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Magazine Issue

Business & Commercial Aviation, June 2015

VOL. 111 NO. 6 June 01, 2015

Accident Free: Are You Lucky or Truly Safe?

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Refueling Discipline Crucial for Pilots and FBOs

Jun 23, 2015
Professional pilots can be perfectionists regarding preflight planning, cockpit resource management and adherence to SOPs. So, why is it that a large percentage of them aren’t equally fastidious about what’s in the fuel tanks of their aircraft?
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Middle East Misadventure

Jun 01, 2015
In mid-2014, Matt Guthmiller, at age 19, became the youngest person yet to fly solo around the world. Now an engineering student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, his 26,700-nm odyssey spanned 15 countries on five continents. The journey in a leased 1981 A36 Beech Bonanza, its cabin stuffed full of auxiliary fuel tanks, required 23 refueling stops. Many of those stopovers were far from the great circle route because of the relative scarcity of avgas at airports outside North America.

Viewpoint

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Righting the Wrongheaded

Jun 01, 2015
Government and public disdain for those using business jets is nothing new. There’s been evidence of that aplenty in recent years. But maybe Oprah, Warren Buffett and Jay Z can help set the record straight.

Reader's Feedback

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Reader's Feedback (June 2015)

Jun 01, 2015
Checking It Twice Your “Checklists and Callouts” (March 2015, page 40) is the best-written summary of operational best practices I’ve ever read. I’m printing it and giving it to my pilots. It explains the philosophy I’ve advocated during my entire career in corporate aviation, a segment of our industry that often has many opposing and far-flung ideas of how to do things right. As your article so clearly articulates, we do things right by doing the right things. K. L. Gregory, AvManager, RWBP Inc.

Fast Five

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Questions for Mason Holland

Jun 01, 2015
Mason Holland, Chairman of the Board, ONE Aviation, Charleston, S. Car., discusses the Eclipse 550 and Kestrel Aircraft development and what CEO Alan Klapmeier brings to the organization.

Operations

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ADS-B/C Retrofits

Jun 15, 2015
You knew it was coming — oh, yes, you did — the impending deadline to purchase and install Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast avionics in your aircraft to retain access to U.S. controlled airspace after Jan. 1, 2020. The same cutoff applies to ADS-C, or “Contract,” equipage, necessary for operation in oceanic airspace and requiring flight crew training and, unlike ADS-B, an FAA Letter of Authorization, as well. Five years may seem like a lot of time …
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Beyond the Legacy Market

Jun 01, 2015
It’s been over 33 years since the late Hubert Naimer, Chuck Edmondson and Karl Frudenfeld unveiled the UNS-1, the first FMS for business aircraft. Although it focused primarily on the after-market, over the years, their Universal Avionics led by President and Chairman Joachim (Ted) L.
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Two STC Programs for Legacy Gulfstreams

Jun 01, 2015
Two California charter/management companies with certified repair stations have earned STCs for installations of ADS-B and C equipment aboard legacy Gulfstream models. KaiserAir in Oakland and Clay Lacy Aviation in Van Nuys were awarded the authorizations in March, each based on using Universal Avionics equipment.
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GAMA’s Joe Brown on ADS-B

Jun 01, 2015
The real challenge to modernizing the ATC system in the U.S. isn’t the ADS-B infrastructure but the equipage of the system users, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Chairman and Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown said at the GAMA State of the Industry presentation earlier this year.
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Understanding Crosswind Landing Procedures

Jun 11, 2015
As pilots we learn to deal with crosswind landings almost from Day One of our training. Chances are this was in a primary flight trainer that weighed less than your car and was accomplished with what some call the “wing low” method, something more properly called a sideslip. This could very well be a valid technique for the airplane you are flying now but probably isn’t.

Maintenance

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Getting with the Engine Maintenance Program

Jun 01, 2015
Engine maintenance programs offset financial exposure and improve aircraft index values. How aircraft value is impacted depends on the terms of the program. B&CA has compiled a summary of coverage available from eight different providers.

DOM Notebook

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Switching OEMs—How to Prepare

Jun 01, 2015
Most maintenance technicians appreciate the value of monotony. We enjoy a day with no surprises. Unfortunately, those are far and few between. Over time, as we become familiar with both our aircraft and its OEM support network, we gain confidence in knowing what to do, and where to find help when problems arise. That assurance helps one cope with the inevitable crises that are sure to come.
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NBAA Maintenance Committee

Jun 01, 2015
Looking to learn more about your new aircraft? The NBAA Maintenance Committee is a good place to begin your search. Its members comprise dedicated maintenance managers who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise on business aircraft through the subcommittees dedicated to specific aircraft models. You can ask them questions, seek advice and gain valuable insight about your aircraft. In addition, you can subscribe to the various model Air Mail information email groups. To learn more, visit the NBAA’s website:

Cause & Circumstance

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Update: Gulfstream IV Accident at BED

Jun 01, 2015
Lessons that have come to light during the ongoing investigation of the May 31, 2014, crash of a Gulfstream IV departing Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED), Bedford, Mass., center on the importance of checklists, completing all checklist items according to manufacturer guidance and understanding that safety systems can fail, silently leaving the crew unprotected from casual neglect.
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Gulfstream Flight Ops Information

Jun 01, 2015
On Aug. 18, 2014, Gulfstream issued a reminder to all Gulfstream flight crews of the importance of proper preflight checks of the flight control systems. This letter circulated as the company and NTSB investigators explored the potential failure modes of the GIV gust lock system. The notice — in part — follows:
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AFM and Investigators’ Comments

Jun 01, 2015
The information below includes items from the GIV Airplane Flight Manual and the NTSB investigators’ comments. Gust Lock The Before Starting Engines checklist contained within the AFM, Section 2 — Normal Procedures included the item: (70) Gust Lock — AS REQUIRED The Starting Engines checklist included the item: (4) Gust Lock — OFF
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From the Tapes

Jun 01, 2015
This excerpt from the CVR recording seems to demonstrate that power-up and acceleration was normal until 80 kt. and V1. At that point, comments are heard about “. . . lock is on,” and “can’t stop.” The FDR shows no indication of a stop-to-stop control check anytime from engine start to takeoff roll.
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Accidents in Brief

Jun 01, 2015
Selected Accidents and Incidents in April 2015. The following NTSB information is preliminary.

Business Jets

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Business Jets Updated

Jun 01, 2015
Editor’s Note: While our regular readers might think they’re seeing double, that’s not the case. The business jet specification and performance tables that follow may at first appear to be a repeat of those published last month in our May Purchase Planning Handbook, but they are not. We received quite a few changes, additions, revisions and corrections within the category after the publication deadline. Naturally, we determined to update the digital tables immediately.

20/Twenty

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Eclipse 500: Rocky Road to Maturity

Jun 01, 2015
Eclipse 500 suffered bruising battles even before it finally made it to market in 2007. During its troubled gestation, engines, avionics and several systems components needed to be upgraded. It entered service as a work in progress needing flight into known icing certification, along with dozens of avionics upgrades and systems improvements.

On Duty

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News of promotions, appointments and honors (June 2015)

Jun 01, 2015
Aergen Management Services, Bellevue, Washington, appointed Heinz Westen CFO; Michael Barry Chief marketing officer and Tom Kaluza as senior vice president. Aerion, Reno, Nevada, appointed Ernest (Ernie) Edwards as senior vice president and chief commercial officer. He joins Aerion’s senior leadership and has responsibility for all sales activity related to the company’s AS2 supersonic business jet. He reports to CEO Doug Nichols.

Products & Services Previews

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Products & Services Previews (June 2015)

Jun 01, 2015
​1. Aviation Safety Advocacy Service Launched

B&CA 50 Years Ago

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June 1965 News

Jun 01, 2015
The first transatlantic flight by a Lear Jet was made to Frankfurt, Germany, via Gander, Keflavik and Prestwick. Starting from Wichita, the 5,577-mi. flight took 10 hr. 17 min. Average altitude was 41,000 ft. and the average ground speed was 540 mph. There were three people aboard. FAA certification has been received for the Turbo Exec 400, Riley Aeronautics Corp. conversion of the de Havilland Dove. It cruised at 250 mph TAS at 12,000 ft., with 285 TAS at 20,000 ft. Range is 2,000 mi. Both custom and airline interiors are available.

Intelligence

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First Flight for the PC-24

Jun 01, 2015
The Pilatus PC-24 took off on its maiden flight on May 11 from Buochs Airport. Just under 1,800 Pilatus staff, all of whom are directly or indirectly involved in the PC-24 project, were there to applaud the business jet as it taxied for takeoff. Prototype P01, (HB-VXA), flew across central Switzerland for a total of 55 min. The twin-engine business jet took off from Runway 7 in just under 600 meters and climbed to 10,000 ft. (approximately 3000 meters) in about 3 min. where the two pilots completed a series of planned tests.
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Embraer to Move All Phenom Jet Assembly to U.S. Site

Jun 01, 2015
Embraer plans to move all Phenom light jet assembly to its Melbourne, Florida, facility from its plant in Brazil over the next year, the company said. The ramp up of Melbourne production will occur gradually throughout 2015 and will be completed in 2016. About 300 employees now work at Embraer’s customer center, production and customer support at the site. The move is needed as Embraer begins assembly of the prototypes of its new commercial jets, the E2 airliners.
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Jet-A and Avgas Fuel Prices May 2015

Jun 01, 2015
Jet-A and Avgas Per Gallon Fuel Prices May 2015
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Teterboro Most Popular for Business Aviation

Jun 01, 2015
Teterboro Airport in New Jersey was the most popular business aviation airport among U.S., Canada and Mexico airports in March, according to an analysis of acukwik.com traffic for May. William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in Florida, Dallas Love Field and Opa-Locka Executive Airport in Miami rounded out the top five. Around the world, the most popular business aviation airport was Teterboro, followed by William P.
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Jota Aviation Growing

Jun 01, 2015
​Jota Aviation, a U.K. charter company at London Southend Airport, has had a successful first six months with its BAE 146-200 jet aircraft, the company reports. Since it joined the fleet in October, the aircraft has made up to eight daily flights out of the London airport to various U.K. and European destinations. Jota Aviation is looking at expanding its fleet with further additions, it said. The next step is to offer the market a 50-plus seat version of the BAE 146.
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Possible FAA Civil Penalty Against Beech

Jun 01, 2015
The FAA is proposing a $430,000 civil penalty against Beechcraft Corp., a division of Textron Aviation, in Wichita, for allegedly failing to maintain the required aircraft production-quality-control system, the FAA said. The agency alleges that Beechcraft Baron customers began reporting fuel leaks on 43 Barons that the company recently manufactured. Investigators determined the leaks were caused by improperly installed fuel bladders.
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General Aviation Shipments and Billings Fall in 1Q 2015

Jun 01, 2015
General aviation deliveries in all categories fell during the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, according to a new report by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. “The first-quarter numbers show that, while our industry has been gaining traction over the past few years, we face some renewed headwinds in several regions of the world, including Asia, parts of Europe, and Latin America,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. The general aviation industry is focused on regaining its momentum, Bunce said.
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Deliveries Decline for Embraer Business Jets in 1Q 2015

Jun 01, 2015
Embraer delivered 32 aircraft, including 12 business aircraft and 20 commercial jets, during the first three months of 2015, the Brazilian-based company reports. Embraer delivered 10 light business jets and two large business jets during the first quarter of 2015, compared to 20 business jets in the first quarter of 2014. Embraer said it delivered 20 E-jets during the quarter, compared to 14 during the same time in 2014. All 20 E-jets delivered so far this year are E175s.
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First Production Cirrus SF50 Begins Assembly

Jun 01, 2015
​The first production-conforming aircraft, dubbed P1, is coming together at Cirrus’ facilities in Duluth, Minnesota, where the pressure vessel built at the company’s Grand Forks, North Dakota, facility and shipped to Duluth is being bonded to the tail and other components. Meanwhile, three conforming prototypes — C0, C1 and C2 — are taking part in the FAA certification program and have accumulated more than 400 hr. flight time. A fourth aircraft, a proof-of-concept model called V1, is also flyable.
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Piper Aircraft Unveils M600, M350 Aircraft

Jun 01, 2015
​The first production-conforming aircraft, dubbed P1, is coming together at Cirrus’ facilities in Duluth, Minnesota, where the pressure vessel built at the company’s Grand Forks, North Dakota, facility and shipped to Duluth is being bonded to the tail and other components. Meanwhile, three conforming prototypes — C0, C1 and C2 — are taking part in the FAA certification program and have accumulated more than 400 hr. flight time. A fourth aircraft, a proof-of-concept model called V1, is also flyable.
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Boeing Sees 777 As Meeting Australian VIP Need

Jun 01, 2015
​The first production-conforming aircraft, dubbed P1, is coming together at Cirrus’ facilities in Duluth, Minnesota, where the pressure vessel built at the company’s Grand Forks, North Dakota, facility and shipped to Duluth is being bonded to the tail and other components. Meanwhile, three conforming prototypes — C0, C1 and C2 — are taking part in the FAA certification program and have accumulated more than 400 hr. flight time. A fourth aircraft, a proof-of-concept model called V1, is also flyable.
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Cirrus Expands ‘Vision Center’ in Knoxville

Jun 01, 2015
Cirrus Aircraft is expanding its “Vision Center” in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a site search that included 15 states and 30 airport locations, the company said.
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FAA Proposes $150,000 Fine Against Ameriflight

Jun 01, 2015
The FAA has proposed a $150,000 civil penalty against Ameriflight, based in Burbank, California, for allegedly operating a Beech BE-99 when it was not in compliance with FAA regulations. The FAA alleges that the pilot noted in the aircraft’s maintenance log on Jan. 8, 2010, that water was leaking through a gap in the windshield above the copilot’s visor. The same day, a mechanic “patch sealed” the windshield by applying sealant over the gap, and the company returned the aircraft to service.
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Industry and FAA Partner to Expand UAS Ops

Jun 01, 2015
Companies involved in newsgathering, agriculture and rail transport have partnered with the FAA in the hope of extending operations of small unmanned aircraft beyond the limits outlined in proposed rules unveiled in January. CNN, PrecisionHawk and BNSF Railway have committed significant resources to the FAA’s Pathfinder program, Administrator Michael Huerta announced in Atlanta on May 6 at the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s Unmanned Systems 2015 convention.
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GKN Aerospace to Produce Wing Skins for Gulfstream G500/600

Jun 01, 2015
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has selected GKN Aerospace to produce the wing skins for its G500 and G600 ultra-long-range business jets. In a long-term contract, GKN Aerospace will produce the upper and lower wing skins for development and production aircraft at its Wellington, Kansas, advanced machines structures facility. The skins will be constructed in a single piece, which eliminates the fasteners and joints, and lowers weight and required maintenance, GKN said.
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FAA Proposes $1.54 Million Fine Against Air Methods Corp.

Jun 01, 2015
​The FAA has proposed a $1.54 million civil penalty against Air Methods Corp., an emergency medical transport company, for allegedly operating Eurocopter EC-130 helicopters that were not in compliance with FAA regulations. The FAA alleges that Air Methods operated two helicopters on 70 flights carrying passengers for compensation or hire. The flights were over water and beyond power-off gliding distance from the shore and lacked the required flotation devices and flotation gear for each passenger.
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VistaJet Adds Aircraft, Launches U.S. Challenger 350 Service

Jun 01, 2015
VistaJet, based in London, added 10 new aircraft to its fleet during the first three months of 2015 to keep up with strong global demand, the company said. It also plans to add up to 10 new Bombardier Challenger 350 business jets for use in the U.S. over the next two years, the company said.
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Diamond DA62 Gets EASA Certification

Jun 01, 2015
​Diamond Aircraft has received European Aviation Safety Agency type certification for its DA62 twin-engine composite aircraft, the company said. It is the largest aircraft in its lineup to date. The DA62 is powered by two 180 hp AE330 Jet-A piston engines from Austro Engine. It is available in two versions, one that will accommodate five people and one that will carry seven passengers. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 201 kt. and a maximum range of 1,314 nm. The order book officially opened at the AERO Friedrichshafen show in April.
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Landmark Begins Operations at Anchorage Airport

Jun 01, 2015
Landmark Aviation has begun operations at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport through an equity purchase of Era FBO, a subsidiary of Era Group. The former Million Air facility has been rebranded to “Landmark Aviation.” The 26,400-sq.-ft. facility has the largest heated hangar at the airport as well as pilot and passenger lounges, an executive conference room and 7,000 sq. ft. of office space for rent.
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Honeywell, Partners to Offer Small Satcom Antenna

Jun 01, 2015
Honeywell, Inmarsat and satcoms technology specialist Kymeta are developing a Ka-band antenna for business and commercial aviation that should offer better broadband service and suit installation in smaller aircraft. It will be the first truly flat-panel antenna for aviation, says Leo Mondale, president of the aviation business at Inmarsat. “The smaller and more compact design will allow the antenna to be installed on a wider variety of aircraft, including smaller business aviation aircraft,” Honeywell says.
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China Needs Pilots, Mechanics, Bell Helicopter Says

Jun 01, 2015
The Pilatus PC-24 took off on its maiden flight on May 11 from Buochs Airport. Just under 1,800 Pilatus staff, all of whom are directly or indirectly involved in the PC-24 project, were there to applaud the business jet as it taxied for takeoff. Prototype P01, (HB-VXA), flew across central Switzerland for a total of 55 min. The twin-engine business jet took off from Runway 7 in just under 600 meters and climbed to 10,000 ft. (approximately 3000 meters) in about 3 min. where the two pilots completed a series of planned tests.
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Utility EC145 Wins EASA Certification

Jun 01, 2015
Airbus Helicopters has been awarded European Aviation Safety Agency certification for the utility version of its EC145 twin-engine light helicopter. The EC145, previously known as the EC145e, is essentially a civil version of the UH‑72 Lakota Light Utility Helicopter being delivered to the U.S. Army, but equipped for single-pilot day and night operations.
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Mooney Reveals M10 Design

Jun 01, 2015
Mooney International revealed its new M10 design to the U.S. market with a full-scale mockup at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida. The M10 J and T model aircraft were unveiled in November at the Zhuhai Airshow. Mooney is in its final construction phase of a proof-of-concept flight-test aircraft scheduled to fly later this year. This follows the preliminary type certification board meeting between Mooney and the Los Angeles FAA-ACO in February.
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Shell Aviation Becomes Exclusive Supplier At Saarbrucken Airport

Jun 01, 2015
Shell Aviation has expanded its refueling network in Germany and is now the exclusive supplier at Saarbrucken Airport in Germany. Shell will provide Jet A1 and Avgas 100LL, and implement its Aviation Center of Excellence program, which focuses on efficient operations and high safety standards, using state-of-the-art equipment and marketing support through the Shell brand. Customers will have access to electronic invoicing and dedicated account managers.
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Luxaviation Acquires ExecuJet; Forms World’s No.2 Bizjet Operator

Jun 01, 2015
Rapidly growing Luxaviation Group, a driving force behind the consolidation of business-aircraft management in Europe, will become the world’s second-largest operator of business jets following the acquisition of Swiss-based ExecuJet Aviation Group.
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Aero Kinetics, FreeFlight Partner for ADS-B for UAS

Jun 01, 2015
Aero Kinetics, based in Fort Worth, announced a partnership with FreeFlight Systems to integrate its ADS-B avionics into Aero Kinetics unmanned aircraft systems for commercial use in the National Airspace System. FreeFlight has designed a lightweight, low-power ADS-B unit, which will be an integral part of Aero Kinetic’s development of unmanned aircraft. The technology will communicate with manned aircraft and ground control stations.
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Honeywell Aerospace Launches Router For Air/Ground Wi-Fi

Jun 01, 2015
Honeywell Aerospace has introduced a new router, the CNX-250, which will allow business aircraft to connect to a cellular network while on the ground and then transition to a satellite connection while in flight. The router will enable connection to a variety of network sources instead of connecting exclusively to a satellite communications network, Honeywell said. That will give operators and maintenance personnel the ability to stay connected while in the air or on the ground.