Embraer’s Phenom 100 surpassed the 300-delivery mark. The company handed over the 300th Phenom 100 to Brazilian agribusiness Laticínios Bela Vista. Embraer announced the very light jet in 2005 and delivered the first 100 in December 2008. The aircraft is operating in more than 25 countries.
Swiss independent helicopter manufacturer Marenco Swisshelicopter has built its order backlog to 59 aircraft in preparation for the first flight of its initial product. Marenco displayed the first prototype of the Honeywell HTS900-powered 2,650 kg (5,842 lb.) SKYe SH09 single-engine light helicopter at Heli-Expo 2014 in Anaheim, Calif., in February, and is hopeful of achieving a first flight in April.
Daher-Socata, which last month formally unveiled the TBM 850 follow-on, the TBM 900, amassed more than 40 orders for the aircraft by the end of March and has handed over the first six to customers.
Eighteen years after Boeing and General Electric teamed up to develop the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) version of the Next Generation 737, the first corporate derivative of the follow-on 737 MAX has been launched by an undisclosed customer.
As the economy has taken its toll on flight operations, general aviation’s activity at the busiest airports has declined substantially over the past decade. General aviation activity at large hub airports has dropped 40.3%, 38.7% at medium hubs and 27.6% at small and non-hubs since 2005, FAA reports in its latest forecast. This comes even though activity at large hubs actually rose by 0.3% last year. General aviation activity at FAA en route centers is also down significantly, with 2013 levels 23% below 2005 levels.
Analysts foresee the newly formed Textron Aviation moving to profitability this year, with earnings reaching as much as $175 million in 2014 and improving to $400 million in 2016. This would mark a turnaround from the $48 million loss Cessna posted in 2013. Jeffries believes Cessna will contribute $75 million to earnings, while Beechcraft should post earnings of $85 million. Also boosting profitability will be about $50 million that should come from synergies and restructuring savings, the analyst estimates, offsetting the deficit at the beginning of the year.
Hawthorne Global Aviation Services added a third fixed-base operation to its chain, a newly built facility at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK). The facility includes 30,000 sq. ft. of hangar space and a 10,000-sq.-ft. terminal that includes pilot lounges and conference facilities. The KPWK facility is a full-service Shell fueling station. The FBO opened this month after construction began in May 2013. Along with Chicago, Hawthorne operates FBOs at MacArthur Airport in Islip, N.Y. (KISP) and Lakefront Airport in New Orleans (KNEW).
A new European rule covering instrument ratings is receiving strong support from general aviation leaders, who call it an important first step to simplifying regulations for general aviation pilot licensing in Europe. The European Commission on March 14 published the update to its instrument rating requirements, providing a risked-based approach and easier path for general aviation pilots. The changes to the requirements take effect April 3.
GREG HART was named manager-general aviation for Phillips 66. Hart has 25 years of experience, most recently as manager, sales force excellence, planning and optimization for Phillips 66. He has also served as sales manager in both the mid-continent and Gulf Coast for Phillips 66 branded fuels business. He further was managing director for ConocoPhillips in Prague, Czech Republic, and has served with Shell Oil Company and Tosco Marketing Co.
Delays to the CSeries narrowbody airliner have not yet had a major impact on Bombardier’s business jet programs, from flight testing of the Learjet 85 to development of the Global 7000/8000. Entry into service for the CSeries has slipped to the second half of 2015, from mid-2014, increasing the overlap within the company’s engineering organization, which is also developing the Global 7000 and 8000 for service entry in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0826; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD; Amendment 39-17788; AD 2014-05-15] – prohibits use of the hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This AD was prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea.
The Experimental Aircraft Association settled its dispute with FAA over air traffic control (ATC) charges assessed for services during last year’s annual AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, Wis., signing a “reimbursable agreement” under which the association will continue to reimburse FAA for the services at actual costs.
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0554; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-009-AD; Amendment 39-17774; AD 2014-05-01] – requires analyzing the main gearbox (MGB) oil for indications of metal chips or pieces, reviewing the MGB log or equivalent record, and inspecting certain teeth in the MGB after two chip indications. This AD was prompted by a partial tooth rupture found in an MGB that was returned to the manufacturer for repairs.
Satcom Direct received European Aviation Safety Agency approval, along with FAA and Transport Canada validation for its Satcom Direct Router (SDR) aboard Global 5000 and Global XRS aircraft. The SDR is part of a package that upgrades the Rockwell Collins SAT-6100/-2100 single-channel Satcom Swift64 to single channel Swift Broadband with the Satcom Direct SDR Wi-Fi Router. The SDR is Satcom Direct’s first certified hardware and enables multiple systems to operate on aircraft without additional wireless access points. The company is shipping the units to dealers in the U.S.
Initial indications of first-quarter results are spurring confidence that the business jet market is finally improving, says analyst RBC Europe Limited. Textron shares are up as it closed on its acquisition of Beechcraft. But other business aviation manufacturers, including Gulfstream and Rockwell Collins, have also enjoyed share gains recently. “Having been buoyed by some improved commentary in 1Q earnings, investors appear to have crossed an invisible threshold between being skeptical and now believing that we are finally seeing a business jet recovery,” RBC says.
Aircell has developed a new inflight communications system for business aircraft that combines voice, narrowband data and cockpit data link services into a single unit. The ST 4300, which provides global coverage, is available with one, two or three Iridium voice/narrowband data channels, plus one dedicated Iridium data channel. It enables business aircraft to tailor the cabin and flight deck communications to their specific needs. Aircell expects the ST 4300 will be eligible for Future Air Navigation System (FANS) certification. Shipments are slated to begin in June.
BRIAN MOORE was promoted to assistant manager of FlightSafety International’s Cessna learning center in Wichita. Moore has 24 years of experience with FlightSafety, joining the company in 1990 as an instructor at the Hawker Beechcraft Learning Center. He has since held positions of increasing responsibility and most recently was FlightSafety’s relationship manager with Beechcraft.
KEITH BENNETT has rejoined PAS Technologies as director of business development. Based in Kansas City, Mo., Bennett will steer business development strategies in the commercial aerospace and oil and gas segments. He first joined PAS Technologies in 1995, holding sales and operational management positions. He later served with Firth Rixson and most recently oversaw business development for OEM aviation and energy markets for Southwest United Industries. He began his career in 1987 as a senior design engineer for Pratt & Whitney.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0872; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-012-AD; Amendment 39-17784; AD 2014-05-11] – requires inspecting the turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack, and depending on the results, either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle for corrosion. This AD was prompted by a report that a turnbuckle had failed because of corrosion.
The market for business and general aviation avionics grew by single digits in 2013, with sales topping $2.4 billion, according to the Aircraft Electronics Association’s (AEA) year-end avionics market report. Sales for the year reached $2.429 billion, compared with $2.229 billion in 2012. In addition to a slight improvement in the market, the 9% increase reflects more companies participating in the AEA survey, which was first reported for 2012. Comparing the same participating companies, sales grew 6.9% from 2012 to 2013.
Dassault Falcon rolled out a revamped Regional Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Seminars program that will encompass nine cities on three continents. The seminar series has grown over the years as the Falcon fleet has surpassed the 2,000 aircraft mark with more than 1,200 operators. The format was expanded to a two-day event that will provide access to Dassault specialists, engineering teams, pilots, authorized service center representatives and suppliers. The seminars will cover both operational and technical issues. The series begins in Paris April 1-2.
Landmark Aviation is entering the Atlantic City, N.J., market with the acquisition of Midlantic Jet Aviation. The agreement, the latest in a string of acquisitions, includes both the Midlantic Jet Aviation fixed-base operation and the Midlantic Jet Charters, based at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey.
