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.
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.
— 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are two things that make Clay McCool extremely happy: One is a neonatal patient who’s low on hemoglobin but stable and breathing on her own and another is a full set of Koni shocks with custom valving instantly adjustable for both compression and rebound while they’re still mounted on the car. McCool has been racing in autocross events almost as long as he’s been a respiratory therapist.
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.
Daher-Socata is entering the fractional ownership business to boost sales of its TBM 850 single turboprop. The French plane-maker in April unveiled the “Fly and Share Your TBM” (F.A.S.T.) program designed for up to three shareholders that could own one-third increments in a TBM 850. The program would provide a minimum 100 days of “exclusive use” per year with unlimited flight hours. Daher-Socata says this differs from traditional fractional programs that require the purchase of annual flight hours.
Robert Crandall has decided to ground Pogo, his start up very light jet charter operation, before it ever left the ground. He says he’s returning what remains of the operation’s seed money to investors. “I feel badly about it,” he said of the decision, April 15. “It’s just one of those ideas that didn’t work out.” Rather described the intended Pogo as a typical FAR135 charter operation using small jets with trips confined to the northeastern United States.
Although bankers, brokers and dealers attending the recent National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA) forum in Dallas know that there is no “silver bullet” for what ails aircraft sales, they resolved to work together to close transactions. NARA President Susan Sheets also encouraged attendees to participate in the advocacy of business aircraft ownership, noting that NARA, the NBAA, GAMA and AOPA are more effective when their constituents put pen to paper and contact the media as well as Congress. “General aviation is a resilient industry.
Haircuts are among life’s annoying necessities like speed limits and broccoli, so I favor the local family cuttery where the deed is done quickly and inexpensively. My bride, who eschews both cheap and hasty in caring for her locks, periodically nudges me into some tony hair spa to repair the damage done by my sartorial slumming. And that is how I met Jack of Paris & Co., “a full service multi-level salon,” merci, complete with lavender walls, mirrors upon mirrors, and the clicking heels of hip, young women wearing wonderfully tight black clothing.
Swedish charter operator QuickNet Air says it has begun to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from its fixed-wing aircraft through the JetOffsets program. Based in Santa Barbara, Calif., JetOffsets (www.jetoffsets.com) helps calculate carbon footprint and provides verified offsets and market awareness campaign services. QuickNet Air flies both airplanes and helicopters throughout Europe.
The second and only remaining Cessna Model 162 SkyCatcher light sport test aircraft was lost when the pilot was forced to deploy the aircraft’s emergency recovery parachute when the airplane entered an unrecoverable spin. The parachute ended the spin, but then refused to be jettisoned. The pilot elected to stay with the aircraft rather than use his personal parachute. He was not injured, and attempted to disengage the chute on the ground; however, he could not and the aircraft was heavily damaged when the open chute dragged it along the ground.
The current state of decline of the business aviation community specifically and the economy in general does not merit a complex degree of analysis. It is mostly the result of a national political party determined to squash all that is good about capitalism, prosperity, free market concepts, opportunity, et al.
May 6-9: Twin Commander University, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Ariz. (360) 435-9797. www.twincommander.com May 12-14: 9th Annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, Palexpo, Geneva. www.ebace.aero May 18-21: Regional Airline Association (RAA) Convention, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. (202) 367-1170. www.raa.org/convention
If a flight department acquires a helicopter, it will try to find as many ways as it can to make the aircraft pay for itself. If the company is sited so that an access helipad is practical and the helipad is acceptable to the surrounding community, an instrument approach to the pad means the pad — and the helicopter — will be more useful. Fortunately, the FAA has provided guidance on how to apply for approval of such an approach. For the average operator, though, the resources and experience base required to secure approval may prove daunting.
The unpressurized Model 208 Caravan turboprop was never aimed at executive transport missions, but it’s had marked success in that role with Yingling Aviation’s “Oasis” first-class interior package with up to 10 business jet style seats and commensurate equipment. Yingling, a Cessna neighbor at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport, obtained an STC and cut a deal with Cessna to allow customers to order an Oasis package with their Caravan, with Yingling managing the interior installation logistics.
Duncan Aviation won an FAA STC for WAAS/SBAS-capable Learjet 40 and 45s with dual UNS-1Ew FMS. The STC included Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) capability and approval for 3D coupled LPV procedures. Awarded in late march, this particular STC includes compliance with FAA AC 90-105, which allows the pilot to fly a barometric VNAV approach to the published Decision Altitude.
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services continue under scrutiny on Capitol Hill. The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee scheduled an April 22 hearing on the subject. The Association of Air-Medical Services had previously held multiple meetings on Capitol Hill to urge passage of air-medical safety legislation. The association also is trying to encourage the formation of a congressional air-medical caucus.
