Tzvetomir Blajev, chairman of the Flight Safety Foundation's European Advisory Committee, has identified six main accident risks associated with circling approaches: 1 The circling aircraft penetrates the obstacle clearance limits and collides with terrain or an obstacle (CFIT). 2 An aircraft performing a go-around from a circling approach penetrates the obstacle clearance limits and collides with terrain or an obstacle (CFIT). 3vThe circling aircraft loses control and crashes.
Earlier this year on a red-eye flight from China, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a highly intoxicated and unusually talkative German. As the sun rose and breakfast was served, the flight attendant cheerfully passed him another Guinness. He was happy. She was happy. I was not. Was the FAA?
Securaplane Technologies has launched its next generation camera and security system. The security system is based on upgrades to the company's classic PreFlite system, which now includes full integrated, high-definition cameras, a user-friendly graphic interface, wireless battery-free access panel switches and smartphone application access. The HD cameras employ 1080p and 60 frames per second (fps) technology for studio-quality images and can be used for entertainment as well as security and situational awareness on the ground.
Rockwell Collins was recently selected by Jet Aviation Basel to provide its Venue cabin management and entertainment system and high-definition Airshow 3-D Moving Map system for an Airbus A340CJ business jet. The A340CJ will be the largest aircraft to date to carry the equipment, which has been installed on more than 300 aircraft including a number of large VIP jets. HD monitors will be installed throughout the aircraft, along with wireless audio/video-on-demand capability for personal devices. Installation is slated to begin in the first half of 2014.
Boston JetSearch, Bedford, Mass., announced that Russ Piggott has joined the company to help manage the aircraft search and acquisition process for clients.
Shell has BEcome the latest company, Shell has become the latest company, and the first of the major oil companies, to declare it has developed an unleaded replacement for leaded avgas. The launch of the formula follows a 10-year research and development program. Shell must still undergo a testing program to obtain regulatory approvals from FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency, along with ASTM specification for the fuel. But the fuel is designed as a drop-in replacement to meet all the key avgas properties and have a motor octane rating of more than 100.
Swiss-based Vertis Aviation will open a new Dubai branch of its aviation charter business this month. Located in the Free Zone at Dubai World Central. Catherine Buchanan will serve as the general manager. Vertis will market a Global 6000, two Airbus A319 corporate jets, two Global XRS aircraft, a Global Express and a Falcon 7X.
Global demand for agricultural aircraft is boosting sales, with Embraer forecasting an increase in Ipanema deliveries this year as it hands over its 1,300th aircraft to Rio Verde, Brazil-based Fort Aviacao Agricola. The Brazilian manufacturer expects to deliver 70 Ipanemas this year, up from 66 in 2102 and 58 a year earlier. The single-engined aircraft has been in production for more than 40 years. In the U.S., agricultural aircraft manufacturers Air Tractor and Thrush Aircraft are on track for record deliveries this year.
Quest Aircraft obtained certification for its Kodiak single-turboprop aircraft from Venezuela's Civil Aviation Authority. The Kodiak has now been certified in 13 countries, and Quest expects more approvals this year. Quest is planning to deliver the first Kodiak to a Venezuelan customer shortly. The new owner will operate the aircraft for personal and business use. Quest began deliveries of the Kodiak in 2007 and the aircraft is in service with charter operators, small businesses, personal owners, U.S. and international governments and humanitarian organizations.
General Dymanics, Falls Church, Va., announced the Robert E. Smith has been appointed president of Jet Aviation report to Joseph T. Lombardo, executive vice president of the company's Aerospace group. Smith succeeds Daniel G. Glare, who has been appointed CFO of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Despite its reputation as a contentious, do-nothing legislature, the U.S. Congress did reach consensus on a bill benefitting general aviation manufacturers, of all things, which President Obama has signed into law. The Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013 essentially endorses the recommendations of an aviation rulemaking committee. The law's intent is to increase safety and reduce government and industry certification costs for light general aviation airplanes. Other countries are expected to act similarly since the recommendations had international input.
National Business Aviation Association, Washington, announced that Dick Boubrava, NBAA director, Legislative Affairs, and Christa Fornarotto, who is currently serving as FAA associate administrator for airports, have both been appointed to vice president positions with government-relations responsibilities for the association.
Ross Detwiler has been bringing a lot to the B&CA table for a long time and always demonstrates a profoundly circumspect awareness of the eccentricities of the game. However, I can't quite wrap my head around his thoughts on SVS in the final 100 ft. to TDZ (“Thumbs Down for Head Up,” October 2013). There's a reason they call it “synthetic” after all. Still, my admiration for Ross's dedication to the game and his analytical intelligence continues unabated. Well done.
Jetex has launched a full-service FBO at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. The facility offers a VIP lounge, ground support, fueling, handling and security services, and catering. Adel Mardini, president and CEO of Jetex Flight Support said “the FBO is just another step in Jetex's overall strategy to redefine ground handling and FBO quality worldwide. Jetex Flight Support www.jetex.com
Inflight catering provider Air Culinaire Worldwide has expanded its presence in the U.K. by adding an owned and operated kitchen at London Biggin Hill Airport (EGKS). The company now has 19 kitchens in its network, including three in the U.K. “As the only inflight caterer based at Biggin Hill Airport, we will now be able to respond faster and facilitate more short-notice requests,” said Maithri Smaradivakara, U.K.–based sales manager for Air Culinaire. The kitchen will operate 24/7.
There's been much talk recently in aviation regulatory circles about three issues — fatigue, aircraft automation and basic airmanship. The incident we're discussing this month has a happy ending with no injures and no significant damage to the aircraft. But it does shine a light on the dangers of fatigue when dealing with the complexities of modern flight management/control systems.
With the Learjets 70/75 now in production, deliveries of the Challenger 350 set to begin soon, testing of the Model 85 underway, and development of the Global 7000 and 8000 proceeding apace, what of the Challenger 605? Guy Hachey, president of Bombardier Aerospace, said recently, “The [Challenger] 605 right now is going to remain the way that it is. We haven't announced anything.” However, he acknowledges the need for some kind of follow-on. “Probably the more vulnerable area we have is the 605, because it's the oldest product,” Hachey continued.
FlightSafety International, La Guardia Airport, N.Y., promoted David Judge to assistant manger of the company Learning Center located at the London Farnborough airport in the U.K. Kelly Allender was appointed manager of FlightSafety International's learning center in Dallas. Allender joined FlightSafety in 2001, serving in the company's Cessna facility in Wichita. There he served as assistant manager, director of programs, program manager for Cessna Citation Mustang training, and ground and simulator instructor.
Gulf Helicopters has signed the largest order by an offshore operator so far for the AgustaWestland AW189 eight-metric-ton helicopter. The Qatar-based operator will buy 15 of the aircraft, which is awaiting imminent certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency. The firm order, announced during the Dubai Airshow, is the second-largest for the new helicopter, behind Bristow Group's, which has ordered six aircraft for offshore operations and a further 11 to support its U.K. search-and-rescue (SAR) contract awarded this year.
Duncan Aviation, one of the largest family-owned aircraft support companies in the U.S., celebrated the 50th anniversary of its facility in Lincoln, Neb., in December. Established Dec. 5, 1963 by Donald Duncan, the company began with 12 employees and has since grown to more than 1,200. Duncan had a varied background, ranging from working on the family farm to selling surplus government airplanes and involvement with a car dealership in Clarinda, Iowa, before he became a Beechcraft distributor in Omaha, Neb.
One of the darkest days in aviation history was Sunday, March 27, 1977. An explosion set by a separatist group at Gran Canaria Airport closed that facility, forcing many jetliners to divert to a smaller airport on neighboring Tenerife island as a precaution. The Tenerife controllers were soon overwhelmed and the ramps and taxiways were crowded with large aircraft, including Boeing 747s.
To many professional pilots the six-month visit to the aviation medical examiner (AME) is an event full of fret, which is relieved only by award of a fresh medical certificate, allowing continued employment for another half year. It's no secret that some keep medical secrets from the FAA and others simply won't admit to themselves that they have a physical or mental problem that negatively affects their quality of life, health and cockpit performance.
I just wanted to say how much I like the new look of B&CA. It's clean, not cluttered and easy to read. With all the current debate about print versus digital, I find myself scanning the digital version when it arrives in my inbox, and later enjoying the hard copy when I have a little more time. Well done! Aviation Marketing CommunicationsWarrenton, Va.
Argus has partnered with CharterPad, an online charter marketplace, to provide customers access to the Argus Ratings. Customers visiting the CharterPad can search Argus ratings and link directly to the Argus CHEQ website. The partnership comes as CharterPad has increased the number of Argus-rated operators in its system. Nearly half of all Argus-rated operators have joined CharterPad.
Meanwhile, the Scorpion, Textron's low-cost, surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence jet is flying. The twin jet made its first flight at McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kan., in late December. The company is promoting the self-funded project as “one of the fastest developments of a U.S.-built tactical jet.” Developed by Textron AirLand, the aircraft was built at an offsite Cessna facility in Wichita, using some of Cessna's top engineering talent and supply chain specialists.
