The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is urging operators of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-powered aircraft to update training for pilots to include uncommanded engine acceleration malfunctions after investigating a 2024 engine malfunction and subsequent runway overrun accident involving a Cessna 208B Caravan in Queensland. The ATSB concluded the probable cause was a malfunction of the engine’s fuel control unit.

“Pilots of PT6A turbine single-engine aircraft are trained for ‘roll back to idle’ malfunctions, but not trained for uncommanded engine acceleration malfunctions,” said ATSB director Kerri Hughes. “There is limited awareness by pilots and operators of how to safely respond.”

On Jan. 8, 2024, the Caravan departed Lizard Island for Cairns with one pilot and nine passengers. During climbout, the pilot heard a change in the engine and observed torque and temperature gauges exceeding redline, while gas generator speed and fuel flow indications were lost. Although propeller RPM remained in the normal range, the engine produced excess power.

The pilot returned to land at Lizard Island, but the high-speed approach resulted in a long landing on the short runway. The aircraft overran the end of the runway at 92 knots, struck sandy terrain and low vegetation, and flipped after the left wingtip contacted the ground. All 10 occupants sustained minor injuries.

Issuing a safety advisory, the ATSB urged operators to document emergency procedures and incorporate scenario-based training.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has released a new proposal to establish noise certification requirements for aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. Published on August 22 as Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2025-03, the draft regulation is open for public comment through November 21.

New proposals for noise measurement, reporting, and certification are included in the proposed regulatory package, along with changes to Part 21 of Regulation (EU) No 748/2012. If adopted, noise limits for takeoff, overflight, and approach would mirror those currently used for helicopters under ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 8. Hover noise would also be measured and reported, though no limit would initially apply.

A new delegated regulation specifically for noise certification of VTOL-capable aircraft (VCA) would be established by the rule, filling a gap left by the current rule, which does not contain standards and recommended practices for these emerging aircraft types. EASA said that existing rules for helicopters and tiltrotors are not technically applicable due to the unique design and operational characteristics of VTOL aircraft.

Skyservice Business Aviation’s FBO at King County International Airport/Boeing Field (KBFI) is the latest to join the Paragon Aviation Group network. The facility, Skyservice’s second on the field, opened last year.

Featured in the 21,000-sq-ft terminal is a passenger lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ramp, as well as a large fireplace, pilot lounge with snooze rooms, refreshment bar, and 12-seat conference room with access to a 1,600-sq-ft terrace offering views of Mount Rainier. It also includes a 50,000-sq-ft hangar that can accommodate ultra-long-range business jets and brings the company to more than 110,000 sq ft of aircraft shelter at KBFI.

“Skyservice Seattle’s inclusion in the Paragon Network marks a powerful alignment of service excellence, innovation, and vision,” said Skyservice president and CEO Benjamin Murray. “This partnership enables us to seamlessly connect our clients with a trusted network of FBOs beyond our own.”

This latest addition brings Paragon’s network of affiliated locations to more than 110 worldwide. Each is audited before acceptance to ensure its services and amenities meet group standards.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Skyservice Seattle into the Paragon family,” said Paragon Aviation Group president Crystal Kubeczka. “Their precision, white-glove approach, and top-tier facility make them a standout addition. This underscores our shared mission: to raise the bar for what’s possible in business aviation.”

AEG Fuels delivers global aviation fuel solutions with 24/7 support, competitive pricing, and tailored services across 3,000+ locations. From fuel management and trip support to FBO distribution and real-time dispatch, AEG ensures efficient and reliable operations for every flight mission, whether commercial, military, charter, or business. Worldwide coverage, world-class service.

Loft Dynamics has secured additional funding that will help the Swiss company continue development of virtual reality (VR) simulators for airlines and expand its core helicopter business. Total capital raised has reached $60 million, including a recent series B round of $24 million, led by The Friedkin Group, with participation from Alaska Airlines and existing shareholders Sky Dayton and Craft Ventures, as well as UP.Partners, according to Loft.

The full-motion Loft VR Airbus H125 helicopter simulator is EASA- and FAA-qualified. It is developing an H145 simulator as well as full-motion VR Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 simulators and a cloud-connected training suite. “Up to 12 times smaller and a fraction of the cost of traditional full-flight simulators,” the airliner simulators will include haptics to replicate the feel of the cockpit controls, plus body and eye-tracking and “AI-powered training intelligence to measure pilot performance and deliver tailored feedback.”

Also included is LoftWIN, which allows instructors to record virtual demonstrations of scenarios, maneuvers, and procedures that students can then replay. “These systems will enable pilots to train safely and regularly for any condition, including rare, high-risk scenarios and past aviation tragedies,” the company said. Students will be able to study at home using Loft’s spatial-computing-powered home training kit for lesson review, access to immersive content, and remote training.

Rotortrade has released its Market Analysis for Africa 2024-2025, which highlights growth opportunities in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, as well as growing interest in the region for preowned helicopters from Western manufacturers.

“Africa’s helicopter market is nuanced and highly localized,” said Aurélien Blanc, Rotortrade’s head of region for APAC, the Middle East, and Africa. “Success here requires more than competitive aircraft—it demands presence, patience, and the ability to adapt to local business practices. You can’t do it from the outside; you need to invest time on the ground.”

Thus, Rotortrade plans to add offices in Africa. “You have to be here,” he said. “You can’t do it from the outside and impose your way of doing business. There’s an African way.”

The fleet in Africa includes 1,076 turbine and 480 piston helicopters. Bell and Airbus Helicopters each have about a 35% share of the turbine fleet, followed by Leonardo, 20.7%; Sikorsky, 4%; and Robinson, 3.9%. On the piston side, Robinson Helicopter dominates at a 91.7% market share, trailed by Schweizer, 6.5%, and Enstrom, 1.9%.

The trend towards buying preowned Western helicopters is largely due to “the move away from Russian-built platforms by large humanitarian agencies,” Rotortrade said. “However, the transition has been slowed by cuts in U.S. funding, which have decelerated fleet replacement initiatives and kept the reliance higher on older Western platforms like the Bell 412.”

Propulsion specialist H55 just wrapped up a cross-country tour of the U.S. with an all-electric Bristell B23 Energic two-seat trainer, the Swiss company announced on Tuesday. According to H55, the aircraft completed 192 passenger flights over the past four months, visiting 25 airports in eight states: Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, and New York.

During the “Across America” tour, H55’s team visited flight schools, aircraft owners, universities, the U.S. Air Force, and various other stakeholders to demonstrate the electric propulsion system it developed for the B23 Energic with passenger-carrying flights in mind.

“The smiles on their faces as they stepped out of the airplane said it all,” said H55 co-founder and executive chairman André Borschberg. “The advantages of electric aviation were immediately clear to every passenger—no noise, no vibration, no emissions, reduced maintenance, and minimal downtime—an unforgettable experience. Some pilots were so convinced, they placed orders on the spot.”

The Bristell B23 Energic is being developed by Czech manufacturer BRM Aero, which specializes in custom-built ultralight and light sport aircraft. BRM Aero produces several models of Bristell aircraft and has delivered more than 1,000 units in its 15 years of business. H55 anticipates that its electric propulsion system will achieve type certification from EASA and the FAA in 2026 and 2027, respectively.