CFIS WARNED ABOUT “VOLUNTEER” FLIGHTS
AOPA is warning CFIs to get their paperwork in order if they teach people to fly anything but standard category aircraft. Earlier this year, after legal wrangling over the prosecution of a Florida business for giving flying lessons on a P-40, the agency took a hard and very literal position on training in experimental, limited and primary aircraft. CFIs must have written permission from the FAA to give instruction in those aircraft for “compensation,” either through a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) for experimentals or an exemption for the other two categories. The FAA has also determined that compensation doesn’t necessarily mean money. Goodwill, future prospects and building time are all considered compensation in this context. AOPA and other groups are livid because of the safety implications and are lobbying the agency to change its stance.
UNITED, MESA ORDER ELECTRIC AIRLINERS
United Airlines and its regional partner Mesa Airlines committed to buying 100 electrically powered 19-seat airliners each from Swedish startup Heart Aerospace if the aircraft performs as advertised. Heart is developing the ES-19, claiming a 216 nautical mile range and a 40-minute recharge time. It’s scheduled to fly in 2024. The airlines are joined by Breakthrough Energy Ventures in investing in the technology. The ES-19 is a high-wing design with two motors on each wing.
