IFR Briefing: December 2016

The FAAs long-awaited ADS-B rebate program launched on September 19, and drew more than 1300 applicants in the first two days, according to David Gray, the FAAs ADS-B program manager. A robotic co-pilot that can be quickly installed in a variety of aircraft has been successfully tested in a Diamond DA-42 and a Cessna Caravan by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Textron Aviation flew its prototype Citation Longitude for the first time, in October. The super-midsize Longitude was announced in 2012. The crew of a Hawker 700A jet that crashed in Akron, Ohio, a year ago showed a disregard for safety, NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart said in October, and the company they worked for, Execuflight, also fell short of their obligations."

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA launched a $500 rebate program for ADS-B equipage, urging immediate applications due to the limited number of rebates available.
Advances in aviation technology include DARPA's successful testing of a robotic co-pilot system (ALIAS) and the first flight of Textron's Citation Longitude and delivery of Dassault's Falcon 8X.
Multiple reports from the NTSB and NBAA highlighted critical safety concerns in business aviation, citing pilot error, disregard for checklists, and poor safety culture in fatal accidents.

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FAA Advice: Apply ASAP For ADS-B Rebates

The FAA’s long-awaited ADS-B rebate program launched on September 19, and drew more than 1300 applicants in the first two days, according to David Gray, the FAA’s ADS-B program manager. The $500 rebates are limited to the first 20,000 takers, and Gray said he expects to reach that number well before the program’s 12-month expiration date. Gray added that he believes there is plenty of capacity in avionics shops to get the work done. Owners who are ready to get started should go to the FAA’s ADS-B Rebate website at FAA.gov.

New Tech: Robot Co-pilot

A robotic co-pilot that can be quickly installed in a variety of aircraft has been successfully tested in a Diamond DA-42 and a Cessna Caravan by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System comprises both software and robotic components that can manipulate the throttle, control wheel, and other controls. The system has flown basic maneuvers under the supervision of a pilot. DARPA contractor Aurora Flight Sciences says it plans to develop the technology for commercial as well as military applications.