Aviation News

FlyThisSim has just received the paperwork from the FAA signing off on additional capabilities for the company’s touch-screen TouchTrainer simulator. The TouchTrainer now features configurations for round-gauge and G1000 panels for Cessna 172, 182 and 206 airplanes (including the retractable gear versions). The analog version of the panel includes Garmin’s GNS430W and an STEC autopilot. […]

After a successful show this past September, with gorgeous weather conditions and strong attendance numbers, the 50th edition of the Reno Air Races has been scheduled for September 11 through 15 of next year. While the tragedy of the 2011 races will never be forgotten, the Reno Air Race Association (RARA) can now look forward […]

After two decades of producing hundreds of kits for the SeaRey – an experimental amphib that features swept wings, a pusher prop and retractable gear – Progressive Aerodyne received FAA certification this month for a production LSA version of the airplane. The production airplane will be available in two models, a basic version priced between […]

On November 15, the European Aviation Safety Agency approved its first iPad charting apps. EASA gave its blessing to Jeppesen’s Flight Deck Pro and Mobile TC Pro apps for iPad and iOS. The iPad electronic flight bags (EFBs) may be used in all phases of flight, and opens the way for Civil Aviation Authority approval […]

Last week, ICAO’s new flight planning requirements kicked in, which include changes that may or may not affect the way you file a flight plan. The new filing procedures apply to pilots using performance based navigation (PBN) equipment and pilots flying internationally. Additional equipment codes have been added to help air traffic controllers better understand […]

The current issue of the FAA Safety Briefing is devoted to the significance of operating general aviation aircraft around the globe. It offers a toolbox of resources for pilots looking to fly safely and legally outside U.S. airspace. Topics include a review of overseas flying requirements; a look at mastering the international language of aviation […]

Citing safety concerns and privacy issues, the FAA has delayed the selection of U.S. sites for the testing of unmanned aircraft, effectively putting the brakes on a push to integrate UAVs into civil airspace. In a letter to Republican Congressman Howard McKeon of California, chairman of the House Unmanned Systems Caucus, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta […]

The island of Nantucket could be hosting an important visitor for the Thanksgiving (post-election?) break. A VIP temporary flight restriction, FDC 2/4277, goes into effect today at 3:45 local time over Nantucket, off the coast of Massachusetts. Restrictions will be in place over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The TFR covers two areas, the first centered […]

One use for pilotless drones could be to provide lifesaving data and communications links after a natural disaster. A circling drone could serve as a sort of temporary AWACS platform, beaming WiFi and cell phone coverage down on an area stricken by downed powerlines and damaged cell towers. After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, for […]

Three men were killed Friday night in a Cessna 172 when the airplane hit a truck on takeoff from Knox County Regional Airport in Maine. After the collision, the airplane reportedly climbed to about 150 feet before banking east and nose-diving into a wooded area, killing 22-year-old David Cheney, 24-year-old Marcelo Rugini and 24-year-old William […]