New This Week

AVweb's search of aviation news worldwide found some developments in the UAS industry, international shipments for FlyThisSim's Robinson trainer, and an STC in the making for helicopter lithium-ion batteries. SkyWard and Robotic Skies announced a partnership that teams the aviation expertise of each company to provide safety, compliance and maintenance solutions to the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) community. Through SkyWard's digital system of record and Robotic Skies' global maintenance network UAS operators can easily track and manage their fleet, whether in the air or on the ground for routine inspections and repair.Kansas State University Salina has reached a national milestone in the unmanned aircraft systems industry, becoming the first entity in the country to receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for statewide access during flight operations.The university has received three Certificates of Authorization that will allow its unmanned aircraft systems program to conduct research anywhere in the state on public property, or on private property with landowner permission.

FlyThisSim, makers of the very popular TouchTrainer,announced the first international shipment of their Robinson Floor Mounted Helicopter series.Available with a variety of TouchTrainer instrument panels, including G500, this is the 32nd FAA certified R22, 44 simulator to be delivered. FTS sees the Robinson as its official step up from desktop to cockpit oriented flight simulators and procedures trainers.The R22 and R44 are available now priced at $25K. Phoenix Heliparts (PHP) is pleased to announce its partnership with True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co. Inc., to pursue a series of FAA Part 27 Supplemental Type Certificates for the installation of the True Blue Power TB17 Advanced Lithium-ion Battery into many of the airframes PHP supports. Initial STC certification plans for the TB17 include the MD Series helicopters, with anticipated completion in early 2016.