Honeywell is leading research into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to support single-pilot operations under a European Union SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking project. The goal is to “develop AI-powered digital assistants and a human-AI collaboration framework to support both extended minimum-crew operations and single-pilot operations, ensuring the same (or higher) level of safety and same (or lower) workload as operations with a full crew today,” according to Honeywell.

The Digital Assistants for Reducing Workload and Increasing collaboration (Darwin) project includes partners Pipistrel, Germany’s DLR research institute, Eurocontrol, EASA, and Slovenia Control. The research will be done at Honeywell’s Brno, Czech Republic development center.

Darwin will use human-AI teaming to address key challenges for single-pilot operations in air transport-category aircraft, including “the need to keep cockpit workload sufficiently low to allow one person to address even the most demanding situations; the need to replace the second pair of eyes to cross-check actions of the pilot in command; and the need to detect and mitigate a pilot incapacitation.”

“This project lays a solid foundation for the future of AI and AI-human collaboration in Honeywell avionics,” said Andrew Barker, v-p of integrated avionics at Honeywell Aerospace. “We must focus our efforts in these areas to ensure proper baselines are established for the future of minimum-crew operations.”

Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies (BAT) has completed an STC for the installation of the Garmin GI-275 electronic standby instrument system for the Cessna Citation 500/501/550/S550/560/560XL series aircraft. According to the Columbia, Missouri-based company, the AML STC applies to all serial numbers of these Citation models.

Blackhawk said the upgrade offers a less expensive and easily installed alternative—along with a provided PMA kit—to the costly and difficult-to-repair original standby instrument system. The STC allows the option for use of an internal lithium-battery-powered GI-275 or the existing standby battery system.

The data package includes the aircraft-specific airspeed markings to ensure the correct installation of the GI-275. It also allows for the installation of options such as synthetic vision, backup GPS antenna, and heading magnetometer.

“Our customers were looking for a turnkey solution to an age-old program for the Citation 500-series aircraft,” said Blackhawk v-p of sales and marketing Conrad Theisen. “We listened and developed an STC designed by installers for installers for a low-cost solution.”

Customers can purchase the STC and PMA kit through the Garmin dealer network or at Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies in Columbia.

A recently introduced bill in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to ensure that agriculture products are eligible for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Introduced by Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) with seven co-sponsors, the Farm to Fly Act (H.R.6271) clarifies that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) definitions of SAF include the use of American agriculture crops. It further seeks to foster increased collaboration within the USDA, as well as in partnership with the private sector, over the development of SAF.

“The Farm to Fly Act is important for three main reasons: it will provide access to new markets for our nation’s farmers, it will drive rural economic development, and it will strengthen our domestic energy resources,” Miller said.

The bill has received backing from both the agriculture and aviation communities. NATA expressed hope that the bill would be included in the farm bill and receive congressional consideration next year.

Meanwhile, a separate bill also garnering support from NATA, among others, would call for the FAA to establish an education program on authorized unleaded aviation fuels, including their compatibility with general aviation aircraft and availability. Introduced by Reps. Matt Cartwright (D-Pennsylvania) and Jay Obernolte (R-California), the Unleaded Act (H.R.6446) also would direct the FAA to facilitate training for FBOs handling the unleaded aviation gasoline.

A Beechcraft King Air 350 equipped with Tamarack Aerospace active load-alleviating winglets set two records during flights to and from Orlando, Florida, for NBAA-BACE 2022. The records have now been documented by the National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.

The first of these flights was 2,032.8 nm nonstop from Spokane, Washington, to Orlando on Oct. 15, 2022, in 7 hours 46 minutes. During the other record flight six days later, the King Air flew 1,770.7 nm from Orlando to Las Vegas—with a stop in Albuquerque—in 8 hours 8 minutes due to strong headwinds. Lorin Meyers captained both flights, while Tamarack founder and CEO Nick Guida flew as copilot.

The King Air was equipped with the SmartWing winglet system with active technology load alleviation system (Atlas) and Tamarack active camber surfaces (TACS). The TACS counteract extra loads, such as during turns or turbulence and gusts. The Atlas system thus requires less structural enhancement, and in the CitationJet series it produces efficiency improvements of up to 33 percent, allowing faster climbs to higher altitudes and a longer range.

“There has been significant interest from the military following these record-setting demonstrations last year,” Guida said. “The defense community sees a lot of value in our increased range and loiter time for important missions.”

Airbus Helicopters picked up several fleet orders and announced plans to establish a joint-venture training center in Germany this week at European Rotors.

ÖAMTC Air Rescue placed an order for two Airbus H135 helicopters—a follow-on to an initial contract for five H135s signed in late 2020. ÖAMTC Air Rescue operates 31 H135s from 17 permanent bases and four additional winter bases in Austria.

Airbus Helicopters also sold of a pair of single-engine H125s to Lithuanian operator ASU Baltija. They will be the first H125s in the country and will replace rotorcraft of Russian manufacture. The helicopters will be used for passenger transport and utility missions.

Today, Norwegian Air Ambulance inked a deal with Airbus for three H135s and two five-blade H145s. Norwegian Air Ambulance operates all 13 HEMS bases in Norway and all four bases in Denmark using a fleet of Helionix-equipped H135s and H145s.

Meanwhile, Airbus Helicopters revealed a joint venture with Germany’s ADAC HEMS Academy to establish a new “HMotion” simulator training center for H135s and H145s. The academy will begin operations in 2024, initially integrating the full-flight simulators at Airbus Helicopters Donauwörth with the ADAC HEMS Academy in Sankt Augustin near Bonn. In 2025, the simulators will be transferred to a new training center in Oberpfaffenhofen, near the Munich International Airport.

The United Nations COP28 meeting that convenes in the UAE tomorrow for a two-week session is widely expected to confront the latest assessments that the world is making insufficient progress in reducing the impact of climate change. The International Energy Agency’s recently published update to its Net Zero Roadmap warned that the pathway to limiting global warming to no more than a 1.5-degree Celsius increase over pre-industrial levels is narrowing. However, it is still navigable with the right combination of technology, investment, and political will.

COP28 delegates are expected to agree on further measures to fast-track the introduction of decarbonized energy sources in all aspects of human activity, including aviation. But with widespread skepticism about the outcomes of an event hosted by one of the world’s top ten oil-producing nations, pressure will likely increase for the actions of industries like air transport to speak louder than the carefully nuanced words of political leaders.

Yesterday’s transatlantic flight by a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is clearly intended as a statement of intent ahead of the COP gathering in Dubai. It happened just a week after Gulfstream, with less fanfare, flew a G600 on 100 percent SAF from its Savannah, Georgia headquarters to London-area Farnborough Airport.

GPMS International is embarking on a strategic expansion into Europe through a partnership with helicopter MRO provider and operator Léman Aviation. The collaboration aims to introduce GPMS’ Foresight MX, a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS), to European operators.

“When we were first introduced to Foresight, we couldn’t believe how easy the system was to use and the value it brings,” remarked Vincent Pollet, co-founder of Léman Aviation. “With Foresight, we will know the health of our helicopter components and ensure a smooth flight experience before we leave the ground.”

“Our STCs cover numerous platforms and OEMs, but our upcoming certifications for the Airbus H135, H145, and AS332 platforms are key requirements to meeting the demand of the European market,” said GPMS v-p of marketing Ronnie Ries. Léman is “excited about our certification progress and is ready to discuss implementation into its fleet.”

Léman Aviation, encompassing subsidiaries Alpes Maintenance and Alpes Hélicoptères, brings a dual perspective as both an MRO provider and an operator. This position aligns with GPMS’ goal to partner with qualified MROs across Europe. Ries noted Léman Aviation’s comprehensive understanding of Foresight MX’s value, including its HUMS and flight data monitoring capabilities.

The general aviation community lost a “fierce advocate” with the November 24 passing of Selena Shilad, the executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA). Shilad, who was 45, died after a brief illness. She joined the Alliance after it was formed in 2007 and was promoted to executive director within a year.

“Selena was one of the most committed, passionate, resourceful, and effective coalition builders and aviation advocates imaginable,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, who chairs the Alliance. “Every single day, she engaged with community leaders, organizations, and individuals from across the country to powerfully communicate the central role of general aviation in America.”

During her tenure with AAAA, she elevated the focus on the economic role that general aviation has on a local, regional, and national level. Under her leadership, the Alliance grew to encompass more than 7,000 individuals, businesses, agricultural groups, FBOs, small airports, local and community elected officials, charitable organizations, law enforcement associations, think tanks, tribal leadership, and aviation associations.

Before joining AAAA, Shilad coordinated high-profile initiatives for corporate and nonprofit clients across a range of industries and served as a legislative advisor in state and national campaigns.

“Selena’s skill in creating community and strategizing for the greater good of general and business aviation was unmatched and will be dearly missed," NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna noted.