The TSA could issue foreign repair station certification rules early this year, perhaps as soon as this month, a senior official says. The rules are “hopefully on track to be out in January,” Ann Zipser, director-global programs and engagement in TSA's Office of Global Strategies, said in December at an American Association of Airport Executives aviation security summit.
International Governor Services (IGS), an operating company of BBA Aviation, launched a new website featuring its engine control products in an easy to navigate format. The site features a full listing of all units available from IGS by product type and model as well as downloadable files of certification, warranties and related documents. International Governor Services Broomfield, Colo. (888) 808-5297 www.internationalgovernor.com
Jeppesen is offering a complete suite of its pilot training textbooks as e-book selections for the iPad. Available for download through the Apple iBookstore, the titles include Instrument/Commercial pilot training, Multiengine airplane training and Flight Instructor training from Jeppesen's Guided Flight Discovery series, and the Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM) and FAR/M regulation reference guides.
Signature Flight Support has signed an agreement to make National Car Rental the preferred rental car partner for its global network. Member of National's Emerald Club loyalty program can now earn Signature TailWins rewards for their rental car purchases. The points are awarded for every dollar spent on rental time and mileage. Signature has recently formed an exclusive partnership with CLEAR, the U.S. leader in secure biometric identification. All Signature stakeholders will benefit from the timesaving opportunities of a CLEAR membership.
Sporty's Flight Gear Headset case is a compact pilot bag designed to store a headset, IPad, transceiver and more. Measuring 6 in. by 11.1 in. and 11 in. high overall, the case has a padded external transceiver pocket with Sporty's patented slit flap to accommodate the antenna, plus an internal pocket for an iPad. The case has a 6-yr. warranty. Price: 37.95 Sporty's Pilot Shop
ARINC Direct has a partnership with FlightAware to provide enhanced live flight- tracking information as a further evolution to its suite of business aviation services. ARINC Direct customers will be able to benefit from access to FlightAware's live Web-based flight tracking and fleet maps, including worldwide en route navigation data, and many other maps and overlays. Messaging the aircraft, worldwide position and flight plan display, arrival and departure information, flight history and airport delay information are also included.
The U.S. Transportation Department is working with its counterparts in several Asia-Pacific countries to create a regulatory framework for business aviation, says Robert Letteney, deputy assistant secretary of transportation for aviation and international affairs. In most countries in the region, business aviation is regulated in the same way as scheduled commercial airlines, which means “business aircraft simply can't fly when and where they want.” Vietnam is working with the U.S.
The FCC is urging the FAA to ease rules governing the inflight use of portable electronic devices (PEDs). The agencies share jurisdiction when it comes to PEDs. The FAA regulates their use before takeoff, while the FCC assumes oversight during flight. The FAA, however, has taken the lead on a six-month study examining current aircraft operator policies and procedures regarding PEDs. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski expresses support for the review in a letter to FAA acting Administrator Michael Huerta.
Hawker Beechcraft on Nov. 15 petitioned the court to be released from certain warranty and support obligations for the Hawker 4000 and Premier business jet lines. That petition has drawn a handful of formal objections, but a few of the companies objecting have withdrawn their initial protests. In its response as we go to press, Hawker Beechcraft says that the move is “critical to the transformation” of its business. The company said it understood the difficult effects of its decisions on customers and anticipated some opposition.
In 2008-09, Eurocontrol, Swedish air navigation service provider Luftfartsverket (LFV) and Jeppesen cooperated in a series of demonstrations of digital NOTAM transmission via data link to an aircraft on the ground and in flight.
Boost in pilot proficiency is offered by a new angle-of-attack indicator developed by Monitair Corp., Spring Valley, N.Y. A wing-mounted vane drives a potentiometer, which produces angle-of-attack information on a panel mounted in the near the windshield (for easy viewing when the pilot is looking outside). The indicator permits the pilot to set optimum angle and fly to get that angle shown on the indicator. Applications include better max angle of climb, reduction of excess speed on approach and optimum engine-out operation.
Multi Service has re-entered the transaction processing arena for aviation fuel suppliers. A global transaction management company, Multi Service recently began handling end-to-end transaction processing for Avfuel, which included a custom built merchant interface for a Web-based POS solution. Multi Service is PCI-DSS certified to store, process and transmit bankcard and transaction data. The company also has introduced a new Web-based Point of Sale (POS tool — AirPOS — for Multi Service Aero merchants.
Embraer Executive Jets' ultra-large Lineage 1000 business aircraft received its Type Certificate from the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), also known by its Russian acronym MAK. Certification paves the way for Russian customers to register and operate the type in Russia. The Lineage 1000 is Embraer Executive Jets' largest executive aircraft in a family of seven business aircraft models. The aircraft also can accommodate 19 passengers in five distinct private zones.
Embraer completed the first flight of its Legacy 500 midsize business jet Nov. 27, but program delays have pushed the anticipated entry into service into 2014. The business jet, Embraer's first to have a complete fly-by-wire system, took off from the company's facility at Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil and flew for 1 hr. and 45 min. The aircraft was tested for handling and performance characteristics. The aircraft cleared a broader flight envelope than typical for a first flight because Embraer conducted extensive simulation and ground testing prior to the first flight.
Icarus has introduced the QRmount Quick Release iPad Yoke Mount for use in a wide range of aircraft equipped with an industry standard yoke chart holder. Mounts for all generations of the iPad, including the newest mini, are now available. The QRmount fits the standard OEM-equipped map holders in several families of twins, turboprops and jets including the TBM, Citation X and Sovereign, Challenger 300 and the Piaggio 180, among others. The mount can be ordered at www.qrmounts.com.
Avfuel-branded Hawthorne Global Aviation Services has reopened it FBO facility at Lakefront Airport (KNEW) in New Orleans, following an extensive renovation after Hurricane Isaac caused damage to the airport last fall. With the new terminal opening and hurricane repairs completed, the FBO is focusing the majority of its attention on the upcoming Super Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 3 in New Orleans. Lakefront is the closest airport to downtown New Orleans and the Superdome. Visit www.hawthorne.aero.
Bombardier's Challenger 601-3A/ER has 3,200 nm range at Mach 0.80, a cabin with a commodious cross section, comfortable seating for eight to nine passengers and inflight access to a large aft baggage compartment. As such, it's a $4 million widebody aircraft that's well suited to flying U.S. transcontinental missions.
Bell Helicopter announced that National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc has purchased the first Bell 429 to be operated in Great Britain. The aircraft will be used for power line inspection and maintenance. National Grid formally accepted the Bell 429 in Mirabel, Canada, at Bell Helicopter's commercial manufacturing facility. Final delivery will take place upon completion at Bell Helicopter's facility in Prague.
Sikorsky's Associated Aircraft Group (AAG), the East Coast's largest executive Sikorsky S-76 helicopter services provider, has been granted access into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) by the TSA under the DCA Access Security Program (DASSAP). As an approved operator, AAG is required to submit to advanced security procedures and background checks for all crewmembers. Passengers and baggage undergo TSA security screening at any DCA gateway airport. An approved law enforcement officer is required to be on board during flight into and out of DCA.
¡UBS analyst David Strauss reports available for sale business jet inventories moved 1% higher during November 2012 and continue to represent 13% of the installed base of business jets. Young available inventories (0-10 years old) moved 3% higher in November 2012 and are now 16% above the Dec. 2011 low at 8.6% of the installed base. The increase in young inventory has principally been driven by aircraft five years old or younger, which are now at 9% of the installed base.
Business jet charter, management and maintenance services company, TAG Aviation, has started a new advisory service for business aircraft operators who must comply with the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS). TAG ETS Solutions offers operators turnkey compliance and carbon credit purchase support, or customized help for those who have already begun the process only to become stalled by its complexity. The new offering draws on TAG's experience complying with the EU-ETS for its owned business aircraft as well as for its managed fleet.
AIA is also optimistic about the prospects for the U.S. civil rotorcraft market. U.S. civil helicopter shipments are forecast to increase to 1,154 units this year and experience a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% between 2012 and 2014.
Air BP, the aviation division of BP, launched its OMEGA training and support system at London's Biggin Hill Airport. OMEGA sets out how staff manages fuel from the moment it arrives at the airport, to its safe storage and quality testing, to moving it around the airport and filling aircraft tanks, along with how to maintain equipment and respond to problems.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy believes FAA has significantly understated the costs associated with its proposed changes in the Part 145 rewrite and is suggesting that the agency conduct a supplemental regulatory analysis that includes less costly alternatives. The SBA Office of Advocacy hosted a meeting in December on FAA's Part 145 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), that expressed industry groups' concerns that FAA's proposal omits a number of costs in its cost-benefit analysis.
