Duncan Aviation celebrated the opening of its new modifications, service and completions facility in Lincoln, Neb., with an educational conference in early November. The new facility includes almost 60,000 square feet of hangar space and 63,000 square feet of shop space .
Sabreliner is testing a new noise reduction package that will use both insulation and electronics to reduce inflight cabin noise. The system incorporates the same technology used in noise canceling headsets, using strategically placed speakers and microphones that counter aircraft noise with electronically generated noise. The opposing sounds, known as opposite wave technology, then effectively cancel each other out. The manufacturer is flight-testing the system on a Sabreliner 80 and hopes to expand it to other Sabreliner models.
FACTS Training International is set to introduce a new emergency procedures simulator this month, designed to prepare flight crews and passengers for emergencies in a variety of corporate jets. Features of the new simulator -- known as FACTS-VI -- include: a full cockpit; authentic aircraft interior; Boeing BBJ, Challenger, Falcon and Gulfstream window exits; and increased range of motion to realistically simulate turbulence, decompressions, ditching and other inflight events. FACTS-VI is headed to Dallas this month and will begin nationwide training in 2001.
Mesa Air Group has signed a code-sharing agreement with Midwest Express Airlines, a five-year deal that will initially connect 14 cities served by Mesa unit Air Midwest with Midwest Express in Kansas City. Air Midwest will, however, continue to share codes with US Airways in Kansas City. Mesa recently extended its US Airways code share by an additional five years, and agreed to fly four more regional jets in that airline's colors, bringing the total to 32.
The most recent tests of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) technology are complete, and early indications bode well for a system that could reduce the risk of aircraft collisions while smoothing the flow of traffic at crowded airports. For now though, ADS-B is proving itself to be a great way for the overnight package delivery airlines to speed up and streamline their ``sort'' -- that frantic period when dozens of jet freighters arrive, disgorge their cargo containers, reload and fly off into the night.
The FAA claims to have made its International Restrictions Web site ``more user friendly'' in response to public feedback and input from other government agencies. The site lists current U.S. government flight prohibitions and other restrictions affecting civil aviation outside the United States. Four nations are included in the most recent changes: -- Yugoslavia: The United States has eased trade sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and now will permit limited air transportation between the U.S. and Yugoslavia.
Buyers of new Raytheon King Airs, Beechjets, Premier Is and Hawkers who finance their purchase through DaimlerChrysler Capital Services have until the end of the year to be eligible to receive a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class car. The offer is limited to customers who place their order by December 31, 2000 and take delivery of the new aircraft by December 31, 2001. The finance company is using the car giveaway to help launch its new line of financing options for Raytheon aircraft.
When they were introduced on the McDonnell Douglas F15 fighter and British Aerospace/Aerospatiale Concorde SST, brakes with carbon/carbon rotors demonstrated significant weight reductions below their steel counterparts and promised to double service life. As standard equipment on these early supersonic applications, carbon brakes seemed an appropriate high-tech solution to the problem of hauling around dead weight, with the added benefit of improved heat dissipation under hard braking conditions like rejected takeoffs.
General aviation sales continued at record levels in the third quarter, according to GAMA figures. Third quarter activity included $2 billion in sales and a 16-year high of 684 aircraft deliveries. Among the business aircraft delivered were two Boeing Business Jets, 70 Cessna Citations and 22 Caravans, 17 Gulfstreams, 31 Learjets, 24 Raytheon jets and 34 King Airs, and 15 New Piper Malibu Mirages.
Stevens Aviation's Lexington, Ky., facility (LEX) has been designated as an authorized Raytheon/Beechcraft service center. The Lexington location is now authorized to perform maintenance and repairs to Beechcraft airframes, engines and factory systems.
Aviation safety regulators in Australia have launched a nationwide campaign designed to raise pilot and operator awareness of issues surrounding aircraft pressurization systems. Held in four cities this fall, the workshops featured information on operating pressurization systems, tips on using cockpit checklists, advice on hypoxia and its effects, and maintenance requirements.
Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano is continuing to oppose a 5:59 a.m. Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) departure from New York's Westchester County Airport (HPN) that violates the airport's voluntary curfew. Although four other airlines also violate the ban, ASA's early-morning Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) departure to Atlanta is the first to have been added since Spano took office in 1998.
Air BP, Warrenville, Ill., has named Brian Blazina as its general aviation manager, Mark Frena as the global general aviation manager and Paul Lantero as the global card&marketing program manager.
Since 1975, every fatal U.S. commercial wind-shear accident has involved an aircraft attempting to take off or land in a heavy rain outflow from a thunderstorm.
FAA officials are investigating reports that a 300-pound pig flew from Philadelphia to Seattle along with 198 other passengers aboard a US Airways Boeing 757. Various accounts described the pig -- which flew on the floor of first class -- as a ``service animal,'' like a Seeing Eye dog. All was quiet until the aircraft was taxiing to the gate in Seattle, when the pig became agitated and started squealing, running down the aisle and trying to gain access to the cockpit.
Nav Canada earned a $2 million profit on revenues of $909 million in the fiscal year ending August 31. Although the profit is down from last year, when ``excess of revenue over expenses'' reached $7 million, the company is still struggling to comply with its mandate to limit fee income to cover actual operating costs. Nav Canada is obligated to return excess revenues to users through reduced user fees and has proposed extending existing fee reductions through the end of 2001.
Sino Swearingen was making final preparation for the first flight of its new SJ30-2 business jet as B/CA went to press. The initial flight was scheduled to take place a week before Thanksgiving and would begin the test pilots' introduction to aircraft handling characteristics. Further flights are planned this year to expand the flight-test envelope. The manufacturer is currently searching for a chief test pilot and a test pilot to join the flight test program, which is expected to add three test aircraft in second quarter 2001.
The Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) is creating a new award to honor helicopter professionals whose work ``has been vital to the development and evolution of the helicopter industry.'' Inductees into the HFI Heritage Hall of Fame will be announced at the foundation's Heritage Celebration on February 12, 2001 at Heli-Expo in Anaheim, Calif.
AVMATS, Oshkosh, Wis., President and CEO A.C. ``Butch'' Giessman was named as the FAA's ``AMT of the Year.'' With over 20 years experience as an IA, Giessman holds a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering.
