General Aviation

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Aircraft

Viper SD-4: Fun Czech Cruiser Comes to Town

AIN writer had a chance to fly the peppy aircraft.

Avionics

Silicon Valley Tech ‘Disrupts’ Avionics

The future is here, and its really, really small

Airports

County Issues RFP for HPN Privatization

After an initial proposal offered to one firm without competition was defeated, bidding on the bizav hub is now open.

Avionics

TKM Avionics Offers Replacement for King Navcom Radios

The company's radios are EASA compliant.

Career Fair at Sun ’n’ Fun Really Taking Off

If you were looking to start a career in aerospace, Sun ‘n Fun 2017 is a good place to be.

Aircraft

Epic Expects Production and Type Approval by Year-end

Deliveries are planned to follow next year.

Maintenance and Modifications

Piaggio, Ruag Collaborate on Avanti Landing Gear Upgrade

The companies completed the installation of the Magnaghi landing gear system on a P180 Avanti II.

Training and Workforce

Western Michigan University To Offer Flight Training in Florida

Western Michigan University will offer programs at two facilities on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Inaugural U.S. China GA Business Conference Held in Chino

The organizers of the first U.S. China GA Business Conference were pleased with the event's success and plan to hold it again next year.

Sporty's Enhances Takeoff App with New Features, More Content

Newly added features include a widget for quick access to the latest stories and 3D touch shortcuts.

Maintenance and Modifications

Grypshon Expands Line of Tool Holders

The mat prevents scratches and decreases maintenance time, says the company.

Airports

Aeroplex To Manage Self-serve Fuel at Santa Monica

Aeroplex is taking over management of the American Flyers self-serve fuel pump at SMO on an interim basis.

Airports

Most U.S. Genav Airports Leave Grant Money on Table

Nearly 3,000 non-primary airports in the U.S. used only a quarter of the $442 million in Non-Primary Entitlement (NPE) grant funds available to them.

Aircraft

Cirrus Building China GA Infrastructure

There are now 100 Cirrus SR-series piston singles operating in China.

Maintenance and Modifications

Blackhawk Caravans STC'd with Lithium-ion Battery

The STC allows operators of Caravans equipped with Blackhawk Modifications engine upgrades to install the True Blue Power lithium-ion battery.

Aircraft

Oxai Aircraft Nearing First Flight for M2 Amphibian

The all-composite amphibious Oxai M2 Skywave is preparing for first flight and certification this year.

Safety

FAA Opts Out of Punishment for Harrison Ford Taxiway Landing

Here's what really happened when actor Harrison Ford landed on a taxiway at John Wayne Airport.

Regulations and Government

Courts Say FAA Not the Final Word In Product Liability

Two recent rulings could spell trouble for OEMs by allowing states to dictate design safety parameters.

FBOs

NATA Launches Ground Handling Safety Symposium

Described as the first event of its kind, the two-day program will provide information of interest to anyone involved in the ground movements of aircraft

Maintenance and Modifications

Florida Component MRO Completes Expansion

With the added space at its FXE location, Quality Aircraft Accessories is ramping up capabilities to match its flagship Tulsa operation.

Maintenance and Modifications

Aviation Mx Job Vacancies Could Cost Industry $2B

The results of a survey conducted by the Aeronautical Repair Station Association show unfilled job vacancies, would dent the industry's bottom line.

Rotorcraft

Airbus Helicopters Rolls Out 700th H130

The light single fleet has accumulated more than 1.8 million hours since the helicopter's 2001 service entry.

Avionics

Textron Piston Line Receives EASA Certification for G1000 NXi

Textron can now install the flight deck into newly manufactured Cessna 172s, 182s, T206s, Bonanza G36s and Baron G58s.

Rotorcraft

Bell Eyes Future While Wrestling With the Present

Bell is seeing stabilization of the commercial market and preparing to return the 525 to flight test status.

Rotorcraft

Dynali Helicopter H3 To Begin Shipping to U.S.

Version being imported into the U.S. by Dynali's authorized distributor Hangar 36 will retail for $129,700 and feature the turbocharged Rotax 914 engine.