Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

India Increases Validity of Pilot License from Five to Ten Years

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation announced there has been an amendment to Aircraft Rules, 1937 which marks a crucial shift in promoting ease of doing business and ensuring safety and security within the aviation sector. This is a Significant Step towards Strengthening Aviation Safety and Ease of Doing Business in aviation regulation.

One of the key highlights of the Amendment to the Aircraft Rules, 1937 is the revision of Rule 39C. Under this amendment, the validity of licenses in relation to Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders has been increased from five years to ten years. This change is expected to reduce administrative burden on pilots and aviation authorities like DGCA, promoting a more streamlined and efficient licensing process.

The Amendment to the Aircraft Rules, 1937 is a result of substantial consultations with stakeholders in the industry, aimed at providing the necessary reform measures to strengthen the existing regulatory safety and security framework. These amendments align India’s aviation regulations with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and international best practices.

Additionally, Rule 118 for validation of foreign licenses has been removed as being redundant. This change signifies aligning the regulations with the evolving needs of the aviation sector.

Source: India Press Information Bureau

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US FBO Celebrates 10 Embry‑Riddle Students Awarded the Scholarship

Cutter Aviation President and CEO Will Cutter hosted a breakfast on Sept. 20, 2023, to honor 10 outstanding students from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University who received the Bill Cutter Memorial Scholarship. The event took place at Cutter Aviation’s location within the Prescott Regional Airport of Arizona.

At the event, students and guests heard from Dr. Thomas Drape, dean of Embry‑Riddle’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence, as well as Will Cutter, who congratulated them on their exceptional achievements. The group was then given an in-depth tour of Cutter Aviation’s Prescott fixed-base operator (FBO) and maintenance facility.

“We are extremely proud of all of these students,” said Will Cutter. “At Cutter Aviation, we understand the importance of supporting the next generation of aviators. It is an honor to encourage them in their education and aviation careers.”

The Bill Cutter Memorial Scholarship was created in 2018 by Cutter Aviation, serving as a tribute to William “Bill” Cutter, a passionate and long-time aviator. This scholarship honors his legacy with the intention of supporting business aviation students at Embry‑Riddle who display outstanding dedication to an aviation education.

Cutter Aviation is thrilled to maintain its long-time relationship with Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and remains committed to awarding additional scholarships to its students in the years to come.

About Cutter Aviation

Founded in 1928 by William P. Cutter, Cutter Aviation is a full-service aviation company offering aircraft fuel/line services, maintenance and avionics solutions, aircraft charter and management and aircraft sales. The Cutter Aviation network currently operates 9 locations in the Southwest. The Phoenix Sky Harbor, Arizona (PHX); Phoenix Deer Valley, Arizona (DVT); Prescott, Arizona (PRC); Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ); Colorado Springs, Colorado (COS) and Georgetown, Texas (GTU) facilities are full-service, fixed-base operations. The Phoenix, Arizona (PHX); Prescott, Arizona (PRC); Denver, Colorado (APA); Addison, Texas (ADS) and San Antonio, Texas (SAT) facilities offer sales and maintenance service support. The company is a member of the Pinnacle Air Network, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). Cutter Aviation is the oldest continuously family-owned and operated FBO in the United States with over 94 years of serving the General & Business Aviation industry. 

Source: Cutter Aviation
Photo Credit: Cutter Aviation

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UK Civil Aviation Authority Appoints Rob Bishton as the New Chief Executive

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Bishton as its new Chief Executive, effective 21 October 2023.

Rob’s extensive career in aviation includes being a commercial pilot, and serving in a number of senior industry roles. He joined the Civil Aviation Authority in 2014, and has been a member of its Board since 2019, leading its Safety and Airspace Regulation Group. He helped lead the organisation’s extensive preparations for the EU-Exit, as well as the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new era of the Civil Aviation Authority continues its relentless focus on safety, whilst driving increased benefits for consumers, best value for industry, enabling new technologies and working internationally.

As the industry welcomes a period of sustainable growth, Rob welcomes the challenge of fulfilling the Civil Aviation Authority’s mission to continue to deliver the highest standards of safety and security, supporting consumers, and enabling innovation.

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, warmly welcomed this appointment, saying:

“Having worked closely with Rob for a number of years, I am delighted he will be our new Chief Executive. With safety and consumers at the heart of our mission, his deep understanding of the sector makes him very well prepared for the complex challenges and opportunities ahead.

“Under Rob’s leadership, I am confident that we will continue to excel in our mission to ensure a safe, secure, and pioneering aviation and aerospace industry.”

Rob Bishton commented:

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chief Executive. The Civil Aviation Authority plays a vital role in shaping the future of aviation and aerospace.

“I am committed to working closely with our stakeholders to ensure that the industry remains safe, innovative and competitive. It is our commitment to deliver for consumers, who rightly expect the highest standards from our industry.

“Working alongside all of our dedicated people, our fantastic Executive Team and the Board, I look forward to building on the Civil Aviation Authority’s legacy of excellence on both the domestic and global stages.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: 

“It’s vital that the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has strong leadership to manage and regulate one of the most competitive and innovative aviation sectors in the world, so it’s great to welcome Rob Bishton as the new Chief Executive Officer.

“Rob has been a valuable member of the Civil Aviation Authority since 2014 and has over 30 years of aviation experience. It is welcome news to see that work continues to help deliver greater consumer protections, regulate the sector and ensure future innovation is done safely and securely.”

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority
Photo Credit: UK Civil Aviation Authority

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Aviation Performance Solutions Unveils Collaboration with Leading Aviation Safety Auditors to Champion Upset Training to Combat Loss of Control In-flight

At the United States based business aviation’s premier annual NBAA-BACE 2023 event, pilot training solution provider Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) proudly announces a groundbreaking collaboration with top aviation safety auditors, including Wyvern LTD, Safety Operating Systems (SOS), Aviation Safety Compliance (ASC), and Aviation Safety Solutions (AvSafety). This historic alignment comprehensively addresses the aviation industry’s primary fatal threat, Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I). Championing the Every Pilot In Control Solution StandardTM (EPIC-S2TM) compliant UPRT programs, this initiative marks a significant stride by Safety Management System (SMS) implementation leaders to enhance operational safety, showcasing the auditors’ united front in the face of this challenge.

Paul ‘BJ’ Ransbury, CEO at APS, emphasizes, “Our mission at APS is clear: ‘We Help Pilots Bring Everyone Home Safely.’ It’s an incredible honor for APS to harmonize solutions with these amazing auditors. Joining forces to enhance aviation safety through risk management is a testament to our collective dedication to the aviation community. Our commitment to ‘Every Pilot Trained – In Control – All The Time’ underscores our aim to equip every operator in the skies with the skills and knowledge to navigate unforeseen challenges. Together, we’re unwavering in our dedication to elevate the industry’s safety standards, and we’re proud to showcase tailored EPIC-S2TM UPRT solutions to mitigate LOC-I risks comprehensively.”

For those attending NBAA-BACE 2023, visit the APS booth C9439 in the central hall to discover more about the turnkey UPRT solutions and auditors associated with this groundbreaking announcement. Attendees can enjoy a complimentary Virtual Reality UPRT session featuring LOC-I risks related to circle-to-land approaches, offering a firsthand experience of EPIC-S2TM UPRT’s relevance, power, and effectiveness.

About the Safety Auditors:

Meet the leaders below live ‘on-demand’ at the recent 2023 UPRT Safety Summit for Professional Pilots Worldwide at bit.ly/smsauditoruprt

Wyvern LTD: A global leader in aviation safety auditing and consulting.

Safety Operating Systems (SOS): A comprehensive aviation consulting firm specializing in Emergency Response and Safety Audits.

Aviation Safety Compliance (ASC): A beacon in aviation safety consulting for commercial and corporate aircraft operations.

Aviation Safety Solutions (AvSafety): Dedicated to building safety-grounded world-class organizations.

About Aviation Performance Solutions (APS)
APS is a global leader in aviation safety training, with an exclusive three-decade focus on transformational UPRT solutions uniquely designed for each operator. Trusted by major legacy air carriers, leading flight departments, insurance companies, military/government agencies, flight schools, and professional pilot owner-operators, APS is committed to reducing Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) accidents through top-tier UPRT training and resources.

Source: Aviation Performance Solutions
Photo Credit: Aviation Performance Solutions

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Aviation Training Group, International Aero Academy, Partners with Amazon on Sponsored Technician Training

Florida, United States based International Aero Academy which conducts pilot and aircraft maintenance training has shared that it is collaborating with Amazon to train Amazon employees as aircraft maintenance technicians to ensure the smooth operation of Amazon’s growing fleet of aircraft.

  • Amazon has recognized the shortage airplane mechanics, causing operational delays, and has taken proactive steps to address this issue
  • Partnering with the International Aerotech Academy, Amazon has initiated a two-year paid tuition program for its employees
  • The program trains Amazon workers to become skilled aircraft maintenance technicians, a vital role in the aviation industry
  • The training initiative is part of Amazon’s Career Choice program, allowing employees, including fulfillment workers, to apply for the training
  • Participants are required to continue working at Amazon during the two-year training period, but they are not obligated to stay with the company after completing the program
  • The training program offers a professional career path for participants, and graduates will have diverse job opportunities across the country
  • The International Aerotech Academy has started its first class with approximately 25 Amazon workers, with plans to enroll more employees, potentially reaching around 80 participants by the end of the year

Source: International Aero Academy
Photo credit: International Aero Academy (shown as meta image)

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US Aviation Training Group International Aero Academy Begins Aviation Mechanics Training Class for Amazon Career Choice

International Aero Academy, a flight school based in Lakeland, Florida, United States announced its recent inaugural Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) school class for Amazon Career Choice. In cooperation with Amazon, the academy has instituted a custom evening program for Amazon team members to become FAA-licensed aircraft maintenance technicians. International Aero Academy will be holding three (3) new night classes per year for Amazon.

In August 2023 International Aero Academy’s FAA 147 A&P school was selected earlier this year by Amazon to be part of Amazon Career Choice. Amazon Career Choice pays 90% of the tuition for hourly employees to become FAA licensed Airframe & Powerplant maintenance technicians. International Aero Academy shared that its dedicated Amazon class that begins October 2nd is full. The academy will be running 3 dedicated new Amazon classes per year.

International Aero Academy is a uniquely qualified FAA certificated 141 flight school and part 147 aircraft maintenance school located in Lakeland Florida – managed by former senior executives of major, international, regional, charter and cargo airlines. In addition to the flight training operations IAA operates International Aero Charters (an FAA certified Air Carrier operating charter services. Allowing IAA instructors to gain valuable air carrier operating experience) and International AeroTech Academy (an FAA certified Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance Technician Academy training the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals).

AFM team note – you can see more developments by International Aero Academy here.

Source: International Aero Academy
Photo Credit: International Aero Academy (shown as meta image)

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Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Hosts Approved Training Organizations Summit 2023

More than 120 participants from different flying schools including Accountable Managers, Quality Managers, and Heads of Training actively joined the Approved Training Organizations Summit hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at Casa Ibarra on Monday, October 2, 2023.

This significant event, organized through the initiative of the Licensing and Certification Department (LCD) of the Flight Standards Inspectorate Service (FSIS), aimed to enhance safety and standards in aviation training.

The event included updates from the Training Organizations Certification and Inspection Division (TOCID) and LCD; lectures on Single Pilot Human Factors and Threat and Error Management, Competency-Based Training Assessment, Corrective Action Plan: Close Loop. Additionally, specialized workshops were conducted, such as the Corrective Action Plan Workshop for Quality Managers and the Threat and Error Management Workshop for Heads of Training.

One of the summit’s highlights was the Accountable Managers executive meeting, with CAAP’s Captain Florendo C. Aquino, Acting Chief of FSIS, Atty. Nestor Pasano, Chief of the LCD, and Captain Edgardo Diaz, who facilitated discussions on both administrative and operational concerns within training organizations.

DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Usec. Roberto Cecilio O. Lim attended the event together with CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo, and Deputy Director General for Operations Captain Edgardo G. Diaz, who actively supported the activity.

Director General Captain Tamayo emphasized that CAAP conducted the ATO Summit as part of its commitment to maintain transparent and effective communication with its stakeholders as well as to provide guidance to ATOs in regard to CAAP’s recommended Audit Procedures tool, future plans, and safety enhancement.

The summit stands as a testament to CAAP’s undertaking towards a safer and more informed aviation community.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
Photo Credit: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

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FLYING Media Group Acquires Leading Business Aircraft Listing Marketplace

United States headquartered FLYING Media Group (FMG) has acquired AvBuyer, a leading business aircraft listing marketplace and large business aviation media brand.

For 25 years, AvBuyer has been providing aircraft owners and operators with key information so that they can make better-informed buying decisions across all areas of business aviation operations.

AvBuyer includes AvBuyer.com, one of the most active business aircraft listing marketplaces, and AvBuyer Magazine, a publication with market intelligence that is distributed to FBOs all over the world. FMG also acquired GA Buyer Europe and GA Buyer Africa, which offer classified listings and marketplaces that cover the European and African general aviation markets.

In addition to providing a liquid marketplace for dealers to match with prospective buyers, AvBuyer is a leading market intelligence provider in the business aviation community.

“AvBuyer is one of the most respected brands in the aircraft dealer and buyer communities. Now with a significant global presence, the FMG platform has the most expansive reach for prospective buyers of any classified aircraft listing provider in aviation,” said Craig Fuller, CEO of FMG.

FMG owns one of the fastest-growing aircraft listing marketplaces, Aircraft For Sale (AFS) and AircraftforSale.com. The Aircraft For Sale monthly print edition is sent to every FLYING Magazine subscriber and is distributed to FBOs across North America.

FMG plans to continue to build Aircraft For Sale, which is focused on the pilot community, and AvBuyer, which is focused on the business aviation and fleet operator community.

FLYING Media Group has the largest audience of active and prospective aircraft buyers of any media provider across its portfolio of 26 aviation brands, online sites, and marketplaces.

“With our acquisition AvBuyer, FLYING Media Group’s massive and engaged audience is unmatched by any other aviation media provider. Dealers and OEMs that want to get their message and listings in front of the largest number of prospects should certainly look to FLYING Media Group,” Fuller said.

FMG plans to bring the AvBuyer editorial operations and content into its expansive media platform that includes FLYING Magazine, Kitplanes, BusinessAIR, Plane & Pilot, Aviation Consumer, Aviation Safety, AVweb, Airline Geeks, Aircraft For Sale, and IFR.

Continuing a process that began after the acquisition of FLYING, FMG plans to make significant investments in its B2B editorial and creative studios over the next year.

“FLYING has nearly 100 reporters and regular contributors that cover the aviation industry, making it the largest media provider in the $2.5 trillion aerospace industry,” Fuller said. “We will continue to invest in the expansion of FMG through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth initiatives in the markets that we serve.”

Source: FLYING

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Training Organization Unveils Worldwide Flight Dispatch FAA/EASA Double Certification Program Taught at Dynamic Advanced Training

International Flight Operations Academy (IFOA), a leading European training organization for flight dispatchers and operations officers, unveiled its Worldwide Flight Dispatch FAA/EASA Double Certification program. The training, obtaining an EASA-based certificate, will be held in Dynamic Advanced Training premises in DWC Airport, United Arab Emirates. Trainees will then fly to Miami for their FAA Part 65 Certificate at IFOA at Miami Airport.

Source: International Flight Operations Academy
Photo Credit: International Flight Operations Academy

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