Airplane News: FAA Guidance on ADHD Meds, a Light Sport Helicopter Released, and Falcon Field Damage

Welcome to your weekly General Aviation news update, we have 3 stories for you; New FAA Guidance for those with ADHD Medications, Light Sport Helicopter released, and a microburst which has damaged a number of aircraft at Mesa’s Falcon Field. First up this week is new FAA Guidance for those on ADHD medications. The guidance is for Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), that gives a criteria to bypass the lengthy review process. The criteria for waiving the review process is "no treatment or use of ADHD meds for any reason in the past four years; no symptoms in the past four years; detailed records showing no instability in academic, occupational, or social functioning within the past four years; and no other psychiatric conditions or diagnosis.” Those who don’t qualify for the new guidance can still go through the existing review process, though it will take longer. We’re glad to see the FAA created a fast track so to speak! Next up is a light sport helicopter that will only require a Driver’s License to operate, once MOSAIC goes into affect! The ATRX-700 is a fly-by-wire helicopter that comes in at only $188,000. The helicopter is two seat with a 650lb payload, 300 mile range, and 100mph cruise speed. The 1,700lb helicopter will factory built and will require 30 hours of training at RotorX in Torrance, California. Would you get a little helicopter like this? Let us know in the Zcomments! Last up, A Microburst hit Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona this week, damaging a number of hangers and aircraft. From pictures we can see that damaged aircraft included training planes, private jets, and even historic aircraft. Hanger roofs were ripped off and some planes that were tied down broke chains. Winds were reported to be between 60 and 90 mph. So far, there’s no reports of any injuries but we are sad to see all the damage to the airport. That’s it, have a great weekend, and we’ll see you next week!