UAVs Dominated The Category, But There Were Several New Aircraft Introduced And Certified As Well

It seemed like every time we turned around this past year, here was another story about the burgeoning UAV industry, including a hodgepodge or local regulations and the FAA's efforts to get all unmanned aircraft registered. The business jet market had its ups and downs in sales, but companies continued to introduce, fly, and certify new airplanes. And one of the biggest names in helicopter production was put up for sale. Those stories and a lot more made up the world of business aviation during 2015.

January

Bombardier Business Aircraft received a firm order for six Learjet 75 business jets with options for an additional three Learjet 75 aircraft from an undisclosed customer.

The person who flew a UAV over the scene of an automobile accident in Hartford CT in February of last year did not violate any FAA rules, according to a report released by the agency.

The FAA is calling on local law enforcement agencies to help it identify those who it feels are operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in violation of its policies.

A hearing was held on January 20th in Federal District Court in San Francisco to determine if Sikorsky Aviation Corporation can intervene in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case that was won by the American Small Business League (ASBL) against the Pentagon for Sikorsky subcontracting reports.

Robinson Helicopter Company announced the Garmin G500H Avionics Display System and the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS autopilot are now available as options on new 2015 R66 Turbine helicopters.

A DA50 powered by a turbine engine made its first flight on January 19 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Christian Dries, CEO Diamond Aircraft, acted as test pilot, along with Ingmar Mayerbuch, Head of Flight Test.

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing to review research and development (R&D) performed by the FAA and NASA that could facilitate commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly called drones, to be integrated into the National Airspace System.

Cessna celebrated the roll out of the first production Citation Latitude at the company’s Wichita, KS manufacturing facility, just three years since being announced to the market.

February

The NBAA said that the exclusion of per-flight user fees for general aviation (GA) from President Obama’s fiscal year 2016 budget reflected progress on the issue, although a renewed call for lengthening business aircraft depreciation schedules presents a continuing challenge.

A group of pilots and engineers established a crowdfunding campaign on Indigogo to buy several P-3 Orion airplanes that have been retired from firefighting service and restore them so that they can get back on the job.

An agreement was announced between Bell Helicopter and Erickson Incorporated that transfers product support responsibility of the Bell 214 B and ST models, including spare parts supply, technical assistance, maintenance training, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, to Erickson.

ASTM International announced the formation of a high-level group to develop standards for training workers in the aerospace industry. ASTM Committee F46 on Aerospace Personnel will be led by manufacturers, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and other key stakeholders.

President Barack Obama released a memorandum on promoting economic competitiveness while safeguarding privacy, civil rights and civil liberties to coincide with the FAA-released notice of proposed rulemaking for small unmanned aircraft systems.

In 2012, Airbus Helicopters launched the X4 initial design concept around two highly capable turboshaft engines options: Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW210E and Turbomeca’s Arrano.

California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein is not satisfied with the proposed rules put forth by the FAA for small UAVs in the U.S. She says that small UAVs flown for recreational purposes should also be regulated.

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an emergency airworthiness directive grounding certain Robinson R44 helicopters operating in that country following a fatal accident in New Zealand.

March

Rolls-Royce and Robinson Helicopter Company signed a new, 10-year agreement to supply at least 1,000 RR300 engines to power R66 aircraft.

Bell Helicopter introduced the new Bell 407GXP at Heli-Expo in Orlando, FL. The new aircraft incorporates the reliability and advanced technology of the Bell 407GX platform, and introduces performance improvement, payload increase and pilot workload reduction.

The FAA validated EASA's certification of the AgustaWestland AW189 medium twin engine helicopter allowing for deliveries and operations to begin shortly for AW189 customers in the United States.

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi’s Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems research center (LSUASC) conducted flight operations March 4 and 6 to test a ground-based sense-and-avoid radar system designed to identify small UAS in a specific airspace.

United Technologies Board of Directors authorized a review of strategic alternatives for the corporation's Sikorsky Aircraft business, including a potential tax-free spinoff.

The NBAA Safety Committee released its third annual list of Top Safety Focus Areas, highlighting two primary safety issues – loss of control in flight (LOCI) and runway excursions – which the committee’s research shows should be primary risk-mitigation targets for all operators.

The FAA established an interim policy to speed up airspace authorizations for certain commercial unmanned aircraft (UAS) operators who obtain Section 333 exemptions.

The HondaJet received provisional type certification (PTC) from the FAA. This achievement indicates the FAA's approval of the HondaJet design based on certification testing, design reviews, and analyses completed to date.

April

United Technologies Corp. appointed Robert Leduc as President of Sikorsky Aircraft, succeeding Mick Maurer, who will move to the newly created position of UTC Senior Vice President, Strategic Projects.

The FAA established a procedure to track helicopter noise complaints in the Los Angeles, CA region, according to a news release from Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA).

A second aircraft joined the Falcon 8X flight test campaign as the ultra long range trijet continues to pass key development milestones.

The NTSB opened the accident docket, releasing about 800 pages of documents from an accident involving a Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation G-IV that occurred in Bedford, Massachusetts.

The “summary grant” process the FAA used to issue 30 Section 333 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is another example of how the agency is using a flexible regulatory approach to accommodate this rapidly evolving technology.

Piper Aircraft announced three new aircraft as part of their esteemed M-Class line of single-engine, pressurized, cabin class business aircraft: the M600, the M500, and the M350.

The FAA proposed a $1.54 million civil penalty against Air Methods Corp. of Englewood, CO for allegedly operating Eurocopter EC-130 helicopters on dozens of flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

The East Hampton, CT Town Board voted to enact three restrictions to operations at East Hampton Airport the board said would reduce noise from aircraft.

In its response to the FAA's notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to govern commercial operations of small, unmanned aircraft systems (s-UAS), the NBAA acknowledged the generally measured initial regulatory framework for the new category, but also outlined a number of concerns with the agency's plans.

May

The NBAA joined a federal lawsuit and is considering additional measures to ensure that its Members and other general aviation operators continue to have reasonable and reliable access to New York's East Hampton Airport (KHTO).

PrecisionHawk entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the FAA to advance the research around unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) across rural areas.

The FAA demonstrated a new smartphone application called “B4UFLY,” designed to help model aircraft and unmanned aircraft (UAS) users know if it is safe and legal to fly in their current or planned location.

The first ever PC-24 took off on its maiden flight from Buochs airport.

There are a few bright spots in the aviation business, despite GAMA's report that all segments of the industry saw a decline in deliveries and revenue in the first quarter of 2015.

The FAA announced a public outreach campaign for the National Capital Region around Washington, D.C. to reinforce the message that the District of Columbia and cities and towns within a 15-mile radius of Ronald-Reagan Washington National Airport are a No Drone Zone.

Bombardier Business Aircraft confirmed that current economic conditions and geopolitical issues in some market regions, such as Latin America, China and Russia, have impacted order intake levels industry-wide. As a result, Bombardier Business Aircraft will reduce its production rate for Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft.

There's another new business jet starting its flight test program. The all-new Gulfstream G500 successfully completed its first flight.

Aircraft operating restrictions adopted by East Hampton, NY at its public-use airport (HTO) are in violation of federal grant assurances received by the town and must be revoked, according to a formal complaint filed with the FAA by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and other parties, including a number of its affected Member Companies.

The FAA made it simpler for the six unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test sites to conduct research by giving them “blanket” authorizations to fly public aircraft operations throughout the National Airspace System at or below 200 feet.

June

A test-site research team from the Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence & Innovation (LSUASC) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was dispatched to Wimberley, Texas, to conduct low-altitude research flights in the wake of devastating flooding.

The FAA has granted type certification to Cessna's new Citation Latitude, according to Textron. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.

Dassault Aviation lifted the veil on the highly anticipated Falcon 5X at Dassault's Bordeaux-Merignac final assembly facility before an audience of 400 customers, operators, suppliers and certification authority representatives.

Jordan Hansell stepped down as President and CEO of NetJets, a move announced by the company with virtually no explanation. In a news release announcing a new management team, NetJets said only that he would be stepping down from those jobs.

United Technologies said it would pursue the separation of the Sikorsky Aircraft business from United Technologies, subject to final Board approval.

Airbus Helicopters' says its H160 flew for the first time in Marignane shortly after beginning its ground runs at the end of May.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen praised the confirmation of U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter V. Neffenger as the sixth administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

NASA, working with government and industry partners, is testing a system that would make it possible for unmanned aircraft to fly routine operations in United States airspace.

The NBAA is calling on its more than 10,000 Member Companies to make their voices heard in strong opposition to any legislative proposal that would strip congressional oversight of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) network in favor of a private entity funded through user fees.

July

A DC-10 carrying nearly 11,000 gallons of fire retardant was forced to break off its run near Big Bear Lake in California last Wednesday when the crew spotted what they described as a "hobby drone" flying at about 11,000 feet above sea level in the area.

One of the most spectacular UAV shots that hit the Internet last year was a video of fireworks captured using a quadcopter flying through the display. And while you may be able to capture similar images at your local July 4 celebration, don't try it at the National Mall in Washington, DC ... or pretty much anywhere else in the area.

The new Bell 525 Relentless achieved its first flight. Textron said in a news release that the maiden flight of the super-medium helicopter took place at the company’s aircraft assembly center in Amarillo, Texas.

Bombardier received type certification for its Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft from the Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aviación Civil (UAEAC) of Colombia, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.

A quieter and more fuel efficient future for rotorcraft flight was unveiled by Airbus Helicopters Tuesday with its Bluecopter demonstrator, which has validated leading-edge technologies ranging from an advanced Fenestron, improved rotor and airframe design to intelligent engine power management.

A bill working its way through the California Legislature would create a no-fly zone for UAVs from the ground up to 350 feet over any private property in the state.

Lockheed Martin entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft, for $9.0 billion.

Representatives from a variety of industries, from farmers to movie makers, discussed their uses of unmanned systems at a Capitol Hill forum hosted by the House Unmanned Systems Caucus and moderated by AUVSI President and CEO Brian Wynne.

The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) launched a UAV safety campaign to raise awareness and prevent accidents between UAV operators and low-altitude manned aircraft.

August

Facebook completed a full-scale version of the UAV it hopes will allow the company to provide internet access to underserved populations worldwide.

Google confirmed that it will be moving the UAV manufacturer it purchased last year from Moriarty, NM to the San Francisco Bay area in northern California.

The California general assembly considered a modified UAV trespass bill that would make any flight over private property at an altitude under 350 feet a violation of the state's trespassing law.

The FAA has as much culpability for the recent rise in "drone" sightings as the people operating the aircraft. That's the assessment of Brian Wynne, president & CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), which released a statement in response to new FAA data that reveals an increase in those encounters.

The U.S. House of Representatives was poised to drastically overreact to a loophole in the Post 9/11 GI Bill that Congress itself created. The changes likely to be enacted threaten the ability of veterans to join the aviation industry (especially the vertical-lift sector) — and may cause one of the best potential pools of new pilots to dry up.

Montana Governor Steve Bullock has sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressing frustration that firefighting helicopters contracted by the State of Montana are not allowed to assist with fires which break out on federal land.

Sony released a YouTube video of its new Aerosense UAV it has developed in a joint venture with the Japanese robotics company ZMP.

In a video presentation posted on YouTube, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced that the chipmaker would be investing $60 million in Chinese UAV maker Yuneec.

September

The FAA certified Embraer Executive Jets new Legacy 450. The approval comes a few weeks after the aircraft earned certification from Brazil's civil aeronautics authority (ANAC).

The FAA selected Marke “Hoot” Gibson and Earl Lawrence for two executive-level positions that will guide the agency’s approach to safe, timely and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into U.S. airspace.

The FAA made Measure the only company with permission to fly more than 300 different types of UAVs for a broad range of commercial applications.

The first production Arrius 2R engine was delivered to Bell Helicopter. Selected to power the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, the Arrius 2R is the only turbine in the 500 shp range to feature a dual-channel FADEC.

The probable cause of the crash of a business jet in a Boston suburb last May was a series of errors by an experienced flight crew, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

California Governor Jerry Brown (D) took what may have been an unexpected, but welcome step ... at least welcomed by the UAV industry. He vetoed SB 142, the bill that would have forced all UAVs to fly at an altitude of not lower than 350 feet over most of the state.

EASA has certified Embraer Executive Jets’ Legacy 450. Embraer says the aircraft has met or surpassed all design goals, exceeding targets such as range, runway performance, hot-and-high takeoff distance and maximum payload.

Airbus Defense and Space has developed a Counter-UAV System which detects illicit intrusions of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) over critical areas at long ranges and offers electronic countermeasures minimizing the risk of collateral damage.

October

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) led 28 other organizations and companies in sending a letter to the FAA marking its failure to meet the congressionally mandated deadline for integration of UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS).

The FAA proposed its largest-ever civil penalty against a UAS operator for endangering the safety of the National Airspace.

The House Transportation subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing focused on "Ensuring Aviation Safety in the Era of Unmanned Aircraft Systems". The FAA, AMA, Airline industry, and Forest Service firefighters were all represented on the panel.

Mitch Snyder was named president & CEO of Bell Helicopter, succeeding John Garrison, who is joining Terex Corporation as its new president & CEO.

The Kansas Department of Commerce and Textron Aviation have restated their Workforce Services Training Agreement that will support hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in new product development and production in Wichita.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced the creation of a task force to develop recommendations for a registration process for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The FAA will move forward with the policy announced Monday to register nearly every drone sold in the U.S., according to a blog post attributed to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx.

The business jet industry’s near-term outlook is counter-intuitive, according to industry analyst Brian Foley.

Walmart applied to the FAA for a Section 333 exemption that would allow the retail giant to test UAVs that would deliver items to customers in the parking lot, or at their homes.

November

A Letter of Intent (LOI) for the establishment of a final assembly line (FAL) of Airbus Helicopters’ H135 in China was signed by Yao Yixian, the Sino-German Ecopark Deputy General Manager and Wolfgang Schoder, Airbus Helicopters Deutschland CEO in Hefei, Anhui Province.

Emirates Flight Training Academy has signed a firm order for five Embraer Phenom 100E business jets, plus options for five more aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.

The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority certified Cessna's TTx, paving the way for deliveries in Australia.

A chartered Hawker 800 jet went down in Akron, OH, resulting in the fatal injury of all nine people on board the aircraft.

GAMA released a statement regarding EASA's issuance of Opinion 06/2015 that contains a regulatory framework that would allow Commercial Air Transport (CAT) operations using single-engine turbine aeroplanes at night and in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).

Bell Helicopter officials say that the commercial helicopter market may not see significant recovery until sometime in the first half of 2017.

Cessna Aircraft Company announced at NBAA in Las Vegas it plans to enter the large business jet category with the clean sheet, 4,500-nautical mile Citation Hemisphere.

ONE Aviation announced that Jinggong General Aviation, the exclusive distributor of the Eclipse 550 and Eclipse Special Edition (SE) jets in China, has placed an order for twenty Eclipse jets to be delivered over the next several years.

The FAA certified the Nextant Aerospace G90XT turboprop.

The second PC-24 prototype (P02) took off from Buochs Airport on its maiden flight.

Robinson Helicopter Company plans to debut the R44 Cadet, a two-place R44, in the first quarter of 2016. While suitable for a wide variety of utilitarian applications, Robinson developed the Cadet with the training market in mind.

EASA awarded type certification for the Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet.

Aerion CEO Doug Nichols announced plans for the manufacture of the AS2 supersonic business.

Two Integrated Electronic Engines (iE2) built by Lycoming Engines have been successfully installed on Tecnam's P2012 Traveller test aircraft.

December

Gulfstream will be idling about 1,100 regular and contract employees across all of its domestic locations, according to the company.

Russian aviation certification authorities have given approval to Airbus Helicopters' H225. It is the first time in history that a foreign heavy class helicopter has been certified in Russia.

UAV Industry and government representatives briefed Capitol Hill staffers on Wednesday on the still-new efforts to create an unmanned air traffic network that in turn would bolster the growth of the UAS industry.

The FAA granted certification to the HondaJet. This is the final step before full production can begin at the company's manufacturing base in Greensboro, NC.

The FAA announced a streamlined and user-friendly web-based aircraft registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft (UAS) weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) including payloads such as on-board cameras.

Robinson’s 700th R66 Turbine rolled off the production line on December 18, 2015, five years after the 5-place helicopter was FAA certificated.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics says it is "disappointed" in the rule for UAV registration announced by the FAA.

If you thought information entered into the FAA's UAV registration site would be kept private, you're in for a surprise.

The Epic E1000 prototype FT1, sporting tail number N331FT, took its first flight at Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN). Upon completion of the scheduled 20 minute flight, Epic Chief Pilot, David Robinson, reported “The aircraft handled extremely well and performed just as expected.”

FMI: www.aero-news.net