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IFR Briefing: January 2017

After completing its investigation of two fatal midair crashes last year in which seven people died, the NTSB in November issued a Safety Alert urging general-aviation pilots to make use of cockpit technologies that can help them see and avoid other aircraft. The inaugural Sport Aviation Showcase kicked off in Deland, Florida, in November, providing a new venue for fans of light sport aircraft. Boom Technology of Denver, Colorado, unveiled its XB-1 one-third-scale supersonic demonstrator in November. NBAAs annual Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition was held in Orlando, Florida in October, and led with big news from Cirrus that they have achieved FAA certification for their single-engine jet.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The NTSB issued a safety alert urging general aviation pilots to utilize cockpit technologies to prevent midair collisions, noting the limitations of traditional "see and avoid" practices.
  • Boom Technology unveiled its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator, a one-third scale prototype, with the goal of developing the fastest civilian aircraft capable of Mach 2.2.
  • Key industry developments included Cirrus receiving FAA certification for its single-engine jet, the launch of a new Sport Aviation Showcase in Florida, and various product announcements at the NBAA Expo.
  • Aviation legend Bob Hoover, renowned for his WWII flying, test-piloting, and unique airshow demonstrations, passed away at the age of 94.
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NTSB Issues GA Safety Alert On Midairs

After completing its investigation of two fatal midair crashes last year in which seven people died, the NTSB in November issued a Safety Alert urging general-aviation pilots to make use of cockpit technologies that can help them see and avoid other aircraft. The alert reviews the two recent crashes as well as two earlier ones, and notes that in each case, the pilots had access to technology that may have helped to avert the crash if it had been utilized. The traditional “see and avoid” practice has “inherent limitations,” the NTSB said. The alert is posted online here.

New Sport Aviation Show Launches In Florida

The inaugural Sport Aviation Showcase kicked off in Deland, Florida, in November, providing a new venue for fans of light sport aircraft. AVweb’s editorial director Paul Bertorelli checked out the show, and said it has some advantages over the established Sebring show, with which it will compete—a quieter venue (the Sebring airport is next to a race track) and a warmer season, compared to Sebring’s January schedule. Director Jana Filip said the Deland trade show is just one step in developing a 40-acre sport aviation complex at the airport, with manufacturing, hangars, and services. AeroJones, a Taiwan-based company that last year took over manufacturing and distribution of the Flight Design CTLS line, said it plans to expand in Florida early next year and is considering a Deland site.

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