The McGraw-Hill Cos.' Aviation Week and The International Herald Tribune (IHT) have agreed to jointly produce news from the world's major air shows for the newspaper's worldwide readership. Under the terms of the agreement, Aviation Week's Show News reporters will compile air show news to be published in the IHT. Shows slated for coverage include this month's Farnborough International Air Show, future Paris and Singapore Air Shows and the annual NBAA convention.
The FAA has granted Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) authorization to Raytheon's Aircraft Charter and Management operation. The certification will allow Raytheon to offer FAR Part 135 charter service to points in Europe and beyond. The charter service operates 62 aircraft, including Hawkers, Beechjets, Learjets, a Citation and a Challenger. The fleet is based primarily in high-traffic areas along the U.S. east and west coasts, but also near Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta.
American Eagle plans to become an all-jet carrier at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport by November 2. This summer, the AMR affiliate will introduce regional jets in five markets that now have only turboprop service, and expand jet service in six markets now served by turboprops and regional jets. American Eagle operates two types of Embraer regional jets: the 50-seat ERJ-145 and the 37-seat ERJ-135.
The Explorer 500T -- a proposed single-engine, turbine-powered utility aircraft -- began flight testing in June. The aircraft is a re-engined version of the Australian-built Explorer 350R, which made its debut on the air show circuit in summer 1999. ``The aircraft exceeded our expectations,'' said Explorer Aircraft CEO Graham Swannell, noting that while the company's promotional literature promises a 175-knot cruise speed, cruise speeds during initial testing exceeded 180 knots.
The FAA has modified its Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) to allow departures from satellite airports where weather reporting is not available. The agency says the action is an effort to reduce the number of ``unnecessary'' flight delays general aviation aircraft face, without compromising safety. Effective May 23, applicable flights may legally depart in conditions below basic VFR minimums, assuming SVFR minimums exist and other pilot training and aircraft equipment criteria are met.
Portable telephones generate transmissions that directly interfere with multiple aircraft systems, according to a recent study by Britain's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Tests conducted in February aboard a British Airways Boeing 737-200 and a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-200 at London's Gatwick Airport revealed that cell phone signals can generate false cockpit warnings and noise in pilots' headphones, while distracting the crew and lessening their confidence in aircraft warning systems.
Alpha Flying of Nashua, N.H., plans to expand its PlaneSense fractional ownership business through a marketing pact with Epps Aviation, an Atlanta-based FBO and charter provider. Six Pilatus PC-12s now are part of the PlaneSense program, including N116AF, recently photographed at Martha's Vineyard airport in Massachusetts.
Business Aviation Services, located in Sioux Falls, S.D. (FSD), reduced fuel prices by $0.20 on 100LL avgas for all aircraft attending the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture 2000 in Oshkosh, Wis., this month. Located 400 miles from Oshkosh, Business Aviation Services offers repairs and maintenance on engines, airframes, radios and instruments.
Naples, Italy-based VulcanAir has re-launched the venerable Partenavia P68C piston twin, an effort that will see new-build aircraft touring the U.S. air show circuit this summer. VulcanAir intends to build both the standard P68C and the Observer 2 (Police Package) variant, and says it is moving forward with development of two entirely new designs.
Northop Grumman has sold its commercial aerostructures unit to the Carlyle Group, a global equity fund, for $1.2 billion. The division manufactures Gulfstream V wings and is the largest supplier of aircraft structures to Boeing. Northrop Grumman had announced plans to sell the division in April, saying it would allow it to concentrate on other core businesses and acquisitions. The new entity will retain its Dallas headquarters and will operate as Vought Aircraft Co. The Carlyle Group says no significant changes in the work force are anticipated.
Teterboro Airport has received ISO 9002 certification from the International Organization for Standardization. The two-year process establishes standards of quality recognized worldwide. Some areas in which the airport focused its efforts on standardization include contracts, snow and ice removal, wildlife, noise abatement and lighting. ISO 9002 benefits are cost reduction, improved service and improved communication.
Gulfstream's Dallas service facility is the latest factory service center to receive Designated Alteration Station (DAS) approval from the FAA. The approval allows the center to grant STCs for aircraft engineering designs and installation on Gulfstreams as well as Challengers, Falcons and Hawkers. Gulfstream service centers in Appleton, Wis., Long Beach, Calif., and Savannah also have DAS authority.
FlightSafetyBoeing expects to add 19 flight simulators worldwide by the end of 2001. To be located at training centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia, the new simulators will include the Boeing 717, next-generation 737, 757/767, Airbus 320 and Airbus 330/340. Seattle-based FlightSafetyBoeing operates 57 simulators at 20 locations, and plans to build new centers or expand older facilities in Mexico City, Miami and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
C. Barrie Sampson joined the used aircraft dealer as director of international sales. Aircraft mechanic and engineer Charles Aufranc is named manager of technical sales support. Aufranc also continues as a designated airworthiness inspector with the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation.
ACJet, the new Atlantic Coast Airlines subsidiary that soon will begin operations as a Delta Connection carrier, has appointed Mike Davis as chief operating officer. For the past five years, Davis has been ACA's vice president of customer service, and he previously worked for Business Express and US Airways. ACJet's initial flights will serve New York's La Guardia Airport, but the venture is still awaiting its FAA operating certificate. Separately, Hawker Pacific has agreed to provide ACA/ACJet with 328JET brake maintenance in an $8.5 million deal.
Women in Aviation, International (WAI) is seeking nominees for the Pioneer Hall of Fame, honoring women who have made significant contributions to aviation. Current members include Olive Ann Beech, Moya Lear, Audrey Poberezny, Amelia Earhart and Patty Wagstaff. The deadline for submitting nominations is September 30. For further information, contact WAI at (973) 839-4647 or visit its Web site at www.wiai.org.
As a result of a reorganization of its aerospace business, the company has named Jack Carmola president of the new engine and safety systems group and Michael Piscatella president of the electronic systems group. The company also appointed John Grisik president of the landing systems group and Bud Wetzler is now president of the aerostructures and aviation services group.
Free Flight Phase 1 -- New information exchange systems and automated controller tools, budgeted at $722 million for fiscal 1998 to 2004 for deployment at selected locations. The RTCA recommended the deployment sites, specific brand names of controller tools and a general project timeframe.
Safire Aircraft is claiming 611 orders for its proposed S-26 personal jet. At current prices, the orders are valued at nearly $500 million dollars. The Florida-based manufacturer also says that retired Volkswagen executive Dr. Carl Hahn has joined its board of directors. Hahn served as Volkswagen of America's CEO from 1959 to 1964 and chairman of the board of Volkswagen AG from 1982 to 1992. The 74-year-old Hahn is an advisor to several companies, and serves on the board of directors of Ross Perot's Perot Systems and MainControl, a computer software company.
