Airplane News: U2 Pilot helps with emergency, Tecnam first flight, Back country strips, T182 returns

This week in airplane news, a U2 pilot helped with a general aviation emergency, the Tecnam hybrid completed its first flight, Jeppesen has added backcountry airstrips, the Cessna Turbo 182 returns to the market, and the FAA administrator has announced he will be resigning.

A U2 pilot assisted in an emergency in Feb. 8th, 2022. A civilian aircraft experienced an engine failure over Lake Berryessa and was looking for a place to land The U2 pilot relayed the mayday call to Oakland ATC, who alerted local authorities. Due to terrain, the civilian airplane was not able to be seen on radar. About 30 minutes after the mayday, the airplane was found by CHP, having safely landed in a field. https://theaviationgeekclub.com/u-2-dragon-lady-pilot-relays-radio-messages-to-civilian-pilot-in-distress-helping-him-to-find-a-safe-spot-for-emergency-landing-near-lake-berryessa/

The P2010 H3PS Hybrid aircraft made its first flight late December 2021. It is powered by a 135HP Rotor 915 coupled with a 30kW Rolls-Royce electric motor. The test was designed to show that this hybrid configuration can bear the same useful load as a 180HP combustion engine. The electric motor is used for additional torque for TO/climb and the small battery can be charged in between.

Collaboration between Avidyne, Jeppesen, and the Recreational Aviation Foundation will allow for many backcountry airstrips being added to the Jeppesen Nav databases These include private use strips, unimproved airstrips, and backcountry strips “Our goal is to promote backcountry flying and to encourage more pilots to join us in the adventure of flight, and the aviation community is fortunate to have a friend like Avidyne who recognizes the value of these off-the-beaten-path aviation destinations,” said RAF Chairman, John McKenna. https://generalaviationnews.com/2022/02/12/backcountry-airstrips-added-to-jeppesen-nav-databases/

Textron is returning the Cessna T182 Turbo to its piston lineup Orders are currently open and deliveries will begin in 2023. The Skyline has a base price of $653,000 and will feature a G1000 avionics suite with a GI-275 electric standby, a constant speed three bladed, electric de-ice propeller and an in-cabin oxygen system The turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 allows the 182T to cruise at up to FL 200, at a top speed of 165kts with a range of 971-NM and a useful load of 998lbs. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/turbo-skylane-returns-to-textron-lineup/

The FAA administration released a memo stating: “Over the past several years, my family has been a source of tremendous encouragement, strength and support. Nevertheless, after sometimes long and unavoidable periods of separation from my loved ones during the pandemic, it is time to devote my full time and attention to them. As I wrote in my letter to President Biden, it is time to go home.” Administrator Dickson said he made the decision in light of growing extended family and time away from his family. It’s expected Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims will take over Dickson’s duties. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-administrator-to-resign/