Rockwell Collins' U.K.-based subsidiary will add 4,000 square feet to its Reading service center, providing additional space for customer training, administration, inventory management and equipment repair.
As good a measure as any of the progress of the Raytheon Premier I is that program managers, engineers and pilots associated with the flight test program see their foremost challenge as meeting their aggressive schedule. With just over 400 hours of test flying to date, two prototypes have confirmed that the airplane will meet its performance guarantees.
Keystone Helicopter completed an IFR-equipped Bell 412EP helicopter for the U.S. Park Police. The aircraft is equipped with the FLIR Ultra 6000, UNS-1D FMS and a search and rescue package that includes a Lucas external rescue hoist and video camera system to aid in hoist operations.
Million Air Cleveland is the first FBO to complete the National Air Transportation Association's (NATA) Safety 1st testing requirements for line-service knowledge and professionalism. A special ceremony was held at Burke Lakefront Airport to present certificates to line service staff. ``The program was designed to improve safety on the ramp, which is a goal that all aviation service providers should strive to accomplish,'' said Coyne.
BFGoodrich Avionics Systems (Grand Rapids, Mich.) -- Suzanne Finney was promoted to account manager, air transport group, in the company's sales and marketing department.
Managers of Air BP FBOs worldwide will soon have a tailor-made version of Cornerstone Logic's FBO Manager software. The Windows-based package is designed to make it easier to quote charters, track aircraft, manage fuel supplies and create work orders. Before approaching the software company, Air BP says it assembled a panel of FBO managers to ``get some guidelines on what the product should do.''
The NTSB has asked the FAA to require operators of cargo aircraft with take-off weights greater than 33,000 pounds to install TCAS II equipment. Provisions for such a mandate are included in this year's proposed -- and much debated -- FAA budget, but the Cargo Airline Association has long supported using emerging ADS-B technology as a lower-cost alternative. The Safety Board also has asked the FAA to study the use of TCAS equipment on smaller cargo aircraft operating under FAR Parts 121, 125 and 129.
Eagle's Wings Aviation Corp., a new company formed by an instrument-rated pilot and businessman, plans to launch a string of FBOs with Beckett Enterprises, an FBO at Cuyahoga County Airport, as its flagship property. According to James Mastandrea, Eagle's Wings founder and CEO, the company now plans to expand Beckett, which it purchased over the summer. ``We'll add charter service to meet the growing needs of northeastern Ohio customers, and we'll enhance its corporate managed-aircraft service,'' he says.
This new Web site, designed specifically for pilots, offers access to hundreds of weather products, including forecasts for more than 55,000 locations worldwide. The site also provides area forecasts, route weather briefings, visible and infrared satellite images and AIRMETs, NOTAMs, PIREPs and SIGMETs. In addition, the site has separate pages dedicated to severe weather and hurricanes.
Charter provider and FBO Jet Aviation has agreed to acquire privately held Jet East for an undisclosed sum. Dallas-based Jet East manages 17 aircraft, offers factory-authorized service for Citations and Learjets, aircraft sales and FBO services. The company's Love Field facility includes five hangars and more than 100,000 square feet of ramp space. Switzerland-based Jet Aviation says it is planning future U.S. expansion and is considering locations on the West Coast and in the Chicago area.
Boeing's 717-200 received joint certification from the FAA and JAA in a ceremony at Boeing's Long Beach, Calif., division. The 100-passenger aircraft is the first under a new FAA/JAA program called ``Current and Cooperative Certification''.
Embraer's derivative ERJ-135 regional jet has entered the U.S. market with launch customers Continental Express and American Eagle. The Brazilian manufacturer claims 139 firm orders and 180 options for the 37-seat aircraft, a shortened version of the 50-seat ERJ-145 already in service worldwide. The ERJ-135 first flew in July 1998, and obtained FAA certification on July 19, 1999.Production of the aircraft will now proceed at the rate of three units per month.
The AC-U-KWIK 1999-2000 World Edition, formerly known as the International Manager's Edition, is a compilation of worldwide listings for FBOs, handlers, fuel-only providers, charter companies and more. This edition also features information on airports, U.S. customs, limousine, car rental and catering companies, with worldwide telephone and fax numbers. Hotel information includes distance in minutes from the airport. Price: $74.95 Intertec Publishing P.O. Box 12901 Overland Park, Kan. 66282 Phone: (913) 967-1719
Photograph: Skyhopper's biggest lease interest so far is in a Sikorsky S-76B. The United Kingdom's first fractional ownership and lease program dedicated to helicopters is underway. Based at Wycombe Air Park, near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Skyhopper took over Virgin Helicopters in August 1998 and currently is offering two Sikorsky S-76s and one Bell 430 with another expected soon. Skyhopper is the launch partner for the Bell 430 in the United Kingdom and British certification should follow in about a year.
An underlying issue in airline travel is stress. How bad can it get? Last summer I went to Oslo, Norway on business. That trip turned into a stress laboratory. My schedule included an evening departure on a major domestic carrier with a next morning connection in Brussels. Scheduled arrival in Oslo was for late morning.
Business aviation influentials will commingle among the peach street-names, pecan confections and planes in Atlanta during the 52nd Annual NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention on Tuesday, October 12 through Thursday, October 14 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Carrying the theme ``Approaching the Millennium,'' this year's event will feature ``almost 4,200 exhibit booths, representing about 940 exhibiting companies,'' according to John W. Olcott, NBAA president, ``along with the most information-packed three days members can absorb.''
Photograph: FBOs intent on customer satisfaction do not discount the cosmetics: bricks, mortar and interior design, pleasingly presented. Paul Brou How does it feel to be valued? Judging from the comments of FBO managers affiliated with the major chains as well as independents, they are willing to just about stand on their heads to satisfy you, the customer. FBOs at your based airport want to keep your business, and those you visit as a transient customer would like you to become a regular when you are in their airspace.
The Global Express advanced aerodynamics are complemented by the 14,750-pound-thrust BR710 engines, having a four-to-one bypass ratio for excellent fuel efficiency and a low takeoff noise signature. Just as importantly, these engines have a cycle pressure ratio that's twice as high as that of the previous generation of heavy-iron turbofan engines, making possible excellent high-altitude cruise thrust output.
Garrett Aviation Services (Phoenix) -- Gregory Thomas has been named vice president of supply chain management for all of the company's operations. He is responsible for managing all aspects of the firm's spare parts business.
Alaska-based Temsco Helicopters wrecked three Astar helicopters on the afternoon of September 10, with the most serious injury a broken ankle. The first Eurocopter AS-350 crashed in whiteout conditions at the 4,500-foot level of the Herbert Glacier, around 20 miles north of Juneau, injuring all six aboard. According to the NTSB, a second Temsco AS-350 sent to effect a rescue rolled over while attempting to land, but its two pilots escaped uninjured. A third Temsco AS-350 picked up the pilots from the second helicopter only to crash, injuring all aboard.
Brazilian aircraft builder Embraer may be on the verge of selling a significant minority stake in the company to one or more foreign investors, in a bid to spread the risk of several aircraft development programs. According to various media accounts, senior Embraer officials have met with separate groups led by British Aerospace and Dassault, and the latter has confirmed an interest in acquiring up to 20 percent of Embraer. Additionally, Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries is talking to Embraer about building the wing for the proposed ERJ-170 regional jet.
With two years of operations under its belt, Raytheon's Travel Air fractional ownership program expects to sign its 400th owner by the end of the year, and has a five-year plan that will expand its fleet to more than 200 aircraft. To support the growth, the company has ordered 27 Hawker Horizons and 49 Premier I light jets. The Premier I will enter service in early 2001, and the Horizon will enter service in early 2002. The current fleet totals approximately 50 aircraft, including 800XPs, Beechjets and King Air 200s.
