Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI) named Neil W. Book President and CEO of the provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for business aviation operators. He succeeds Louis C. Seno who will continue to serve as chairman emeritus. Robert H. Book will chair the board of directors and Bryan Moss and Joe DaGrosa will serve as vice chairmen of the board. Susan Marr continues as a member of the board, general counsel and chief administrative officer of JSSI, as well as CEO of JSSI affiliate Aviation Insurance Corp.
Airbus Corporate Jet Centre launched its new website showing the wide range of services dedicated to its customers. Its design is based on an “haute couture” spirit and offers a panorama of ACJC's values. It also includes a career space targeted for aeronautical experts and listings of available positions. It's designed for most browsers and will be optimized for viewing on smart phones and tablets.
The U.S. Transportation Department is working with its counterparts in several Asia-Pacific countries to create a regulatory framework for business aviation, says Robert Letteney, deputy assistant secretary of transportation for aviation and international affairs. In most countries in the region, business aviation is regulated in the same way as scheduled commercial airlines, which means “business aircraft simply can't fly when and where they want.” Vietnam is working with the U.S.
Kenneth E. Gazzola (President FlightLogix LLC McLean, Va.)
Beautiful tribute to Al Ueltschi (“The Alabama Bet,” December 2012, page 9). He was a man for all seasons and as colorful as they make them, [the source of] so many great memories and stories never to be forgotten. President FlightLogix LLC McLean, Va.
Regulatory Changes for 2013 Federal agencies tend to stall in their regulatory work leading up to presidential elections. With 2012 finally behind us, we can expect a number of final regulations and new proposed regulations to appear this year. FAA Rulemaking
Nov. 6 — At about 1900 EST, Delta Air Lines Flight 241, a Boeing MD-88 (N908DE), experienced a loss of power in the left engine, a P&W JT8D-219, shortly after takeoff from the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta. The pilots shut down the engine and the airplane returned to ATL without further incident. After landing, the examination of the airplane revealed a portion of the lower engine cowl was missing and there was a hole in the fan duct.
When President Barack Obama on Nov. 27 signed into law a bill that prohibits U.S. operators from participating in the EU's emissions trading system (ETS), environmental groups were quick to object. But industry officials say the action allows the issue to be decided by the ICAO, which is weighing its own plan for global market-based measures to combat greenhouse gas emissions. “With passage of this measure, the U.S.
Business jet charter, management and maintenance services company, TAG Aviation, has started a new advisory service for business aircraft operators who must comply with the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS). TAG ETS Solutions offers operators turnkey compliance and carbon credit purchase support, or customized help for those who have already begun the process only to become stalled by its complexity. The new offering draws on TAG's experience complying with the EU-ETS for its owned business aircraft as well as for its managed fleet.
Hangar8 is expanding its charter and management business with the acquisition of International JetClub for 1.1 million pounds (U.K.) ($1.76 million) and the issue of 500,000 ordinary shares. The acquisition increases Hangar8's managed fleet from 40 to 50 aircraft, including four helicopters. Nearly half of the fleet are large-cabin, long-range jets.
Online registration is now open for the Helicopter Association International's Heli-Expo 2013 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., Mar. 4-7, 2014. Attendees and exhibitors can register, book housing and request exhibit space at the association's website: www.rotor.org.
GAMA is teaming with the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) to promote and help develop business aviation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. GAMA and MEBAA plan first to focus on the regulatory environment, including urging aviation authorities to adopt a common set of rules that facilitate business aviation operations.
The TSA could issue foreign repair station certification rules early this year, perhaps as soon as this month, a senior official says. The rules are “hopefully on track to be out in January,” Ann Zipser, director-global programs and engagement in TSA's Office of Global Strategies, said in December at an American Association of Airport Executives aviation security summit.
Too many to mentally process, difficult to read and occasionally understand, not prioritized by importance, archaic in format and distribution in the digital age — Notices to Airmen, good old “NOTAMs” — remain both the bane and deliverance of pilots worldwide.
Signature Flight Support has signed an agreement to make National Car Rental the preferred rental car partner for its global network. Member of National's Emerald Club loyalty program can now earn Signature TailWins rewards for their rental car purchases. The points are awarded for every dollar spent on rental time and mileage. Signature has recently formed an exclusive partnership with CLEAR, the U.S. leader in secure biometric identification. All Signature stakeholders will benefit from the timesaving opportunities of a CLEAR membership.
Bombardier's Challenger 601-3A/ER has 3,200 nm range at Mach 0.80, a cabin with a commodious cross section, comfortable seating for eight to nine passengers and inflight access to a large aft baggage compartment. As such, it's a $4 million widebody aircraft that's well suited to flying U.S. transcontinental missions.
Avinode introduced their completely new aircraft pricing and performance engines in the Avinode Marketplace in the fall, with new pricing profiles that were scheduled to be in place at the end of 2012. With 200,000 requests per month flowing through Avinode, delivering accurate pricing is essential for the ongoing success of the online charter marketplace, according to Dr. Oliver King, managing director.
ARINC Direct has a partnership with FlightAware to provide enhanced live flight- tracking information as a further evolution to its suite of business aviation services. ARINC Direct customers will be able to benefit from access to FlightAware's live Web-based flight tracking and fleet maps, including worldwide en route navigation data, and many other maps and overlays. Messaging the aircraft, worldwide position and flight plan display, arrival and departure information, flight history and airport delay information are also included.
Jeppesen is offering a complete suite of its pilot training textbooks as e-book selections for the iPad. Available for download through the Apple iBookstore, the titles include Instrument/Commercial pilot training, Multiengine airplane training and Flight Instructor training from Jeppesen's Guided Flight Discovery series, and the Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM) and FAR/M regulation reference guides.
BCA had hoped to discuss the U.S. NOTAM situation with officials at the FAA, but we were repeatedly rebuffed, with the explanation that the agency's aviation information management group was too understaffed and overworked to talk to the press. Nevertheless, a sympathetic public affairs officer was able to circulate some questions around the agency's NOTAM experts, and the following emailed answers were received just as we went to press.
Sporty's Flight Gear Headset case is a compact pilot bag designed to store a headset, IPad, transceiver and more. Measuring 6 in. by 11.1 in. and 11 in. high overall, the case has a padded external transceiver pocket with Sporty's patented slit flap to accommodate the antenna, plus an internal pocket for an iPad. The case has a 6-yr. warranty. Price: 37.95 Sporty's Pilot Shop
International Governor Services (IGS), an operating company of BBA Aviation, launched a new website featuring its engine control products in an easy to navigate format. The site features a full listing of all units available from IGS by product type and model as well as downloadable files of certification, warranties and related documents. International Governor Services Broomfield, Colo. (888) 808-5297 www.internationalgovernor.com
The FCC is urging the FAA to ease rules governing the inflight use of portable electronic devices (PEDs). The agencies share jurisdiction when it comes to PEDs. The FAA regulates their use before takeoff, while the FCC assumes oversight during flight. The FAA, however, has taken the lead on a six-month study examining current aircraft operator policies and procedures regarding PEDs. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski expresses support for the review in a letter to FAA acting Administrator Michael Huerta.
While many business jet makers initially believed 2013 is shaping up to be another flat year, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeing recent strength in the market and believes there could be moderate growth next year. But AIA's Year-end Review and Forecast, released last week, notes that 80% of those looking to purchase general aviation aircraft over the next five years are planning to do so in the latter part of the time frame. AIA's annual U.S. aerospace and defense forecast estimates that the U.S.
Sikorsky's Associated Aircraft Group (AAG), the East Coast's largest executive Sikorsky S-76 helicopter services provider, has been granted access into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) by the TSA under the DCA Access Security Program (DASSAP). As an approved operator, AAG is required to submit to advanced security procedures and background checks for all crewmembers. Passengers and baggage undergo TSA security screening at any DCA gateway airport. An approved law enforcement officer is required to be on board during flight into and out of DCA.
