Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (November 2024)

27 November, 2024

Tecnam Completes Delivery Of Four Aircraft To Redbird

Tecnam announced its delivery of four P-Mentor aircraft to Redbird, an India-based flight school. According to Tecnam, Redbird now operates a fleet of eight P-Mentor, four P2006T, 25 P2008JC and two Tecnam 2010 TDI aircraft. The fleet covers all phases of CPL training for Redbird’s over 500 enrolled students. “Partnering with Tecnam brings many benefits to our flight training organization. By leveraging Tecnam’s advanced aircraft and expertise, training processes become more efficient, reducing training times and costs,” says Redbird President Captain Karan Mann.

Eastern Kentucky University Breaks Ground On Flight Training Center

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has begun construction of a new flight training center at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport (CKRA). According to EKU, the $25 million facility was funded by the State’s General Assembly. Additionally, EKU’s aviation program received $3.5 million in federal funding to construct a general aviation terminal at the airport. EKU matched $1 million of the award, totaling $4.5 million in funding. “As Kentucky’s economy continues to grow and prosper, so does the need for a well-trained and skilled workforce. EKU is delivering on this need, with trained pilots and aerospace managers to support our aviation industry—Kentucky’s number one export,” says Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

26 November, 2024

Forte Secur Group, Icon Training Enter Strategic Partnership

Forte Secur Group and Icon Training announced a strategic partnership during the Saudi Airport Exhibition in Riyadh. According to Forte Secur, the collaboration was made as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to foster international partnerships. “By enhancing security capabilities and equipping individuals and organizations with crucial skills, Icon is contributing to a robust and resilient Saudi economy poised for sustainable growth and innovation,” says Ahmed Salem Balhamer, group CEO of the Salem Balhamer Holding Group. Additionally, the group received the Airport Excellence Award for its patented “BeST” hand-search technique, citing its high efficiency and minimal intrusiveness to passengers.

KlasJet Leases Second Boeing 737 To Congo Airways

KlasJet announced that it has leased an additional Boeing 737 to Congo Airways, which is restarting its domestic operations. According to KlasJet, the aircraft will be based at Kinshasa Ndjili International Airport (FIH), to be used for internal flights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The first Boeing 737 was leased to the airline in October 2024 and both aircraft are under six-month contracts. “We see great potential in the region and utilizing aircraft leased on an ACMI basis offers Congo Airways an efficient and flexible solution to enhance capacity and support its return to full operations,” says KlasJet Deputy CCO Augustinas Riskus.

25 November, 2024

Phillips 66 Gifts $1.5M In Fuel To Memorial Hermann Life Flight Services

Phillips 66 was named the official fuel provider for Memorial Hermann Life Flight and gifted up to $1.5 million in fuel to support its critical care air medical transport service. According to Phillips 66, the fuel is what the new Life Flight fleet will use in a year’s time, covering over 4,000 missions each year. “It takes a tremendous amount of resources to ensure Memorial Hermann Life Flight operates efficiently for our community, and this generous gift from Phillips 66 will enable this great community asset valued so highly by Houstonians,” says Anne Neeson, CEO of the Memorial Hermann Foundation.

Textron Awarded $276.7 Million Defense Contract Modification

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a $276,760,900 contract modification to Textron Aviation for the delivery of 26 T-54A aircraft. According to the DOD, the modification includes spare aircraft and engine parts, as well as “peculiar support equipment” for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The award was given in support of the mission of Chief Naval Air Training to train aviators and flight officers to supplement Naval Air Forces tasking. According to the DOD, 99% of the work will take place in Wichita, with the remainder taking place in Corpus Christi, Texas.

22 November, 2024

VoltAero Preparing Cassio Production In France

VoltAero inaugurated its new final assembly facility and headquarters at Rochefort Airport in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France for the production of its electric-hybrid aircraft. According to VoltAero, the new 2,400 m² facility will serve as the primary hub for production and delivery of its Cassio-series aircraft—capable of assembling 150 Cassio aircraft annually at full rate. “We are addressing the highly important market requirement to connect thousands of communities and regions around the world with truly sustainable and efficient advanced regional air mobility—while remaining fully compatible with the airport and air traffic control infrastructure,” said VoltAero CEO and CTO Jean Botti.

Purdue University Aviation Creates Safety Guard For Piper Archer Aircraft

Purdue University’s fleet of 18 Piper Archer aircraft are now outfitted with magneto safety guards, ensuring engines and propellers are turned off during inspections and maintenance, the university says. The device was created by the university’s Michael Davis and Jon Ziulkowski and is available for licensing. “The guard is a clip that fits over the magneto switch at the top of the flight deck only when it is turned off. While the clip is in place, the engine cannot be powered on; when the engine is on, the clip cannot be placed over the switch. A footlong “remove before flight” ribbon attached to the clip provides a visual indication to people outside the flight deck that the clip is in place,” says Ziulkowski, a senior lecturer and Part 141 flight operations quality assessment manager at Purdue.

21 November, 2024

Experimental Category Aircraft Safety Record Reaches All-Time Best

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) announced “historic lows” in experimental category aircraft fatal accidents, citing a 25% decrease over the past decade. According to the EAA, the improvement is due in part to the implementation of safety programs across the aviation community. “FAA officials have taken notices of these improved safety figures,” said Sean Elliot, EAA vice president of advocacy and safety. “Agency officials have remarked to us how EAA’s programs have helped build the safety culture that leads to these positive numbers. It’s a positive foundation, also reflected in overall general aviation safety, on which the entire flying community can build even further progress.”

20 November, 2024

Clay Lacy Aviation Awarded FBO Lease At Friedman Memorial Airport

Clay Lacy Aviation announced its reception of an FBO lease at Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Sun Valley, Idaho. According to Clay Lacy Aviation, it will build and operate its new facility on 10 acres of land at SUN, serving both general and business aircraft. The company plans to prioritize sustainability in the design and construction of the FBO, which it says will create numerous jobs for the community. “It is an honor to bring a sustainable approach while strengthening the general aviation experience at Friedman Memorial Airport,” said Scott Cutshall, Clay Lacy’s president of real estate and sustainability. “We understand and value this unique area, having flown to and from SUN for over five decades. That longevity leads us to take a community-focused approach to the design of our facilities and service.”

19 November, 2024

Center Air Pilot Academy Expanding Tecnam Fleet

Announced during the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS), Center Air Pilot Academy entered a purchase agreement with Tecnam for two additional Tecnam P2006T NG twin-engine aircraft as part of its fleet expansion program. According to Tecnam, the academy currently operates five P-Mentor and two P2006T MkII aircraft. “The introduction of these two new Tecnam P2006T Next Generation aircraft will enable us to provide our ATP Integrated students with the highest standards of training,” said Simon Frost, Center Air Pilot Academy owner.

18 November, 2024

Bell Textron, GPMS Expand Collaboration On HUMS

Bell Textron and GPMS International are expanding their collaboration and distribution agreement on Foresight MX, a predictive Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) on Bell 407, 429, 212 and 412 series aircraft. The expansion makes Foresight MX a Bell-supported HUMS solution and can be purchased directly through both companies. “Our Bell 407 customers have been thrilled with Foresight MX since the Supplemental Type Certification (STC) was approved in 2018,” said Van Wilson, Bell’s director of customer support.

Rheinland Air Service Becomes Official Bell 505 Dealership For The Netherlands

Bell Textron announced Rheinland Air Service (RAS) as its authorized dealership for Bell 505 aircraft in the Netherlands. According to Bell, RAS has served as the company’s select dealership in Germany and has since supported Bell 505 sales since its authorization in 2020. “We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Bell by representing the Bell 505 in the Dutch market. With the Netherlands in close proximity to our headquarters in Mönchengladbach, this new territory strengthens our ability to bring the exceptional Bell 505 to even more customers across the region, and we see remarkable opportunities ahead,” said RAS CEO Johannes Graf von Schaesberg.

15 November, 2024

BAA Training Expands Pilot Runway Program

BAA Training, an international aviation training provider under the Avia Solutions Group, has expanded its Pilot Runway program to Poland and Bulgaria. According to BAA, Pilot Runway is a financed training program that guarantees job placement and is made in partnership with Avia Solutions Group’s ACMI companies. “Pilot Runway’s students will follow the Multi-Crew Pilot License program, which provides extensive experience in piloting Airbus or Boeing aircraft. Upon graduation, students will receive the globally recognized EASA Pilot License, which is valid in Europe and beyond,” says Norbertas Akromas, managing director of the project.

Gulfstream G700 Exceeds 65 City-Pair Speed Records

Gulfstream Aerospace’s Gulfstream G700 ultra-large cabin jet has exceeded 65 city-pair speed records, the company announced, the most recent of which includes a trip from Savannah, Georgia, to Honolulu using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel. The aircraft traveled 4,090 nm in 8 hr. 52 min. at an average speed of Mach 0.90. The company also set a G700 speed record on a 6,507 nm flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia, in 14 hr. and 26 min.

14 November, 2024

ExecuJet MRO Services Gains FAA Approval For Gulfstream G650

ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia has announced FAA certification for line and base maintenance on Gulfstream G650 and G650ER aircraft. The certification enables the MRO to support U.S.-registered G650-series aircraft based in or visiting the region. “We sought this approval in response to clients in Southeast Asia that operate Gulfstream G650s. We have observed that more G650-series aircraft are entering Asia, replacing older Gulfstream types such as the GIV and GV,” says Ivan Lim, vice president for Asia at ExecuJet MRO Services. “We still maintain these legacy types, but it is imperative to add the G650-series certification approval to our scope in line with growing client demands.”

13 November, 2024

Fort Worth Police To Receive Second Bell 505

Bell Textron has signed purchase agreement with the Fort Worth Police Dept. for its second Bell 505. According to Bell, the department’s Air Support Unit has utilized Bell aircraft since its inception, including Bell 47 and Bell 206 Jet Ranger aircraft. “Bell is proud the Fort Worth Police Dept. has chosen to expand its all-Bell public safety fleet with the purchase of an additional Bell 505, continuing our long-standing relationship with the department,” says Lane Evans, Bell Textron managing director for North America. “We remain confident the Bell 505 platform will continue to be a great asset to the community and surrounding areas for years to come.”

12 November, 2024

Axis Flight Simulation Unveils Virtual Reality Training Product

Axis Flight Simulation has announced its new Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Trainer (VPT), which combines virtual and mixed-reality (VR/MR) technology for business jet training. According to Axis, the platform is available for pilot training for the Bombardier CL350 and can be tailored to different aircraft types upon request. “Our VPT will significantly advance the realism and efficiency of pilot training,” says Axis Executive Board Member Christian Theuermann. “As one of the first manufacturers to offer VR training for business jets, coupled with innovative features such as hand-tracking, we are proud to offer this solution to the market.”

Eve, OHI, Revo Developing AAM Ecosystem In Brazil

Eve Air Mobility, Revo and Omni Helicopters International Group (OHI) are collaborating to develop an Advance Air Mobility ecosystem and an urban air traffic simulation in Sao Paulo. According to Eve, the goal of the now-concluded simulation was to validate new traffic management services necessary for safe eVTOL operations upon entry-into-service. This simulation reinforces Eve’s efforts to introduce eVTOL flight to metropolitan areas and provide communities with an additional mode of transportation that is safe, sustainable and efficient,” says Eve CEO Johann Bordais. “We’re delighted to partner with Revo for this initiative to foster the urban air mobility market in Latin America’s largest city, aiming to conduct a real-world simulation to set the stage for urban flights in Sao Paulo in a climate-conscious manner.”

11 November, 2024

Avfuel Expanding SAF Access In Southeast U.S.

Avfuel Corp. plans to expand access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the Southeast U.S., supplied through the Valero Marketing and Supply Co. The recent announcement details a multi-year supply agreement between the two companies to “significantly increase” Avfuel’s volume and geographic access to SAF. According to Avfuel, the SAF is produced using the HEFA SPK feedstock pathway. “This supply agreement exemplifies the proactive approach needed to meet the industry’s sustainability goals, providing a practical and scalable solution for operators looking to reduce emissions without compromising performance,” says Joel Hirst, Avfuel senior vice president of sales.

Eve Air Mobility Taps Embraer-CAE Training As Provider

Eve Air Mobility has selected Embraer-CAE Training Services as its training provider for Eve’s electric takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft pilots, maintenance technicians and ground handling personnel. Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS) is a joint venture that began in 2007 to provide pilot and ground crew training for Embraer Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 aircraft, operating nine full-flight simulators internationally. “We are delighted to partner with ECTS, which will ensure pilots, maintenance technicians and ground crew receive top-notch training for safe and efficient operation of our eVTOL aircraft,” says Luiz Mauad, vice president of customer services at Eve. “This partnership not only underscores our commitment to safety and operational excellence, but also equips our operators’ teams with the skills to offer outstanding customer service.”

8 November, 2024

Skyfarer Academy Launches Online Aviation Training Platform

Skyfarer Academy has launched its online aviation training platform, which is designed as a complementary resource for students in Part 61 and Part 141 programs, traditional flight schools or online ground-school programs. According to the academy, the platform offers personalized training for pilots at all levels. “We’re here to address the gaps in traditional flight training by connecting students with qualified instructors online,” says co-founder and Chief Administration Officer Todd Davis. “Student pilots often face difficulties finding the right instructors to guide them through specific challenges in their training. Through live online sessions, our students receive the support they need to become successful pilots, while flight instructors can share their knowledge on a broader scale and help reduce the high aviation dropout rates.”

7 November, 2024

Gama Aviation To Join Embraer Executive Jets Service Center Network

Embraer has added Gama Aviation to its network of authorized service centers. Gama, located in Bournemouth, England, will offer line maintenance for Phenom 100- and 300-series aircraft, as well as base maintenance for Legacy 600 and 650 aircraft. “We are delighted to have been selected as an Authorized Service Center by Embraer, which sets an understandably high bar to become part of its global network,” says Gama Aviation MRO Managing Director Paul Kinch. “We look forward to working with customers to support their Phenom and Legacy aircraft via our base MRO capability at Bournemouth, our line stations at Farnborough and Luton [England], plus our country-wide Mobile Support Team service.”

5 November, 2024

EASA Certifies ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium For Global Aircraft

ExecuJet MRO Service Belgium has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification to perform line maintenance and aircraft-on-ground support for Bombardier Global XRS, Global 5000/5500 and Global 6000/6500 aircraft at its facilities in Brussels and Kortrijk. The MRO also services Bombardier Challenger aircraft. “We sought this approval in response to a request from a specific customer as well as recognizing that the fleet of Global-series aircraft, both based in Belgium and transient, was sufficient to make it worthwhile adding the approval to our scope,” says Matthijs Hutsebaut, vice president for Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services.

Tamarack Aerospace Adds Prince Aviation As Authorized Dealer

Tamarack Aerospace has added Prince Aviation to its network of authorized dealers. The agreement allows expansion of Tamarack’s services in Europe for Cessna CitationJet operators. According to Djordje Petrovic, commercial director for Prince Aviation, the two companies have maintained a partnership since 2018. Petrovic says the new status will “enable us to offer enhanced support and direct access to Tamarack’s revolutionary Active Winglets, further solidifying our commitment to delivering top-tier services to our customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”

4 November, 2024

ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China Adds Services At Beijing Airport

ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China has begun providing ground handling services for business jets at Beijing Capital International Airport. The company signed a firm contract with Capital Airport Holding Business Aviation Management, a state-owned company responsible for business aviation at the airport, it says. Ground handling services began Oct. 1.

Signature Aviation Expands SAF To Six New Locations

Signature Aviation is expanded availability of blended aviation fuel (SAF) with the addition of six new locations across the U.S., following a supply agreement with Valero Marketing and Supply Co. Effective in January 2025, SAF will be available at its locations at Dallas Love Field, Washington Dulles International Airport, Miami International Airport, Opa-Locka Executive Airport, Palm Beach International Airport and Teterboro Airport. The additions brings SAF availability to 23 Signature locations.

1 November, 2024

Duncan Aviation To Add STC For Gogo Galileo HDX

Duncan Aviation is working with Gogo Business Aviation to complete Supplemental Type Certificates to install Gogo Galileo HDX on Bombardier Challenger 300/350 and Cessna Citation C680A Latitude business jets. Installation will provide owners and operators with high-speed, inflight internet. Gogo Galileo HDX uses the Eutelsat One Web’s Low-Earth-Orbit satellite network. The STCs are expected to be available in 2025, the company says.

Avfuel Expands SAF Across Southeastern U.S.

Avfuel Corp. has expanded the availability of its blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the southeastern U.S. supplied from Valero Marketing and Supply Co., a division of Valero Energy Corp. The supply agreement with Valero significantly increases Avfuel’s volume and geographic access to SAF and support its mission to grow volume over a multi-year agreement. Avfuel says it will prioritize access to business aviation operations to help flight departments and others use lower-carbon transportation fuels. Neat SAF, or unblended SAF, is produced by Diamond Green Diesel in a joint venture between a Valero affiliate and an affiliate of Darling Ingredients. The fuel is produced using the HEFA SPK feedstock pathway, meaning that it uses lipids, such as cooking oil, to produce the fuel. The neat SAF can lower lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, while blended SAF can lower lifecycle emissions by up to 24%. Avfuel is making SAF more accessible to southeastern U.S. operators with an emphasis on Florida at the start, it says. Sheltair has begun construction on two hangars in a $16 million investment at Orlando Executive Airport. The hangars are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, the company says.