Even though I understand your reasoning on the trees (Viewpoint, July 2012), which are making Runway 11/29 at HPN less than optimal, I must disagree on this one. Why? Well, it has to do with our freedoms as Americans, and our right to do what we wish with our own property.
June 24 — About 1155 EDT, a Universal Stinson 108 (N39443), operated by a private pilot, was substantially damaged while ditching in the Atlantic Ocean, following a total loss of engine power during cruise flight near Portland, Maine. The private pilot was fatally injured. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Twitchell Airport (3B5), Turner, Maine, about 1030 in VFR conditions. According to preliminary data from the FAA, the airplane was in radio and radar contact with Portland International Jetport (PWM) Approach Control. About 10 mi.
The FCC is planning to issue a notice “shortly” that explores potential options for strengthening regulations and/or standards surrounding the use of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) on general aviation aircraft, an FCC official told the NTSB on July 17 at a forum on general aviation search and rescue that members hope will highlight the agency's decades-long concerns about the adequacy of current search and rescue policies. The NTSB chiefly is concerned about the lack of a mandate for general aviation aircraft to install updated ELTs.
It was the call we all dread. The car was overheating, and now there was oil on the garage floor. On the phone, the mechanic was saying terrible things: failed head gasket, engine bolts stripped, block compromised, and so on. His repair estimate exceeded the car's book value. My roadster was toast, never to roar again.
ARGUS International Inc. (ARGUS) is a specialized aviation services company with global expertise whose mission is to provide the aviation marketplace with the information needed to make informed decisions and manage risk. ARGUS services include the CHEQ proprietary charter operator rating and due diligence program, TRAQPak market intelligence data and research services, and aviation consulting.
A JetBlue copilot injured by a laser illumination July 15 is the latest victim of a nationwide phenomenon that has grown as much as tenfold since the FAA formally began taking reports in 2005. The laser illumination injured the JetBlue first officer over Islip, N.Y., as Flight 657 was on approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport at 5,000 ft. The captain reported two green flashes, one of which “caught the first officer,” and requested medical personnel meet the flight at JetBlue's Gate 24 after landing. The FAA reported that the first officer's injury was minor.
Piaggio is teaming with Saab to develop a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) based on a highly modified version of its P.180 Avanti II business turboprop. At Farnborough July 10, Piaggio Aero announced that it signed a contract with Abu Dhabi Autonomous System Investments, a subsidiary of Tawazun, covering the development of the aircraft and the construction of two prototypes. The first is to fly in 2014. The MPA platform will have a bigger wing than a standard P.180, a greater takeoff weight and more fuel capacity.
Flexjet, the fractional ownership arm of Bombardier, placed orders for three Learjet 70 aircraft for delivery in 2013. The operator announced plans to add Bombardier's newest Learjets – the 70 and 75 – to its portfolio shortly after the Canadian manufacturer unveiled them during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition. But at the time, Flexjet did not have details of its initial plans to fold the new jets, the successor to the Learjet 40XR and 45XR, into its fleet. Flexjet says it is purchasing at least three of the 70 model for 2013.
In the second quarter of 2012, Embraer delivered 35 jets to the commercial aviation market and 20 to executive aviation. Total deliveries for the first six months of the year are 56 commercial and 33 executive jets, 13 more than for the same period last year.
It seems that every few months or so, the scientific or medical community discovers that a particular chemical, compound or food item that was once considered perfectly healthy actually poses a threat to our health and thus should be avoided. In aviation maintenance, we technicians have more than our share of exposure to dangerous substances and need to be cautious and take preventive measures to prevent long-term health problems.
Textron reported second-quarter revenue of $3 billion and manufacturing profit of $288 million, increases of 10.7% and $59 million, respectively, over the same period in 2011, buoyed by increased sales of Cessna Citation business jets and Bell commercial helicopters.
The FAA and EASA have approved the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter for operating in Sea State 6 (SS6) conditions, completing the S-92A emergency flotation system sea state expansion. Certification by Transport Canada is expected soon. The S-92 helicopter optional emergency flotation system consists of three primary floats, certified for ditching in conditions up to and including Sea State 5. An additional optional five-float configuration is now certified for ditching in conditions up to and including Sea State 6.
Exact Air Flight ET822 descended below MDA into dark, wooded terrain while attempting a night non-precision RNAV (GNSS) Runway 12 approach at Chicoutimi/Saint-Honore, Quebec, on Dec. 9, 2009. Both pilots were killed and two passengers — the only other occupants of the aircraft — were seriously injured when the Beech King Air A100 (BE10) struck the ground in controlled flight on the approach centerline some 3 nm from the threshold.
The Beech King Air 350 is the largest business turboprop yet built by the Wichita manufacturer and by far its most versatile performer. More than 685 first-generation aircraft were built between 1990 and 2009 before it was succeeded by the more luxurious King Air 350i in 2010.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and ITT Exelis have entered into a licensing agreement for Exelis to provide its real-time integrated next generation flight-tracking data for ERAU's academic research and analysis.
Bombardier is the final manufacturer of large-cabin, long-range business jets to upgrade its flagship aircraft with large-format, flat-panel avionics, but based upon our recent demo flight, the wait was well worth the results. The Vision Flight Deck provides strong incentives for operators of older Globals with early 1990s vintage avionics to upgrade to the Global 6000's 21st century cockpit technology.
ARGUS TRAQPak data indicates that May 2012 business aircraft flight activity increased from April 2012 at 3.5% overall. The only month over month decrease was the fractional segment, down 1.0%. Part 135 activity was up 5.3% and Part 91 was up 3.9%. Reviewing activity year over year (May 2012 vs. May 2011) TRAQPak observed a 1.6% increase in overall aircraft activity. Results by operational category were mixed with Part 91sector activity up 4.3%.
Beech is claiming that its Twin Bonanza is the strongest airplane in commercial aviation — designed and tested to withstand inflight loads equal to almost seven times its own weight. It's even got an airstair door so you don't “ever have to get near the engines.”
Belize Belize is the only Central American country that was not solely a Spanish colony, with Spain and Great Britain disputing rule over the territory in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1854, it officially became the colony of British Honduras, and remained so until it achieved independence in 1981 and became Belize. (The independence process was inhibited by a border dispute with Guatemala, which continues toward a so-far unscheduled referendum in both states to determine whether to refer the conflict to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.)
“A Disastrous Save” (Cause & Circumstance, June 2012, page 52 highlights the double tragedy associated with the crash of a helicopter attempting a rescue. Twenty years of flying U.S. Air Force rescue helicopters left me feeling that remote area operations are one of the most challenging flight operations a pilot can confront. This is due to the wide range of uniqueness each remote area brings. Add nighttime, weather and fatigue to this and you have an operation that probably should be in the Emergency Section of the AOM.
Every year, the NBAA's week-long Maintenance Management Conference (MMC) provides resources for learning both new technology and updating each attendee's personal knowledge toolbox. In addition, the event provides an excellent opportunity to network with fellow managers and provides insight for those interested in professional development or creating new career goals within the business aviation community.
Flexjet joined other fractional operators suing the IRS over assessments of federal excise taxes. Flight Options and NetJets/Executive Jet Management already are enmeshed in lawsuits over refunds and imposition of the passenger ticket tax over certain activities. Flexjet filed its suit a couple of weeks ago, says Tony Gasaway, principal of Gasaway Tax Law. The lawsuits come as management companies face their own escalating tax assessments based on recent IRS guidance that management fees could constitute commercial air carrier activity.
Jet Aviation has launched a global refurbishment program to “renew and harmonize” the look and feel of its FBO and major MRO facilities worldwide, beginning with the Geneva, Zurich and Basel facilities in Switzerland and focusing on the facility lobbies and customer and crew lounges, Completion of the Geneva and Basel facilities is scheduled for year-end. The Zurich facility is scheduled for completion in spring 2013.
Rockwell Collins has opened its Berlin Ascend flight information solutions office in the General Aviation Terminal area at the new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, which will provide flight support services for European business aircraft operators. Specific enhancements to the Ascend flight planning tools have been introduced to support European operations including Eurocontrol Central Flight Management Unite (CFMU) routes and validation.
