Regulations and Government
News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.
Charter & Fractional
Learjet 60, Embraer 190 Have ‘Close Call’ at KBOS
A JetBlue Embraer E190 and Hop-A-Jet-operated Bombardier Learjet 60 were involved in a near-collision at Boston Logan airport on February 27.
Accidents
PC-12 Crash Is Third Guardian Flight Fatal Accident
Five people were killed when a Guardian Flight Pilatus PC-12 broke apart in flight over Nevada on February 24.
Regulations and Government
Hawaii Helicopter Noise Bill Advances, Sort Of
Hawaii's helicopter noise bill progressed in the state's legislature earlier this month, but with an amended effective date for the year 3000.
Regulations and Government
MD Helicopters Launches Latest Cayuse Warrior Plus Version
The company says the latest iteration of the “Little Bird” offers similar capabilities to more expensive light attack/armed scout helicopters.
Accidents
AINsight: Keep It Clean
The clean aircraft concept ensures that an aircraft is safe for flight in wintry conditions.
Airlines
IAG Relaunches Plan to Acquire Spain's Air Europa
The European airline group's move appears to be part of a new wave of consolidation in the industry that will be subject to regulatory scrutiny.
Environment
Bunce: Bizav Between 'Rock and Hard Place' on Environment in Europe
Business aviation is facing increasing environmental pressures in Europe but is prevented from taking steps such as SAF use, GAMA's Bunce warns.
Avionics
Skyryse Gets FAA Nod for FlightOS STC Applications
Skyryse aims to install its FlightOS automated flight deck on existing aircraft such as the Robinson R66 helicopter.
Airports
HAI Urges Member Action on Indianapolis Heliport Closure
The Helicopter Association International is urging members to oppose the proposed closure of the Indianapolis heliport.
Airlines
SriLankan Airlines Chases Foreign Income with Route Reboot
The state-owned carrier may once again be partly privatized as the Sri Lankan government deals with fallout from a financial crisis.
Accidents
NTSB Unveils Graphic Data Tool for Genav Accidents
The NTSB has introduced an interactive graphic tool enabling researchers to visualize data about general aviation accidents.
Airlines
Indonesian Officials Seek Release of Captured Airline Pilot
Papuan independence rebels have threatened to kill Susi Air pilot Philip Merthens if Indonesia will not recognize the territory's independence.
Regulations and Government
Aerial Firefighters Form Association
United Aerial Firefighters Association has formed In Washington, D.C. to advocate for industry issues.
Airports
FAA Issues Airport SMS Mandate
In an effort to improve safety at the busiest U.S. airports, the FAA has issued a rule requiring the adoption of safety management systems.
ATC
RTCA Head Pushes for Digital Flight Ops
RTCA CEO Terry McVenes wants industry cooperation to develop and implement digital air traffic control technology to accommodate advanced air mobility.
Regulations and Government
ALPA Head Urges Streamlining of Notam System
ALPA president Ambrosi pushed for stable funding for notam system streamlining, while FAA chief Nolen said the project is about "halfway there."
Maintenance and Modifications
AviationManuals Launches Part 135 Digital Record System
An electronic manual recordkeeping system from AviationManuals meets FAA Part 135 requirements for digital records management.
Regulations and Government
Rulemaking Begins for UAS Wireless Communications
The FCC is seeking comments on a rule that would enable wireless communications spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems.
Regulations and Government
Latest 'Object' Shoot Down Closes Midwest Airspace
Amid latest shoot down, Pentagon admits to datalink and radar gaps.
Accidents
Aviation Heeds Lessons from ICAO Annex 13
First introduced in 1951, Annex 13 lays out international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for accident investigators.
Accidents
AAIB Updates on Challenger 604 Loss-of-control Accident
An investigation into a Challenger 604 accident on Jan. 31, 2022, at London Stansted Airport is nearly complete, according to the UK AAIB.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: Recent FAA Medical Updates and Controversies
The FAA's recent changes to vision restriction verbiage and relaxation of rules regarding cardiovascular conditions have pilots talking.
Airlines
European Airlines Expand China Operations
EU and UK carriers are resuming flights to China in spite of the markedly higher costs owing to their inability to use Russian airspace.
Airlines
Indonesia Steps Up Search for Kidnapped New Zealand Pilot
Papuan rebels have taken a Susi Air Pilatus PC-6 pilot hostage.
Regulations and Government
Bunce, Bolen Urge Timely FAA Bill, Improved Reg Process
GAMA head Pete Bunce and NBAA CEO Ed Bolen cite needs in areas such as regulation and privacy as Congress crafts FAA reauthorization bill.
Regulations and Government
AviationManuals Posts Solid Growth
Compliance and safety specialist AviationManuals reported growth of its client base and revenues in 2022.
Aircraft
U.S. Urges Turkey to Enforce Sanctions against Russian Airlines
While calling Turkey “a longstanding and valued NATO ally, the U.S. has urged the country to not become a “safe haven” for illicit Russian transactions.
Accidents
Report: Crew Decisions Lead To Phenom 100 Accident
The French BEA said an Embraer Phenom 100 crew's decision to use normal, non-icing procedures lead to a crash on approach during icing conditions.
Regulations and Government
Duckworth Takes Helm of Senate Aviation Panel
Sen. Duckworth, a pilot and now chair of the Senate aviation subcommittee, has been active on aviation issues since first entering Congress in 2013.
Aircraft
Chinese Balloon Downed in First Kill for the F-22 Fighter
The Chinese surveillance balloon had been tracked across Canada and the U.S. amid worldwide public interest.
