Four ``beta'' versions of AlliedSignal's AirSat 1 telephones, the only phone designed to use the new Iridium satellite communications network, are now flying. The most recent installation, in an Iridium-owned Gulfstream IV, was completed at St. Louis-based JetCorp, which also installed an AirSat 1 in a Falcon 50 in late 1998. AlliedSignal has an engineering evaluation unit installed in its aircraft. The fourth unit is operating in a NASA high-altitude research aircraft. Production versions of AirSat 1 are expected to be available this spring.
Jet 1 Center recently completed a new, 50,000-square-foot aircraft parking area that is connected to existing facilities on the north side of Naples Municipal Airport (APF). The new parking area more than doubles the existing ramp space at Jet 1 Center. Phone: (941) 643-9700.
Sigtronics makes a single-earcup headset that enables the pilot to maintain radio communications and still talk with crewmembers and passengers during the less-demanding moments of flight. The noise-canceling electret microphone, with a flexible, rotatable boom (up to 180 degrees), recognizes the frequency range of the human voice and provides ``crisp, clear sound.'' The S-18 has an adjustable headband, a high-impact ABS plastic earcup, and comes with a complementary headset bag. Price: $149 Sigtronics 949 N. Cataract Ave.
Citing a recent association-sponsored study that documents the economic importance of GA airports to smaller communities, the NATA asserts that in order to ensure future growth, many noncommercial fields will need to be expanded to accommodate turbine-powered business aircraft. While commercial airports may soon be allowed to raise more money by increasing passenger facility charges from $3 to $5 per airline ticket, GA airports have no comparable revenue stream and thus need a mechanism that will ensure that they receive adequate funding.
For the first time in over 10 years, the FAA has revised its Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices -- Aircraft Inspection, Repair&Alterations. This second edition, which has bulked up to 300 pages more than the original, is available now from aviation publisher Aviation Supplies&Academics, of Newcastle, Wash.
An NTSB investigation continues into the December 2, 1998 Citation crash near Umpire, Ark. The CE-501, piloted by a lone, instrument-rated commercial pilot, crashed after a near-vertical descent some 12 minutes after departing VFR from Runway 17 at Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport. VMC conditions prevailed, with overcast skies at 2,000 to 2,500 feet to the south of the airport and over nearby ridges. Witnesses in the vicinity of the accident 20 miles south of Mena saw the airplane on a north/south heading then observed it flying to the west of their location.
BFGoodrich has introduced FASTboot replacement pneumatic deicers for Saab 340 and 2000 aircraft. The company claims a turnaround time of two hours for installation since the boots arrive prepped and ready to install ``right out of the package.'' The customer need only prime the aircraft leading-edge surfaces and roll down the deicers. Price: $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the part replaced BFGoodrich Aerospace 1555 Corporate Woods Pkwy. Uniontown, Ohio 44685 Phone: (330) 374-3040
Effective March 25, the FAA is realigning six jet routes and eight federal airways from the Amarillo VORTAC to the Panhandle VORTAC. The agency made the move to more effectively manage air traffic in the Amarillo, Texas, area. Meanwhile, the FAA also moved into a new TRACON building at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), closing its facility at Austin's Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. However, the agency will continue to staff the tower at Mueller Airport until midnight, May 1, when flight operations are slated to begin at ABIA.
The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the non-profit group that represents the international interests of business aviation on behalf of its nine national and regional organizations (including the NBAA), has re-established an office in Montreal and named a new director general.
Trying to be more business-friendly, the Hayward (Calif.) City Council has voted to change the name of the Hayward Air Terminal to Hayward Executive Airport
FlightSafety International's Bell 412EP full-flight simulator received the first Level D helicopter certification from the FAA. In addition, FlightSafety's Savannah Learning Center has received Level D approval for its second Gulfstream V full-flight simulator. In other news, FSI will replace its existing Atlanta training center with a new, 80,000-square-foot building located on the north side of Hartsfield International Airport. The two-story edifice, which initially will be able to house 10 simulators, is to be occupied by year-end.
A recent, independent assessment of the ability of the Global Positioning System to meet navigation needs in the future contains excellent news for general aviation.
An augmented GPS system can meet the accuracy, integrity, continuity and availability requirements for all operations ranging from oceanic through Category III precision approach, according to a study by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. The study, commissioned by the FAA, AOPA and the Air Transport Association, assessed the current GPS network as well as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and the Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS).
Rockwell Collins technical publications and service bulletins are available online. Two libraries of technical manuals for electronic access can be found at the Resource One Network, (www.aea.net), which contains a gateway to the Rockwell Collins technical libraries. The Aircraft Electronics Association sponsors the Resource One Network
For years, pilots of highly automated business airplanes have had a love-hate relationship with their avionics suites. Unquestionably, these marvels of electronic engineering can be a delight to use and can reduce pilot workload and enhance passenger comfort and safety. But this only happens when the equipment is used properly, and that used properly concept has been elusive for both airline and business aviation flightcrews.
Information about the first volume of a new CD-ROM containing worldwide coverage of airport and navigation data for Mac OS and some versions of Windows is available from Global Energy at its Web site (www.pilot-cdrom/pilot.html.com).
Raytheon Travel Air, the fractional ownership subsidiary of Raytheon Aircraft, plans to extend its program to Europe, South America or Asia by mid-2000. The company has nearly 200 customers that own shares of Hawker 800XPs, Beechjet 400As or King Air B200s. In the future, Raytheon plans to offer shares in other aircraft, including the Premier I entry-level jet and the Hawker Horizon super-midsize jet.
West Star Aviation was awarded an STC for the installation of the new Puritan-Bennett Sweep-On 2000 crew oxygen masks on Learjet 31, 35 and 36-series aircraft
The continuing controversy about when deicing systems should be activated continues, with some experts saying it should be at the onset of potential icing conditions. Most argue that it should not be activated until one-quarter to one-half inches of ice have accumulated, thus preventing ice bridging.
Air Cruisers Co. has introduced the AC-2000 life vest with a single waist strap and a quick-fit buckle to make donning and inflating easier. The vest is inflated using carbon dioxide, but oral inflation tubes are provided so the wearer can add more air to increase the pressure. The vest, certificated to TSO C13F and weighing 1.2 pounds, is vacuum packed to provide a 10-year maintenance interval. Price: $38 Air Cruisers Co. P.O. Box 180 Belmar, N.J. 07719 Phone: (732) 681-3527; Fax: (732) 681-9163
Elevator and trim controls are the focus of the NTSB's investigation into the January 11 crash of a Cessna 310R at New Jersey's Teterboro Airport (TEB). The airplane departed TEB on a post-maintenance ferry flight in VMC. Minutes after takeoff, the pilot reported he had ``no elevator control'' and asked for clearance into adjacent Class B airspace. He told controllers he would attempt to return to the airport, but witnesses saw the airplane pitch nose down and crash into a railroad yard. The pilot was killed. (Cause&Circumstance, page 98.)
