While flight activity overall has remained relatively stagnant, it has improved this year for Part 135 and the fractional markets, notes Honeywell Aerospace. But those hours have not translated into fleet expansion this year in the fractional market, with major operators shedding more aircraft than they have taken in delivery.
Gulfstream expects to deliver the first completed G650 within the next few weeks, says Jay Johnson, chairman and CEO of Gulfstream parent General Dynamics. Speaking to analysts last week, he says the first and possibly the second of the pilots training classes are completed, and Gulfstream is working to obtain certificates of airworthiness for each aircraft. “We’re marching along smartly, but yes, we’ll be delivering aircraft here within weeks. Anxious to do it.”
DASSAULT Falcon 50 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1037; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-008-AD] – proposes to revise the maintenance program to incorporate new or revised maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. The proposal was prompted by a manufacturer revision to the airplane maintenance manual (AMM) that introduces new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. FAA is proposing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane. FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 253 aircraft on the U.S.
TRISTIENE PICKETT was appointed director of administrative services for TAC Air. Pickett previously served as customer service supervisor at TAC Air’s Knoxville, Tenn., facility, and also has held a number of other commercial and private aviation positions over the last 15 years. In her new role, she is the point of contact for all customer service supervisors’ operations, procedures and policies. She also will steer customer service training and standards throughout all TAC Air operations.
Just more than a year ago, Piper Aircraft was executing a major strengthening of its worldwide dealer network and focusing on its core piston and turboprop product line, dropping its PiperJet program and matching production to forecast deliveries. The effort seems to be paying off in steady growth in sales and deliveries, according to the company’s third-quarter sales and delivery report released last week.
Business jet billings are expected to reach $250 billion over the next 10 years as a growing number of customers gravitate toward long-range, large-cabin models. But 2013 is shaping up as another flat year as lingering market sluggishness continues to hold down deliveries of small and midsized business jets, says Honeywell Aerospace. In its 21st annual Business Aviation Outlook, Honeywell forecasts a market for 10,000 new business jets valued at $250 billion through 2022.
Colbalt Aircraft Industries selected Esterline CMC Electronics’ (CMC) SmartDeck integrated avionics suite for its Co50 five-place, single-engine aircraft. Powered by a 350 hp FADEC-equipped, Continental TSIOF-550-D2B piston engine turning a three-blade pusher propeller, the aircraft is designed to fly at 250 kt. up to 25,000 ft. and have a 1,150-nm range. The SmartDeck system will include two 12-in. primary flight and multifunction displays with dual air data/altitude/heading reference systems (ADAHRS) and WAAS GPS, a third 6.5-in.
JOEL MILLER was named director of properties for TAC Air. Miller has served with TAC Air parent Truman Arnold Companies for nearly 10 years, handling real estate. In his new role, he is shifting focus to TAC Air.
CESSNA Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1052; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-014-AD] – proposes to supersede an existing AD that currently requires an inspection of the engine oil pressure switch and, if applicable, replacement of the engine oil pressure switch. Since FAA issued that AD, FAA has received new reports of internal failure of the engine oil pressure switch, which could result in complete loss of engine oil with consequent partial or complete loss of engine power or fire.
ROBINSON Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with emergency floats [Docket No. FAA-2012-1088; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-005-AD] – proposes to require replacing the inflation valve assembly. The proposed AD is prompted by failure of the emergency floats to deploy during a factory test because a needle was binding within the inflation valve assembly. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the failure of the floats to inflate during an emergency landing. FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 165 helicopters on the U.S.
The number of business jet accidents increased even as traffic numbers remain steady, but the turboprop safety record has dramatically improved this year, according to the latest statistics released by business aviation safety expert Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc.
Hawker Beechcraft continues to weigh outside options for its nearly shuttered jet lines, but is not “marketing” other segments of the company, says Hawker Beechcraft Corp. Chairman Bill Boisture. The company, which on Oct. 18 announced that its proposed $1.79 billion sale to Superior Air Beijing was off, expects to file an amended plan for reorganization that would enable it to move forward as a standalone company owned by its major debt holders.
It came as no surprise. He was 95, after all. But word of his passing Oct. 18 was jarring nonetheless. Legendary characters—and Albert Lee Ueltschi was that—are not easily let go. I've long regarded FlightSafety International's founder as the industry's Last Lion, and Lord knows, he could roar.
Pilots of business jets, commercial airliners and all manner of general aviation aircraft will fly more safely and experience far fewer collision alerts after 2020 with a family of new airborne collision-avoidance systems (ACAS) the FAA is developing. Dubbed ACAS X, the technology is the FAA's prime choice as a drop-in replacement for today's required traffic-alert and collision-avoidance systems (TCAS) and will be the foundation for new products in the light and unmanned aircraft sectors.
Dassault Falcon launched an upgraded version of its Falcon 2000LX at NBAA this morning – the Falcon 2000LXS should be certified in 2013 and will replace the LX in 2014.
Boeing is to add a new member to its famed BBJ family. Plans for the BBJMAX 8 and the BBJ MAX 9 were revealed at the NBAA convention in Florida this morning.
Aviation Link Saudi Arabia has taken delivery of the first BBJ 777-200LR to be completed for a private customer in the Middle East by Switzerland-based Amac Aerospace, reports Saudi Gazette.
Honeywell says its business and commercial aviation products were top performers among its four business sectors in the third quarter and will remain so through 2013, despite expectations for a continued slowdown in the global economy. Sales for the Aerospace division, which includes business and commercial aviation as well as defense and space, were up 4% to $3 billion year-over-year in the third quarter due to a 9% increase in commercial product sales. Defense and space revenue decreased 1%.
The business aviation community's latest member, the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) will be launching four new membership categories as well as detailing its Founding Members list during its debut at this year's National Business Aviation Association Convention, (NBAA) 30 October-1 November, in Orlando, Florida.
Gulfstream Aerospace has plans to increase employment at its Brunswick, Ga., facility to support a growing volume of completions work. Completions work includes the design, selection and installation of the cabin interiors. The facility, which currently employs 174 workers, including 90 technicians, designs and installs cabin interiors in its 55,000 sq. ft. of hangar space. The facility serviced more than 100 aircraft in 2011.
