Helicopter Express Took On Its First S-64 Air Crane From Erickson In September 2022
Helicopter Express has acquired the aerial firefighting operations business unit and aircraft of Erickson -- best known for being the manufacturer/operator of the monster heavy-lift S-64 Air Crane helicopters. Some of Erickson’s remaining businesses will stay alive as standalone entities. Further; Erickson will stay on as an independent manufacturer and service provider for the S-64 Air Crane helicopter fleet. “The acquisition of Erickson’s firefighting operations and fleet furthers our growth plan into new aerial markets and makes us the premier heavy-lift operator globally,” said Scott Runyan, CEO of Helicopter Express.
Lots of the Little Guys Will Have to Institute an SMS, if They Haven't Already
The Aircraft Electronics Association reminded members about the upcoming changes to SMS procedures, since the upcoming change will add them to the laundry list of things a number of smaller operations will have to contend with. In the end, the changes to 14 CFR Part 5, Safety Management Systems, will ensure all certificate holders operating under the rules for commuter and on-demand operations under Part 135, commercial air tour operators under section 91.147, production certificate holders that are holders or licensees of a type certificate for the same product, and holders of a type certificate that license out that type certificate for production under Part 21.
Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal
To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. Lakeland’s Airport reported that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport, notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations..." After months of wrangling, an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation prioritizes investments to strengthen aviation safety standards, enhance consumer protections, advance technology and innovation, and build a modern, well-trained, safety-centric workforce. The US Parachute Association tells us that whether you have thousands of jumps, or skyd
From 2018 (YouTube Version): Stratos Jets Will Initially Be Offered Kits
Stratos Aircraft presented an update on its VLJ program and introduced the Stratos 716 model at AirVenture this summer. The Stratos 716X is an evolution of the 714 Proof of Concept (PoC) aircraft. The all carbon fiber 716X features trailing link gear, is powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 and is configured with dual G3X screens, GTN 750 MFD, integrated Garmin Autopilot, dual standby attitude indicators, custom switch panels, fully automated pressurization system and air conditioning. The Stratos 716X kit will be comprehensive and include a builder’s assist program.