N.S. ``Mike'' Waterman Jr., founder of training giant SimuFlite Training International, died in Dallas on November 8 after a brief illness. A native of Washington, D.C., Waterman graduated from Loomis Chaffe school in 1961, and Yale University in 1965. He began graduate work at Columbia University, but left to enter the Air National Guard. Waterman subsequently worked in the plastics business in Florida, and then joined International Aviation Industries in White Plains, N.Y., serving as its president until the early 1970s.
As Bombardier looks to the Middle East for partners, Gulfstream is turning to the Far East, simultaneously leasing a G-IV to Metrojet and naming the Hong Kong-based company a Line Service Facility for G-IVs, G-IVSPs and G-Vs. The two companies are jointly pursuing G-IV certification with Hong Kong civil aviation authorities and expect to launch charter service with the aircraft in first quarter 2001. Under the terms of the agreement, Gulfstream also has agreed to lease back the aircraft for customer demo flights in the region.
Florida-based Heico, one of the largest non-OEM suppliers of jet engine parts, has attacked General Electric and Pratt&Whitney, the two largest OEM suppliers, for advocating tougher federal regulation of non-OEM suppliers. The outcome of the dispute -- which has gone to the FAA for review -- could have a far-reaching impact on the relationship between the government, aircraft parts suppliers and their customers.
Aviation Data Systems has introduced its AvMaps 2000 aviation trip resource guide. The CD-ROM enables users to find information on airports, FBOs, ground transportation, hotels and restaurants. AvMaps is provided free of charge to business aviation turbine operators, and FBOs can have additional information added for a fee. The software is designed for use in desktop, notebook or hand held computers. Price: Free of charge Aviation Data Systems Impact Marketing 2661 Midway Rd., Ste. 224 Carrollton, Texas 75006
The Mexican Navy has ordered two additional Rotorway 162F helicopter kits for pilot training and personnel transport. Chandler, Ariz.-based Rotorway now claims 500 sales of the kit, which has been in production since 1995, of which it estimates that 70 percent have been completed and are flying. Priced at $64,350, the 162F is comparable in size and performance to the Robinson R-22, although federal regulations limit the applications of the homebuilt rotorcraft.
Manufacturing delays have led BAE Systems to push back the planned service entry date for the Avro RJX regional jet by up to three months. The U.K.-based manufacturer says the first flight of the 85-seat RJX-85 will be in February 2001, with first flight of the larger RJX-100 following two months later. Type certification for the RJX-85 is now planned for December 2001.
Northwest Airlines has offered to buy the remaining 60 percent of Mesaba Airlines stock is doesn't already own, in a move reminiscent of Delta Air Lines' recent acquisitions of Comair and Atlantic Southeast Airlines. The action came despite Northwest's repeated denials that it would acquire Mesaba, one of two Northwest Airlink carriers. Northwest already owns the other, Memphis-based Express Airlines I.
SoftComm Products has introduced the Centurion Model C-100 automatic noise reduction (ANR) headset, with -18 dB noise control. The Centurion does not require an external power source; instead it operates off of the radio's microphone voltage. In the event of a power failure, a ``fail-safe'' system automatically converts the headset into a -24 dB passive system. In addition, the headset features dual volume controls and a push-to-talk switch on the dome of the headset for emergency use. The Centurion weighs 15.3 ounces and is rated for temperatures of -40 to +120F.
Super-cell thunderstorms and their associated convective activity often produce a range of hazardous weather including microbursts, tornadoes, hail and lightning -- all well known to pilots. They also produce gust fronts, lesser-known phenomena that, nevertheless, deserve attention from flight crews.
United Airlines' regional partners may now fly as many as 300 50-seat regional jets, up from the previous limit of 65 RJs. The change stems from a new collective bargaining agreement with United's 10,500 pilots, who negotiated raises of up to 28.5 percent. Mainline widebody captains can make up to $260,000 annually under their new contract; United Express RJ captains top out at around one-third of that figure.
Fairchild Dornier, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, has named Clayton Callihan as director of advertising, reporting to Robert Strangarone, vice president of corporate communications.
The first customer took delivery of a New Piper Malibu Meridian on November 7 at the manufacturer's Vero Beach, Fla., factory. New Piper President and CEO Chuck Suma and about 65 other executives and plant workers were on hand for the delivery to Richard and Rosemary Dumais of Richardson, Texas. The couple then flew to Key West, Fla., for a short vacation. New Piper says it planned to deliver 24 Meridians by year-end and will produce another 114 in 2001.
DB Aviation has added a second new Cessna Citation Excel and a Citation 500 series to its charter fleet. The Waukegan, Ill., operator now has seven Citations in its fleet .
Raytheon says that the first Hawker Horizon prototype is continuing to take shape at the manufacturer's Wichita factory. In recent weeks the three carbon-composite fuselage sections were joined together, as was the aircraft's vertical stabilizer. First flight of the Horizon is planned for first quarter 2001.
Canada's CHC Helicopter Corp. has completed the $137 million (CDN) sale of its Canadian onshore helicopter operation. Known as Canadian Helicopters, the new company will look remarkably similar, with aircraft still sporting CHC's logo and operating under the same management. CHC retains a 45-percent interest in Canadian and will hold the operating leases on 11 Sikorsky S-76A helicopters and six additional aircraft.
Edited by Paul RichfieldBy Mike Vines, in Birmingham, England
Crossair is re-evaluating its fleet requirements while facing skyrocketing fuel costs, which helped it incur its first half-year loss since 1992. The Swiss carrier plans to withdraw its Saab 340s earlier than planned. In addition, it says it is considering the elimination of unprofitable routes, particularly in the Mediterranean, a move that would free up for sale between five and 10 Saab 2000 and MD-80 aircraft.
Edited by Paul RichfieldBy Mike Vines, in Zhuhai, China
Photograph: The Antonov An-26-derived Xian Aircraft MA60 has western engines, propellers and avionics. Partnerships with foreign suppliers were a major theme of this year's biennial Airshow China event in Zhuhai, whether it be subcontract work for China, or western manufacturers supplying engines, avionics and other systems for Chinese airframes. Releasing its market forecast at the show, China anticipates slow but steady aviation industry growth over the next two decades, with 1,145 new airliners joining the Chinese fleet.
Bombardier says that the wing-mating of the Continental business jet has been completed and that development of the super-midsize jet remains on schedule. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries manufactured the wing in Japan and delivered it to Bombardier's Wichita factory in September. The next major milestone in the program is slated to be the hanging of the two Honeywell AS907 engines, which are currently undergoing testing.
While the politicians took aim at Delta, Westchester County Airport (HPN) saluted corporate operators complying with the noise restrictions. The Olin Corp. and US Tobacco were recognized for achieving the lowest average sound level among operators at the airport's annual Spirit of Noise Abatement award ceremony. Olin received the award for a single aircraft -- a Cessna Citation X -- while US Tobacco received the fleet award for its pair of Challengers.
While most operators provide some form of warning to their passengers against the use of portable electronic devices, the perception of the potential problem and the specifics of the warnings do vary. As pilot Bill Capozzi of CitationShares in White Plains, N.Y., notes, ``I'm not aware of any PED interference problems on our aircraft. Most of the passengers we fly are fractional owners who fly frequently. They know to turn off their cell phones when we start the engines. We do allow laptops to be used during the en route portion of the flight.''
Columbia Air, Groton, Conn., has appointed Donald Giroux as chief pilot for its air carrier, FAR Part 135 certificate. Previously a chief pilot in New Haven, Conn., Giroux operates out of Columbia's North American location at Groton-New London Airport.
CharterHub, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has appointed Karen Millon as vice president of professional services and Thomas Bechard as vice president of customer service.
Jet Aviation, Teterboro, has named Antonio Scenna as the aircraft management division's new chief pilot. Scenna, who has over 11,000 flight hours, manages the day-to-day flight operations and has served as a pilot for the company's Challenger 601/604 aircraft. In addition, Jet Aviation's U.S. charter division has hired Ronald Manning as the southwest regional charter sales manager.
SimuFlite Training International is offering enhanced Internet services to its clients. Services include Personal Web Centers, where clients can make travel plans, review training records and register online for classes. The site also offers online technical publications, emergency procedures recall drills, and access to discounted merchandise and services through the GE Marketplace .
