Regulations and Government
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.
Regulations and Government
Australian Army Helicopter Ignited Massive Brushfire
Australian coroner's court is investigating a 2020 Orroral Valley bushfire, which was started by army helicopter’s search light.
Maintenance and Modifications
Isle of Man Approves AviationManuals' MEL Preamble
Approval from the Isle of Man registry means AviationManuals clients will see a reduction in minimum equipment list processing time.
Regulations and Government
FAA Extending Aircraft Registration Period to Seven Years
At the behest of Congress, the FAA is issuing a direct final rule that will extend the aircraft registration period from three years to seven years.
Aircraft
NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Demonstrator Gets Engine
First flight of NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic demonstration aircraft is expected early next year.
Charter & Fractional
World Cup Knockout Phase Brings Added Ad Hoc Congestion
Airports in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai in the UAE, Muscat in Oman, and Jordan’s Aqaba are all able to handle aircraft parking during the event.
Airlines
ALPA Objects To ‘Alarming Increase’ in U.S. Visas for Pilots
The Air Line Pilots Association raises concern over U.S. airlines’ sponsorship of visas for "specialty occupations."
Regulations and Government
Air Ambulance H145 Dual Flameout Traced To IBF Icing
According to Norway’s Accident Investigation Board, ice-clogged inlet barrier filters likely caused the dual flameout on an Airbus H145 helicopter.
Avionics
Aviation Coalition Asks FAA for More Time on 5G Retrofits
Aviation coalition seeks more time to retrofit aircraft with radar altimeters resistant to 5G C-band interference.
Maintenance and Modifications
EASA Proposes Heli Crash-resistant Fuel Systems
EASA is proposing a rule that would require crash-resistant fuel systems in all in-production helicopters and most in-service rotorcraft.
Aircraft
European Protestors Block Business Aviation Airports
European environmental groups demanding a ban on all private jet flights this week tried to disrupt airports in the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Regulations and Government
Av Groups to U.S. and Canada: Restore Nexus and Fast
Some 70 aviation and travel groups have asked the U.S. and Canadian governments to reopen programs that ease border crossings for vetted travelers.
Aircraft
China Approves Embraer's E190-E2 Airliner At Zhuhai Airshow
This week the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued type certificates to ATR and Embraer, as Boeing's 737 Max remains grounded in the country.
Accidents
NTSB: Icing Reported in Area of Fatal King Air Crash
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said there was moderate icing in the area where a King Air crashed on approach to Mid-Ohio Valley Airport.
Airports
Hadid Joins MEBAA Board
MEBAA’s founding and executive chairman, Ali Alnaqbi, has confirmed Hadid’s appointment.
Maintenance and Modifications
Leonardo AW169 Gains EASA Skid, Single-Pilot SAR Approvals
EASA has certified the AW169 for skid gear and single-pilot advanced IFR search and rescue operations.
Aircraft
Chinese Regulator Approves ATR 42-600 Regional Airliner
The Civil Aviation Administration of China has opened the door for the European airframer to re-enter the Chinese air transport market.
Accidents
Hawker Accident Caused by Delayed Go-around Attempt
According to the NTSB, the crew's delayed decision to go-around caused a hard landing that substantially damaged the airplane and injured the copilot.
Regulations and Government
Bunce Notes Challenges for Business Aircraft Manufacturers
Speaking last week at the Corporate Jet Investor in Miami, GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce addressed hurdles in workforce, supply chain and regulations.
Aircraft
Piper Gets Nods for M600/SLS Unpaved Airfield Ops
An unpaved airfield kit for the Piper M600/SLS has been approved by national aviation agencies in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Europe.
Aircraft
Royal Jet Adds 13th Boeing BBJ to Charter Fleet
As the summer heat in the Middle East dies down, the FIFA World Cup and other events are expected to lead to a surge in charter demand.
Accidents
Search Called Off for Victims in Avanti II Crash
After 10 days, Costa Rica called off the search for the six occupants of a Piaggio Avanti II that crashed on October 21 in the Caribbean Sea.
Accidents
Runway Excursions Again Top Canada TSB Watchlist
Runway incursions and overruns remain on the Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s list of aviation safety concerns.
Accidents
Hansen Helicopters' 'Highway To Hell'
Guam tuna spotting firm, CEO implicated in deaths, convicted on dozens of offenses
Airports
FIFA World Cup Fans Advised To Plan Travel Early
Slots for bizjets into Doha during the FIFA World Cup cost $5,000, while penalties for failing to adhere to strict turnaround times will be up to $25,000.
Accidents
Australia Streamlining Accident Reporting Requirements
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's updates to aircraft accident and incident reporting rules will take effect in early 2023.
Regulations and Government
TSA, NATA Renew General Aviation Security Partnership
NATA's Compliance Services will continue to collect and process security data for general aviation pilots under a renewed partnership with the TSA.
Environment
France Continues Debate on Business Aviation's Environmental Impact
Environmental groups in France are calling for higher fuel taxes and per-flight fees on business jets to discourage their use and thus lessen emissions.
Accidents
NTSB: Elevator Actuator Trim Jack Separated in Fatal Otter Accident
Investigators found the reason a DHC-3 Turbine Otter crashed into Mutiny Bay in Washington.
Airlines
Spirit Shareholders Approve JetBlue Merger Deal
During a special meeting on Wednesday, investors in Spirit Airlines approved JetBlue’s purchase of the Miramar, Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier.
Aircraft
Advanced Air Mobility Pioneers Point To Bizav's Future
Developers of new eVTOL and eSTOL aircraft got a lot of attention at this week's NBAA-BACE.
