Category: General Aviation

Sonic and Worcester Polytechnic Institute Partnerto Build ROI Calculator for Tool Efficiency

Sonic, a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, announced its Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator. Developed in partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) faculty and students as part of its Major Qualifying Project (MQP) requirement, Sonic has debuted a tool that calculates the ROI of Sonic hand tools and storage solutions for an industrial or commercial business serving the automotive, manufacturing, or aviation industries.

The ROI Calculator estimates the cost savings resulting from the operational efficiency of investing in and using Sonic hand tools and storage solutions — including its Sonic Foam System (SFS), designed to keep everything where it should be without the need to dig through an unorganized, messy tool drawer. Values from a third-party study were used to compare Sonic to a standard industry toolset in the development of the calculator. The analysis is based on a standard 250-day work year to ensure that the results reflect annual performance accurately.

“In developing the ROI Calculator, we wanted to allow prospects to understand the value an
investment in Sonic tools provides. Our team can talk about the value all day, but they need to see the figures themselves, rather than just hear it from us,” said Colby McConnell, CEO, Sonic USA. “In partnering with WPI, we empowered students to apply their data science skills to a real-world application via service and repair efficiency and productivity. In turn, Sonic can offer prospects detailed savings information specifically tailored to their respective environment across automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace.”

By answering five questions, the ROI Calculator estimates productivity and the resulting cost savings from a more efficient service and repair environment. The results show how much a shop can save and are represented by a range determined via a calculation of simple, moderate, and difficult tasks.

“Every undergraduate must complete an MQP project—a capstone project that is an integral element of our project-based education at WPI. MQPs are high-level research projects that address problems similar to those found in a student’s professional discipline,” said Jim Ryan, associate teaching professor of management information systems (MIS), information systems and technologies (IST), and business analytics (BA) at WPI.

In this case, the Sonic MQP spanned MIS, IST, BA — and data science and industrial engineering. Students were guided by professors in these areas of study, including Ryan, Fatemeh Emdad, professor of data science and artificial intelligence and Joe Zhu, professor of operations analytics.

Speaking for the team, Emdad shared, “It’s been a pleasure overseeing the ROI Calculator project with Sonic and mentoring our students to develop a real-world tool that provides value and guidance to service and repair decision-makers.”

Sonic tools and storage solutions are designed for one thing: efficiency — creating a more productive repair environment when Sonic’s tools are employed. An independent time study found that Sonic enables 78 percent faster toolbox inventory, reduces misplaced tools by 80 percent, and speeds tool retrieval and return by 20 percent. Sonic and WPI can now provide an estimated dollar figure specific to each unique repair environment.

The results are subject to change if purchases outside of recommendations are made, and all information inputted into the calculator will be solely collected by Sonic USA and deleted within one week.

For more information about Sonic and the ROI Calculator, visit:
https://sonictoolsstg.wpengine.com/toolset-roi-calculator/.

To learn more about WPI, visit: https://www.wpi.edu/.

JSfirm Creates Searchable Airmen Database

JSfirm.com announced their newest feature, a searchable airmen database. This new feature allows companies to search and filter certificated aviation professionals by category (pilot, dispatcher, maintenance, UAV/UAS), location, rating/type (when applicable), and last name – directly on JSfirm.

“This new programming gives our customers a unique and powerful tool to find aviation professionals,” said Abbey Hutter, executive director of JSfirm.com. “We’re always striving to develop new ways to provide aviation companies with more effective hiring resources.”

JSfirm says the airmen database is a great addition to its existing job board and resume search tools, creating a more comprehensive and proactive solution for hiring companies. Whether companies are looking to fill immediate openings, build a long-term pipeline or increase their marketing exposure — this new feature allows companies to source the most relevant professionals for their business.

Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) Is Now a Final Rule

After more than a decade of work by EAA, the FAA, and numerous others, MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) is now a final rule. The rule was announced by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy on Tuesday afternoon at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. A generation after the creation of the original sport pilot and light-sport aircraft (LSA) rules, today we celebrate Sport Pilot 2.0 and LSA 2.0. Ninety days from now, about three-quarters of the general aviation fleet will be accessible to sport pilots and those exercising sport pilot privileges. One year from now, new and modern aircraft will begin entering the fleet with minimal certification costs.

Building upon the foundation of the original sport pilot rule, MOSAIC greatly expands the range of aircraft that meet the LSA definition, and thus the range of aircraft available to sport pilots or those exercising sport pilot privileges. The limitation that has always hampered the usefulness of the sport pilot certificate has been the size and capabilities of the aircraft. Powered landplanes were limited, among other parameters, to 1,320 pounds’ maximum takeoff weight and two seats. This covered many simple postwar trainers like Cubs, Champs, and Taylorcrafts, as well as new designs from Cessna, Piper, overseas manufacturers, homebuilt kit manufacturers, and more, but that weight limitation remained a bugaboo. For many designs, it kept useful load impractically low and produced aircraft that were great “Sunday flyers.” However, they were not capable and robust enough to serve in training and rental fleets and were less-than-ideal modern touring aircraft.

With MOSAIC, the weight limitation is removed. GONE! In its place is a new set of limitations; the primary limitation will now be a “clean” stall speed (VS1) of 59 knots calibrated airspeed. Aircraft with up to four seats are now allowed, although sport pilots will still be limited to one passenger. Sport pilots are also now allowed to fly aircraft with controllable-pitch propellers and retractable landing gear, with the appropriate training and endorsements.

Equally exciting to the future of aviation is the aircraft certification reform included in the rule. New aircraft are on the way! The original LSA rule proved that safe, modern aircraft could be certified with a minimum of FAA oversight by using industry consensus standards and simple forms of validation. Now, LSA 2.0 is set to deliver far more capability. For years, high certification costs have been cited as a barrier to affordable ownership of new aircraft. LSA 2.0 substantially cuts these costs for any aircraft meeting the new definition: four seats, constant-speed propellers, retractable landing gear, and fewer restrictions on powerplants (including allowing electric power). The result is a lot of room for continued innovation.

You can read the final rule via the link at EAA.org/MOSAIC.

Nighthawk Flight Systems’ Guardian System Signs Agreement with Aircraft Performance Group for Comprehensive Navigation Data

Nighthawk Flight Systems, Inc., has further solidified its Nighthawk Guardian System’s groundbreaking capabilities through an agreement with Aircraft Performance Group (APG). The move enables the Guardian System to deliver detailed, interactive, and up-to-date navigational information, providing superior situation awareness and enhanced flight safety.

The Guardian System is a new large-format glass cockpit avionics system. In addition to being lightweight, customizable, and easily expandable, the Guardian System provides unmatched high-resolution real-world 3D synthetic vision, enhanced with APG’s comprehensive FAA DO-200B certified ChartData and supplemental worldwide navigation data.

“Aircraft Performance Group is a nimble and innovative supplier with a full ecosystem of capability that works with our unparalleled graphic display for enhanced situational awareness,” said David Lanning, Nighthawk Flight Systems, Inc. chief technical officer. “We recognized that to be successful, we had to partner with similarly innovative companies. APG is very responsive, which will allow us to more effectively service our customers by growing and expanding Guardian’s capabilities quickly.”

“We’re extremely excited to work with Nighthawk and their stunning new Guardian System,” said Gene Albright, senior vice president of operations and head of navigational data. “Their real-world 3D synthetic vision system brings situational awareness to a new level and the flexibility and modularity of the system means exceptional long-term value to users.”

The agreement provides Nighthawk users APG’s up-to-date navigation and ChartData databases, including global georeferenced approach plates and airport diagrams, navaids, obstacles, radio frequencies, and more. The data is then integrated into Guardian’s system, overlaid onto the high-resolution synthetic vision to provide pilots with stunning 3D full-color 360° situation awareness, regardless of outside conditions. Pilots can also switch to an approach plate view alongside the primary flight display, where a georeferenced aircraft icon is overlaid to illustrate the aircraft’s position.

AIM Las Vegas Campus Awarded on USA TODAY’s America’s Top Vocational Schools 2025 List

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Las Vegas, Nevada Campus has been awarded to USA TODAY’s inaugural list of America’s Top Vocational Schools 2025. The award list was announced on July 22nd, 2025, and can currently be viewed on the USA TODAY’s website.

The ranking of the best schools offering vocational training via undergraduate certificate or diploma is based on an analysis of five Key Performance Indicators. The analysis for the ranking included: Graduation Rate, Graduate Salary, Years to Pay Off Net Price, Social Mobility, and Diversity. Data on the schools’ performance was collected through publicly available sources like IPEDS and College Scorecard.

AIM Las Vegas works closely with industry partners to ensure their curriculum meets the current workforce demands. This alignment allows students to graduate with relevant, high-demand skills that translate directly into employment opportunities, often without the burden of long-term student debt.

All schools were benchmarked against one another using the final score. Based on the results of the study, AIM Las Vegas has been recognized as one of America’s Top Vocational Schools 2025. This award serves to reinforce your institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hands-on education, career readiness, and workforce development.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

“We’re ecstatic to receive this recognition. It’s a powerful affirmation of the dedication our students, instructors, and staff bring every day. It reinforces AIM’s mission to deliver high-quality, hands-on career education that truly prepares the nation’s next generation of aviation maintenance technicians,” said Samuel Thomas, campus executive director, AIM Las Vegas.

Approval of MOSAIC Rule Highlights Decade-Long EAA Leadership Effort for Modernized Aircraft and Pilot Certification

A decade-long effort by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), in association with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other entities, became reality on July 22 with the announcement that the MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule has been finalized and signed. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy made the announcement during the second day of the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention.

“This is one of most significant rule packages for general aviation in the past 75 years,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and chairman of the board, who joined Secretary Duffy for the announcement. “This creates what can be called Sport Pilot 2.0, as it builds on the safety and momentum established by that rule two decades ago and opens tremendous possibilities for current and future pilots, flight schools, manufacturers, and many others. It is fitting that this major modernization was announced at Oshkosh, where the nation’s aviators gather each year.”

The announcement of the MOSAIC signing and its publishing in the Federal Register allow EAA and other organizations to review the new rule in-depth and create programming to meet the possibilities now available. Among the potential benefits of the new rule are:

  • Expansion of the aircraft fleet available to be flown by sport pilot certificate holders and those exercising sport pilot privileges, to as much 70 percent of the current GA fleet;
  • Availability of most of the current flight training fleet for sport pilot training, reducing costs for new pilots;
  • Potential to include a much broader base of flight instructors available to teach students;
  • Ability for GA flight schools to use their current fleet for a wider spectrum of students;
  • Opportunities for aircraft manufacturers to introduce new designs unencumbered by former weight limits.

“I can’t think of a better place than at the largest general aviation airshow in the U.S. to announce that we’re unleashing American ingenuity with a new rule to promote new designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector,” Secretary Duffy said. “Our recreational pilots and plane manufacturers have correctly noted outdated regulations were inhibiting innovation and safety. Let’s bring this industry into a new age!”

Aviation Search Group Announces Rebrand as a LAUNCH Company

Aviation Search Group at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 show in
Wisconsin, unveiled its new brand and announced they have become a LAUNCH company,
following their recent acquisition. As a top-tier executive recruitment partner dedicated to
the aviation industry, Aviation Search Group complements the technical solutions and
aviation services provided by LAUNCH. Aviation Search Group will continue to operate as a
separate business and LAUNCH will offer additional executive search services to their
clients through Aviation Search Group.

“We are thrilled to add Aviation Search Group to the LAUNCH family,” said Mike Reporto, group president and chief commercial officer of LAUNCH. “We know our clients will
highly value their expertise in RPO, retained, and executive search recruitment. LAUNCH
continues to strive for growth by adding new services to fulfill the needs of our customers.”

Aviation Search Group executive director, Gary Miner, added, “Partnering with LAUNCH will
allow us to take Aviation Search Group to the next level. Our nationwide network of talent in
aviation, coupled with our unique recruiting process, will be a high-level service addition to
the LAUNCH suite of services. We look forward to providing our capabilities to their clients.”
Aviation Search Group is exhibiting at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Air Show throughout the
week at booth C5. Show visitors are invited to stop by to meet Alex Benyo, Doug Greene,
Randy Rowser and Tom McKinley to learn more about the executive recruiting programs the
team offers.

Nighthawk Flight Systems’ Guardian Avionics Suite Selected for Comp Air Aviation 6.2 Piston and Turbine Aircraft

Nighthawk Flight Systems’ revolutionary Guardian Avionics Cockpit System (Air Venture Booth #373) was selected by Comp Air Aviation as its preferred cockpit for its 6.2 Piston and 6.2 Turbine utility aircraft. Guardian’s launch aircraft OEM, Comp Air, chose Guardian for its lightweight state-of-the art modular design, coupled with world’s best synthetic vision display, giving pilots access to superior avionics and situational awareness.

Comp Air recently signed a purchase agreement for an initial order of the all composite CA6.2 turbine aircraft which will be delivered over the next five years. Each aircraft will be equipped with a Guardian Avionics Cockpit Display System.

“We selected Nighthawk’s Guardian system because it offers the advanced technology and situational awareness our customers need, backed by a company we trust. Their team’s commitment to innovation and support gives us full confidence as we integrate Guardian into our fleet. Nighthawk is a partner we know will help us deliver exceptional value to our customers.” Said Ron Leuck, President of Comp Air Aviation.

“Nighthawk is dedicated to supporting the Comp Air team by delivering a revolutionary cockpit display system that delivers professional grade avionics with unmatched situational awareness,” says Paul Martin, CEO. “Our initial offering of a very capable high resolution 11.6 display and associated avionics is just the beginning. Over the next year we will work with Comp Air and others to add increased capabilities including integrated GPS, our new 20W VHF Comm, our ILS, and transponder solutions that will together deliver the lightest, most advanced, and most cost-effective complete cockpit system available.”

Revolutionary Situational Awareness
Like Comp Air, Nighthawk maintains an innovative vision of superior aviation safety, making increased flight safety the primary goal in all design decisions. Our Guardian system’s design leverages cutting-edge safety enhancing technologies that increase situational awareness while minimizing crew workload in every phase of flight. This includes revolutionary high resolution 3D imagery on graphic displays that consolidate multiple sources of obstacle, flight environment, traffic, weather, terrain, imagery, and more. Unlike other synthetic vision systems, Guardian’s imagery provides high detail and more color shades that dramatically improve definition and situation awareness, especially at lower altitudes when detail is most vital.

At the core of the Guardian system is its avionics NEST, which can be located anywhere in the aircraft. The NEST houses each of the system’s individual functions and integrates with Nighthawk’s custom user-defined cockpit displays to provide a Primary Flight Display (PFD), Multi-Function Display (MFD), and Engine Indication System (EIS).

The Guardian system also integrates seamlessly with existing aircraft systems through its proprietary “Smart I/O”. Aircraft information is connected to the NEST, then all information is shared with all other functions through a unique data link system. The advanced displays are high resolution with both touchscreen and tactical controls.

See Guardian at EAA Air Venture
Nighthawk Flight Systems will exhibit its line of advanced digital avionics, including the Guardian Avionics Suite, and host a Comp Air Aviation CA6.2 Turbine at EAA Air Venture booth #373.

Epic Aircraft Announces FAA Certification of the E1000 AX

Epic Aircraft announced FAA Type Certification (TC) of its latest high-performance, single-engine, turbine model, the E1000 AX. Delivering the same unparalleled performance as its predecessor and category-leading E1000 GX, the E1000 AX made its public debut April 1 to 6 at Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.

“Aircraft deliveries will begin this week at factory headquarters in Bend, Oregon,” said Doug King, CEO of Epic Aircraft. “We just completed a record-breaking sales quarter, and July is already the best sales month in company history. All 2025 E1000 AX production positions are filled, and sales are brisk for 2026 deliveries.”

With a full fuel payload of 1,177 pounds and maximum cruise speed of 333 knots, the E1000 AX carries more and flies faster than any other single-engine turboprop. Additional performance highlights include a climb rate of 4,000 feet per minute, maximum range of 1,560 nautical miles, and 34,000 foot maximum altitude. 

In addition to Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland — the latter to be activated upon final certification — the E1000 AX offers over 25 new features including the following:

  • Automatic Yaw Damper – Engages automatically after takeoff and disengages before landing to maintain rudder coordination through the flight
  • Electronic Brake Hold – Electronically applies the brakes to prevent aircraft movement
  • Expansive Windscreen with CoolView Windows – Optimizes crew visibility, reduces glare, and provides UV protection 
  • Garmin GDL 60 with PlaneSync Technology – Automates database updates, enables remote access to check the state of your airplane and simplifies flight plan entry
  • GRA 5500 Radar Altimeter – Increases positional awareness with above-ground (AGL) radio altitude
  • 3D SafeTaxi & Taxiway Routing (Optional) – Heightens positional awareness 
  • 8000 GWX™ 8000 StormOptix Weather Radar (Optional) – Increases safety with real-time depiction of thunderstorms
  • True Blue Powe­r Intelligent Lithium-Ion Batteries – Delivers longer life, higher voltage during engine starts and reduces maintenance costs
  • CoolView Windows – Blocks over 73% of infrared or heat coming through cockpit and cabin windows
  • Starlink High-Speed Internet (Optional) – Provides anytime, anywhere access

“I want to congratulate the Epic team on completing certification of the E1000 AX,” said Epic Aircraft, LLC owner and Silicon Valley resident, Tanya Eves. “This achievement demonstrates Epic’s dedication to ongoing innovation in general aviation.”

“Our owner is an accomplished pilot with a bold vision for transforming the aerospace industry through cutting-edge technology,“ said King. “The E1000 AX embodies that vision and  is a testament to her passion for new aviation technology.”

Tecnam Names Cutter Aviation Dealer for CA & AZ

Tecnam announced the appointment of Cutter Aviation as its Authorized Dealer for Arizona and California. This strategic partnership further strengthens Tecnam’s growing presence in North America, providing enhanced access to aircraft sales, support, and maintenance throughout the Southwest region.

As a well-established name in general aviation since 1928, Cutter Aviation will now offer the complete line of Tecnam aircraft, including the P2010, P-Mentor, and P2006T, as well as certified maintenance support. This new relationship ensures flight schools, private owners, and commercial operators benefit from comprehensive solutions tailored to a wide spectrum of general aviation needs.

“This partnership with Tecnam reflects our commitment to providing high-quality aircraft and services that meet the evolving needs of general aviation customers,” said Will Cutter, president of Cutter Aviation. “Tecnam is a globally respected name, and we’re proud to represent their products and support in Arizona and California.”

“We are excited to welcome Cutter Aviation to the Tecnam family,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s chief sales officer. “Cutter’s long-standing reputation for excellence, customer service, and deep roots in the U.S. Southwest make them the perfect partner to support our mission of bringing efficient, innovative, and environmentally conscious aircraft to more pilots and operators across the country.”

Cutter Aviation will be joining Tecnam at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, taking place July 21–27. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Tecnam booth to meet the Cutter team, view the aircraft lineup, and learn more about this exciting collaboration.