By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
This year’s National Business Aviation Association’s convention was a “resounding success,” drawing 27,000 attendees, 1,100 exhibitors and 100 aircraft on display.
It seems to me a kind of stubborn unease has infected many in the business aviation community. They see post-recession conditions of tepid growth in flight hours, slack sales in general, low fleet valuations and business consolidations as the new normal, and harbingers of a difficult future. Pardon my optimism, but considering events in just the past month, I come away with a different view, heartened by developments that should help strengthen the industry.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
Flexjet made headlines twice in a day at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention on Nov. 18 by placing orders for 20 Aerion AS2 supersonic business jets, and 20 Bombardier Challenger 350s.
“A flight department must screen temps as thoroughly as new hires,” says Drumgold. This starts with a close examination of a contract pilot’s records, licenses, certificates and logs. Then, it takes a one-on-one interview, investigation of references and plenty of immersion into the flight department’s culture. The vetting process needs to be thorough to assure that the contract pilot buys into your SOPs, SMS and risk mitigation protocols.
Chronic pilot shortages now are a reality for many small and medium-size flight departments. Managers have pared back on staffing levels to comply with cost-cutting mandates. Moreover, full-time pilots aren’t available for duty full time. They have vacation days, periodic simulator training sessions, occasional sick days, parental leave time and perhaps even a few personal days off.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
The Aerodrome and its partner, the City of Boulder City, Nevada, announced in early December the world’s first commercial droneport and teaching facility in Boulder City.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. said it has received approval from the FAA to install the Gogo Business Aviation UCS 5000 smart cabin system on Gulfstream GV and GIV aircraft.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
A bill for third-class medical reform for pilots is gaining momentum. On Dec. 9, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has passed S. 571, known as the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2. It will now go to the full Senate for consideration. The bill has strong support in the Senate, with 70 co-sponsors, and in the House, where it has 151 co-sponsors, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Since it was introduced in the House and Senate in February, the bill has undergone some major modifications to address concerns by Congress and others.
Aviation used to be a top career choice for young people, but airline consolidations and failures, the slowdown in business aviation, downsizing, outsourcing and budget pressures, among other things, have left many new job seekers with a negative impression of the aviation industry. While the call of the sky is powerful, the hard math of student loans and low starting pay in an uncertain job market has led many to apply their talents and pin their aspirations to other industries.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
Global Jet Capital announced that it has completed approximately 90% of its acquisition of GE’s fixed-wing Corporate Aircraft financing portfolio in the Americas.
