With the pilot shortage challenge becoming ever more acute, regional carrier Republic Airways is looking for a different way to get more pilots into its operations. The carrier filed an application with the US Federal Aviation Administration last month seeking permission for pilots with 750 hours of flight experience – half the current requirement – to be licensed as a Restricted Air Transport Pilot (R-ATP), eligible to operate commercial service for the company.
Federal Aviation Administration
Gogo 5G hits certification milestone
Gogo’s new 5G in-flight WiFi service moved step closer to reality, with the airplane antenna receiving certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Eastern comes up short in ETOPS certification try
Eastern Airlines will not be flying its fleet over open water any time soon. The copmany’s efforts to gain ETOPS certification came up short during an FAA flight proving run.
How sideways can you sit?
When it comes to flying, seats generally face forward. There are a few that face backward, typically reserved for premium cabins,. And then there are the sideways seats. Including one that might soon fly even more sideways than before.
M-Flex seeks certification to enter service
Two years ago Collins Aerospace introduced the M-Flex™ Duet galley monument. Now the company is seeking approval from the FAA to install the system on wide-body aircraft.
UAVs headed to FAA type certification
A half dozen UAVs and associated control systems are now in line for certification by the FAA. The Agency published guidelines on Friday describing the airworthiness criteria the FAA finds to be appropriate and applicable for the unmanned aircraft systems designs
Two major takeaways from FAA Administrator Dixon’s 737 MAX test flight
On Wednesday morning Steve Dickson, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, took Boeing’s 737 MAX for a test flight. Following the successful flight Dickson repeatedly stated, “I like what I saw” from the progress, particularly in how the MCAS system was revised. But that optimism must be tempered against a few very real remaining challenges in getting the aircraft back into commercial service.
Amazon’s first 763 freighter is now registered
Fresh off the issuance of its Airline Operations Certificate over the weekend Amazon is now also the proud owner of its first cargo 767 operating under a direct registration rather than through a leasing agreement. The registration N503AZ was issued on 31 August 2020 to Amazon.com Services LLC.
Amazon Prime Air drones secure FAA exemption
Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery plans scored a boost on Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration approved an exemption allowing the company to move forward with operations while working towards formal certification of the MK27 UA aircraft and the airline operations. The approval comes with significant limits, but allows the company to continue development of the platform and supports progress towards the necessary certifications.
Virgin Galactic looking beyond space for profits
Virgin Galactic is keen to bring intrepid travelers into space on its SpaceShipTwo vehicle, but the company is also looking at alternative revenue sources. Among them, renting out the WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) launch support aircraft for government or private businesses to use for science, research, and national security applications. There’s just one problem: Legally it cannot do that.