Though the FAA in early November published a final rule requiring U.S. airline pilots to experience and recover from full stalls in the simulator, key details needed to put the training into practice within five years are as yet unfinished and the topic of continuing debate.

VistaJet is expanding a recently formed partnership with Jet Aviation, naming the international fixed-base operation chain its handling services provider in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia regions. VistaJet in early September announced a teaming agreement with Jet Aviation and newly formed membership-based private aviation company Wheels Up as part of its plans to expand in the U.S.

The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that FAA significantly scale back a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) seeking inspections and replacement of Engine Components Inc. (ECi) and Airmotive Engineering “Titan” cylinders found on 6,000 Continental 520 and 550 model reciprocating engines.

General aviation groups are calling on FAA to either shelve altogether or at least undertake a formal rulemaking process if it plans to pursue a requirement for obese pilots and controllers to be screened and possibly treated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The groups say the pending policy is unjustified by safety data and, in a letter sent last week to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, argue that Congress has mandated formal rulemaking processes for attempts at imposing similar requirements in other forms of transportation.

Landmark Aviation’s recent deal to acquire Panorama marks the fixed-base operation chain’s fourth purchase this year, and the company is poised to remain on the acquisition trail with other announcements anticipated shortly, ratings agency Moody’s believes. Moody’s recently assigned a B2 rating (higher risk) for a proposed $75 million “add-on term loan” that the agency says will help fund Landmark’s acquisition of Panorama, along with “other recent and future anticipated near-term acquisitions.”

Bombardier is taking initial steps to form a joint venture for a new maintenance facility in China. The Canadian airframer signed a letter of agreement with Tianjin Airport Economic Area in Mainland China to increase maintenance services there. Bombardier and Tianjin Airport Economic Area are hoping to finalize definitive agreements in 2014, clearing the way for a facility to open in 2016.

The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) is working with regional governments to introduce regulations and policies that lay a foundation for business aviation and curb illegal operations.

Perry Inhofe, the son of Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), reported a control problem and that the left engine of his MU-2B-25 had shut down shortly before the aircraft crashed while maneuvering on approach to Tulsa International Airport (TUL) on Nov. 10, the National Transportation Safety Board says. Perry Inhofe, 52, the pilot and sole person aboard the aircraft, died in the crash.