By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Bell Helicopter says it’s laying off 315 workers because of reductions in V-22 Osprey production and reduced demand for commercial models. The layoffs affect management and non-management employees as well as union and non-union workers. They mainly impact Bell’s Fort Worth, Texas, facilities. Last year, the Textron subsidiary announced a series of layoffs, including 320 in October.
Short and simple checklists pay off with a more relaxed working environment in which flight crews have the most time to devote to situational awareness and dealing with unexpected occurrences.
Nextant Aerospace's remanufactured, small-cabin business jets are taking on a new life amid austerity measures and discouragement of opulence in China. Plus, Asian Sky Group and Nexus will jointly provide flight operations services in the Asia-Pacific region. And international rates are now no higher than domestic rates in Deer Jet's jet card program, according to the company.
The FAA is proposing a $430,000 civil penalty against Beechcraft Corp. for allegedly failing to maintain the required aircraft production-quality-control system, the FAA said. Plus, Cessna Aircraft has received a new order for the Citation XLS+ business jet in China, the company announced. And Piper Aircraft introduced new aircraft and aircraft enhancements at an April 13 event at its Vero Beach, Florida, headquarters.
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.
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.
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.
Piaggio Aerospace completed the first flight of its first fully configured P.1HH HammerHead unmanned aerial vehicle in December. The HammerHead — an unmanned version of the P.180 Avanti executive turboprop — made its first flight on Dec. 22 from Trapani air base in Sicily.
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.
Continental Motors Group has announced that its six-cylinder engine that will run on alternative fuels, the IO-360-AF (Alternative Fuel) engine, has received type certification from the FAA.The engine is certified for standard 100LL as well as for 91UL avgas now available in several countries. Flight Design GmbH is expected to take delivery of the first certified engine in the second quarter of this year for use on its Flight Design C4 all-carbon composite light aircraft.
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.
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.
