Florida-based fractional ownership provider Avantair has sold 18 of its 20 orders for Embraer Phenom 100 very light jets to Executive AirShare (EAS), a fractional provider operating Beechjets and King Airs. Avantair operates 49 Piaggio Avanti turboprops, with 60 more on order for delivery by 2013, and has decided not to diversify. Kansas City-based EAS already has orders for 10 Phenom 100s, plus options for 10 more, and orders and options for eight Phenom 300 light jets. EAS has the option to buy Avantair's two remaining Phenom positions in 2010.
The FAA's Air Transportation Operations Inspector's Handbook, FAA Order 8400.10, "Aircraft Checklists" briefly describes two main types of normal checklists -- the "Challenge-Do-Verify" and the "Do-Verify." Each represents a different operational philosophy.
General Electric completed the acquisition of Walter Engines, a Czech manufacturer, in the hope of cutting into the small to midsize turboprop and turboshaft market dominance long held by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT-6 line. GE said the acquisition "broadens GE's offerings . . .
Turbine fuel priced at $8 per gallon may actually seem as though it's a bargain these days at some airports frequented by business aircraft operators. That startling new reality is causing plenty of flight departments to reevaluate how best to operate their aircraft economically. And specifically, it's causing operators to shop carefully for the lowest fuel prices.
For the first half of 2008, Embraer delivered a record 97 jets, and the Brazilian airframe manufacturer's order backlog swelled to an all-time high of $20.7 billion. The 97 airplanes shipped in the first six months of 2008 represent a 59-percent increase over the 61 airplanes delivered during the first half of 2007. During the second quarter, Embraer delivered 52 jets, 43 to airline customers and nine Legacy 600s to corporate operators. In the first quarter, Embraer delivered 38 airline jets and seven Legacy 600s.
Agusta/Westland Global Support Plan (GSP) -- Designed to provide comprehensive cost control measures, the GSP covers parts and labor for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repair and replacement of components, overhaul, life-limited parts and pilot refresher training. Parts and labor for mandatory Service Bulletins are included. Avionics are also included. Engine services are provided by engine OEMs. The contract is transferable.
There are no plans to sell the poster, but if that changes, I'll let you know. As for omissions, there are many more of those than inclusions. There was simply no way to get 50 years of our dynamic industry's technological, human and corporate history into such limited a space, albeit a gatefold, so we settled on representative items.
(Atlanta) -- Clay Hammond has been appointed an aircraft sales representative for this Flightline company. Hammond will be responsible for aircraft sales in the Atlanta metro and surrounding area. Hammond is rejoining the company after a two-year stint in aircraft sales for a manufacturer.
I want to thank you for dredging up the 30-year-old photos just to remind me of what the 70s were like. Nice shot of Bob Stangarone, too. And then you show a contemporary photo of yourself instead of the real Bill Garvey that we know must be lurking somewhere from the 70s. I thought you did a good job with the anniversary issue.
Congratulations on a grand tribute to the all-star team that made BCA the unique jewel of business aviation. The staff photo review is so appropriate in this very special industry (aka elite club) of aviation zealots. It is a glowing trip down memory lane. It has been an honor to serve with all of you and I am sure Dave is smiling proudly up there. BCA proves it is not lonely at the top.
Hypoxia is a silent killer and pilots often are unaware of their condition because lack of oxygen affects their judgment. Technicians who fly regularly or who participate in pressurization system maintenance flights need to be prepared as well for this invisible, tasteless danger. To help increase awareness of hypoxia's threat, the military exposes pilots to high-altitude pressure simulators.
*Agusta A109E, A109S and A119 helicopters -- Inspect the pilot and copilot doors' emergency release system. If any interference is found between the lower hinges of the doors and the housing on the helicopter structure, rework the housing slot of the lower hinge. *Cessna Caravan 208 and 208B airplanes -- Inspect the left and right wing wire bundles and repair or replace damaged wire.
*Le Castellet International Airport, Le Castellet, France, announced that Philippe Gurdjian is stepping down from his position as president and general manager. At press time, a successor had not been named.
I love your July issue with the "centerfold" time-lining the 50-year advance of business aviation. Will you be offering this as a poster for sale? We would love to get our hands on it! By the way, the rich history of business left out General Dynamics' purchase of Gulfstream in 1999.
As the world's first all-digital air carrier, DayJet, the Boca Raton, Fla.-based startup, has relied on breakthroughs in both emerging aviation and computer technologies, offering a new and unique travel option. The concept of "Per Seat, On Demand" jet service offers the efficiency and convenience of corporate jet travel with the affordability and availability of traveling with scheduled airlines. But you won't hear the word "scheduled" bantered among the DayJet faithful. Instead, they insist, "DayJet sells time."
NATA is holding to the position that it is discriminatory for the FAA to take enforcement against an operator when the action in question was known to and approved by the operator's local FAA inspector. If the FAA intends to continue to state that their inspector workforce acts with the authority of the Administrator, the association maintains that an inspector's approval must then be respected and relied upon as a defense by an operator.
A Skyship 600 blimp is patrolling the Florida Straits for the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy as part of a six-week joint evaluation of the airship's effectiveness in the patrol mission. The lighter-than-air (LTA) craft and its crew of three pilots, two mechanics and 15 ground crew members began operating from Boca Chica Naval Air Station on June 30. The airship, which is owned and operated by Airship Management Services (AMS) Inc., Greenwich, Conn., is leased to the government. The contract, including mission equipment, is valued at approximately $1 million.
I can report with some certainty that it was not the thermostat, the fan belt clutch or the water pump. I'm next focusing (i.e. replacing) the radiator (as I did with the thermostat, etc.). As for the gauge, it seems to be providing valid information in general, but remains suspect. And it, too, can be replaced.
*Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah, Ga., announced that Mark Burns has become president of Gulfstream Product Support and General Dynamics Aviation Services, replacing Larry Flynn, who's moving on to take over sales and marketing.
