Cessna is within days of receiving certification and beginning delivery of its new Citation Sovereign midsize and M2 light business jets, but the new Citation X may still be a number of months away. Cessna is working at a “feverish pace” to wrap up the certification programs for the M2 and Sovereign by year’s end, a goal that Brad Thress, senior vice president-business jets for Cessna believes will be accomplished.

Citing safety justification and cost concerns, industry groups are reiterating their call for FAA to shelve its proposed airworthiness directive (AD) to require inspections and replacements of Engine Components Inc. (ECi) and Airmotive Engineering “Titan” cylinders found on 6,000 Continental 520 and 550 model reciprocating engines.

FAA is holding off on its plan to require pilots and controllers with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more to undergo obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening, a move widely welcomed by aviation industry groups last week.

Industry leaders remain hopeful that the long overdue repair station security rule will finally shake free from its White House review in the next few weeks, but they are still calling on newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to make sure that happens.

Star Alliance faces pressure from Persian Gulf carriers

Safety advocates have long recognized the dangers of pilot fatigue

Brinkmanship dims hopes for Everett Boeing 777X assembly

Heathrow, Gatwick In Front Of Line For Expansion