Business & Commercial Aviation

With certification of its AW609 commercial tiltrotor finally in sight, Leonardo is now embarking on the next step of its tiltrotor journey. Backed by the European Union’s Clean Sky 2 aeronautical research program, the Anglo-Italian aerospace company is putting the finishing touches to the architecture it envisions will shape its next tiltrotor and potentially give Europe the lead in fast civil rotorcraft.

The third and final Pilatus PC-24 prototype, P03, took flight for the first time March 6 when it launched from Buochs airfield near the company's headquarters in Stans, Switzerland.

The latest companies to join the General Aviation Manufacturers Association as members include CAMP Systems, Pipistrel and Tamarack Aerospace. New associate members are Ascent Vision Technologies, SmartSky Networks and Uber.

Robinson Helicopters is considering adopting a diesel engine for a future derivative of its R44 piston-engine light helicopter. The company is “holding strong to putting a diesel” in the R44 over the next 3-4 yr., CEO Kurt Robinson announced in a speech to the Western Museum of Flight in Hawthorne, California, late last year. The helicopter manufacturer is working with a “couple of different [engine] manufacturers,” Robinson says. “We have got to get the vibration loads right.

Delta Private Jets has added five light and midsize jets to its private jet travel and management business to keep up with growing demand.

Embraer is cautiously optimistic about its executive jet segment amid a used aircraft market that remains challenging, the company said March 9 as it released 2016 financial results.

Safe Flight Instrument Corp.'s Angle of Attack Stall Protection System has been chosen by Textron Aviation for installation in its new Cessna Denali single-engine turboprop.

The Global 7000/8000 program's second flight test vehicle flew for the first time March 4, and Bombardier says the 7000 is on track to enter into service in the second half of 2018.

Tower controller loses track, and a Sabreliner and Cessna Skyhawk 172 collide.

Wheels Up was named by Aviation Week Network editors as the 2017 winner of the Laureate for Business Aviation. Founded four years ago with the promise to “democratize” travel by business aviation, the once disruptive start-up has grown into an operation with about 4,000 members. Membership is even available through Costco stores. Membership growth has come faster than anticipated expected -- up 72% from 2015 to 2016.

In April 1967, BCA covered new aircraft, including the Beech Duke and Aerostar 320, and new equipment as well as 1966 general aviation aircraft and business jet deliveries.

Duncan Aviation completed a redesign of the Android version of its AOG Services app, which makes it easy for operators to find the nearest Duncan Aviation location to their current position.

FlightSafety International now offers FAA-approved Part 142 night-vision-goggle (NVG) initial training for the Airbus Helicopters H135, Bell 212 and Bell 412EP using Level D qualified simulators.

AirMed International has opened a Beechjet 400 base at Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport to serve air medical transportation and organ procurement and recovery flight.

Jet Aviation’s maintenance Facility in Basel has concluded its first retrofit installation of Split Scimitar winglets on a BBJ1.

CSI Aviation, a New Mexico-based, international air charter services and logistics company, has expanded its operating certificate to give the company the capability to provide flight services worldwide.

AirFlyte is now operating as Rectrix MRO Inc. The rebranding stems from the 2013 acquisition of AirFlyte by Rectrix and specifically markets the company for its maintenance, repair and overhaul services.

Textron Aviation has launched a new platform for its technical publications called 1View. There, customers can access maintenance manuals, flight documents and service information for Beechcraft, Cessna Aircraft and Hawker aircraft.

Jetliner manufacturers believe there’s merit in minimalism. They’re wary of distractions that could impede or derail pilot performance in high-stress situations. They’re also loathe to bury control of systems in multiple layers of submenus.

Today’s instruments enable pilots to better visualize their environment, but can also suffer subtle failures and lure the unprepared into hazardous situations.

After 20 years in development, Leonardo is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel for its AW609 commercial tiltrotor.

National Transportation Safety Board vice chairman Robert L. Sumwalt tells BCA about two of the accidents most troubling to him and why he believes the Board does not need regulatory authority.

The Cessna Pilot Center network grew substantially in 2016, adding 24 flight centers as partners. Those include five international flight schools in Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Germany and Poland.

Across Europe, deliveries for mid-to-heavy business jets are projected to total 959 between now and 2025, according to a new forecast by Global Jet Capital. The largest demand is expected to be from the UK.

FAA airworthiness directives have returned to the Federal Register. The FAA had not issued ADs since President Donald Trump ordered a 60-day suspension of all pending and new regulations.