Gestair private Aviation, which has 10 FBOs in Spain, reports an investment of about EUR1.2 million to refurbish the old “Authorities Pavilion” at Madrid-Barajas and convert it into a modern FBO. The facility is 472 sq. meters (nearly 5,100 sq. ft.) including three VIP rooms for passengers and a fourth for crew, a passenger services office, a flight-planning area and a staff of 33. Gestair's FBOs handled 7,730 operations in 2012, up from 6,890 in 2011.
FlightSafety International is expanding its Teterboro Falcon Jet Learning Center by 50%. Once construction is completed, the facility will accommodate up to eight full- flight simulators, plus emergency training accommodation that will include a pool and other specialized equipment. It will also feature advanced technology classrooms, aircraft cabin training facilities, and enhanced office areas. Construction is expected to be completed early in 2014.
CAE plans to add a Bombardier Challenger 605 full-flight simulator in Europe at the beginning of 2016. The Canadian company already offers training on the Challenger 300 and 604 in Amsterdam and on the Learjet 40/45, Global 5000 and Global Express in the U.K. Training is provided on the Challenger 604 and 605 at Emirates-CAE Flight Training in Dubai. In addition, Bombardier will begin training in June on a CAE-supplied Global 5000/6000 simulator with Bombardier's Vision flight deck at the aircraft manufacturer's own training center in Dallas.
Air Services, a division of Constant Aviation specializing in off-wing aircraft support headquartered at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, has completed the requirements of the Cessna Citation NDI Certification Program and were named an Authorized Independent NDI facility. The company's NDT testing can be performed in their lab, on-wing or in the field. They have the ability to complete testing using Eddy current, ultrasonic, magnetic particle and liquid penetrant methods.
Ireland's Shannon Airport's pre-clearance — the process: Upon arrival at Shannon, all passengers and flight crew deplane (except one pilot) and all baggage is taken off the aircraft. They are driven to the CBP area in less than a minute and fast-tracked through the dedicated VIP CPB pre-clearance facility. They are not mixed with any other passengers at this very private facility and up to 20 passengers can be cleared from one aircraft. Once everyone else is cleared, the remaining crewmember will go into the building to be pre-cleared.
Cessna is certainly working on injection to the inflection. Delivery of the new Citation Sovereign is expected in Q3 this year following FAA certification. Meanwhile, the upgraded Citation X should be in the market by yearend. The company reported the new M2 is sold out for 2013 with about a dozen slots open for 2014. Meanwhile, the midsize Citation Latitude and super midsize Citation Longitude, are also progressing with first flight of the former expected in early 2014 and the latter in mid-2016.
Beechcraft's factory-owned Hawker Beechcraft Services facilities were authorized to install the CenTex Halo 250 gross-weigh increase modification for Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft. The Halo 250 conversion adds 920 lb. of payload capacity through an increase in maximum takeoff weight from 12,500 lb. to 13,420 lb. Waco, Texas-based CenTex Aerospace developed the modification, which received FAA certification in October. The increase can be installed via a normal category supplemental type certificate (STC) or a commuter category STC.
Beechcraft has delivered its 4,000th Model 36 Bonanza, pushing the entire fleet of Model 33, 35 and 36 Bonanzas to more than 18,000 aircraft. The 4,000th Model 36, a G36, was delivered to Segall Group, a retail brokerage firm based in Baltimore, Md. The company plans to use the six-seat piston single for site visits and client meetings for its real-estate deals in the mid-Atlantic region. The Bonanza line in Wichita, Kan., is the longest running in continuous production of any aircraft, spanning 66 years.
Rockwell Collins Ascend Aircraft information Manager (AIM) secure data transfer system for Pro Line Fusion, Pro Line 21 and Pro Line 4 equipped aircraft is now available for the Cessna Citation XLS+. It was recently certified on an XLS+ owned by Michigan-based Avfuel after the installation by Duncan Aviation. AIM securely uploads flight-critical database updates and downloads maintenance information post-flight using Wi-Fi or cellular links.
Sherwin-William Aerospace Coatings introduced a new Chrome Hazard Free Epoxy Primer (CM0483790) that is a high-performance, two-component, corrosion inhibitive epoxy primer. It provides outstanding sandability and provides Skydrol resistance in addition to excellent adhesion to treated substrates. This is one of the most flexible of chrome hazard free primers introduced by the company. Submittted for AMS 3095 certification, the new primer meets all VOC regulations that require a 2.9 lb./gal. (350g/L) VOC primer in aircraft maintenance painting settings.
FlightSafety International and Gulfstream have expanded the Total Technical Training Program to include comprehensive aircraft Cabin Systems courses. The program is designed to improve troubleshooting skills and increase the operational knowledge of those who support and maintain Gulfstream aircraft. The Gulfstream G650 Cabin Systems and G450 and G550 Elite Cabin Systems courses are available at FlightSafety's Savannah Learning Center.
Honeywell is partnering with Dubai-based Jetex to expand the global reach of its flight support services. Jetex will resell from Honeywell's Global Data Center Flight Support Services to customers in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Jetex will provide international trip planning across multiple regions and after-trip concierge service to Honeywell customers. The agreement will enable end-to-end international flight services for operators globally. The joint services are expected to be available in the fourth quarter.
David C. Hook, Publisher (General Aviation Security Magazine San Antonio, Tex. )
After finishing the May 2013 BCA Purchase Planning Handbook, I wanted you to know that this particular edition is the one that stays in my library. New aircraft prices and capabilities are always useful bits of information to keep on hand. I enjoyed “Viewpoint,” as always, and wanted to let you know that you and your bullpen of excellent writers put out a top-notch magazine. I assure you that you are being read! Cheers from the Alamo.
Aviation partners Inc., Blended winglets are now flying on more than 230 Dassault Falcons. The high-Mach winglets were first certified on the Falcon 2000 in May 2009, and are now FAA-approved for all Falcon 50, 900 and 2000 series aircraft. EASA STC approval of the winglets for the Falcon 50 is expected soon.
Pilatus believes the aircraft will find a home with cargo, medevac, commuter and even government special missions operators, along with its PC-12's historical customer base.
Dassault Falcon Jet announced a $60 million building and improvement project on May 29 that will expand its Little Rock, Ark., facility by 25%. Housed on 66 acres leased from the recently renamed the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport-Little Rock, the complex comprises a completion center and service facility that together total 1 million sq. ft. under roof, making it the French manufacturer's largest plant. Dassault employs nearly 2,000 people in Little Rock. The addition will add another 250,000 sq. ft. of space including a 300 ft. by 800 ft.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) orchestrated another jobs rally, this one in Appleton, Wis., on May 30, as part of its continuing effort to build public and political support for the industry at a grass roots level. Gov. Scott Walker, U.S.
Odyssey Aeropsace. a VIP cabinetry specialist for Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Gulfstream business jets, reports that its facility in Denton, Texas, is in full production for a VVIP Boeing 747-8 interior. “It's the largest single program Odyssey's completed thus far,” says company President Trey Bryson.
A year after Jet Aviation's completions woes had “blemished” an otherwise strong financial performance at parent company General Dynamics, Jet Aviation President Dan Clare says the business has put new systems and processes in place and that customers have been happy with the results. Jet shifted work from Zurich to Basel, implemented new processes and improved quality and production cycles. The also incorporated new practices based on lessons learned at their St. Louis facility.
Satcom Direct is a value-added reseller for OnAir's GSM mobile phone service, Mobile OnAir, on VIP and business aircraft enabling passengers and crew to use their mobile phone the same way they do on the ground while flying in regions that authorize mobile phone use during flight — although not during takeoff or landing. Satcom Direct also signed an agreement with Honeywell to be a distribution partner for Inmarsat GX Aviation Ka-band service and a distributor of GX avionics equipment.
Christian von Strombeck ( Director of Operations, Susi Air Jakarta, Indonesia )
I am a long time reader of BCA and find it one of the most informative publications on the market. One of the highlights of the year is the May issue with the Purchase Planning Handbook, especially since it provides a very neutral benchmark to compare aircraft performance.
Embraer Executive Jets, Melbourne, Fla., named Brenda K. Paauwe-Navori to the position of regional sale director responsible for the Western regional sales for its Large and Ultra-large Division.
