Avionics makers, recognizing the phenomenal popularity of inexpensive, go-anywhere, tablet-based applications, have been feverishly developing ways to bring iPads and Adroid-based "post-PC" mobile OS tablet computers into business aircraft cockpits.
Piper Aircraft continues to expand its international network with the appointment of Duran Aviation as a distributor for new airplane sales in Central America. Based at Airport Marcos A. Gelabert in Panama City, Duran Aviation is part of Company Consultenos, S.A., which is a family-owned company that is involved in several areas, including automotive, golfing and real estate. Duran Aviation will market and sell Piper aircraft throughout Central America in Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Belize.
The first flight of the Hawker 400XPR is imminent as we go to press. An upgrade of the discontinued Beechjet/Hawker 400, the new model features Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines, winglets and an optional four-display Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 cockpit. The avionics suite was recently certified, and the engines and winglets are expected to get their approvals by the end of September. The Williams engine is flat rated at 3,200 lb. thrust, or 8% more than the PWC JT15D it replaces. The new fanjet also features dual-channel FADEC systems.
Piper Aircraft has landed a contract valued at $90,000 to provide complex multi-axis machined parts for Triton Submarines, which like Piper, is based in Vero Beach, Fla. Piper Aircraft's Services business unit, which was formed in part to preserve engineering expertise originally developed for the now-shelved Altaire single jet, is providing the work for Triton.
AgustaWestland and fashion design house Karl Lagerfeld announced a partnership for the design of VIP helicopter interiors and exteriors. The cooperation will initially focus on the development of a VIP interior and exterior styling for the AW139 medium-twin helicopter. The companies may expand the partnership to include other AgustaWestland commercial helicopter models.
Associated Aircraft Group (AAG), the East Coast executive helicopter service, is celebrating more than 40,000 hr. of safe flying in its fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. The company's achievement spans more than 17 years of operating the S-76. AAG operates a fleet of S-76 helicopters in both fractional ownership and full management programs.
An increase in Part 135 commuter/air taxi business jet accidents is driving a significant jump in business jet accidents through the first three months of the year. But an improving turboprop record has kept down the overall number of U.S.-registered business turbine accidents, according to the latest information released by safety expert Robert E. Breiling Associates. U.S.-registered business jets and turboprops combined for 16 accidents in the first quarter, down slightly from 19 in the first quarter of 2011.
BBJs aren't just B737s any more. Boeing's Team BBJ has a clear goal for this year, encapsulated by the slogan: “12 in 12.” Specifically, the makers of Boeing VIP jets plan to deliver a dozen executive airplanes in 2012. These include eight of Boeing's Brobdingnagian 747-8s, two BBJs and a pair of BBJ 2s. In late February, Capt. Steve Taylor, president of BBJ, delivered the first 747-8 to Wichita for installation of an “Aeroloft,” an aft-mounted sleeping berth designed by Greenpoint Technologies for up to eight people.
Next month, Poland and the Ukraine will co-host the 14th European Football Championship, a month-long extravaganza of matches between national teams for the coveted Euro Cup. The event is expected to attract millions of fans from all over the world, many of whom will converge on Warsaw, Poland's capital, and with 1.7 million residents, its largest city, as well as a political and financial hub.
Austria's Diamond Aircraft is flight testing a new twin diesel-powered airplane that will feature the largest cabin in its product line, designed to carry up to seven people. A prototype DA52, powered by two Austro Engine 180-hp turbo-diesel engines, AE300E, completed its first flight with Diamond Chairman Christian Dries and head of flight test Ingmar Mayerbuch at the controls, the company said April 3. The aircraft took off from Wiener Neustadt, Austria, with a gross weight of 1,780 kg. Takeoff roll was less than 300 meters (934 ft.) without flaps and with a 5 kt.
A new EASA rule covering flight-crew licensing would potentially ground hundreds, if not thousands, of general aviation pilots in certain European countries. The rule, which took effect on April 8, enacts EASA requirements for pilot training and the issuance of European pilot licenses, ratings and certificates. One of the more controversial measures in the rule requires European pilots who currently hold third-country licenses to convert their licenses to EASA- or EU-validated licenses.
“Dangerous Destinations, Part 1” was excellent! I am going to give it to our Chief of Security and also recommend it to my boss here in the flight department. I am looking forward to Part 2. Safety Officer Ball Corp. Broomfield, Colo.
In many respects, Cessna and Textron are ideal partners in developing China's general aviation structure. The company's roots extend to the birth of general aviation in the U.S. Cessna knows how to design and build aircraft ranging from light sport and single-engine piston, the single-engine turboprop Caravan utility aircraft, twin turboprops and the light and medium Citation business jets. And it knows how to certify its products internationally. It knows how to set up pilot training and aircraft service center networks.
For half the cost of a GIV, you can own a 1983 to 1987, Stage III noise compliant GIII that provides access to virtually the same noise-sensitive airports used by newer aircraft. Retrofitted with hush-kits, these aircraft can fly eight passengers about 3,600 nm at Mach 0.75. Their cabin cross sections are the same diameter as all other legacy Gulfstream models, but the net interior length is 3.0 ft. shorter than the GIV and overall interior length is 4.8 ft. shorter.
I just read “SyberJet Introduces SJ30-Plus” (April 2012) and appreciated your candid, honest words and your sensitivity to our confidential issues. Business & Commercial Aviation magazine has a well-earned reputation for offering real-world perspective while maintaining its editorial integrity. Working with you gives me fresh confidence in aviation journalism. A big thanks as well for being tenacious and resolute in finding solutions to early objections and concerns.
Click here to view the pdf Accidents, Fatalities, and Rates, 1992 through 2011,U.S. General Aviation Accidents, Fatalities, and Rates, 1992 through 2011, U.S.
Click here to view the pdf Accidents, Fatalities, and Rates, 1992 through 2011,for U.S. Air Carriers Operating Under 14 CFR 135,On-Demand Operations Accidents, Fatalities, and Rates, 1992 through 2011,for U.S.
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is rolling out an aviation safety action program (ASAP) demonstration project with two charter operators in the Great Lakes Region that will lay the groundwork for a program that could be implemented nationwide. ACSF has partnered with FAA on the program, and the agency’s Great Lakes Region has begun educating operators on the benefits of ASAP, notes ACSF President Bryan Burns.
Aviation advocates continue to build support for a fuel-fraud repeal amendment to the highway transportation bill. House and Senate lawmakers are set to begin negotiations on a compromise highway bill in May after the House passed an extension of federal transportation authority. The House bill includes a Keystone XL provision that has drawn a veto threat, while the Senate is pushing for a two-year authorization. Thirty-two House lawmakers in April sent a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee leadership urging support for a fuel-fraud repeal amendment.
40 Years Ago April 10, 1972 – Cessna dealer files suit against Cessna Aircraft and nine independent wholesale distributors, alleging dual pricing and conspiracy to compete directly with Cessna retail distributors. 30 Years Ago April 5, 1982 – General aviation (GA) groups oppose a Civil Aeronautics Board proposal to take operating slots away from general aviation and transfer them to new entrant airlines, saying the General Aviation Reservation system already has reduced GA flying.
Fuel distributor Epic Aviation’s recent parting with Air BP set in motion a transition that the company believes is positioning it for global expansion. Epic Aviation ended a branding agreement with Air BP in February, one year after the major oil company sold its interest in Epic to privately-held Downstream Aviation.
RONALD WILLIAMS was appointed customer and administrative specialist for Yingling Aviation. Williams is a longtime aviation attorney and currently services as chairman of the Kansas Aviation Museum. He spent 27 years with Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP in Wichita and has taught both aviation and business law for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0420; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-284-AD] – proposes to supersede an existing AD that currently requires revising certain sections of a certain airplane flight manual, deactivating certain hydraulic accumulators, removing certain hydraulic accumulators, ultrasonic inspections for cracks on accumulators and screw caps and replacement if necessary, and replacing certain accumulators.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0328; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-259-AD] – proposes to require modifying the left-hand engine upper core-cowl. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of jamming/malfunctioning of the left-hand engine thrust control mechanism. FAA is proposing this AD to prevent jamming/malfunctioning of the left-hand engine thrust control mechanism, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane. FAA estimates the AD would affect about 601 aircraft on the U.S.
