More than six dozen associations and companies from a range of industries are pushing lawmakers to extend 50% bonus depreciation for capital equipment purchases before it expires at the end of the year. A letter sent to House and Senate leaders this week warns that overall U.S. investment has rapidly declined every quarter since the third quarter of 2011 and almost half of the nation's largest investors are planning to curb capital expenses.
Fractional operator Avantair has restructured some of its financing arrangements and raised $2.8 million in new capital through the issuance of senior secured convertible notes as the company makes strides toward its goal of reaching profitability next year. The financing restructuring and new capital come as the Clearwater, Fla., company continues to regain its footing after grounding its fleet for several weeks in late October and early November 2012. Avantair began returning its Piaggio Avanti aircraft to service in November following comprehensive inspections.
Embraer Executive Jets' first made-in-the-USA Phenom 300 rolled out and made its first flight Dec. 5. The aircraft entered the production line in September and the flight marked the anniversary of the maiden flight of the first Phenom 100 to be produced in the U.S. Delivery of the light Phenom 300 is scheduled to go to the Embraer Executive Jets' Melbourne-based flight department which will use it as a flight demonstrator aircraft. “This is a major milestone for our facility,” said Phil Krull, Managing Director of Embraer's 23-month-old U.S.-based production facility.
AIA is also optimistic about the prospects for the U.S. civil rotorcraft market. U.S. civil helicopter shipments are forecast to increase to 1,154 units this year and experience a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% between 2012 and 2014.
Embraer Executive Jets has enlarged the authorization scope of ExecuJet Middle East as an Embraer Authorized Service Center (EASC). The service center, located at Dubai International Airport, is now authorized for line maintenance on the ultra-large Lineage 1000 and for base maintenance on the Phenom 300 light jet. ExecuJet Middle East was first appointed an EASC in October 2010.
Avfuel-branded Hawthorne Global Aviation Services has reopened it FBO facility at Lakefront Airport (KNEW) in New Orleans, following an extensive renovation after Hurricane Isaac caused damage to the airport last fall. With the new terminal opening and hurricane repairs completed, the FBO is focusing the majority of its attention on the upcoming Super Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 3 in New Orleans. Lakefront is the closest airport to downtown New Orleans and the Superdome. Visit www.hawthorne.aero.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy believes FAA has significantly understated the costs associated with its proposed changes in the Part 145 rewrite and is suggesting that the agency conduct a supplemental regulatory analysis that includes less costly alternatives. The SBA Office of Advocacy hosted a meeting in December on FAA's Part 145 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), that expressed industry groups' concerns that FAA's proposal omits a number of costs in its cost-benefit analysis.
The fourth MV-22 to be assigned to the Presidential Support Squadron awaits attachment of the tail empennage (painted the iconic dark green of the squadron) on the Bell V-22 assembly plant production floor in Amarillo, Texas, Dec. 1. The first MV-22 is on schedule to be delivered to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the Marine squadron that provides executive level logistics and passenger support to the president, in early 2013. The MV-22s will replace the CH-46Es currently operating with the squadron.
Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) the region's only industry show dedicated to business aviation, will move to a purpose-built exhibition site under construction at Dubai World Central for its December 2014 iteration. This year's MEBA exhibition ran Dec. 11-13 at Dubai World Central and attracted 7,549 attendees from 84 countries — a 20% increase from the 2010 show.
Michael S. Meloche (Director of Flight Operations Air Lease Corp. Van Nuys, Calif. )
I applaud BCA for the continued education of all in aviation including myself. Being a professional pilot/director of flight operations for an international aviation corporation and an A&P/IA, we need to keep apprised of new regulations and procedures. There are ever-changing regulations coming into effect each day in all regions of the world. Your article “Oceanic ATC” (November 2012, page 40) had several mistakes. [Already noted and corrected by the author in “Readers' Feedback” [December 2012 — Ed.]
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.
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.
Wallan Aviation, a Saudi Arabia-based general aviation company has acquired two Falcon jets directly from Dassault Falcon. A pre-owned Falcon 900EX EASy II was to be delivered by the end of 2012 and a new Falcon 900LX in the second quarter of 2013. The company will operate both aircraft for the company's own use with the option of offering one or both aircraft for charter. Wallan Aviation has been operating in the Middle East for 20 years and has expanded its aviation to include charter, jet maintenance and a flight academy.
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 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.
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.
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.
Flexjet has launched FlexShare, a program providing fractional jet owners with guaranteed access to two different aircraft types with the purchase of a single 50-hr. share. Based on their specific flight requirements, FlexShare owners may now customize the allocation of their annual hours among Flexjet's fleet of Learjet and Challenger aircraft. FlexShare customers pay the full purchase price for one share of a selected aircraft type based on vintage.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
