SimuFlite Training International's new Hawker Jet simulator recently obtained Level C approval from the FAA and the Canadian DOT. The simulator received dual qualification as both a Hawker 800 and a Hawker 1000. The Reflectone-built device, SimuFlite's 16th business-jet simulator, is the only Hawker 1000 full-flight simulator available worldwide. Avionics in the simulator include a Honeywell SPZ-8000 IFCS and dual Honeywell FMZ-920 FMSes. Separately, an FAA/DOT Gulfstream IVSP Level D simulator is slated to be available for training this month (B/CA, January, page 16).
Now available from Artex Incorporated is the ELT 200, one of the smallest and lightest emergency locator transmitters to meet TSO C91a. The ELT 200 unit can either be cockpit-mounted with its indicator panel in view of the pilot, or it can be mounted almost anywhere with a remote switch located on the instrument panel. Measuring 2.50 inches by 2.75 inches by 6.50 inches and weighing two pounds, the ELT 200 comes with mounting bracket, antenna, coax cable, remote switch, installation kit and installation manual. Price: $350. Artex, Inc., 10714 S.
Inventory Locator Service, an electronic marketplace for hooking up buyers and sellers of parts, is now distributing its ILS DIRECT software for Windows. This ``point-and-click'' program is available at no additional charge to the company's customers.
In 1967, on a stormy day, a dedication ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the Auglaize County/Neil Armstrong Airport in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Due to the inclement weather conditions on this monumental summer day, the governor's airplane was forced to circle east of the field. Many developments have taken place at the airport since that dedication nearly 29 years ago. Of particular importance was the installation of an LOC/DME approach.
Following its first full year of production, the McDonnell Douglas Explorer light twin now is carrying additional options, such as an internal auxiliary 57-gallon fuel tank, a 600-pound personnel hoist and emergency floats. In addition, McDonnell Douglas, working with AlliedSignal, expects IFR approval for the Explorer this month. Meanwhile, the company said its MD 600N single-turbine helicopter is on schedule to receive FAA certification late this year. The MD 600N, unveiled at Heli-Expo `95, is an eight-place stretched and more powerful version of the MD 520N.
Aircraft Technical Publishers of Brisbane, California has added maintenance publications on the Eurocopter BO-105LS A-3 helicopter to its technical library available on microfiche. In addition to the basic airframe and engine maintenance manuals, the library includes the parts catalog, repair manual, wiring diagrams, flight manual, Allison price lists, service bulletins and ADs. An annual subscription (including biweekly updates) is priced at $635 in North America and $790 elsewhere. A renewal costs $320 in North America and $395 elsewhere.
One of the nagging problems of the general-aviation community is that the media doesn't understand light aircraft. Despite numerous educational efforts sponsored over the years by organizations ranging from the AOPA to the Aviation/Space Writers Association, many newspaper reporters continue to believe that every business jet is a Learjet, and that a stall occurs when an airplane's engine quits.
Barfield, Inc. (Miami)-Morris Venezia was promoted to senior vice president from his former responsibilities as director of manufacturing, engineering, sales and marketing for this ground-support test equipment manufacturer.
Aviall (Dallas)-Eric E. Anderson has been named the company's executive vice president, with responsibility for parts distribution services and Inventory Locator Service (ILS).
Pilots for Grand Island, Nebraska-based GP Express Airlines have voted by a 70-percent margin to be represented by the Air Line Pilots Association. The 118-member pilot group had been represented by the in-house Regional Express Pilots Association.
Allison Engine claims direct operating costs of Allison 250 Series IV engines have gone down by one dollar an hour due to a continuous improvement in removal rates, TBO extensions and other parameters. Rolls-Royce's moves to improve customer service haven't been without glitches, however. The most severe snag was a shortage of critical parts during 1995, resulting in increased downtime for some operators as engines remained stripped down in overhaul shops. The situation has been rectified, and parts are available on short notice, Allison claims.
In a carefully worded statement ``in response to questions from NBAA members,'' the NBAA said it considers fractional ownership a ``means of expanding the number of companies that will utilize business aircraft and, thus, offers the potential for increasing the number of company flight departments.'' It is a way of ``filling the niche between chartering and full aircraft ownership.'' Some corporate pilots are concerned that fractional ownership will result in the collapse of traditional corporate flight departments.
``Rig for silent running'' may not yet apply completely to aircraft, but new test results show the twin-turbine Explorer coming the closest to the description over any rotorcraft in its class. McDonnell Douglas says it will be submitting its acoustic testing data to the FAA, indicating that the Explorer measures an average of eight decibels quieter than FAR Part 36, Stage 2 noise requirements. The company attributes the lower sound levels to its NOTAR system for anti-torque and directional control.
The Suction Cup Transceiver Holder from Sporty's Pilot Shop can keep most hand-held transceivers at the ready and secured in the cockpit. To use it, the rubber suction cup is affixed to the aircraft side window or other smooth surface, and the transceiver is inserted into the holder by squeezing the padded ``arms.'' An internal ratchet locks the radio firmly in place. The holder (5.00 inches by 4.00 inches by 3.63 inches) accommodates portable transceivers be-tween 1.50 and 2.75 inches wide. Price: $26.95. Sporty's Pilot Shop, Clermont County Airport, Batavia, OH 45003.
SimuFlite Training International (Dallas)-Fred Figge was named manager of advanced programs and specialty courses-including internation- al procedures, CRM, high-altitude flight.
Avfuel Corporation, an independent provider of aviation fuels, and the Flight Freedom Foundation (FFF), an all-volunteer general-aviation advocacy organization, have teamed up to help Avfuel-branded FBOs and general-aviation airport managers in their efforts to keep general-aviation airports open. Once a request from an FBO is approved by Avfuel, FFF volunteers will provide the assistance, and Avfuel will underwrite the out-of-pocket expenses of the service. The program is available only to eligible Avfuel-branded dealers.
FAA is reviewing a noise-compatibility plan proposed under FAR Part 150 for Missouri's Kansas City International Airport. The agency is scheduled to approve or disapprove the plan on or before August 7. Under Part 150, interested parties are invited to comment on the proposal. Earlier, the FAA determined that noise-exposure maps previously submitted are in compliance with applicable requirements. For more information, contact Moira D. Keane at the FAA in Kansas City. Phone: (816) 426-4731.
The implementation of an AQP is so complex and expensive that developing and implementing programs has been the exclusive province of Part 121 carriers. Recognizing both the benefits of the program and the difficulty in implementing it, the FAA is currently developing a ``Model AQP'' that can be used by smaller carriers and training centers to form the basis of a program. The FAA's goal is to have AQPs in place with half the major airlines and 20 regional airlines by 1998.
April 26 is the deadline for submitting nominations for the 33rd annual Flight Instructor and Maintenance Technician of the Year Awards. The FAA-selected winners for 1996 will be flown to the Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In at Oshkosh, Wisconsin in August to attend a ceremony in their honor and receive prizes. Nomination applications are available from FSDOs and these sponsoring groups: AOPA, EAA, GAMA, NBAA, National Association of Flight Instructors, National Air Transportation Association and Professional Aviation Maintenance Association.
Global Helicopter Technology of Arlington, Texas is a major player in the development of India's Hindustan Aeronautics Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), now in flight test. Powered by (Allison and AlliedSignal) LHTEC T800 turboshafts, the engine integration kit was designed and manufactured by Global. The ALH uses advanced composites extensively in the airframe and rotor blades. Other features include a four-blade main rotor without bearings or hinges, and FADEC-equipped engines.
