Le Bas International Joins UN Global Compact Initiative

Air charter specialists Le Bas International announced today that it has been accepted for inclusion into the United Nations' Global Compact Initiative. The Global Compact is a strategic policy initiative which allows businesses to align their business operations and practices with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. The program is supported by the United Nations General Assembly and is recognized by the Group of Eight, which is an international forum for the governments of eight nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

FAA Warns Airports about Winter Deicing Fluid Shortage

Airports are facing a shortage of runway deicing fluids this winter due to a strike in a mine in Canada, that produces potassium, a key ingredient in the liquid, warned FAA.

Business Charter Companies Hit Air Pocket

With India Inc going through turbulent times owing to low spending, the business charter segment has hit an air pocket. Sales of busine ss charter aircraft providers have seen considerable dip in the last four months due to lack of demand from the corporate sector.

Club One Air has seen a 30-40% decline in demand over the last four months, while Taj Airs private charter flights have hit an all-time low. Experts say if this trend continues many of the air charter companies (about 89 have permits to run the services) will face a tough time and may have no option but to shut shop or sell out.

FAA Suspends US Helicopters, Inc. Certificate

The FAA Oklahoma City office confirmed on October 29, 2008 that the Part 135 certificate of operator US Helicopters, Inc. (certificate USXA753I) has been suspended as of October 24. US Helicopters, Inc. is headquartered in Marshville, North Carolina, with bases at Centennial Airport (APA) in Denver, Colorado as well as at Indianapolis Downtown Heliport (8A4) in Indianapolis, Indiana. At this time, no further details have been provided as the suspension is still under investigation.

Google Founders’ Experimental Fighter Jet Will Fly NASA Missions

A NASA official said Friday that the top Googlers’ new fighter jet will be used mostly to fly missions for the agency that four other jets owned by Google’s top executives could not handle.

JetDirect Completes Full Integration of The Air Group

JetDirect Aviation, Inc. (certificate AJCA091C) headquartered in Burlingame, Calif., with its primary base of operation in Weymouth, Mass., announced today that it has completed the successful transfer of The Air Group, Inc. (certificate ACNA029C) managed fleet to the JetDirect certificate. JetDirect Aviation, Inc. and its sister operators, all wholly-owned subsidiaries of JetDirect Aviation Holdings, LLC, now operate more than 250 managed aircraft - including more than 175 aircraft available for charter under FAR Part 135 - the largest business turbine aircraft charter fleet in the United States.

London Executive Aviation's Courtesy In-flight Spa

At no additional charge, London Executive Aviation, an air charter carrier based in the United Kingdom, says it's the first in Europe to offer in-flight beauty and massage treatments to its customers. Although the company operates several aircraft, clinicians will be available on its Bombardier Challenger 300 and Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft to provide treatments, which are designed to relieve stress, boost circulation, renew the immune system and fight dehydration.

"Private jet chartering is all about eliminating the stress and hassle of modern air travel, so you arrive on time and at your best," said George Galanopoulos, LEA's managing director. "You only get one chance to make a first impression, so why not arrive looking and feeling 110 percent?"

Teal Group's Richard Aboulafia's First Eclipse Aviation Report

Before we address the Teal Group's first report on Eclipse Aviation Corp.'s business plan, authored by Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis, aviation insiders have said that because Eclipse, manufacturer of the six-place Eclipse 500 very light jet has halted production for 2008 (last aircraft to be produced is serial no. 267, with no. 266 produced a long time ago), awaits funding, they feel it's a no-brainer that the company is doomed to declare bankruptcy.

During recent conference calls with its customers in September and October, Eclipse admitted that unless it gets "funding in October or November," it wouldn't have the funds to refund customer deposits made on the EA500 or its four-place EA400. During conference calls with its customers, Eclipse downplayed numerous lawsuits filed by customers. As of this writing, new lawsuits have been filed against Eclipse. Industry Headline News has requested of Eclipse numerous times to respond to allegations; however, the company refuses to do so.

Baltic Air Charter Association Launches First US Chapter

London-based Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) on Thursday announced the launch of its first United States chapter. In doing so, its council members voted in Wayne J. Rizzi, president and CEO of  Air Royale International Inc., an air charter broker company with headquarters in both Los Angeles and London. Markham Jackson, current BACA chairman, said, "We've made a strategic and historic decision to further expand the BACA's respected legacy. Our U.S. chapter will serve as a better means to closely monitor, advise and provide a reasoned course of action regarding any adverse legislation or initiatives being discussed in the vital U.S. market..."

Rockwell Collins Acquires UK Display Provider SEOS

Iowa-based Rockwell Collins Inc. on Friday announced that in about 30 days, subject to regulatory approvals, its acquisition of SEOS Ltd. should be completed. SEOS will operate under Rockwell's name, becoming part of its simulation/training solutions unit. Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. Headquartered in the United Kingdom and with its new Florida-based 34,000-square-foot facility, SEOS provides complete design, development, production, installation and support services that are used worldwide in simulators for military and commercial flight, air traffic control, marine and surface transportation.

SEOS has established a global reputation for supplying innovative, cost-effective display solutions. Applications include commercial airline and general aviation aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing and Embraer models to GA business aircraft, the Citation X, Falcon 2000, Gulfstream IV, Hawker 400XP and many more. 

Clay Jones, chairman and president of Rockwell Collins, said that SEOS' state-of-the-art displays, coupled with Rockwell's industry-leading image generators, "create a fully integrated visual system that's truly greater than the sum of its parts." By acquiring SEOS, Rockwell said its capabilities in the global simulation and training market would further enhance its ability "to deliver a highly realistic training experience" to its commercial and military customers.

NATA's Russ Lawton on Safety Management System Requirements

For air charter operators and other aviation companies that are confused about the impending safety management system (SMS) requirement, and what the Federal Aviation Administration is doing about it, is an issue that Russ Lawton, National Air Transportation Association's director of safety and security can address. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will require countries to implement a SMS by Jan. 1. However, Lawton points out that the FAA is moving slowly, and an actual SMS adopted by the agency is years away.

Does that mean that operators shouldn't develop a SMS now? Not according to Lawton. He said one good reason to get moving now is that if you operate outside of the United States, your business will most likely be affected long before any new FAA rule is adopted.

TSA Security Plan Targets Private Aviation's Pocketbook

Thursday's Transportation Security Administration's Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) proposal, has private aviation users and the air charter industry concerned. The LASP would require that all operators in the United States using aircraft exceeding 12,500 pounds of maximum take off weight to implement security programs that would be subject to compliance audits by the TSA. This includes airports that serve general aviation (GA) aircraft, which accounts for thousands, unlike commercial airlines. The proposed regulation would require operators to verify that passengers aren't on the "no fly" or "selectee" portions of the government's consolidated terrorist watch list. The proposed rule is open for public comment on the Federal Register for 60 days.

The TSA claims its LASP would strengthen GA security, minimizing the vulnerability of aircraft being used as weapons, transporting dangerous people or materials. The proposed regulation would reduce the susceptibility of large aircraft misuse by individuals wishing to harm the U.S. and its citizens, says the TSA. "General aviation operators are excellent security partners," said Kip Hawley, TSA administrator. "This will give them a strong common framework for security that will reduce risk while supporting the open nature of the general aviation industry."

NBAA 2008 Ends on High Note Despite Economic Pains

This year's National Business Aviation Association's convention ended Wednesday in Orlando, Fla., attracting 30,811 attendees. "This year's show comes amidst spikes in the cost of fuel, tightening credit markets and a challenging economy," NBAA President Ed Bolen said. "Business aviation has been impacted by adverse economic trends like every other industry, so we're pleased that our convention continues to offer a valuable marketing and networking opportunity for our member companies."

Bolen said there were a total of 5,302 exhibit booths at the convention; in 2007 there were 5,257 exhibit booths, an all-time high. Of the 1,183 exhibitors, he said they represented new business aircraft and avionics firms, handling organizations, fractional providers, charter/lease companies, technology-development firms and a host of other businesses from all over the United States. A record-setting 139 piston, turboprop and jet aircraft were on display at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), nearby the convention held at the Orange County Convention Center.

Honeywell Forecasts $300 Billion in New Business Jet Sales

Globally, nearly 17,000 new business jets delivered from 2008 through 2018 are expected to generate industry sales of $300 billion, according to Honeywell International Inc.'s annual industry forecast released Saturday. Honeywell Aerospace predicts nearly 1,200 new business jets will be delivered this year, despite a turbulent economy in North America, up 15 percent from the 1,020 jets delivered in 2007. The industry forecast said that in 2009, between 1,300 and 1,400 new business jet deliveries are expected, depending on how quickly plane makers can ramp up aircraft production on new programs. 

"Aircraft backlogs currently equate to nearly three years worth of deliveries, so 2008 and 2009 still shape up to be strong years for the industry," said Rob Wilson, Honeywell Aerospace's president of business and general aviation.

Hawker's New Four-Passenger 450XP Light Business Jet

Sunday, Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker Beechcraft Corp. announced it would manufacture a new four-passenger, light jet, titled the 450XP. The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW535D turbofan engines is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and comes with a 5,000-hour time between overall (TBO). Each engine provides 2,965 pounds of thrust.

FAA Supervisor on Phone as Trainee Misses GA Plane and Truck

Today, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association released information regarding last Wednesday's incident, concering a Federal Aviation Administration supervisor, who was talking on his cell phone, while his trainee mistakenly cleared an airport truck to cross the runway in front of a departing general aviation plane. The incident occurred at Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM) in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Pilots: Are All of Them Fit to Fly?

On Friday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee announced that the Government Accountability Office has issued a new report in response to its investigations of falsifications made by pilots when applying for medical certificates. The GAO reported that the Federal Aviation Administration is making progress of policing pilots' medical certificates. However, Rep. James L. Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the committee, said he still has concerns over the FAA's oversight.

FAA Finds Croatia Does Not Meet ICAO Safety Standards

Washington, D.C. - Following a regulatory assessment of Croatia's civil aviation authority in January, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that the country does not comply with the standards promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Delta AirElite is First in U.S. to Operate a Falcon 7X

Cincinnati, Ohio-based Delta AirElite Business Jets Inc., recently added an 11-passenger 2008 Falcon 7X (registration N7707X) to its aircraft fleet--the first air charter operator in the United States to do. DAE, owned by Delta Air Lines, presently operates 21 aircraft approved FAR Part 135 on-demand charter missions.

When chartered, a flight attendant is on board, and cabin amenities include leather seating and a full galley, equipped with an oven and microwave. For entertainment, other features include Airshow, a TV, a DVD with video monitors, a CD player and satellite radio with headsets.  The cabin also has a private, enclosed lavatory. For business use, passengers can access 110-volt power, use an in-flight phone and a data port. With nonstop range of nearly 7,000 statute miles, DAE said that the Falcon 7X offers true global reach.

Senate Passes FAA Extension Act Without Aviation User Fees

Late Tuesday evening, the Senate passed a bill (H.R. 6984) that will keep the Federal Aviation Administration's doors open for business through March 31, 2009. The FAA Extension Act of 2008, via a voice vote, passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

The president is expected to sign the bill right away; current FAA authorization expires Sept. 30. The House passed the short-term FAA extension Tuesday morning, which allows the agency to continue collecting and spending tax revenues that keep the aviation system functioning. Aviation excise taxes, which support the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, will remain in force. In recent years, the trust fund has provided nearly 80 percent of the FAA's budget.

FAA's Rush to Certify Eclipse Jet Ignoring Safety Issues: Part I

The Federal Aviation Administration's certification practices regarding very light lights, in particular Eclipse Aviation Corp.'s 500 model, came under scrutiny Wednesday, during the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's aviation panel. Calvin L. Scovel III, Department of Transportation's inspector general, testified, "...Our initial investigation results show a combination of FAA actions and inactions, indicating that the agency expedited the certification processes for the EA-500 to meet a September 2006 deadline..."

Scovel said that the FAA chose to certify the EA-500 and other VLJs using certification requirements for general aviation aircraft, rather than the more stringent certification requirements for larger transport aircraft. "However, in a post-design certification, ‘lessons-learned' internal review of the Eclipse project, FAA managers acknowledged that the [GA] certification requirements were ‘inadequate to address the advanced concepts introduced on this aircraft.'"

Angel MedFlight Reports Second Quarter Surge

Today, Arizona-based Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance Services reported an increase of 25 percent in the number of air ambulance flights in the second quarter of 2008. Using a Gulfstream G 150, Learjet 35A and a King Air 200 turboprop, all aircraft are medically customized and used exclusively for patient transport, flown under FAR Part 135 operations. 

"We've had a significant increase in the number of patient transfers over the last couple of months," said William McCluskey, director of operations and chief flight paramedic for Angel MedFlight. "In order to accommodate the growth and continue providing the highest level of service, we've added several new medical staff. Our contract with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, effective July 1, is certainly a factor." He added that the heightened flight schedule is also due to a continued presence at both medical and general aviation industry trade events, to include sponsoring air shows.

XOJet Reduces Fuel Surcharge on Air Charter Flights

Effective immediately, XOJet Inc. on Friday announced it has reduced by 9 percent the fuel surcharge for on-demand air charter flights, saying a surcharge shouldn't be used to nickel-and-dime customers. According to the FAR Part 135 charter operator, using a fleet of 22 Cessna Citation Xs, clients will save nearly a $1,000 for a round-trip transcontinental flight. The added surcharge was due to the wake of record-high oil prices, a necessity to offset costs that were out its control; however, the company said it "should never be confused with a revenue stream."

"XOJet has done something that is essentially unprecedented--lowering a fuel charge after it's been implemented," said Adam Komack, the company's chief marketing officer. Further, he said if the price of oil goes down, the surcharge should be reduced as well.

The Abduction of Robert Wiles from KLAL Airport

On April 1, Robert Arthur Wiles, 26, was kidnapped from Florida's Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (KLAL). Wiles worked as a business development manager for National Flight Services, a family-owned aircraft repair business, which also runs a fixed based operation in Toledo, Ohio. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) posted a fact sheet on Wiles. Today, Mike Converse, director of sales and marketing at NFS, reached out to the general aviation community for help, hopeful, that someone knows the whereabouts of Wiles. "He worked for me and we can't get over this; we're not giving up on finding out where Robert is," he told Industry Headlines News. With a cracked voice, he said that Wiles' parents received a ransom note, but things didn't work out.

Two days after Wiles' mysterious abduction, his parents received the ransom note. Despite following instructions to get their son back, something went awry; however, the FBI isn't releasing details as to what the note said or why the attempted rescue failed.

Airline Disasters May Not Affect Airline Stock Prices

According to the College of Business Administration at San Diego State University, one of its professors concluded that major airline disasters may have little or zero effect on the long-term pricing of the stock of publicly held airlines. "Our research concluded that on its face, there were no direct correlations between airline disasters resulting in loss of life and market reaction to [a] disaster," said Dr. Kuntara Pukthuanthong-Le, a finance professor at SDSU. "But we did conclude that airline stock is particularly hard hit over the long-term if a disaster is a result of terrorism or criminal activity." The professor recalled the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, affecting stock prices. 

Pukthuanthong-Le, along with Dr. Thomas Walker and Dolruedee Thiengtham, both from the Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, determined that while the stock of an affected airline would plummet within the first seven days following [an] accident, there was no clear conclusion that could be drawn on the effect of long-term stock prices.

Boeing Workers Strike to Keep Jobs in America

As reported on Thursday, 87 percent of The Boeing Company's assembly workers belonging to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union voted to strike on Wednesday. However, the union, hoping Boeing would offer a better contract, accepted a 48-hour contract extension. After talks broke down Friday, workers hit the picket lines Saturday morning. As 28,000 union workers strike Boeing's plants in Washington, Kansas and Oregon, the plane maker won't be able to build aircraft during the strike, rather it will deliver aircraft that underwent final assembly before the strike began. In 2005, a 28-day strike delayed nearly 30 Boeing aircraft.

Outsourcing American jobs

Boeing Union Workers Ready to Strike

Can Boeing afford more delays on its flagship 787 Dreamliner jet? Wednesday, 87 percent of the company's assembly workers belonging to the International Association of Machinists (IAM) union voted to strike. Although a two-thirds vote by union members passed, Boeing's wings aren't clipped just yet. 

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on Thursday stepped in to avoid a strike by getting both Boeing and IAM officials to try and negotiate a fair contract. Both sides agreed to stall the strike for 48 hours. If the union doesn't ratify a new contract offer in two days, nearly 27,000 Boeing workers in Washington, Oregon and Kansas say they're ready to walk the picket line.

JetDirect Aviation Holdings Sells Sentient Jet Membership

Tuesday, for an undisclosed sum, JetDirect Aviation Holdings LLC (JDAH) announced it had sold its Sentient Jet Membership and fuel management businesses to Macquarie Global Opportunities Partners, owned by Australian-based Macquarie Group Ltd. Now, Pennsylvania-based JDAH will operate aircraft management services and certificated FAR Part 135 air charter carriers under JetDirect Aviation Inc (JDA). On Aug. 27, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a new air carrier certificate to JetDirect Aviation Inc. (AJCA091C); however, dba names include JetDirect, Sentient Flight Group, Sentient Flight Group Inc. and SFG.

Although JDA has the legal right to use these dba names under its air carrier certificate, Bob Marinace, COO of JDAH, said that some of the names would be dropped. "We will drop the Sentient variations after 90 days. It may take some time for the name change to populate some of the other FAA databases that vendors draw information from," he explained.

Machinists Union Ratifies Hawker Beechcraft Contract

Thursday, 77 percent of members belonging to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers accepted Hawker Beechcraft Corp.'s new contract, ending a strike that began on Aug. 4. Andrew Broom, HBC's spokesperson, said that a tentative agreement for a new labor contract with the union was reached late Sunday night. "The company looks forward to all employees returning to work after Labor Day under the new contract," he said.

Worried About Getting Your Wine On Board Aircraft?

Although numerous flights taken around the world incorporate both private on-demand air charter aircraft and commercial airline planes, the later is problematic for travelers who want to bring wine, olive oil and other culinary items home--without fear of items breaking. BottleWise, a company founded in 2007, has come up with solutions in response to the Transportation Security Administration's travel restrictions that make it difficult for air travelers to bring home bottled liquids. 

The company sells BottleWise Duo, an airline-friendly bottle protection system that keeps bottles safe inside checked luggage. Although the product was made to counter TSA's restrictions, it's ideal for travelers who fly on board private aircraft. Madison, Wis.-based BottleWise additionally hosts  CrankyFlier.com, a blog, where thousands of unhappy airline travelers post comments.

NTSB: Disseminating Major Aircraft Accident News

Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board announced it would hold a two-day training course in Ashburn, Va., to teach professionals working with airports, airlines and corporations with aviation departments how to "effectively manage emergency communications following a major aircraft accident." The event is scheduled to take place on Oct. 28 and 29. The safety agency is also interested in the way the media reports on accidents and incidents.  

Members of the news media are invited to discuss how previous accidents have been covered. The NTSB said it would also address how "new media" is changing the way breaking news is disseminated and consumed. Additionally, airport and airline communications professionals will provide case studies on how communications during previous aircraft incidents and accidents were handled.

Cessna Citation CJ4 First Production Jet Makes Maiden Flight

Tuesday, Cessna Aircraft Co.'s first production Citation CJ4 completed its 41-minute maiden flight. The prototype model made its first flight on May 5. The production aircraft will continue development and certification testing at Cessna's facility at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport KICT) in Kansas. The second production aircraft, serial number 0002, is nearing completion at Cessna's Pawnee Advanced Engineering facility in Wichita.

Configured to seat up to eight passengers, the CJ4 is expected to have a maximum speed of 435 knots, a full fuel payload of 1,000 pounds and maximum payload of 2,100 pounds, more than 300 pounds compared to its CJ3. Debuting Williams International's new FJ44-4A electronically controlled engines, the CJ4 will be certified to fly up to 45,000 feet. Additionally, the cockpit will feature Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and will house Venue, a next-generation cabin management system.

General Dynamics Announces Jet Aviation Acquisition

Today, General Dynamics Corp. announced its plans to acquire Zurich, Switzerland-based Jet Aviation for $2.25 billion in cash. For an undisclosed sum, European-based Permira Funds, a private equity group, acquired Jet Aviation three years ago. Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the year. JA said its United States and European air charter and aircraft management units conjointly operate a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. In 2007, the company said that it provided more than 65,000 hours in worldwide flight operations.

JA and its subsidiary Midcoast Aviation will continue operating as independent business brands under GD's aerospace unit. Falls Church, Va.-based GD, owner of Gulfstream Aerospace, employs nearly 84,600 people globally and anticipates revenues of approximately $29.5 billion by year-end. Employing roughly 5,600 people, JA, has more than 25 facilities in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The company's U.S. headquarters are located in Teterboro, N.J.

Lawmakers Set Hearing Over Eclipse 500 Jet Type Certificate

This morning, the oversight and investigations staff of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee confirmed to this journalist that a hearing is set for Sept. 17, at 10 a.m., regarding the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight and issuance of its Eclipse 500 type certificate. The committee, chaired by Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., ordered the Department of Transportation's inspector general's office to audit the FAA and present a briefing in regards to the FAA's possible rush of granting Eclipse Aviation with its full TC on Sept. 30, 2006. FAA-employed aircraft certification engineers and flight test pilots say they were prevented from properly completing their assigned certification and safety responsibilities, before the FAA issued its TC to the plane maker. 

Committee spokesperson Jim Berard said that both the IG's office and oversight and investigations unit of the committee "have gathered enough credible evidence to warrant a hearing."

Changes at Eclipse Aviation: Too Little Too Late?

Although Vern Raburn accepted a vice chairman position with Dutch-based European Technology and Investment Research Center on July 28, after being forced to resign from Eclipse Aviation as its CEO, Raburn has changed his mind. The Associated Press reported on Aug. 15 that Raburn is cutting all ties to Eclipse, manufacturer of the six-place Eclipse 500 very light jet. Roel Pieper, founder and chairman of ETIRC and chairman of Eclipse, became acting CEO after Raburn's departure. ETIRC, Eclipse's biggest shareholder, is in charge of marketing Eclipse's VLJ in Europe and Russia.  

The Associated Press report follows an e-mail distributed by Raburn. In part, it reads: "I announced my departure from Eclipse Aviation, a move that was required by the investors to pave the way for a new round of financing. I have no further relationship with Eclipse Aviation, either domestically or internationally."

Hawker Beechcraft Strike: Prelude to Boeing Strike?

It's been 12 days since Hawker Beechcraft Corp.'s assembly workers have been on strike. (Reference  More Than 4,850 Hawker Beechcraft Workers Strike, published Aug. 4.) Have there been any negotiations to end the strike? Not according to Bob Wood, union spokesperson for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. "Hawker hasn't contacted the union," Wood said. However, the union hasn't contacted Hawker management, Wood acknowledged. Workers on the picket line against Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker, are striking the plane makers facilities in Wichita and in Salina.

Has the strike affected Hawker's operations? During the company's second quarterly earnings conference call on Wednesday, Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft, along with Jim Sanders, CFO, said that more than 1,000 union workers "are at work." Wood said that the union disputes this." It's more like 300 workers, not 1,000 union workers who are at work. And more than 500 Hawker non-union members are honoring the picket line," Wood told Industry Headline News.

Starfish Aviation Places Aircraft Order from Spectrum Aeronautical

Austin Blue, president of Carlsbad, Calif.-based Spectrum Aeronautical LLC, announced Tuesday that the company finalized a deal with Starfish Aviation LLC, for a fleet order of its Freedom S-40 and Independence S-33 aircraft. Without disclosing financial details, Blue said the value of the contract is in the 9-digit range.

Ken Ross, founder and president of Starfish, a new jet charter and aircraft management operation at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in Wheeling, Ill., is also president of North American Jet Charter Group LLC, a FAR Part 135 on-demand air charter carrier, also based at PWK. Additionally, Ross also heads up PWK-based Brigadoon Aviation LLC. He said he was hoping the company would break ground on its new five-acre fixed based operation by mid-2008; however, the groundbreaking ceremony is behind schedule.

Jet and Turboprop Deliveries Up Despite Air Charter Decline

For most on-demand air charter carriers and charter brokers in North America, revenues are down nearly 25 percent over last year for the second quarter of 2008. Aviation analysts partly blame high fuel costs, the mortgage industry crisis, a sluggish economy and uncertainly over who'll become the next president of the United States. However, it's predicted that the situation will get better after January 2009. Meanwhile, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association on Thursday announced good news--an all-time high for shipments and billings for general aviation aircraft for the first half of 2008.

Industry billings for the first half of 2008 totaled $12.1 billion, a 24.1-percent increase. Although the news is promising, piston-powered aircraft shipments have taken it in shorts; 1,034 units were delivered in the second half of 2008 compared to 1,226 units delivered during the second half in 2007, a 15.7-percent decrease. Business jet shipments totaled 663 units in the first half of 2008, a 39.3-percent increase over the 476 units delivered in the second quarter of 2007. Turboprop shipments increased by 36 units--222 in the second half of 2008 from 186 in 2007.  

SATSair Will Use Cirrus’ SJ50 Jets for Air Charter

Chairman and CEO of Cirrus Design Corp., Alan Klapmeier, told Industry Headline News, in July, "We've had conversations with SATSair and think they'll use the Vision for air taxi operations." (Reference the July 13 article, Will Cirrus' Vision SJ50 Jet be an Air Taxi Contender?) Tuesday, Greenville, S.C.-based  SATSair LLC, a commercial air charter operator, officially announced it would use Cirrus' single-engine SJ50 very light jet, after certification, which Klapmeier said was "expected by 2011ish." The air taxi operator has successfully proven its on-demand, point-to-point business model works using a fleet of 26 four-place, single-engine piston Cirrus SR22s.

Steve Hanvey, president and CEO of SATSair, said that the SJ50 very light jet would bolster its business model by extending the scope of the company's air cab services beyond its traditional range. "Cirrus' Vision jets will enable our customers to extend the reach of their businesses in a timely, efficient manner," he said. 

More Than 4,850 Hawker Beechcraft Workers Strike

As of 1:30 p.m. EDT, Bob Wood, spokesperson for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said 4,400 workers at Hawker Beechcraft Corp.'s facility in Wichita, Kan., were on the picket line, with 452 additional workers striking the aircraft manufacturer's facility in Salina. Wood told Industry Headline News, "Nearly 100 union members have crossed the picket line; the union has the right to impose financial penalties. However, we've had non-union members honoring the picket line, too. Some of the non-union workers have joined the union since the strike began this morning at 12:01 a.m., as the contract expired."

Hawker declined comment but issued a statement that it had addressed "every major issue brought to the bargaining table by union leadership, as the proposed package contains increased wages, more choices in healthcare plans, and improved medical, dental, vision and pension benefits." Further, the company said its final offer was the best offer made to employees in more than 20 years. The last strike occurred in 1994.

Eclipse Aviation: New CEO, Blogger Suit Quashed

Monday, Vern Raburn, founder of Eclipse Aviation Corp., was ejected from his position as CEO. Roel Pieper, Eclipse chairman, founder and chairman of the of European Technology and Investment Research Center, became Eclipse's acting CEO. Raburn will act as vice chairman of ETIRC, to focus on global expansion of the Eclipse 500 very light. With Raburn gone, Friday, the Eclipse Aviation Critic NG blog lawsuit, lead by Raburn, was quashed. (Reference the April 25 article, Eclipse Aviation Critic Blogger Fights Eclipse Aviation Subpoena, and Quash Eclipse Aviation Subpoena of Eclipse Aviation Critic Bloggers, published May 8.)

Eclipse served Google in California with a subpoena demanding it release personal information and the identities of 29 bloggers. Rich Lucibella, who's in the publishing business, wasn't one of the 29 people on Eclipse's list. A huge proponent of the First Amendment and everything it stands for, Lucibella hired Florida-based attorney Norman Malinski, who took on Eclipse on behalf of the 29 bloggers. He immediately filed a motion to prevent Google from releasing bloggers' private information. 

Hawker Beechcraft Closes $128.5 Million Fuel/Line Unit Sale

Wichita, Kan.-based aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft Corp. on Thursday, announced its fuel and line operations in the United States were sold to BBA Aviation. BBA, headquartered in the United Kingdom, is a large distribution network operating fixed base operations. HBC first announced the deal on Feb. 22, with the transaction valued at $128.5 million. On July 24, a HBC spokesperson confirmed that the transaction price hadn't changed. 

BBA's acquisition included seven HBC's fuel/line operations in the U.S., including locations in Atlanta, Ga.; Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind.; Tampa, Fla.; Wichita, Kan.; and Van Nuys, Calif. All except the Van Nuys facility has been finalized, due to pending regulatory approvals. HBC said it would retain its Hawker Beechcraft Services' maintenance and customer support facilities in Little Rock, Ark., Chester, England, and Toluca, Mexico. 

FAA Extends Medical Certificates for Pilots Under Age 40

Effective today, the Federal Aviation Administration, according to its "information for operators" (InFO 08046) rule, has decided to extend first-class medical certificates to pilots who haven't reached age 40 to one year. On top of things, the FAA last reviewed this idea 12 years ago, when it extended third-class medical certificate duration periods from two to three years for pilots under age 40. In November 2005, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revised its standards to extend the duration period of medical certificates from two to five years for private pilots under age 40.

The FAA said it explored the possibility of extending the duration period of first-class medical certificates, with similar findings (compared to the ICAO), which showed "little or no evidence that extending that duration period for pilots under age 40 would have any adverse effect on aviation safety."

Cessna: Labor on Citation CJ3 & EASA Caravan Certification

 

Today, Wichita, Kan.-based Cessna Aircraft Co. announced that its labor coverage program expansion goes beyond its Citation Mustang very light jet, to include CJ3 customers, via ProTech. Cessna's maintenance programs began when deliveries of its Mustang began in April 2007. The plane maker's program for the CJ3 provides parts and engine offerings by giving its customers the option to pay a monthly fee, covering nose-to-tail labor costs for regular maintenance.

FAA Denies Rumor Acting Administrator Robert Sturgell Quits

After receiving e-mail this afternoon that credited activist group Quiet Rockland, for scooping news that acting Federal Aviation Administrator Robert A. Sturgell had quit, that raised an eyebrow, and a call to the Federal Aviation Administration. The e-mail is allegedly from John J. Tormey III, attorney and cofounder of Quiet Rockland, a group established on Sept. 12, 2007, first aiming to squash the FAA's airspace redesign over New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia's airspace. Quiet Rockland is comprised of Rockland County, New York residents; they're anything but quiet.

Count Our Blessings During War: Veterans Airlift Command

Military personnel of the United States are fighting two wars; people's lives have been sacrificed for our freedoms. As the nation continues to mourn the loss of thousands, our wounded military personnel and their families have hope--the Veterans Airlift Command--general aviation at its best, for post-flight trips to get the care they need. The VAC recently put together a photo essay during July 4. The message is clear; we need to do more.

The VAC's Command Performance, with GA pilots Paul Wood and Walt Fricke, founder of VAC, with stunning photos by Max Haynes, says it all. The VAC provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. "I hope you enjoy seeing what our volunteers get to see on a daily basis. And perhaps, [people] will be moved to support the work," Fricke said.  

Eclipse 500 Jet Safety Issues Investigated, Exposed

Since our July 3 report (reference, Feds Investigate Eclipse Jet Safety Going Back to 2006) that the United States Department of Transportation's inspector general's office is investigating the Federal Aviation Administration's issuance of Eclipse Aviation Corp.'s Sept. 30, 2006, full type certificate for its Eclipse 500 very light jet, we've obtained documentation on what some of the safety issues involve. 

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said that the FAA issued a TC to Eclipse, maker of the six-place VLJ "without allowing FAA aircraft certification engineers and flight test pilots to properly complete their assigned certification and safety responsibilities" prior to the FAA's issuance of the E500's TC. This reporter obtained documentation of some of the safety concerns from an FAA engineer source. The source said, "There were known concerns with the aircraft's engines--its FADEC (full authority digital engine control) software, and the possibility that a pilot could lose the ability to control engine thrust. About six months before Eclipse received its TC, and up to that point, DERs (designated engineering representatives) reported to FAA program managers that they were being pressured by Eclipse."

Will Cirrus’ Vision SJ50 Jet be an Air Taxi Contender?

On July 3, Cirrus Design Corp.'s single-engine jet, powered by a Williams International FJ33-4A-19 engine, made its first flight lasting for 45 minutes. The plane took off from Duluth International Airport (DLH) in Minnesota, near Cirrus' headquarters. The company said that more than 460 people have placed orders for the aircraft, each paying a deposit of $100,000. Last Thursday, the company announced the official name of the jet (after two and half years)--the Vision SJ50, which will be certified to operate up to 25,000 feet. Friday, during an interview with Alan Klapmeier, chairman and CEO of  Cirrus, he said the name of the aircraft was conceived in the nineties.  

"Funny, I still have the original artwork and logos for a ‘Cirrus Safire, Eclipse and Century,'" Klapmeier laughed. "Everybody would use the names while we worked on them. The original thought on the name Vision began about 12 years ago; we didn't have a V-tail jet then. We think the name is more appropriate today than it ever was; this airplane is about a long-term vision that we have for changing the way people think about personal transportation aircraft."

Linear Air’s Chief Remains Bullish on Jet Air Taxi Future

William Herp, president and CEO of AirDialog LLC, dba Linear Air, firmly believes his on-demand, air charter company's air-taxi eggs are safe in one basket--the Eclipse 500 very light jet. Despite recent press about the United States Department of Transportation's inspector general's office tasked to investigate the Federal Aviation Administration's issuance of a full type certificate of the E500 two years ago, Herp says, "We still closed a $3.5 million equity round; the aircraft makes good, financial sense." He added that since the FAA has certified the three-passenger VLJ for ice, it would help his company and other companies to utilize the jet. 

Linear Air, based at Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED) in Bedford, Mass., operates four E500s and five, eight-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan turboprops. However, Herp, who flies a Cirrus SR22 for his personal business, says," We're selling one of our Caravans; they're more for seasonal customers' travel needs."

Swiss-based VistaJet Acquires Bombardier’s SkyJet International

For an undisclosed sum last week, VistaJet Holding acquired Bombardier Inc.'s Skyjet air charter operations based in the United Kingdom, which includes operations in Farnborough, Dubai and Hong Kong. The deal closed on July 2. Bombardier, an aircraft manufacturer in Canada, will keep its Skyjet operations going in North America. 

Thomas Flohr, chairman of VistaJet, said that the acquisition was a perfect fit. "The complementary synergies and strengths [are] in line with our goal of becoming the world's leading business aviation provider," he said. Currently, NetJets Inc., a fractional aircraft ownership company holds the number one position.

Feds Investigate Eclipse Jet Safety Going Back to 2006

In the wake of Congress ordering the United States Department of Transportation's inspector general's office to conduct multiple audits of the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight on air safety issues, now, Congress has tasked the inspector general's office to investigate FAA oversight on its issuance of a type certificate granted to Eclipse Aviation Corp. on Sept. 30, 2006. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said that the FAA issued a TC to Eclipse, maker of the six-place Eclipse 500 very light jet, "without allowing FAA aircraft certification engineers and flight test pilots to properly complete their assigned certification and safety responsibilities."

NATCA's official grievance notification (AIR-402) filed on Oct. 20, 2006, against FAA managers Michelle Owsley and John Hickey, charges that the FAA went ahead and gave Eclipse its TC despite "several outstanding safety/regulatory issues" that were identified prior to the issuance of the TC. The grievance alleges that the FAA violated its own regulations, orders and polices. In the grievance, NATCA said the FAA's mission "is to keep safe the lives of the flying public and not to save companies."

Pilot of Eclipse Jet Emergency Shares Personal Experience

Capt. Chuck Nealy has logged more than 22,000 hours of incident and accident free flights in military and airline transport aircraft. Flying military aircraft, he became trained in how to perform simulated flameout (SFO) approaches for emergency landing patterns. That training instinctually came into play on June 5, when he was forced to declare an emergency landing at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in Illinois.

On that day, while flying an Eclipse very light jet, Nealy noticed that both engines were unresponsive to his throttle commands. He landed at MDW, but the engines rapidly increased airspeed as he was running out of runway, forcing him to abort the landing and get the plane airborne.

A700 Jet Program Alive Says AAI Acquisition

As reported on April 15, AAI Acquisition Inc. officially became the new owner of Adam Aircraft Industries Inc.'s assets (reference, "AAI Closed Adam Aircraft Deal"), after Adam filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Feb. 15. Jan D'Angelo said the first 90 days would be spent getting things in order. "The company's doors are open and we're still sorting out details," says D'Angelo, who oversees sales, marketing and customer support for AAI. The new company, owned by Russian-based Industrial Investors Group, an investment firm, is based at Centennial Airport (APA) in Englewood, Colo.

D'Angelo said that AAI's goal is to certify the all-composite A700, a twin-engine very let jet.

TWC Aviation Orders New Cessna Columbus Jets

Air charter operator TWC Aviation Inc. at Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, Calif., with plans to relocate its headquarters to Van Nuys Airport (VNY) next month, announced it's placed an order for two Cessna Citation Columbus business jets. Kansas-based Cessna Aircraft Co. said it plans to achieve Federal Aviation Administration certification by the end of 2013, with deliveries beginning in 2014. The plane maker said its clean-sheet designed Columbus, configurable for up to 10 passengers, is expected to be the only aircraft in its class capable of 4,000 nautical miles nonstop at Mach .80.

TWC Aviation presently operates 22 aircraft on its D085, a document issued by the FAA allowing listed aircraft to be used for commercial, FAR Part 135 air charter missions. Scott Cutshall, overseeing TWC's charter services division and responsible for the expansion of the company's fleet of privately managed aircraft, told Industry Headline News today it recently added two aircraft to its air carrier certificate. 

Hawker 4000 Business Jet Deliveries Underway

Thursday, Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker Beechcraft Corp. announced that the Federal Aviation Administration granted both a type and production certificate for its Hawker 4000 aircraft. The twin-engine jet, with a composite fuselage, can comfortably seat eight passengers. Raytheon Aircraft, HBC's predecessor, first announced the aircraft in 1996 as the Hawker Horizon; deliveries were expected in mid-2001.

Jim Schuster, HBC chairman and CEO, described the Hawker 4000 as "the most advanced super-midsize business jet in the world." He said the company's focus is on fulfilling a "substantial backlog of worldwide customer orders," which is slated to begin this month.

Eclipse 500 Jet Twin-Engine Control Failures Investigated

New Mexico-based Eclipse Aviation Corp., manufacturer of the six-place Eclipse 500 very light jet, sent a "customer pilot communication" email to some pilots and operators on June 9 (and made its CPC available to more operators, Eclipse 500 owners and pilots on June 11, according to an Eclipse jet owner), regarding a June 5 incident, which involved dual-engine control failures--"where the plane wouldn't slow down for landing," according to the pilot. The VLJ was operated under FAR Part 91 rules.  Industry Headline News, brought to you by CharterX.com, will provide an in-depth, exclusive interview with the pilot of the aircraft (N612KB) next week, as the report is in the process of being professionally transcribed. The pilot said the only reason he decided to interview was because of "safety issues" and that "gaps in Eclipse's CPC" needed to be addressed.

San Diego, Calif.-based real estate developer Kiernan Companies LLC owns the aircraft.  

Teterboro Airport Launches NATA Online Safety 1st Program

New Jersey-based Teterboro Airport (TEB) has agreed to become the first general aviation airport in the United States to use the National Air Transportation Association's Safety 1^st program, NATA said Friday. The program, funded by grant money through the Federal Aviation Administration, is a customized, Internet tool that allows pilots and other crewmembers to access safety information about TEB. Online, users will have access to airport location, layout, operations, regulations, and safety and security procedures.

NATA, a GA and business aircraft association in Alexandria, Va., said its Safety 1^st program provides clarity and graphics--briefing pilots who fly aircraft into and out of TEB. For instance, crewmembers will have views of specific hot spots; the platform provides visual scenarios for common pilot errors, aircraft lighting configurations, procedures for take off, etc. 

Air Traffic Controllers Back Barack Obama for President

Thursday, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association announced its endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., presidential hopeful, as the person they want to see running the White House. Patrick Forrey, NATCA president, said Obama is a champion of fair collective bargaining rights for controllers, a fierce advocate for aviation safety and is someone who'd hold the Federal Aviation Administration accountable for its actions. "Obama's FAA Fair Labor Movement Dispute Resolution Act of 2006, ended up being a relentless march by the FAA to destroy the collective bargaining process," Forrey said.

Forrey said in 2006, Obama knew that if the FAA imposed work and pay rules for controllers, the consequences would be dire. "Obama said it would lead to an erosion of talent at the agency with vital, retirement-eligible air traffic controllers interpreting such agency action as an invitation to retire. Obama said it would make recruiting needed replacement employees that much more difficult. He was right on both accounts," he said. 

FAA Certifies Cessna Citation XLS+ Jet

Wichita, Kan.-based Cessna Aircraft Co. announced that its Citation XLS+ jet earned a full type certificate (TC) from the Federal Aviation Administration on June 2. Cessna said that nearly 600 hours of flight tests had been conducted on thtwin-engine jet, enabling the company to meet its goal of obtaining a TC. The first XLS+ delivery is expected before the end of 2008.

The XLS+ features Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, Pratt & Whitney Canada's full authority digital engine control (FADEC) capabilities, with the interior's expanded seat widths and the exterior contour of the nose, resembling the Citation X [the fastest civil aircraft certified to date] and the Citation Sovereign models.

Key Air Closes Florida Fixed Based Operation Deal

Connecticut-based air charter operator Key Air LLC told CharterX Industry Headline News that by September, it would begin construction on yet another fixed based operation. Its new 90,000-square-foot FBO at St. Lucie County International Airport (FPR) in Florida, near Fort Pierce, will house a maintenance repair center and an interior paint facility. "We'll invest nearly $12 million during the first phase at FPR," said Brad Kost, president and CEO of Key Air and CEO of FBO Keystone Aviation Services LLC. He said the FBO would have a state-of-the-art terminal/office complex and ample hangar space, which would be completed in December. He declined to comment on the company's total investment cost for the project.   

On May 4, we reported that the company broke ground on a new FBO at Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) in Minneapolis. Kost said the company is aggressively expanding its services. "The next project will take place in Southern California," he said. " Key Air is working with several manufacturers and large corporations on custom-built storage and service facilities." At present, Kost said he wasn't ready to announce the name of the city in California. 

Airlines Attack General Aviation Aircraft Using Kentucky Derby

 Wednesday, commercial airline trade group, the Air Transport Association, posted a letter on its website, claiming, "private jets clogged the airways." The author of post, James C. May, the ATA's president and CEO, used the Kentucky Derby as an opportunity to portray the use of private aviation as the cause of airline woes. His post read, "Many of us watched the winner's circle celebrations on television while others flew on luxurious private jets to watch in person. Did you know that airline passengers were subsidizing these posh trips to the race? The ATA omitted the fact that many airline CEOs have and continue to fly on private jets. Does that mean passengers of the airlines are subsidizing posh trips for airline executives, too?

Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, which represents the general aviation community, fired back at the ATA, saying that the airlines continue to use campaigns of distortions about the GA community. "The ATA's suggestion that GA air traffic at a well-planned weekend event in a single location was somehow problematic, is simply laughable," Bolen said.

EBACE 2008 Wows Private Aviation

This year's European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition saw record crowds and exhibitors. EBACE, held May 20-22 at Geneva, Switzerland's Palexpo, recorded 13,692 attendees, a 21.5 percent increase compared to last year's attendance of 11,267. EBACE 2008 surpassed other records. More than 440 exhibitors, an all-time high, displayed their newest products and services, with 1,958 booth spaces, a 38 percent increase over 2007. More than 60 aircraft and three aircraft mock-ups were on static display at Geneva Cointrin International Airport (LSGG).

Major aircraft, avionics and engine manufacturers from the United States, as well as hundreds of aviation-related service and technology companies attended the event.

Government Officials Attending NATA Air Charter Summit

To address serious issues facing the air charter and private aviation marketplace, the National Air Transportation Association will hold its annual Air Charter Summit on June 9-11 at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel in Chantilly, Va. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation and the Drug Enforcement Administration will attend the event. The charter summit is open to the public for a fee of $795; for a NATA member the cost is $595. Registration and more details can be found on NATA's website. All air charter operators, corporate flight departments, air charter brokers, chief pilots a nd aircraft maintenance managers, CEOs, presidents and senior management of companies are encouraged to attend the summit, NATA said.

"Recent interest in how the FAA oversees airlines has many wondering about the implications for FAR Part 135 air carriers," said James K. Coyne, president of NATA. "This briefing is critical for all 135 operators."

Richard Aboulafia Examines Very Light Jet Marketplace

Recently, Richard Aboulafia, vice president, analysis of Virginia-based Teal Group Corp., released the company's 18th Annual Business Jet Overview. The overview authored by Aboulafia, forecasted deliveries within the next decade. However, very light jets caught our attention. Deliveries of 3,365 VLJs were forecasted, with 1,385 Cessna Citation Mustangs and 925 Embraer Phenom 100s. What about the other 1,055 VLJ deliveries by 2018? Aboulafia told CharterX Industry Headline News, Eclipse Aviation Corp., for instance, "Just looking at the numbers, as I'm a market analyst, will continue to burn cash at an alarming rate. But no analyst can forecast irrational behavior."

Aboulafia says Eclipse, maker of the Eclipse 500 VLJ, will keep delivering planes and burning cash as long as investors stay in. "Eclipse's backers are basically giving matches to a cash arsonist," he said.

London Executive Aviation Grows Citation Mustang Fleet

Air charter operator London Executive Aviation is wooing customers with the Citation Mustang, a twin-engine, four-passenger very light jet, which it claims reduces the price of chartering a jet by up to 30 percent. Headquartered at Farnborough Airport (EGLF) in the United Kingdom, LEA has added its third Mustang to its charter fleet; it also added an eight-passenger, 2008 Challenger 300 jet. The company's first Mustang entered service on Feb. 8, and according to George Galanopoulos, LEA's managing director, "Customers were attracted to its value and suitability for European travel."   

As of May 1, the company said its first Mustang accumulated more than 150 hours of revenue flying. From June through mid-2009, five additional Mustangs are due to enter service.

Business Jet and Turboprop Deliveries Up: Pistons Down

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association announced Thursday that 2008 first quarter shipment and billings for aircraft in the general aviation market were up 16.1 percent. Billings totaled $5.3 billion, an all-time high for the first quarter. However, total shipments were down by 7.5 percent, mostly due to a drop in piston aircraft deliveries. The Washington, D.C. international association represents more than 60 of the world's GA aircraft manufacturers in addition to manufacturers of engines and avionics.

Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO, said, "This past quarter's overall industry billings remain impressive, with the turbine segments showing dramatic increases." He attributed the overall increase of aircraft billings to sales made by plane makers outside of North America, and the decline in piston deliveries due to the current economic uncertainty in the United Sates.

Quash Eclipse Aviation Subpoena of Eclipse Aviation Critic Bloggers

We reported on April 25 that Rich Lucibella, publisher, hired Florida-based attorney Norman Malinski, to defend the privacy rights of 29 people who had posted comments to the Eclipse Aviation Critic NG blog. Eclipse Aviation Corp. subpoenaed Google demanding it release personal information and the identities of all 29 bloggers. Lucibella, who's not one of the 29 people on New Mexico-based Eclipse Aviation's hit list, provided CharterX Industry Headline News with a copy of today's motion to quash Eclipse's subpoena to Google to release any information. 

Malinski points out: "Whatever those postings have been, whether critical or otherwise, the speakers are protected in their anonymous speech by the First Amendment. Unmasking anonymous Internet speakers invokes a higher standard than ordinary discovery that doesn't invoke these constitutional rights."

Cessna CJ4 First Prototype and SkyCatcher Production Flights

Yesterday, Wichita, Kan.-based Cessna Aircraft Co. celebrated the first flight of its prototype Citation CJ4. Test pilot Dan Morris said various systems, including the autopilot, full authority digital engine controls and four displays of the Pro Line 21 avionics performed very well. "Operators will be able to easily transition into the CJ4," Morris said.

Cessna said it has more than 150 orders for the CJ4, and it's on target for Federal Aviation Administration certification in mid-2009, with customer deliveries beginning in the first half of 2010. The aircraft, configured to seat seven to eight passengers, will be certified for a maximum flight ceiling of 45,000 feet, and is expected to have a maximum speed of 435 knots, a full fuel payload of 1,000 pounds and maximum payload of 2,100 pounds.

DayJet Scale’s Back Operations with Significant Layoffs

Boca Raton, Fla.-based DayJet Services LLC president and CEO Ed Iacobucci emailed Industry Headline News, saying, "Given your longstanding interest in DayJet, I wanted to personally provide an update and some perspective on recent developments at the company."

[Editor's note inserted at 9:07 p.m. PDT: Late on May 6, Mr. Iacobucci gave an in-depth interview; he answered hard-hitting questions and shared what DayJet's future holds for 2008. Of the 260 people that were employed by DayJet, 100 people were laid off; however, Iacobucci said that DayJet's air charter operations will continue. In our next report, you'll find out how DayJet's fleet of Eclipse 500 jets will be used and much more. We'll publish this report as quickly as possible. But here's a hint: "We're far from dead," Iacobucci said. "This isn't a situation I'd hoped for, but there's a valley of opportunities ahead; we have the people, the talent and the will..."] 

Key Air Building Sleek FBO at ANE Airport

Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE), roughly 10 miles away from the central business district of Minneapolis, owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, will soon have a new, fixed base operation--Key Air LLC. Headquartered at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC) in Connecticut, the company runs an air charter and aircraft management business. Key Air's sister company at OXC, Keystone Aviation Services LLC is a full-service FBO. 

"Key Air will invest more than $20 million for the new facilities at Anoka, inclusive of our 35-year lease," says Brad Kost, president and CEO of Key Air and CEO of Keystone. The groundbreaking ceremony at ANE took place in mid-April.

PlaneSmart Aviation Media Rep Becomes CEO and President

Yesterday, Texas-based PlaneSmart Aviation LLC announced that Michael Brosler, the company's former marketing/media representative, has replaced Jeffery Cullen as president and CEO. Cullen, who founded the fractional-share management company for pilots in 2004, has accepted the position of vice president of strategic development at Neo Ventures LLC, PA's venture capital partner.

PlaneSmart, using a fleet of Cirrus SR22 and G3 single-engine, piston-powered planes, rents and sells shares of aircraft to pilots. However, the company plans to expand operations in United States, adding different makes of aircraft and possibly getting into the growing air taxi market. 

Eos Airlines Files Bankruptcy

We re reported on April 21, Eos Airlines claimed a private shareholder agreed to invest  $50 million, which Eos said "would take the company into 2009." However, Eos filed for Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on April 26. Eos is letting most personnel go. It said operations would end after April 27. Oddly, the company asked if Eos' Adam Komack, chief lifestyle officer, could do a follow-up interview on April 25 with CharterX Industry Headline News. So much for the company touting its success--a one-of-a-kind service it promised to continue. The company had just begun offering ad hoc charter on one of its Boeing 757s, to compete against private aviation operators. 

In a statement, Jack Williams, Eos' president and CEO, said, "unfortunately, just as we were working toward closing on an investment that would have carried us to corporate profitability in 2009, some issues arose that we could not overcome. It's regrettable that, even though investors continue to be enthusiastic about our business model, and even though we had a term sheet in hand, we were unable to close on the financing we needed. That leaves us with insufficient cash on hand to continue operations."

Cessna Aircraft Rolls Out First Production Citation XLS+

Today, Wichita, Kan.-based Cessna Aircraft Company rolled out its first production Citation XLS+ model. Priced at $11.595 million, the twin-engine jet will follow the tradition of the Excel and XLS' stand-up cabin. The upgrade to the Excel/XLS features Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics; it also has electronically controlled full authority digital engine controls (FADEC) from Pratt & Whitney Canada. Exterior and interior restyling has also been integrated into the new model. Similar to the Citation X and Sovereign models, the aircraft will have an extended contour nose and expanded seat widths. 

"The XLS+ can seat up to 12 passengers, but normal seating would accommodate nine passengers,"  Doug Oliver said, Cessna's director of corporate communication. As for how many orders Cessna has obtained for the XLS+, Oliver said the company isn't releasing that information at present. 

Senate Votes 88-0 Private Jet Fuel Hike Funds FAA

On April 27, CharterX Industry Headline News reported that it was likely that the United States Senate was likely to vote on Federal Aviation Administration funding on April 28, which happened in an 88-0 vote [yes, some Senate folks were missing], to move a FAA funding bill closer to the desk of President George W. Bush, who will be forced to veto or to sign a final bill--soon. Today's vote centered on FAA reauthorization funding, long overdue, which would fund the agency through Sept. 30, 2011.

Senate Leaders OK Private Turbine Aircraft Fuel Hike

Senators Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., chairman of the Senate aviation subcommittee, late Friday came to an agreement not to impose aviation user fees to fund the Federal Aviation Administration. The deal made calls for general aviation turbine aircraft fuel taxes to increase to 36 cents per gallon from the current 21.8 cents per gallon. However, GA gasoline, which is used in piston-powered planes, is expected to remain at the current price of 19.3 cents per gallon. "Airline passenger fees and taxes wouldn't rise," Rockefeller said.

Because Rockefeller and Baucus haven't agreed on Senate bills to fund and modernize the nation's air traffic control system, it's taken seven months to reach an agreement. On Sept. 20, the House passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, which called for increased passenger airline ticket tax fees and increasing GA fuel excise taxes.

Eclipse Aviation Critic Blogger Fights Eclipse Aviation Subpoena

After Shane Price, owner of Eclipse Aviation Critic NG blog was notified by Google's legal department it had been subpoenaed by Eclipse Aviation for production of the blog's business records, to expose the identities of 29 people, he said he was shocked. Price, of Dublin, Ireland, who works in the publishing business isn't listed on the subpoena. New Mexico-based Eclipse, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 very light jet, claims that bloggers have harmed its business. About six months ago the blog went dead; its founder decided to stop hosting the site. Before Price revived the site, posters had temporally joined forces with another site. 

When asked why he decided to host the site, Price replied to CharterX Industry Headline News, "I found the site by accident." "Although I'm not in aviation, and I'm busy with my own business affairs, I smelled a rat--Vern Raburn [Eclipse CEO]. After I saw how he [Raburn] treated his employees, suppliers and customers, I realized that these bloggers needed their home back." 

Embraer Phenom 300 Jet Maiden Flight Due Soon

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, said its twin-engine, nine-place Phenom 300 light jet is slated for first flight in mid-2008. Currently, its second aircraft is being assembled at the company's Gavião Peixoto plant in São Paulo. The first Phenom 300 was assembled on April 12; 10 months after the Phenom 100 very light jet rolled out of the hangar, which is due to enter service in mid-2008.

More than 400 engineers were commissioned to work on the Phenom 300 program. Using a state-of-the-art paperless design process, Embraer said its high-tech platform enabled efficient integration of more than 50 suppliers, serial production tooling for the first plane and fully digital quality assurance. "The Phenom 300, with its premium comfort, best-in-class performance and low operating cost, will set a new standard for the light jet category," said Luís Carlos Affonso, executive vice president of Embraer Executive Jets, a division of the company's commercial airline unit.

Eos Airlines Woos Corporate Fliers Biting Private Aviation

For an airline like Eos that managed to scoop up private financing from venture capital firms in 2004, such as Golden Gate Capital, Sutter Hill Ventures and Maveron, led by Dave Spurlock, founder and chief commercial officer of Eos, it was a remarkable achievement. Today, such capital has dried up like the Mojave Desert, especially for a commercial airline. But Eos, to keep afloat its un-airline-like service, abundant with gourmet meals served on china and fine wines or five-star cocktails served, and even providing its passengers with "cozy sleepwear," it turned to a private shareholder for $50 million.

Cece Drummond, spokesperson for Eos, told CharterX Industry Headline News, "We can't name the private investor who agreed to the ‘term sheet' investment, but this will take us into 2009. "We own seven Boeing 757s that are currently in service. The average age of the aircraft ranges from 13 - to 15 years. Our aircraft, consisting of a 48-seat/bed for each passenger (21square feet of personal space) has been completely refurbished and configured to do so. We also charter, meaning that an individual can charter the whole aircraft." However, due to time restraints going to press, Drummond didn't readily have private air charter pricing available.

NTSB Says General Aviation Accidents Up But Fatalities Down

The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary aviation accident statistics for 2007. The agency reported that there were 113 more general aviation accidents in 2007; 1,518 were reported in 2006. However, the number of GA fatalities decreased by 30 percent; 703 fatalities were reported in 2006 compared to 491 last year, marking the lowest annual total in more than 40 years.

AAI Closed Adam Aircraft Deal

Jan D'Angelo, who oversees marketing, sales and customer support for AAI Acquisition Inc., told CharterX Industry Headline News, "It's a done deal; the actual changing of money happened today. AAI closed on the Adam Aircraft bankruptcy bid of $10 million. This is a great achievement on AAI's part as well as all of our dedicated employees. This was a true team effort; everyone worked so hard to make this happen."

On April 9, Colorado's bankruptcy court approved AAI to purchase the assets of defunct Adam Aircraft Industries Inc., which had filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Feb. 15. Before Adam's filing, the company was in the process of conducting flight tests on the A700, a twin-engine very light jet. Earlier, it had earned Federal Aviation Administration certification on the A500, a twin piston-powered plane.

NATCA Says Unqualified Watch Supervisor Worked FAA Tower

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association accused the Federal Aviation Administration of looking the other way on safety, after an agency manager worked in an airport tower as an uncertified operations supervisor in charge (OSIC). The incident occurred on April 10 at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, N.H. Mike Robicheau, NATCA New England regional vice president, said Robert Locke, an FAA manager, "not a certified air traffic controller," had no business working as a watch supervisor.  

Robicheau said because one controller became ill, it left the tower understaffed without a qualified supervisor.

Embraer Focuses on Business Jets

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, said deliveries of its Phenom 100, a very light jet, is on target for mid-2008 deliveries, which is good news for the emerging air taxi market in both the United States and elsewhere. The airframer said it plans to deliver up to 15 VLJs to start with. The company's Phenom 300, a slightly larger jet, is due to enter service in mid-2009.

Embraer recently announced it would produce more clean-sheet designed business aircraft--the MSJ (midsize) and the MLJ (mid light). Both aircraft will be able to accommodate up to 10 passengers. The MSJ will have a 3,000-natucal-mile range; the MLJ will have 2,300. The airplanes are expected to accommodate seating for up to 10 passengers. 

Russian Company Acquires Adam Aircraft’s Assets

Today, Colorado's bankruptcy court OK'd AAI Acquisition Inc., a new company filed in Delaware, to purchase assets of defunct Adam Aircraft Industries Inc., which was in the process of flight testing its all-composite, twin-engine Adam A700 very light jet. Before Adam filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Feb. 15, it had certified its A500, a twin piston-powered aircraft. Dmitry Shokhin, vice president of AAI, said, "The purchase price was $10 million plus amounts due under the contracts assumed by the purchaser. We plan to revive Adam's operations [at Centennial Airport (APA) in Englewood, Colo.], including continuing the process of certification for the A700. These aircraft offer comparable or better speed, range, cabin volume and payload than its competitors, but are priced at the low-end of the peer set."

Russian-owned Industrial Investors is an equity asset management company, overseeing assets of more than $3 billion, which is the parent company of AAI. The company said that has expertise in transportation projects.

Cessna OK’s $780 Million Columbus Jet Investment in Kansas

Although several states wooed the Cessna Aircraft Company with incentives to build its new $27 million Columbus jet, the largest aircraft in the company's history, the state of Kansas, Cessna's home, won the airframer's heart. Saturday, the aircraft manufacturer announced it would build a new plant in Wichita, investing $780 million into its Columbus project.

Saturday's announcement came after the Kansas Senate vote on April 2, which agreed to provide up to $150 million for businesses involved in aviation development, research, engineering and manufacturing. Cessna will have access to $33 million in bonds as part of the bill to secure its stand-alone facility. Governor Kathleen Sebelius is expected to sign the bill right away, as she's endorsed Cessna's project. The state hopes to lure other planemakers with its new incentives.

Safety Inspectors Say FAA Airline Oversight Has Gone Awry

Kori Blalock Keller, spokesperson for the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), told CharterX Headline Industry News that the process for which Federal Aviation Administration safety inspectors are forced to abide by to inspect commercial airlines is hindered by "red tape favoring the airlines." PASS represents more than 11,000 employees of the FAA and the Department of Defense.

The heat was turned up on the FAA questioning its ability to keep passengers safe after low-fare Southwest Airlines was fined $10.2 million [which the airline is contesting], after a whistleblower brought attention to the airline for allowing numerous Boeing 737s to fly without being inspected for cracks in the plane's fuselages. Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Rep. James Oberstar, is hearing an earful from several aviation stakeholders regarding the FAA's approach to oversee airline safety.  

Recycled VIP Bombardier CRJ-200s Headed to Macau

Dubai-based Project Phoenix has acquired its first used Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet, which it will convert into a luxury, 15-seat VIP plane. The aircraft, a Project Phoenix spokesperson told CharterX Industry Headline News, was manufactured in 1997, tail number N624BR. After PP's contractors complete the plane's prince-like transformation, Macau-based Jet Asia will use it for executive air charter. The territory of Macau, one of two administrative regions of the People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong, has made its livelihood in textiles, electronics, toys, and has catered to tourism--offering up glistening resorts, hotels, restaurants and casinos.

Diamond Aircraft’s D-Jet Engine Swap and DA42 Ice Certification

More than two weeks have passed since Diamond Aircraft announced it switched the D-Jet's Williams FJ33-4A turbofan engine for the new, higher-thrust FJ33-4A-19. Canada-based Diamond said that the larger engine has a 1,900-pound nominal thrust versus the current 1,564. Heike Larson, Diamond's vice president of sales and marking, told Industry Headline News, "The higher-thrust engine option won't be available right away; we're not releasing pricing on that feature right now." 

When was asked how the new engine would affect the D-Jet's 1,350-nacutical-mile range as well as other specifications, Larson replied, "The D-Jet will be delivered meeting or exceeding its current specifications. We'll post a company press release soon. However, customers have limited time--early April--to order the D-Jet before we announce a price increase."

TAG London Farnborough Airport Doubles Weekend Traffic

Although general aviation business jet deliveries are up in the United Kingdom, government policy makers have been sluggish in supporting private aviation infrastructure and capacity growth. TAG London Farnborough Airport (EGLF), the U.K.'s only dedicated GA airport, has appealed to its government for years, pleading for increased aircraft movements. Recently, EGLF was given permission to double its weekend aircraft movements to 5,000--accounting for all landings and takeoffs. However, the airport is still limited to 28,000 movements annually.

Prior to March 14, EGLF was restricted to 2,500 weekend slots. EGLF won its appeal for increased weekend traffic after the government overturned a decision by the Rushmoor Borough Council denying increased movements in June 2006. EGLF was losing money; it was forced to turn away business on weekends and on bank holidays.

Chicago Executive Airport OK’s Brigadoon Aviation Project

Wheeling, Ill.-based Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) gave the green light to Brigadoon Aviation LLC to begin building its new five-acre facility this year. Ken Ross, president of Brigadoon, says the facility is more like a private club with first-rate aviation amenities. "Brigadoon will take up about 75,000 square feet of building space," says Ross, who's also president and CEO of air charter operator North American Jet Charter Group LLC. "The new building will have two 25,000-square-foot hangars and about 25,000 square feet of terminal and office space."

Ross said he's raised in excess of $10.1 million for Brigadoon's five-acre development, inclusive of parking facilities. The project, located at the east end of airport, is due to break ground in mid-2008 with occupancy by the end of 2009.    

NBAA Opposes Rhode Island Eliminating Aircraft Sales Tax Exemption

According to the National Business Aviation Association, Rhode Island is joining Massachusetts and New York in its effort to eliminate the aircraft sales tax exemption. Representing more than 8,000 member companies that rely on general aviation, Washington, D.C.-based NBAA argues that reinstating the sales/use tax will damage Rhode Island-based businesses. Such action, contends the organization, would be a step backward for aviation.

More FlightSafety Aviation Simulators Used Worldwide

FlightSafety International Inc., headquartered in New York, announced Friday that the Federal Aviation Administration qualified its first Gulfstream G450/550 interchangeable flight simulator to level D. The simulator is located at FlightSafety's Learning Center in Long Beach, Calif., which also offers training for pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians of Gulfstream models II, III and IV. The simulator is equipped with the company's electric motion and control loading technology.

More than 75,000 pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals train at FSI facilities each year. The company designs and manufactures simulators for civil and military aircraft programs and operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-motion simulators at 43 training locations.                                 

Gulfstream Unveils New $58.5 Million G650 Business Jet

Savannah, Ga.-based Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced it would manufacture a clean-sheet design of its new business jet, the G650. With first deliveries of the twin-engine jet beginning in 2012,  a Gulfstream spokesperson told Industry Headline News that the "initial price of the G650 in 2012 is priced at $58.5 million; in 2013, the price jumps to $59.5 million." The Gulfstream spokesperson said the company isn't releasing information on how much money is required for a deposit on the new jet or how many deposits the company has secured thus far for its G650.  

Based on the aircraft's delivery schedule, Gulfstream is confident that its new jet will have full type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and "validation" by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) in 2011. According to Gulfstream, the G650 is capable of flying 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 or 5,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.90. The plane maker said that its advanced aerodynamic design would enable the jet to reach a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925, making it the fastest civil aircraft.

Athena Technologies Says We’ll Fly on Planes Without Pilots

Can you imagine flying on a private business jet or a commercial airliner without pilots at the controls? For David Vos, founder and CEO of Warrenton, Va.-based Athena Technologies Inc., he not only imagines that scenario, but is also pushing that technology. Announced last week, Rockwell Collins Inc. (NYSE: COL) will acquire Athena, a privately held company. Financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close in nearly 30 days, with Athena remaining in Virginia.

Established in 1998, Athena primarily develops and provides flight control and navigation systems to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market segment. Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Rockwell Collins is widely known for designing and producing aviation electronics.

Lufthansa Orders Four Additional Jets From Cessna

Wichita, Kan.-based Cessna Aircraft Company said on Friday that Lufthansa Private Jet, subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, has purchased four Citation business jets. Valued at $40 million, based on list prices, the order is comprised of two CJ3s and two XLS+ aircraft.

UK-based Gama Holdings Acquires PrivatAir US Unit

For an undisclosed sum, Gama Holdings Ltd., part of the Gama Group, based at Farnborough Airport (EGLF) in the UK, acquired U.S.-based PrivatAir Inc., a subsidiary of Swiss-based PrivatAir Group. Per the Feb. 29 acquisition, Gama's U.S.-based unit has been renamed Gama Aviation Inc. "Although part of deal includes Gama owning 25 percent of Flight Services Group Inc., an air charter operator, 75 percent is owned by a U.S. company--a mix of U.S. entities," said David Edwards, general manager of Gama Aviation. Edwards said he was not at liberty to disclose the names of U.S. entities that own the majority of FSG.

GA picks up where PAI left off; both GA and FSG are headquartered at Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Stratford, Conn., with the same offices and aircraft bases at Florida's Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and Norwich Lt. Warren Eaton Airport (OIC) in New York.

US Senate Pushed to Pass FAA Reauthorization