May 20, 2009

By The AVweb Editorial Staff

Has Zulu Changed Your Mind? If so, we'd sure like to hear your story. Just go to the Zulu Change Your Mind web site and fill us in between now and the end of May, and we may post it on our web site. Plus — We'll give you another possible way to share your Zulu experience: All stories will be entered in a drawing for a free headset. Win, and you could make a passenger very happy. For the details, go to ZuluChangeYourMind.com. FAA, Controllers Back at the Table — With Help back to top  NATCA Deal Guaranteed A collective agreement covering the FAA's air traffic controllers could be in place in early June. The National Association of Air Traffic Controllers announced Tuesday that formal mediated talks between the union and the agency began Monday. Former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey will lead the mediation panel, which also includes Richard Bloch and George Cohen, both experienced mediators. "One of my highest priorities, since coming to DOT, has been to resolve this issue," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said when he announced Garvey's appointment. An agreement will be reached one way or another because the mediation panel has been directed by both sides to make binding recommendations on any issues not settled in negotiations. A media blackout has been imposed for the duration of the talks. Controllers have been working under conditions imposed when contract talks reached an impasse three years ago. The imposed rules were met with bitter resentment by many experienced controllers who opted for early retirement. But as the last federal election drew nearer and the winds of political change were felt, the situation calmed and the associated rhetoric also dropped off. Fly with Bose® Aviation Headset X® Enjoy an unmatched combination of full-spectrum noise reduction, clearer audio, and comfortable fit. Voted the #1 headset for the eighth consecutive year in Professional Pilot's 2008 Headset Preference Survey. Learn more and order. Quote reprinted with permission: Professional Pilot, 2008 Headset Preference Survey, 12/08. Repairs and Reauthorization back to top  ARSA Rallies Members On Reauthorization The Aeronautical Repair Station Association has issued a call to members to get on the phone, fax machine and e-mail to press their congressional representatives for a change in the FAA reauthorization bill that could affect U.S. repair stations that work on European aircraft. According to ARSA, the bill "will severely damage the competitive balance enjoyed by domestic repair stations that work on European registered aircraft." The current version of the bill would require foreign repair stations that work on U.S. airplanes to submit to twice-a-year inspections by the FAA using FAA rules. ARSA says the European Union has already said that if the measure passes it will retaliate and that likely means an end to the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) that is now in force. "Under the BASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and individual E.U. member states conduct oversight inspections of FAA certificated facilities in Europe according to FAA guidelines and the FAA conducts oversight inspections of EASA certificated repair stations in the U.S. according to EASA guidelines," ARSA says. "The agreement was signed after years of assessments regarding the aviation safety requirements and capabilities of the aviation authorities in Europe and the effectiveness and proven performance of three individual agreements on repair stations that the U.S. currently has in place with France, Ireland, and Germany." If that deal collapses it means Europe will send inspectors to the U.S. to conduct its own inspections under European rules and the delays, paperwork and general nuisance will likely mean lost business on both sides of the pond. ARSA says a fix is simple. The legislation requires a single line affirming that international agreements will be upheld. Adding that line will not affect the intent of the rule, which is to ensure proper oversight of foreign repair stations whose standards might not be up to FAA standards. More than 50 member of Congress have signed on to make the fix but that's far from a majority and ARSA says more need to be on board. It says the groundswell of support is needed by Wednesday to have an impact. Business Aviation Will Help Companies Not Only Survive But Prosper During the Current Financial Crisis To be your most productive, and your most efficient, you must keep flying. Because in so doing, you will emerge from these times even stronger than before. And you will replace the uncertainty that surrounds many, with the confidence and courage to light the way for all. Visit CessnaRise.com. Executive Comes to Thailand back to top  Phuket Gets First Exec FBO Airports of Thailand (AOT) has given the go ahead for Bangkok-based ASA Group to develop Thailand's first world-class fixed base operation at Phuket International Airport. The move is a clear indication that the country has overcome its recent troubles when demonstrators seized control of Bangkok's International Suvarnabhumi Airport. Flights were suspended, leaving at least 3,000 passengers stranded. The state-of-the-art terminal and business center will accommodate the swelling ranks of VIP visitors to Thailand each year and is expected to be operational by the end of summer. "We handle so many private flights into both Bangkok and Phuket and it is apparent that the time is right to cater for our growing client base of VIP visitors, who presently have nowhere in the airport to go once they disembark," said ASA CEO Simon Wagstaff. ASA also recently opened an office in Dubai. "We have several Middle East clients who regularly fly into Thailand and they are used to high standards of service. We are delighted to be able to offer this to them going forward," he said. The FBO will offer aircraft operators, their passengers and aircrew a range of professional FBO services for business and private flights, including tailored solutions for VIP, diplomatic and large-aircraft operations. Phuket International Airport is the most important gateway to Thailand's premier tourist region. Last year AOT announced that it would inject 5 billion baht into the expansion of Phuket to bring its capacity up to 11.5 million passengers by the year 2016 – an increase of 77% over current capacity. ASA will also offer VIP security services, non-scheduled business aircraft charter services, concierge services, over-flight and landing clearances, in-flight catering, aircraft marshalling, parking, fuel, aircraft valet, hangarage, security, customs and immigration, passenger and baggage handling, limousine transfers and hotel accommodation. Piper Meridian — Exhilarating Piper Meridian. Power. Pure and simple. Relax in business jet luxury with turbine simplicity for 30% less than any comparable six-place turbine-powered aircraft. Click here for more information on the Piper Meridian. Announced at the EBACE Conference back to top  ATR Launches Corporate Models ATR launched ATR Corporate at EBACE. According to sales director Milco Rappuoli the company is still working on a name for the new aircraft. The move came about because several airlines are already using the regional turboprop as a convertible from VIP to shuttle or medevac. Last year the OEM sold a VIP variant to a customer in Azerbaijan. According to the company, the turboprop has terrain advantages over jets. "We can reach 25% more airports compared to a corporate jet," Rappuoli said. The EADS and Alenia joint venture has already proved popular with the Thai air force, which is using it as a head-of-state aircraft. The VIP version costs $17 million. "It makes economic sense," said Rappuoli. "Because of the airframe it can be converted back to a passenger or cargo aircraft for relatively little cost to meet the particular needs of the customer, so the asset value remains high." Executive Service In Lebanon Austria's Tyrolean Jet Services (TJS) announced at EBACE that it has joined forces with Lebanese company Clear Sky to offer executive air services in the Middle East. The new company will be called Clearsky Tyrolean Jet Services CTS) and operate out of Beirut. CTS will offer charter and aircraft management services and plans to open an FBO at a later date. CTS will base a 14-seat Dornier 328 jet in Beirut from June 2009 and aims to expand its fleet throughout the Middle East. Basil Al-Rahim, founder of MerchantBridge, which owns Clear Sky, says: "The Middle East executive market is still in its infancy when compared to developed markets and notwithstanding the current challenging global and regional environment, offers important growth opportunities in the medium term. We are pleased to have teamed up with TJS to better serve this market." Put AeroExpo Europe - Prague and AeroExpo Europe - London on Your Show Schedule AeroExpo Europe - Prague (May 22-24, 2009) will showcase everything from ultralights to helicopters to business aircraft in the heart of Europe, marketing to the European and emerging Eastern European and Russian markets. AeroExpo Europe - London (June 12-14, 2009) includes aircraft from light aircraft, pistons, and turboprops through to VLJs (very light jets) and all parts and services for these general aviation aircraft. Go online for exhibitor and attendee details. AIG Says FAA Missing Safety Opportunities back to top  Report Critiques FAA Oversight Of Aviation Safety Action Program The FAA is not making good use of the benefits that could be provided by the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), according to a report by the Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General that was released this week. "ASAP, as currently implemented, is a missed opportunity for FAA to enhance the national margin of safety," the OIG report says. The program allows airline employees to report safety violations to their employers and to the FAA without fear of reprisal. To realize the full benefits of ASAP, the FAA needs to clarify which incidents should be excluded from the program and emphasize to employees that ASAP is not an amnesty program, the OIG said. The agency also should develop a central database of ASAP reports and use it for trend analysis. "While ASAP is a potentially valuable safety tool, we found that FAA's ineffective implementation and inadequate guidance have allowed inconsistent use and potential abuse of the program," the report says. Currently, 73 airlines participate in ASAP, which has been a thorny issue between airlines and pilot unions. American and Delta dropped out of the program last year after union leaders complained that pilots who voluntarily disclosed problems were unfairly punished. Comair, which had also dropped out, rejoined last week. "Reinstating this important program reaffirms Comair's commitment to continue developing a strong safety culture," said Comair President John Bendoraitis. "Programs such as ASAP are designed to help provide a safe and reliable work environment for our employees and travel experience for our passengers." Aircraft Financing Available Purchasing an aircraft but wondering about available financing? AirFleet Capital is dedicated exclusively to aircraft and has flexible financing programs available to meet your needs for new and used aircraft. From Light Sport to Light Jet, please call (800) 390-4324 or visit us online for a quote today! Taking the Show on the Road back to top  AVweb Fiddling Around America There's nothing like a little barnstorming to revive the aviator's soul, and when it involves a vintage DC-3 we can't think of a better way to pass the time. Watch AVweb starting May 25 for daily video blogs from Editor-in-Chief Russ Niles as he goes low and slow with Dan Gryder in the fabulous 1938 Herpa Douglas DC-3 for an unscripted tour of America. We know we'll be in Huntsville, Ala. (3M5 - a 2,100-foot grass strip) on the evening of May 23 and at Gaston's White River Resort (3M0) in northern Arkansas for the weekend of May 30. All are invited. In between those dates, we could be anywhere — including your home airport! Join Russ, Dan, champion fiddler Jeff Pritchard, and the DC-3 crew as they rumble in and play bluegrass music at unsuspecting GA airports during the 2,500 nm journey. Watch for reports at www.AVweb.com and for instructions on how you can follow along, chat with the DC-3 crew live in flight (courtesy of Verizon Wireless), and join the fun! Corporate Aviation Management Certificate with Embry-Riddle and the NBAA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers the most comprehensive Corporate Aviation Management Certificate program approved by the NBAA Professional Development Program (PDP) for the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM). For details, visit Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's web site at ERAU.edu/camc. Opinion & Commentary back to top  AVweb Insider Blog: Was Buffalo Disaster a Glimpse of the Future? The NTSB hearing into the crash of a Colgan Air Dash-8 Q400 in Buffalo in February has raised a lot of questions for AVweb editor Mary Grady, specifically with regard to the readiness of cockpit staff in regional airliners. If a faulty process is to blame, could the Colgan crash be a forerunner for more to come? Read more in the latest installment of the AVweb Insider blog. Read more. AVweb Insider Blog: The Power of GPS Confidence Our sister publication, IFR magazine, talks a lot about GPS and position awareness, but IFR Editor-in-Chief Jeff Van West admits there's another aspect they don't talk about so much. Jeff calls it "position confidence," and over on the AVweb Insider blog, he explains how doubt in the cockpit can cause confusion and delay, but removing the doubt can open the door to a whole new way of dealing with ATC. Read more. Aircraft Ownership and Partnership Is the cost of flying keeping you on the ground? Explore your options with these money-saving books. Each offers expert guidance on prices, real-world operating expenses, cutting the costs of ownership, and renting vs. owning vs. partnerships vs. leasebacks — including pitfalls to avoid, paperwork, sample agreements, tax tips, financing and insurance, and updated owner maintenance procedures. Check out these and other books at AVwebBooks.com. AVweb Media: Look, Listen, Laugh and Learn back to top  Exclusive Video: Cessna Mustang Demo Flight — Is It Really as Easy to Fly as a Skyhawk? Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos Almost. In this post-Sun 'n Fun video, AVweb reports that the Mustang's control forces and basic systems are so close to those of a heavy single or light twin that any moderately experienced pilot should be able to check out in it without breaking a sweat. And at 340 knots for 1,100 miles, we could get used to it, thanks. Don't see a video screen? Try disabling ad blockers and refreshing this page. If that doesn't work, click here to download the video directly. Want to see more shots of the Transition in flight? You can view the raw video footage here. Video Marketplace Spotlight Bose® Aviation Headset X®: Intelligent Power Handling Intelligent Power Handling: See how AdaptiSense® headset circuitry helps preserve battery life. Click here to watch the video (and discover other great products) at AVweb's Video Marketplace. Economic Challenges Call for Proven Advertising Results — AVweb Delivers Results Since 1995, AVweb has been the most comprehensive no-cost aviation site online. Advertisers reach over 255,000 pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation professionals via a unique and effective combination of newsletter text messages and web site banner ads. Links send readers directly to advertisers' web sites for instant information. Click now for details on AVweb's cost-effective programs. Who's Where back to top  Godin Moves to Remos Ken Godin Ken Godin, the former national sales director for Flight Design, was named North American sales and service manager for Remos. Who's Where? You Tell Us Get a promotion or a new job? Your colleagues want to know about it, and AVwebBiz can get the word out. Drop us a line about the staff appointment, with a nice recent photo, and we'll do our best to include it in our new section, "Who's Where." The items will be permanently archived on AVweb for future reference, too. Knowledge Is Power; Knowledge Is Also a Safety Factor When Flying IFR The IFR environment is constantly changing. You need to keep informed. IFR Refresher is the publication for you if you're serious about flying IFR. No other publication can help maintain your IFR flying and decision-making skills. Order your subscription online for savings from the regular rate. The Top Reporter on Our Crack Staff ... Is You! back to top  AVweb's Newstips Address ... Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something 200,000 pilots might want to know about, tell us. Submit news tips via email to newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best part. Names Behind the News back to top  Meet the AVwebBiz Team AVwebBiz is a weekly summary of the latest business aviation news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service. The AVwebBiz team is: Publisher Timothy Cole Editorial Director, Aviation Publications Paul Bertorelli Editor-in-Chief Russ Niles Contributing Editors Mary Grady Glenn Pew Features Editor Kevin Lane-Cummings Webmaster Scott Simmons Contributors Jeff van West Click here to send a letter to the editor. (Please let us know if your letter is not intended for publication.) Comments or questions about the news should be sent here. Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team. If you're having trouble reading this newsletter in its HTML-rich format (or if you'd prefer a lighter, simpler format for your PDA or handheld device), there's also a text-only version of AVwebBiz. For complete instructions on making the switch, click here. Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.