General aviation news archive for February 2014

Compton Abbas Airfield has become the first 'Registered Training Facility' in the country to obtain Approved Training Organisation (ATO) status from the CAA under the EASA regulations.

The Guernsey Aero Club returns for 2014 with its 42nd International Air Rally, following a year off due to major works at the airport.

City Airport & Heliport, together with one of the airport's operators, Mainair Flying School, has received an award for the work it has undertaken to reduce pilot intrusions into controlled airspace.

Wicks Aircraft Supply has bought out a favourite supplier, Dillsburg, and has added literally tons of new 4130 to its existing stock of American, German, and low-cost Chinese steel products.

Garmin is offering customers increased functionality with their G500/G600 flight displays. The latest software update includes a number of benefits and features that are specific to certain airframes and installations.

After a break of several years, the LAA Roadshows make a return in 2014 with three events planned for May, June and July. The LAA Roadshows present an opportunity for GA pilots and enthusiasts to meet the LAA in an informal airfield setting to see what the Association has to offer.

Garmin today commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the Garmin GPS 155 receiving FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorisation, the industry’s first FAA TSO-C129 approach approved IFR GPS receiver. The GPS 155 TSO received FAA TSO approval on February 16, 1994.

A Yorkshire B&B owner is looking for support for his airstrip planning application. Bob Walker, who owns South Moor Farm, a small farm in the North York Moors National Park, has been refused planning permission to construct an air strip and hangar for four aircraft owned by local pilots. The farm also offers bed and breakfast which could have been used by visiting pilots.

The CAA has approved Mistral's 100 hour / six month maintenance programme for the EcoFlyer. This means no more 50-hour checks -- instead, a six-month inspection is much easier to schedule in advance.

Pilots with a UK CAA ‘National’ (non-JAR/Part-FCL) licence flying ‘EASA aircraft’, such as Piper PA28s and Cessna 172s, are being encouraged by the CAA to convert it to an equivalent EASA licence by 8th April 2014. Although the final conversion date for National non-JAR licences for commercial and private pilots is April 2015, EU regulations will mean that pilots not in possession of a European licence by April this year will face certain restrictions that will affect the privileges of the licence.

The Royal Aero Club Records Racing and Rally Association is inviting all potential new racers, navigators and ground crew to a free talk on ‘An Introduction to Air Racing’ at North Weald Airfield on 15th March 2014. Running from 10am until 3pm, you can reserve a place by emailing neil@britishairracing.com.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today gave an update on the UK’s implementation of the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) and said that it is working with the European Commission, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Department for Transport (DfT) to conclude the work.

Piper Aircraft has introduced its newest top-of-the-line M-Class single-engine Meridian M500 turbine business aircraft with the latest in Garmin avionics, enhanced safety features and a number of other significant product improvements.

Aerobility, the charity which offers disabled people the opportunity to fly an aeroplane, has unveiled a brand new, exciting fundraising venture - offering supporters a chance to see the Northern Lights, accompanied by a host of astronomy experts.