad. But; one of the most exciting aspects of this year has been the advent of new electric aircraft and the fact that the aero-market is responding. Pipistrel-USA reports that over the course of 2020, Pipistrel delivered 111 certified Pipistrel Velis electric aircraft, as well as a number of the Pipistrel ALPHA Electro aircraft. One stunning stat that comes out of all this is the report that for the first time ever, Pipistrel produced more electric aircraft than gasoline powered.

Atmospheric Conditions At The Time Of The Accident Were Conducive To Icing

On August 9, 2020, about 1430 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150 airplane, N6849B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Burlington, Wisconsin. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the engine was not developing the expected engine RPMs during the takeoff and initial climb. He noticed the airplane was not climbing well and may have trouble clearing small trees near the end of the runway. The pilot maneuvered the airplane through a low spot in the trees after he realized he did not have sufficient runway remaining to land.

Has Served At Liberty University Since 2012

Liberty University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Scott Hicks has appointed Dr. Rick Roof, Dean for the School of Aeronautics -- one of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America. Roof brings a vast amount of industry and education experience to the School of Aeronautics. After serving nine years in the Air Force as an avionics technician and operations researcher, Roof spent 20 years in senior positions in information technology, manufacturing, and publishing. He led an internet start-up company and was president and CEO of a specialized air carrier.

Piper Saratoga Went Down Near Marathon, FL

The Coast Guard and local partner agencies rescued four people from an Aircraft Accident, Friday, approximately 25 miles northeast of Marathon. A Coast Guard Station Marathon 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement team embarked the four survivors and safely transported them to Station Marathon. Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a notification at approximately 4:30 p.m., from Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders reporting a plane crash of a Piper Saratoga aircraft with four people aboard near Marathon. Flamingo State Park Rangers and Monroe County Sheriff Officer’s recovered all four people from the water with no medical concerns and transferred them to a Station Marathon rescue crew.

The Airframe Accumulated About 1/2" Of Ice During The Descent

On January 12, 2021, about 1700 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301, N35718, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Paul C. Miller Airport (8D4), Sparta, Michigan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported striking a snowbank short of the runway following a GPS approach. The airframe accumulated about 1/2" of ice during the descent in instrument meteorological conditions. There were no malfunctions associated with the airplane before the accident.

Also: GA UK Restrictions, Educational UAS Protections, Duncan Aviation Interns, CAE USAF KC-135 Training

The flight school business is one of the few that seems both intent and surprisingly successful surviving even during a pandemic. As such, the community is readying a critically important get-together to takes notes and learn from each other as well as a great line-up of speakers and instructors in just a few more weeks. Flight school operators, chief flight instructors, and persons considering opening a flight school should take special note of the upcoming International Flight School Operators Conference. Attendees will have over 25 multi-track sessions to choose from during mornings and afternoons March 4-5. Citing inadequate training of a pilot whose plane crash resulted in 11 deaths, the NTSB has called on the FAA to better monitor the effectiveness of flight instructors. Three safety reco

Attempted An Air Restart, But Was Unsuccessful

On January 13, 2021, about 1350 mountain standard time, a Hughes 269C helicopter, N7480F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Spanish Fork, Utah. The instructor and pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to the flight instructor, they performed an uneventful preflight inspection, started the helicopter and transitioned into a hover. The pilot receiving instruction reported that during the engine run-up, which was performed at 2,500 rpm, they reduced engine power to idle and observed normal rotor and rpm separation.

Ok... Not A Big Surprise But Certainly An Unpleasant One

Another major aviation event has had to give way to the damage done by the COVID pandemic. Aero Friedrichshafen has made the decision to delay its next show until July... but only a little more than week before Oshkosh 2021. The 2021 summer edition of AERO Friedrichshafen will run from July 14 to July 17. AirVenture 2021 begins on July 25th. Ouch.

GAMA Awards A Graduating High School Senior, Pursuing Aviation Studies, With A $2K Scholarship

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is now accepting applications for its 2021 Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award Scholarship. Each year, GAMA awards a graduating high school senior, pursuing studies in aviation, with a $2,000 scholarship. GAMA is proud to continue to offer this unique scholarship as part of its commitment to workforce development and advancing careers in general aviation. It is named in honor of a GAMA founder and past president - Edward W. Stimpson.