Business & Commercial Aviation

We are told that on May 31, 2014, the professional pilot world got a wake-up call when two pilots crashed their Gulfstream IV (N121JM) at Hanscom Field (BED), Bedford, Massachusetts, and killed all on board. The NTSB rightfully called their performance an act of intentional, habitual noncompliance, but that was being charitable.

BCA shares the latest products and services for the business aviation industry.

The following NTSB information is preliminary about these selected accidents and Incidents in February 2016.

While this may be the age of same-day shipping, computer-controlled inventories, global distribution networks and numerous third-party parts suppliers, chances are good that your airplane will break at the worst possible time and the part that you need will be in a building buried in a blizzard half a continent away. Meanwhile, the boss is packing for an imminent trip to close a do-or-die deal. You may be willing to bet your career on the part showing up in time to launch on that mission, but be sure your resume is up to date, just in case.

The DC-9 captain told the NTSB investigators that there had been thunderstorms all around the airport and the crew used the aircraft's weather radar to scan the area while taxiing to Runway 19. He said the largest echo was east-northeast, that the cell contoured when he switched to that mode, and the gradient was very steep.

When a hacker last year claimed to have tapped into an airliner’s entertainment system and then wormed his way into the flight control system, the major avionics companies were quick to internally debunk the claim, but they were less outspoken in public. That’s because the bourgeoning number of federated boxes that are increasingly common in connected cockpits are outside their direct control.

Sabreliner Aviation reaches significant milestone with the AeroVue integrated flight deck program. With the completion of critical design review, Sabreliner begins cockpit preparation on the initial aircraft.

The FAA this month begins weighing recommendations from an aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) regarding its handling of light or “micro” unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The National Transportation Safety Board has ruled that the probable cause of the fatal Oct. 30, 2014, crash of a King Air B200 into the FlightSafety International training center in Wichita was the pilot’s “failure to maintain control of the airplane after a reduction in left engine power” and “inappropriate rudder input.”

Honeywell Aerospace forecasts demand for 4,300 to 4,800 helicopters for civilian use over the next five years. That’s roughly 400 aircraft lower than last year’s five-year forecast.

Meridian adds a Falcon 7X (N221HJ) to its charter fleet of business jets. This ultra-long range aircraft was completed in 2008, and seats up to14 passengers. It also has the capacity to sleep up to seven for long-haul trips.

Piper Aircraft recently received an order from ATP Flight School for 15 additional Archer TX training aircraft.

The buyers’ market for light jets is stronger than at any time in decades, with upward of 200 aircraft available. Well hidden among all that inventory

The FAA last month issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Part 23 that would overhaul airworthiness standards for small general aviation aircraft.

Bell Helicopter delivered 175 aircraft in 2015, including 99 Model 407s, 52 Model 429s and a dozen each of 412 twins and Long Rangers.

SOPs — Timely Topic I thoroughly enjoyed your article “ Sticking With SOPs,” (March 2016, page 52) You nailed it! I’m having it scanned and distributed within NTSB. Just wanted to thank you for ad–dressing this important and timely topic. Robert Sumwalt Member National Transportation Safety Board Washington, D.C. Get Out of the Way

Bombardier Business Aircraft delivered its 75th Model 75 Learjet in late February, two years after the first Learjet 75 entered service.

SKYTRAC has joined with Flight Data Services for enhanced Flight Data Management Services.

West Star Aviation receives an STC for the upgrade of the Honeywell CAS-81A/TPA-81A or CAS-100A/TPA-100A with 7.0 software to the CAS-100B/TPA-100B with 7.1 software.

Banyan Air Service signs an agreement with Aircraft Technical Publishers to transition Banyan’s technical information library from CD-based services to the ATP Aviation Hub.

Disabled Aircraft Services, based in Buffalo, Minnesota, has introduced upgrades to its line of PlaneSkate products designed to move aircraft with a flat tire from a runway, taxiway or ramp.

VistaJet experienced double-digit growth in passenger and flight traffic in 2015, the European private jet charter and aircraft management company said.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Campus and Universal Helicopters have extended a 2010 agreement to exclusively provide helicopter training to Embry-Riddle students.

Petroleum Air Services has been appointed the first Bell Helicopter Authorized Customer Service Facility in North Africa, the helicopter manufacturer said. Petroleum Air Services provides fixed wing and helicopter transportation to the oil and gas and travel industries in Egypt.

Aviation Week & Space Technology’s 59th annual Laureate Award for business aviation went to the CEOs of Textron Aviation and Textron Corp.