November 24, 2010

By The AVweb Editorial Staff

Looking for the Perfect Gift for Your Favorite Pilot? (Maybe You?) Just visit any Lightspeed Aviation dealer between now and December 24 and receive $50 off the retail price of any Lightspeed headset. Not only will this be a happy holiday; this is the gift that will keep on giving on every future flight. For more information about all Lightspeed Aviation headsets, go to LightspeedAviation.com. AVflash! TSA Sorts Pax, Pilots, and Personnel back to top  Sponsor Announcement Flight Attendants Exempted From Scanners Flight attendants have also been exempted from random full-body scanner checks, the TSA announced Tuesday. Last week, the TSA said pilots didn't need to pass through the scanners unless they set off the metal detector. Exemption from the routine scanner examinations also means flight attendants and pilots will not undergo the controversial pat-down procedures introduced earlier this month. Meanwhile, the Obama administration has asked the TSA if it can modify its security procedures to dampen passenger backlash to the new rules and TSA Administrator John Pistole says they'll look at it, but not in time for the busy Thanksgiving rush. Pistole has released a video offering tips to passengers to get through security expeditiously. And while there are fears that so-called "opt-out" protests by passengers refusing to use the scanners might disrupt travel on Wednesday, it's more likely the weather will cause more problems. From high winds in the northeast to unseasonable cold in the Pacific Northwest, airports across much of the country are bracing for challenging weather over the holiday period. Winds could reach 50 mph in Boston while an Arctic air mass from Canada is expected to collide with warm, moist air from the Gulf and spread snow, sleet and freezing rain across the country's midsection. Looking for the Best Aviation Apps for Your iPad? Sporty's App Store is the place to find apps for pilots that really work — for iPhone, iPad and Android. Whether it's the ultimate pre-flight planning app, video training apps or an E6B flight computer app, Sporty's has the best. New ones are added weekly, so watch Sportys.com/apps for the latest! Probable Cause in Dreamliner Fire? back to top  Loose Tool Caused 787 Fire: Report Boeing and its relevant subcontractors are not commenting on a report from France that a tool left in an electrical cabinet led to a fire onboard a 787 test aircraft two weeks ago. The fire, which forced an emergency landing and halted the test program, occurred on a test flight in Texas. On Monday, La Tribune reported that an unspecified tool had been left in the cabinet by mistake and caused a short circuit, which sparked the fire. If confirmed, the scenario is potentially less damaging to the program than if the fire was the result of a design fault, but La Tribune said the incident still raises issues about the aircraft. Quoting unnamed sources, the newspaper says the problem in one electrical cabinet spread to a second bay and that meant the crew had to use emergency backups to land. Shortly after the fire, Boeing suspended the test program indefinitely. Blood, Sweat & Years Avemco® Insurance Company's rock-solid financial strength has earned them an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best for over 30 years. That means you can get the protection you want at a time when you need it more than ever! Learn more. British Official's New Embraer back to top  First Legacy 650 Delivered Embraer has delivered the first Legacy 650 to a British entrepreneur and member of the House of Lords. Lord Sugar, who says he travels about 300 hours a year on business, said the long-range capability of the new aircraft was a major attraction. He owned a Legacy 600 before buying the 650. The 650 was certified in Europe and Brazil in October and FAA certification is imminent. The 650 is a derivative of the popular Legacy 600, and additional range is its main selling point. It has a beefed-up wing and landing gear, allowing higher landing and takeoff weights to accommodate the extra fuel needed for a 3,900-nm range with four passengers. The 650 also has updated systems, including a Honeywell Primus avionics package and a new cabin-management system. Lord Sugar's airplane is configured for a maximum of 13 pax. PiperJet Altaire — Efficiency, Meet Performance PiperJet Altaire. It has always been in a class of one: the only single-engine business jet with a combined speed, range and payload that outperforms the twin-engine jets in its class. Best of all, the PiperJet Altaire still costs significantly less to operate per hour than comparable current-production VLJ aircraft. Click here to find out more about the PiperJet Altaire. A&P NPRM Raises Eyebrows at AEA, NBAA back to top  Proposed A&P Changes Cause Concern The FAA says it wants to change the way it evaluates applications for inspector authorizations, imposing what the NBAA called "a significant change" to the long-established practices for IA qualifications. In a "notice of proposed policy" published earlier this month, the FAA said it wants to clarify the term "actively engaged" for the purpose of reviewing applications and renewals for inspector authorization. The current rules require that an applicant must have been "actively engaged" for at least two years in maintaining aircraft in accordance with FAA regulations. The proposed policy would establish that "actively engaged" means "employed full-time in inspecting, overhauling, repairing, preserving, or replacing parts on aircraft." Anyone who does that kind of work only part-time or occasionally would be evaluated on an individual basis. The NBAA said that in the past, FAA officials allowed IAs who don't work directly with aircraft to renew their authorization after complying with an annual eight-hour training requirement, which does not seem to be allowed in the new proposal. The Aircraft Electronics Association also expressed concern about the proposed change, saying it is a "flawed policy." The proposal would affect those who are in senior management positions with corporate flight departments, repair stations and air carriers who are not exercising their A&P privileges on a regular basis, the AEA said. The AEA also noted that the proposal would exempt FAA employees. If the proposal becomes policy, it will take effect in March 2011. 3rd International Conference about Risk Management to Be Held in Dubai Following the success of this conference in London and Dublin, the third Risk Management and Practical Solutions conference will be held in Dubai on December 6. This event will focus on legal issues of aircraft repossession, executing asset recovery, and the Isle of Man as an international finance center. It is a unique networking opportunity for banks, lease companies and operators with aviation assets. Register now and join the debate. Georgia Dem Joins Graves as GA Caucus Chairs back to top  New Leadership For GA Caucus U.S. Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., will serve as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus when Congress reconvenes in January, it was announced this week. He will share the chairmanship with Sam Graves, R-Mo., who was named earlier this month. The two will replace Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., who is retiring, and Allen Boyd, D-Fla., who failed to win re-election. The new choices have won support from GA advocacy groups. "Congressman Barrow is very familiar with the essential role business aviation has in promoting job creation," said Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association. "His congressional district includes Savannah, Georgia, which is home to Gulfstream, a major business aircraft manufacturer, and is also a base of operation for companies whose business model depends on access to general aviation airplanes." The caucus is only a year old, but it's one of the largest in the House, with more than 120 members. The aim of the group is to inform members and staff about the importance of GA to the national economy and transportation system. A top priority is to push for passage of a proper funding bill for the FAA. According to the NBAA, it's expected that the Senate GA Caucus will continue to be led by Senators Mark Begich, D-Alaska, and Mike Johanns, R-Neb. Rediscover Jet City! Make King County International Airport/Boeing Field your flight destination! Conveniently located just 5 miles from downtown Seattle, KBFI is positioned in the center of the growing economy of the Puget Sound region, serving as a hub for business travel, private jets, and general aviation travel. Partner with aviation experts when you fly to Seattle. Make your destination King County International Airport/Boeing Field! For more information, visit online. On Our Radar back to top  AVweb's AOPA Review: In The Wings As promised, AVweb's comprehensive review of AOPA's finances, operations and mission is in progress, with a planned publication date as soon as we complete our research. Readers may recall that AOPA challenged our story earlier this month when we reported AOPA compensation figures filed with the IRS, citing our misinterpretation of recently changed IRS rules. AVweb questioned some AOPA salaries and payouts, even as most companies in the industry are laying off workers and rolling back wages. To prove its point, AOPA agreed to give AVweb additional information and to answer detailed questions about expenditures, its business development strategy and how it uses its considerable assets. We have provided the association with an exhaustive list of questions. AOPA has provided us with equally exhaustive responses, and our dialog is continuing. We received an overwhelming volume of e-mail on the subject and if you have comments or questions on the story, contact us at editor@avweb.com. Get More Rewards Faster with WingPoints®! Reward yourself when you refuel with WingPoints from Phillips 66® Aviation. Start earning points immediately, and earn double points when you use WingPoints with any Phillips 66 Aviation branded card. Get your card today! Opinion & Commentary back to top  AVweb Insider Blog: Guest Blog — Airport Protests Are the Wrong Approach Passengers have a right to be upset about new security measures at airports but the Business Travel Coalition says disrupting security procedures with protests is the wrong approach. The AVweb Insider welcomes guest blogger Kevin Mitchell, who urges passengers to stay calm and organized instead of becoming frantic and angry. Read more and join the conversation. AVweb Insider Blog: The Sheer Boredom of Navigating with GPS In his latest post to the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli takes a break from running around airport concourses screeching about TSA to enjoy a quieter pastime: Flying his Cub on a long cross-country at 500 feet. He and his student had a GPS along, but flying the magenta line proves far less interesting that flying one penciled on a map. Read more and join the conversation. Fantastic Pricing and Tax Incentives make 2010 an ideal time to buy or upgrade an aircraft. We've compiled special offers on new or used planes, avionics, engines and more on the resource page. The pricing, rebates or incentives are available to everyone. Consult your tax advisor regarding the potential bonus depreciation benefits, and check our resources page for stories, podcasts, and videos related to bonus depreciation. AVweb Media: Look, Listen, Laugh and Learn back to top  Video: Learning to Fly with Flyvie & Jeppesen Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb | Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos Jeppesen and Flyvie may revolutionize the way student pilots learn to fly (and the way flight instructors approach flight training) by making actual flight lessons recordable, portable, and reviewable on the ground at the flight school, at home, and almost anywhere. Learn more at Flyvie.com. 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. Flying High Performance Singles & Twins For serious pilots who now find themselves in command of elaborately equipped high-performance airplanes and engines. This book teaches those systems in detail and pursues a deeper understanding of engines, turbo chargers, intercoolers, pressurization, flight directors, radar, icing systems, partial panel flight, aerodynamics and operarations at higher speeds and altitudes, and more. Book | $46.95 eBook | $42.25 Call (800) 780-4115 or click here for more information. Help Us Celebrate AVweb's 15th Anniversary back to top  15 Years and Now 15 Grand Giveaways ... It's Your Chance to Win an iFly 700 GPS from Adventure Pilot Win an iFly 700 GPS from Adventure Pilot as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary! All you have to do is click here to enter your name and e-mail address. (You only have to enter once, and you'll be entered in our prize drawings for the entire year — so if you've already entered, you're all set.) And no, we're not going to rent or sell your name, ever. Tell your friends, and invite them to sign up for AVweb so they can qualify for our 15 Grand Giveaways prize drawings, too. (We won't spam them, either — but we hope they will sign up for our newsletters.) Deadline for entries is 11:59pm Zulu time Sunday, November 28, 2010. (That's a couple of days later than our usual Friday deadline, because of the Thanksgiving holiday.) Click here to read the contest rules and enter. Looking for Low-Cost, Yet Effective, Marketing Options? Let AVweb assist your company in creating effective direct-response marketing campaigns to generate leads. No other digital aviation news media reaches more qualified subscribers more often. Text messages in newsletters combined with online banners reach over 255,000 readers monthly and deliver more new users to sponsor sites weekly than most print publications do monthly. Click now for details. 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. 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. 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.