Ten fatal accidents involving U.S.-registered business turboprops and jets claimed the lives of 26 crew and passengers in the first nine months versus 12 accidents and 42 fatalities in the same period last year, according to data compiled by AIN. In both comparable periods, three fatal accidents occurred under Part 135, while the rest were under Part 91. Incidents also declined and no accidents or incidents were reported under Part 91K fractional operations in the 2023 and 2024 nine-month time frames.

However, non-fatal accidents of U.S.-registered turbine business airplanes climbed to 24 in the first nine months versus 20 in the first three quarters of 2023. Four accidents of N-numbered business jets during the first nine months resulted in 11 fatalities. In the first nine months, four people died in two non-U.S.-registered business jet accidents versus five deaths in two accidents in the first nine months of 2023.

U.S.-registered business turboprops were involved in six fatal accidents in each of the first nine months this and last year. However, the number of fatalities decreased from 19 in the first three quarters of last year to 15 this year.

Forty-five people died in 11 accidents of non-U.S.-registered business turboprops year-to-date versus eight accidents and 28 deaths in the first three quarters of 2023. Non-fatal accidents in this segment climbed from 13 to 24 year over year.

A non-pilot-rated passenger in a King Air C90A landed safely on Friday at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield after the pilot suffered a medical incapacitation event, according to an airport spokesman. The King Air touched down on Runway 12L, although it ran off the runway into a grassy area. An air traffic controller reportedly helped the passenger control the King Air and land. According to an FAA preliminary report, the pilot passed away.

According to FlightAware data, the King Air departed Henderson, Nevada—where it is registered to Su El Holdings—just after 11 a.m. PDT. Most of the flight took place at FL200, but at about 1 p.m. it diverted to Bakersfield, about 75 nm away.

Descending slowly, the King Air leveled off at about 1,500 feet and circled three times before lining up with Runway 12L. The final ADS-B record shows the King Air descending at 706 fpm at 140 knots groundspeed at 900 feet, then touching down at 1:40 p.m.

For aircraft departing Las Vegas from NBAA-BACE later this month, the option to partake in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will again be available at all three of the city’s airports.

At Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS), Signature Aviation has brought in supplies of SAF blend for the event. The company noted that SAF is currently available there and will be through BACE and the Formula 1 Grand Prix next month. It will be offered until supplies run out. Signature offers permanent SAF supplies at 16 of its locations in the U.S. and UK and has a book-and-claim program.

Atlantic Aviation will have SAF credits available via book-and-claim at its KLAS facility during BACE. The company noted this is not just for the show but is a standard practice available at all Atlantic locations. “As a best practice, Atlantic aims to distribute SAF as close to the original production source as possible, maximizing the environmental benefits,” a company spokesperson told AIN.

For the Clark County-operated FBOs at Henderson Executive (KHND) and North Las Vegas (KVGT) airports, fuel provider World Fuel Services can also provide book-and-claim.

“We are making SAF available for operators at NBAA-BACE as a way of promoting the production, availability, and use of the fuel, which is a critical component of our industry’s comprehensive plan for continued emissions reduction,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the massive flood damage it wreaked upon North Carolina, the FAA is reporting a 300% increase in air traffic over the heavily impacted western part of the state. The surge includes private aircraft delivering supplies along with the state's National Guard and military search-and-rescue missions.

As a result, the North Carolina Division of Aviation—in coordination with federal and state agencies such as FEMA, the FAA, the North Carolina National Guard, and the Department of Defense—has implemented several safety strategies. Prior permission request lines have been established at certain airports, including Asheville Regional (KAVL) and Rutherford County (KFQD), for pilots to call ahead to schedule landing, unloading, and aircraft parking, thus reducing airport congestion and risk of incidents.

Designated flight routes have been created to separate civilian and military aircraft, and short-duration TFRs are being used to ensure safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in localized rescue operations.

Lastly, temporary control towers have been set up to manage high-traffic regional airports during the emergency response.

“Helene has already devastated so much; we want every pilot, aircraft, and airport staff member to go home safely every night of the response,” said Becca Gallas, director of the aviation division within the state's Department of Transportation. “Our military and civilian aviation partners are providing vital services for North Carolinians cut off from other access.”

Learn how to optimize your fuel management strategy with no hidden fees, streamline processes and build a direct relationship with a fuel refiner

Wyvern—an aviation safety and risk management company that provides auditing, consulting, and safety intelligence services—has launched its new podcast series, Wyvern Airways. This series is designed to enhance aviation safety awareness and knowledge, drawing on the expertise of Wyvern team members and industry professionals. The podcast aims to foster discussions on safety and offer insights for aviation operators, safety professionals, and industry stakeholders.

Hosted by Trent Corcia, Wyvern's v-p of operations support and a former U.S. Air Force C-130 navigator, the series kicked off with guest Marcela White, co-owner of Tavaero Jet Charter. White, who has more than 35 years of industry experience, discussed key topics such as implementing a safety management system (SMS), building a strong safety culture, and gaining SMS buy-in from upper management.

White's extensive background as a licensed pilot and safety panelist provided perspective on the challenges and benefits of aviation safety management. Kris Stewart, senior manager of safety support at Wyvern, is co-hosting the podcast with Corcia.

Wyvern CEO Sonnie Bates commented, "This podcast series is one more way that we are demonstrating our commitment to adding value to our current and prospective customers. When thousands of us collectively increase our focus on safety, everyone wins.”

The podcast is targeted at various aviation professionals, including charter jet operators, corporate flight departments, MROs, and others involved in aviation safety.

Aviation associations last week honored the legacy of Robert Olislagers, a prominent airport leader and general aviation (GA) advocate, in recognition of his contributions to the aviation industry. Olislagers, who served as executive director of Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Colorado for more than two decades, passed away on October 3. He left a lasting impact on both the airport and the broader community.

Appointed as KAPA's executive director in 2000, Olislagers helped to secure the airport's growth by authoring and advocating for a bill that restored federal funding. This effort solidified KAPA's status as a critical hub for business aviation, fostering its reputation as one of the world's top GA airports. “Centennial Airport is widely recognized as one of the world’s best general aviation airports, and Robert Olislagers is a primary reason why,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

APA's economic impact almost doubled during Olislagers’ tenure, contributing $2.1 billion to Colorado’s economy by 2018, according to the Colorado Division of Aeronautics Airport Economic Impact Report. Olislagers also chaired the AAAE GA committee, founded an annual GA conference, and actively represented business aviation before Congress.

“Olislagers was named to the NATA board of directors in 2012 and was an active association member for many years, providing an innate perspective on the intricate connection between airports, tenants, pilots, and communities,” said NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna.

The FAA has issued a supplemental type certificate (STC) for Onboard Systems International's Talon HEC (human external cargo) dual cargo hook system for the Bell 429 helicopter. The STC covers new installations and retrofits of 429s with existing single- and dual-hook cargo hooks.

Onboard Systems' Talon cargo hook kit for the 429 includes fixed provisions, controls, and dual Talon LC hydraulic cargo hooks, according to the company. “The Onboard Systems kits offer improved ground clearance and enhanced safety features such as keeperless hooks that eliminate dynamic rollout, a high-reliability hydraulic backup release system, and an optional Onboard weighing system.”

Capable of use with Part 133 external load missions such as HEC, high-value cargo transport, utility line work, short-haul loads, and search-and-rescue, the maximum capacity for HEC missions is 1,322 pounds. Non-HEC external loads up to 3,000 pounds can be carried.

Both right- and left-hand pilot-in-command position installations are available, as are optional HEC Y-rope, longlines, rigging plates, and other equipment. Retrofit kits are compatible with Bell dual-hook factory-fixed provisions, according to Onboard, which is also offering fixed and removable provisions kits.

Customers have been asking for the Onboard HEC kit “for years,” said Mike Fox, v-p of sales and marketing. “We've just shipped our first system to our launch customer, Capitol Helicopters, and are now ramping up production to fulfill follow-on orders.”

AIN Media Group is welcoming Amy Wilder today to the editorial team as staff writer. In that capacity, she will cover a range of business aviation and other industry news for our digital and print publications, as well as provide editing support.

“With her strong experience in aviation journalism, Amy is a superb addition to the AIN Media Group's news team,” said AIN Media Group managing editor Charles Alcock. “She will contribute articles for all of our outlets, including AIN's monthly edition, the daily Alerts newsletter, and our show and convention daily issues."

Bringing nearly a decade of editorial experience to her new role, Wilder joins AIN from Flying Media Group, where she most recently served as web and magazine managing editor of Plane & Pilot. In that capacity, she planned issues, coordinated with freelance writers, and worked with the production team, along with providing coverage on the general aviation sector. In addition, she has worked with El Palacio magazine, the Santa Fe New Mexican, the Fayette Advertiser, and the Columbia Daily Tribune in Missouri. Wilder also has served as director of marketing and communication for Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

A pilot-in-training nearing her check ride, Wilder has a master's degree in liberal arts and eastern classics from St. John’s College, as well as a bachelor of fine arts in visual culture from the University of Central Missouri.

Join us for a complimentary lunch on October 23 at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas while you hear from a distinguished panel of experts who will discuss the latest technological advancement for broadband connectivity in aviation—low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. Gain a deeper understanding about LEO + Small Electronically Steered Antenna = Low latency, high-speed broadband for virtually any business aircraft anywhere globally. You'll also hear directly from the experts who are bringing LEO connectivity to business aircraft, from turboprops to super light jets to ultra-long-range large-cabin jets. Featuring speakers from Gogo Business Aviation, OneWeb, and Hughes Network Systems. Limited space is still available.