Sunny Day At The Aviator Showcase
August 28, 2021
Center Stage
Credit: Bill Carey
Textron Aviation claimed a prominent presence on the ramp with this Cessna Citation CJ3+ business jet, and also brought a Cessna 208 Caravan. Bell Textron showcased a 505 Jet Ranger.

Piston-Powered
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Representing Burlington, Wisconsin-based American Champion Aircraft was this 8KCAB Super Decathlon with Starburst trim.

Safety Certified
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A Piper Aircraft M600/SLS single-engine turboprop equipped with the HALO Safety System, a suite of safety technologies including the Garmin Autoland system. The M600/SLS was the first aircraft certified with Garmin Autoland in May 2020.

Visible Jet
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The distinctive V-tail of the Cirrus Vision Jet. For more on the Vision Jet, see the BCA Pilot Report at https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/aircraft-propulsion/pilot-re…

Paint Scheme
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Honda Aircraft uses this HondaJet Elite with geometric paint scheme as a demonstrator aircraft but will turn it over soon to its new owner.

Glass Cockpit
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Avidyne’s IFD500 (top) and IFD440 navigators are slide-in replacements for Garmin GNS series avionics but with capabilities of “a true FMS,” the avionics manufacturer says. IFD-series navigators have a WiFi connection to Apple iPads.

Plug And Play
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uAvionix ADS-B units take advantage of existing lighting locations on an aircraft. At top (l-r) are the wingtip skySensor dual-band ADS-B receiver and skyBeacon ADS-B Out transmitter; at center the tailBeacon ADS-B Out transmitter (top) and tailBeacon X 1090ES transponder. AV-30 (l) and AV-20 panel displays are below.

Cabin Comfort
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The stylish cabin of the Pilatus PC-24 twin-engine light business jet, created with BMW Designworks, offers 501 cu. ft. of space with a continuous floor. Cabin height is 5 ft. 1 in. The seats have power outlets and can swivel and recline. The Swiss manufacturer also offers a 10-seat configuration for commuter services.

Extra Baggage
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The aft, pallet-sized cargo door of the Pilatus PC-24 business jet provides ample room for baggage.

Vertical Lift
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The four-seat Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter is powered by a Lycoming IO-540 six-cylinder fuel-injected engine. It cruises up to 109 ktas at maximum gross weight, with maximum range (with no reserve) of about 300 nm, according to Robinson Helicopter.

Room To Roam
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A Diamond Aircraft DA62 with gull-wing doors seats up to seven occupants and also provides shade under its wing to escape from the sun. The DA62 features a Garmin G1000NXi flight deck and is powered by turbocharged Austro AE330 jet fuel piston engines.

Jet Center Retreat
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The waiting area at the Chantilly Jet Center provided a welcome respite from the heat, which climbed into the nineties. The family-owned facility is the newest full-service FBO serving the Washington, D.C., metro area, according to AOPA.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) held the first of two Aviator Showcases it plans this year Aug. 27 at Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) in Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. The single-day event, hosted by FBO Chantilly Air, featured a variety of business jets and general aviation aircraft. AOPA plans a second Aviator Showcase Oct. 1 at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Texas.