Air Methods CorporationEnglewood, CO, United States (NASDAQ (GS): AIRM)

Congress Investigating Small Plane Approval - Air charter service companies that use very light jets (VLJs) are closely watching House hearings about the FAA approval process for the Eclipse 500 VLJ. According to investigators, the plane was approved despite safety concerns from the FAA. The newness of VLJs is one problem, as experts contend that the FAA simply doesn't understand the unique technology in VLJs.

Plane Demand Still Strong Despite Economy - The faltering US and global economy is causing problems in multiple US industries, yet general aviation (GA) plane manufacturing shipments increased January through June 2008 compared to the same 2007 period, a positive indicator for air charter services companies. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports that business jet shipments were up over 39 percent year-to-date through June 2008 compared to the same period in 2007; turboprop shipments were more than 19 percent. Across all types of GA aircraft, shipments were up 1.6 percent.

Air Charter Services Planes Get Security Attention - TSA is writing new regulations designed to improve security at GA airports and for air charter planes. The smaller planes used in air charter services concern TSA due to the possibility of terrorism, and because generally, air charter passengers and crew members don't have to pass the same security screenings as commercial airline passengers and crew. Air charter companies worry that increased security may ruin one of the major benefits of flying charter.