FBO Partners, LLC, Seattle, Wash., is a new FBO consulting firm founded by Douglas Wilson. The company will focus on real estate revenue optimization for fixed base operators through an emphasis on professional hangar and office subleasing. Wilson formerly was director of Business Development and Marketing for Galvin Flying Services. Visit www.fbopartners.com.
Pilots need to appreciate a rudder's power. When a pilot inputs full rudder unnecessarily, the very large yawing moments that result produce large sideslip angles and heavy structural loads on the aircraft.
Empire Aviation Group, Dubai, UAE, has announced the opening of a new aircraft sales office in Scottsdale, Ariz. The company hired Gary Wright to head the U.S. sales operations. Empire Aviation’s U.S. sales business is targeting 30 aircraft sales in its first year of operation.
Bombardier Aerospace, Dallas, announced that Diane De Souza, vice president of its Parts Services team will retire after 28 years with the company. She is succeeded by Bill Molloy was previously the director of Customer Services & Support for the CSeries aircraft. He has been with Bombardier for over 24 years.
AAR, Wood Dale, Ill., named Kathleen Cantillon global director of Communication and Reputation. Cantillon has more than 20 years of corporate communication and government relations experience. She has held positions with ASGK Public Strategies and Exelon.
Today, winglets are almost de rigueur for any self-respecting business aircraft, from turboprop Beechcraft King Airs to Boeing Business Jets. They boost ramp appeal and improve performance as well. And for more and more aircraft they are an aftermarket add-on. But Cessna’s straight-winged Series 525 CitationJets have been left without the stylish turned-up tips. Until now.
Embraer’s first go at a purpose-built business aircraft was well intentioned, having a spacious cabin for an entry level jet, 370+ KTAS cruise speeds, jetliner-inspired toughness and impressively low operating costs. More than 310 now are in service and more than half of the fleet is in the U.S.
Veteran test pilot Peter T. Reynolds, whose career spanned four decades, died in early April. Most famous for his many Learjet test programs, Reynolds started his career at the Wichita facility in 1973 by working on several wing modifications, including the Century III and Softflite handling improvement packages, the Longhorn wing with winglets and Delta Fin aft anhedral strake stability improvement system.
Teri Bristol, acting COO of FAA’s Air Traffic Organization since David Grizzle left the post in December, has been named by Administrator Michael Huerta as the permanent replacement. Bristol joined FAA in 1992 and has served in various air traffic-related management roles. She was most recently ATO’s deputy COO — a position she took over in September 2012.
Advanced Aircrew Academy received FAA FAASTeam (AFS-850) approval for their FAR Part 43 Review online training module for FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) renewal credit. This approval adds to the company’s approved training status for WINGS pilot proficiency program, now expanding to online training modules being approved for IA Renewal. Advanced Aircrew Academy www.aircrewacademycom
The FAA’s recently announced goal to upgrade the avionics, along with pilot training, for helicopters used in FAR Part 135 operations — with a particular focus on the emergency medical service (EMS) community — has avionics makers hastening to meet the need, and they are doing so with some remarkable new products.
Nextant Aerospace has added Love Field Airport-based Four Point Aero Services as an authorized service center. The Dallas, Texas facility is the 12th center in Nextant’s expanding global customer support network. Four Points is a full-service aircraft repair facility with over 25,000 sq. ft. of hangar space and a reputation for high-quality maintenance. Nextant Aerospace Cleveland, Ohio (216) 261-9000 www.nextantaerospace.com
Jetex Flight Support has set up a new handling facility at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and will provide a full range of services to private jet operators. The company will also provide supervisory service at the country’s other airports. Services include landing and over-flight permits, fueling, ground handling, air traffic clearances and concierge service services. Aircraft charter service will also be offered including air ambulance and panoramic private tours. Jetex Dubai, UAE
The FAA issued Jeppesen a letter of operational suitability confirming the form and functionality of IPad mini for use in the cockpit when paired with Jeppesen’s electronic flight bag (EFB) solutions. In the U.S., FAR Part 91K, 121, 125 and 135 fractional, commuter, on-demand operators and air carriers are required to gain formal FAA authorization to use EFB solutions inflight. Jeppesen will share copies of the letter to interested customers using the iPad mini and affected Jeppesen Apps for use in their authorization package.
Legacy 500’s standard Rockwell Collins Pro Line fusion flight deck features four 15-1 inch displays, arranged in a T configuration. Displays may be split into two, three or four windows, providing flexibility for individual optimization for the phase of flight.
Gogo Inc.’s business aviation group, Aircell, has launched Gogo Biz inflight internet and voice service to business aircraft in Canada. Business aviation customers can now use the service anywhere it’s available in the Continental U.S., Alaska and Canada. Canadian coverage is included with all Gogo Biz monthly service plans. No additional roaming or registration fees are required. Service coverage is available in Canada’s most populous regions and flight routes, with seamless service on cross-border flight.
The ADS-B receiver from Stratus has received three enhancements from partners Appareo, ForeFlight and Sporty’s. A split screen attitude view, animated radar and the iPad battery-saving Stratus Replay feature are all available as a free update for Stratus 2 owners. To access these new features, pilots should first download ForeFlight version 6.0, available in the App Store. This includes Stratus firmware, which pilots can update directly from ForeFlight. The upgrade is free. The Stratus 2 is available for $899.
