Flexjet, which just increased its order for Bombardier business jets to up to $5.6 billion in Learjets and Challengers, next will consider adding a large, long-range aircraft to its fleet. That aircraft, though, may or may not be a Bombardier product.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0826; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD] – proposes to prohibit use of the hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the hoist cable from jamming and subsequent cable failure, which could result in injury and damage to the helicopter.
JOHN WASMUND has joined Constant Aviation as avionics sales manager. Wasmund has 15 years of avionics experience, formerly serving as an avionics sales manager for Hawker Beechcraft. In that role he worked with customers on avionics upgrades.
JOHN KEARNS was appointed regional sales director for the Central and West Texas region for Beechcraft. Kearns formerly spent 15 years with Tulsa Beechcraft and is a former Beechcraft sales distributor in Tulsa.
Embraer is hoping to capture market share in the VVIP category from Boeing and Airbus with the rollout of the Lineage 1000E. The unveiling of the next iteration of Embraer’s largest business jet was coupled last week during NBAA 2013 with announced refinements and upgrades for its Legacy 450 and 500 aircraft still under development.
AGUSTAWESTLAND Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0640; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-016-AD; Amendment 39-17517; AD 2013-15-01] – requires deactivating the Full Icing Protection System (FIPS) and installing a placard next to the FIPS controller stating that flight into known icing is prohibited. This AD is prompted by a report of a fire in the aft avionics bay and the baggage compartment resulting from an Auto Transformer Rectifier Unit internal circuit overload.
Blackhawk Modifications is nearing certification for a combined package of Wipline amphibious floats and the Blackhawk XP42A engine upgrade. Blackhawk is hoping to secure a supplemental type certificate in the first quarter of 2014. The upgrade involves installation of an 850-shp Pratt& Whitney PT6A-42A engine. The package also involved a new propeller, composite cowling and high-efficiency inlet duct, 40% larger oil cooler, DigiLog engine gauges and new exhaust stacks.
ROBERT (BOB) KROMER has joined Blackhawk Modifications as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Kromer has more than 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience in the business aviation industry. He has held executive positions with companies including Cessna Aircraft, Aero Design, Sino-Swearingen, Mooney Aircraft, Piper Aircraft and SimCom Training Centers.
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and Beechcraft are combining forces to forge a total tip-to-tail airframe and propulsion support package for the potential fleet of up to 100-plus King Air 350i aircraft ordered by start-up charter and business aircraft services company Wheels Up.
While not yet certifed, Eclipsed became the second OEM to hold a cermonial delivery pending final certification. Bombardier also hosted ceremonial deliveries of its Learjet 75 this month after the government shutdown pushed off FAA certification.
Despite changes within the Transportation Security Administration that have left the agency without a permanent General Aviation Branch manager, Administrator John Pistole pledged to continue to work with industry on initiatives to improve access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
The Wichita Aero Club is presenting the Wichita Aero Club Trophy to former Cessna Chairman Russ Meyer. The trophy will be presented during its annual Trophy Gala Jan. 25 in Wichita. Meyer spent more than 25 years with Cessna and 40 years in the general aviation industry. While at Cessna, the manufacturer built and delivered more business jet than any other manufacturer, and launched numerous aircraft lines, including the CitationJet series.
BOMBARDIER Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0835; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-095-AD] – proposes to require accomplishing modifications to the fuel system results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. FAA is proposing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. FAA estimates that this proposal affects 94 aircraft on the U.S.
Beechcraft named Kalamazoo Aircraft in Kalamazoo, Mich., as an authorized service center for its Baron and Bonanza aircraft lines. Kalamazoo Aircraft, a family-owned and operated business, has hosted a number of American Bonanza Society Service Clinics since its founding in 1995. Based at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, the facility provides a range of maintenance, repair and overhaul service on single and light twin-engine aircraft. Separately, Beechcraft’s Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) was named a distributor for Sherwin-Williams aerospace coatings.
Aircell and Arinc Direct are teaming with Honeywell to offer the Inmarsat GX Aviation global Ka-band connectivity. GX Aviation is expected to become available in early 2015, providing consistent global coverage with faster broadband feeds. Inmarsat commissioned Boeing to build four Inmarsat-5 satellites to provide the Ka-band service. The first satellite is scheduled to come online later this year with global coverage anticipated by the end of 2014. Honeywell is the authorized reseller of GX Aviation’s airtime to the business aviation market.
When Dassault Aviation launched design studies for a new business jet in 2006, it intended to develop a midsized aircraft to compete against Bombardier’s Challenger 300, Gulfstream’s G250 (now G280) and Embraer’s Legacy 600. Within two years, world financial markets plummeted, and with them, demand for smaller aircraft. Last week, the French aircraft builder finally lifted the curtain on the new jet’s design, and the result is a product that scarcely resembles its origins.
25,425: The National Business Aviation Association’s 2013 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2013) last week drew 25,425 attendees for the three-day event in Las Vegas, up slightly from the 25,150 people who the 2012 event drew in Orlando, Fla., but also down slightly from the 26,077 who turned out in 2011 in Las Vegas.
Rockwell Collins is rolling out the first 3D moving map system for light business jets. The Airshow 500 system is a lighter-weight replacement for the Airshow 410, and comes loaded with detailed worldwide maps and other features, such as passenger-selectable languages and adjustable settings. It is available in a flange mount and is compatible with Rockwell Collins’ Airshow interactive app for the Apple iPad. Airshow 500 is expected to be available through Rockwell Collins-authorized dealers by year’s end.
Snecma has revealed more details about the upcoming flight tests of the Silvercrest engine on a Gulfstream II in the U.S. later this year before the evaluation campaign moves to Istres, France, in early 2014.
Cessna is moving ahead on a number of fronts, with key milestones approaching for most of its developing aircraft programs in the coming months. At the same time, though, the company is still investigating the forced landing of the diesel Skylane, pondering changes to the Longitude, and ending the SkyCatcher. The Wichita airframer is nearing certification of its Citation M2 and new Sovereign – both expected this quarter. The new X – billed as the “world’s fastest aircraft” – is expected to follow in March.
With the imminent launch of its new U.S. service, Wheels Up announced it is already planning to expand into Europe, grow its fleet well beyond 100 aircraft and introduce a second private membership aviation program to its portfolio. Founder and CEO Kenny Dichter says that the company will spend the next two years establishing its services in the U.S. but in three years will be ready to cross the Atlantic and launch an equivalent service, based perhaps in London.
