Primus Epic, Honeywell's next generation of integrated avionics, will be introduced at the NBAA convention later this month. The digital avionics system is being designed to reduce head-down time, improve crew situational awareness and incorporate features now in use or under development for PCs. Key elements of the Primus Epic are four flat-panel LCDs (providing one-fourth more viewing area than five of Honeywell's current CRTs), voice command and recognition, and point-and-click cursor control.
Congress ordered the DOT to submit a plan by April 1997 for continued funding and operation of Loran-C service beyond 2000. The order rebukes the DOT for ignoring thousands of Loran-C users' protests by scheduling an early phaseout of this navigation aid (B/CA, May, 1995, page 16). The original Loran-C termination date was 2015, but the U.S. Coast Guard--a unit of the DOT--cited a lean budget and the availability of GPS as reasons for an early phaseout. About 80,000 Loran receivers are in aviation use.
If decathlon champion Dan O'Brien and Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan partnered to design a business aircraft, they might call themselves the Lean Team. They likely would place top priority on speed and range, while squeezing the most out of the operating budget.
Mobility Canada of Ottawa recently launched its satellite aeronautical service by installing a CalQuest satellite phone system in a Challenger 601. In July, this provider of wireless telecommunications joined with Cal Corporation, also based in Ottawa, to offer inflight voice, fax and data services to corporate and utility aircraft via Mobility Canada's satellite network. Mobility Canada says its service is virtually seamless throughout ``every square inch of North America,'' including up to 160 nm offshore.
The first thing you notice about the new HMEC 25KA active noise canceling headset from Germany's Sennheiser is that it is far smaller, lighter and less cumbersome than competing ANC headsets. Its performance also differs; but its list price of $949 is comparable to other top-priced ANC headsets.
FAA has updated one of its principal publications that provides information on the hazards of airframe icing and the use of deice/anti-ice systems. Advisory Circular 91-51, in effect since 1977, is superseded by AC 91-51A. The new document contains updates on the effects of icing on aircraft control, and includes a section on recognizing, and correcting for, ice-induced roll upsets and tailplane stalls. Copies of AC 91-51A are available from the DOT, General Services, M-45.3, Washington, DC 20590.
To help build the database of information available through Dassault Falcon Jet's CATS (Computer Assisted Troubleshooting System), the company is awarding a $100 credit for every unusual troubleshooting idea it receives from Falcon Jet operators and authorized Falcon service centers. Dassault will award the credit for each idea not previously published and judged by the company to be ``unique.'' The credit can be applied against the purchase price of CATS software (B/CA, September, page 20).
While U.S. charter operators are required to hold an international air carrier bond when operating to and from Canada and Mexico, U.S. Customs' lack of continuity and standardization in determining the bond amount has caused a ``great deal of confusion'' among air charter operators, according to the National Air Transportation Association.
Rocky Stone, a line pilot for United Airlines and chairman of RTCA SC-186, which is charged with developing Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) performance standards, doesn't like queuing up in a holding pattern waiting for the next available approach slot when he arrives at a destination airport in IFR conditions. Predictably, he thinks it's a waste of time, fuel and money. Unlike other pilots, though, he's come up with a solution: the ``Paired Approach.''
Ron Bower and John Williams are nothing if not aggressive. The helicopter pilots, who in August embarked on a record-setting, around-the-world flight in a new Bell 430, set up a schedule that didn't just beat the old record-it shattered it. Bower and Williams completed the flight in just over 17 days-seven days less than Bower's previous record, set during a solo flight in a Bell JetRanger in 1994. To make it tougher, they decided to go westbound, into the prevailing wind.
The drive toward efficiency and economy in aircraft system design could play a big role in the performance and design of the next generation of thrust reversers. Airframers, engine manufacturers and avionics suppliers all have radically changed the way they do business to answer the call for better value in aircraft. As a result of that shift, propulsion systems are now often sold as packages.
Dallas Airmotive will expand its P&WC PT6A and JT15D customer service in Europe if its agreement to purchase the engine services division of Anglo American Airmotive goes through. The division, located in Bournemouth, England, includes an engine test cell for the PT6A series. The new facility will become the seventh Dallas Airmotive regional turbine shop capable of providing inspection and repair of PT6A hot-section and power-section components, as well as JT15D hot-section and fan repairs.
The recent order from Continental Express for 25 Embraer EMB-145 regional jets and the airline's option to buy 175 more, marks the first purchase of the 50-passenger aircraft by a U.S. customer. Embraer now has 63 firm orders for the Allison-powered jetliner. The Continental bid pushes the total purchase options for the new aircraft to 217. Currently, the airline operates about 100 turboprop aircraft. At press time, Continental Express hadn't decided if it will eventually replace its entire turboprop fleet with jets.
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems selected UND Aerospace, the University of North Dakota's aviation training segment, as the factory-authorized pilot and maintenance training source for all of the firm's civil helicopters. The first classes are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 1997 at a new UND Aerospace facility in Mesa, Arizona, near MD's helicopter factory.
For its first time in northern California, AOPA Expo `96, slated for October 17-19 in San Jose, will feature 350 general aviation exhibits. This year's seminar program will address such issues as medical certification, icing and buying/selling an aircraft. Register in advance by calling (301) 695-2060. Package plans, daily registration and special options are available.
During the recent Farnborough Air Show in England, Continental Express (COEx) became the North American launch customer for Embraer's EMB-145 regional jet by ordering 25 of the new 50-passenger aircraft plus an extraordinary 175 options. The deal could top $3 billion if all of the options are exercised.
Now that Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities have certificated the Flight Dynamics HGS-2850 Head-Up Guidance System for the Falcon 2000, Dassault officials expect FAA certification shortly. The company revealed plans to offer a similar Flight Dynamics system as an option on the already-certificated Falcon 900EX long-range (4,500-nm) transoceanic trijet. Meanwhile, the new Honeywell/GEC Marconi HUD 2020 for G-IVSPs and G-Vs continues toward FAA certification in the fourth quarter (B/CA, November 1995, page 20).
DOT recently revised its Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) rates for the remainder of this year. The current rates are: 0-500 sm-$0.1729, 501-1,500 sm-$0.1318, more than 1,500 sm-$0.1267. The SIFL terminal charge is $31.61. SIFL rates are used to satisfy the IRS requirement for operators to compute the value of non-business transportation aboard employer-provided aircraft. The formula applies on a per flight, per person basis when a seat is occupied by a guest or family member not traveling on business.
The federal taxes you pay in connection with expenditures for engine overhauls and other heavy maintenance may get even more taxing, if the Internal Revenue Service gets its way, according to a report from the NBAA. Costs associated with heavy maintenance have historically been deductible in the year incurred. But in recent audits of airlines and some business aircraft operators, the IRS has been attempting to mandate ``capitalization'' of these costs.
Instead of squinting and still not being sure of fuel type and purity, pilots could try the Airtrans Fuel Tester from Sporty's Pilot Shop. The device's specific-gravity float design can be used to determine the difference between avgas and other types of fuel, and even water. If the float is on the bottom, not to worry. But if it is on the surface or suspended, water, jet fuel or another contaminant is present. The tester is 8.25 inches long and has a reversible screwdriver mounted on the tip. Price: $11.95. Sporty's Pilot Shop, Clermont County Airport, Batavia, OH 45103.
In September's Fit for Flight (page 104), melatonin was mentioned as a sleep aid as well as assisting in adjusting to circadian changes (such as that caused by jet lag). First and foremost, note that melatonin is not a drug (thus allowing a doctor to determine its use)-it's sold as a ``food supplement.'' It isn't even monitored by the FDA and, therefore, is not officially regulated as to dosage, usage and purity.
