The TBM 900’s Garmin avionics package has been thoroughly upgraded. Pressurization control now is automatic by means of an FMS function, version 14 software makes possible display of weather radar imagery on the MFD map, and a solid-state GWX70 Doppler turbulence detection radar replaces the GWX68 magnatron unit. Several cockpit components, including the overhead panel, landing gear control panel and ice protection controls, plus the pressurization and bleed air control panel, circuit breaker panels and power quadrant, have been redesigned for better ergonomics.
Gulfstream has topped its top of the line, introducing an even longer-range version of the G650 at EBACE 2014. The G650ER is identical to the Savannah, Georgia., manufacturer’s top-of-the-line G650 save for a 4,000-lb. increase in fuel capacity, complemented by an inc rease in maximum ramp and takeoff weights. The additional fuel occupies what had been air space within the wing tanks. The modifi
Aerion, the supersonic business jet concept long promoted by billionaire Robert Bass, has undergone a major redesign. The designers have brought forth the new Aerion AS2, which features a Gulfstream G450-sized cabin with a galley, forward and aft lavs, 5,000-nm range and three new production engines — yet to be identified — producing 15,000 lb. of thrust each. “You could say it’s our follow-on aircraft,” Bass observed during the EBACE unveiling.
L-3 Aviation Products has been selected to provide its GH-3900 electronic standby instrument system (ESIS) for new production Viking Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Canadian-based Viking holds the type certificates for seven legacy de Havilland aircraft — DHC-1 through DHC-7 — and manufactures the 400 Twin Otter. The GH-3900 ESIS is designed to Level A software and hardware standards and can be customized to fit a range of primary systems.
Avfuel is expanding its international reach with two more fixed-base operators joining its network. Rizon Jet at London Biggin Hill in the U.K. and Air Service Basel at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse Airport in Switzerland both have partnered with Avfuel. The FBOs will offer Avfuel’s contract Fuel and Avtrip Reward Points programs. They will also have access to various Avfuel operational systems and training.
Gulfstream Aerospace donated a G100 business jet that was retired last year from the company’s fleet to Savannah Technical College. The donation continues a 15-year partnership between Gulfstream and the college. Through the partnership, more than 400 students have become Gulfstream employees. In addition to the G100, Gulfstream donated fly-by-wire components, including manifolds and actuators, from the G650 and a flap assembly and fuselage panel assembly from the G450. Savannah Tech, which has a nearly 30,000-sq.-ft.
We might not think about it until we have to land at one, but as business jet captain Katha House pointed out, there are a few airports around the globe that are situated below sea level. “Thermal Airport [KTRM] in the Mojave Desert is 115 ft. below sea level,” she said, “and your altimeter will read zero on the approach, and you’ll still be flying! There’s one in Egypt that’s 436 ft. below sea level, and Bar Yehuda Airport [LLMZ] at Masada in Israel is -1,240 ft., the lowest in the world.”
StandardAero’s facility at Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore was recognized as an authorized maintenance repair and overhaul center for Rolls-Royce RR300 helicopter engines. The authorization follows a similar agreement signed in December for StandardAero’s facility in Winnipeg, Canada. The Singapore agreement extends through 2021. StandardAero’s RR300 line will run parallel to the facility’s Rolls-Royce M250 line. The 32,000-sq.-ft. facility is equipped for full repair and overhaul, and test capabilities.
Building off the success of IS-BAO, the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) is rolling out a similar program for business aviation handlers that will be designed to meet new international safety management system (SMS) directives. The audit program, to launch July 1, will fold in parts of the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) Safety First Ground Audit Program. The NATA program will cease to existing once the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) is released.
Most major industry sectors flew fewer hours worldwide in the first quarter, a decline that Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) attributes to the harsh winter. JSSI, which has developed a Business Aviation Index to track global flight hours by industry, found that overall, business aircraft flew 2% fewer hours globally. The manufacturing segment marked the most significant drop, down 15%, followed by construction and health care, down 12% and 11%, respectively.
Ease into a large chair in any one of the Challenger 850’s three roomy cabin sections and you’d be hard-pressed to tell you’re not in a Global 6000. The cabin has the same 6.0-ft. height and 8.1-ft. width as Bombardier’s current flagship. The 1993-2004 Canadair Special Edition and 1995-2011 Challenger 850 are the two main commercial designations for 50-seat CRJs that Canadair and Bombardier delivered green for custom conversion into business aircraft.
The FAA in June gave its first approval for commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UASes) over land, clearing energy giant BP to operate the AeroVironment Puma AE, a UAS that is 4.5 ft. long with a 9-ft. wingspan, to conduct surveys over Alaska’s North Slope. The agency had previously approved certificates for use of UASes to conduct aerial surveillance over Arctic waters, but this latest certificate of waiver enables BP to use the Puma to survey pipelines, roads and equipment at Prudhoe Bay.
