Latest news with #Part135
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business Insider
U.S. safety board releases report on crash that killed Nigerian billionaire, others
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the federal agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents, has released its report on the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Nigerian billionaire Herbert Wigwe, his family, and others. The NTSB released findings on a helicopter crash that killed Nigerian billionaire Herbert Wigwe, his family, and others in February 2024. Investigators found the pilot relied on visual cues at night despite worsening weather, leading to disorientation and loss of control. Poor weather and adverse conditions delayed rescue efforts, with the wreckage discovered over an hour after the crash. The NTSB report provided detailed information on the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4, with registration N130CZ, operated by Orbic Air, LLC, which was destroyed in a crash near Halloran Springs, California, on February 9, 2024 killing the Nigerian billionaire and some family members. Nigerian billionaire, Herbert Wigwe, ex-CEO of Access Bank, was on board the aircraft along with his wife and their 29-year-old son. Also among the victims was Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, whose death stunned the Nigerian public and the financial sector. The two pilots—Benjamin Pettingill, 25, and Blake Hansen, 22—also died in the crash. The NTSB investigation result Below is an excerpt from the report: Before the Part 135 charter flight, there was no record that the pilot or safety pilot obtained an official weather briefing. It's unclear what weather information, if any, they reviewed through apps like ForeFlight. The pilot completed a flight risk analysis form showing a low-risk score under company standards. The helicopter departed at night under visual flight rules, relying on freeway and vehicle lights for orientation. As the flight progressed, deteriorating weather—including low ceilings and reduced visibility—likely led the pilot to fly lower and slower. The helicopter deviated from its route, possibly in response to worsening conditions. Two minutes before the crash, the helicopter increased speed and altitude, possibly indicating an attempt to recover from entering poor visibility. It then entered a right turn and a rapid descent, ultimately crashing in hilly terrain. Witnesses saw a fireball and reported rain and snow at the time. Adverse weather also hindered rescue efforts. The wreckage was found over an hour later, with no survivors. Regarding the probable cause of the accident, the NTSB found that the pilot's decision to continue flying by visual cues despite poor weather conditions led to disorientation and loss of control.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEXA Achieves FAA Part 135 Certification and S-1 List Approval, Cementing Its Role as a Leader in Autonomous Drone Delivery
DAYTON, Ohio, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DEXA (Drone Express), a pioneer in autonomous drone delivery, proudly announces two major milestones: official receipt of FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification and the inclusion of its DE-2020 drone on the Secretary of Transportation's S-1 List of Approved UAS under Section 44807. Together, these achievements position DEXA among an elite group of companies—alongside Amazon Prime Air, Google Wing, and Zipline—recognized for their readiness to scale drone delivery operations safely and nationally. The FAA's Part 135 certification allows DEXA to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for compensation, unlocking the potential for large-scale, commercial drone delivery across the United States. Additionally, the DE-2020 drone's S-1 List approval confirms its airworthiness and reliability, demonstrating DEXA's strength not only as a drone operator but also as a U.S.-based manufacturer of certified sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems). "This is a momentous achievement for DEXA," said Beth Flippo, CEO of DEXA. "For a small company like ours to earn the same certifications as some of the largest corporations in the world is a true testament to our team's innovation, dedication, and relentless pursuit of advancing drone logistics. We began this journey through the IPP and BEYOND programs, and we are proud to continue advancing toward full Type Certification. Working alongside the FAA throughout this process has been an incredible experience, and we are deeply grateful for their collaboration in shaping the future of autonomous delivery." "Being named to the S-1 List is an important milestone and a significant achievement," added Russell Kline, Chief Regulatory Officer of DEXA. "As the manufacturer of a certified and airworthy sUAS, we can now scale our delivery operations nationwide more efficiently, without relying on third-party aircraft. This is a powerful step forward in our journey to lead the drone delivery revolution." Scaling Up to Serve Retailers and Consumers With both certifications in place, DEXA is accelerating its mission to bring 15-minute drone delivery to communities across the country. Through its DEXA NOW app, the company offers consumers fast, reliable delivery of essentials, groceries, and convenience items—providing an innovative alternative to traditional last-mile logistics. The DE-2020 hexacopter, designed and manufactured in the U.S., merges advanced autonomous flight systems with stringent safety protocols. This proprietary drone is built to handle real-world delivery demands while supporting sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions and road congestion. "Our goal has always been to revolutionize delivery," added Flippo. "Now, with Part 135 certification and S-1 List approval, we're ready to scale up, onboard new retail partners, and make drone delivery a daily convenience for consumers everywhere." About DEXA DEXA (Drone Express) is a leader in autonomous drone logistics, delivering safe, fast, and eco-friendly solutions for retailers and consumers. Founded in 2021 and based in Dayton, OH, DEXA designs and manufactures its own U.S.-made DE-2020 hexacopter and operates an advanced delivery marketplace app, DEXA NOW. The company is committed to driving innovation in last-mile delivery and shaping the future of logistics. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Beth Flippo, CEO of DEXA, please contact: afelts@ Media Inquiries:Anne Felts, VP Marketing/StrategyDEXA303.919.9903afelts@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DEXA (Drone Express) Sign in to access your portfolio
CBS News
15-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Helicopter crash in Hudson River rocks chopper tour industry
After the fatal helicopter crash in the Hudson River, Sen. Chuck Schumer is claiming many helicopter tour companies are exploiting a legal loophole to avoid more stringent safety rules. The crash has rocked the helicopter tour industry after six people, including a family of five from Spain and the pilot , a U.S. Navy veteran, were killed last week . New York Helicopter Tours, which owned the sightseeing helicopter that crashed, has shut down operations while the FAA says it's reviewing the company's operator license and safety record. FlyNYON, another New York City helicopter tour company, started offering deep discounts online for a 16-minute, doors-off flight. "They're giving a 70% discount, a special, outrageous," Schumer said. While FlyNYON had no involvement in last week's crash, the NTSB says the company organized a flight in 2018 that turned fatal -- five people drowned after the helicopter's engine stopped. Schumer claims many chopper companies, including New York Helicopter Tours, are exploiting the law. The FAA allows them to operate under Part 91 regulations, which were originally meant for personal flights, instead of Part 135 regulations, which are more stringent rules meant for commercial flights, according to the Senate minority leader. Schumer is calling for tougher regulations and inspections. "A ramp inspection is a surprise inspection," he said. Bruce Landsberg, a retired vice chair of the NTSB who has focused on aviation safety for decades, says the FAA rarely goes out to inspect facilities under Part 91. "We made a recommendation back in 1995 to address this, and then again in 2019 after the FlyNYON crash," he said. "These are commercial operations. They need to operate at the commercial level, but they're not. They're operating under the 25-mile exemption. That's not right." The loophole applies when you're traveling less than 25 miles. It means tour helicopters that take off and land at the same place face fewer regulations. For example, transport helicopters that take off and land at different spots face more regulations. "We've talked to the FAA, and they do seem sympathetic to what we're asking for," Schumer said. "It just totally breaks your heart when you see that picture ... We have to do something about it. I don't want to see any more pictures like that." CBS News New York reached out to New York Helicopter Tours and has not heard back. Online, the company said it's working with investigators and has been asked to stop speaking with the press. We left messages for FlyNYON management and are waiting to hear back.
Forbes
25-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Everyone's Suddenly Flying Semi-Private (Even To Coachella)
Alex Wilcox is the founder of JSX, the upstart carrier flying semi-private planes at affordable-ish prices. And the pitch is pretty compelling. JSX operates out of private terminals, meaning travelers can show up just 20 minutes before departure. You don't even have to take your shoes off. JSX flies up to 120 public charter flights daily across the U.S. and Cabo San Lucas. (They've also added a few pop-up flights from Burbank to the desert valley this April for music fans hoping to avoid traffic on their way to see Lady Gaga headline Coachella.) But flying JSX can sometimes feel like you're getting away with something. That's certainly the argument made by rivals like American Airlines and Southwest, who've claimed the carrier's business model is built on a loophole; because JSX flies jets with less than 30 seats, the company operates under a federal carve-out called Part 135, which lets them hire less experienced (even older) pilots. Also, private terminals aren't subject to TSA screenings. For the record, JSX hasn't reported a single serious safety incident since launching in 2016, Wilcox points out, adding that JSX's safety protocols go beyond TSA requirements. Also, that so-called 'loophole' is 45 years old. But the issue is far from settled. The FAA is currently reviewing the rules surrounding public charter flights, which could threaten JSX's business model. Here, Wilcox talks about JSX's mounting legal bills, bringing back the excitement of air travel, and the unlikely role Bravo's Lisa Vanderpump played in JSX's growth. MICKEY RAPKIN: You started JSX out of frustration with the traditional airline experience. What was the initial pitch to investors? ALEX WILCOX: We already had a private jet company. So, we had a taste of how good life can be. One of the mysteries of the business at the time was, Why is someone paying me $10,000 to fly from Orange County, California, to Oakland at 2:30 in the afternoon when at 2:35 they can take Southwest for three hudred bucks? We'd ask our customers. The answer was invariably, 'I just don't want to deal with the airport.' We started reading the rules. ERIC RYAN: The key for you was making the price point work. WILCOX: We didn't invent the space, but we're the first to scale it. We raised $4 million dollars in about nine days. The economic model looks so much better than the private jet model. Then you amortize it over 30 seats. Our lounge is really the only thing people complain about. Where's the champagne? Where's the caviar? The whole point of this is to save time. Don't spend three hours there. Come twenty minutes before the flight, get on and go. RYAN: Years ago, we were talking about our mutual friend, Tony [Hsieh, CEO of Zappos] WILCOX: There are out-of-the-box thinkers, then there are thinkers that can't even see the box. They're miles out of the box. Tony was definitely one of those guys. In the private jet business, there is a lot of empty legs. And it costs a lot to fly those airplanes. And he said, 'Look, if we land our last flight of the day in, you know, El Paso and the airplane needs to get to Phoenix for the next flight tomorrow, just get a semi and drive the truck from El Paso to Phoenix and let the pilots sleep in the back. Because it's a lot cheaper to truck something than it is to fly the airplane, right?' And he's right. (smiling) But, you know, getting the wings off is a nontrivial task. RAPKIN: You managed a rock band in college. Was that your first entrepreneurial endeavor? Where did this begin? WILCOX: Even before college, I worked for a couple of entrepreneurs. I was lucky enough to intern at Southwest Airlines here in Dallas in 1992, back in the nineteen hundreds. I spent a summer there. I got a good taste for brisket and fried okra. And I got to learn from the best. Herb Kelleher [the founder of Southwest] RAPKIN: I read his memoir. The only thing I remember is this. He said, Why are airlines printing their names on their garbage bags? That's a waste of money. WILCOX: His basic view was, The company takes care of its crew members, the crew members take care of the customer, the customer takes care of the shareholder. That's the way it's supposed to work, right? If you are running a service business, your primary concern should be the people providing that service, right? And most airlines do not operate that way right now. RAPKIN: Getting back to JSX, some of your rivals—American Airlines, Southwest Airlines—say your company is built on a loophole. And because of that loophole, you can hire pilots with less than 1,500 hours of experience. These competitors are pushing the FAA to make changes. You're not alone in this fight. You've got JSX investors—JetBlue, United—to weigh in on your behalf. You once said, 'When someone points a gun at you, you tend to hire bodyguards.' Do you feel that someone's got a gun to your head? WILCOX: These rules—which they call a loophole—are 45 years old. There's one set of rules for commercial airplanes that have between one and nine passenger seats. There's another set for between 10 and 30 seats, and another for 30 and up. When I challenge these people, like, 'OK, what is the loophole?' They're like, 'Well, you have one entity that sells the tickets and another entity that flies the airplane.' Well, you can go to American Airlines dot com and buy a ticket, and that's operated by Envoy, right? [NOTE: Envoy is a subsidiary of American Airlines.] RYAN: That's such a good point. WILCOX: If they truly believe in their heart of hearts that it is unsafe to have pilots that have fewer than 1,500 hours, why are they selling tickets at on an airline that flies with 250-hour first officers, right? It's pure hypocrisy. And they're not used to getting called out on it. RYAN: It can be absolutely draining and exhausting to play the role of a challenger brand taking on legacy players. I found, particularly with Method—when we were taking on what we call Big Soap and the major conglomerates—I would use that to rally us. I always enjoyed having something I was trying to compete against. WILCOX: It's been a long, painful fight. We just did our budget review for last year. And we're $1.8 million dollars over budget in legal fees—just defending ourselves in D.C. Literally, just for the right to survive. There aren't many entities that have the capital and the endurance that's required to counter that kind of attack. I've got a huge amount of respect for [carriers like] Avelo and Breeze— RAPKIN: Which operate on models similar to JSX. WILCOX: —but look where they fly. They stay way out of the way of the majors. They're doing New Haven to Jacksonville. They're not going to New York. They're not gonna go into Denver. Even if [our competitors] RAPKIN: Speaking of the FAA, there is a rumor that you are on the list to take over the agency in the new administration. What would you do if you got the job? Besides save JSX. WILCOX: Unfortunately, I can't really comment on that. We have to let this play out a little bit. I think I can say it's an honor to be considered. Nothing's been officially offered. [Editor's note: After this interview was conducted, the Trump administration nominated Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to lead the FAA, which might bode well for JSX. In 2022, Bedford sought an exemption to an FAA rule requiring commercial airline pilots to have 1,500 hours of flight time.] RAPKIN: A friend of mine saw Jeremy Renner on a couple of JSX flights. Do you have a favorite celebrity story from your David-vs-Goliath airline? WILCOX: A couple of years ago, two days before Christmas, I was in Burbank. And a woman was having trouble getting on an airplane. She was a little bit late, you know, she had a dog with her. She was clearly upset that she was not going to be allowed on the flight. I went over and just said, 'Hey, let's get her on.' I was walking her out to the airplane and introduced myself. She said, 'I'm Lisa Vanderpump.' I said, 'Nice to meet you, I'm Alex Wilcox.' I had no idea who this was, right? RAPKIN: You're not a Bravo fan, Alex? WILCOX: I should be. We took a selfie. My wife calls me and she's like, 'You met Lisa Vaderpump!' We've become friends, you know. This was early on in our existence. She said, 'Alex, I'm so worried. Because I love this thing so much. But your planes are empty too often.' She goes, 'I'll post something. What do you want me to say?' She put a couple of posts out to millions of followers, and I think we actually saw a visible uptick. We support her dog charity now. The number of people that love our service and then reach out to me proactively is crazy. It helps with soliciting investors. We need notoriety. It certainly helps because a lot of [these people] RYAN: As an entrepreneur, what gets you out of bed in the morning? WILCOX: Honestly, on the hard days, it's just sheer force of will. You've got to do it for your people, you've got to do it for your company. We're just barely scratching the surface of what this company is capable of. We've got 47 airplanes. We'll be rolling out another 20 in two to three years. We're looking at a turboprop aircraft, which will be able to address many, many more markets. RAPKIN: But when can we get from New York to Los Angeles on JSX? That's got to be the number one question you get asked. WILCOX: We might need to wait for a hydrogen airplane. The costs are linear at a certain point, right? When you're amortizing the cost of a jet over 30 seats, you know, at 2,000 miles it does add up. And the trans-con product is pretty good. I think JetBlue Mint is great, I think United PS is great. I'm not sure we could differentiate too much. But if you're in a secondary market—if you're in Santa Barbara and you need to go to Westchester County, or if you're in North Carolina and you need to get to San Diego—there are definitely markets where it could potentially work. RAPKIN: What's the exit strategy? You mentioned that investors like to get their money back. Is the plan to sell to United? Sell to JetBlue? WILCOX: I think investors also like dividends. This is obviously a question for the board, not just me. I think a more natural path would be to go to public markets. We are solidly profitable. We got double digit EBITDA. And we've got 20% CAGR plus [NOTE: Compound Annual Growth Rate.] The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. If you enjoyed this story about everyone suddenly flying semi-private, click here for more episodes of Cereal Entrepreneur.
Associated Press
25-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ParaFlight Aviation and Urgentflights.com Revolutionize Corporate and Medical Air Travel
ParaFlight Aviation offers a concierge-level air charter service for corporate executives, high-net-worth individuals, and organ transplant teams, ensuring seamless, efficient, and life-saving travel. United States, February 25, 2025 -- Bridging Corporate and Medical Aviation ParaFlight Aviation and its groundbreaking platform, are redefining private air travel by seamlessly integrating corporate and medical aviation. With an unwavering focus on concierge-level service and advanced technology, ParaFlight Aviation provides swift and secure charter flights for business leaders, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and organ transplant teams. Founded on the principle that time is the most valuable commodity, ParaFlight Aviation ensures clients reach their destinations with unparalleled efficiency. The company's unique blend of technology and human expertise allows it to coordinate complex flight logistics quickly and effectively, setting a new industry standard. The Future of On-Demand Aviation At the heart of ParaFlight Aviation's innovative approach is a state-of-the-art sourcing platform built to match travelers with available aircraft in real time. Modeled after the efficiency of ride-sharing technology, provides instant access to a fleet of over 1,600 private jets and helicopters through a network of over 225 FAA Part 135 certified charter operators. By leveraging this cutting-edge platform, ParaFlight Aviation ensures that travelers—whether for business or medical emergencies—have immediate access to aircraft that meet their needs, eliminating long wait times and streamlining the booking process. 'Our mission is simple: One Team, One lives,' says Sim Shain, Founder of ParaFlight Aviation. 'We focus on your flight so you can focus on your business—or in many cases, on saving lives.' The Intersection of Corporate and Medical Travel Unlike traditional charter services, ParaFlight Aviation operates at the crossroads of luxury and necessity. While corporate executives benefit from seamless travel solutions, organ transplant teams rely on the company's expertise to facilitate time-sensitive missions. With every minute counting in organ transplant , ParaFlight Aviation plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of life-saving missions. ParaFlight Aviation's team meticulously plans every detail, from flight logistics to ground transportation coordination, allowing medical professionals to concentrate on saving lives. This commitment to precision and reliability makes the company an invaluable asset to both corporate and healthcare sectors. A Concierge Approach to Private Aviation What sets ParaFlight Aviation apart is its emphasis on an exceptional customer experience. By combining personalized service with technological advancements, the company delivers a truly concierge-level experience. Clients receive end-to-end flight management, ensuring comfort, efficiency, and discretion throughout their journey. Whether a CEO needs to attend a critical meeting or a transplant team requires immediate transportation, ParaFlight Aviation provides tailored solutions designed to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. 'At the end of the day, we help you buy back the one commodity you can't trade, inherit, or transfer: time,' Shain explains. 'That's what drives our commitment to excellence in every flight we arrange.' About ParaFlight Aviation ParaFlight Aviation is a premier air charter broker specializing in private jet and helicopter transportation for corporate executives, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and organ transplant teams. By combining attention to detail with advanced technology, ParaFlight Aviation delivers fast, reliable, and life-saving travel solutions. Its proprietary platform, provides real-time access to over 1,600 private aircraft through a network of trusted operators. Media Contact Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Website: / Instagram: Facebook: ParaFlight Aviation LinkedIn: Sim Shain / ParaFlight Aviation Contact Info: Name: Sim Shain Email: Send Email Organization: ParaFlight Aviation Website: If there are any deficiencies, problems, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we encourage you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team is committed to promptly addressing your concerns within 8 hours and taking necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or facilitate the removal process. Providing accurate and trustworthy information is of utmost importance.
