Toxicology testing detected methylone, a synthetic illicit stimulant with similar effects to cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, in the pilot’s blood. Given the level of methylone, it is likely the pilot was impaired at the time of the accident.
Phoenix Air’s Aeromedical Biological Containment System (ABCS) is shown erected beside one of the operator’s Gulfstream III air ambulances. Note the “exoskeleton” fabricated from aluminum stock and the disposable isolation tent for patients suffering from dangerous communicable diseases that it supports. The system breaks down for storage and is designed to be assembled in the Gulfstream’s cabin and secured in the seat tracks.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
Jet Aviation Singapore delivered the first 8C (120-month) inspection undertaken in Asia on a Bombardier Global Express aircraft. Along with the inspection, it also completed a full interior refurbishment and repainted the exterior. The 10-year 8C inspection is the largest maintenance event for Global Express aircraft. It will begin a second 8C inspection for an undisclosed customer in January. (See Twenty/20 on page 65)
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
Bombardier recently delivered the first of two specialized Challenger 605’s to the Hong Kong Government Flying Service. This multi-role aircraft can be used for search and rescue, VIP transportation, medical evacuation, as well as other special missions. The Challengers are replacements. Challengers are deployed in multi-role service in Canada, Denmark, Switzerland and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The model is also used as a head of state aircraft in several countries.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
There was a roar of approval, streamers popping and some 2,000 workers, dignitaries and suppliers applauded when Michimasa Fujino announced to those gathered on Dec. 9 in the gleaming white hangar that the HA-420 HondaJet had been granted an FAA Type Certificate. Long in coming, Honda’s first-ever aircraft had up until that moment been flying under an Experimental certificate.
“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.
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.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
Honeywell acquired Copenhagen-based Satcom1 the leading provider of routing software that optimizes the inflight connectivity experience and is already an existing distribution partner for Honeywell’s JetWave terminals and Inmarsat’s GX Aviation program. The company, whose 2015 revenues were expected to be approximately $25 million, provides inflight airtime, satellite communications services and software for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Honeywell says the acquisition will facilitate “a seamless experience with an all-in-one connectivity solution.”
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.
When television viewers saw news coverage of American medical professionals infected with Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever arriving in the U.S. for treatment, it’s doubtful many of them knew that the aircraft bringing them back from Africa were specially modified, commercially operated Gulfstream business jets.
What finally galvanized the FAA and its Cabinet-level overseer, the Department of Transportation (DOT), into implementing meaningful regulation of civil drone operations were predictions by the UAS industry that between 700,000 and 1 million small drones would be purchased as 2015 holiday gifts in the U.S.
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.
Superior range, speed and cabin comfort are the main reasons why business aircraft operators were motivated to upgrade to the Bombardier Global 5000 from smaller, slower and shorter-range business aircraft. It simply delivers on those requirements.
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
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.
