John Sheridan

Among the operational topics for the technical committee at the triennial ICAO Assembly were significant safety issues. One paper from the Russian delegation provided a description of extensive studies of wake vortices, and the development of a wake vortex safety system that would use outputs from ADS-B, Swim and two Aviation System Block Upgrades 1 elements, with pilot alerts transmitted over the anticipated datalinks in that period–that is, by 2018. The Russian presenter suggested that the uncertainty of wake turbulence today causes unnecessarily large longitudinal approach spacing that could be significantly reduced if real-time wake measurements could be provided to pilots, thereby increasing capacity and airport throughput. Better wake-turbulence forecasting at high cruise altitudes would also allow more flexibility in planning future trajectory operations. 
A separate Russian paper discussed training to prevent of loss-of-control accidents stemming from undetected high-altitude stalls caused by icing, IAS failure, incorrect weight entry or lack of angle-of-attack information, particularly during autopilot operation, where the classic symptoms of stick shaker, warning horns and buffet may actually lag the actual stall itself, with the aircraft already descending in a high pitch attitude and possibly rolling. Currently, according to the presenters, even advanced flight simulators cannot adequately simulate high-altitude stalls and are only moderately able to simulate “traditional” lower-altitude ones.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Ensuring Safe Operations

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Gordon Gilbert

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

Matt Thurber

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Patent complaint was filed in 2022

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Curt Epstein

Operators should expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for permit violations

Mexico Ends Single-entry Charter Landing Permits

Hanneke Weitering

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Phase IV adds $5 million, bringing the contract’s total to $19.25 million

U.S. Marines Extend Regent’s Electric Seaglider Deal

Amy Wilder

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Patent complaint was filed in 2022

Mexico Ends Single-entry Charter Landing Permits

Operators should expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for permit violations

U.S. Marines Extend Regent’s Electric Seaglider Deal

Phase IV adds $5 million, bringing the contract’s total to $19.25 million

KanRus Owner Sentenced for Avionics Export Violations

Company sold controlled technology to Russian buyers without required export licenses

Groups Asks FAA To Pause Single-pilot Exemption Decision

Associations say it makes no sense to punish compliant pilots

Coalition Urges FAA To Widen Duty and Rest Rule

Rule as proposed addresses only Part 121 carriers

Updated Nimbl Guide Pinpoints Relevant Part 91 LOAs

Free guide covers 12 LOAs and typical turnaround

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