Aviation Blogs

ExpressJet, Delta Put Aviation Students On Career Pathway

PlanePilot1 — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:10:28 +0000

A new agreement between Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation and two closely allied commercial air carriers will put WMU students on a clear pathway to careers as commercial airline pilots.

The WMU/ExpressJet Airline Pilot Pathway Program—AP3—will allow WMU aviation students to begin a pilot screening process early in their WMU careers that will prepare them for and guarantee jobs as first officers with ExpressJet. Successfully meeting all the screening requirements will also guarantee participating students an interview for a position as a pilot with Delta Air Lines. Atlanta-based Atlantic Southeast Airlines merged with ExpressJet Airlines in 2011. The new ExpressJet is the world’s largest regional airline, operating an average of 2,200 daily flights as Delta Connection, Continental Express and United Express.

The agreement makes WMU just the fourth collegiate aviation program in the nation selected to participate in the AP3 program that is designed to provide the airline with a reliable source of top-quality pilots in the years to come. Airline officials have indicated they are reaching out to college programs that already have an established track record for producing top-quality pilots.

“We’ve had a wonderful relationship with ExpressJet over the years, but this new agreement is unique,” says Dave Powell, dean of the aviation college. “We’re going to help our airline partners identify students in their freshman and sophomore years who will agree to meet a highly structured screening process used by other major airlines to select its pilots. For those who are able to meet the requirements, the likelihood of securing a job as a first officer is high. It will be a challenging proposition, but the program offers our students a clear pathway to a career as an airline pilot.”

The agreement, Powell notes, will benefit both students and the airline sponsors of the effort who are looking at a skyrocketing demand for new pilots in the next decade. Nationally and internationally, all signs point to what one aviation association executive calls “the longest and largest pilot-hiring boom in the history of the industry.” After a period of slow industry personnel growth, it is now faced with such factors as a wave of pilot retirements, growing international travel routes, proposed changes to FAA rules about the time pilots must rest between flights, and an improving U.S. economy.

The first WMU students have already begun the process. Students involved will be monitored throughout their academic careers, and they must pass six screening measures and complete WMU’s Advanced Jet Training course. They also must earn the appropriate flight certifications, including that of becoming a certified flight instructor.

Powell says Delta and ExpressJet sent their pilot hiring managers and recruiters to campus late last month to describe the program to aviation students, the turnout for an evening information session was phenomenal.

“We expected a couple of dozen students and ended up with more than 90,” Powell says. “Delta and ExpressJet officials have always told us they’re impressed with our level of training and the quality of young pilots we produce, but they were blown away by the enthusiastic response they got on our campus.”

About the WMU College of Aviation

The College of Aviation boasts enrollment of nearly 700 students in three programs—aviation maintenance technology, aviation science and administration, and aviation flight science. The college’s mission is to prepare leaders who are sought after by the aerospace industry and to engage in meaningful research that advances the knowledge base. The college’s vision is to serve as the premier aerospace education and research institution in a diverse global society. Founded in 1939, WMU’s aviation program has operated since 1997 from the W.K. Kellogg Airfield in Battle Creek.

Conklin & de Decker Announces 2012 State Tax Guide for General Aviation

Av8tor — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:42:17 +0000

HELI-EXPO 2012 – Dallas, TX – Conklin & de Decker announced the release of their new 2012 State Tax Guide for General Aviation. Packed full of critical tax information, the State Tax Guide is a must-have reference tool for helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operators, accountants, dealers, brokers, aviation law professionals, and others. The State Tax Guide contains the latest taxes and fees imposed on general aviation in all fifty states and it addresses the sales and use taxes applicable to aircraft sales, ownership, leases, parts, and labor.

States continue to make changes that affect how their taxes apply to general aviation and it is expected that in 2012, many more states will try to find ways to “enhance their revenues.” The Conklin & de Decker State Tax Guideprovides subscribers continuous updates throughout the year by simply downloading the latest changes, as they occur, from the Conklin & de Decker website. This easy to use guide saves users valuable time by eliminating all the research hours required to stay current on all the latest tax changes.

New additions included in the 2012 release are a new category for Resale/Dealer as well as ahelpfullink on the Home Screen that provides a summary page.

Included in the State Tax Guide are common exemptions from the state sales and/or use taxes such as common carrier, occasional sales, fly-away and trade-in credits. Applicable registration fees, personal property taxes, jet fuel and even aviation gasoline taxes are also covered. In addition to tax data, contact information for the Departments of Revenue and

Aviation in each state is also included. The State Tax Guide is PC based and has the ability to compare 3 states side by side which enables users to quickly compare tax rates and exemptions for the selected states.

“State tax laws change suddenly and can really impactyouraviation operation,” stated Nel Stubbs, vice president for Conklin & de Decker and veteran tax consultant. “The Conklin & de Decker State Tax Guide for General Aviation is an indispensable tool where we do all the research for you and make it easy to access, savingyou timeand keeping you current onall state tax changes,” added Ms. Stubbs.

The State Tax Guidefor 2012 will be available March 1, 2012.A one-year subscription is $300 and is downloadable from the Conklin & de Decker website enabling subscribers to have instant access to this valuable data. In addition, the subscriber receives downloadable updates throughout the year.

HELI-EXPO 2012 attendees are invited to stop by and take advantage of the 15% show discount, February 12th – 14th at the Conklin & de Decker booth #6928 as well as enter a drawing for one of three iPhone/iPad remote-controlled miniature helicopters. In addition, Heli-Expo visitors that receive a demonstration of the State Tax Guide or any one of the Conklin & de Decker products will receive the first in a collector’s series of exquisitely designed posters, illustrating several of the most popular helicopters on the market today.

About Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker, celebrating more than 25 years in business, is a leader in aviation research, consulting and education with offices in Massachusetts, Texas and Arizona. The company, founded in 1984, focuses on fixed- and rotary- wing aircraft operating cost, performance and specification databases, maintenance management software, financial management, fleet planning, market research, aviation tax issues, and financial, tax and management seminars. Conklin & de Decker consults with numerous individuals, corporations and government agencies worldwide. More information on their products and services and copies of articles can be found on their website, www.conklindd.com.

Universal Avionics Introduces EFI-890H Flat Panel Display for Helicopters

PlanePilot1 — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:30:34 +0000

Advancing avionics for the rotorcraft market, Universal Avionics introduces the EFI-890H Flat Panel Display for helicopters. With software based on Universal’s popular fixed-wing Flat Panel Display system, the EFI-890R, and hardware proven and approved to withstand high-vibration environments, the EFI-890H is suited for the unique requirements of helicopter operators. Universal Avionics’ EFI-890H offers flexibility for installation in single or multiple display architectures.

“As a long time supplier of Flight Management Systems (FMS) to the rotorcraft market, we became aware of a significant need for avionics qualified for IFR operations in both Part 27 and Part 29 airframes,” said Dan Reida, Universal Avionics’ Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Support. “Our EFI-890H is the cornerstone of our suite to address this need,” he added.

The EFI-890H includes a Collective Cue feature and X-Video Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) capabilities. When integrated with Universal Avionics’ Multi-Mission Management System, the operator has the ability to fly six distinct search patterns. Its features are unmatched for mission operations such as search and rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, maritime patrol, border patrol, geophysical survey, and flight inspection. Shipment of the EFI-890H will begin in February 2012. The unit will be approved for Sikorsky S-76A, S-76C, S-61L, S-61N, UH-60L; Bell 212, 412, 412EP, 412CF; Eurocopter EC-155, Dauphin N1, N3, and AS-332 helicopters.

For more information about the EFI-890H, Click Here.

About Universal Avionics

Universal Avionics manufactures and markets an extensive line of advanced avionics equipment. Product lines include the UNS-1 SBAS-enabled (WAAS) Flight Management Systems; the EFI-890R Flat Panel Display; a line of Integrated Cockpit Displays;
Vision-1® Synthetic Vision System; Terrain Awareness and Warning System; Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders; Radio Control Units; and the Application Server Unit which integrates charts, electronic documents and checklists with displays systems.

TechCareers Series Adds Aviation Pilots Book

Av8tor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:56:22 +0000

TechCareers: Aviation Pilots is a taste of what it looks like to be trained and work as an aircraft pilot. The need for commercial aircraft pilots always is growing. According to the Joseph T. Nall Report published annually by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the number of aircraft in use roughly doubles every 10 years.

Aviation Pilots,TSTC Publishing’s newest edition to its TechCareers series, offers employment overviews, skill requirements, education and training information and everything else needed for a career in the aviation business. Feb. 1 is the official release of the paperback book, with an ebook version expected shortly.

Written by Jodi Wheatley, the book is divided into three sections: Aviation Pilot Careers, Aviation Pilot Education and Certification and Additional Aviation Pilot Information and Resources. Aviation Pilots also gives an employment outlook, salary ranges, job titles, career paths and job duties, and features profiles of pilots, employers and instructors in the field.

The book offers a list of job titles and corresponding duties pilots can find in their industry:

Private pilot – Certification allows pilots to fly passengers for personal transportation and business.
Certified flight instructor – The flight instructor rating is specific as to the type of instruction authorized, such as multi-engine instructor, single-engine airplane certified flight instructor certified flight instructor instrument (CFII) and helicopter.
Commercial pilot – To obtain commercial pilot certification, the individual must be 18 with a private pilot certificate and a minimum of 250 flight hours completed, along with various other sub-requirements.
Airplane transport pilot – One must be 23 before earning an airplane transport pilot’s (ATP) certificate. The individual must have a private and a commercial certificate, instrument rating and at least 1,500 hours of flight experience and pass the ATP written exam and a flight test.
Multi-engine pilot – A commercial pilot must acquire a rating for a multi-engine airplane.

From employment outlook to job duties to the necessary skill sets a pilot is expected to possess, TechCareers: Aviation Pilots provides vital information any prospective pilot student needs to know.

The TechCareers Series is a joint effort of TSTC Publishing, the publishing arm of the Texas State Technical College System, and TSTC Forecasting. The series includes: Biomedical Equipment, Automotive Technicians, Aviation Pilots, Avionics Technician, Wind Energy, Computer Gaming Programmers & Artists and Welding Technology. Other forthcoming books include Aviation Maintenance, Graphic Design and Radiation Protection Technology.
Born and raised in Texas, Jodi Wheatley earned her bachelor’s degree in TV & Film Production from the Journalism, Broadcasting & Film school at Trinity University in San Antonio. After many years working in local television – writing, producing and directing commercials, public service announcements, station promotions and marketing videos – she expanded into technical/communications writing for Texas State Technical College in Abilene. Writing and editing online course content (including Fiber Optics, Hydraulics, Cutting & Welding, Electricity, Applied Math and other subjects) for wind energy technology training classes was great fun, as it allowed her to do the two things she said she enjoys most: learning and helping others learn.

Established in 2004 as the publishing arm of the Texas State Technical College System, TSTC Publishing offers faculty throughout the country the opportunity to initiate and participate in a variety of book development projects. TSTC Publishing projects now include such ancillary products as instructor guides, student workbooks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, ebooks and companion websites. In addition to offering editorial help and guidance to faculty, assistance also is available in the areas of materials production, distribution and sales.

The book retails for $14.95 in paperback and is available from all major book retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble or directly from TSTC Publishing.

FAA Safety Briefing-January/February 2012

Av8tor — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:12:28 +0000

This first issue of 2012 explores some of the resources available to help you in your initial quest for pilot certification, as well as the lifelong quest to improve your aeronautical knowledge. Feature articles show you how to leverage the information power of aviation regulations and handbooks as well as provide tips to help prepare for your next checkride and find an aviation school that’s right for you. The January/February issue of FAA Safety Briefing is now available online atwww.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing /. Check it out today!

Announcing the First Release of FAA Mobile!

PlanePilot1 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:22:54 +0000

FAA Mobile is an easy-to-use mobile website that provides quick access to popular FAA.gov tasks for aviation enthusiasts on-the-go. You can look up N-numbers, find Advisory Circulars, browse airport delays, and more. You can find FAA Mobile at http://www.faa.gov/mobile (optimized for mobile devices).

The FAA Mobile website allows you to stay con

FAA Mobile fully supports iOS 4 and higher, as well as Android 2.2 and higher. For details on all devices that are compatible with FAA Mobile, see Supported Platforms and Devices.

Features

FAA Mobile provides mobile access to the following FAA.gov features. To see page examples, click the “See Example” links.

N-Number Lookup
Look up any aircraft’s N-number to see ownership, registration, aircraft manufacturer and model, and more information. See Example
U.S. Airport Status and Delays
Review information about airport status and delays across the entire National Airspace System (NAS), or look up the status of a particular airport to plan your travel schedule. See Example
Advisory Circular (AC) Lookup
Find and read advisory circulars to help you comply with FAA regulations. See Example
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) Locator
Locate the closest offices based on your current location, if you have Location Services enabled on your device. You can also locate FSDOs by region or by office name. See Example
Wildlife Strike Reporting
Report an aircraft wildlife strike or edit an existing wildlife strike report. See Example
News and Press Releases
Read the three most recent FAA news stories and press releases. See Example

Airborne 12.23.11: FAA Allows Pilots To Rest, TSA Pillories Petition, 2011′s True Aero-Innovators

PlanePilot1 — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:12:28 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Happy Holidays from the crews at Aero-News, Aero-TV and Airborne! Even though the year is coming to a surprisingly busy close (and thank God for that, eh?), there was plenty to cover this week in Airborne-land.

And as usual, there were items popping up all over the place, even as we tried to complete this episode.

PLEASE keep sending us your feedback and ideas… you have no idea how important that is to us as we evolve the Airborne mission. As we listen to your critiques, we’re getting a far better idea as to how to tweak and fine-tune future Airborne programming to fit you needs.

We’re continuing to implement your suggestions for a tighter overall length, without reducing the story count, on Airborne, and I assure you that we have even great things in store for you as Airborne evolves rapidly to serve the aviation world. So… be sure to keep filling us in what you want from ANN, Aero-TV and Airborne!

Airborne 12.23.11 is chock full of info about the week ending Friday, December 23rd, 2011… Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom Patton and Paul Plack, this episode covers:

The FAA Finally Publishes Rest Regs
TBM-700 Downed In Bad WX
Avidyne Certs for Piper PA-46 Line
The Sultan Of Brunei Now Owns ALL Of Piper
The Guessing Over The Next FAA Admin Is Under way!
Barefoot Bandit To Do Hard-Time
AeroNav Thinks Flyers Are Their Own Private ATM
Another Satellite Coming Down
SpaceX Readying For ISS Mission
China’s Aircraft Carrier Revealed
Barnstorming Features EAA’s Rod Hightower, This Week
TSA’s Pistole Seems A Mite PO’ed
ANN Salutes The Aero-Innovators Of 2011
Aero-Video Of the Week Encounters SANTA!!!
NASA Knows Rock??? Who Knew?

Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again next week for another edition of “Airborne” here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you next week!

FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork,http://twitter.com/AeroNews

Sporty’s Offers Fast Track to First Solo

PlanePilot1 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:10:15 +0000

No matter your ultimate goal, if you want to learn to fly, you have to solo. Talk to any pilot and a major milestone in their flying is the first time they flew an airplane alone. For most pilots, soloing an airplane is more memorable than passing a checkride. Now, Sporty’s has made this milestone even easier by offering a DVD course that includes everything a pilot needs to solo—just add flight instructor.

“We know from over 50 years experience gained at our own flight school, if you get a student to solo, his chances of dropping out are virtually zero,” says Sporty’s Founder Hal Shevers. “This course will help student pilots make it to that milestone, whether they plan to continue on towards a license or simply solo.”

Because learning to fly can sometimes feel overwhelming and because many aspiring pilots don’t know exactly what certificate level they desire, Sporty’s designed its new course to be simple and easy to use. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone learning to fly. There is no software to install and no textbooks to study. Start with Volume 1 on your television, PC or Mac and continue to solo.

Sporty’s Solo Course includes six hours of video on three DVDs packed with real-world, in-flight footage that explains everything a new pilot needs to know for solo. Sporty’s signature 3D graphics and animations make complicated subjects easy to understand while interactive on-screen review questions mark your progress as you go.

“We are confident that this course will save student pilots time and money by focusing on what’s most important,” adds Shevers. “For less than the cost of one flight lesson, aspiring pilots will have an enjoyable and interactive course to guide them through each lesson.”

Upgrade when you’re ready
When a student pilot is ready to move on to earn a license, Sporty’s makes it easy. Each Solo Course includes a coupon for $65 (the full cost of the Solo Course) off its Complete Learn to Fly Course. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes modular flight training options for Private, Sport or Recreational pilot. Plus, the modular structure of the Solo Course ensures that everything you learn is directly applied to your next Sporty’s course.

Sporty’s Solo Course D233A is available for $65.00 and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

Please Help The Flightline Pledge Drive on Kickstarter:

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:46:41 +0000

The Flightline TV Show brings you stories on all types of aircraft and the people that fly them. Our goal (with your help) is to bring our program to a national audience. We not only provide stunning visuals and entertainment, but we’d like to inspire participation in the world of aviation whether as an enthusiast or maybe even as a career.

The Flightline tells the stories of aviation both past and present and we put the viewer right in the cockpit and along for the thrilling ride to see the incredible perspectives that pilots enjoy everyday. We like to say “we’re like an air show every week” except you’re riding along, — instead of behind the ropes.

We’re asking 2,000 people to pledge $46.75 each to reach our goal. If you know of a pilot or aviation enthusiast who can help, please send them this link and help spread the word. Together we can bring The Flightline to a National audience.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Please Pledge Here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flightline/the-flightline-nation?ref=live

Thank You

Turning a Helicopter Pilot’s License into a Career

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:28:22 +0000

Whether you’ve just started flying or you’ve been doing it for a number of years, turning your helicopter hobby into your day job is difficult but doable. The most successful pilots are those who are willing to put in the necessary flight time and training to become skilled in operating a wide number of aircraft.

Education and Certification

A helicopter pilot is expected to obtain certain certifications and log a certain number of flight hours before being considered for employment. After earning a Private Pilot’s license
through helicopter training, it is necessary to continue working to get a Commercial Rotorcraft License. This certification requires about 150 hours of helicopter flight time and an instrument rating to achieve. Those who wish to work as a helicopter pilot should try to become as experienced as possible with a wide variety of helicopters and flight situations.

Many of aspiring helicopter pilots become Certified Flight Instructors to work up to the required number of flight hours to get a commercial license. This is a good way to rack up some serious flying time and get paid for doing it. In addition to these certifications, pilots may want to consider getting a degree in aviation science or going into another math or science-based higher education program. According to HillsboroAviation.com, while the helicopter pilot industry does not necessarily require any type of degree, having this experience can help boost your credibility and give you an edge when applying for jobs.

Career Paths

As a commercial airline pilot, you have one of several career options to choose from. In any industry, however, you should be prepared to take a position, not as a pilot, but as a junior member of a helicopter team while you work up experience and connections in the company.

One of the most common jobs that pilots take after working up a good number of flight hours is a job as a tourism pilot. These pilots must be very flexible, as job opportunities may last for a few years and then move to another area. This industry does, however, have the distinct advantage of allowing you to become your own boss if that’s what you wish. If you are an entrepreneur who is able to save up enough money to purchase your own aircraft, you can start a helicopter business from scratch wherever you wish.

Some other options include working in the medical, police, or fire agencies and being a news helicopter pilot. These jobs are generally more stable and pay very well, but may require some extra knowledge such as EMT or police officer training.

A final opportunity that some pilots pursue is a career in the military, which includes becoming a Coast Guard pilot. This route to an aviation career allows pilots to start flying very quickly and become exposed to a large variety of machines and situations. Many military pilots become civilian helicopter operators after their service is over. Keep in mind, however, that the requirements for entering this particular area of military service are quite high.

If you are thinking of becoming a helicopter pilot you should know that the process is very demanding, but also very rewarding. Keep a good attitude and be persistent, and you can eventually achieve success in this field.

by: Hillsboro Aviation