Keystone Helicopter Corporation's Helicopter Services Division and the Engine Services Division in West Chester, Pa., have each received the FAA Diamond Award Certificate of Excellence for the third year in a row.
Gulfstream received FAA STC approval to offer its Enhanced Vision System to owners of Gulfstream IV aircraft equipped with SPZ 8000 avionics. Gulfstream originally certified the Kollsman EVS in September 2001 for the Gulfstream V. The system uses a forward-looking infrared camera that projects a real-world image on the pilot's Honeywell Head-Up Display.
Maintaining a spare parts inventory can be a challenge for the maintenance director as the cost of spares skyrockets and operating budgets tighten. How much should one invest in something that collects dust on the stockroom shelves? Not so long ago it was quite common for corporate flight departments to have a significant investment in spares, the general idea being to have the exact component on hand when the one on the aircraft failed. The more parts in inventory, the better chance of having the one you need to keep your bird airborne.
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 171. The model name also is included in this group. B/CA Equipped Price Price estimates are first quarter, current year dollars for the next available delivery. Some aircraft have long lead times, thus the actual price will be higher than our published price. Note well, manufacturers may adjust prices without notification.
Massport is again examining peak-hour pricing schemes for Logan International Airport in Boston, our sister publication Airports reported. Massport spokeswoman Barbara Platt said that when the FAA approved the construction of long-delayed Runway 14/32, one of its conditions was that Massport submit a peak-pricing study before construction could begin. The concept already has begun to draw protests.
A AC -- Advisory circular ACARS -- Airline communications addressing and reporting system ACAS -- Aircraft collision avoidance system ADC -- Air data computer ADI -- Attitude direction indicator ADS -- Air data system ADS-B -- Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast AES -- Aircraft earth station AFCS -- Automatic flight control system AFIS -- Automated flight information system (Honeywell) AHRS -- Attitude-heading reference system
Kenneth E. Gazzola, executive vice president and publisher of the McGraw-Hill Companies' Aviation Week Group, which includes B/CA, has been installed as president of the Wings Club in New York City. The club has a nationwide and international roster of members and its history is intimately entwined with that of the global aviation industry. Gazzola served on the organization's board of governors for seven years prior to his recent election.
The civilian helicopter market saw relatively robust activity in 2003, a trend that forecasters predict is likely to continue through 2004 and for years thereafter. Bell, for example, closed out its books for last year having delivered 97 turbine helicopters to civil operators. Meanwhile, American Eurocopter posted 74 deliveries in 2003 and inked another 25 sales at the Helicopter Association International's Heli-Expo 2004.
Jetcraft Corp., an aircraft buyer, seller and brokerage firm of more than 40 years, has opened a new sales office in Minneapolis-St. Paul. President John C. Ames, who has relocated to Minnesota, heads the Twin Cities office while maintaining day-to-day responsibility for overseeing Jetcraft's other facilities in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., and Redding, Calif.
Environmental Protection Agency rules that could seriously affect aviation fueling operations are scheduled to go into effect without what an industry coalition says are vital definitions and an understanding of the scope of the new requirements. The National Air Transportation Association and other coalition members attending a March 31 meeting with the EPA discovered that the agency had yet to clearly define the impact of spill protection, control and countermeasure (SPCC) requirements on several areas in dispute, but planned to proceed with an Aug.
On April 2, the Omni Group concluded acquisition of the Aeroservices Group, the largest executive aviation company in France. With a fleet of 30 airplanes and 12 helicopters, Omni has operating bases in Paris, Lisbon, Cascais and Lajes in Portugal, and Macae and Jacarepagua in Brazil.
Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC) Lethbridge, Alberta, plant delivered its 5,000th engine, a PT6 Twin-Pac turboshaft, to Bell Helicopter Textron. The engine, a PT6T-3D produced for a Bell 412EP model, is a member of the PT6T-3 series that powers the Bell 212 and 412 helicopter family of medium helicopters. Lethbridge opened in 1993 and employs close to 90 people. It is P&WC's main assembly plant for PT6 engines and the only company facility that assembles and tests the PT6 Twin-Pacs.
The Oneida Indian Nation is launching what is believed to be the first air charter service operated by a sovereign American Indian nation. Four Directions Air will fly a nine-passenger Dassault Falcon 50 and have access to a Learjet 35. The new endeavor also has partnered with Atlanta-based Smith Air to provide unspecified additional services. The Oneida Nation, based in Upstate New York, also operates the Turning Stone Resort and Casino.
Even though Baldwin initially denied ``absolutely'' reports that Warren was angry about the events, that denial proved at least premature as on April 12 the ousted NBAA chief of staff mailed NBAA member representatives a letter painting a picture of Longmuir (and by implication, Warren) ``as a top performer who gets results,'' but stymied by a board of directors with an ``ineffective business as usual'' mentality and ``an insular Association attitude.'' He accused the board of setting a higher priority on convention revenues than on effective government representation.
General aviation industry associations are regrouping in light of the latest reports to come from the TSA on access to Washington's close-in airport. The NBAA is stepping up political pressure, with association members contacting their elected officials for help. GAMA also has been working with the TSA, urging the agency to become more proactive within the Department of Homeland Security to address Secret Service concerns about the airport.
According to data compiled by business aviation consultants Robert E. Breiling Associates Inc., of the 215 Hawker 125-700s that have been delivered, 10 of them, or 4.7 percent of the fleet, have been involved in accidents. By comparison, within the overall business jet fleet, an average of 6.7 percent of aircraft suffer mishaps.
The National Air Transportation Association is relaunching its Web site with a new domain name (www.nata.aero) and a ``Members Only'' section. The previous address, www.nata-online.org, will automatically redirect visitors to the new site. The members section will include NATA's Legislative Reports, Regulatory Reports, Action Calls and archived E-News in addition to its other features.
During recent years, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has conducted investigations into the practice of certain industries in fixing and advertising list prices. It is the position of the FTC that it is deceptive to the public and against the law for list prices of any product to be specified or advertised in a trade area if the majority of sales are made at less than those prices.
Meanwhile, the staff soldiers on. On March 15, the NBAA submitted comments on the FAA proposed rule to require additional flight planning and aircraft certification standards for FAR Part 135 on-demand charter flights traveling outside the United States. Of primary concern for the NBAA was the FAA's estimate of benefits of its proposed rule, which would exceed $770 million. The NBAA has been unable to identify how the agency developed this benefit evaluation. For more information, contact the NBAA's Mike Nichols at [email protected].
NetJets Inc., Woodbridge, N.J., has hired David Miller as senior vice president of fleet management. Miller has held positions with GE Aircraft Engines, IMP Group International and SPAR Aerospace. Most recently he was senior vice president and general manager of L-3 Communications/EMP Systems.
Keystone Aviation Services of Waterbury-Oxford, Conn., Airport (OXC) is now an Avfuel dealer. Keystone's is the largest corporate jet facility in the Nutmeg state, with over 130,000 square feet of hangar space, 60,000 square feet of office space, and a newly renovated passenger terminal. The FBO plans to break ground this spring on another 84,000-square-foot corporate hangar facility that is expected to be ready for occupancy at year-end.
TSH One, the Bahamas-based corporate aircraft sales and acquisition firm and air charter broker, has changed its name to TSH One Aero. The company, which is headquartered in Nassau, was founded and is headed by Thierry S. Huguenin, an industry veteran of 12 years.
One of the most essential tools in any cockpit is the weather radar system, but if you're like many pilots transitioning to a new aircraft or new radar, you're likely to discover that the training provided on the use of that critical tool is minimal at best. For many pilots, the proper use of radar is something that's picked up along the way, with very little formal training included in the process.
There's a new FBO at the Marion, Ohio, Municipal Airport (MNN). Taylor's Aviation opened its doors in February, operated by the folks from Taylor's Industries' flight department, which bases its Sabre 60 there. Taylor's is an Avfuel dealer offering AvTrip points and Avfuel contract fuel prices. It is set up with a crew lounge with satellite TV, WSI weather and a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. The operation features crew cars and an Enterprise rental franchise, heated hangar, GPU and local air freight delivery.
