Business & Commercial Aviation

et-A and Avgas Per Gallon Fuel Prices April 2015

IBAC Buys Aviation Safety Data Business The International Business Aviation Council recently bought Robert E. Breiling Associates with the assistance of the National Business Aviation Association and will incorporate the company’s safety data and collection methods.

Jet Aviation’s completions center in Basel, Switzerland, was recently awarded outfitting contracts for two Boeing B777-300ER and a BBJ3 aircraft. The 777 project is slated to begin immediately, while the BBJ3 is expected to be delivered to Jet early next year.

VistaJet has said farewell to it last Learjet, as it moved to an all-Bombardier Challenger and Global business jet fleet. The company has operated 20 Learjets since 2004. Since then, the Learjet fleet has made 18,262 flights, logged 42,962 flight hours and carried 28,685 passengers. Founder and Chairman Thomas Flohr bought the first Learjet, a Learjet 60 for personal use, in December 2003. That became the catalyst for the company, which operates the largest privately owned Bombardier business jet fleet of more than 45 large-cabin Global and Challenger aircraft.

AgustaWestland’s third prototype AW609 civil tiltrotor is expected to take to the air this month and after completing several proving flights be dismantled and sent to Philadelphia for reassembly. It is then to undergo icing tests in Minnesota late this year. The Italian manufacturer says it has managed to increase range of the aircraft to 730 nm and is developing auxiliary underwing fuel tanks that could up that to 1,100 nm — increases that make it “an ideal transportation solution for offshore travel,” according to AgustaWestland.

With 69 exemptions granted but 771 petitions still in line at the end of March, the FAA is moving to streamline its process for approving low-risk commercial unmanned aircraft operations under so-called Section 333 legislation. In addition to granting exemption holders blanket authorization to fly under 200 ft. anywhere in the U.S. outside of restricted airspace, the FAA has relaxed its requirements for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operators and streamlined the approval of petitions that are similar to exemptions previously granted.

Despite the challenges confronting Bombardier, the Montreal planemaker says development of its top-of-the-line Global 7000 /8000 business jet program “is making good progress — including the manufacture and assembly of flight test vehicle one — as we continue to prioritize our efforts in preparation for the flight test program.” Considering that the aircraft has yet to roll out and that it can take 15 months, or much, much longer, to advance from first flight to certification award, program managers might consider turning up th

Bombardier has certified and delivered its first Learjet 75 light business jet to a customer in Poland. The Learjet 75 received certification by officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Poland. “We are confident the Learjet 75 aircraft will provide customers in Poland with an experience that exceeds all expectations,” said Veria Kolyuchaya, Bombardier Business Aircraft regional vice president of sales for Eastern Europe, Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States.

JetTech is amending its Garmin GTN autopilot, coupled with LPV FAA Supplemental Type Certificate, for the Citation 500 series, to include all Primus 1000-equipped Bravo, Ultra, Encore and Excel aircraft. With the amended STC, JetTech will soon offer installation data packages and AIU for its expanded line of Citation aircraft through approved Garmin-authorized dealers along with a complete documentation package to support the installation process.

While operators bought 1,325 new turbine business aircraft last year, a lot more legacy aircraft changed owners.

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.

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 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.

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.