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Magazine Issue

Business & Commercial Aviation, April 2015

VOL. 111 NO. 4 April 01, 2015

Operators Survey

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Operators Survey: Gulfstream G550

Mar 30, 2015
There now are more than 460 Gulfstream G550 business jets in service and operators say it's a top performer, a versatile workhorse offering solid dispatch reliability and backed by unmatched product support.

Viewpoint

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Garvey: Nextant's Clear Achievement and My Clean Shirt

Mar 30, 2015
Since my typical business attire trends to denim pants and souvenir T-shirts, I blinked knowing that the shirt I was about to purchase would set me back nearly $100, including tax. Fine for a fop, perhaps, but rich for a rumple-prone reporter. Still, I had to have it. Age, not overuse, had been unkind to its predecessor, and the bottles were about to be uncorked.

Readers Feedback

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Readers’ Feedback (April 2015)

Apr 01, 2015
All Fueled Up Being the owner of several mogas STCs, I read “Getting the Lead Out: The Future of Avgas” (February 2015, page 7) with great interest. I would like to point out several misconceptions that may arise as a result of the article:

Operations

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Personalized Fuel Minimums

Apr 01, 2015
The time to worry about fuel loads is before the fuel truck ever shows up, not when you are No. 5 in a holding pattern with your last alternate about to go below weather minimums. As a professional pilot you are also a part-time aeronautical engineer, meteorologist and risk management analyst. You can add petroleum scientist to that list.

DOM Notebook

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Electronic Aircraft Maintenance Records

Apr 01, 2015
Your aircraft’s logs and maintenance records provide assurance of regulatory continuity from the time its Certificate of Airworthiness was issued that its configuration meets the approved type design. They also provide evidence that the aircraft is compliant to the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. Without this information, your aircraft is no more than an expensive paperweight. The aircraft and maintenance logbooks are the most valuable items in your hangar, so you must protect them at all costs.
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Electronic Signature Guidance

Apr 01, 2015
Looking for help enabling electronic signatures? The FAA has an Advisory Circular to point you in the right direction. “AC 120-78 — Acceptance and Use of Electronic Signatures, Electronic Record-keeping Systems and Electronic Manuals “ is the place to look. The main idea is to ensure that only the person doing the work and returning the aircraft to service is making the entry. This can be done in a number of ways, and this guidance will help you choose.

Accident Free: Are You Lucky or Truly Safe?

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Checklists and Callouts: Keep It Simple, Avoid Distraction, Prevent Ineptitude

Apr 30, 2015
Short and simple checklists pay off with a more relaxed working environment in which flight crews have the most time to devote to situational awareness and dealing with unexpected occurrences.

Safety

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Training For High-Mach Flight

Apr 01, 2015
All pilots need access to training that has proven to be effective. And no circumstances demand more effective training than when transitioning to go high and fast. Placing oneself near the edges of a performance envelope demands special knowledge, skill and vigilance to do so with confidence and safety. Acquiring that education benefits all, including you.
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Lessons From High-Mach Mistakes

Apr 01, 2015
Several high-altitude/high-Mach accidents reveal deficiencies in pilot handling of the aircraft. The NTSB has pointed out several times the glaring lapses in training curriculum to adequately prepare pilots for flight in this environment.
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What’s Happening Here?

Apr 01, 2015
Instructors Zach McCarley and David Culbertson understand the key factors in recognizing an aircraft’s flight condition in the high-altitude/high-Mach environment.

Cause & Circumstance

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Below Minimums and Unstabilized Approaches

Apr 01, 2015
Stabilized approaches are always important for a reasonably good landing, but they are absolutely essential for a safe approach at minimums. If, for some reason, you are forced into a below minimums approach, then conducting a stabilized approach is vital in the true sense of the word.
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Accidents in Brief

Apr 01, 2015
Selected Accidents and Incidents in February 2015. The following NTSB information is preliminary.

On Duty

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News of promotions, appointments and honors (April 2015)

Apr 01, 2015
Baker Aviation, Addison, Texas, appointed Willard Kelley chief inspector/quality manager. Most recently Kelley was regional maintenance manager for Eaglemed, LLC, an FAR Part 135 air medical transport company operating rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft at 30 locations. Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth, Texas, named Ron Orndoff regional sales manager for North America responsible for overseeing marketing and sales activities.

20/Twenty

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Falcon 20-F5 Costs a Lot to Maintain, Retains Mystique

Apr 01, 2015
The downside to owning a Falcon 20-F5 is the potentially eye-watering maintenance expense. But conscious operators have found numerous ways to slash costs.

Products & Services Previews

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Products & Services Previews (April 2015)

Apr 01, 2015
1. MEBAA Show Morocco

Fast Five

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Questions for George Bye

Apr 01, 2015
George Bye Founder, Chairman and CEO, Aero Electric Aircraft Corp., and Bye Aerospace, Centennial Airport, Denver

B&CA 50 Years Ago

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April 1965 News

Apr 01, 2015
Looking at flying hours, business aviation accounts for about 40% of the total hours flown by general aviation. And who is buying? Business, primarily. Large business, small business and individuals who plan to use them for business. The North American Sabreliner was certificated for civil use in April 1963 and since then 32 aircraft have gone to corporate customers. The hottest turboprop aircraft at present is the Beech Model 90 King Air. Beech has delivered 25 units so far  and hopes to produce 75 more before year-end.

Intelligence

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HAI By the Numbers

Apr 01, 2015
The Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) annual HELI-EXPO, held March 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, drew 18,272 registered attendees, hosted 735 exhibitors, including 57 aircraft on the convention hall floor. An upbeat Matt Zuccaro, HAI President and CEO, said at the time that “a lot of business is being done on the show floor.” And a lot of newsworthy announcements were forthcoming as well.
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Airbus Launches New H160

Apr 01, 2015
Airbus Helicopters announced the launch of its new H160 medium helicopter. The 5.5-6-metric-ton helicopter is intended to challenge AgustaWestland’s AW139, which has dominated the medium helicopter segment for a decade. Airbus says the H160 will be able to carry 12 passengers out to an oil platform 120 nm offshore, complete a missed approach and return to land on the same tank of fuel, all at a cruise speed of around 160 kt. It will be powered by a pair of Turbomeca Arrano 1A turboshaft engines.
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FSI to Increase Helicopter Sims

Apr 01, 2015
FlightSafety International says it plans to increase its fleet of advanced helicopter simulators by more than 40%.It aims to add Level D qualified simulators to its Learning Centers in Dallas, as well as at new facilities in Denver and Singapore, and at a location yet to be determined. The Denver facility is scheduled to open in 2016.
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Bell Announces Sales Agreements

Apr 01, 2015
​Bell Helicopter announced a number of sales including an agreement from Air Methods Corp. for 200 407GXPs configured for emergency medical services. The order was one of the largest commercial sales in Bell’s history. Deliveries will begin in 2016 under a 10-year contract.
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Jet-A and Avgas Fuel Prices March 2015

Apr 01, 2015
Jet-A Region High
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Advanced Helicopter Services Opens in Utah

Apr 01, 2015
Advanced Helicopter Services has opened a new regional helicopter support location at the Provo, Utah, airport. The satellite maintenance facility will support a broad range of aircraft maintenance capabilities for a number of helicopter models and mission profiles, it said. Advanced Helicopter Systems is a maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, provider based at the Watts-Woodland airport northwest of Sacramento, California. The company recently acquired Cascade Helicopter Services in Seattle to enhance its services.
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MD Delivers in 2014

Apr 01, 2015
MD Helicopters owner Lynn Tilton says 2014 looks to be one of the company’s most successful years, with deliveries of 60 single-engine MD500 and MD600 helicopters and seven MD902s.
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Asia Pacific Helicopter Fleet Report 2014

Apr 01, 2015
The 2014 Asia Pacific Helicopter Fleet Report released at the HAI convention by the Hong Kong-based Asia Sky Group (ASG) aviation consultancy, noted that the civil piston and turbine-engine helicopter fleet in the Asia-Pacific region grew 9% last year to 2,463 aircraft. Leading that growth was Greater China whose fleet soared 29%, or by 149 aircraft, to 655 helicopters last year. While Japan has the largest civil helicopter fleet with 800 rotorcraft, growth there last year was a slow 3%.
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Robinson Delivers Expected to Surpass 2014

Apr 01, 2015
Robinson Helicopters says deliveries this year are expected to easily surpass the 329 R22, R44 and R66 aircraft it delivered last year. While its 2014 tally was still considered “a good year” for the manufacturer, company President Kurt Robinson says deliveries dipped significantly compared to the 523 aircraft it produced in 2013 and attributed that falloff to challenges in foreign economies.
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AgustaWestland Developing Retrofit Capability for AW139s

Apr 01, 2015
AgustaWestland announced it had increased the maximum takeoff weight of its AW139 to 7,000 kg and will begin delivering new-build aircraft with the added heft from Italy in May and then from its U.S. assembly line in Philadelphia in July. The company is developing a retrofit capability for all AW139s to benefit from the change, although retrofitted aircraft will not benefit from all the performance improvements that new-build aircraft will.
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Guimbal Cabri Best Year in 2014

Apr 01, 2015
​The two-place Guimbal Cabri light piston helicopter saw its best year yet in 2014 when 27 aircraft were delivered. The French company expects to deliver 44 Cabris this year and 58 in 2016.Powered by a Textron Lycoming 0-360, the Cabri is the only piston helicopter in production in Europe. The 100th unit is expected to fly this month.
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Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Joins Dealer Network

Apr 01, 2015
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services has joined Greenwich AeroGroup’s LiveAero Broadband SATCOM systems dealer network. Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America, based in British Columbia, Canada, provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services for helicopter operators globally. The dealership agreement enables Vector Aerospace Services in British Columbia to offer certification and installation services for the LiveAero System.
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Royal Jet Awards SR Technics MRO Contract For CFM56-7B Engines

Apr 01, 2015
Royal Jet, a charter company based in Abu Dhabi, has awarded SR Technics a five-year contract to maintain, repair and overhaul its fleet of CFM56-7B engines. The contract is for the 12 engines currently in service on Royal Jet’s six Boeing Business Jet aircraft used by the carrier’s VIP guests. The engine work will be done at SR Technics’ headquarters at Zurich Airport, Switzerland.
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‘ExporTech’ Offered in Kansas

Apr 01, 2015
A national program called “ExporTech” will be offered in Kansas for the first time through the Mid-American Manufacturing Technology Center, or MAMTC. The program will help up to eight South Central Kansas companies with an eye on foreign export markets in three group sessions, organizers say. Companies will be selected in the coming weeks. They will be assessed a $2,000 fee and allowed to bring up to three executives to the sessions. The end result will be a completed export plan and action items to grow exports.
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Becker Avionics Introduces New ADS-B System

Apr 01, 2015
Becker Avionics, based in Miramar, Florida, has introduced a new ADS-B tracking and surveillance system for flight and ground operations. The system is called ATLASS, for ADS-B Traffic Localization and Surveillance System, a traffic monitoring system that provides air and ground situational awareness. The concept will be on display at the Heli-Expo convention March 3-5.
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XOJet Exceeds Profit Targets

Apr 01, 2015
XOJet, an on-demand private jet charter company, exceeded its profit targets and added a record number of new clients last year, it said. The San Francisco-based company recorded a 56% increase in new program sales last year, with a 19% improvement in retail charter sales. That included flights operated by XOJet and its partner operators. It experienced growth across North America and especially in the Northeast. Flights beginning or ending in the New York tri-state metro area were up significantly.
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First FBO Earns Certification for IS-BAH

Apr 01, 2015
​A New Delhi fixed base operator is the first to be certified under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling, or IS-BAH. SRC Aviation was the first FBO to become certified to the new standard, a voluntary, performance-based program for ground handlers based on practices to ensure quality, manage risk, avoid ground mishaps and protect people on the ramp, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) said. Several FBOs around the world are in the process of adopting the standard, according to the NBAA.
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Bell Helicopter Delivers First Bell 429WLG In U.S.

Apr 01, 2015
Bell Helicopter has delivered its first Bell 429WLG in North America. The aircraft was delivered to Kenny Habul, a professional Nascar driver and founder of CEO of SunEnergy1, a solar energy performance certificate company in Moorseville, North Carolina, specializing in utility-scale, ground-mount projects. The Bell 429 Wheeled Landing Gear, or WLG, will be used for corporate and VIP travel. “The Bell 429WLG is the perfect fit for our corporate and transportation needs,” Habul said.
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Textron Expands King Air Repair and Service

Apr 01, 2015
Three Textron Aviation service centers have gained certification to repair and service King Air aircraft, the company said. Its company-owned service centers in Sacramento, California, Mesa, Arizona, and Paris have gained certification for Beechcraft King Air 90-, 200- and 300-series aircraft. The certification expands King Air operators’ access to its global customer service, the company said. The Sacramento and Mesa facilities are the first Citation service centers in North American to gain FAA authorization for Beechcraft King Air Service.
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Landmark Aviation Acquires Southwest Airport Services In Houston

Apr 01, 2015
Landmark Aviation has acquired Ellington Partners and Southwest Airport Services at Ellington Airport in Houston, the company said. It is Landmark’s second fixed base operator in the Houston area. It also operates an FBO at George Bush International/Houston Airport. “We are happy to expand our footprint in Houston, and we look forward to being a part of Ellington Airport and its surrounding communities,” said Dan Bucaro, Landmark Aviation president and CEO.
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First HondaJet Simulator Delivered

Apr 01, 2015
The first simulator for Honda Aircraft Co.’s new HondaJet aircraft has been delivered and is being installed at its headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. The installation is underway as Honda Aircraft expects FAA type certification on the very light jet by the end of March. The full-motion, Level D simulator and HondaJet training program were developed in a partnership with FlightSafety International. The simulator will be located at the HondaJet Training Center at Honda Aircraft.
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Cirrus Unveils Specially Designed SR22T For Australia

Apr 01, 2015
Cirrus Aircraft announced a Special Edition SR22T for use in the Australian market, called the Australis. The aircraft was designed and tailored to the climate, condition and remote area flight operations that Australian pilots frequently experience, the company said. The Australis features a custom interior and exterior design with a two-tone paint exterior and an array of color options, bolstered leather seats, carbon fiber accents on the instrument panel and polished lights and vents throughout the cabin.
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HAITEC Aircraft Maintenance GmbH Repair Station Approval

Apr 01, 2015
HAITEC Aircraft Maintenance GmbH, based in Germany, was granted Repair Station Approval by the FAA, which will allow it to offer maintenance, repair and overhaul services to operators of N-registered aircraft worldwide and grow its customer base, it said. HAITEC said it will mean growth at maintenance facilities at Hahn Airport and its VIP aircraft maintenance facility in Erfurt in Germany.
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Pilatus Delivers 1,300th PC-12

Apr 01, 2015
​Pilatus Aircraft recently delivered its 1,300th turboprop PC-12 to Surf Air, a private air travel club based in California. Surf Air flies members to small airports in the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles Metro area, Santa Barbara, Carlsbad/San Diego, Truckee/Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas and is adding destinations. The PC-12 NG delivery marked Surf Air’s fourth since it placed an order for 15 aircraft with options for an additional 50 last fall.
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Safe Flight’s ICD Certification Expected by Year-end

Apr 01, 2015
Flight evaluations of Safe Flight Instrument Corp.’s new Icing Conditions Detector (ICD) by a jet and a piston aircraft manufacturer are expected to conclude soon and production begin. “We have a contract to deliver starting this year,” said Safe Flight Executive Vice President Matt Greene.
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Gulfstream Wins the Collier Trophy

Apr 01, 2015
Gulfstream’s done it again. Winning the Collier Trophy, that is. On March 12, the National Aeronautic Association announced Gulfstream will be awarded the 2014 Robert J.
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Case Settled: Gulfstream and Spirit AeroSystems

Apr 01, 2015
According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gulfstream Aerospace and Spirit AeroSystems have settled a case in which the latter alleged it had sustained damages for incomplete payments for G650 wings it manufactured for Gulfstream. Jefferies aerospace analyst Howard Rubel noted that by the end of last year, Gulfstream had retained $135.1 million in payments for work completed. Meanwhile, Spirit had liabilities tied to the program of $65.1 million. Rubel estimates Spirit received a net payment of $70 million in the settlement.
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Embraer Deliveries for 2014

Apr 01, 2015
In 2014, Embraer delivered 116 executive aircraft, including 92 light jets and 24 large jets, as well as 92 commercial aircraft, compared to 119 executive jet deliveries in 2013. Meanwhile, the Brazilian manufacturer’s total revenue in 2014 at Embraer increased 0.9% to $6.3 billion, driven by growth in Embraer’s defense and security segment, it said.
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Bristow and AgustaWestland Sign Agreement

Apr 01, 2015
Bristow Group has signed an agreement with AgustaWestland to help the manufacturer develop oil and gas support capabilities for its AW609 civil tiltrotor, which its manufacturer maintains is “an ideal transportation solution for offshore travel.” According to AgustaWestland, it now has 60 customers for the aircraft. Meanwhile, two prototypes are conducting flight tests at the company’s facilities in Ft. Worth, Texas, and in Italy. A third should join testing in the U.S. later this year.
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Gulfstream G280 Earns Brazilian Type Certification

Apr 01, 2015
​The Gulfstream G280 has been certified by Brazil’s Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC). This approval validates the airworthiness of the aircraft’s design and clears the way for in-country deliveries to begin. “Of all the South American countries, this aircraft is particularly well-suited for Brazil. Departing from Sao Paulo, the G280 can reach the entire continent without refueling and can fly to the U.S and Europe with one stop,” said Larry Flynn president, Gulfsream.
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Meridian Adds a Challenger

Apr 01, 2015
Teterboro, New Jersey-based Meridian has added a Bombardier Challenger 605 (N605MM) to its charter fleet. The large-cabin aircraft was completed in 2008 and seats up to nine passengers. It will be based at Teterboro Airport (TEB). Meridian manages a wide range of airraft types that are available for private charter including Gulfstream, Hawkers, Falcons and Citations.
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Al Naqbi Retires from Presidential Flight to Grow MEBAA

Apr 01, 2015
​Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi is retiring retiring from his position with Presidential Flight of Abu Dhabi to focus on growing the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association, or MEBAA, which he founded. Al Naqbi, one of Presidential Flight’s founding members, served as vice president of finance and administration of the company, where he spent nearly 25 years. Presidential began business as Private Flight and changed names to Amiri Flight before adopting the Presidential name.
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American Aero Expands at Meacham Airport

Apr 01, 2015
American Aero FTW, an FBO at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, has purchased 64,000 sq. ft. of additional hangar space and 2.3 acres of land at the airport as part of an effort to expand its presence and enhance its ability to offer services to business aviation customers. The company is building three hangars and a two-story office complex, which is expected to be completed later this year.
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PlaneSense Orders Five Nextant 400XTi Aircraft

Apr 01, 2015
Fractional operator, PlaneSense, placed an order with Nextant Aerospace for two Nextant 400XTi light jets with an option for three more.
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Blakey Leaving AIA for Rolls-Royce North American

Apr 01, 2015
The Aerospace Industries Association is searching for a new president as Marion Blakey, the longtime face and voice of U.S. aerospace and defense industry concerns in Washington, will be taking a job as the president and CEO of Rolls-Royce’s North American Operations. The unit’s current president, CEO and chairman, James Guyette, is retiring May 31. In Blakey, RRNA is getting an executive who knows Washington and the industry.
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Purdue University Expands Jet-Engine Research Lab

Apr 01, 2015
Purdue is expanding its propulsion laboratory for research directed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions for the next generation of jet engines. Expansion will include test cells to support laser-based measurements in a building to be constructed next to its high-pressure lab. The high-pressure lab was developed in 1964 as part of NASA’s Apollo program and is sponsored by aerospace companies, NASA, the Air Force and other agencies. The lab specializes in rockets and gas-turbine engines.
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LAX Runway Construction, Rehab Begins In March

Apr 01, 2015
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will begin a large-scale runway construction and rehabilitation project beginning in March. The construction will take place in five stages and is expected to be completed in 2017. Phase one includes the closure of Runway 25L-07R for 33 days, from March 6 to April 7. Departure delays are likely during peak times because of reduced departure rates. At times, the airport will be down to a three-runway operation.
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First Flight Piaggio HammerHead

Apr 01, 2015
Piaggio Aerospace completed the first flight of its first fully configured P.1HH HammerHead unmanned aerial vehicle in December. The HammerHead — an unmanned version of the P.180 Avanti executive turboprop — made its first flight on Dec. 22 from Trapani air base in Sicily.
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Continental Motors Announced Alternative Fuels Engine Certification

Apr 01, 2015
​Continental Motors Group has announced that its six-cylinder engine that will run on alternative fuels, the IO-360-AF (Alternative Fuel) engine, has received type certification from the FAA.The engine is certified for standard 100LL as well as for 91UL avgas now available in several countries. Flight Design GmbH is expected to take delivery of the first certified engine in the second quarter of this year for use on its Flight Design C4 all-carbon composite light aircraft.