Business & Commercial Aviation News from March 1965

Full-span flaps for CallAir A-9: Able to work from 1,000-ft. strips with full loads, the 1965 Call Air A-9 ag plane has full-span lift flaps that extend back and down 15 deg. It’s said to boost takeoff performance 37%. A new system also warns the pilot if one fuel tank runs dry.

FH-1100, the civil version the Hill Aircraft OH-5A light observation helicopter, will be offered on the commercial market for $85,00. The turbine-powered 4-placer will be ready for first deliveries in January 1966. Speculation continues on the increasing possibility two companies will share total LOH production.

From top to bottom, the 200 Deluxe, Model 300 and the 300 Ag. Model 200 Deluxe lives up to its name with a jade mist interior, Spanish gold exterior and fuel-injection engine. Price is $26,500. The $31,500 Model 300 carries such optional equipment as floats, litters, cargo racks or external load sling. The only copter designed solely for ag work is said to be Model 300 Ag, priced at $34,795.

The first Jet Commander delivered: Timken Roller Bearing Co., was the first company to receive the 527-mph Jet Commander business aircraft. Executive vice president of Timken, H.E. Markely (left) accepts the pace-setting delivery from Forest Beckett, Aero Commander distributor and president of Youngstown Aircraft, Inc. Scene is Akron-Canton (Ohio) Airport. The Jet Commander sells for $559,000.

Still nameless save for the company model number of PA-31 is Piper’s handsome (and first) medium twin, a 6-8 place turbocharged aircraft that will sell for under $100,000. Exact specs on the airplane are not yet released, but it should hit as high as 260 mph, with a max gross weight in the vicinity of 6,000 lb. This is the first color photo to be released of the PA-31. Powerplants on the prototype are Lycoming TIO‑540-A1A’s.

The Prestolite Company of Toledo, Ohio, was in business making batteries for more than 30 years in 1965. The battery unit was sold to Exide Industries in 1997. This Flight Safety, Inc., ad, “Don’t Get Rusty,” continues the company’s commitment to its tagline: “The best safety device in any aircraft is a well-trained pilot. [Gotta love  Mr. Rusty!—Ed.]