B/E Aerospace has STC approval for installation of its LED-based interior lighting products on Citation 500-series aircraft. The STC covers aftermarket installation of both direct and indirect lighting. B/E's LED lighting system consists of reading lights and wash lighting that feature high reliability, low power requirements, weight savings, lower maintenance costs and a patented temperature compensation circuitry designed to maintain the quality of light output over time.
Sandel Avionics announced it will develop a new color HSI/Map unit for the regional airline, corporate and general aviation markets to replace its SN3308 HIS, now out of production. The new, 3-ATI unit will be a third-generation, TSOed product suitable for both turbine and piston aircraft. Sandel wants to build on the strengths of its predecessor, which has been installed in nearly 4,000 aircraft, according to the company.
Transport Canada reinstated the operating certificate of Georgian Express of Mississauga, Ontario, just three days after suspending it following the crash of the company's Caravan after takeoff from Pelee Island on Jan. 17 (see B/CA, March, page 12). The aircraft crashed through the ice into Lake Erie with 10 people aboard and was the subject of a lengthy and difficult recovery operation. Contrary to some reports, there were no witnesses to the takeoff and subsequent crash.
Ranger Jet Center, Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM), Fla., has appointed Bill Blackford as its new general manager. He brings over 30 years of FBO experience to the operation.
Eclipse Aviation dedicated its new friction stir weld center in Albuquerque on March 10. The friction stir welding process is at the heart of the company's program to produce the low-cost Eclipse 500 entry-level jet. Company officials say the new technology will permit Eclipse to build its aircraft with far fewer parts and with significantly less man-hours of production time than is typical among conventional aircraft manufacturers.
Trego/Dugan Aviation, Inc., an FBO in North Platte, Neb., acquired most of the assets of Avionics Systems, Inc., d/b/a Grand Island Aviation. Trego/Dugan Aviation, originally known as Trego Aviation, was started at the North Platte Regional Airport (LBF) in 1970 by Gary Trego. For years the facility was managed by Trego and his wife, Terry. The name was changed in 1994 when Gary's daughter, Traci, and son-in-law, Vince Dugan, joined the operation.
Tiger Aircraft, LLC has agreed to buy a controlling interest in Aviation General, Inc., the parent company of Commander Aircraft Co., which has been in bankruptcy since the end of 2002.
Northrop Grumman is working on a ground-based laser to counter shoulder-fired missile attacks on jetliners, but the technology is still at least four years from fruition under a best-case scenario of unlimited research and development funding, a company official said. The Hazardous Ordnance Engagement Toolkit (HORNET) is a high-energy laser system that can be truck-mounted at airports to protect aircraft during takeoff and landing.
``Why do you want to regulate charity flights?'' was among the most frequent questions the FAA received in comments on the Part 91 sightseeing section of the air-tour proposal, the agency said in the Internet forum. The FAA's response: ``Because you look like an airline. A passenger decides to go on an airplane [why doesn't matter]. The airplane operator wants money [donations are money] . . . What's different about you?
Transport Canada awarded Bombardier's Global 5000 full type certification on March 12; JAA and FAA certification are to follow later this year. Launched in February 2002, the Global 5000 is derived from the Global Express and aimed at what the manufacturer calls the ``super large'' jet segment long dominated by the Gulfstream IV/400 and Falcon 900. Capable of flying nonstop from continental Europe to the central United States at 0.85 Mach, the $33.3 million twinjet features Rockwell Collins' new Airshow 21 cabin electronics system and Honeywell's Primus 2000XP cockpit.
On May 19, the Gulfstream G550 will be formally recognized as ``the greatest achievement in aeronautics in the United States'' in 2003 when its design and development team receives the Collier Trophy. Administered by the National Aeronautic Association, the award specifically goes to singular advances ``with respect to improving the performance, efficiency or safety of air or space vehicles.'' The aircraft's special features include an Enhanced Vision System and PlaneView cockpit, developed by Gulfstream with Kollsman Industries and Honeywell International, respectively.
Bell Helicopter Textron of Quebec, Canada, has purchased 10 standard US Global Nanospace Radomes for Bell 212/412 series helicopters. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. US Global produces radomes in both standard and antiballistic configurations. US Global standard radomes are lightweight, seamless, single-piece units designed to protect the flight crew, the radar equipment and the aircraft while allowing radar to operate without interference.
Jet Source has added a Citation I and a Learjet 40 to its charter fleet. Both aircraft are based at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, Calif. Jet Source operates a full-service FBO with 120,000 square feet of hangar space at the airport located just north of San Diego. It provides maintenance, avionics, ramp service and fuel sales along with aircraft charter, management and sales.
The FAA is proposing to revise its guidance on ice protection and detection systems for FAR Part 23 aircraft. The proposed revision to AC 23.1419-2C adds guidance for fluid ice protection systems, primary ice detection systems, ice protection of air data systems, failure analyses of ice protection systems and modifications to airplanes certificated for flight into known icing. The agency notes that current guidance has proven acceptable and ``historically successful,'' but adds other protective measures could be taken to comply with requirements.
Further solidifying its ever-expanding list of meetings and conference venues, the NBAA, in partnership with Brazil's Associao Brasileira de Aviao Geral (ABAG), is hosting its second Latin American business aviation gathering on April 15-17 in So Paulo. This, the Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE), is expected to outdraw 2003's initial event that was attended by nearly 3,000 registrants. The NBAA is well known for, and largely financed by, its annual U.S.
Safire Aircraft announced that the price of its new six-place, twin-turbofan Safire Jet will increase to $1.495 million for new orders placed after first flight of the prototype later this year. The current price is $1.395 million. The aircraft will be powered by twin Williams International FJ33-4A11 turbofans rated at 1,100 pounds of thrust each. The FJ33 engine is expected to be certified well in advance of the Safire Jet's first flight. For the certification program, Safire will build two flying prototypes, one static test article and one fatigue test article.
Embraer delivered a newly certificated Model 170 airliner to Poland's LOT Polish Airlines and two 170s to US Airways. The LOT airplane was leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). U.S. launch customer US Airways has ordered 85 Embraer 170 jets and took options on an additional 50 in May 2003.
Despite a 14-month delay in FAA/EASA certification of the Embraer 170 and the reorganized introduction of this next generation of regional jets, the recent rollout of the Embraer 190 (the longer fuselage version of the 170) and its healthy order book has brought broad Brazilian smiles to the faces of anxious company executives. In the corporate jet arena, Embraer is determined to increase the ``nationalization'' or Brazilian content of its Legacy corporate jets, with company technicians fitting more of the $2 million interiors in Brazil.
The VanAllen Group, Atlanta, has promoted Jeff Agur to vice president. Agur joined the company in 2002 as director of business operations. In addition, Angela Smith has been named director of operations. Smith joined the firm in January.
Air Services of Cleveland, a full-service FBO located at Cleveland-Hopkins Airport (CLE), has joined the nationwide Aviation Points Exchange (APEX) program. APEX is a loyalty and rewards program designed specifically for aviation businesses to offer free S&H Greenpoints to pilots and other decision-makers. Greenpoints are redeemable for merchandise such as electronics, sporting goods, appliances and jewelry. ``First and foremost, the program will be used as an expression of our appreciation to our existing customers,'' said Robert Specht, director of outside sales.
Gore Design Completions (GDC) broke ground for a new 120,000-square-foot completion hangar, shop and office facility at KellyUSA, the former Kelly AFB in San Antonio. GDC President and CEO Jerry Gore claims the hangar, capable of simultaneously accommodating a Boeing 747-400 and 767-300, will be the largest of its kind in the completion business in North America. Find out more at www.goredesign.com.
The Embraer 190 made its first flight on March 12. S.n. 0001 took off from the company's So Jose dos Campos facility at 10:30 a.m. In its 2.45-hour mission, the new aircraft successfully performed a range of systems validation tests and started flight envelope expansion. The 190 is the third member of a family of new-generation commercial jets specifically designed for the 70- to 110-seat market. The flight test campaign will be conducted at Gavio Peixoto, in the interior of Brazil's So Paulo state.
The AOPA, Frederick, Md., has named Roger Cohen to its vice president of regional affairs position. Cohen joins the AOPA from the Air Transport Association of America, where he served 15 years as managing director of state and local government affairs. In his new position, he will oversee the AOPA's 13 regional representatives, State Affairs, the Airports department and the Airport Support Network.
Cessna Aircraft Co. is inviting all one million-plus Cessna owners and operators to the first-ever Great Cessna Homecoming, May 14-17 in Wichita, the birthplace of the aircraft manufacturer. The four-day event is anticipated to be one of the largest gatherings of Cessna owners and operators. Cessna has organized numerous seminars on May 15 and 16. Topics include pilot risk management, TCM fuel injection systems, RSA fuel injection systems, autopilot and GPS operations, high-altitude flying, Lycoming engine maintenance and aircraft photography, among others.
Ibis Aerospace appointed Air Touring Ltd. at Biggin Hill Airport, near London as a distributor for its Ae270 Propjet in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Air Touring was founded in 1998. The company will be responsible for sales, customer service, training, operations and maintenance on the Ae270 Propjet.
