General aviation news archive for July 2013

Flight training organisations throughout the UK have been targeted in a safety awareness-raising campaign by the Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI). The campaign, focusing particularly on the risks associated with recreational aircraft infringing controlled and restricted airspace, is part of a larger drive to improve safety and reduce risks in the UK‘s airspace.

Chinese state-controlled aviation group AVIC International is buying bankrupt German aircraft engine maker Thielert -- banking on a growing demand for diesel plane engines in China and other emerging markets. AVIC, which also owns Continental Motors, has dropped the Thielert name and created a new subsidiary company called Technify Motors to produce the Centurion line of engines in Germany.

From 1st August, pilots wanting to buy Avgas fuel at Goodwood Aerodrome will have the option to serve themselves through Air BP’s first UK self-serve payment system -- without needing to pre-book or wait for assistance at busy times.

Sonex Aircraft are set to unveil a special opportunity for pilots to become SubSonex personal jet owners at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 - giving potential customers their first opportunity to get in line for SubSonex production slots.

The revolutionary Swiss-built solar aircraft known as Solar Impulse successfully completed its Across America Mission in six legs, without using a single drop of fuel, covering a total of more than 3500 miles – despite weather challenges and wing damage on its final flight.

Lasham Airfield in Hampshire is expecting to welcome more than a hundred historic gliders from all over the world to the 41st International Vintage Gliding Rally taking place from 3rd-10th August 2013.

The CAA has today informed Approved Training Organisations (ATO) that fitted screens used in cockpits during instrument flight tests are no longer the sole method that may be used to restrict a pilot’s vision. The change of policy will only affect flight tests for the initial issue of an Instrument Rating (IR), as the use of such screens is not mandatory for IR revalidations, or the initial issue or revalidation of an IMC Rating. It aligns the UK’s approach with that of the majority of worldwide states in which the use of a range of alternative view-limiting devices is acceptable.

IWM Duxford has revealed details of the five Spitfires that will be on static display and take to the air at their "Spitfires, Merlins and Motors" event on Sunday 28th July - a nostalgic celebration of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and the unmistakable Merlin engine.

A major conference assessing the growing demands on the use of airspace in the UK has heard that the general aviation sector has a significant part to play in a future airspace strategy. The event, hosted by the CAA in Central London on 15th July, discussed the future of Class G airspace as part of an overall plan to ensure the nation’s airspace remains fit for purpose.

The Board of the Light Aircraft Association has announced that Philip Hall has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer.

More than 35,000 people attended the RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, with temperatures soaring to well above 30 degrees as the sun reflected back off the tarmac apron.

Sonex Aircraft has announced the launch of new Quick Build options for the Sonex, Waiex, and Onex aircraft models, consisting of Sonex Aircraft Complete Airframe Kits with major assemblies pre-constructed.

A flying display by the Red Arrows, ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday 30th June, had to be halted when a light aircraft entered the temporary restricted airspace put in place to protect the display team. The CAA is now investigating the incident.

Redhill Aerodrome and North Weald Airfield are the latest General Aviation organisations to be recognised by NATS for their work to reduce infringements into controlled airspace.

Grant Shapps, Minister without Portfolio, this week announced the next stage of the Government’s drive to reduce burdensome regulations for pilots, mechanics, airfields, training organisations and small aviation firms.

The CAA this week announced that it will no longer be a requirement to routinely carry out a check flight to qualify for the renewal of an expiring National Certificate of Airworthiness; annual EASA Permit to Fly; National Airworthiness Review Certificate; or Certificate of Validity. However, a check flight for the initial issue of these certificates and permits will still be required.

Following the CAA’s announcement that it is to merge the activities of its Safety Regulation Group and Department of Airspace Policy, initial details of the new Safety and Airspace Regulation Group (SARG) have been announced.

The CAA has launched a review of the provision of fire protection at helicopter landing sites. The CAA said it was keen to work with commercial helicopter operators and aerodrome and helipad sites to rationalise the current requirements and standards guidance, and also ensure any subsequent changes to the requirements are appropriate and risk-based.