Rumors of a takeover are still swirling around Textron Corp., the parent of Cessna Aircraft and Bell Helicopter, as we go to press. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon were both named as possible suitors, but analysts say the former would seem the more likely candidate since Raytheon recently divested itself of Hawker Beechcraft and Flight Options. A Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Watan reported that a consortium of United Arab Emirates firms and a Kuwaiti company were believed to be nearing a deal to purchase Textron.
Raytheon Co. will develop the NextGen Terminal Data Distribution System (TDDS), the first-of-its-kind terminal system applied in the FAA’s System Wide Information Management (SWIM) program. As aircraft fly in U.S. airspace, they pass through different tracking systems, which transmit data and communicate with each other using point-to-point interfaces, unique communication links and protocols. TDDS will automate the exchange of flight data among these disparate, net-enabled systems and integrate multiple data sources, replacing the point-to-point interfaces.
— At about 1526 MDT, a Learjet 55, Canadian registry C-GCIL, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff at Natrona County International Airport (CPR), Casper, Wyo. The airplane was registered to and operated by Sunwest Aviation Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was VFR and an IFR flight plan had been filed for the cross-country flight to Lafayette, La.
Bob Howie (Houston, TX), Assistant Chief Pilot (Houston, TX), Wing Aviation Charter Services (Houston, TX)
Well, the Super Bowl has come and gone for another year and while folks still laud the game, aviation would be remiss if it did not praise the efforts of the FAA and, in my case, Signature Flight Support in Tampa for their efforts in successfully orchestrating the post-game departures of what was likely more than 100 corporate jets. Ramp and ground control choreographed a ballet that would have made George Balanchine envious!
Name withheld by author’s request (Williamsburg, VA)
With respect to the January Intelligence item by James E. Swickard about the “systemic shortcomings in Brazilian air traffic control concepts” (page 11), I offer a personal anecdote.
John Didier, president of Sacramento Aviation, which specializes in handling Citations and King Airs, believes the market may be turning. “The last quarter of 2008 was very slow. So was January. We went four months with just a few sales. Since the first part of February we have seen more activity — not big time — but the phones are ringing and we are getting an offer here and there. I think there is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
A leaner, consolidated industry, more accountability, perhaps new forms of ownership and longer aircraft retention, a resurgent charter component . . . and a “pony.”
Canada is the only country that requires noncommercial operators of turbine-powered aircraft to be certified and regularly audited for safety compliance. Even more notably, Canada’s DOT has delegated the administration of the Private Operator Certificate program to the Canadian Business Aviation Association to save government money and resources. (See Business & Commercial Aviation, April, page 42.)
Embraer named ABS Jets to be its authorized sales representative in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia. The Czech company is also an Embraer authorized service center and one of the largest Legacy 600 operators in Europe, and will be selling Embraer’s full line of business jets.
A corporate aircraft use policy sets forth the who, when, where and why of putting your people in your aircraft. For many years, the majority of corporate flight operators did not feel any need to put their policy in writing. It was simply understood. But times have changed. Now, you need to spell out your policy for yourself, your traveling and non-traveling employees, your shareholders, the IRS, the media, Congress and even the president of the United States.
Proposed Rules Agusta A109E, A109S, A119 and AW119MKII helicopters — Using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect the cargo hook lever for cracks before each cargo hook operation. If any cracks are found, replace the cargo hook with one not having a cracked lever.
— At 1905 PDT, a Beech 200 (N257A) collided with a tree while taxiing after landing at Henderson Executive Airport (HND), Las Vegas. Southern Nevada Jet Charter was operating the airplane as an on-demand air taxi flight. The airline transport pilot and copilot, and two passengers were not injured; however, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar. The flight departed Napa County Airport (APC), Napa, Calif., about 1700. It was VFR and no flight plan was filed.
The comments by Michael Boyd in February’s Viewpoint are totally out of line! The CEOs of the car companies should have sold those airplanes rather than use them to beg for money. Come on, that is just wrong. They should have let them go bankrupt.
The TSA has assigned its general aviation liaison, Juan Barnes, whose charter is to address concerns over recent security measures. The AOPA’s online newsletter told members, “Now GA stakeholders can address questions to Barnes, the new line of communication to the TSA’s Office of General Aviation. Questions can be sent to Barnes at [email protected]. The AOPA will automatically be copied.”
Honeywell expects certification of SmartPath, its ground-based augmentation (GBAS) system that would replace traditional ILS. The company said certification could possibly come by the end of May. That will likely trigger similar moves by other national regulators, said Dan Ryan, Honeywell’s director of precision landing systems. GBAS has been used extensively in Australia, and Airservices Australia has played a major role in its development. In Australia, Airservices and Qantas have used SmartPath for more than 1,600 landings at Sydney Airport, using 737s.
Phoenix-based StandardAero released 119 employees at four locations in April. The layoffs were caused by a slowdown in shop volume, spokesman Mike Turner said. Affected are facilities in Augusta, Ga., Houston, Los Angeles and Springfield, Ill. “This reduction represents less than 3 percent of our overall work force and will take effect immediately,” Turner said. “We will continue to review our organizational needs and if we see an increase in work volume, we may call back employees.” StandardAero currently has 4,000 workers, he added.
Cessna has again lowered its production plans for 2009 and 2010, company parent Textron announced in April. The move will result in another round of layoffs in addition to the 4,600 jobs lost since December 2008. There will also be a two-week factory shutdown in July. Textron did not specify details of the latest round.
— About 1340 EDT, a Cirrus SR22 (N213CP) was substantially damaged after it deployed its Cirrus Airplane Parachute System (CAPS) shortly after takeoff from the Montgomery County Airpark (GAI), Gaithersburg, Md. The private pilot was not injured. It was IFR and a flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for the Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), Kalamazoo, Mich. The airplane departed Runway 32, a 4,202-foot-long, asphalt runway. The pilot reported that he noticed air leaking from the passenger side door immediately after takeoff.
The NBAA reports that a pair of congressional aviators has sent letters to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to outline concerns about the TSA’s Large Aircraft Security Plan (LASP). In their letters, Reps. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) and John Kline (R-Minn.), both pilots, called for a collaborative effort between government and industry to develop security policies.
Garmin has been granted an FAA STC for installation of its G1000 avionics suite onboard Beechcraft King Air 200s and B200s. The Olathe, Kan., avionics manufacturer said the STC applies to most configurations of the popular twin turboprop, including those with Blackhawk engines.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed to block the sale of charter and management operator JetDirect Aviation Inc., to JDA Acquisition Corp. (JDAAC), owned by an investor group led by Brantley Partners of Beachwood, Ohio. The lawsuit was driven by JetDirect Aviation employees who claim that their health benefits and 401K accounts were not properly funded. Brantley Managing Partner Robert Pinkas will become chairman of JDAAC, and said the new company will hire JetDirect’s management team — which includes the former managers of TAG Aviation USA and The Air Group.
— An amateur-built Stewart S51 (N551X) was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain in a recreational vehicle park in Ocala, Fla. The pilot/owner, the sole occupant, was fatally injured.
Manufacturer, Model In some cases, the airplane manufacturer’s name is abbreviated, but the company’s full name and address can be found in the “Airframe Suppliers Directory” on page 153. The model name also is included in this group. BCA Equipped Price
— At about 1253 PST, a Cessna 172N (N726RJ) collided with the water about 40 nm west of Oceanside, Calif. Golden Wings Flying Club was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot is presumed to have sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed by impact forces. The local personal flight departed Montgomery Field, San Diego, about 1148. It was VFR and no flight plan had been filed.
The number of general aviation accidents increased in 2007, which is worrisome, but the number of fatalities declined, as did the rate of fatal accidents, which fell more than would be anticipated by a declining number of flight hours, indicating a real reduction, according to the nineteenth annual AOPA Air Safety Foundation Joseph T. Nall report. You can read the 40-page document or download your own copy through the AOPA Web site.
