Jet Systems, a fixed-base operation at Westchester County Airport (HPN) in New York, has rebranded as an Avfuel dealer. Jet Systems has been based at HPN for 18 years and completed a multi-million renovation in late 2006, with added features such as floor-to-ceiling tropical aquariums, piano music and Starbucks coffee. The facility was designed to accommodate aircraft up to the size of the Boeing Business Jet.
STEVE PHILLIPS was promoted to vice president of communications for FlightSafety International. Phillips is responsible for the design, development and distribution of FlightSafety’s internal and external communications programs. He joined FlightSafety as director of communications in 2005 and has helped to launch and support many of FlightSafety’s products, services and programs.
Waco Classic has received type certification for the Great Lakes 2T-1A, doubling the number of biplane models produced by the Battle Creek, Mich., manufacturer. Company co-owner Peter Bowers says work on the first Great Lakes will begin immediately, and that deliveries should begin in 2013. The Great Lakes has been out of production for several years. A VFR aerobatic aircraft, the new model of the Great Lakes is expected to cost about $240,000, according to Bowers. The company also builds the three-seat WACO YMF-5D.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) last week praised House passage of a bill that is designed to block implementation of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) for aircraft flying from the U.S. to the European Union. The bill, The European Emissions Trading Scheme Prohibition Act of 2011 (H.R. 2594), passed Oct. 24 and essentially prohibits U.S. carriers and general aviation operators from participating in the cap-and-trade program designed to reduce carbon emissions.
Bombardier Aerospace will build the aft fuselage for its new Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 business jets in Queretaro, Mexico, a move that continues to expand its substantial presence at the location. The Queretaro facility already produces the aft fuselage for Bombardier’s Global 5000 and 6000 jets, as well as major composite structures for the Learjet 85.
BOMBARDIER Regional Jet Series 100, 440, 700, 701, 702, 705 and 900 airplanes. [Docket No. FAA-2011-0564; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-021-AD; Amendment 39-16830; AD 2011-21-07] – Replace water accumulator assemblies installed on the pitot and static lines of the air data computer with new or serviceable water accumulator assemblies, per the instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-34-147, Rev. B (dated March 8, 2011) or 670BA-34-030, Rev. B (dated March 23, 2010).
Hawker Beechcraft turbine-powered aircraft have been approved to use biofuels that meet American Society for Testing and Materials International turbine fuel standards. Hawker Beechcraft officials say that biofuels are a renewable resource that can help reduce the use of fossil fuels and minimize carbon emissions, adding that the company’s efforts to ensure its fleet can utilize environmentally friendly fuels coincides with its decision earlier this year to become a founding member of the Aviation Green Alliance.
Jettech, the Denver company that specializes in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) aftermarket solutions, has received an FAA supplemental type certificate for the installation of dual Garmin G600s in Piper Cheyenne III, IIIA and 400LS aircraft. The mod also includes RVSM-capable air data computers, and Garmin GTN 650 and 750 instruments are available as an option. Jettech will begin offering initial installations at its Denver facilities, and then will distribute kits that will be available through Jettech-approved Garmin-authorized dealers.
ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND BR700-710 engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0684; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-27-AD; Amendment 39-16842; AD 2011-22-01] – Revise the “Airworthiness Limitations” section of the operator’s approved maintenance program to change the requirement to record each touch-and-go or overshoot from 1/5 of a flight cycle (FC) to 1 FC on an engine installed on an airplane used for pilot training.
General Dynamics is expecting a significant pickup in cash flow this quarter as its Gulfstream Aerospace unit begins to ship initial G650s by year’s end, but a software issue will likely push off G280 shipments until 2012, GD Chairman and CEO Jay Johnson told analysts last week during the release of the company’s third-quarter results.
Sierra Industries, the Uvalde, Texas company that specializes in Cessna Citation modifications, has received an FAA supplemental type certificate for its Citation I glass panel retrofit. Developed in cooperation with Garmin International, the package includes three 10.4-inch Garmin LCD displays—GDU 1040 primary flight displays for both the pilot and copilot, along with a centrally mounted multifunction display. The standard package is available at an installed price of $284,000. Typical installation time is five weeks.
LEARJET 45 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-1069; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-025-AD] –This proposed AD would require operators to revise the maintenance program to include new or more-restrictive life limits and inspections. FAA has issued this proposal to limit exposure of flight-critical components to corrosion, cracking or failure, which if not corrected, could result in loss of roll control, fatigue cracking or loss of structural components. FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 336 aircraft on the U.S. Registry and cost U.S.
The prolonged recovery of the used business jet market has faltered in recent months, taking a “frustrating” step backward, according to market research firm Amstat. Business aviation analysts have closely watched the used market over the past couple of years, as high inventories have been considered a major stumbling block to the industry’s recovery.
Richard (Dick) Van Gemert, the business aviation veteran, has joined the board of directors for San Francisco-based Solairus Aviation. Van Gemert has held numerous executive positions in the industry, including senior vice president for Jet Aviation, president for New World Jet Corp. and executive vice president at KC Transportation Services.
Gulfstream and FlightSafety International are offering a complimentary preview of FlightSafety’s Gulfstream G350/G450/G500/G550 Ground Handling and Servicing eLearning course for fixed-base operator managers for the rest of this year. The course reinforces how ground handlers should move and service Gulfstream aircraft. Best practices developed and used by Gulfstream employees are emphasized to help mitigate risks.
The Sikorsky S-76D program achieved another milestone recently when Transport Canada certified the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engine that will be installed in the new twin-engine medium helicopter. The engine maker has run the powerplant for more than 8,700 hr. in test cells and during flight tests. FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency validation of the engine’s Canadian type certificate are expected in the coming months.
Jet Aviation’s facility in Teterboro, N.J., has been granted a limited instrument and limited radio rating from FAA for its recently opened avionics shop. The new capabilities and shop space enable Jet Aviation Teterboro to provide line maintenance, aircraft-on-ground support and inspections of avionics equipment. The authorizations apply to the facility’s foreign certificates, as well. In a related development, Matt Nevell has joined the avionics team as lead technician.
JEFF POIRIER has taken on the role of president for Vector Aerospace Engine Services-Atlantic (VAESA). Poirier formerly was vice president of customer and technical services with VAESA. He has spent 19 years with the company.
AVIOINTERIORS 12M series passenger seats [Docket No. FAA-2011-1000; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-048-AD; Amendment 39-16828; AD 2011-21-05] – Replace certain seat backrests before they reach a set number of hours in service, per the instructions of Aviointeriors Service Bulletin 12M/F68-06, Rev. 1 (dated Oct. 29, 2009).
JOHN ANDERSON was named regional maintenance manager for Jet Aviation’s facility in Van Nuys, Calif. Anderson previously spent 18 years as director of maintenance for The Air Group, managing programs for both domestic and international aircraft. He also has served as director of maintenance for Fluor Corp.
Embraer delivered 17 Phenom light jets and one Legacy aircraft during the quarter and says it had a “positive net balance” in orders. A recent order from China’s Minsheng Financial Leasing for 13 Legacy 650 jets will further bolster the backlog when fourth-quarter figures are reported early next year.
Satcom Direct, the satellite communications provider, has developed SkyTicket, a product for aircraft operators that enables passengers to pay directly for Internet data usage inflight. SkyTicket can be used by any aircraft business aircraft operator, including Part 135 charter operators and fractional operators. SkyTicket is secure and PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant. Credit card and payment information is sent directly to the credit card merchant and is not stored in the system.
Jet Aviation Van Nuys in California will offer specialized global support for U.S.-registered aircraft based in Asia and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. Jet Aviation’s new Van Nuys aircraft management and charter operation is working with its Jet Aviation counterparts in EMEA and Asia to provide aircraft management services to N-registered aircraft operated in these regions.
Dulles Jet Center has reopened after being forced to close in February 2010, when a record snow storm caused severe damage to three of its four hangars and part of the fourth one. The facility is up and running at Dulles International Airport with two new hangars and is offering service to the corporate jet community. Dulles Jet Center is scheduled to complete construction on the last two hangars in November.
