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Magazine Issue

Business & Commercial Aviation, March 2015

Pilot Report

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Pilot Report: Embraer Phenom 100E

Mar 13, 2015
Green shoots finally are popping up in the entry-level light jet market, after the segment entered a nosedive six years ago. Now, Textron Aviation, Embraer and HondaJet, the Big Three of the light jet manufacturers, are gearing up to take advantage of better times ahead with three distinctively different models, all priced at close to $4.5 million when comparably equipped.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F Turbofan Engines

Mar 01, 2015
Rated at 1,695 lb. thrust to ISA+10C, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F is scaled-up version of the PW615F that powers the Citation Mustang with hot-section durability improvements added to withstand the rigors of the high-cycle operating environment of air-taxi operations. An automatic performance reserve feature boosts engine output to 1,777 lb. thrust in the event of engine failure on takeoff, if APR is armed prior to takeoff roll.
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Prodigy Flight Deck

Mar 01, 2015
The Embraer Phenom 100’s Prodigy avionics package is a highly evolved and customized version of the Garmin G1000 system used in several other light turbofan aircraft, including the Cessna Citation Mustang. Embraer chose to fit the aircraft with three identical 12-in. AMLCDs having the same basic internal functionality. Any of them can assume the identity of a primary flight display or multifunction display. Using reversionary modes, this design feature allows the aircraft to be dispatched with one of the three displays inoperative.

Viewpoint

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FAA Vs. UAVs

Mar 10, 2015
What we have here is a “disruptive technology” that the regulatory apparatus — namely, the FAA — is utterly unprepared to accommodate.

Readers' Feedback

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Readers’ Feedback (March 2015)

Mar 01, 2015
Aerial Views I recently read Kent Jackson’s “Unmanned Unknowns” (Point of Law, October 2014, page 92). I thought the article was informative but had a definite slant to it. The FAA already has rules for remote-controlled (R/C) aircraft, so why hint that rules are needed? Was the goal to cause confusion, and maybe create the “better to ask for forgiveness than permission” view when it comes to violating civilian privacy?

Operations

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Managing Helicopter Noise

Mar 01, 2015
While the sound of spinning rotors may mean lifesaving, safety or profit to members of the rotary-wing community, to most in the general population, the sound is just noise. Too often, unwelcome noise. And that’s a problem for everyone.
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Noise Reduction Technologies

Mar 01, 2015
A notable “low noise” technological success was achieved with the non-conventional NOTAR anti-torque design. The NOTAR, short for “no tail rotor”, design blows high-pressure air out of vents along the tail boom, producing torque-countering thrust via the Coanda effect. Originally developed by McDonnell Douglas, the system is installed on MD Helicopters’ MD520N, MD600N and MD Explorer models.
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By What Measure?

Mar 01, 2015
Everyone recognizes noise, but giving measure to it has resulted in a kind of acoustical polyglot, with different scientific camps employing a variety of systems. Even the FAA is confounded by the divisions. In its report on non-military helicopter noise, the agency noted, “there are multiple noise metrics utilized to assess noise (EPNL, ASEL, DNL, etc.). However, civil helicopter annoyance assessments utilize the same acoustic methodology adopted for airplanes with no distinction for the helicopter’s unique noise character.
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Special Interest Groups Sound Up

Mar 01, 2015
Area residents have formed the Los Angeles Area Helicopter Noise Coalition, which is seeking to improve their quality of life by reducing helicopter noise in their communities, without compromising safety. Their website claims a commitment “to partnering with local neighborhoods and working with appropriate government agencies, helicopter pilots and operators, and other entities to enhance the environmental quality of our neighborhoods today and for future generations.”
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Fly Neighborly General Suggestions

Mar 01, 2015
When possible, avoid noise-sensitive areas. Try to utilize high ambient noise routes such as freeways or unpopulated routes such as waterways. Follow published noise abatement procedures. When flying near noise-sensitive areas, maintain an altitude as high as possible. It is also recommended to fly at or somewhat below normal cruise speed when flying over noise-sensitive areas. Airspeeds above normal cruise dramatically increase the objectionable High Speed Impulsive (HSI) sound qualities.
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Operating in the South Pacific

Mar 09, 2015
Like few operating areas, the South Pacific will test your airmanship, equipment and flight planning.
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A Plea From Oceanic ATC

Mar 01, 2015
At the 2014 NBAA International Operators Conference Robin Leach and Pat Dunn delivered the South Pacific presentation which included a list of common mistakes made by business aviation flight crews flying the SoPac routes. Here is an abridged version: Not updating ETAs when early or late by at more than three minutes. Not reporting reaching new assigned flight level when cleared to change. (Until verification is received, ATC blocks off intermediate flight levels.)
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Be Flexible in Planning Your Crew Changes

Mar 09, 2015
Bronte Marshall, chief pilot at Oakland-based KaiserAir Inc., urges flight crews to be flexible in spotting relief flight crews on long overwater missions. That advice is based on hard experience involving a crew exchange that wound up being complicated by an unforeseen weather event.
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Oakland Oceanic Control Enters the 21st Century

Mar 01, 2015
The Oceanic Division of Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center extends from the U.S. West Coast to 130 deg. E longitude and from 05 deg. South latitude to just above 56 deg. N latitude, covering a staggering 18.7 million sq. mi. of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
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“On-Top” Fuel Reserves

Mar 01, 2015
Chris Strand, lead pilot for Amway Corporation’s BBJ and a member of the NBAA International Operations Committee, learned a few things about fuel reserves when flying the Pacific as a navigator in Navy EP3s (the electronic warfare version of the venerable Lockheed P3, the navalized variant of the four-engine Electra turboprop).
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What Day Is It? Transiting the International Dateline Across the South Pacific

Mar 09, 2015
Imagine a corporate flight department with five long-range business jets that makes up to 15 transits of the South Pacific a year.
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Landing Assured, Departure Not

Mar 01, 2015
It is a given among pilots universally that they must not let their aircraft alight or roll upon any surface not strong enough to support it. That goes for the runway, the ramp and everywhere in between. (Just because you were able to taxi it there, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to taxi it back out.)

DOM Notebook

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No Room for Rust

Mar 01, 2015
There was a time when cars would disintegrate before wearing out. The mild steel body panels would go from the striking die to chassis with little or no surface treatment. Paint and primer were the main defenses against rust, and if you lived in the cold and salty northern climes, body rot was almost guaranteed. Eventually consumer dissatisfaction took hold and the automakers determined that it would be in their long-term self-interest to build cars that did not dissolve into piles of red dust.
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Corrosion Smarts

Mar 01, 2015
Looking for more advice on corrosion control? FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-4A — [Large AC] Corrosion Control for Aircraft is a good place to start (or restart) learning about protecting your aircraft from corrosion. Like most Advisory material, it is a bit dated, but it still provides good information. Go the the FAA website: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/ and either enter he AC number or search for corrosion.

Cause & Circumstance

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Convair’s Failed Engine-out Return

Mar 01, 2015
This month we are looking at another recent approach stall accident involving a large airplane with a highly experienced pilot serving as PIC. The NTSB says the FAA’s oversight of the operating company — Fresh Air Inc. — was lax, the operation of the airplane was sloppy and the crew coordination was poor. Training records were haphazard and de facto SOPs did not comply with the aircraft flight manual (AFM).
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NTSB to FAA: Take Another Look at Part 125 Effectiveness

Mar 01, 2015
Pilots operating under Part 125 are not required to receive any specific training as defined by the FARs. However, per 14 CFR 125.287(b), captains are required to meet certain experience requirements, and both pilots are required to receive an annual competency check. In addition, per 14 CFR 125.291(a), each pilot-in-command (PIC) must receive an instrument proficiency check every six months. The instrument proficiency check is generally a more comprehensive check, so Part 125 allows the pilot to substitute an instrument proficiency check for the competency check.
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Water Injection and Autofeather – Accident Factors

Mar 01, 2015
Many of today’s pilots never had the opportunity to operate aircraft with big, radial, piston engines. These powerplants are beefy and complex and have systems to extract extra energy from heat and to deal with high heat and pressures. A water injection system, also known as anti-detonation injection, or simply ADI, is one of them. Another is an auto feathering system, designed to accelerate the feathering of a failing engine while preventing the manual feathering of the running engine. Choosing to use either or both systems creates takeoff weight restrictions.
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Accidents in Brief

Mar 01, 2015
Selected accidents and incidents from the NTSB database.

20/Twenty

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Cessna Citation CJ1+

Mar 24, 2015
Strap into a CJ1+ and you’ll feel as comfortable as when you slip on your favorite shoes. The third-generation CitationJet, built from mid-2005 to late 2010, has FADEC-equipped engines with slightly more thrust, increased operating weights and an upgraded interior compared to the CJ1. It also has a completely integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics package, including full-feature FMS-3000, and more standard equipment.

On Duty

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News of promotions, appointments and honors (March 2015)

Mar 01, 2015
Strap into a CJ1+ and you’ll feel as comfortable as when you slip on your favorite shoes. The third-generation CitationJet, built from mid-2005 to late 2010, has FADEC-equipped engines with slightly more thrust, increased operating weights and an upgraded interior compared to the CJ1. It also has a completely integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics package, including full-feature FMS-3000, and more standard equipment.

B&CA 50 Years Ago

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March 1965 News

Mar 01, 2015
Transition to pure jet for the business aviation pilot will not be a road paved with affable, easy-going examiners. “The agency is very concerned over . . . business pilots making the transition to jet equipment in wholesale quantities . . .” FAA Administrator Halaby said.

Intelligence

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GAMA Results for 2014s

Mar 01, 2015
General aviation aircraft deliveries and billings rose more than 4% in 2014 over 2013, although results in individual segments were mixed. Deliveries of business jet and piston-powered airplanes rose in 2014, for example, while shipments of turboprops and rotorcraft decreased. Total worldwide general aviation airplane deliveries rose 4.3%, from 2,353 units in 2013 to 2,454 units in 2014.
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U.S. Economic Impact From GA Tops $219 Billion

Mar 01, 2015
The general aviation industry contributed $219 billion to the U.S. economy in 2013 and supported 1.1 million direct and indirect U.S. jobs, according to a just-released 16-page report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. That’s up dramatically from the last study performed in 2004 and 2005, when the industry contributed $150 billion to the U.S. economy, said General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Pete Bunce. The last study was done when the industry was ascending and before the economic downturn.
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Tiltrotor Prototype No. 3 Set to Fly By Summer

Mar 01, 2015
The third prototype of the AgustaWestland AW609 commercial tiltrotor is set to fly in May, paving the way for deicing tests of the aircraft at year-end. Engineers are currently assembling the aircraft in Italy, where shakedown flights will be conducted before it is dismantled and sent to Philadelphia in preparation for testing of the aircraft’s deicing system in Minnesota toward year-end.
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Jet-A and Avgas Per Gallon Fuel Prices February 2015

Mar 01, 2015
For the latest news and information, go to www.bcadigital.com
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Jet Aviation Plans New Hangars, FBO Remodel At Nassau Airport

Mar 01, 2015
Jet Aviation is managing the FBO at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas, and has plans to add new hangars and remodel the interior. The Nassau facility features 305,000 sq. ft. of ramp space and includes on-site Customs and Immigration, concierge service, 20,000 sq. ft. of hangar space. It also plans to repave and expand the ramp and add new tenant hangars.
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Duncan Aviation Publishes Updated ADS-B Straight Talk Book

Mar 01, 2015
Duncan Aviation released its recently updated Straight Talk book on the NextGen initiative Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). The debate is over, and the January 2020 deadline gets closer every day. To find out what you need to know to make sure your aircraft is in compliance with the FAA’s mandate, go to: www.duncanaviation.aero/straighttalk/adsb/index.php. The updated book is free.
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UAS Demo Zone at EBACE 2015

Mar 01, 2015
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will be on display at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, EBACE, in May. Organizers are dedicating a zone for unmanned aircraft system products so attendees can see them in action and take part in education sessions that will focus on the European Commission’s regulations regarding UAS, or remotely piloted aircraft systems, as they are better known in Europe. The move comes as UAS grows as part of the business aviation community worldwide.
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Civil Helicopter Accidents in U.S. Down in 2014

Mar 01, 2015
The number of civil helicopter accidents in the U.S. fell 26% last year, showing good safety progress by the industry, the International Helicopter Safety Team said. The number of accidents fell to 3.64 accidents in 2014, from 4.95 accidents in 2013, the organization said. Over the past 10 years, however, the accident rate has dropped by more than half, according to the report. From 2001-2005, the number of civil helicopter accidents averaged 7.97 per 100,000 flight hours. The number of fatal accidents has also fallen.
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European Bizav Flights Down in January

Mar 01, 2015
Business aviation flights in Europe saw a big decline in January, marked by fewer flights in Western Europe and a continued free-fall in activity in Russia and the Ukraine, according to a report by WingX Advance. Overall, there were 49,929 business aviation flights in Europe in January, a decline of 5.8% compared to January 2013. “This fall takes last year’s tepid recovery well off course,” the report said. Activity last month was at a similar level to that of January 2009. Flight activity fell 4% in Western Europe.
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Nesterov Aviation New PC-12 Center

Mar 01, 2015
Pilatus appoints Russian aviation company Nesterov Aviation as its PC-12 sales and service center for Russia. Nesterov has offices in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Pilatus calls Nesterov the “perfect partner” that can offer customized support to PC-12 owners in Russia. Nesterov Aviation will begin preparations this year for a maintenance center in the northwestern part of Russia to further expand its operations across the country.
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TriState Careflight, Baldwin Team Up for Safety System

Mar 01, 2015
TriState Careflight, which offers critical care transport services, is teaming with Baldwin Safety and Compliance, based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, to enhance and grow its safety management system. TriState offers services in Arizona, New Mexico. Colorado and Nevada. TriState, based in Bullhead City, Arizona, operates 27 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft and employs 380 people. TriState’s collaboration with Baldwin underscores its commitment to the most efficient and safest emergency medical service organization possible, the company said.
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First VVIP A380 Erased From Airbus Order Book

Mar 01, 2015
After languishing in storage in Toulouse for the last several years, the world’s first and only VVIP Airbus A380 has been retired. Airbus removed the aircraft from its order book in late 2014, ending speculation over if and when the giant aircraft would ever become the “Flying Palace” it was once intended to be. Airbus says it does not know what will happen to the aircraft, which was the third prototype.
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Delta Private Jets Is Growing Its Business

Mar 01, 2015
Delta Private Jets turned in a record 2014 in revenue and fleet growth, and is growing in all its business units, the aircraft charter, aircraft management and jet card company said. The company, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, recently added six aircraft to its managed aircraft fleet, including two Citation CJ2s, a Citation CJ3, a Learjet 75, a Citation X and a Hawker 4000. The additions bring the company’s managed fleet to 64 aircraft. Jet card sales were up 17% last year.
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First NetJets Phenom 300 Flies into London City

Mar 01, 2015
NetJets Europe flew the first Phenom 300 into London City Airport after receiving certification to operate the light aircraft from the airport, it said. NetJets is the largest private operator at the airport, with 50% of all traffic, according to NetJets. It connected to 374 destinations around the globe from London. More than 53% of its European customer base comes from the London finance sector, it said. Last year, 41% of its new business in Europe was generated in the financial industry.
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Guimbal Cabri Gets FAA Certification

Mar 01, 2015
The Guimbal Cabri G2, a French-designed, piston-engine light helicopter, has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Cabri — designed by former Airbus Helicopters engineer Bruno Guimbal — was awarded the certification on Feb. 3 after a 16-month program which included a study of the aircraft’s operations documentation and flight tests, the company said. It comes eight years after the helicopter was granted certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency in December 2007.
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Wichita’s Airport Now Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport

Mar 01, 2015
Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower, was in Wichita on Jan. 26 for the unveiling of a new logo and the official launch of the new name of Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. The airport is now the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, named after the 34th U.S. president. “We were thrilled that she (Mary Eisenhower) came” for the event, said Victor White, director of airports. The new logo and name comes as the airport is constructing a new, state-of-the-art terminal building in Wichita.
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Jet Aviation Zurich Handled World Economic Forum Aircraft, Delegates

Mar 01, 2015
Jet Aviation Zurich, a fixed base operator, handled the majority of the aircraft and delegates passing through Zurich International Airport on their way to the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The provider handled 582 aircraft movements and 1,485 passengers. Jet Aviation Zurich brought in additional staff to handle the record number of delegates expected to attend the World Economic Forum, it said. It also added a number of luxury vehicles to its fleet to handle ground transportation requirements for the surge of passengers.
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FSI Builds Fourth G650 Sim

Mar 01, 2015
FlightSafety International is building its fourth full-flight simulator for the G650. It will be available at FlightSafety’s Learning Center in Wilmington, Delaware, in early 2016. The new simulator will feature tightly integrated computer hardware and software across subsystems to allow for more accurate and higher fidelity simulation than found in other current and previous simulators, the FSI said.
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Cessna Mexico Plant Wins Award

Mar 01, 2015
Industry Week has chosen Cessna Aircraft’s Mexico factory as its 2014 Best Plants winner. Industry Week notes that the factory completed more than 250 continuous improvement practices, or “kaizens,” and has solved crucial problems in complex processes. Cessna has also simplified the machining process to improve cycle time and lowered required inventory levels with improved safety for the operator, it said. Cessna employs 800 people at its Mexico facility.
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Private Jet Charter Spending Up 15% in 2014

Mar 01, 2015
Spending on private jet charter activities increased 15% in 2014 over 2013, according to New Flight Charters. The average amount spent per charter rose from $14,841 in 2013 to $17,068 in 2014, it said. The average includes all charter activity and aircraft types, from piston aircraft through heavy and long-range private jets. Midsize jet activity increased 18.8% year over year and heavy jet activity nearly doubled, the company said. The data is from more than 750 U.S.
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Landmark Aviation Acquires Assets of Key West FBO

Mar 01, 2015
Landmark Aviation has acquired the assets of Island City Flying Service, a fixed base operator at Key West International Airport. The expansion into the Key West market complements Landmark’s south Florida locations, the company said. Landmark began operations in the former Island City Flying Service facility on Feb. 1. The FBO’s services include a lounge, flight planning areas, hangars and an executive conference room. Customs and immigration services are also available, it said.
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Bellemare New CEO at Bombardier

Mar 01, 2015
Bombardier has unveiled plans to raise new financing as Pierre Beaudoin steps down to be replaced as president and CEO by outsider Alaine Bellemare, the former head of United Technologies Corp.’s (UTC) Propulsion & Aerospace business. The moves are intended to reassure investors who are increasingly concerned that Bombardier will run out of cash as it funds development of the delayed CSeries narrowbody aircraft, and upcoming Global 7000/8000 large business jets while sales of its regional airliners remain under pressure.
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Gogo Brings ATG-4 Connectivity to Business Aviation

Mar 01, 2015
Gogo Inc. will bring ATG-4 air-to-ground connectivity technology to business aviation, the company announced. ATG-4, which is currently on more than 650 commercial aircraft, will be available for business aviation through an equipment package called ATG 8000. First shipments are expected in April. The ATG 8000 will give passengers a significant increase in connectivity speed when compared to other Gogo business equipment packages. At the same time, Gogo is on track for record aircraft installations overall this year.
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Kodiak Deliveries Rise in 2014

Mar 01, 2015
Quest Aircraft Co., based in Sandpoint, Idaho, delivered 30 Kodiak turboprop aircraft last year and launched several product enhancements and upgrades. Deliveries last year were up from 28 Kodiaks delivered in 2013 and 15 shipped in 2012, according to data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. “We continue to increase our production and deliveries of the Kodiak as the market rebounds and demand for a versatile product like the Kodiak grows,” Sam Hill, Quest Aircraft CEO, said. The company signed an agreement on Feb.
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Keystone Buys Air Service Hawaii

Mar 01, 2015
Keystone Holdings has signed an agreement with Universal Weather and Aviation to acquire Air Service Hawaii, an FBO with six locations in Hawaii. Under the deal, Air Service Hawaii will retain its branding and identity. The acquisition also includes a long-term preferred FBO/handler agreement with Universal to provide Universal’s customer base with quality service when they visit Hawaii.
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World Fuel Services Adds Fixed Base Operators to Network

Mar 01, 2015
World Fuel Services, based in Miami, has added four FBOs to its network.YU Lounge at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis in the Caribbean; Jet Center Curacao at Hato International Airport in Willemstad, Curacao; and Ecuacentair at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Equador have signed with the company’s network. With the additions, the Air Elite Network has 37 locations worldwide.
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ARGUS: Flight Activity in 2014 Best Since 2008

Mar 01, 2015
Business aviation flight activity turned in its best year since 2008 last year, according to ARGUS TraqPak data. Flight activity last year increased 2% overall from 2013, it said. The largest single year-over-year increase was recorded by small business jets flown by fractional companies. Activity increased 23.6% last year in that category over 2013, ARGUS said. Activity in large cabin jets flown under Part 135 had the second largest gain at 9.4%. Turboprop activity by fractional companies experienced the biggest drop, with flights last year down 29.8%.
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Piper Meridian M500 Gets Upgraded Avionics

Mar 01, 2015
Piper Aircraft, based in Vero Beach, Florida, has introduced the single-engine Meridian M500 with upgraded avionics and other improvements. The aircraft features the Garmin G1000 avionics with a dual 10-in. PFD, a 12-in. MFD and a GFC700 autopilot with an enhanced flight control system. The $2.26 million aircraft includes Electronic Stability Protection that helps prevent stalls, spins, steep spirals and loss-of-control conditions and discourages aircraft operation outside the flight envelope.
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Cessna Rolls Out Production Citation Latitude

Mar 01, 2015
Cessna Aircraft rolled out its first production Citation Latitude midsize business jet at its Wichita production facility on Jan. 29. The unveiling comes three years after the all-new midsize $16.25 million business jet was introduced.

Fast Five

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Questions for Samuel Adcock

Mar 01, 2015
Samuel Adcock Vice President-General Manager, Airbus Helicopters, Columbus, Mississippi