|
March 16, 2011
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
|
|
Introducing: Our Best Pilot Headset Ever
NEW Bose A20™ Aviation Headset
Bose was the first to introduce active noise reducing headsets to aviation more than 20 years ago, forever changing the way pilots fly. Now the Bose A20™ Aviation Headset sets an entirely new
standard, providing significantly greater noise reduction than currently available. It also features an improved level of comfort, clear audio, Bluetooth ®
connectivity, auxiliary audio input and priority switching.
Learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
With 100LL threatened by environmental regulation, what do owners think should replace it? An unleaded 100-octane equivalent fuel is the most popular choice, according to a recent survey of more
than 3100 AVweb readers. Moreover, many owners also want mogas as a second choice, offering some downside protection against escalating fuel prices that have already curtailed flying for many.
The survey, which began in late February, revealed that there's not much support for lower-octane dedicated aviation fuels, such as 94UL, nor are owners particularly supportive of engine
modifications that would make it possible for many aircraft engines to burn lower-octane fuel without detonating.
Of the 3151 readers who took the survey, 97 percent were pilots and 96 percent were based in the U.S. or Canada. AVweb also asked if readers owned airplanes which require 100-octane fuel and 86
percent of those who responded said they did, with 16 percent reporting that their airplanes were approved for lower-octane fuel. This is the mirror opposite of the accepted estimate that 30 percent
of the fleet requires high-octane fuel while 70 percent can operate on lower-octane fuel, such as 91 AKI mogas, 80/87 or other aviation fuels. Judging by reader comments, the high response rate may be
due to owners of high-performance aircraft believing they have more at stake if a replacement fuel isn't found.
When asked which future fuel approach made the most sense, 51 percent said they favored a single, 100-octane drop-in replacement, 33 percent favored 100-octane, plus mogas as an option, 7 percent
said they liked 94UL and another 7 percent thought a dual aviation fuel system such as 100-octane and 94-octane should be put in place. But the vast majority of readers recognized that dual fuel isn't
practical: "We need a drop in replacement for 100LL. There's no way to have two separate fuels. The infrastructure can't support it," one reader told us. Not too surprisingly, owners whose airplanes
don't require 100-octane fuel chaff at the prospect of having to buy it just for the sake of having a single fuel and these owners tilt strongly toward mogas. But there's also strong support for mogas
on airports among those who need 100-octane. Nearly 30 percent of these owners said they wanted mogas available, either because they own a second airplane that can burn it or they're looking forward
to owning or flying an LSA.
But owners aren't naïve about the difficulty of finding reliable mogas supplies not blended with ethanol, a periodic problem for some of the 100-plus airports that carry it now. We asked our
survey takers if they believed it was likely mogas would be part of the fuel solution. Twenty one percent considered it likely, but nearly half—48 percent—told us it was not likely at all; a
non-starter.
We also asked readers if they would be willing to modify their engines to burn a lower-octane fuel, such as 94UL. There's evidently not much sentiment for this. Only 8 percent said they would very
likely to modify their airplanes, while another 25 percent said they would be somewhat likely. More than a quarter said they would be unlikely or simply wouldn't not buys mods of any kind to
accommodate lower octane gas.
When asked about which mods they would consider, the most popular choice was an electronic magneto or ignition system that would provide detonation margin. Readers reacted far less warmly to
operating at reduced power (9 percent), installing low-compression pistons (8%) or installing a full-up FADEC system (14 percent.)
Judging by our e-mail, many owners are concerned enough about the lack of clarity in the fuel market to forgo upgrades or new aircraft purchases, at least those that require 100-octane fuel. Our
survey put some numbers on this. Exactly one third—33 percent—said they wouldn't delay purchases over worries about fuel, but 31 percent said they were on the fence and 22 percent said they
definitely won't do any upgrades until they know what's going to happen to 100LL.
"I fly a Beech Bonanza with an IO-470N TCM. This engine requires 100LL. I am concerned that the $70,000 for the new engine and airframe upgrades may become useless if 100LL is pulled from the
market," one survey participant told us.
Last summer, the EPA said it has no timeline for additional regulation on lead emissions and if this was supposed to allay concerns among owners, it may have little effect. A quarter of the survey
respondents said the EPA pronouncement made them more confident in future fuel supplies, but 48 percent said it made them less confident. Said one reader: "The intrusion of EPA into the life of the
free enterprise system, with their onerous growth and stifling regulations will continue...to the destruction of innovation in aviation. Regulation limits the progress to a real solution."
A strong majority of survey takers told us the industry shouldn't panic over a fuel solution, but that it needs to be solved soon. Nearly an additional third (28 percent) said the industry needs to
be more aggressive in finding the replacement fuel.
|
|
|
2nd Annual Summit in Iceland with No-Charge Admission for Airlines
Following the success of this event in 2010, the 2nd Annual European Aviation Asset Management Summit will explore the latest developments in aviation asset management in Europe as well as the
future of asset management services. The event will provide the platform for high-level debate and exchange of ideas and information, as well as extensive networking opportunities for aviation
executives from Europe and around the world — networking opportunities with airlines, leasing and finance companies.
Click here to learn
more and register.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In the Spotlight: Bizjets' Role in Trying
Times |
|
back to top |
 |
|
In the wake of airline chaos in the burgeoning number of trouble spots around the world, private aviation is filling a void and British company Air Partner, which can arrange aircraft that can carry up to 650 people, has been especially busy evacuating expatriates from places they and their families would rather not be. As we reported in February, evacuations began with the political crises in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt and in recent weeks Mother Nature has
shifted the focus to New Zealand and Japan. "In a period when far-reaching and unprecedented political upheaval has coincided with devastating natural disasters ... Air Partner has been working around
the clock to organize humanitarian aid flights and to evacuate more than 12,000 people from across the world in just six weeks," the company said in a news release.
Not all the flights are one-way out, however. The company dispatched a Boeing 767 to earthquake-torn Japan on March 12 that carried rescue personnel, search dogs and specialized equipment for
freeing trapped victims. Meanwhile, a group of German companies was able to evacuate 477 of its people on a Boeing 747. Air Partner is just one company providing these services but it's the one
AVweb has heard from. Do you have airplanes helping with the crisis in Japan? Let us know at newstips@avweb.com.
Relief organizations and business aircraft operators working in the aftermath of Japan's earthquake and tsunami need to navigate a maze of airspace restrictions and airport closures, a challenge
that is made a little easier with a list of resources and updates compiled this week by the National Business Aviation Association.
Tokyo International Airport is closed to general aviation traffic until Friday, but many other airports are open, NBAA said. Rumors that Japan plans to close all of its airports "have not been
confirmed with Japanese authorities," the FAA told NBAA on Tuesday. Aerobridge, an NBAA-sponsored volunteer aviation group that coordinates
disaster response, is working to make space available on GA passenger and cargo jets to Japan. The group is also assisting with transportation of small search-and-rescue teams and medical assessment
teams.
NBAA asked any member flight departments traveling to Japan with empty seats to contact them and consider donating those seats to
personnel who need to reach the disaster area. In addition, there is a need to transport relief workers to Los Angeles, Seattle, and Phoenix to take advantage of transport offers from airlines. Any
aviators planning to fly to Japan should plan carefully. "Conditions on the ground are changing quickly and operators are reminded to contact their international service provider for the most current
information," NBAA said.
|
|
|
The Only General Aviation Exhibition in France
The Cannes AirShow brings together the leading protagonists in general and business aviation to allow a demanding clientèle discovery of the latest developments and industry innovations
in a geographically logical and appealing setting. This professional exhibition is designed for owners and pilots, whether passionate fans or professionals, in general and business aviation
throughout Europe, Africa, and Russia — offering visitors a large and representative palette of the aeronautics industry. The Cannes AirShow is southern Europe's leading exhibition in general
and business aviation.
Click here for
details and registration info.
|
|
|
|
|
Pilot error was to blame for the crash of a Hawker Beechcraft 125-800A in July 2008, the NTSB said
on Tuesday. The airplane, operated by East Coast Jets, crashed when the crew attempted a go-around after landing on a wet runway at Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, in Minnesota. Both pilots and all
six passengers were killed. The captain's decision to attempt the go around late in the landing roll with insufficient runway remaining was the probable cause of the accident, the NTSB found.
Contributing factors were poor crew coordination and lack of cockpit discipline; fatigue, which likely impaired both pilots' performance; and the FAA's failure to require crew resource management
training and standard operating procedures for Part 135 operators.
"This accident serves as a reminder that aviation is an unforgiving environment," said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. "No detail is too small to be overlooked -- not the winds, or the communication
between crew members, or even how much sleep they get. The small things do matter and in this case they accumulated to result in tragedy." The flight was a nonscheduled passenger
flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The NTSB investigators looked at several other safety issues, including go-around guidance for turbine-powered
aircraft; Part 135 preflight weather briefings; inadequate arrival landing distance assessment guidance and requirements; Part 135 on-
demand, pilot-in command line checks; and cockpit image recording systems. The safety board issued several safety recommendations to the FAA regarding training, operating procedures, and sleep
disorders. Those recommendations, along with a synopsis of the accident investigation report, are posted on the NTSB web site.
The complete report will be available on the web site in a few weeks.
|
|
|
Meet the New Reletex Anti-Nausea Device!
It's finally here — Reletex, the new version of the highly-touted ReliefBand that is so effective for motion sickness. Worn on the wrist, the Reletex produces a small
neuromodulating current which stops peristaltic waves in the stomach, ceasing nausea and vomiting without drugs or side effects. Reletex is available in 60- and 150-hour versions. O.K. for
student pilots and nausea during aerobatic flight.
Reletex —
exclusively at Aeromedix.com — the answer for nausea and vomiting!
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks to the jet stream and the Cirrus SR22T's ability to find it, the speed record between Ontario, Calif., and Phoenix was shattered in late December by Airshares Elite pilot Justin Beitler. The
Cirrus (a top-of-the-line airplane donated by the company for the flight) caught a big kick from the shift in the jet stream to average 271.2 knots on the trip (normal cruise is about 180). The
previous record was 207 knots in a Mooney M20K set by Lee White and Larry Randlett in 2000. "The XM weather system helped me find the best winds, and the efficient turbocharged engine allowed me to
cruise on less than 17 gallons per hour at over 270 knots," said Beitler. "At that speed, our offices in L.A. and Phoenix are only an hour and eleven minutes apart." The flight originated in L.A. but
even though Beitler beat the previous mark for a flight to Phoenix in that category, he didn't claim the record. (Watch the video.)
The southern sweep of the high-altitude winds that made the Ontario-Phoenix record possible also brought horrible weather from the North Pacific with them, and the deluge of rain caused widespread
flooding in California. Weather scrubbed his first attempt. There were some airspace issues, too, since Beitler wanted to cut directly across one of the main approaches to LAX. By Dec. 19, the weather
and the FAA found overlapping windows and the flight was completed.
|
|
|
Trade Up to the Lightspeed Aviation Zulu
Ranked #1 in Professional Pilot magazine's Annual Headset Preference Survey, Lightspeed Aviation is offering you a chance to trade up to Zulu. Setting the standard for all ANR
headsets, Lightspeed Zulu features Full-Function Bluetooth™ connectivity, enhanced communications, a distinctive look, and unparalleled comfort.
Visit
LightspeedAviation.com, learn the value of your headset, and trade up to Zulu.
|
|
|
|
|
Club seating and couches are the epitome of business aircraft luxury, unless you want to play mahjong. With the Asian market predicted to be the most important for all types of aviation in coming
years, business aircraft designers are making sure customers there actually like the ride. At the recent Asian Aerospace Expo and Congress in Hong Kong, Airbus unveiled cabin designs on its big
business jets aimed squarely at the Asian market. Instead of the long, low couches and pairs of facing reclining chairs, the interior looks more like a games room than a lobby.
Asian business people like gathering around a table to eat and talk business and when the briefcases and laptops are put away they enjoy games like mahjong or a rousing karaoke session. The Airbus
design caters to those customs and features a round table that folds into a rectangular surface to accommodate the different uses. Airbus says it has already sold 25 corporate aircraft in the
Asia-Pacific region.
|
|
|
JA Air Center — When It Comes to Garmin Avionics,
Go with a Name You Can Trust!
Since 1965, pilots have trusted the avionics experts at JA Air Center. Whether you're looking for ship-in repair, custom installation, or a mail order purchase, no one knows avionics better
than JA Air Center.
Call (800) 323-5966 or
click here. 
BUY, SELL, or TRADE your avionics
and GPS equipment at JA Air Center
|
|
|
|
|
Fire in flight is such a universally horrible thing to think about that most of us probably just don't think about it much. But two recent accidents highlight how important it is to spend
some time taking basic precautions. In the latest installment of the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli (again) stresses why you need a Halon extinguisher and why you need to keep it close in
the cockpit.
Read more and join the conversation.
If there's a single motorhead bone in your body, you've heard this complaint before. Have Lycoming and Continental, through a lack of innovation, put us in this mess we're in over avgas? Or should
fickle buyers share the blame instead of decrying the death of engine innovation? AVweb's Paul Bertorelli has met with enough engineers, policy-makers and complainers to have an opinion on the
subject — and he's happy to share it in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog.
Read more and join the conversation.
We've all stood in museums and gone slack-jawed at the site of a historic airplane — but in the latest installment of the AVweb Insider blog, Mary Grady wonders if dragging all these
wrecks from their final resting places and restoring them (at great expense) is the best way to connect with history.
Read more and join the conversation.
|
|
|
Fly More for Less
Visit the AVbuys page for discounts, rebates, incentives, bargains, special offers, bonus depreciation, or tax benefits to help stretch your budget. We're helping you to locate and view
current offers instantly, with a direct link to sponsors' web sites for details.
Click for the
resource page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Top Reporter on Our Crack Staff ... Is
You! |
|
back to top |
|
|
One of our sister aviation publications is looking for an associate editor. If you are a savvy, motivated layout master and wordsmith, they would love to hear from you. (There's a link to
contact them beneath the following job description.)
Job Description: Associate Editor
Associate Editor will provide primary editorial support to Editor of consumer aviation magazine, which may include rewriting press releases for publication, web postings, copy and substantive
editing of articles, departments and columns, preparation of galleys for review, writing articles, sizing and color correction of photos, enterprise reporting, proofreading and packaging of layouts
for offsite production staff.
Qualifications
- Two years of magazine or similar experience
- Strong copy editing/substantive editing/fact-checking skills
- Skilled in using CS3 Suite/Mac, MS Office
- Interest in aviation
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively from a home office
- Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn
- Strong work ethic and self-motivation
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Solid organizational skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Sensitivity to and ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to internalize and adhere to publication's style guide/style sheets
- Willingness to travel occasionally
Desirable Skills
- Experience in building things
- Experience leveraging social networking/web to encourage product visibility and reader interaction
- Digital video/still photography, video editing
- Pilot's license
This is a telecommute position. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume and three clips to BelvoirJobOpportunity@avweb.com. (Resume and cover letter should be Microsoft Word attachments;
please attach clips as PDFs.)
Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something 255,000 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.
|
|
|
Aeronautical Inspection & Pre-Purchase
If you are a prospective aircraft owner, here is information about airworthiness, maintenance, inspections, and rules. Denny Pollard, an FAA Safety Inspector, will walk you through a
pre-purchase inspection step by step without worrying if you are buying a hangar queen. Know where to find the tools to research the aircraft history, specifications, and changes made, including
Type-Certificate Date Sheets, ADs, STCs, and Maintenance Alerts.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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. 
|
|
|
|
|
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
|
Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
Facing ever-growing global competition, Cessna has to find way to make airplanes more efficiently. In this video, Terry Clark explains how the company has done that at the company's
Independence, Kansas plant.
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
|
Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
Bell Helicopters bypassed the usual military procurement procedure and adapted a 407 for "law enforcement and paramilitary" use. With a 3,000-round-per-minute machine gun, a rocket
launcher and FLIR, it's a potent adaptation of a proven airframe that's already attracting attention.
Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb
|
Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos
Kevin Bredenbeck took the Sikorsky X2 technology demonstrator to 250 knots and beyond last September. He spoke with AVweb about the aircraft, the program, and what it's like to
go that fast in a helicopter in this interview at the 2011 HAI Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida.
|
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.
|
|
|
