Naples Aviation, the airport-operated FBO at Florida’s Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF), was named as the first recipient of Argus International's Base Operations Audit Certification.

The program—launched in May 2022—is designed to assist service providers in reducing ground incidents that could result in damage to aircraft and company assets. And the certification identifies those FBOs that meet stringent international industry best practices and standards to establish safety and service programs in their operations.

“Naples Aviation FBO was well prepared for their audit and was eager to learn how they compared with the Argus base operations standard,” said Argus International Pros executive v-p Terry Webb. “They are a well-equipped organization that uses the tools of SMS and safety risk management to ensure they continue to maintain an efficient and safe operation for their customers."

KAPF is home to more than 350 aircraft, including 80 private jets. Over the past fiscal year, it saw nearly 120,000 operations.

“Being recognized as the first FBO in North America to receive the Argus Base Operations Audit Certification is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our FBO staff and leadership,” noted Naples Airport Authority executive director Chris Rozansky. “Naples Aviation has an unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence.”

Elliott Aviation has performed its first completion and delivery of the Garmin Autoland upgrade in a King Air B200. Designed as a safety measure, the Autoland system in an emergency situation can take control of an aircraft and autonomously land itself at the nearest suitable airport. 

According to Illinois-based Elliott, the modification—which took four weeks to install—represents the next chapter in the evolution of the Garmin G1000 NXI package for the King Air family. The Autoland installation in the King Air includes Garmin's autothrottle system. The Autoland technology program was launched in 2011 and received certification in 2020. Garmin was awarded the Collier Trophy for its achievement that same year.

"We are thrilled to deliver our first Garmin Autoland upgrade in a King Air B200," said Elliott Aviation CEO Dan Edwards. "Safety is always our top priority, and the Garmin Autoland system represents a groundbreaking advancement in aviation technology. This achievement reflects our team's expertise and commitment to providing our customers with the latest and most advanced avionics solutions."

Trace elements of cocaine were found in the body of one of the pilots involved in last January’s fatal midair collision of two air tour helicopters in Queensland, according to an interim accident report released yesterday by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The pilot and three of his passengers died when their Airbus EC130B4 hit another helicopter at the Sea World Marine Park on Jan. 2, 2023.

The six people aboard the other EC130B4 survived with various injuries. The pilot of that helicopter was not tested for alcohol or drugs following the accident; however, both pilots were checked for alcohol and tested negative for it before flying that day. Both pilots had completed the company’s drug and alcohol management plan.

The ATSB concluded that the cocaine metabolites in the pilot’s system indicated likely cocaine usage approximately four days before the flight, but that it probably did not impair his ability to fly on the accident day. “It is unlikely there would have been impairment of his psychomotor skills,” the ATSB reported, with the caveat, “It is not known whether post-cocaine exposure effects of the drug which can include fatigue, depression, and inattention had any effect on the performance of the pilot.”

The arrival of the new year marks a new opportunity for aircraft modification and maintenance provider King Aerospace to apply and build on its employee-centric leadership philosophy to serving VVIP, government, and military clients, the company said today.

“2023 was a year with lots of challenges for King Aerospace but also some great new opportunities,” said company chairman and founder Jerry King. "Through it all, I remain incredibly proud—and suitably humbled—by how our team joins together through both triumph and adversity to fulfill our most important duty: providing superior service to our valued customers.”

King Aerospace added two respected industry veterans to the company last year. Pete Schneider brings his extensive background in aircraft modifications and completions as v-p of program management and special projects. Bob Blanchard, whose career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and National Air Security Operations spans three decades, now serves as King Aerospace's v-p of business development and special projects.

The year also provided several opportunities to demonstrate “King Kulture” to customers during ceremonies marking the opening of two new King Aerospace hangars at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (KXNA) near Bentonville. Later in the year, the facility welcomed its first Boeing BBJ, which traveled more than 7,000 miles for maintenance and refurbishment by King Aerospace.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has set its executive committee leadership team for this year with Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire, stepping in as chair of the board.

Wiplinger, who most recently was vice chair and has headed the policy and legal issues and technical policy committees for the association, succeeds Simcom International president and CEO Eric Hinson in his new role. Hinson remains active in the capacity of immediate past chair at GAMA.

Setting the stage for the future transition, Henry Brooks, president of Collins Aerospace Power and Controls, becomes vice chair. Brooks previously was chair of GAMA’s security issues committee.

Meanwhile, Tony Brancato, president of business aviation at StandardAero, joins the executive committee as chair of the airworthiness and maintenance policy committee. Brancato has served on the board of directors since 2021. Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada, is extending her time as chair of the communications committee.

GAMA’s electric propulsion and innovation committee will be jointly led by Oliver Reinhardt, chief risk and certification officer at Volocopter, and Ben Tigner, CEO of Overair.