Category: General Aviation

EAS Barcelona Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Major Fleet Expansion, Invests €4 Million in Tecnam P2006T NG and P-Mentor


Tecnam iannounced that EAS Barcelona, a European Approved Training Organization (ATO), has committed to a significant fleet expansion and modernization program valued at more than €4 million.

Coinciding with the school’s 10th anniversary, this investment reinforces the long-standing partnership between Tecnam and EAS Barcelona, positioning the ATO as the operator of the largest Tecnam training fleet in Spain, now exceeding 30 aircraft.

Despite already operating one of the youngest fleets in Europe, with an average aircraft age of under four years, EAS Barcelona is taking a decisive step toward the future. The agreement includes:

  • Acquisition of six (6) P2006T NG, increasing the school’s multi-engine capacity.
  • Addition of two (2) Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft, which will join the single-engine training platform following an order placed in late 2025.

The new aircraft will progressively enter service beginning mid-2026. This strategy ensures EAS Barcelona offers the highest concentration of new-generation Tecnam aircraft among European ATOs, specifically designed to replicate the avionics and systems management of modern commercial airliners.

The fleet renewal underscores a shared commitment to environmental responsibility. Powered by the latest-generation Rotax 912iSc3 engines, the new P2006T NG and P-Mentor models deliver approximately 20% lower fuel consumption per flight hour compared to previous generations. This efficiency aligns EAS Barcelona’s growth with European aviation sustainability objectives, integrating responsible practices from the earliest stages of pilot training.

“We are incredibly proud that EAS Barcelona has chosen Tecnam once again to mark such a significant milestone as their 10th anniversary,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer. “This substantial investment in the P2006T NG and P-Mentor confirms that our fleet solution is the preferred choice for top-tier ATOs. It is an honor to support EAS Barcelona in delivering airline-oriented, sustainable, and technologically advanced training to the next generation of pilots.”

Jorge Garcia, EAS Barcelona head of training, added: “Tecnam aircraft allow us to deliver airline-oriented training using platforms that reflect modern avionics, systems management, and operational efficiency. This fleet expansion strengthens our long-term commitment to training quality, sustainability, and operational realism.”

About the Aircraft

P-Mentor: The ultimate two-seats IFR trainer, offering a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and flight physics that prepare students for the demands of commercial aviation. https://tecnam.com/aircraft/p-mentor/

P2006T NG: The world’s smartest twin-engine trainer, now updated for the modern age, offering superior multi-engine flight exposure for Integrated ATPL students. https://tecnam.com/aircraft/p2006t-ng/

FAA Releases Draft Plan for Transition to Unleaded Avgas

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline for public comment. Pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation stakeholders are asked to review and comment on the FAA’s draft plan, which highlights many of the technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges in shifting from 100LL to unleaded fuel. (See: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/pubs)

The draft plan emphasizes the efforts underway toward the national goal for the phase-out of 100LL, targeting 2030 for the contiguous United States (2032 for Alaska). The draft plan provides a framework for the transition and describes phases of transition, anticipated timelines, fuel-authorization pathways, and steps that airports, pilots, and aircraft owners will need to consider as unleaded fuels continue to enter the market in the coming years.

The FAA notes that stakeholder feedback will further inform the transition moving forward. Stakeholder participation will also support transparency and keep safety at the forefront.

Aircraft owners and pilots are urged to review the draft transition plan and submit comments focused on safety, feasibility and operational needs.

The transition to unleaded fuel will shape general aviation for decades and input from the general aviation community remains central to assuring a safe and smart transition.

Premier Aircraft Appointed as the North American Platinum Distributor for New Diamond Aircraft Parts

Premier Aircraft, the longest-standing and most trusted Diamond Aircraft dealer in America, announced that it has been named the North American Platinum Distributor for Diamond Aircraft parts.

“Whether flying for business, leisure, or flight training, every Diamond Aircraft owner wants access to the replacement parts they need as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. AOGs are losing money,” stated Travis Peffer, CEO of Premier Aircraft. “For over 20 years, Premier Aircraft has been dedicated to helping Diamond Aircraft owners get the most value out of these wonderful airplanes, and now that we are the central point for parts, we can improve their ownership experience even further.”

“In the past, when parts were coming in from Canada or Europe, Diamond owners would have to deal with prolonged shipping times, high shipping costs, and lengthy customs issues that added weeks to the delivery process,” he added. “Now, with over $1.5 million in new Diamond Aircraft parts in stock at our main parts hub in the DFW area, and a dedicated parts staff, we can get them the parts they need sooner to reduce aircraft downtime dramatically.”

Premier Aircraft’s maintenance centers are located at:

• Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Fort Lauderdale, Florida

• Fort Worth Mecham International Airport (FTW), Fort Worth, Texas

• Flightlevel Aviation, Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD), Norwood, Massachusetts.

Peffer said that to further reduce the order-to-shipping time, Diamond Aircraft owners or their maintainers in North America and the Caribbean Islands can get quick online quotes at Premier Aircraft’s dedicated parts page: https://www.premieraircraft.com/maintenance/aircraft-parts-request/. Or they can call Premier Aircraft at +1-954-771-0411 and speak to a dedicated parts specialist.

TBX Releases 2026 Annual Survey: State of the GA Maintenance Industry

TBX announced the release of its 2026 TBX Annual Survey, a data-driven snapshot of the general aviation (GA) maintenance landscape. Drawing on more than 600 responses from maintenance shops and operators across sizes, regions, and aircraft types, the report captures a real-time view of the challenges, opportunities, and operational realities shaping GA maintenance today.

Unlike industry studies that often focus on airlines or business aviation, the TBX Annual Survey centers on the maintenance professionals who keep general aviation flying — A&Ps, IAs, DOMs, shop owners, operators, and flight schools.

“General aviation is often overlooked, even though it’s the foundation of the entire aviation ecosystem,” said Jon McLaughlin, chief executive officer of TBX. “After spending the past year visiting hundreds of maintenance shops, we wanted to flip the script and listen directly to the people doing the work. This survey reflects the real maintenance perspective — what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s holding the industry back right now.”

The 2026 survey reveals an industry under pressure from rising costs, supply chain disruption, and persistent staffing shortages—yet one that continues to demonstrate operational maturity and resilience on the shop floor.

Key findings from the 2026 TBX Annual Survey include:

· Rising costs and supply chain pressure dominate the landscape Nearly two-thirds of respondents cited rising costs and supply chain issues as their biggest current challenge, followed closely by staffing and training shortages.

· Staffing remains the single most critical constraint to growth When asked what would most improve their business prospects, finding and retaining skilled technicians far outpaced any other factor—including insurance costs, customers, or facilities.

· Operational fundamentals are working—people, process, and compliance Shops reported the strongest success in maintenance tracking, compliance and records, shop processes, and team support, highlighting operational maturity despite external pressures.

· Confidence is mixed: businesses are optimistic, the industry less so While 63% of respondents feel positive about their own business outlook, fewer than half expressed optimism about the future of general aviation overall.

· Shop rates and output scale meaningfully with size and region Average shop rates increase with shop size and vary significantly by geography, while larger shops service substantially more aircraft annually—underscoring structural differences across the GA maintenance ecosystem.

Designed for shop owners, operators, OEMs, suppliers, and industry stakeholders, the report provides actionable benchmarks and insights across key areas including top challenges, shop profiles, outlook and sentiment, and detailed shop rate analysis by size and region.

“Without the maintenance community, pilots—and the broader GA industry—wouldn’t get very far,” McLaughlin added. “Our goal is to use this data to help spark better conversations and uncover opportunities for collaboration across OEMs, suppliers, vendors, operators, and trade associations to improve the long-term outlook for GA maintenance.”

The full TBX Annual Survey 2026 report, including detailed benchmarks and analysis, is available now.

Cirrus Delivers 11,000th SR Series Aircraft

Cirrus today delivered its 11,000th SR Series aircraft, a testament to the company’s innovation, safety, quality and service. The latest model, SR Series G7+, features Safe Return Emergency Autoland, the world’s first FAA-certified autonomous emergency landing system in a single-engine piston. The SR Series product line (SR20, SR22 and SR22T) was first delivered in 1999 and has been the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft for over two decades. The SR Series captivates experienced pilots, student pilots and people new to aviation because the Cirrus design philosophy is centered around innovation, safety and approachability. From its award-winning safety features to its concierge aircraft ownership pathway, Cirrus is the Personal Aviation™ aircraft manufacturer of choice.

“Delivering 11,000 SR Series aircraft is an incredible milestone for Cirrus,” said Zean Nielsen, chief executive dfficer of Cirrus. “Cirrus is the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, and our aircraft feature cutting-edge innovations including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), Perspective Touch+ avionics and Safe Return Emergency Autoland, which continue to raise the industry benchmark and keep people flying with confidence.”

11,000th SR Series Exclusive Design

The one-of-one, 11,000th SR Series aircraft showcases an exclusive, bold design to commemorate the milestone. Crafted by the Cirrus Xi™ Design Studio, the inspiration for the 11,000th aircraft draws from forward-looking trends, the art of movement, and elevated luxurious colors and materials. The design is a combination of elegance, sportiness and thoughtful details celebrating 11,000 aircraft deliveries with the number eleven on the fuselage, tail and inside the cabin. The dark green ‘Monteverde’ paint is unmistakable on the ramp making the number eleven standout. Premium materials in ‘Vision Green’, ‘Concrete’ Alcantara® and matte carbon fiber create a sophisticated, comfortable cabin.

SR Series G7+ Innovations

New for 2025, the SR Series G7+ aircraft features Safe Return Emergency Autoland as standard equipment. In the event of an emergency, anyone in the cabin can activate Safe Return Emergency Autoland with the touch of a button. Once engaged, sophisticated sensors and algorithms navigate the aircraft to a nearby suitable airport and autonomously land the aircraft. This advancement in aviation safety provides pilots and passengers with an automated emergency landing option in the event of pilot incapacitation or a similar in-flight emergency.

Automatic Database Updates powered by Cirrus IQ PRO allow owners to receive automatic avionics database updates via Wi-Fi or LTE to ensure the most current and accurate data for navigation. These updates can occur while the aircraft is powered off, and the owner is away from the aircraft. When the aircraft is powered up, essential databases are automatically synchronized across compatible avionics. 

Runway Occupancy Awareness leverages ADS-B traffic data to predict and alert pilots of potential runway incursions from nearby airborne aircraft or other aircraft on or approaching the runway. Visual and aural alerts are provided on the pilot’s primary flight display and 3D SafeTaxi map to maximize situational awareness, a safety feature that is especially useful at busy airports.

Smart Pitot Heat is enabled by systems integration through Perspective Touch+ to reduce pilot workload and automate the flying experience. The system performs a self-test before every flight and automatically turns on or off in flight depending on outside air temperatures, making it one less system to manage.

Sonic Reveals Recipients of Winter 2025 Impact Scholarship Program 

Sonic, a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, today announced the winners of its winter 2025 Impact Scholarship Program, the second round of the year’s scholarship season. The program honors outstanding students in automotive, aviation, and manufacturing technology programs who demonstrate the organization’s core PACE principles: passion, accountability, collaboration, and experience.

The company has chosen five deserving students from a nationwide applicant pool, with each recipient receiving a specially assembled collection of premium hand tools tailored to their specific discipline. Aviation students will receive Sonic’s 263-piece Intermediate Aviation Toolset with the S9 Toolbox, and the Automotive student will receive Sonic’s 255-piece Basic Automotive Toolset and S12 XD Toolbox to aid each respective student throughout their training and help them launch their professional technician careers.

Winter 2025 Scholarship Recipients:

Aviation Students:

  • Maria Hoff – Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, from Maple Grove, MN.
  • Trystan Daughtry – Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK, from Tulsa, OK.
  • Trevor Hill – Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, from Walkertown, NC.
  • Willburn Smith – University of Fairbanks in Fairbanks, AK, from Fairbanks, AK.

Automotive Student:

  • Michael Debenedetto – Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Irving, TX, from Hewitt, NJ.

“This group of five talented students exemplifies the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Every recipient has shown outstanding academic performance alongside a dedication to the PACE principles that define excellence in the automotive and aviation fields,” said Colby McConnell, CEO of Sonic USA. “By equipping them with professional-grade tools, we’re enabling them to concentrate on mastering their craft without the financial stress of purchasing the required hand tools.”

Meeting Workforce Demands

Sonic’s scholarship initiative addresses the expanding technician workforce gap throughout automotive, aviation, and manufacturing sectors. According to TechForce’s 2024 Supply & Demand Report, the automotive industry alone needs nearly one million new-entry technicians to eliminate the gap. Sonic acknowledges that qualified technicians play a vital role in maintaining essential infrastructure and making meaningful contributions within their communities and industries.

Spring Impact Scholarship Program

Sonic’s biannual Impact Scholarship Program will recommence in January 2026 and name the next five recipients in June. Students will be required to provide proof of enrollment, a recommendation letter from an instructor, a 500-word essay explaining how they embody the PACE values and aim to create meaningful impact, and a short video outlining how Sonic Tools will support their professional development and career aspirations. Applications for the Spring cycle close in May 2026.

Additional details about the Sonic Impact Scholarship are available at http://www.sonictoolsusa.com/scholarship/.

ARSA and AEA Release SMS Guidance for U.S. Repair Stations

On Dec. 18, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) and the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) jointly released and industry advisory for U.S. repair stations holding EASA approval under the U.S./EU bilateral aviation safety agreement needing to implement a Safety Management System.

The advisory document offers clear, concise guidance to the international maintenance industry on establishing and retaining compliance with the special conditions contained in the maintenance annexes in bilateral aviation safety agreements. It is part of the associations’ ongoing collaboration to support global aerospace maintenance safety. The guidance includes regulatory references and basic instruction for integrating SMS into an existing air agency certificate holder’s quality system.

The advisory is available as part of ARSA’s free “tools for members.” To request your updated copy, which is delivered as a .zip file containing the “tools,” complete the order form at arsa.org/publications.

KNIPEX Tools Awarded Chicago’s 2025 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For

KNIPEX Tools was recognized as one of Chicago’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, a distinction awarded by the National Association for Business Resources. The award celebrates organizations that prioritize their workplace culture and continue to raise the bar as leaders in employment standards.

With 25 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National
Association for Business Resources (NABR) partners with an independent research firm to review several key metrics before selecting winning companies. The categories for scoring include: Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Solutions; Creative Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement, and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment and Selection; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Civility and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy, and Company Performance.

Six years ago, KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) launched a values-based culture for its employees with four core values: Knowledge, Teamwork, Loyalty and Passion. The values have become the building blocks for how the company does business, informing everything from people
strategies, benefits, training, performance reviews and more.

The award comes just on the heels of KNIPEX Tools being Certified by Great Place To Work
for the second consecutive year.

“We are very proud of the culture we have built – one based on respect, support,
communication, and especially, our shared values.” Julie Day, vice president of human
resources, expressed when asked what the latest accolade means to the organization. She
continued, “The experience we create internally directly influences company performance.
When our employees feel valued and love what they do, they contribute at the highest levels.
Receiving this additional recognition helps those outside the company see what we already
know to be true — that KTLP is a great company to work for.”

RealClean Aircraft Detailing Announces Strategic Partnership with Callington to Deliver Industry-Leading Aircraft Disinsection Services

RealClean Aircraft Detailing, a franchise system dedicated solely to providing aircraft detailing services across the United States is announcing its strategic partnership with Callington, the global leader in aircraft disinsection products. This collaboration introduces a comprehensive, highly compliant disinsection service (the process of treating a conveyance, most commonly an aircraft, with insecticide to kill disease-carrying insects and prevent their spread) using the only U.S. EPA-approved products available for aircrafts. The partnership strengthens RealClean’s commitment to supporting commercial, cargo, and private aviation with safe, consistent, and regulatory-driven solutions.

RealClean will now offer aircraft disinsection services at over 350 airports nationwide. Operators will experience consistent service across all sites through RealClean’s extensive network of trained aviation technicians. RealClean can provide quick and convenient scheduling tailored to operational needs, while offering support for all technical questions and requests related to aircraft disinsection. This expanded coverage ensures seamless access to compliant and reliable services regardless of where aircrafts operate or travel.

Disinsection is essential because it prevents the spread of disease-carrying insects, protects global public health, and ensures compliance with international aviation regulations. By eliminating insects that can transmit illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and Zika, disinsection safeguards passengers, crew, and maintenance workers while also preventing invasive species from entering new ecosystems. Proper, compliant treatments help avoid operational delays, fines, or inspection failures and protect sensitive aircraft materials and systems. Ultimately, disinsection supports safe, efficient, and uninterrupted aviation operations worldwide.

RealClean technicians will be trained to perform disinsection treatments with World Health Organization guidelines and global Border Biosecurity Authorities. The training includes aviation safety protocols, biological control techniques, and proper application methods that protect avionics, oxygen systems, upholstery, and food preparation surfaces. Through the partnership, RealClean will also gain ongoing access to Callington’s global team of aircraft disinsection experts, reinforcing a strong foundation for service delivery.

The alliance significantly reduces risk for aircraft operators by helping prevent operational delays, fines, damaged components, and potential warranty issues that result from using non-compliant products. All products and procedures meet ICAO, W.H.O., and FAA requirements, and certified technicians ensure proper documentation and verified application processes that comply with global aviation health and safety expectations.

RealClean will ensure safe handling, cleanup, and disposal of chemicals, along with proper application methods that protect passengers, crew, and maintenance personnel. Their approach follows strict environmental and regulatory protocols designed to prevent overuse or misuse of aircraft insecticides, reducing potential health and safety impacts throughout the aviation community.

The two companies say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to operational excellence, aviation health protection and regulatory compliance. Supported by decades of credibility with global regulators, governments and border enforcement agencies, RealClean and Callington say they are “uniquely positioned to deliver the highest quality aircraft disinsection services available today.”

Hartzell Engine Tech Names Quality Aircraft Accessories a Recommended Service Facility for Sky-Tec Products

Hartzell Engine Tech names Quality Aircraft Accessories (QAA) as its Recommended Service Facility (RSF) for the Sky-Tec starter product line. Both Hartzell Engine Tech and QAA are Signia Aerospace companies. 

As part of this new designation, QAA is introducing its first new service offering to the market: a $400 flat-rate repair for Sky-Tec solenoids. As the official RSF for Sky-Tec products, QAA is now the only facility authorized by Hartzell Engine Tech to perform such repairs on genuine Sky-Tec PM and LS series starters, whether installed on certified or non-certified engines.

Solenoid repairs will be performed under a newly developed Hartzell Repair Process, created exclusively for QAA. Each repaired unit will be returned with an FAA Airworthiness Approval 8130 tag.

The new program directly addresses customer requests for a legitimate, lower-cost repair option for a component historically treated as disposable. Operators have been seeking a more economical alternative that maintains OEM integrity and FAA compliance.

“Customers have asked for a reliable, affordable way to repair or replace solenoids without replacing the entire starter,” said Marolous Cebulka, vice president of sales & marketing for Hartzell Engine Tech. “This RSF designation delivers three major benefits: first, a factory-approved, FAA-authorized repair; second, meaningful cost savings over full replacement; and third, faster turnaround times through QAA, helping aircraft owners minimize downtime.”

QAA already supports the suite of Hartzell Engine Technologies products, including legacy starters, alternators, fuel pumps, and starter adapters. QAA also serves as one of Hartzell Engine Tech’s authorized RSFs for Turbo Systems components.

The Sky-Tec RSF designation further strengthens OEM support and establishes a single, safeguarded, authorized channel for Sky-Tec repairs. QAA is the only sanctioned facility for these starter system repairs, an important measure as unapproved repairs and counterfeit parts have appeared in some regions.

Aircraft owners may begin the repair process at QAA.com, where they can complete the Service Form and ship in their unit. Once received, QAA provides a quote and scope of work, processes the repair, and returns the unit, typically within one to three days.