A lot has been happening in the aviation industry with the future of unleaded avgas, which we discussed on last week’s blog to lawmakers introducing new bills. There’s a lot to discuss and keep an eye on, and today, we want to break that down for you. So, what’s new in the aviation industry?
Lawmakers Work to Make Aviation Programs Eligible for 529 Plans
A group of bipartisan lawmakers has introduced a bill—Aviation Workforce Development Act or H.R.1818—that would make aviation programs eligible for 529 plans. Congress had expanded the 529 plan to include other trade schools and programs, but aviation was left out. Under this bill, it would make certain commercial pilot and aircraft maintenance technician schools qualified expenses under 529 plans which would help boost savings for those who would prefer to study at an aviation program instead of a four-year university. H.R. 1818 would permit 529 plans to cover tuition, fees, books, and other equipment and supplies which are required for a qualified aviation maintenance course or a commercial pilot course. Read more about the Aviation Workforce Development Act and what it means for future pilots and aviation technicians here.
Bombardier Smart Link Plus Approved for use in Challengers and Globals
Bombardier’s Smart Link Plus aircraft health monitoring system has been approved by the FAA and other agencies for installation on most Challenger and Global aircraft. The Smart Link Plus monitors and collects data that will help flight and maintenance crews prioritize and troubleshoot in-flight alerts. It also allows aircraft operators to track, troubleshoot, and dispatch a technician depending on the alerts that the Smark Link Plus sends. Bombardier believes this will help reduce downtime due to maintenance issues. Read more about Smart Link Plus here.
Lawmakers Critical of U.S. Government, Urging Them to Unlock AAM Sector
In a hearing at the end of March, lawmakers and the U.S. House aviation subcommittee have turned their attention to drones and eVTOL aircraft, saying the government isn’t supporting the AAM (advance air mobility) sector, which is growing quickly. According to these lawmakers, only one drone has been approved by the FAA, and they blame the government for not allowing the FAA to approve anything else because of red tape and requests for data. One minority member of the subcommittee even stated that this kept nearly 280,000 jobs from being available, and it kept the door closed to new tech that might reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. Read more here.
Is There a Pilot Shortage? Airlines and Pilots Disagree
When the House Aviation Subcommittee met on April 19, 2023, the pilot shortage was brought up in discussions. Industry stakeholders testified that they weren’t sure that a pilot shortage even exists, and there were doubts that raising the retirement age and other measures would even help. Regional Airline Association president and CEO Faye Malarkey Black called the pilot shortage situation “devastating” and believes the problem has been growing over the years. She even blames the FAA, stating their slow action on advancing pilot training standards is the main issue. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) released information that stated the FAA has hired 2,658 new airline pilots and gave evidence that since 2013 63,932 new pilots were hired. Read more about the debate here.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Approved in Piper Turboprops
Piper Aircraft announced that their PA-46, single-engine turbine-powered aircraft are now able to use SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). The FAA approved it under the Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) NE-11-56R4. It states that SAF is “acceptable for use on aircraft and engines certificated for operation with D1655 Jet A or Jet A-1 jet fuel if they are re-identified as D1655 fuel.” The models which are covered are the M600/SLS, M500, and Meridian. Find out more here.
The AOPA Responds to Santa Clara County’s Unsafe Fuel Practices
Santa Clara County is under obligation to the FAA to provide access to its Reid-Hillview of Santa Clara Airport and San Martin Airport until 2031. While doing this, they receive federal funds as part of an airport improvement program. The AOPA believes that Santa Clara County airports are not doing its part with the self-serve fueling needs, stating that they ignore the problems the process of self-fueling under the current circumstances, permits, and restrictions this agreement imposes. The AOPA also believes the county overstepped its authority when it banned the sale and distribution of 100LL without the FAA’s approval. Read more about what the AOPA had to say here.
KOXR’s FBO Now Offers Unleaded Avgas
Golden West Jet Center at Oxnard Airport is the latest California FBO to offer unleaded avgas. They provide Swift’s UL94, and aircraft with Swift Fuels STCs are able to receive it. UL94 doesn’t contain tetraethyl lead. It also meets the requirements of more than 66% of the U.S. piston fleet. Despite the difficulties of how they were going to store the fuel and how they were going to receive it, they were able to work out the logistics of the transfer. They do plan to continue to sell 100LL for those who aren’t able to use the UL94. Read more here.
Unleaded Avgas is Still on Track to be in California Airports by Summer 2023
Officials at GAMI (General Aviation Modifications Inc.) state that unleaded 100-octane avgas should be available in three California airports by Summer 2023. GAMI said at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo that Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (KRHV), Watsonville Municipal Airport (KWVI), and Meadows Field Airport (KBFL) in Bakersfield will be the first airports in the country to offer G100UL, GAMI’s lead-free 100 octane avgas which is also FAA approved. According to George Braly from GAMI, “California is crying for this fuel. The avgas situation at the Reid-Hillview airport is critical because the sale of 100LL has already been suspended there.” According to Braly, a pilot also crashed because 100LL fuel wasn’t available there, unfortunately, and the pilot had to travel to another airport for a fillup but ran out of fuel. Read more about that here.
Each month, Rebel Services offers you the latest news happening in the aviation industry. Come back for more information and the latest news.
