Return Of Mooney, Angle Of Attack, Third Class Medical Among The Top Stories

All-in-all, it was a pretty good year for GA. The year saw Mooney Aircraft return to production and introduce new airplanes; the FAA approved Angle of Attack indicators as a low-cost safety device, and may have finally realized that the Third Class Medical is a true hinderance to this segment of the aviation community. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There was also a year-long battle for control of Santa Monica Airport in California that is still unresolved. Here are some of the stories that made news from GA in 2014

January

Inspector General To Audit FAA Organizational Structure

The DOT Inspector General began an audit of the FAA's organization structure at the request of the chairs of the House Transportation Committee and Aviation Subcommittee.

Jewish Flyers Not Thrilled With AOPA Schedule for Fly-In During Yom Kippur

Imagine that a major organization, one that touts itself as being one of the most prominent (even the most prominent), in their field, decided to hold a major event gathering...during Easter?

SAFE To FAA: Sim Policy Change Will Harm Aviation Safety

The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) told the FAA that an unexpected change in agency policy on Letters of Authorization (LOAs) for GA flight simulators will harm aviation safety, create a burden on the industry and run counter to the intent of current LOAs.

Senators Urge Full Funding Of FAA Contract Towers

U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to leadership members of the Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) and the SAC's Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) urging that members fully fund the FAA's Contract Tower Program.

Repair Station Final Rule To Be Published January 13

The long-awaited final rule for security at both domestic and foreign aviation repair stations is set to be put in place by the TSA after working its way through the government bureaucracy for nearly a decade.

FAA Tells Santa Monica It Must Operate Airport Through At Least 2023

The city of Santa Monica, CA has been told in no uncertain terms by the FAA that they cannot close the airport and open up its 227 acres for redevelopment until at least 2023, and likely not ever, according to a communication sent by the agency to city government.

Manchin, Inhofe Introduce Bill To Protect Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers

U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure the FAA conducts an open rulemaking process before enacting potential changes to the medical certification requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers in relation to sleep disorders.

February

Hearing To Be Held On Implementation Of The FAA Reform Act

Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ)  conducted a Congressional hearing to examine the progress the FAA has made in implementing provisions of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 in the last two years.

Aspen's Uczekaj Testifies Before U.S. House Small Business Committee

The U.S. House Small Business Committee, chaired by Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO), held a hearing Wednesday to examine how FAA policies affect small general aviation businesses. John Uczekaj, President and CEO of Aspen Avionics testified on behalf of Aspen and GAMA. Uczekaj has led Aspen Avionics since 2007.

FAA Clears Path For Installation Of AOA Indicators In Small Aircraft

The FAA took an important step to help improve safety in small aircraft by simplifying design approval requirements for a cockpit instrument called an angle of attack (AOA) indicator. AOA devices, common on military and large civil aircraft, can be added to small planes to supplement airspeed indicators and stall warning systems, alerting pilots of a low airspeed condition before a dangerous aerodynamic stall occurs, especially during takeoff and landing.

Petition Submitted To FAA To Revise WINGS Program For Experienced Pilots

Two aviation professionals have submitted a petition to the FAA for a change in one of its signature safety programs. Robert A. Wright, President of Wright Aviation Solutions, and Kent Ewing, President of Bonanza/Baron Pilot Training, have joined together to file a petition with the FAA to modify its WINGS program. They have named their proposed change the "Pro-WINGS" program.

Back To Business... Mooney Resumes Production This Month

Mooney CEO Dr. Jerry Chen confirmed that the company had begun the final steps needed to undertake serial production of the highly lauded Mooney Aircraft line.

Robinson Intros Glass Avionics To R44, R66

Robinson Helicopter Company is introducing a new line of instrument panels and avionics for the R22, R44, and R66.

NBAA, AOPA Continue Supporting Preservation Of Santa Monica Airport

The NBAA and AOPA jointly filed a brief of amicus curiae supporting an FAA motion to dismiss thelatest effort to close the historic airfield

Beechcraft Corporation Reports Strong Finish To 2013

Beechcraft Corporation said in a report that, in the fourth quarter, the company delivered 72 commercial Beechcraft products compared to 48 Beechcraft airplanes in the same period the previous year. Throughout the entire year, the company saw a 64 percent increase in deliveries with 205 commercial Beechcraft products delivered during 2013 compared to 125 in 2012.

Piper Records Double-Digit Increases In 2013 Revenue And Deliveries

Piper Aircraft achieved double-digit growth in new aircraft revenue and new airplane deliveries for 2013 in a challenging global market for aircraft sales. The growth was led by increases in the sales of piston-powered training aircraft. Piper ended 2013 with a 13 percent increase in revenue from new aircraft sales.

FAA: Laser Incidents Increase In 2013

The FAA has released a report showing an increase in lasers being aimed at aircraft over the past year with 3,960 such incidents in 2013. That's up from 3,482 in 2012, and 384 in 2006, the first year such statistics were kept.

March

Fantasy Of Flight Takes A Bold Next Step On Its Journey

Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks announced that that effective April 6, the attraction would be closing its doors as a public attraction and will focus on its private event business and the design and development of a new future destination attraction.

FAA Approves Installation Of BendixKing KLR10 In Certified Aircraft

The FAA sent a letter of approval to BendixKing allowing the installation of the KLR 10 Lift Reserve Indicator in certified general aviation aircraft. The KLR 10 improves operational safety by increasing pilot awareness of how much lift remains during phases of flight with the highest angles of attack (AoA), such as takeoff, approach and landing, which account for the majority of preventable loss-of-control accidents.

GAMA, AAAA Hit Obama Over User Fees, Funding Levels

The industry wasted no time in expressing its opposition to proposed user fees for GA in President Obama's FY2015 budget.

NATA Calls President's Budget Proposal A 'Job Killer'

NATA and EAA have joined the chorus of industry advocacy groups opposing user fees for GA proposed in President Obama's FY2015 budget document.

U.S. House Leaders Oppose 'Onerous' Aviation User Fees

The aviation user fees included in President Obama's budget will likely face a steep uphill battle in the House. Prior to the budget's release, a bipartisan group of four key congressmen got together to again ask that he refrain from seeking new fees on commercial and general aviation operators.

Women in Aviation, International Holds 25th Anniversary Conference

Women in Aviation, International (WAI) hosted its 25th annual conference with three days jammed with activities to honor the past, guide the present, and plant seeds for the future. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, was the scene for the 2014 International Women in Aviation Conference held March 6-8, 2014. More women than ever attended this year’s conference, with attendance setting a new record at more than 4,500 registered individuals, representing all segments of the aviation community.

Aviation Groups Call For Swift Passage Of Senate's Sleep Apnea Bill

A coalition of aviation groups is calling for swift passage of U.S. Senate legislation aimed at bringing transparency to any decision by the FAA to implement mandatory testing of pilots and air traffic controllers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before receiving a medical certificate.

Hersman Resigns From NTSB

NTSB Chair Deborah A. P. Hersman stepped down from her position. The announcement came in a brief statement posted on the NTSB website.

April

Older 172s Finding New Life Through A Diesel Upgrade

A diesel upgrade for older model Cessna 172s is now available through Fort Lauderdale, FL-based Premier Aircraft Sales, which includes a Centurion 2.0 diesel engine and Garmin 500 glass.

FAA Pursues Rulemaking On Third Class Medical Issue

Perhaps coincidental to the specter of congress creating legislation on the issue, the FAA is beginning a rulemaking project that will consider whether to allow private pilots, in certain instances, to substitute a driver’s license in lieu of a FAA medical certificate.

Brown Aviation Lease, Redhawk Aero Join Forces

The next phase of the RedHawk Experiment began in early summer led by Brown Aviation Lease (Brown) and RedHawk Aero, LLC. This phase of the experiment is focused on addressing two problems: affordable access to modern flight training equipment, and improving the substandard user experience for fleet operators.

Cessna, Embry-Riddle Sign Long-Term Agreement

Cessna and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), signed a long-term agreement which includes the purchase of 57 Cessna Skyhawk – model 172s, with initial deliveries beginning in 2014. The order is part of a multi-year agreement with ERAU, with 29 aircraft to be delivered in 2014 and the remaining 28 aircraft slated for delivery in 2015. The new fleet will replace the Cessna Skyhawks currently used in the university’s flight training program at its Daytona Beach, FL. campus and Prescott, AZ. campus.

NBAA, GAMA Welcome FAA Move On 3rd Class Medical

The NBAA and GAMA both issued statements supporting the FAAs announcement that the agency would begin a formal rule-making process to consider whether to allow private pilots, in certain instances, to use a driver’s license in lieu of an FAA medical certificate.

GAMA Opens New Middle East/North Africa Office In Dubai

During the Global Aerospace Summit, GAMA announced the opening of a representative office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The new office will be co-located with the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) in Dubai, UAE.

Aviation Medical Community Opposes Third Class Medical Changes

The association representing doctors who perform FAA medical exams are pushing back against proposed legislation that would do away with a requirement for a third class medical certificate for some pilots.

EASA Grants STC For Diesel-Powered Archers

EASA has granted an STC to Piper Aircraft and Continental Motors Group for the installation of the Centurion 2.0S diesel engine aboard Piper Archer aircraft.

Solar Impulse 2: The Round-The-World Aircraft Is Completed

Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg launched Solar Impulse 2, their new single-seater solar aircraft designed to take up the challenge of the first round-the-world solar flight, without any fuel in 2015.

May

NTSB: Planes That Collided Over SF Bay Engaged In Passing Maneuver

The two airplanes involved in a mid-air collision over San Francisco Bay were engaged in a "passing maneuver," according to an NTSB investigator on the scene.

Rockefeller, Thune Differ On Views Of TSA Funding

Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senator John Thune (R-SD), the committee's ranking Republican, offered different views of the Transportation Security Agency at an oversight hearing held by the committee.

GAMA Announces First Quarter 2014 Airplane Shipments And Billing Numbers

There was some very good news in GAMAs first quarter report for 2014. In the first three months of the year, total worldwide general aviation (GA) airplane shipments increased 11.9 percent, from 447 units in 2013 to 500 units in 2014. Billings for GA airplanes totaled $5.1 billion in the first quarter, up 9.0 percent from the same period last year.

FAA And GA Community Launch Weather Safety Campaign

The FAA and general aviation groups planned an eight-month national safety campaign titled, “Got Weather? #GotWx,” to help GA pilots prepare for potential weather challenges they may encounter during the 2014 flying season.  FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and GA leaders kicked off the Got Weather? campaign at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering.

Controller Deemed Responsible For 2009 NY Mid-Air Back On Duty

The air traffic controller whom it was determined was responsible for a mid-air collision between an airplane and a sightseeing helicopter in New York in 2009 has been transferred to Virginia and returned to duty, and the relatives of some of those fatally injured in the accident are none too happy about the arrangement.

NTSB Recommends FAA, NWS Improve Forecasts To Pilots

The NTSB issued nine recommendations addressing the need to provide more comprehensive preflight weather information to pilots. The recommendations were issued to both the FAA and the National Weather Service (NWS), who are jointly responsible for providing such information to pilots. Timely, detailed weather information is critical for enabling airmen to properly balance risks and make sound decisions when determining to fly.

FAA Certifies McCauley Composite Propeller

The FAA has certified the McCauley Propeller Systems’ Blackmac Carbon Series constant speed composite propeller. The company says the propeller’s advanced composite materials and patented high-strength, low-weight continuous carbon loop blade retention system significantly reduces propeller assembly weight and improves product life.

A Successful Test Flight For EPS Engine

A Cirrus SR22 powered by an Engineered Propulsion Systems (EPS) Graflight  V-8 Diesel engine made its first test flight May 2nd in Mojave, CA with Dick Rutan at the controls of the airplane.

U.S. House Appropriators Show Strong Support For GA Priorities

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved continued strong support for two areas critical to general aviation's growth: reform of the certification process for new aircraft products and technologies, and the transition to an unleaded aviation fuel for piston-engine aircraft.

CBP Re-Thinking GA Intercept Policy

We've been talking about this for a long time, and now it would appear that Customs and Border Protection is finally starting to understand that they don't need to search the airplanes of law-abiding pilots guilty of nothing more than flying cross-country.

June

FAA: NextGen Report To Congress Shows Progress

In his first report to Congress since becoming the Chief NextGen Officer, Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker detailed what the report says is the “significant progress” made toward completing the technological foundation that is bringing greater efficiency and predictability to the nation’s airspace system, while reducing aviation’s environmental impact.

AOPA Announces Dues Increase and Membership Services Restructuring

Got the word that AOPA's Mark Baker wanted to brief us on an announcement and was hoping for some good news... maybe a breakthrough on the Third-Class medical logjam or the like. That was not the case.

AEA Tells Congress: Avionics Industry Is Ready To Meet Mandate

Aircraft Electronics Association President Paula Derks addressed the U.S. House Committee on Small Business Wednesday. Derks, president of the Aircraft Electronics Association, told members of the U.S. House Small Business committee that FAA leadership needs to refocus its efforts for a more rapid adoption of the safety-enhancing NextGen technologies it has invested so heavily in.

NBAA Welcomes House Hearing Seeking Greater Clarity On NextGen Specifics

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen submitted written comments before a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee regarding implementation by the FAA of the “NextGen” air traffic control network.

U.S. Senator Wants Bob Hope Airport Curfew On Funding Bill

California Senator Diane Feinstein (D) attempted to use a mini appropriations bill that includes funding for the Department of Transportation to curtail nighttime operations at Burbank Bob Hope Airport (KBUR).

Whitaker To Senate: NextGen Is Making Significant Progress

The FAA's Deputy Administrator in charge of NextGen told the Senate Commerce Committee that the agency has made "significant progress" towards full implementation of the system.

South Shore Air Show Canceled

After all the controversy about moving the show off the beach at Lake Michigan to a nearby inland attraction ... Fair Oaks Farms and the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority have announced the cancellation of the 2014 South Shore Air Show.

U.S. House Passes $15.7 Billion FAA Funding Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to provide $15.7 billion in fiscal year 2015 to the FAA. The FAA is currently at a funding level of $15.6 billion. In addition, the bill prohibits aviation user fees and fees for navigational charts.

Bolen Thanks House GA Caucus For Steadfast Opposition To User Fees

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen thanked the leaders of the House General Aviation (GA) Caucus for their continued support of “one of America’s greatest industries,” and repeated opposition to proposals that would be harmful to general aviation, including user fees.

GAMA Responds To USA Today Story On GA Safety

It happens occasionally. A writer looking for something to write will turn his or her attention to GA, and the results are sometimes skewed, overstated, or even flat-out wrong.

July

Inhofe Seeks Comments On Pilot’s Bill Of Rights 2

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), a member of the Senate General Aviation Caucus and certified flight instructor with more than 11,000 flight hours,  announced the outline for Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR2) and requested the aviation community to submit comments for the final Senate legislation.

Associations Welcome Pilot's Bill Of Rights 2

Aaviation organizations offered broad support for Senator James Inhofe's proposed Pilot's Bill of Rights 2, which the Oklahoma Republican released Monday.

OIG Report Says FAA Behind Schedule On UAV Integration

The DOT's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) said that the FAA is unlikely to meet its 2015 deadline for integrating UAVs into the National Airspace System (NAS).

NTSB Prelim Shows Elevator Cables Cross-Connected In PA-12

The NTSB has determined that the elevator cables on a Piper PA-12 that went down July 2 shortly after takeoff from Merrill Field Airport, Anchorage, AK were incorrectly installed, according to a preliminary report.

Long After The Accident (Despite Warnings), The FAA Fines Riggs' Illegalities

Long after his activities took two lives in 2012 and nearly a year after he killed himself and an innocent passenger in yet another feat of aerial stupidity, the FAA acted somewhat appreciably against the crimes of David Riggs (outside of a revocation which he ignored).

NextGen Technology Transferred From NASA To FAA

NextGen software technology that will allow air traffic controllers to maximize the benefits of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures on the approach to the runway was transferred to the FAA from NASA Monday in an official ceremony at FAA headquarters.

FAA Says Part 23 Re-Write Is Two Years Behind Schedule

The FAA's Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Peggy Gilligan told the House Transportation Aviation Subcommittee that the Part 23 re-write is about two years behind schedule, with a final rule now expected in December 2017.

WomenVenture At EAA AirVenture Now In Its Seventh Year

It was hard to miss the energy, enthusiasm, and interest in aviation by hundreds of women, donning commemorative purple t-shirts, celebrating aviation during EAA AirVenture. On Wednesday, July 30th, a day-long roster of women-centric events was organized by Women in Aviation, International (WAI), the 99s and EAA.

AEA Reminds Pilots And Owners That The ADS-B Deadline Is Looming

It may seem that the December 31, 2020 deadline for installation of ADS-B Out equipment is far away ... but in reality, there are fewer than 1300 working days left to get your airplane equipped to operate in controlled airspace. Given the number of shops that are equipped and qualified to do the installation ... AEA warns that pilots and owners who put installation off may find themselves on a long waiting list.

August

Huerta On Third Class Medical: 'How Do We Get To Yes?'

Hopes were high in some corners of AirVenture that FAA Administrator Michael Huerta would make a major announcement about eliminating the 3rd class medical certificate during his annual "Meet the Administrator" session Thursday.

Able Flight Pilots Get Their Wings At Oshkosh 2014

Able Flight provides scholarships that allow people with physical disabilities, including paraplegics and wounded veterans, to become pilots and provide scholarships to support careers in aviation. Able Flight returned to AirVenture to announce six new Able Flight pilots who earned their sport pilot certificates in 2014.

FAA Spins Third Class Medical Issue

The FAA Agents were out in force at AirVenture with up to 14 individual forums or press events all aimed at putting lipstick on the pig that is the third class medical quagmire. In three of these individual forums FAA affiliated medical doctors espoused myriad reasons supporting the FAA position, revealing a coordinated defense.

AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 Could Be One Of The Best Ever

EAA Chairman Jack J. Pelton told reporters Sunday at his convention-closing press appearance that when the numbers are all in, the 2014 edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh would be among the best conventions of all time. Attendance, the number of airplanes, exhibitors’ reactions and enthusiasm – all are trending up significantly.

Acting NTSB Chair Hart Announces Safety Study On Aviation Drug Use Trends

At a recent congressional hearing, National Transportation Safety Board Acting Chairman Christopher A. Hart announced that NTSB investigators are completing work on a study on drug use trends in aviation.

FAA Publishes Repair Station Final Rule

In what is being described by AEA as a very public win, the FAA has published its final rule regulating repair stations that drops the changes to the repair station rating system and retained only the authority to deny an application for a new repair station certificate if the applicant or certain associated key individuals had materially contributed to the circumstances that caused a previous repair station certificate revocation action.

ARSA: FAA Repair Station Rule Like 'Killing A Flea With An Atom Bomb'

The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) was less than enthusiastic about the FAA's changes in repair station regulations under 14 CFR part 145 announced Tuesday.

AOPA’S Landsberg Announces Retirement

One of general aviation’s most prominent safety advocates has announced his retirement after 22 years in leadership roles at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). As President of the AOPA Foundation and Executive Director of the AOPA Air Safety Institute, Bruce Landsberg has led the Association’s fundraising, charitable, and safety efforts for 22 years. He will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.

Independence, KS Facility Delivers 10,000th Single-Engine Cessna

The 10,000th single-engine Cessna aircraft has been delivered from Textron Aviation's Independence, KS facility since its first delivery in June 1996. Liberty University took delivery of this milestone aircraft, a Cessna Skyhawk, along with two other Cessna Skyhawks, adding to its growing flight training fleet.

House GA Caucus Seeks Speedy Medical Reform

Thirty-two members of the U.S. House of Representatives General Aviation Caucus are asking the Department of Transportation to speed up the review of an FAA proposal to reform the third-class medical process.

September

Santa Monica Continues To Try To Avoid Grant-Assurance Obligations

On Aug. 28, NBAA and several other parties joined in calling upon the FAA to deny the latest move by the city of Santa Monica to side-step grant-assurance obligations involved with the operation of embattled Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO).

EASA Announces New Organization For Industry Engagement

EASA has introduced a new organization which aims at preparing the Agency for the challenges of the coming years.

EASA Moves To Revive General Aviation

EASA’s Annual Safety Conference, to be held in Rome in October, is likely to be one of the most important ever for general aviation in Europe, according to  IAOPA Europe, which plans a strong presence.

Industry Reacts To FAA's Unleaded Fuel Testing

Several industry groups are saying that the FAA's move to evaluate four unleaded aviation fuels from three suppliers is a step in the right direction.  Those fuels – two from Swift Fuels, one from Shell, and one from TOTAL – will begin Phase 1 lab and rig testing this fall at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Testing will continue until fall 2015.

NTSB Adopts Study On Drug Use In Aviation

In a study adopted on the prevalence of drug use by pilots who died in crashes, the NTSB found an upward trend in the use of both potentially impairing medications and illicit drugs. Almost all of the accidents – 96 percent – were in general aviation.

GAMA Welcomes EU Endorsement Of New Certification Rules

The European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have both endorsed a global initiative to modernize the way smaller airplanes are certified, a move welcomed by GAMA.

NTSB: GA Accident Rate Down In 2013

The NTSB has released preliminary aviation accident statistics showing an overall decline in the number of US registered civil aviation accidents. The number of civil aviation accidents fell from 1,539 in 2012 to 1,297 in 2013.

FAA Introduces Aircraft Certification Process Change

The FAA has taken what it calls an "important step" towards streamlining the aircraft certification process that will help the industry get products to market faster and retain competitiveness.

FAA Approves Garmin AOA

The FAA has approved Garmin's Angle of Attack (AOA) system for installation in a wide variety of general aviation aircraft. The entire system is comprised of the GI 260 AOA indicator, GAP 26 angle of attack probe and GSU 25 air data computer, which combine to display safety-enhancing AOA and audible alerts throughout critical phases of flight.

DOT IG: Current ADS-B Benefits Are Limited

The DOT Inspector General has released a report saying that the benefits of ADS-B are limited due to its lack of advance capabilities and the still-small percentage of aircraft that have installed the proper equipment.

October

Huerta Calls For Full Review Of FAA Contingency Plans, Security Protocols

FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta announced that the agency would conduct a 30-day review of contingency plans and security protocols for its major facilities, after a criminal action by a contractor on Friday knocked out communications equipment at an FAA high-altitude air traffic facility in Aurora, IL.

EAA Submits Hangar Use Policy Comments

EAA has submitted formal comments to the FAA’s proposed policy regarding non-aeronautical hangar use. EAA’s comments mirror the main points the organization has emphasized over the past two months. EAA is urging the FAA to recognize active homebuilding and restoration projects as approved aeronautical uses for hangars.

FAA And Industry Release NextGen Plan

The FAA and the aviation community have agreed on a plan that is intended to accelerate the delivery of key NextGen initiatives to the flying public to over the next three years. The agreement was reached at a meeting Wednesday between the FAA and the NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC), an organization composed of airlines, manufactures and labor groups and represents the culmination of several months of intensive and unprecedented collaboration.

New FAA UAV Enforcement Policy Could Cost Pilots Their Certificates

While it turned out that AC 91-57 dealing with model aircraft was not being canceled ... at least not yet ... the FAA last Friday did release a change to Compliance and Enforcement Bulletin No. 2014-2 that UAV and model aircraft operators should note ... particularly if they hold a pilot certificate.

FAA To Address Proposed Rules Changes For Simulation

John S. Duncan, the FAA's Director of Flight Standards Service and James Viola, Manager AFS-800 agreed to attend the Migration Flight Training and Design Conference, (October 27th- 29th) at the Redbird Skyport, San Marcos Municipal Airport (KHYI) in San Marcos, TX, to discuss the status of the FAA’s controversial proposal to change the rules of simulator use and certification

GAMA Responds To Latest Sensationalistic USA Today Story On GA Safety

GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce has issued a statement in reply to a sensationalistic USA Today article published Monday about post-impact fires in general aviation aircraft.

EAA To FAA: ADS-B Mandate 'Fraught With Hurdles' For GA

At a meeting held in Washington, D.C. at FAA headquarters billed as a "Call to Action" on NextGen, Sean Elliott, EAA vice president of advocacy and safety, told the FAA Tuesday that while the recreational aviation community is willing to work toward a modernization of the national airspace system, mandated ADS-B compliance is still fraught with too many hurdles to motivate general aviation aircraft owners to install the costly equipment.

AeroMobil 3.0 Unveiled At Vienna Pioneer Festival In Austria

The AeroMobil 3.0 prototype of a roadable aircraft was shown publicly for the first time at the Vienna Pioneers Festival in Austria.

Continental Offers Diesel Retrofits For African Flight School

Continental Diesel Master Installation Center Africair, Inc. ha sincreased its latest order of CD-155 retrofit engine kits from three to ten. Africair equips new diesel powered Cessna 172 Skyhawks for Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy.

November

Mooney Confirms New Airplanes--TWO Of Them!

Mooney International introduced the first new Mooney models since the restructuring of the company at the Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai, China. The company notes that the Mooney M10T and the M10J will provide a stepping stone to the high performance M20 series.

Voters Defeat Industry-Backed Referendum On Santa Monica Airport

The NBAA has reiterated its long-standing commitment to ensuring unfettered access to California’s Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO), despite the outcome over proposals regarding KSMO’s future, which were included on the local election ballot.

NTSB Releases Prelim In Maryland Mid-Air Collision

The NTSB has released its preliminary report from an accident that occurred near Frederick, MD Municipal Airport (KFDK) involving a Cirrus SR22 and a Robinson R44 II helicopter. Three people were fatally injured as a result of the accident.

NASAO Selects New President

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) announced that Greg Principato has been named President and CEO of the 83 year-old organization based in the Washington D.C.

Shuster Selected To Return As Transportation Committee Chairman

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA)  has been selected by the House Republican Conference to serve again as Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, one of the largest committees in Congress.

'Serious' Victory For FAA And Repair Stations

Thanks to a coalition of aviation trade associations and the responsiveness of the FAA, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) will retain seven important letters. The word “serious” has been reinserted into the paragraph of 14 CFR part 145 requiring repair stations to report failures, malfunctions or defects in articles received for work to the agency within 96 hours.

NTSB Remands Administrator v. Pirker Case Back To ALJ For Further Review

The NTSB served the FAA and respondent Raphael Pirker with its opinion and order regarding Mr. Pirker's appeal in case CP-217, regarding the regulation of unmanned aircraft. In the opinion, the Board remanded the case to the administrative law judge to collect evidence and issue a finding concerning whether Pirker's operation of his unmanned aircraft over the campus of the University of Virginia in 2011 was careless or reckless.

Baker To Congress: FAA Must Address Several Issues Critical To GA

AOPA President Mark Baker highlighted issues affecting general aviation oversight, regulation, and certification during testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

DOT IG Rips FAA At House Hearing

The DOT's Inspector General Calvin Scovel III offered a less-than-flattering assessment of the FAA during a hearing last week before the House Transportation Committee, which will write the agency's next reauthorization bill.

December

FAA Clarifies Policy That Fuel-Tax Revenue Must Fund Aviation 

The FAA amended its airport revenue usage policy to emphasize that tax revenue from aviation fuel sales must go back into the aviation system.

ERAU VP Donates Plane, Scholarships To Western Michigan Aviation Academy 

Louis C. Seno Jr., Vice President for Corporate Relations and Government Affairs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and his wife Christine announced they will donate his late father’s Corben Junior Ace aircraft for display at West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA)

FAA Authorizes Increased Sim Use For Instrument Training

The FAA adopted a direct final rule amending the regulations governing the use of flight simulators to increase the use of these devices for instrument training requirements above the levels established in its final rule published in 2009.

CA Proposition 65 Lawsuit Regarding Leaded Avgas Settled

California Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) and fuel distributors settled a 2011 lawsuit regarding the sale of leaded aviation gasoline brought by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH).

Bill Harrelson Seeks To Circumnavigate The Globe In World Record Time

Now that Santa and his reindeer have put the sleigh back in the hangar for another year the skies are clear for LOBO (Lancair Owners and Builders Organization) member Bill Harrelson to attempt yet another world record.

FMI: www.aero-news.net