(Airplane) Began A Right Descending Spiral From 9,025 Ft MSL

On June 30, 2024, about 1355 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-46-310P, N85PG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Trout Creek, New York. The instrument-rated private pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Airport surveillance video and preliminary flight track data revealed that the airplane departed runway 24 at Albert S. Nader Regional Airport (N66), Oneonta, New York, about 1342, with an intended destination of West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), Charleston, West Virgina. After departing the airport, the pilot contacted the Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center and requested an instrument flight rules clearance.

Working to Create Resources for Independent Flight Instructors

Adriana Barragan saw an issue within the flight training community nearly three years ago and founded Orka to stop it. No, the name is not based on the whale (although my thoughts went there, too)—ORKA is a Swedish word meaning to cope or to have the energy to achieve. This symbolizes exactly what Barragan will need to accomplish her mission. Her company, ORKA, is an all-in-one management system for flight instructors with small businesses. It contains integrated tools for scheduling, marketing, and training. Barragan also mentioned that she is working with the NVIDIA Inception program to introduce AI software, but in her words, “this is just the beginning.” Her end goal for ORKA will take time. 

Industry Personnel Shortages Effect Even the Big Players

By: Gene Yarbrough Over the next 20 years, Boeing projects a continued significant demand for aviation personnel as the global commercial airplane fleet continues to expand. The company’s 2024 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) shows the industry will require nearly 2.4 million new professionals to support the growing commercial fleet and meet the long-term increase in air travel. Just about everyone needs some experienced technicians, and that trend is only going to continue as markets at home and abroad expand...

Full Lineup of Airplanes, Propellers, Engine Tech, Education Session

Hartzell Propeller is putting together a display for AirVenture this year that will have attractions for just about every segment of aviation. There are also renowned aerobatic pilots scheduled for meet & greet sessions on various days to talk about their airplanes and be available for autographs and photos. Hartzell promises to have some great exclusive deals for backcountry and kit plane flyers as well. But wait, there’s more: Hartzell wants to buy your propeller. You might get a discount on a new prop if your current one is serviceable.

AAM Manufacturer Now Planning Test Campaign to Come

Eve Air Mobility made waves at the Farnborough International Airshow as it displayed its very first full-scale eVTOL prototype, showing off the unit under construction at the Embraer test facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil.The prototype was accompanied by the nomination of another pair of suppliers, adding Diehl Aviation and ASE to the roster of Eve's companion companies working on the design. Diehl will design and develop the interior furnishings and cabin design, while ASE will get to work engineering the power distribution system, power converters, and interconnects to power Eve's electric flight. The companies put a cap on Eve's selection of 'primary suppliers' for the eVTOL in its production guise, as they move toward their comprehensive test campaign.

Factory Coverage Now Three Years

Aspen Avionics, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, announced the extension of factory warranty coverage on its Evolution MAX and E5 Display Systems. The warranty is extended from two to three years with unlimited transferability. The extension indicates the company’s willingness to work with the general aviation community to provide cost-effective and ongoing support for its display systems. The longer warranty period covers all components regardless of their accumulated flight hours. In addition, the company will provide some more pricing options for an additional two years beyond the original factory coverage. For a single display, oeprators can expect just under $1000, going up to a fiver under $1,300 for 2 to 3-diosplay setups.

They Saw The Helicopter Wreckage Freefalling Into The Ocean In Two Sections

On July 11, 2024, about 1305 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N144KW, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Kekaha, Hawaii. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing flight. The accident helicopter, owned by Aloha Helicopter Tours LLC, dba Ali’I Air Tours, was conducting a doors-off, sightseeing flight around the island of Kauai. The helicopter departed from the Lihue Airport (LIH), at about 1231 for a one-hour tour of the island of Kauai. According to archived Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ADS-B data, after the helicopter departed from LIH, it initially proceeded west-southwest before turning to a northerly heading. 

Special Missions Aircraft on the Way to Britain Thanks to Gama Aviation Limited

Textron Aviation announced an expansion to its more boutique product offerings abroad, thanks to a new partnership with Gama Aviation Limited. Gama Aviation will now act as the go-to for UK clientele with a mission to fulfill, selling anything from the Cessna and Beechcraft families. Textron's special mission aircraft include contenders like their single-engine Cessna Grand Caravan or twin-turboprop King Air, all the way up to jets like the Citation Longitude. They can be outfitted for a whole host of missions, from more mundane things like cargo carriage and aerial survey all the way up to amphibious operations and urgent medevac.