General Aviation

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Aircraft

New Zealand Flight School Orders 10 Tecnam Trainers

Deal includes P2008 JC, P2006T, and P-Mentor models
NZAAL's Tecnam fleet of trainers
Regulations and Government

Other Voices: It’s Time to Add to the U.S.’s Rich Aviation History

T&I Chair Graves encourages Senate to pass FAA bill
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri)
Aircraft

Diamond's First Middle East Customer Takes DA50 RG

The aircraft's diesel engine burns much less fuel than typical piston airplanes
Diamond deal at Dubai Airshow 2023
Aircraft

AeroGuard Scales Up Operations with Order for 90 Piper Archers

The AeroGuard order is the latest in a string of trainer fleet contracts for Piper this year
Piper deal at Dubai Airshow 2023
Training and Workforce

Flexjet Launches Bizjet Cabin Server Training Academy

Red Label Academy offers a two-week hospitality training program
Flexjet's Red Label Academy
Aircraft

First Middle East Customer Takes DA50 RG

Aircraft considered ideal for GA pilots
Diamond deal Dubai Airshow 2023
Rotorcraft

Skyryse Claims First Automated Autorotation Landing

The company aims to roll out the first production example of its converted R66 helicopter in early 2024
Skyryse is modifying Robinson R66 helicopters to use its automated flight controls
Aircraft

Checkered Final Flag at Reno

The 2023, and final, Reno Air Races drew an estimated 140,000 specators
P-51 Mustang Bardahl Special
Avionics

Flying Firefighters Upgrading to Universal Avionics

The upgrade adds Universal's modern InSight avionics
De Havilland Canada CL-415 firefighting aircraft
Safety

AINsight: Fuelish Mistakes

Workarounds and inattention blindness defeat fueling error defenses
NATA image of avgas fueling (Photo: NATA/Steve Berry)
Accidents

NTSB: McSpadden Reported Problem before Fatal Crash

McSpadden had been on air-to-air photography mission
Richard McSpadden
Safety

SpaceX Astronauts Jared Isaacman and Dr. Sian Proctor Talk Space Exploration and Aviation

The two civilians crewed SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission together.
Dr. Sian Proctor and Jared Isaacman
Fuel

Aviation Groups Urge Orderly Removal of Lead from Avgas

EPA guidance confirms danger to public health from leaded aviation fuel
Avgas is used by smaller piston aircraft
Aircraft

Wipaire Develops Composite Floats for Twin Otter

The new float is considerably lighter than the current all-metal unit
WIPLINE 13000 FLOATS
Aircraft

Gulfstream G500 OK'd for Steep Approaches

G500 demonstrated steep approach capabilities into London City and Lugano
Gulfstream G500 (Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace)
Accidents

Air Safety Institute's McSpadden, a 'True Giant,' Dies in Aircraft Crash

The aircraft was on an emergency return to Lake Placid Airport
Richard McSpadden
Training and Workforce

North Dakota Airport To Host Scholarship Fundraiser

The 7th Annual Props & Hops will take place on October 5.
Props & Hops event at Mandan Regional Airport in North Dakota
Avionics

SkySensor ADS-B In Completes uAvionix System

Simple installation and low cost are motivating buyers of uAvionix ADS-B systems
SkySensor ADS-B In receiver
Regulations and Government

International Team Arranges Rescue of Tally the Turtle

Turtles Fly Too racks up another turtle save
Rescued sea turtle Tally
Avionics

iFly EFB App Now Compatible with Avidyne Avionics

Electronic flight bag app gets major update
iFly EFB displayed on Apple and Android devices
Avionics

Aspen, Trio Offer Low-cost Display, Autopilot Package

Upgrade provides cockpit upgrade for light aircraft owners
Trio Avionics autopilot for light aircraft
Training and Workforce

TRU Sells King Air Sims to Canadian Firm

Deal includes full-flight sim and a training device
TRU, EIC and Keewatin Air principals celebrate a King Air sim sale
Aircraft

Octans Cygnus Prototype Flies To LABACE

Octans has applied for ANAC certification of the Cygnus
Octans Aircraft Cygnus airplane
Aircraft

Icon Updates A5 with Four-blade Propeller

New propeller improves takeoff performance
Icon A5 Astra Red livery
Aircraft

AOPA Planning National Mall Flyover in May 2024

Event will celebrate history of general aviation
Mark Baker Beechcraft Staggerwing (Photo: Chris Rose for AOPA)
Maintenance and Modifications

Garmin Introduces GHA 15 Altitude Reader

Garmin’s new radar-based altitude callout system is designed to help pilots know how far their aircraft is from the ground during landing.
Garmin's GHA 15 height advisor
Aircraft

Tecnam Bringing P-Mentor Trainer to U.S. Market

Tecnam says its Rotax-powered two-seat trainer will significantly reduce costs.
Tecnam P-Mentor training aircraft
Aircraft

Diamond's Electric eDA40 Trainer Makes First Flight

The two-seat Diamond eDA40 should complete type certification by early 2024.
Diamond Aircraft's eDA40 electric light aircraft makes its first flight.
Avionics

Cessna Caravans Get Garmin Avionics Software Upgrade

New 2024 models of the Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX will feature additional enhancements to their Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight decks.
A digital rendering of a Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX in flight
Rotorcraft

Airbus H160 challenges Leonardo AW139

FAA certification in hand, Airbus H160 takes on the competition.
Airbus Helicopters H160