Virgin Atlantic officials won't confirm an Associated Press story claiming that the British carrier plans to offer a transatlantic air service using business jets. The plans for Virgin Jetset are reportedly in the very early stages of development, but Virgin hopes to fly on routes between London and New York as well as between Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. Virgin hopes to attract customers to the service who otherwise would fly the supersonic Concorde, which has been grounded since summer 2000.
Jet Aviation West Palm Beach completed two Sikorsky Black Hawk S-70A helicopters with VIP interiors for an unnamed government customer. The completion required removal of the rotors and 100 cowlings and fairings, hand sanding of 10,000 rivets and reshaping of the helicopter doors before the interior could be installed. The interior included double-club seating and a divan for four. Once completed, the helicopters went through a test inspection program that covered weight and balance, acoustics and water tightness. The exteriors sported a camouflage paint scheme.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) asked Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta to review why the former Homestead Air Force Base in Florida is not available for civil aviation use and to determine what transportation leaders can do to ensure that other such facilities remain a viable option for expanding aviation capacity. The U.S. Air Force in January reversed a decision it made seven years ago to permit commercial aeronautical use at Homestead.
The $1.7 billion losses suffered by the Swissair Group are the worst in the 70-year history of the company. To help the tough fight back to profitability, the Group's Swissotel chain is to be sold, as are half of the real estate assets of Avireal. Former Chief Executive Philippe Bruggisser, who was fired in January, was held responsible for the failed strategy of buying into several second- and third-level airlines in an attempt to create a Swissair-centered alliance.
The worst year for corporate aviation (professionally flown) safety was 1986, with 11 fatalities in 20 accidents, or 0.53 accidents per 100,000 hours flown (Robert E. Breiling&Associates).
``I'm from the government. I'm here to help.'' Elizabeth Tritt, a U.S. Customs executive, assisting a presenter correct a PowerPoint glitch during the NBAA's International Ops meeting -- successfully and to loud applause ``I can think of no better way for Boeing management to assure the success of Airbus than to tell its own employees their hometown is a place not worth working in.'' Letters published in the Seattle Times reacting to the relocation of Boeing's headquarters
The evolution of the corporate jet into flying office and entertainment center continues, driven by the telecommunications revolution, new classes of extended-range aircraft, and the ongoing need for business to be more productive. Passengers are remaining on board for longer periods of time, and completion centers and cabin equipment manufacturers are responding by creating airborne environments to support both work and relaxation.
Infusion Design, Kansas City, Kan., is expanding its network of studios in Bonner Springs and Wichita in order to meet increased demand from its aviation, retail and product-design customers. The Bonner Springs facility is a 3,500-square-foot building featuring offices and a prototype shop, while the Wichita site features 1,200 square feet of offices. The company employs 10 designers for its industrial services, which support Galaxy Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Haggar Clothing and Adam Aircraft.
A AC -- Advisory Circular. ACARS -- Airline Communications Addressing and Reporting System. ACAS -- Aircraft Collision Avoidance System. ADC -- Air Data Computer. ADF -- Automatic Direction Finder. ADI -- Attitude Direction Indicator. ADS -- Air Data System. ADS-B -- Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast. AES -- Aircraft Earth Station. AFCS -- Automatic Flight Control System.
Sweden's West Air has begun operations with three BAE Systems ATPs converted from passenger to freight configuration. Formerly operated in the U.S. by United Feeder Services, the aircraft join West Air's HS748 freighter fleet on several overnight cargo routes. A fourth ATP undergoing conversion work at West Air's Lidkoping facility is expected to enter service this month, and two additional ATPs are expected. Modification work to the twin turboprops includes installation of Universal's UNS-1K FMSes, JAA harmonization, and a gross weight increase.
Commercial air carrier and general aviation representatives, working with the FAA on parallel initiatives to significantly reduce the number of aviation accidents, believe their efforts already are bearing fruit and will ultimately permit them to achieve some aggressive safety goals.
Florida Air has inaugurated regional service within Florida. Also known as Flair, the carrier is operating nine-seat Cessna 208 Caravans linking Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahas-see, Fort Myers, Marathon and Fort Lauderdale. Plans call for service to Miami; service to other Florida cities is under consideration. Most destinations are served with two daily roundtrips; some legs require multiple stops. Harbor Air Caravans operate the service, and Flair hopes to add 19-seat Jetstream 31s as demand increases.
Raytheon Aircraft rolled out the first Hawker Horizon business jet at its Wichita plant. The company claims more than 150 orders for the $16.9 million jet, and plans to build 36 per year. FAA certification is expected in 2003.
Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc. completed its 2000 Annual Business Turbine Aircraft Accident Review, a detailed report that summarizes more than 300 business turbine aircraft and helicopter accidents and incidents. The report specifies phase of operation during which the accident occurred and primary causes. The review also notes exposure of positioning flights, in-aircraft training, single-pilot operation and pilot experience vs. aircraft sophistication, among other factors. It also presents accident rates of individual aircraft by model and by operator type.
Bringing a new aircraft to market is a daunting task, even for the most experienced manufacturers. The journey from drawing board to certified aircraft is a long and uncertain one, full of financial, marketing and regulatory challenges. Challenges facing untested manufacturers are even tougher, with investors, buyers and regulators casting a jaundiced eye toward the would-be Bill Lears, Walter Beeches and Bill Pipers of the aviation world.
Aviation maintenance schools in the United States are running at 70-percent capacity despite the global shortage of qualified mechanics, according to Larry Head of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Speaking at the recent European Aviation Safety Seminar, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Head said lack of interest on the part of high school students is driving the trend, along with a declining number of ex-military people seeking aviation maintenance as a career.
Air charter may represent a cost saving for groups of business travelers who would normally pay the airlines' first-class or full coach fares, according to a recent study. The Harrell Associates survey, which Bombardier's Skyjet online booking service commissioned, found that four or more executives traveling together may save as much as $6,000 or more for a turboprop charter over the cost of first-class travel or more than $4,000 for a business jet charter.
Galaxy Aerospace, Fort Worth, has appointed Dean Anderson as its vice president of customer support. Anderson's responsibilities include all of the factory authorized service centers, field support personnel, parts distribution, warranty administration and all in-house technical support functions.
