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Magazine Issue

Business & Commercial Aviation November 2014

VOL. 110 NO. 11 November 01, 2014

Analysis

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Pilot Report: Bombardier Challenger 350

Nov 01, 2014
The Challenger 300 is a tough act to follow. When it made its debut in late 2003, it instantly became a modern day and more affordable successor to the Gulfstream II, with plenty of thrust, a generously sized wing and sporty performance. Similar to the GII, it had transcontinental U.S. range, a flat floor, room for eight in a double club cabin, inflight baggage access and rock-solid reliability. If it had wide oval cabin windows and a heavy-iron price tag, people might have thought it was built in Savannah, Ga., rather than Montreal.
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Honeywell HTF 7350 Powerplants

Nov 01, 2014
Two FADEC-equipped, 7,323-lb. thrust AS907-2-1A engines, marketed as HTF7350 turbofans, power the aircraft. Normal takeoff thrust is available to ISA+15C. APR increases the takeoff thrust flat-rating to ISA+20C.
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Challenger 350 Performance

Nov 01, 2014
These graphs are designed to illustrate the performance of Challenger 350 under a variety of range, payload, speed and density altitude conditions. Do not use these data for flight planning purposes because they are gross approximations of actual aircraft performance.
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Pro Line 21 Advanced Avionics

Nov 01, 2014
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Comparison Profile Challenger 350

Nov 01, 2014
Designers attempt to give exceptional capabilities in all areas, including price, but the laws of physics, thermodynamics and aerodynamics do not allow one aircraft to do all missions with equal efficiency. Tradeoffs are a reality of aircraft design.

Viewpoint

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Opinion: Flying Cars Could Have A Place In Business Aviation

Nov 01, 2014
My left leg had begun to ache, as is often the case on long drives. We’d covered some 711 interstate miles by the time we pulled into the motel lot in Johnson City, Tennessee, that day. I’d earned a steak, a bed and a tumbler of Jack, and not in that order. Tomorrow, another 350 mi. before reaching the gate. Ugh.

Readers' Feedback

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Letters From Our Readers (November 2014)

Nov 01, 2014
Too Much Pressure I am in no way minimalizing the tragic loss of life at any time in aviation. However, the comment (Readers’ Feedback, September 2014, page 11) that perhaps the pilots of the Gulfstream IV that crashed at Bedford, Massachusetts, this summer were influenced by a passenger’s reputed preference to depart immediately upon arrival touches on a familiar problem.

Intelligence

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Maverick Helicopters Expanding Into Hawaii

Nov 01, 2014
Maverick Helicopters, an air tour operator that flies routes in Nevada and Arizona, is expanding into Hawaii beginning in spring 2015. Maverick will open a base in Maui, Hawaii, its fifth permanent location, providing tours over the island. Maverick will use Airbus Helicopters Eco-Star EC-130 helicopters for the tours.
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Trine Develops Hushkit to Keep Older Learjets Flying

Nov 01, 2014
Colorado Springs-based Trine Aerospace & Defense has developed a Stage 3-compliant hushkit to help save Learjet 20 series aircraft from extinction. At the direction of Congress, the FAA is mandating the phaseout of all Stage II business jets by the end of 2015.
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IRMA Surpasses 500,000 Registrations

Nov 01, 2014
The International Registry of Mobile Assets (IRMA), an online business that was founded in 2006 under the Cape Town Convention and Protocol of 2001, has surpassed 500,000 registrations covering 110,000 aircraft “objects” valued at more than $500 billion (U.S.). The registry is averaging 7,000 registrations a month, 68% of which are en
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Aerion Gets Engineering Help from Airbus for AS2

Nov 01, 2014
Airbus Defense & Space has agreed to a technology collaboration that Aerion says will give it access to engineering skills in the disciplines required to move the program ahead toward certification and production. Both companies say they are committing significant resources to the partnership. For Airbus Group, supporting Aerion in design of its AS2 business jet will provide valuable work for senior engineers from its military aircraft division, which has been negatively affected by declining defense spending.
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Jet-A and Avgas Per Gallon Fuel Prices, October 2014

Nov 01, 2014
Jet-A Region High Low Average Eastern $9.06 $4.85 $6.63 New England $7.70 $4.56 $5.88 Great Lakes
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Cirrus Offers Performance Braking System From Cirrus Direct

Nov 01, 2014
Cirrus Aircraft has begun offering its Performance Braking System for operators of Generation 3 and newer aircraft from Cirrus Direct, the company owned parts distribution system. The high-performance, single-caliper brake system uses tubeless tires and redesigned wheel fairings to improve reliability and performance. The system is standard on new SR22T, SR22 and SR20 models. Cirrus is additionally developing the upgrade for earlier model aircraft. The system is priced at $15,300 for Generation 3 and newer models.
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Embraer Delivers Legacy 500 to Brazilian Customer

Nov 01, 2014
Embraer Executive Jets on Oct. 10 officially entered the midsize jet market with the delivery of its Legacy 500 business jet to a Brazilian customer. The delivery followed Brazilian ANAC certification in August. U.S. FAA certification is anticipated within weeks, Embraer executives say. The delivery marked two celebrations the Brazilian airframer held last week. The second involved the groundbreaking on an 236,000-sq.-ft. expansion that will double its footprint in Melbourne, Florida. That expansion will provide space for U.S.
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Granite Aviation Opens FBO at Sandpoint Airport, Idaho

Nov 01, 2014
Granite Aviation recently opened its fixed-base operation facility at Sandpoint Airport (SZT) in Idaho. The $1.6 million facility includes a 3,700-sq.-ft. terminal, a 7,000-sq.-ft. hangar, four aircraft refueling trucks, deicer truck and a new 190-ft.-by-900-ft. aircraft ramp. Granite, a Phillips 66 dealer, opens the new FBO as the airport has undergone a recent increase in business and personal traffic. The airport is home to several other aerospace companies, including Tamarack Aerospace, Quest Aircraft and Timberline Helicopters.
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NBAA Plans Three Regional Forums in 2015

Nov 01, 2014
The National Business Aviation Association has set three regional forums for 2015, beginning Feb. 19 in West Palm Beach, Fla. That event will take place at Atlantic Aviation at Palm Beach International with support from GAMA Aviation and Signature Flight Support. Other events are scheduled for June 25 at Landmark Aviation in Teterboro, N.J. and Sept. 17 at Jet Aviation at St. Louis Downtown Airport in East St. Louis, Ill.
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INGarmin’s G5000 Beechjet Retrofit Enters Flight Test

Nov 01, 2014
Garmin has begun flight testing its G5000 retrofit on a Beechjet 400A, a milestone that puts the program on target for certification later in 2015. The G5000 is Garmin’s first foray into the Part 25 market and has already been certified on Cessna’s Citation X+ and Sovereign+, along with Bombardier’s Learjet 70/75 program. For the Beechjet 400A and Hawker 400XP, Garmin is offering three 12-in. flight displays with two touchscreen display/controllers.
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Learjet Banked Into Eurofighter in Fatal Crash

Nov 01, 2014
German investigators probing the crash of a military-chartered Learjet 35A have found that the aircraft banked into one of two German air force Eurofighter Typhoons that were escorting it over Germany. In its interim report, published Sept. 23, the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation said the 28-year-old Learjet, operated by Airbus Group-owned Gesellschaft Flugzieldarstellung GmbH (GFD), was being escorted by the Typhoons as part of an interception exercise.
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Surf Air Expanding Services With New PC-12s

Nov 01, 2014
Surf Air will receive the first of up to 65 Pilatus PC-12NG single-turboprop aircraft in this month. The California-based operator in August placed firm orders for 15 of the Pilatus aircraft and options for another 50 in a deal valued at up to $312 million. Surf Air began operations in 2013 with three used PC-12s, offering unlimited flights to members for a $1,000 fixed fee and then $1,750 monthly charges.
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Business Jet Investor Confidence Weakens, Morgan Stanley Says

Nov 01, 2014
Investor confidence in the business jet market has weakened somewhat, with investors who were formerly “bullish” on the market becoming “neutral,” Wall Street analyst Morgan Stanley reports. The good news for the market is investors aren’t worried about the market worsening. But Morgan Stanley believes the weaker outlook of investors comes from “all the false starts.” The analyst notes that forecasters initially expected the signs of recovery in 2010 to last longer than they did.
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Piper Eyes M-Class Sales in China

Nov 01, 2014
Piper Aircraft recently secured Civil Aviation Administration of China approval for its M-Class line, including the Piper Meridian single turboprop and the high performance single pistons Mirage and Matrix, clearing the way for the company to build a presence in the growing Chinese general aviation market. The approval comes as Piper in recent years has focused on international expansion of its products, lining up dealers globally, including several in China.
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Safe Flight Instrument Introduces New Icing Conditions Detector

Nov 01, 2014
Safe Flight Instrument Corporation introduced its new Icing Conditions Detector (ICD) available for all aircraft types. Ice accretion is a serious hazard to all aircraft. Even miniscule amounts of frost, snow, ice or slush on the aerodynamic and/or control surfaces of the aircraft can cause significant loss in lift and flight control.
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RUAG Aviation Upgrades AS350 B3e

Nov 01, 2014
RUAG Aviation has performed an avionics modification on an Airbus Helicopter AS350 B3e that provides significant advantages over the original avionics system, according to the company. Modifications include the integration of a Garmin G500H Electronic Flight Display and an L3 ESI-2000 Standby Indicator and a Garmin GTN650 Nav/Com Dual Installation. RUAG also installed an Avidyne TAS605 and a Cobham HeliSAS autopilot and a Freeflight RA4000 radar altimeter. Whelen LED strobe lights were installed on the fuselage.
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Garmin Wins OK for AOA System for General Aviation Aircraft

Nov 01, 2014
Garmin has received approval for its angle of attack (AOA) system for a range of general aviation aircraft. Garmin has begun shipment of the systems, which comprise a GI 260 AOA indicator, GAP 26 angle of attack probe and GSU 25 air data computer. The GI 260 AOA indicator provides audible and visual alerts as the aircraft approach stall angle of attack. The system corrects for weight, g-loading, density altitude and airspeed, providing a higher level of accuracy than lift reserve indicators. The system is priced beginning at $1,499.
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Cessna Ships First Two Grand Caravan EX Amphibians to Vietnam

Nov 01, 2014
Cessna has shipped the first two of three Grand Caravan EX Amphibian aircraft to Hai Au Aviation in Vietnam. The third aircraft is to be delivered later this year. The aircraft are the first of the Grand Caravan EX Amphibians to be operated in Vietnam. The aircraft are configured to seat up to 12 passengers for a range of missions, including scenic flights, transport and customized flights.
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First Garmin G600/GTN 750-Equipped TBM 700 Delivered

Nov 01, 2014
Daher-Socata handed over its first TBM 700 single-turboprop aircraft upgraded with the Garmin G600/GTN 750 glass cockpit avionics. The retrofit project replaces mechanical equipment and first-generation cathode ray tube electronic flight displays. The Garmin G600 upgrade includes liquid-crystal primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) in a single 10-in. bezel.
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Bell Helicopter’s 429 Firsts

Nov 01, 2014
Bell made the first Model 429 Wheeled Landing Gear (WLG) sale in Europe and the aircraft will also be outfitted with the first Bell 429 MAGnificent luxury cabin interior created by Italy-based Mecaer Aviation Groug (MAG). The Bell 429 is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators.
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Houston Hobby to Get a Sixth FBO

Nov 01, 2014
Houston-based Galaxy Aviation is planning to add another facility at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) after the Houston City Council approved a lease over the objections of existing airport tenants. For Galaxy, the FBO would be its third location since owner Black Forest Investments bought the original facility in late 2012. Black Forest has since increased its reach in the Houston market with the addition of a heliport in North Houston.
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G500 Rolls Out; Flexjet and Qatar Airways Place Orders

Nov 01, 2014
Gulfstream Aerospace’s new G500, which rolled out before an audience of 3,000 under its own power Oct. 14 alongside the mockup of the G600, is already capturing significant orders and options. Fractional ownership provider Flexjet, in a major departure from its all-Bombardier fleet, is turning to rival Gulfstream to launch Gulfstream’s all-new G500 aircraft. The Flexjet deal includes 22 firm orders — 10 450s and six apiece of the 500 and 650. Delivery of the 450s will begin in 2015, followed by the 650 in 2016.
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Cessna Ups Performance Specs on Latitude

Nov 01, 2014
Cessna’s Citation Latitude is getting another performance boost after flight trials demonstrated that the aircraft can fly farther and take off from shorter runways than promised. Cessna is changing its specifications to boost long-range maximum cruise to 2,700 nm, 200 nm more than previously promised. Takeoff distance is also now projected at 3,668 ft., compared with the previous 4,030 ft. The improved parameters mark the third performance bump that Cessna is giving the Latitude.
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Rockwell Collins Demos Pro Line Fusion For UAS Applications

Nov 01, 2014
Rockwell Collins recently demonstrated its Pro Line Fusion for use as a ground control station and airborne avionics for unmanned aerial system applications. The demonstration expands the work for the avionics suite, which has been selected for 17 military, rotary wing and business jet and turboprop flight decks. Most recently Pro Line Fusion was selected for AVIC’s MA-700 regional aircraft.
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ViaSat Subsidiary NetNearU Joins Wireless Broadband Alliance

Nov 01, 2014
NetNearU, a ViaSat Inc. company, has joined the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA). The aim of the WBA, together with its over 100 members, is to secure an outstanding user experience through the global deployment of next generation Wi-Fi. “Joining the WBA furthers our ability to collaborate with our partners and customers in the industry.
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Fast Five

Nov 01, 2014
Questions for Shawn Vick This management team really understands aircraft, their values, the companies that built them and the individuals and corporations that require them.

Operations

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High Costs at International Destinations

Nov 01, 2014
Parking on a distant ramp assessed at $4,000 a day. To tow an aircraft to the general aviation terminal: $1,000. Landing permits billed at $15,000 for one trip, plus $7,500 for ground handling “coordination.” More than $2,000 each for weather briefings and flight planning. And that was just the beginning. Maybe we should have stayed home.
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London: It May be Expensive, But it Isn’t Gouging

Nov 01, 2014
London City Airport (EGLC) is the closest airport to the London financial district (“the City”), but it has a reputation for being frightfully expensive. But does that constitute gouging?
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What's Cooking: Galley Possibilities

Nov 10, 2014
New and traditional thinking plus careful planning can transform a vital element of business aircraft.
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Hot Stuff

Nov 01, 2014
Induction ovens provide improved cooking methods that enhance the quality of food preparation and expand the range of “cooked onboard” items such as eggs, toast, premium meats, etc.

First Look

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Gulfstream Unveils G500 and G600

Nov 01, 2014
The wait is over. On October 14, Gulfstream rolled out the G500, the first of two models from its secretive P42 development program. In the works since 2008, the project actually spawned two new models, the 5,000-nm G500 and the 6,200-nm G600. Both look a lot like the firm’s 7,000-nm G650 flagship, but they have less range, smaller cabin cross-sections and lower price tags. The G500 is priced at $43.5 million and the longer G600 will go for $54.5 million.

DOM Notebook

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Making SMS Work for Maintainers

Nov 13, 2014
SMS is not just a binder that you keep on the shelf, it is really about changing the way we identify and address hazards.
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New Rule for SMS Coming

Nov 01, 2014
The FAA has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Safety Management Systems. This new rule would be applicable to operating certificate holders and not FAR Part 91. While safety is always on everyone’s mind, making SMS mandatory can be problematic, especially for small operations. Fortunately, if the new NPRM becomes a rule, there will be a phase-in period to give operators time to come up to speed. The FAA has a website dedicated to SMS at: https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/sms/

Safety

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Aircraft Performance

Nov 01, 2014
On April 2, 2011, a Gulfstream 650 test crew perished while completing steps along that airplane’s road to certification under Title 14 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 25 (14 CFR 25). They had been hard at work, proving the aircraft could fly the very low takeoff safety speeds predicted by its designers.

Point of Law

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Deduct Now, Or Over Time?

Nov 01, 2014
When an operator has maintenance done on an aircraft airframe, including a “heavy maintenance visit,” are the bills deductible immediately as ordinary and necessary business expenses, or must the cost be “capitalized,” that is depreciated over time? Since business aviation exists to serve at a moment’s notice, it’s natural that flight departments want to deduct the full cost of all maintenance immediately.

Washington Watch

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The Short End of the ATP Requirement

Nov 01, 2014
Since the ATP requirement for first officers of FAR Part 121 carriers took effect in summer 2013, the debate over the existence of a pilot shortage has intensified. So, too, has the finger pointing all across Washington.

Cause & Circumstance

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Aviate, Navigate, Communicate

Nov 01, 2014
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Cockpit Voice Recorder Transcript

Nov 01, 2014
TSB investigators determined that the accident pilot was getting a briefing on the King Air’s instrumentation and avionics systems from the assisting pilot during the flight from Georgetown, Texas, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

20/Twenty

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An Operational Look At: Gulfstream's G450

Nov 24, 2014
It's tough to top the G450, now in its tenth year of production, for reliability, tanks-full payload and value.

B&CA 50 Years Ago

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November 1964 News

Nov 01, 2014
A low-cost flight director is under development by King Radio engineers. The price goal is in the $1,000 ballpark. So far no such device is available (or known to be in development) at anywhere near this figure.