NY Governor strikes down contentious Stop the Chop bill
A bill intended to mitigate helicopter operations at the West 30th Street Heliport in New York City that would have allowed citizens to sue pilots and other associated company personnel for alleged helicopter noise pollution statewide was vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
One step closer to eliminating FAA LODA requirement
The Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act passed in the Senate on December 15 with an 83–11 vote—containing language that eliminates a 2021 FAA policy reinterpretation that grounded nearly 40,000 pilots.
Graduate earns distinction from California Aeronautical University
The challenges of finding qualified aircraft maintenance technologists (AMT) have accelerated over the last decade making it difficult to fulfill the much-needed demand in the aviation industry. In this male-dominated profession, many women are not exposed to the possibilities—even if they have the aptitude to excel professionally.
Legendary high-altitude record-setter dies
U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Col. Joseph Kittinger, who flew high enough to see the curvature of the Earth during his record-setting 102,800-foot skydive in 1960, died at age 94 on December 9.
Pulitzer race to resume in May
The National Aeronautic Association will host a four-day, 1,000-nautical-mile air race for electric aircraft in May, resuming the renowned races that began in the 1920s.
Update: Early Analysis Wings Over Dallas Midair
AOPA responds to PSI reimbursement decrease for third-party FAA test providers
In a November 18 letter, PSI, the FAA knowledge test contractor, informed third-party providers that a change in fee structure would significantly reduce the current reimbursement rate to third-party test centers by more than 65 percent for most FAA exams, effective January 1.
United Aviate trains for upset recovery and prevention
United Aviate Academy in Goodyear, Arizona, the only flight training school owned and operated by a major U.S. airline, has partnered with Aviation Performance Solutions (APS), in Mesa, Arizona, to provide their flight students with training on avoiding and recovering from loss of control in flight (LOC-I).
A dash from Spain to Norway
Two planned trips fused into one when a long streak of unusually favorable weather appeared in the forecast, resulting in over 24 hours in the air, flying a Piper Super Cub from the bottom of Spain to Norway.
Training and Safety Tip: Extra set of eyes
The most common type of pilot deviation for VFR pilots involves airspace violations. Losing situational awareness and entering airspace they are not authorized to enter could happen for any number of reasons.
