The FAA designated Tom Norton as one of only two Eclipse 500 pilot examiners in the world, allowing Sarasota, Fla.-based Norton Aviation to offer in-aircraft type-rating training, in addition to the FAA type rating checkride. Pilots can choose between conducting the training and FAA checkride at any location in their own aircraft or using Norton Aviation’s Eclipse 500.
FAA Practical Test
May 21, 2008 - 6:17am
What does it really take to start a Part 135 operation? Talking with pilots reveals confusion and intimidation about the requirements. One is sure to hear stories about the mountains of paperwork and inviting the “devil in your bed” by asking the FAA to oversee your operation.
May 6, 2008 - 6:52am
Flash cards, a decidedly low-tech teaching tool, are being revived by the FAA and the AOPA’s Air Safety Foundation (ASF) to help prevent runway incursions. The FAA Office of Runway Safety has selected ASF to produce a new runway incursion training program in conjunction with a change in the practical test standards for private and commercial pilot licenses.
February 25, 2008 - 5:00pm
When Silver State Helicopters salesman “John Smith” (not his real name) was laid off in mid-November from his job recruiting student helicopter pilots, he figured that the now-bankrupt company was cutting expenses in an attempt to make the financials look better for an initial public stock offering. Silver State owner Jerry Airola had often discussed an IPO, according to Smith, and it seemed that it might be a possibility.
February 1, 2007 - 10:27am
A majority of professional pilots have earned a flight instructor rating as the first stepping stone on their aviation career path. However, keeping that hard-achieved rating means religiously renewing it every two years.
February 1, 2007 - 10:04am
The NTSB has asked the FAA to limit the number of times a pilot can fail a checkride and questioned whether the existing requirements of providing additional training after multiple failures is adequate. Additionally, the Safety Board wants the FAA to require Part 121 and 135 operators to improve their safety background checks of pilot applicants by obtaining all notices of failed checkrides before making a hiring decision.
October 5, 2006 - 7:51am
Try as they might, regional airlines just can’t seem to avoid the glare of public scrutiny. The latest controversy, involving the fatal crash of a Pinnacle Airlines CRJ200 on October 14 last year, has once again forced the industry to defend its safety record. This time, however, the airlines can’t blame the hubbub on the rantings of politicians or ex-DOT Inspectors General.
