Sun ‘n Fun 2019. Photo by Richard Spolar
In Washington, D.C., a new sheriff has taken the reins with the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. What this might mean for aviation is a topic of interest, and we predict some positive developments. Sun ‘n Fun is moving forward with its fly-in scheduled for April 13-18 in Lakeland, Florida. However, last year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, other major aviation event organizers had to postpone their springtime gatherings. Heli-Expo was canceled reportedly due to exhibitor withdrawals, Aero Friedrichshafen postponed its show, Women In Aviation International is making its March gathering virtual, and the Aircraft Electronics show has been pushed back. Pete Buttigieg, Biden’s pick for Secretary of Transportation, is expected to have a smooth Senate confirmation hearing. The Biden administration has also introduced a series of international and interstate flight regulations along with a mask mandate on federal properties. One of the executive orders requires mask wearing on all federally regulated forms of transportation, including many airports, commercial aircraft and trains, public boats and ferries, certain buses, and more. The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive for wing inspections of Piper PA-28 and PA-32 aircraft based on a specific time factor. Investigators are looking into the deadly crash of a Sriwijaya Airlines Boeing 737-500 in the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia, focusing on the plane’s autothrottles, which were suspected early on after pilots reported problems. In a welcome change, Pipistrel Aircraft is adding a second shift to its Velis Electro production line as demand for the electric trainer (and Plane & Pilot’s 2020 Plane of the Year) soars. Pipistrel currently has orders for 70 Velis Electros and anticipates more orders throughout the year. Daher Aircraft, based in Tarbes, France, delivered its first Kodiak to a French customer since acquiring Quest Aircraft last year. The plane is also a great parachute jump plane among its various missions.
