American Aviation's speed stacks for 1971 to 1975 King Air C-90s with PT6A-20 engines increase speed, reduce fuel consumption and increase range, according to the company. Previously available only for King Airs with PT6-21,-28 and -135A engines, the new stacks offer a speed increase of approximately five KTAS. The sleek design also enhances the aircraft's appearance, with its highly polished, high nickel content Inconel stainless-steel construction. Because the stacks direct the exhaust flow, thrust and energy aft, cabin noise is also reduced.
Welcome to the wide-open spaces of private flying." The greeter was Richard Gaona, vice president of executive and private aviation at Airbus; his smiling welcome a reflection of a significant shift in his favor. You see Airbus Corporate Jet family sales are on a roll.
The new Hawkeye Pro flexible borescope from Gradient Lens Corp. (GLC) provides detailed interior images of reciprocating and turbine engines. The five-mm diameter Hawkeye Pro Flexible scope: *Contains high-resolution optical-glass imaging fibers that produce high-quality images and give the scope flexibility to reach into twisting, narrow paths. The fiber bundles are engineered to reduce crosstalk between fibers and increase image contrast.
Flight Options, LLC, is launching a revamped fractional purchase and use program designed to deliver up to a 15-percent increase in value through access to more hours, or savings on long-haul trips. Fractional First features the increased transparency, added flexibility and simplified terms that private jet users have wanted from fractional jet providers while simplifying the confusing calculations and restrictive usage terms that have become the industry standard. Fractional First features include:
TAXES IN MY TOWN can give pause. I grumble, but not too much because I have three kids in the public school system, which is a good one, with a low student-to-teacher ratio. It's that feature that really costs. The same is true in any service, be it a luxury cruise, a five-star dinner, or an amphibious assault on a small island; the more service providers per recipient, the more expensive the service.
The International Communications Group's 2.4 GHz handset is an ergonomic and stylish cordless phone adapted for aeronautical applications. This device is based upon Siemens technology with modifications to make it compliant with requirements for fire retardency and emissions. The cordless system has three primary components: the handset, a base unit that is typically mounted in a hidden non-metallic area, and a custom-designed latching charging cradle that permits mounting and restraint of the device in the aircraft cabin.
CharterMatrix.com, part of Private Jet Charters, launched a service for all travelers that lets them take advantage of available seats on charted flights by using a new searchable online tool. The company says that this tool takes the dynamics of searching and pricing a flight to a different level by allowing customers real-time availability. The software will allow travelers to customize their searches by state, city, region and airport.
After decades of fighting for a place at the table, business aviation is finally coming into its own as an accepted component of the European air transportation system. While not exactly sharing equal standing with airlines and military aviation, it is now perceived as a viable alternative to the scheduled air carriers and an efficient tool for furthering business interests.
ARINC Direct has announced a choice of hardware and service solutions for aircraft operators needing replacement for their Teledyne MagnaStar air-ground phone systems. With either option, operators can add ACARS data link service via ARINC Direct.
European orders for the ZR LITE Learjet 35/36 performance system are now being taken by Aero-Dienst, the newest member of Raisbeck Engineering's network of authorized ZR LITE installation centers. The modification, approved by EASA in September, is designed to increase allowable maximum takeoff weight under "limiting conditions," such as higher-altitude airports and shorter sea-level runways.
First and foremost, we're aviators. High-flying eagles. Higher, faster, farther types, all. So how did we wind up with our noses buried in the Federal Tax Code late into the night, trying to digest verbiage that turns gray matter to oatmeal? Because the boss occasionally takes the company aircraft for personal use, that's why.
DAC International is the exclusive stocking distributor for DMA-Aero's full line of test equipment. DMA-Aero has several models of RVSM- and DRVSM-compliant air data test sets (ADTS). The top-of the-line MPS 38 controls three pressures separately and independently to verify angle of attack when "smart" pitot tubes are used in conjunction with pitot and static pressures. DAC International 6702 McNeil Dr. Austin, TX 78729 (512) 231-5323 www.dacint.com
Rockwell Collins has unveiled Tailwind 300, its latest satellite television offering for business jets. The Tailwind 300 is ideal for the super midsize and larger aircraft operating within the contiguous United States. First delivery of the system is expected by mid-2007.
A new two-person survival kit available from Sporty's was custom designed with the general aviation pilot in mind. It contains a large selection of quality supplies in each of six groups necessary for survival and rescue. The complete kit is packaged in a red backpack that is easily stored and carried. It measures 11-by-10-by-four inches and weighs only seven pounds (without water). Price: $179.95 Sporty's Pilot Shop (513) 735-9000 or (800) SPORTYS www.sportys.com
THE WEATHER WAS HARDLY atypical for a summer afternoon in Florida -- warm, breezy and VMC with low scattered clouds, but there were thunderstorms in and around the St. Augustine area. It was Aug. 25, 2006, and Ward and Barbara Walter were among the many aloft over the Sunshine State. They were southeast bound from Bloomington, Ind., making their way to Governor's Harbour Airport on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas where their vacation home was located. They planned an intermediate stop in Melbourne before heading out across the Atlantic.
The new 2007 Pro-Flight Library CD from ASA contains the complete text and images for such important topics as: -Regulations: Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (all the FARs), Hazmat regulations, EPA, NTSB and TSA regulations; -Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) -Airworthiness Directives (ADs) -Practical Test Standards -Advisory Circulars -Dale Crane's Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms Price: 4.95 Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. 7005 132nd Pl. SE
Sporty's new "Pilot's Guide to Runway Safety" DVD goes far beyond the basics in the AIM. It provides pilots with the tools and real-world strategies needed to manage ground operations and help prevent runway incursions. The program was developed using actual video combined with state-of-the-art 3-D animation to give pilots of all skill levels a review on all aspects of airport ground operations. It provides an in-depth look at airport signs, markings and lighting and includes some sobering case studies of real accidents.
Honeywell has introduced the Bendix/King KDR 610, a data link weather receiver that offers real-time weather information to general aviation aircraft via XM satellite radio. Designed to interface with the Bendix/King KMD 250, KMD 550 and KMD 850 multi-function displays (MFD), the KDR 610 is expected to be available by year-end.
Conditions for international operations may never have been as good as they are now, with a convergence of technology reducing pilot workload and an understanding among air navigation service providers of business aviation operators' needs, but competence among some flight crews operating in oceanic airspace leaves room for improvement.
In the early 1960s, Ed Swearingen was in the modifications business, but he longed to start his own line of aircraft. He envisioned three families of aircraft that would share the same fuselage cross section and many systems. The Merlin I would be a piston twin, powered by two new 400-hp geared, turbocharged Lycoming engines; The Merlin II would be a turboprop and the Merlin III would be a light jet.
Avion Private Jet Club, a Los Angeles-based company that in 2005 launched a membership program providing per-seat, scheduled service on executive jets, has begun to market a new Avion Private Jet Deposit Card program.
It was early afternoon when the de Havilland Twin Otter took off from Sullivan, Mo., Regional Airport with skydivers aboard. Witnesses said the airplane climbed to about 150 feet and at the runway's end when the aircraft made a Poof! sound and flames erupted from the right engine. The airplane began turning right and shortly thereafter struck trees and the ground behind a residence about a half mile northwest of the end of Runway 24. The pilot and five passengers were killed. Two remaining passengers suffered serious injuries.
