CHINA’s Xi’an Aviation Science and Technology (XASC) has awarded Rockwell Collins a contract to supply training equipment for the MA-60 and MA-600 regional turbopops. The U.S. company will deliver an MA-600 flight training device to manufacture Xi’an Aircraft in September and an MA-60 full-flight simulator to XASC in February 2010 to support training on the aircraft.
FOKKER F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2009-0198; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-129-AD; Amendment 39-15941; AD 2009-13-02] – This new AD, which supersedes an existing directive (AD 98-06-07), requires removal of the normal maximum (second) detent for the reverse-thrust control and revisions to the Airplane Flight Manual to prohibit the use of reverse thrust in flight and limiting operation of max reverse thrust, per the instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-76-014, Rev. 2 (dated Dec, 12, 2007).
Air Methods Corporation last week petitioned the National Transportation Safety Board to reconsider its probable cause finding in the June 29, 2008, midair collision between an Air Methods Bell 407 helicopter and a Classic Helicopter Services Bell 407. The helicopters collided at 1547 Mountain Standard Time while approaching the Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Ariz. Both helicopters were destroyed, and seven people were killed.
USED BUSINESS JET inventories continue to show signs of stabilization, according to the latest analyst reports. Inventories tracked by UBS dropped 2 percent in June after sequential increases in each of the prior 18 months, said a new UBS report, and J.P. Morgan found inventory relatively flat. But both analysts continue to point to troubling indicators. “Despite the decline this time, available inventories are still 48 percent higher from the prior year and represent 17 percent of the installed base,” UBS said. J.P.
CAE last week changed its New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol to “CAE,” similar to the symbol for CAE trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The ticker symbol formerly was CGT.
XOJet has unveiled a program to offer “simple, transparent” fares on more than 15,000 routes, starting at $12,000 each way. The San Carlos, Calif.-based charter service claims to be among the first to offer fixed-fare, on-demand charter pricing that has been openly published on a national scale.
BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2009-0133; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-107-AD; Amendment 39-15933; AD 2009-12-10] – This AD, which supersedes an existing directive (AD 2006-12-09), would require operators to conduct additional corrosion inspections of frames 15, 18, 41 and 43 and take applicable related investigative and corrective actions, per the instructions of BAE Systems Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-182, Rev. 1 (dated Aug. 6, 2007).
ERIC JENSEN joined TIMCO Aviation Services, Inc. as general manager of Brice Seating. Jensen is responsible for all aspects of operations for Brice Seating, as well as for growth of the OEM seat business and PMA business. Jensen formerly was executive vice president of operations at Whittaker Controls. He also has held operational roles at Parker Hannifin and Raytheon.
Wichita-based United Way of the Plains has opened a Laid-Off Workers Center to help employees affected by the downturn in business aviation. The United Way first announced plans to open the center back in February (BA, Feb. 2/49), and the Wichita Aero Club recently donated the proceeds from its first annual awards ball – $31,000 – to the center (BA, June 15/281).
PRATT & WHITNEY has expanded its strategic partnership with Virginia Tech to cover composite material research. Virginia Tech – one of Pratt & Whitney’s University Centers of Excellence – has collaborated on research supporting the design and development of advanced gas turbine engine propulsion.
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY AVIATION has added a complete Garmin G1000 integrated avionics training suite to its avionics maintenance training program. The G1000 suite includes line-replaceable units, avionics racks, line-replaceable unit racks and connector kits. The new equipment will enable K-State Salina to create two new avionics courses – an avionics installations class and a G1000 troubleshooting class. In addition, K-State will use the systems to familiarize students in both the maintenance and flight programs.
COVENTRY AIRPORT is promoting the official opening of its new fixed-base operation July 23 by offering business aviation users free ground handling in July. The executive jet center has a lounge with a refreshment area, work stations and a fully equipped meeting room. It also has a rest room with reclining chairs and a shower room for pilots. The second floor of the facility has a suite of offices available for rent.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT has begun offering a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) option for Hawker 800XP aircraft. Hawker Beechcraft worked with Rockwell Collins to develop the upgrade to the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics on Hawker 800XPs. Hawker Beechcraft centers have begun taking preorders and scheduling the installation of the WAAS/LPV upgrade, which will be available this summer. The company is further developing WAAS/LPVs for additional Hawkers, along with King Air and Premier I aircraft.
Manchester, N.H.’s OneSky Jets has bought the assets of Quincy, Mass.-based Jets.com. The sale includes Jets.com’s technology platform, LegFind charter industry portal software and domain; and rights to the Jets.com customer list. Jets.com’s Titanium membership program will be incorporated into OneSky Jets’ Latitude Membership program. OneSky will combine Jets.com technology with its own Cloud 9 platform.
Boca Raton, Fla.-based Mercury Jet Charter has unveiled its new Express One Way Pricing/Empty Leg Promotion targeting business travelers. The private jet charter brokerage and aircraft management company started the program because customers were asking for it, partner David Jones said. “For my business clients, unfortunately, private aviation has become a four-letter word because of Wall Street, the banks and the auto makers,” he said. “My clients routinely fly to cities not served by the airlines. We need to move people.”
COMPANY EARNINGS announcements later this month are expected to show little improvement, J.P. Morgan believes. J.P. Morgan expects a further rate cut at Gulfstream despite a “modestly sunnier…commentary following Q1.” Cessna already has announced steep work force reductions, but “we expect a slew of cancellations again along with lower delivery guidance,” the analyst said. Suppliers, including Honeywell, look vulnerable as well, J.P. Morgan added.
Business aviation advocates are becoming increasingly concerned that a sweeping climate-change bill that has the potential to shape the future of aviation operations continues to progress through Capitol Hill with few details on how it might impact the aviation industry.
-- 2,200 sq. ft. private departure lounge with amenities -- 19,800 sq. ft. hangar (G550/Global XRS) -- Secured, covered parking -- Fuel discounts (Tenant Power & SFS network) -- U.S. CBP conveniently located -- Closest airport to downtown Miami Contact: Steve Ciancio at Signature Miami +1.305.874.1360 Click here to view the pdf
New Jersey-based Millville Jet Center (MJC) closed its doors June 30 after failing to reach a new lease agreement with the Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) for its facility at the Millville Municipal Airport, N.J. MJC has been at Millville Municipal Airport since 2003, occupying 45,000 square feet of hangar and office space and employing around 70 employees.
Belite Aircraft offered the industry a sneak peek last week of the newly dubbed Belite ultralight aircraft, previously known as the Kitfox Lite. Wichita-based entrepreneurs James and Kathy Wiebe bought the production rights to the aircraft in mid-June (BA June 15/283). A prototype of the Belite was unveiled June 30 at Wichita’s Old Town Warren Plaza in a ceremony that included Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.).
JIM MCQUEENEY was named president of LMI Aerospace, Inc., a provider of design engineering services, structural components, assemblies and kits to the aerospace, defense and technology industries. McQueeney has held various positions with Gulfstream Aerospace, most recently as vice president, material. He also was vice president and general manager of Gulfstream’s Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mexicali, Mexico, facilities. Before joining Gulfstream, McQueeney served with Fairchild Republic Co. and Textron Aerospace.
TORONTO-BASED Porter Airlines has ordered two Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. The airline converted the last of its options, bringing its firm order to 10 Q400s. The deal is valued at $45 million.
Part 135 advocates last week continued to press FAA officials to strictly limit the scope of a new flight time and rest rulemaking effort to Part 121 operations. FAA announced last month that it planned an aggressive schedule for new flight time and rest regulations, including the creation of an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) that would have a Sept. 1 deadline for developing recommendations (BA, June 29/302).
BRAD BLETTNER joined Delta AirElite Business Jets as director of sales and marketing. Blettner has a background in sales, customer service, marketing and special events, having spent more than 12 years in the high-end sports marketing industry. Most recently he was vice president of business development for the Cincinnati Reds, and before that, worked in sales and services for the Florida Marlins.
LINDSEY MCFARREN has established her own consulting firm, McFarren Aviation Consulting (MAC), to focus on issues in the general aviation industry. MAC will specialize in regulatory support for trade associations and professional organizations, compliance guidance for GA operators, and safety assessments for GA operators, fixed-base operations and airports. McFarren formerly served with the National Air Transportation Association, the Air Charter Safety Foundation and the Transportation Security Administration.
