An industry working group, tasked with developing recommendations for regulating extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) for FAR Part 135 operators, is developing a draft advisory circular to codify best industry practices that must be followed to conduct ETOPS and other long-range operations. The working group continues its study of an appropriate Part 135 ETOPS threshold recommendation for a formal FAA rule, the lack of which was cited by ICAO as a deficiency.
Shortly after departing Wichita Mid-Continent Airport in the Citation Encore, a glance at the rate of climb on the PFD almost forced a double take. The aircraft was climbing in excess of 5,500 fpm, and we'd launched only 630 pounds below MTOW. Granted, it was unseasonably cold, but, even if it had been a standard day, the Encore's initial climb rate would have exceeded 4,800 fpm at that weight.
As the new millennium begins its climb, the world fleet of business jets and turboprops comprises 20,571 aircraft operated by 12,973 flight departments. The aircraft total represents a growth of a bit over five percent over the previous year, while the flight department number is up almost four percent. Within the United States the aircraft count is 14,079 units operated by about 9,317 flight departments. In the United States, growth of flight departments is up more than five percent and the aircraft count will be up some six and one-half percent.
Tired of those pesky gear-up landings? Well, Sporty's Pilot Shop may have just the solution: a make-believe landing gear handle complete with three green lights that illuminate when the ``gear'' is lowered.Powered by a nine-volt battery, the training device fastens easily to aircraft instrument panels, car dashboards or any other flat surface. Price: $59.00 Sporty's Pilot Shop Clermont County Airport Batavia, Ohio 45103-9747 Phone: (800) LIFTOFF Fax: (513) 735-9200 www.sportys.com
Flight2ground.com, Salem, Ore., is expected to release its ``free'' electronic ground service scheduling software by midyear. The interactive service is designed specifically for corporate flight departments and scheduler/dispatchers. Currently under development by Multi Service and Valley Oil Corp., the Web-based software connects individual scheduling flights to each FBO along the flight path. The service also includes automatic electronic confirmation, follow up e-mails or multiple phone calls.
Million Air, Cincinnati, has remodeled its FBO at Cincinnati Municipal Airport (LUK). The FBO has updated its lobby, passenger lounge, customer service counter, dining area, flight planning room, pilot's lounge and conference room. In addition to LUK, Million Air Columbus at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio has expanded its ramp space by 50,000 square feet.
Jean-Claude Gayssot, France's transport minister, is expected to approve three new airports to replace and supplement the country's overburdened existing airports. The Nantes and Brive-Laroche airports would be replaced by newer airports, while the Roissy-CDG and Orly airports, near Paris, will receive a supplemental airport.
Crossair is shuffling its senior management team, following company president Moritz Suter's replacement of Philippe Bruggisser on the board of S'Air Group, parent company of Crossair, Swissair and Sabena of Belgium. Andre Dose, formerly Crossair's vice president of flight operations, has been named as the airline's new president and CEO. Thomas Brandt, formerly cockpit personnel chief, will replace Dose.
Gulfstream Aerospace has begun modifying a standard G-V for use in the development and test program. The Savannah manufacturer said the aircraft now being modified "will be the primary certification platform for the next-generation G-VSP's advanced PlaneView cockpit suite." The G-VSP development program and associated aircraft systems "have reached a level of maturity where we can begin modifying the flight test aircraft," said Pres Henne, Gulfstream's senior vice president of programs.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley reportedly is holding fast to plans to close Meigs Field in 2002. Daley reached a compromise with former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar in 1997 under which the mayor could close the lakefront airport on February 10, 2002 and turn the site into a park. The Chicago Tribune quoted Daley as saying ``we're willing to talk about any issue'' regarding regional airport capacity issues but Meigs is ``off the table.'' Daley added, ``It is a beautiful piece of property. . . . It shouldn't be used for . . . people flying in and out.''
A Beech 1900D operated by Great Lakes Aviation was heavily damaged February 10 during a gear-up landing on Runway 4R at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The FAR Part 121 flight, which originated in Springfield, Ill., was operating under an active instrument flight plan. Seven of the 15 passengers were evaluated and treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. The two pilots and the other eight passengers were not injured.
Business Aviation Services, Sioux Falls, S.D., has named Barry Dunmire as its director of flight operations. Dunmire previously served as the company's flight instructor and charter pilot.
Essential Air Group has released FltOps 210, which includes an optional interface with Microsoft Outlook. The interface enables the software to ``talk'' to Outlook and automatically post trips to an Outlook calendar. The calendar then can be configured to show flight schedules for the entire company, individual pilots or aircraft. The Outlook interface also enables the calendar to be shared with others via e-mail and automatically updates the individual's calendar.
Jet Source, Carlsbad, Calif., has named Pat Tierney as its avionics manager. Tierney, who has over 15 years of avionics experience, was the shop foreman and head of helicopter completions for Cinema Air prior to its acquisition by Jet Source.
Congress and the FAA seek to end new airport development gridlock by introducing legislation to streamline the approval process for new airports and runways and limit the time that can be spent debating such infrastructure improvements, but the FAA already is working the problem. A provision of AIR-21 requires the DOT to study federal environmental requirements related to planning and approving AIP projects to determine if the process can be streamlined. FAA Administrator Jane Garvey told B/CA that project has been under way at the FAA for some time.
The NTSB added aircraft and human performance teams to its investigation of the October 16, 2000 Cessna 335 crash that killed Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan, his son Roger and an aide, Chris Sifford. The Safety Board said initial analysis of the right engine vacuum system and pieces of the left engine have been inconclusive. The NTSB is continuing to examine the aircraft wiring, cables, hydraulics and cockpit instruments. The board plans to release its final report this summer.
Dalloz Safety has introduced Bilsom 202 NST disposable earplugs with super attenuating EarDown foam material. Available in two sizes, the Bilsom 202 earplugs feature uniform and moderate attenuation so the wearer can hear co-workers' voices, warning signals and other sounds. Constructed from a polyethylene film, the plugs contain no additives and are color coded for easy identification. The combination of increased comfort and uniform attenuation is designed to ensure predictable performance in all types of environments. Price: $0.12 to $0.24 per pair
Bombardier has delivered two de Havilland Dash 8-Q400 turboprops to Augsberg Airways. The 72-seat aircraft are the first of five ordered by the German regional airline, which expects to begin Q400 service in the next few weeks. Augsberg, a Team Lufthansa partner, has operated the Dash 8 since 1991, and with the most recent additions has 16 in its fleet. To date, Bombardier has delivered 21 Q400s to five airlines. Eight airlines have firm orders for 68 of the type, and options for 54 more.
National Air Transportation Association has launched a tour of its "100 Most Needed" airports. In February, NATA President James Coyne hosted town hall meetings at Naples, Daytona Beach and Vero Beach, Fla., as well as a stop for a roundtable discussion in St. Petersburg.
Raytheon Aircraft's Travel Air unit is adding the Bombardier Challenger 601 business jet to its fractional fleet to fill a niche for customers who need larger-cabin or longer-range aircraft. The Challengers will be the only used and the first non-Raytheon aircraft in the program. ``With the addition of the Challengers, Raytheon Travel Air will possess one of the broadest and most flexible programs in the fractional ownership industry,'' said Raytheon Travel Air President Gary Hart.
In January, I reported on a bizarre event involving US Airways Flight 107, a Boeing 757, carrying a 300-pound female pig in first class nonstop from Philadelphia to Seattle. The FAA was nonplused, having had zero experience in making a decision as to whether US Airways was in violation or not.
Aero Cosmetics is offering operators Wash Wax ALL, a universal cleaning and waxing product. The cleaner provides a non-stick, anti-static coating to aid in repelling dirt, moisture and the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. It also can be used on dry or wet surfaces and carries dirt away without scratching. Wash Wax ALL is water-based, petroleum-free and designed for use on surfaces such as paint, plastic, composites and rubber. Price: $8.95 per quart 411 Sandau RD#5 Aero Cosmetics San Antonio, Texas 78216-3648
Bombardier Aerospace has signed a Letter of Intent with Shandong Airlines Rainbow Jet Co. Ltd., of the People's Republic of China, for the purchase of four Challenger 604 corporate jets. The deal is worth $100 million and the aircraft will be used for the airline's new global charter business. The first aircraft is due for delivery in March 2002.
