Aviation News

In what Vice Admiral David Buss, Commander, Naval Air Forces called a “watershed event,” the U.S. Air Force X-47B unmanned combat air system (UCAS) demonstrator was catapulted for the first time from the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia this week. After a 65-minute flight, which included several low approaches […]

Avidyne has earned FAA certification for its DFC90 autopilot in a wide range of Beechcraft Bonanza models. The approval is an STC that applies to most existing Bonanzas, including V35s, F33s, A36s and more. The DFC90 needs to be installed with a compatible display; in this case, it’s the Aspen Evolution primary flight display. Aspen […]

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Friday afternoon announced that the recently enacted Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 will allow the FAA to transfer enough money to keep 149 contract towers originally slated for closure in June open at least through the end of the fiscal year. The legislation passed late last month included language […]

The aircraft owners who received free ADS-B avionics as part of the FAA’s Capstone Program in Alaska are about to get another freebie. The FAA has chosen ADS-B avionics from FreeFlight Systems for the 600 aircraft that originally took part in the Alaska Capstone Program to bring them into compliance with the Jan. 1, 2020, […]

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association released its figures for first quarter aircraft deliveries, and there was good news — some of it very good — across the board, with turboprops leading the revival. Overall the numbers were solid, with total shipments up nearly 10 percent. Billings, which measure the amount of money those shipments take […]

One of the most intriguing four-seaters emerging from a European company today is the Tecnam P2010, a composite fuselage, high-wing design intended to be both economical and capable. Tecnam test pilots flew the test example to Aero Friedrichshafen, a journey of nearly 500 nm, cruising at 10,000 feet for much of the flight. Powered by […]

Last year’s restructuring is paying dividends for Beechcraft, at least in terms of deliveries. The manufacturer handed over 59 airplanes to new owners in the first quarter, compared with 37 for the same time frame last year. The deliveries included 16 King Air 350i/ER turboprop twins; 13 King Air 250s; five King Air 90 GTx […]

When Congress passed legislation in late April ending air traffic controller furloughs, the message to the FAA was clear: Keep the aviation system running smoothly and safely. Yet despite providing ample money for continued operation of 149 of the nation’s contract control towers, the FAA and the Department of Transportation have stayed mum on whether […]

The 30-year-old pilot of a Robinson R22 said she was surprised when the engine quit at 3,000 feet above a crowded section of Honolulu. But her training took over and she executed a successful autorotation onto Fort Street, lined with apartments and located near a college campus. Pilot Julia Link told reporters, “First I thought […]

Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo has sponsored a House bill that would set a timetable for the FAA to adopt liberalized certification standards for Part 23 airplanes. Just days ago the aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) working on updating Part 23 sent off its recommendations to the FAA, after 18 months of work by many dozens of […]