Latest news with #Part91
Malaysian Reserve
22-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Thrive Aviation Expands Leadership Team as the Fleet Continues to Grow
LAS VEGAS, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thrive Aviation, a leader in the private aviation industry, is pleased to announce the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of four key individuals who will support the company's continued growth. These new leaders bring a wealth of experience to the organization as Thrive Aviation continues to scale its fleet and services to meet growing demand in the aviation sector. Among the new leadership appointments, Andy Martens has joined Thrive Aviation as the Vice President of Flight Operations, Tami Beutel has been appointed as the Vice President of Flight Support, Luke O'Kane has been named the Director of Charter Sales, and Dawit Palmer has been named the Director of Fleet Maintenance. Together, these leaders bring diverse skills and expertise that will ensure Thrive Aviation maintains its commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and continued growth. Curtis Edenfield, CEO of Thrive Aviation states 'Thrive is experiencing exponential growth and the addition of these critical leaders will prepare us for that growth and is a testament to everything we've been building since 2018.' Andy Martens – Vice President of Flight Operations 'I am honored to join Thrive Aviation as the Vice President of Flight Operations,' said Andy Martens. 'I am excited to collaborate with the team, learn from their expertise, and contribute to the company's continued success.' A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Andy Martens brings extensive experience across Part 91, 121, and 135 operations. Most recently, he served as the Director of Operations for Jet Access Aviation, where he managed a fleet of 31 aircraft, oversaw day-to-day air carrier operations, and worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure continuous regulatory compliance. His efforts led to the maintenance of the prestigious ARG/US Platinum certification, achieving IS-BAO Stage III, and expanding the Part 91 managed fleet. Martens' commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance has played an instrumental role in ensuring flights are executed to the highest standards, consistently exceeding client expectations. In his free time, Martens enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his kids' soccer team, and playing guitar. Tami Beutel – Vice President of Flight Support Tami Beutel, a seasoned aviation professional, has joined Thrive Aviation as Vice President of Flight Support. With nearly 30 years of experience in the aviation sector, Tami has built a career spanning military operations, aerial interdiction, client services, operations, and standardizations. Tami views her military service as both a means of personal and professional development, and it was during this time that her passion for aviation was ignited, fueling her career. Throughout her extensive background, Tami has developed a deep understanding of operational dynamics and has been instrumental in driving excellence in flight support operations. In addition to her aviation expertise, Tami is also a qualified helicopter pilot and an accomplished sailor. Her multifaceted skill set and leadership will contribute significantly to Thrive Aviation's growth. In her free time, Tami enjoys exploring the parks and lakes of Nevada, where she enjoys outdoor activities and relaxation. Luke O'Kane – Director of Charter Sales Luke O'Kane joins Thrive Aviation as the Director of Charter Sales, bringing over a decade of sales experience to the role. Luke's strengths lie in managing fleet efficiency, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, building client relationships, and transforming successful charter departments into highly efficient operations. Originally from New Jersey, Luke moved to California to pursue higher education, where he cultivated a passion for sales, which has since become a key component of his career. Luke's expertise in sales and relationship management led him to the dynamic aviation industry, where he has consistently delivered exceptional results. As the Director of Charter Sales at Thrive Aviation, Luke is excited to apply his experience to further elevate the company's charter services and expand its client base. In his free time, Luke enjoys traveling, spending time cooking, and exploring the outdoors. Dawit Palmer – Director of Fleet Maintenance Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Dawit first came to the US in 2008 and completed a 4-year Bachelors' degree in Aeronautical Science / MX Management at LeTourneau University in Longview, TX. Since, graduating and moving to Dallas in 2012, Dawit has been active as an aviation professional in the DFW metroplex and worked for various Part 145 Repair Stations, and Part 135 Air Carriers. He has been in MX Management roles for the past 10 years, and served as the DOM for Trinity Jet, a top 135 Air Carrier in the DFW metroplex, for the past 6 years. Dawit is happy to have joined the Thrive team is and looking forward future growth and success with us. Rickey Oswald, COO of Thrive Aviation states 'I couldn't be more excited about the expansion of our leadership team and the future of Thrive; we're in a great position as a company. We have the planes and now we will have the right people to take us to the next level.' Oswald continues, 'The future is bright at Thrive Aviation!' Stay tuned for more announcements from Thrive Aviation as they continue to evolve and grow. Contact:Thrive Aviation Phone: 702.736.0077Email: hello@ About Thrive Aviation Thrive Aviation is a U.S. owned and globally operated curator of private aviation services, recognized as one of the Nation's Top 10 charter operators. Thrive's innovative aircraft and fleet management strategy has fueled its ability to provide bespoke asset management, superior service, and elevated flight experiences for its guests and parts around the world. With corporate headquarters in Henderson, Nevada's exclusive Green Valley Corporate Center, the operator serves the North American and global markets from its operational base in Las Vegas, NV. Thrive Aviation's owned/operated and managed fleets of light, super-mid, large cabin, and ultra-long-range aircraft have steadily emerged as some of the industry's most coveted aircraft.
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.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Helicopter tour company shuts down operations after Hudson River crash
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – The helicopter tour company involved in Thursday's deadly Hudson River crash is shutting down operations completely, according to the FAA. A Bell 206 L-4 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River Thursday just after 3 p.m., according to the officials. Six people died in the crash, including a family visiting from Spain and the pilot, according to officials. More Local News The helicopter was operated by New York Helicopter Charter Inc., according to the National Transit Safety Board. It was the helicopter's eighth trip of the day, and it had last been inspected on March 1, according to the NTSB. The NTSB is investigating, and the FAA on Sunday night said it will also open a review of the company's license. 'Additionally, the FAA will be launching an immediate review of the tour operator's license and safety record,' the FAA said in a statement to X. On Sunday, Sen. Chuck Schumer raised concerns about 'Part 91' licenses, the kind used by New York Helicopter Tours. He called on the FAA to revoke the company's license and increase surprise inspections of other tour companies. In a statement to Instagram, the company said it is cooperating with the FAA and NTSB investigations. Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bloomberg
13-04-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Schumer Urges FAA to Ground Helicopter Company After Fatal Crash
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Federal Aviation Administration to immediately revoke New York Helicopter Charter Inc. 's license and expand safety inspections of other tour operators after a crash last week killed six people. The New York senator criticized the company's use of FAA Part 91 certification — a regulatory framework that permits sightseeing flights with fewer training, maintenance and oversight requirements than commercial operators must meet.
NBC News
13-04-2025
- NBC News
Helicopter in Hudson River crash lacked flight recorders, officials say
As crews continue to search for key parts of the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River, one critical piece of evidence that is typically accessible to investigators won't be available in this case. 'The helicopter was not equipped with any flight recorders. No onboard video recorders or camera recorders have been recovered and none of the helicopter avionics onboard recorded information that could be used for the investigation,' The National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement Sunday. Thursday's deadly accident claimed the lives of a family of five visiting from Spain and the pilot. 'Divers from the New York Police Department are continuing to search for the helicopter's main rotor, main gear box, tail rotor and a large portion of the tail boom. Side-scanning sonar is being used to identify potential locations of wreckage,' the NTSB's statement said. According to officials, the last major inspection of the helicopter was on March 1st, and before the crash, it completed seven tour flights. Now, lawmakers are calling on federal agencies to increase regulations and protocols for these types of helicopter tours. 'The company has an operating certificate from the FAA that is called a 'Part 91'. It does not require the entire team of people who oversee or fly the helicopter to have the level of training and experience that commercial and passenger helicopters,' Senator Chuck Schumer said Sunday at a press conference. He spoke at the Wall Street Heliport in Manhattan, where the 'New York Helicopter Tours' launched the fatal Bell 206 L-4 helicopter Thursday. Officials say the pilot Seankese Johnson, was a Navy veteran who earned his commercial pilot's license in 2023 and logged over 800 hours of flight time as of March. 'Right now, New York Helicopter Tours is under federal investigation for these deaths, but first, I am urging the FAA to pull their operating certificate immediately and cease flights until their full investigation is concluded,' Schumer added. New York Helicopter Tours said they are fully cooperating with the federal investigation. The Democratic senator also called for increased federal regulations at all New York City area helicopter tour companies—flights he described as 'risky.' 'I'm also demanding that the FAA increase what are called 'ramp inspections' at other metro area helicopter tour companies,' he added, 'A ramp inspection is a surprise inspection. They show up unannounced and check if things are on the level and the helicopters are doing the right thing.' Schumer's stance contrasts sharply with that of Mayor Eric Adams, who voiced full support of touristic helicopters in New York City during an interview with Fox 5 on Friday, stating he would not add further regulations. 'That is part of the attraction of businesses being in the city, people coming to the city, seeing the city from the air. As part of the attraction, what we must do is make sure it's safe, make sure it is done correctly,' Adams said.
