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Airborne 05.23.17: Icon A5 NTSB Report, Product Certification, GE9X Testing


Also: UAL Cockpit Doors, NAHI 2017, Drone Database, Manual Flying Skills, Heli-Theft, Runway Extension, New SecAF The NTSB has released its preliminary report from an accident involving an Icon A5 airplane that resulted in the fatal injury of the two people on board the aircraft. According to the report, on May 8, 2017, about 0908 Pacific daylight time, the Icon Aircraft Inc. A5, N184BA, impacted terrain while maneuvering near Lake Berryessa, California. Representatives from Icon Aircraft reported that the pilot was conducting a new employee familiarization flight with the passenger, who was recently hired by the company. A witness observed the accident airplane flying over the lake about 30 to 50 feet above the water, at what seemed to be a low speed. AEA, AIA and GAMA have announced the approval of an updated United States FAA Industry Guide to Product Certification. The last version of the guide was published in 2004. The updated guide will help institutionalize best practices and a new operating norm for FAA, companies and applicants that will prove to be foundational in reaching the next level of safety and certification process effectiveness and efficiency. Recently, GE Aviation began GE9X engine certification tests at its Peebles Test Operation (PTO) in Ohio. The GE9X will power Boeing's new 777X aircraft. The first round of GE9X certification tests are being conducted on the second GE9X production-configured powerplant built by GE. To prepare for the certification program, trials of the first full engine to test (FETT) GE9X engine commenced in March 2016, generating critical data on the full engine system and aerodynamic performance, mechanical verification, and aero thermal system validation. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!


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