Learjet 55 With Patient and Doctors On Board Goes Down in Philadelphia

A Learjet 55 medical jet crashed near a shopping mall in Philadelphia on Friday, January 31, killing all six on board and injuring several more on the ground. The aircraft was transporting a young patient back to Mexico after she completed her treatment at the Shriners Children's hospital.

Move Follows Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan National Airport

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday January 30 the appointment of FAA deputy administrator Christopher Rocheleau to Acting Administrator following the mid-air collision over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) between an American Eagle passenger flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter operating out of nearby Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Helicopters Continued Growth In 2024

Airbus Helicopters announced it logged 455 gross orders in 2024, indicating a steady market growth and strong performance for its light, light twin-engine, and heavy helicopters. Orders were from 182 customers in 42 countries, with delivery of 361 helicopters.

Board Approves Purchase Of Five Aircraft

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City is expanding its aviation program again with the purchase of additional airplanes for its fleet, as the College’s Board of Trustees approved multiple aircraft purchases in its last meeting.

Rocheleau Good Choice At Critical Time For Industry

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) released the statement below concerning President Donld Trump’s appointment of Chris Rocheleau as Acting Administrator of the FAA:

Pilot Efforts To Maintain Directional Control Were Not Successful

On January 3, 2025, about 2338 mountain standard time, a Cirrus Design Corporation SF-50 airplane, N603AP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Spearfish, South Dakota. The pilot and five passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported the flight proceeded uneventfully until landing. The air traffic controller advised him that the Black Hills Airport-Clyde Ice Field (SPF) runway was covered with 1/8” of wet snow. However, the runway braking action was reported as 5/5/5 (touchdown/midpoint/rollout) meaning that braking action was good and all portions