Pilot, the best-selling monthly magazine for pilots and aeroplane enthusiasts, is to be expanded in 2010, with an additional section aimed at broadening its coverage. (more…)

Tony Skinner has joined Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter as editor. Tony was previously features editor at Jane’s Defence Weekly. He can be reached on 01753 727 020 and ts@shephard.co.uk.

We enjoyed a busy time at Helitech, the largest helicopter exhibition in Europe, held at Duxford Aerodrome (UK) in September. As well as meeting old friends and industry colleagues, we were able to set up a number of key interviews for Bell Helicopter. Indeed, one of the star attractions at the show was Bell’s newest helicopter, the 429 light twin, which has just received European type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Visitors were fascinated to look around the state-of-the-art 429, which also provided a comfortable spot for a relaxing sit-down and some filming!

GENEVA, Switzerland, May 12, 2009 – Cessna Aircraft Company announced today at the annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibit (EBACE) it has reached agreement with sister company Bell Helicopter to use Bell’s European parts distribution facility at Amsterdam Airport Schipol (AMS/EHAM) to further enhance parts distribution to Citation operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Both Cessna and Bell are Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) companies. (more…)

Thanks to Unusual Attitude for the heads up on what has to rate as one of the oddest applications of rotorcraft technology. (more…)