By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
EHang, a Chinese manufacturer, unveiled a drone on Jan. 6 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that it claims can fly a human passenger short-to-medium distances at low altitudes. The company’s EHang 184, which it describes as an autonomous aerial vehicle, includes four arms and eight propellers and takes off and lands vertically. It is built from composite materials, operates on electric power, and can be charged in 2-4 hr., according to EHang.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
AMAC Aerospace has been awarded heavy base maintenance contacts for two Boeing Business Jets. A BBJ3 and a BBJ, both privately owned, will be entering the Basel, Switzerland, facility in early 2016. Last year, AMAC was selected for work on a head-of-state Airbus ACJ340-300.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Mitsui & Co. LTD, a large Japanese conglomerate involved in energy, machinery, chemicals, food, textile, logistics, finance, and other industries, has acquired an equity stake in Quest Aircraft Co., maker of the Kodiak single turboprop utility aircraft. Quest became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Setouchi Holdings, Inc., another Japanese conglomerate, in February 2015. The agreement between Setouchi and Mitsui was finalized on January 13.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Carter Aviation Technologies, plans to have its experimental CarterCopter at the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-in and Expo at Florida’s Lakeland-Linder Airport April 5-10. The Wichita Falls, Texas, company says it is conducting demonstrations for potential joint venture partners. It hopes to create three separate joint ventures to develop three categories of aircraft from less than 2,000 lb. to 7,000 lb. gross weight. The company says it is discussing larger aircraft with major aerospace companies.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Two web-based aircraft ride sharing services have been shot down by the FAA. The “Ubers of the air” are no longer, thanks to a decision by a Federal Appeals Court panel. The concept behind AirPooler and Flytenow was straightforward. Pilots would go to either website, list an upcoming flight’s date, origin and destination, along with the aircraft’s make and model and seats available. The passengers could peruse the site and sign up for a trip that matched their planned travels.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Terrafugia, the Boston-based outfit developing a flying car, has been named a member of one of the four teams selected by the FAA to receive system engineering, research and mission analysis contracts. The team, which is being led by Mosaic ATM, also includes Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Virgin America, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and several other aerospace institutions and companies. It has been tasked with advising federal regulators on the future of air traffic management and aviation infrastructure.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Air charter operators Judy Tull of Texas and Kay Ellison of Kentucky were indicted in December in U.S. District Court, Newark, New Jersey, on charges of conspiracy, bank fraud and wire fraud for their roles in an alleged multi-million dollar fraud scheme. The two were co-owners of Southern Air & Tours, doing business as Myrtle Beach Direct Air & Tours, or Direct Air, a charter flight operation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Crystal Cruises in Los Angeles plans to expand Crystal Luxury Air’s fleet with the addition of two Airbus ACJ319 jets and a Bombardier Global Express XRS. Crystal’s aircraft includes a Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 787. The new aircraft will serve private charters and transport guests to Crystal destinations. Crystal private charter jet service begins in March.
Fifty-four percent of U.S. FBOs say their fuel sales increased in 2015 compared to 2014, according to the 2016 Annual FBO Fuel Sales Survey results released by Aviation Business Strategies Group at the 2016 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Tampa, Fla.
Teterboro Airport was the destination most requested by Air Charter Guide Worldwide Trip Builder users seeking charter aircraft during December 2015, according to an analysis of aircharterguide.com data. Meanwhile, Scottsdale Airport was the most common departure airport in the charter itineraries submitted by users.
Imagine executing a complex night approach to a major airport in highly congested airspace — lots of step-downs and a steep final segment — when suddenly an intensively bright light blasts the cockpit.
Finmeccanica-owned companies such as AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi and Selex ES have now been absorbed into the larger Finmeccanica entity and will operate as divisions rather than separate companies.
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.
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.
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)
“I wasn’t going to fly a toy and lose my ticket. I’ve been flying 35 years and have never gotten a violation and always followed the regs. Why would I jeopardize my livelihood?” Why, indeed? So reasoned Bob Howie, Gulfstream V captain at a Houston charter/management company, when he purchased a couple of DJI Phantom Pro 3 drones and contemplated starting a commercial operation. What attracted him to the small UASs that seem to have burgeoned overnight was a lifelong love affair with model aircraft.
Registration may identify some small drone operators, but it won’t keep those intent on mischief, terrorism or just plain stupidity from flying their UASs irresponsibly, illegally, or even malevolently.
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.
