The FAA has opened the public comment period for its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) governing the modernization of special airworthiness certificates (Mosaic), a move that is expected to expand opportunities for light sport aircraft (LSA), according to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Comments on the NPRM are due on or by Oct. 23, 2023.
“Now that the NPRM is being released, we will study it closely and supply focused comments to ensure that the goals of this EAA-inspired initiative remain in the final language developed by the FAA,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman and CEO. “We appreciate the work of all those in the FAA who kept this process moving forward. EAA has led the effort on this initiative to expand freedoms while maintaining safety, and we will continue to push forward until it becomes reality.” Pelton said he expected additional discussion on the NPRM this week at the annual EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Boeing announced this morning that it is providing $950,000 in pilot training via scholarships to five general aviation organizations and support for Fly Compton, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that introduces minority youth to career opportunities in aerospace. Since 2019, Boeing has invested more than $8.5 million to bring pilot training programs to underrepresented populations across the U.S.
“The demand for qualified and diverse pilots remains high at airlines worldwide,” said Ziad Ojaki, Boeing executive v-p of government relations. “While becoming a pilot provides a lifelong career, access to training remains a barrier to entry for many.” Boeing projects the need for 602,000 new pilots to meet global commercial demand over the next 20 years. It will reveal a more detailed outlook when it releases its annual “Pilot and Technician Outlook” tomorrow.
Enstrom Helicopter continues a 30-year tradition by showcasing its helicopters at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, following its purchase out of Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy in May 2022 by Surack Enterprises. Enstrom brought three rotorcraft to the event, including the new 480B and 280FX models, and company owner Chuck Surack is in attendance.
Although AirVenture primarily showcases fixed-winged aircraft, rotorcraft fans can be found all over the show grounds, whether admiring kitbuilt helicopters, gyrocopters, or factory-new machines. Enstrom has long enjoyed the benefits of participating in the show. “There’s significant overlap in the Venn diagram of Enstrom owners and airplane enthusiasts,” said Enstrom senior technical fellow Bayard Dupont. “Many of our customers also fly airplanes and many of them plan to attend EAA [AirVenture] in Oshkosh.”
Although it isn’t certified yet in the U.S., some Pipistrel electric-powered Velis Electros are flying there, and pilots and maintainers are gaining experience with the aircraft. The FAA recently announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would finally allow manufacturers of light sport aircraft (LSA) such as the Velis to gain approval for electric power under LSA regulations. The Velis Electro is type certified by EASA.
Meanwhile, Textron eAviation, which bought Pipistrel in 2022 for about $218 million, has been flying a Velis Electro in Wichita and letting company pilots learn the constraints and pleasures of flying the new machine.
A new propulsion system that provides added thrust for takeoff and during go-arounds promises to improve short-field takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities for a variety of small aircraft types. Depod (distributed electric propulsion on demand) integrates an electric motor into the wings of the aircraft to enhance thrust during critical operations. Visitors to EAA AirVenture can see the Depod system at the Aeromarine exhibit in the show's main display area.
Mounting the propellers and motors into the wing of the aircraft itself greatly improves takeoff thrust, allowing for shorter takeoffs in a variety of aircraft. The thrust provided during takeoff can also be reversed to assist the pilot during landing on short runways.
Textron Aviation has brought an extensive line of display aircraft this week at EAA AirVenture, notably its in-development Beechcraft Denali turboprop single that is making its debut at the Oshkosh, Wisconsin show. Other Textron aircraft on display include a Cessna Citation CJ3+, Grand Caravan EX, Turbo Stationair, Turbo Skylane, and Skyhawk; Beechcraft Baron, Bonanza, and T-6C Texan II military trainer; Bell 505 and 429 helicopters; and Pipistrel Velis, Panthera, Alpha Trainer, and Ultra Light. Additionally, Federal Express has a Cessna SkyCourier turboprop twin on display at Boeing Plaza.
The company also announced that its line of high-wing Cessna piston aircraft will receive new paint schemes, instrument panels, seats, and interiors beginning in 2024. The new interiors have “a more modern, sporty feel that aligns with our family of Cessna Citation jets for the best aviation experience,” said Christi Tannahill, Textron Aviation senior v-p for customer experience. Features include new powered headset jacks and USB charging ports at every seat, upgraded seats with additional support and padding, a center armrest for Skylane and Stationair models, and more modern side panels, window locks, and air vents.
AINalerts News Tips/Feedback: News tips may be sent anonymously, but feedback must include name and contact info (we will withhold name on request). We reserve the right to edit correspondence for length, clarity and grammar. Send feedback or news tips to AINalerts editor Chad Trautvetter.
AINalerts is a publication of AIN Media Group, 214 Franklin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
