U.S. turbine-aircraft accidents rose slightly during the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same time a year ago, according to newly released report. Plus, NBAA says an FAA proposal would reduce the ability of both business- and general-aviation operations to access airports in the New York City area. And the NetJets’ pilot union has filed for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) following 22 months of contract talks, the union said.
In March 2015, air charter customers and brokers requested more quotes for flights arriving at Teterboro Airport than any other airport, and Miami International Airport was the departure airport searched the most, according to an analysis of Air Charter Guide Worldwide Trip Builder data.
Teterboro Airport was the most popular business aviation airport in North America during March 2015, according to an analysis of acukwik.com traffic from that month. William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in Florida, Dallas Love Field and Opa-Locka Executive Airport in Miami rounded out the top five North American business aviation airports.
Teterboro Airport was the most popular business aviation airport in March 2015, according to an analysis of acukwik.com traffic from that month. William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Hollywood International Airport, Paris Le Bourget Airport and Dallas Love Field rounded out the top five.
It would make sense for Bombardier to sell its Learjet plant in Wichita for a number of reasons, and Textron would be a natural buyer, Cowen and Co. analyst Cai von Rumohr says. Plus, Dassault Aviation has added a second Falcon 8X into its flight test program, the company said. And the International Business Aviation Council recently bought Robert E. Breiling Associates and will incorporate the company’s safety data and collection methods.
The downside to owning a Falcon 20-F5 is the potentially eye-watering maintenance expense. But conscious operators have found numerous ways to slash costs.
Stabilized approaches are always important for a reasonably good landing, but they are absolutely essential for a safe approach at minimums. If, for some reason, you are forced into a below minimums approach, then conducting a stabilized approach is vital in the true sense of the word.
Several high-altitude/high-Mach accidents reveal deficiencies in pilot handling of the aircraft. The NTSB has pointed out several times the glaring lapses in training curriculum to adequately prepare pilots for flight in this environment.
All pilots need access to training that has proven to be effective. And no circumstances demand more effective training than when transitioning to go high and fast. Placing oneself near the edges of a performance envelope demands special knowledge, skill and vigilance to do so with confidence and safety. Acquiring that education benefits all, including you.
The time to worry about fuel loads is before the fuel truck ever shows up, not when you are No. 5 in a holding pattern with your last alternate about to go below weather minimums. As a professional pilot you are also a part-time aeronautical engineer, meteorologist and risk management analyst. You can add petroleum scientist to that list.
Looking at flying hours, business aviation accounts for about 40% of the total hours flown by general aviation. And who is buying? Business, primarily. Large business, small business and individuals who plan to use them for business. The North American Sabreliner was certificated for civil use in April 1963 and since then 32 aircraft have gone to corporate customers. The hottest turboprop aircraft at present is the Beech Model 90 King Air. Beech has delivered 25 units so far and hopes to produce 75 more before year-end.
The first simulator for Honda Aircraft Co.’s new HondaJet aircraft has been delivered and is being installed at its headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. The installation is underway as Honda Aircraft expects FAA type certification on the very light jet by the end of March. The full-motion, Level D simulator and HondaJet training program were developed in a partnership with FlightSafety International. The simulator will be located at the HondaJet Training Center at Honda Aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft announced a Special Edition SR22T for use in the Australian market, called the Australis. The aircraft was designed and tailored to the climate, condition and remote area flight operations that Australian pilots frequently experience, the company said. The Australis features a custom interior and exterior design with a two-tone paint exterior and an array of color options, bolstered leather seats, carbon fiber accents on the instrument panel and polished lights and vents throughout the cabin.
Gulfstream’s done it again. Winning the Collier Trophy, that is. On March 12, the National Aeronautic Association announced Gulfstream will be awarded the 2014 Robert J.
In 2014, Embraer delivered 116 executive aircraft, including 92 light jets and 24 large jets, as well as 92 commercial aircraft, compared to 119 executive jet deliveries in 2013. Meanwhile, the Brazilian manufacturer’s total revenue in 2014 at Embraer increased 0.9% to $6.3 billion, driven by growth in Embraer’s defense and security segment, it said.
According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gulfstream Aerospace and Spirit AeroSystems have settled a case in which the latter alleged it had sustained damages for incomplete payments for G650 wings it manufactured for Gulfstream. Jefferies aerospace analyst Howard Rubel noted that by the end of last year, Gulfstream had retained $135.1 million in payments for work completed. Meanwhile, Spirit had liabilities tied to the program of $65.1 million. Rubel estimates Spirit received a net payment of $70 million in the settlement.
Bristow Group has signed an agreement with AgustaWestland to help the manufacturer develop oil and gas support capabilities for its AW609 civil tiltrotor, which its manufacturer maintains is “an ideal transportation solution for offshore travel.” According to AgustaWestland, it now has 60 customers for the aircraft. Meanwhile, two prototypes are conducting flight tests at the company’s facilities in Ft. Worth, Texas, and in Italy. A third should join testing in the U.S. later this year.
The Gulfstream G280 has been certified by Brazil’s Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC). This approval validates the airworthiness of the aircraft’s design and clears the way for in-country deliveries to begin. “Of all the South American countries, this aircraft is particularly well-suited for Brazil. Departing from Sao Paulo, the G280 can reach the entire continent without refueling and can fly to the U.S and Europe with one stop,” said Larry Flynn president, Gulfsream.
Teterboro, New Jersey-based Meridian has added a Bombardier Challenger 605 (N605MM) to its charter fleet. The large-cabin aircraft was completed in 2008 and seats up to nine passengers. It will be based at Teterboro Airport (TEB). Meridian manages a wide range of airraft types that are available for private charter including Gulfstream, Hawkers, Falcons and Citations.
American Aero FTW, an FBO at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, has purchased 64,000 sq. ft. of additional hangar space and 2.3 acres of land at the airport as part of an effort to expand its presence and enhance its ability to offer services to business aviation customers. The company is building three hangars and a two-story office complex, which is expected to be completed later this year.
Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi is retiring retiring from his position with Presidential Flight of Abu Dhabi to focus on growing the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association, or MEBAA, which he founded. Al Naqbi, one of Presidential Flight’s founding members, served as vice president of finance and administration of the company, where he spent nearly 25 years. Presidential began business as Private Flight and changed names to Amiri Flight before adopting the Presidential name.
The Aerospace Industries Association is searching for a new president as Marion Blakey, the longtime face and voice of U.S. aerospace and defense industry concerns in Washington, will be taking a job as the president and CEO of Rolls-Royce’s North American Operations. The unit’s current president, CEO and chairman, James Guyette, is retiring May 31. In Blakey, RRNA is getting an executive who knows Washington and the industry.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will begin a large-scale runway construction and rehabilitation project beginning in March. The construction will take place in five stages and is expected to be completed in 2017. Phase one includes the closure of Runway 25L-07R for 33 days, from March 6 to April 7. Departure delays are likely during peak times because of reduced departure rates. At times, the airport will be down to a three-runway operation.
