February is the month of love and do you know what we love about aviation? Everything! Take a look at some of the top stories from around the aviation industry over the last few weeks.
LanzaJet Opens World’s First SAF Plant in Georgia
LanzaJet, an Illinois-based fuel technology company, announced the opening of the world’s very first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Soperton, GA. The plant in Soperton is located halfway between Macon and Savannah, GA and it will operate as the first manufacturing facility to focus on converting ethanol to sustainable aviation fuels. According to recent studies, aviation fuels are a significant contributor to climate change. Both the aviation industry and environmental experts alike have been researching and developing new, environmentally sustainable fuel options for aircraft in recent years and the opening of this plant shows the progress the industry has made towards curbing climate change. Read more about the new plant here.
Textron Aviation Offers Exciting Summer Internships and Educator Externships
Textron Aviation is opening doors for young enthusiasts with its high school summer internships. Applicants between the ages of 16 and 19 are invited to a six-week hands-on exploration of the aviation industry. From June 3 to July 12, selected students will gain valuable experience and exposure to diverse skills while earning a paycheck for their efforts.
In addition to internships, Textron Aviation extends its outreach to educators with K-12 educator externships in Wichita, Kansas. These externships offer educators the chance to collaborate with industry professionals, engage in hands-on activities, and stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in aviation technology. Applications are due by February 12, 2024.
Learn more about these opportunities here.
General Aviation Advocates Support FAA’s MOSAIC Proposal
Leading general aviation groups, including EAA, AOPA, NBAA, and NATA, have endorsed the FAA's proposed rule, Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC). Anticipated to significantly benefit general aviation, MOSAIC aims to expand aircraft capabilities and sizes, fostering innovation while maintaining safety standards. EAA's CEO, Jack J. Pelton, emphasized MOSAIC's alignment with two decades of successful sport pilot and light-sport aircraft regulations.
The groups submitted joint comments, suggesting enhancements to the proposal for increased effectiveness. Recommendations include a slight stall speed increase, allowing sport pilots to carry up to three passengers, alternative methods for night vision verification, and the retention of existing structures for Light Sport Aircraft repair certificates.
With the comment period closing on January 22, 2024, the FAA is set to review 1,335 comments. Industry experts expect the final rule, balancing safety and innovation, to be issued in 2024 or early 2025. Learn more.
Urgent Appeal for FAA Reauthorization as Deadline Looms
With the clock ticking down to the expiration of the latest short-term FAA reauthorization extension, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has united with 22 aviation groups, urgently calling on U.S. Senate leadership to advance the comprehensive five-year FAA reauthorization bill currently under consideration. In a letter to Senate leaders, including Schumer, McConnell, Cantwell, and Cruz, the groups expressed gratitude for bipartisan efforts and urged the prompt markup of S.1939, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023. As the FAA faces a March 8 deadline, the letter emphasized that a long-term reauthorization is crucial for maintaining safety, stability, and efficiency in the National Airspace System. Read more on NBAA.org.
NBAA Corrects Media Outlets on Incomplete Story in a Firm Letter to the Editor
Top news outlets in the US including Fox News, CNBC, and the New York Post, among others, reported recently on why companies allow key members non-business use of company aircraft. The information in the stories was largely based on a 2023 report from executive intelligence firm, Equilar. NBAA President and CEO, Ed Bolen, felt the stories did not encompass the full truth about business aviation and were missing key facts. In response, Mr. Bolen wrote a firm letter to the editors of these publications correcting them on their understanding of the business aviation industry. You can read more about the news stories and Mr. Bolen’s letter to the editor here.
As we fly through month two of 2024, you can see the year is already off to an exciting and interesting time for aviation. See you next month for more aviation news!
