Bipartisan legislation called the Pilot’s Bill of Rights II that would expand the third-class medical exemption and protections for pilots and airmen was introduced in Congress Feb. 25. The civil helicopter industry is facing a "volatile, challenging market" in 2015, an analyst says. NetJets Aviation has signed a five-year agreement with the FAA to implement NextGen projects.
The Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative, a joint industry-government partnership, could result in a technically feasible and economically viable unleaded avgas.
If pilots and flight departments don’t study accident, incident and air safety history, drilling down into the root causes of these events, they’re then destined to repeat the same errors.
Growth of membership-based private air travel company Wheels Up is on schedule, according to CEO Kenny Dichter. Plus, SRC Aviation is the first compnay to receive International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) certification.
Los Angeles International Airport was the airport searched the most in January 2015 for charter arrivals, according to an analysis of Air Charter Guide Worldwide Trip Builder data. Four airports tied with the same number of searches as charter departures.
If you fly circling approaches in the U.S. on a regular basis and train in a simulator, then you know that what you learn in the box has very little to do with what you need to do in the airplane. We all know the “Memphis Localizer Runway 27, Circle to Runway 18R” is not likely to happen in real life.
Penton Business Aviation Network staffers share their reactions to the 2015 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference and the record number of attendees who participated.
The agreement will extend the life of the Bell 214 and supports a licensing agreement for Erickson to make, buy and distribute Bell 214 part numbers, Bell said.
Business aviation trade groups plan to work with Congress on FAA reauthorization, NextGen, certification reform and other issues during the 2015 session. The FAA has revised its sleep apnea policy. Gogo Inc. says it will bring ATG-4 air-to-ground connectivity technology to business aviation.
Business aviation flight activity in 2014 was the highest since 2008, according to Argus TraqPak data. Cessna Aircraft rolled out its first production Citation Latitude on Jan. 29. NetJets will begin a voluntary Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program for all of its Signature Series aircraft.
The number of accidents in 2014, considering both U.S.-registered business jet and turboprop aircraft, decreased from 49 in 2013 to 38 as did fatal accidents 23 to 15, which decreased from 61 to 47. However, business jet accidents increased from 12 to 16 and fatalities 17 to 26 with a high percentage occurring in the corporate/executive pro-flown category where 19 fatalities occurred in three fatal accidents.
Many business jets have the capability to climb quickly into the mid-40 flight levels and cruise far above most weather. It can be tempting to sit back, enjoying the generally clear skies at these altitudes and taking relief that the weather below us can’t hurt us.
On Nov. 28, 2005, the flight crew of N691TA, a Raytheon Beechjet 400A en route from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Marco Island Airport (MRK), Florida, had just commenced a descent to FL 330 from FL 380 when they heard a loud pop from the right engine followed 10 sec. later by a loud pop from the left engine. Cockpit power indications for both engines quickly decreased and the pilots stated that the rpm indications for both engines showed 0 rpm. That last part is interesting because one would assume and hope the engines would continue windmilling.
Even the latest generation turbofan engines have been affected by ice crystal icing, causing nine recent events on Boeing 747-800 and Boeing 787-800 aircraft. On Nov. 27, 2013, the FAA adopted a new Airworthiness Directive concerning ice crystal icing. It is aimed at the Boeing 747-800 series and 787-800 airplanes powered by GEnx engines. The AD was promoted by reports of engine damage and thrust loss events as a result of flying in high-altitude ice crystal icing conditions.
Investigators from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board often do their on-scene investigations under difficult circumstances, but working in Antarctica can be just about as difficult as it gets. This month, we’ll look at the loss of a de Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter and its crew of three in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accident on Mount Elizabeth, Antarctica. The airplane belonged to Kenn Borek Air Ltd. (KBAL).
According to a 2013 study by Airbus, passengers cited lack of sleeping comfort, back ache, and leg ache as the top three factors for discomfort on long haul flights. They also said that seats that are too narrow would have a negative impact on their post flight well-being, impacting them with tiredness and sore muscles. Post flight well-being was of particular concern to business passengers who need to ensure they are able to perform in working environments.
A classic Learjet performer, the midsize 60XR offers the allure of scintillating climb performance and sleek ramp appeal. It boasts the largest cabin and longest range of any Learjet yet to reach production. But you’ll need nearly 5500 ft. of runway at sea level on a standard day.
Quote from a 1986 enforcement case: “As Hogan Air Flight 816 taxied on Taxiway ‘C’ and passed by the Guard ramp area, the cadets observed you abandon your position in the left seat, stand up, remove your trousers, slide the window open and expose your buttocks.”
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is becoming frustrated over the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) slow deliberations regarding an FAA recommendation — strongly endorsed by AOPA — to forgo the needs for a 3rd Class Medical certificate for private pilots. There is no such requirement for aviators operating under the Sport Pilot rule. In a Jan.
ARGUS International reports that when compared with the corresponding periods for the previous year, business aviation closed out 2014 posting an increase in activity for 13 months running. Flight activity was up 1.6% in December as compared to that same month a year earlier. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based consultancy predicts gains will continue in 2015.
Empire Aviation Group, a Dubai-based aviation services company, has added an Embraer Legacy 650 executive jet to its managed fleet based in Oman. The aircraft is being managed on behalf of the owner and longtime client, and will operate only from Oman, where Empire already manages three other business jets. Empire completed the full technical inspection, delivery and induction process of the Brazilian-made super mid-size business jet. The Legacy 650 offers three cabin zones with wireless inflight connectivity and Apple TV to enhance the passenger experience.
Bombardier announced Jan. 15 that it is pausing its long-delayed Learjet 85 jet program because of weak market demand for the aircraft and a downward revision in the company’s market forecast. As a result, Bombardier will reduce its workforce by about 1,000 employees in Wichita and Queretaro, Mexico. The move reflects continued weakness in the light aircraft category, the company said. With continued delays, analysts had questioned the program’s fate.
