| Volume 3,
Number 18 — October 26, 2005 |
| 
Email
this Business AVflash to a friend
Having trouble viewing this AVflash? View it online.
To ensure that you continue to receive this newsletter, please add
avweb@homer.belvoir.com to your address
book. |
| This issue of AVweb's
Business AVflash is brought to you by … LightSPEED Aviation
LIGHTSPEED'S THIRTY 3G HEADSET COMBINES
TOP FEATURES
TO DELIVER THE BEST VALUE
The Thirty 3G headset,
known for supreme comfort and hearing protection, offers 28-30dB of
Active Noise Reduction (ANR) and weighs in at just 16 ounces.
LightSPEED integrates top accessories as standard equipment —
including cell phone/music adapter with patch cords, auto shut-off,
treble/bass controls, stereo/mono capabilities, independent volume
controls, and up to 30 hours of ANR with only two AA batteries. The
Thirty 3G is retail-priced at $599 and comes with a padded LightSPEED
headset bag and a five-year warranty. To discuss your headset
needs, contact a LightSPEED dealer or call (800) 332-2421 during
business hours (PST). For more information, go online to LightSPEED's
web site at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/litspeed/biz. |
The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded
Business News Coverage At AVweb's
Business NewsWire.
FAA
TECH CENTER GOES GLOBAL
Both the FAA and Bombardier this month celebrated delivery of a
brand-new Global 5000 bizjet to the agency's fleet at the William J.
Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, N.J. The new long-range jet
-- which was completed by St. Louis-based Midcoast Aviation with a
unique interior designed for a wide range of future special-mission
workstations -- will be used in the FAA's research and development
program. Why does the FAA need a special-mission-configured Global
5000? Well, according to Bombardier, the jet will serve as an airborne
research and development laboratory, utilizing its "exceptional
payload capacity and endurance." Additionally, the company said, "the
aircraft's cockpit systems and wing design are highly compatible with
the wide range of leading-edge systems and technology that the agency
routinely develop[s] and test[s]." In other words, and since
"leading-edge technology" and "FAA" usually aren't used in the same
sentence, the answer must be that the FAA didn't have one. Now, it
does. More...
SJ30-2
ACHIEVES PERFORMANCE GOALS
Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corporation (SSAC) said earlier this month
that its to-be-certified SJ30-2 light bizjet has met or exceeded all
of the company's performance specifications. Those parameters include
speed, range, altitude and pressurization. The company's numbers
include high-speed cruise of Mach 0.83, which SSAC says is faster than
all light business jets in production, and a maximum range of 2,512 nm
-- though not both at the same time. Presently, the company says it is
finalizing the FAA certification process and expects to obtain its FAA
Type Certificate, as planned, later this year. John Siemens, senior
engineering test pilot for the SJ30-2, commented, “It is good to
know that our extensive flight test program has resulted in validation
of our design goals. The SSAC test team has performed numerous tests
to determine optimized performance.” More...
ECLIPSE
ANNOUNCES ROAD TRIP, PICKS NORTHEAST SERVICE CENTER
Eclipse Aviation said this week it is launching a national tour -- its
first -- to showcase the company's Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ).
For the tour, Eclipse will take one of its prototypes, N506EA, to a
series of seven cities during November. At those stops, the
"FAA-conforming VLJ" will be on static display and Eclipse will host a
reception at selected sites. In addition to the just-announced
November tour, Eclipse said it plans to visit additional cities later
this year and in 2006; the specifics will be announced later.
Meanwhile, Eclipse also said it has chosen the Albany (N.Y.)
International Airport (ALB) as the site for its new northeast factory
service center. The to-be-built state-of-the-art maintenance and
service center is one of seven planned by the company; previously
announced locations include Albuquerque, N.M., and Gainesville, Fla.
Construction of the Eclipse Aviation hangar at ALB is expected to
begin in the spring of 2006, with completion later in the year. The
facility will be built just south of the existing Million Air
Terminal. A $1.5 million state grant will be used to assist the
airport in building the new hangar and providing the additional
infrastructure and runway access that will berequired
More...
|
NEW
GARMIN GPSMAP 396 WITH TERRAIN,
XM WEATHER, AND MUSIC — IN
STOCK!
JA Air Center, one of Garmin's largest
dealers, would like to thank all customers who pre-ordered the
new Garmin GPSMap 396, and we are pleased to announce
limited quantities are IN STOCK and ready for immediate
delivery. Also, current inventory levels allow JA to offer top dollar
for used GPS, avionics, and aircraft. JA Air Center [Dupage
Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago, IL] provides the finest avionics
installations, turbine/piston maintenance, avionics/instrument
service, mail order, and aircraft sales. Also, they offer FBO services
and fuel at Dekalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB) in Dekalb, IL.
Please call (800) 323-5966 [after hours, (630) 306-7117] and
mention this issue of Business AVflash, or order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ja/biz. |
100TH
PIAGGIO AVANTI DELIVERED
An all-but-forgotten product of the 1980s-era Burt Rutan-inspired
canard-based design for business turboprops celebrated its 100th
delivery this month. And, no, it wasn't a Beech/Raytheon Starship,
which has since been sort of "decommissioned" by the company after
only 53 examples took to the skies. Instead, it was the Piaggio Avanti
P.180 that has finally achieved that milestone; the C-note aircraft
was delivered on Oct. 10 to Avantair at the Piaggio America facilities
in West Palm Beach, Fla. The 100th Avanti was liveried in a customized
Avantair paint scheme. “This is a proud moment for everyone at
Piaggio,” said Jim Holcombe, COO and executive VP of sales and
marketing of Piaggio America. “We are looking forward to
delivering the next 100, and are quite confident the best is yet to
come.” More...
FAA
GRANTS SIKORSKY S-92 FULL ICING CERTIFICATION
Just in time for the winter flying season, Sikorsky Aircraft announced
this month the FAA has certified the company's S-92 helicopter, when
equipped with the new Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS), for flight
in known icing conditions. According to Sikorsky, the S-92 thus
becomes the first helicopter directly certified by the FAA to the
newest and most stringent standards. The RIPS is an active system that
determines the temperature and moisture content of ambient air and
applies heat to the main and tail rotor blades to remove any ice
buildup. The FAA granted the known-icing certification after the
company completed final flight tests in Alaska earlier this month.
Those tests also included evaluations by the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) and by Transport Canada, the Canadian certifying agency.
Sikorsky is seeking S-92 RIPS certification from both agencies.
More...
GULFSTREAM'S
NEW G550 RECORDS
Just in time for next month's National Business Aviation Association
annual meeting and convention, Gulfstream announced earlier in October
some new city-pair speed records for its G550 bizjet. The new flights
bring to 18 the total number of records Gulfstream claims. For one of
them, a privately owned G550 established a new record between São
Paulo, Brazil, and Moscow, Russia. For the other one, between Shanghai
in the People’s Republic of China and Dallas, Texas, a
company-owned jet was used. Official recognition of the city-pair
speed records by the Fédération Aéronautique
Internationale (FAI) is pending. There are some 60 examples making up
the in-service G550 fleet; collectively they've flown more than 28,000
flight hours and completed some 11,000 takeoffs and landings.
More...
ADAM
AIRCRAFT NAMES SIMI AS MEDIA REP
Adam Aircraft this week announced it has named Shelly S. Simi as the
company's new public affairs/media relations representative. Simi, who
previously served as vice president of communications for the General
Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), will assist Adam Aircraft
in broadening the company’s communications and media relations
activities. "With more than 17 years of experience in the general
aviation marketplace, Shelly has built a solid reputation with the
media. Her knowledge of the industry, coupled with her extensive media
contacts, makes her the ideal choice to help us enhance the Adam
Aircraft presence in industry publications and the mainstream business
press. She will be a tremendous asset in our promotional efforts and
we welcome her as a part of our team,” said Joe Walker, Adam
Aircraft President and COO. More...
|
TELEDYNE-CONTINENTAL MOTORS IS BUSY BECOMING
THE
WORLD'S LARGEST OVERHAULER OF LYCOMING ENGINES
Yes, you
read that right! TCM is overhauling Lycoming engines in a big way on
an exchange basis. With TCM's efficiency, trouble-free success rate,
and a selling price at $300 over factory invoice, they can offer
overhauls for thousands less than Lycoming. These overhauls are built
to new limits using brand-new camshafts and cylinders, without core
chargebacks! Only Air Power, the World's Largest Factory Engine
Distributor, could make you an offer like this! Over 24,000 factory
engines sold! Call Air Power, a totally consumer-oriented company, at
(800) 247-7693, or visit Air Power online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/apinc/biz. |
FLIGHT
OPTIONS NAMES TYLER VICE PRESIDENT, FLIGHT OPERATIONS
Flight Options, the fractional operator affiliated with Raytheon, this
month named Bob Tyler as its new vice president, flight operations.
Tyler joins Flight Options from TAG Aviation, where he most recently
served as vice president, flight operations and standards.
Additionally, he has held positions at Japan Airlines, Eastern Air
Lines and Flight Sciences International Inc. “I am proud to
welcome Bob as a member of the Flight Options team,” said Michael
Scheeringa, chief operating officer, Flight Options, LLC. “His
knowledge of the general aviation industry, proven leadership and vast
flying experience made him the ideal candidate for this
position.” More...
"YEAH,
WE KNEW THAT" DEPARTMENT
In the Oct. 12 issue of AVweb's Business AVflash, we erred in
our "Dude, Where's My Bizjet?" story when we listed the identifier for
the Gwinnett County Airport/Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville, Ga., as
"LVL." We know better -- it's "LZU" -- and can only plead having spent
too much time at high altitude. More...
ISN'T IT
ABOUT TIME YOU CHOSE SOMETHING EXTRA?
Pilot-inspired,
German-engineered, and internationally renowned — that's the
difference in Extra Aircraft's EA-500. Extra's certified, Rolls
Royce-powered, 6-seat turboprop EA-500 is in a class all by
itself. The only new-technology cabin-class airplane, the EA-500
averages 220 kts, gets 11 mpg, and costs less than $200/hr to operate.
Find out more about Extra's EA-500 at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/extra/biz. |
WATCH
YOUR INBOX...
...the next issue of AVweb's BizAVflash will be e-mailed to you
on Nov. 16. More...
| Sponsor News and
Special Offers
Access to AVweb and AVflash is provided by
the support of our fine sponsors. We appreciate your
patronage. |
| SHOPPING DEALS |
|
IF YOU
THINK YOUR CURRENT LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE IS GOOD ENOUGH
...
you might be surprised after speaking with the life
insurance professionals at Pilot Insurance Center (PIC).
Pilot Insurance Center specializes in providing pilots — from
student to ATP — with premium rates that are not available
through other agents. A+ RATED CARRIERS — NO AVIATION EXCLUSIONS
— fast and easy application process. Call PIC's professionals at
(800) 380-8376, or for a complimentary quote, visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/piclife/biz. |
A NEW RELEASE OF THE BEST
AVIATION WEATHER SERVICE
FOR CELL PHONES
Version 6 of WxServer just
hit the 'net, and it's chock full of new features. A simpler,
more powerful menu structure makes WxServer easier to use than ever
before. NexRad radar maps and satellite pictures are now
zoomable. And the new WxServer takes maximum advantage of whatever
screen size your phone has available. Put NexRad maps centered
on every U.S. airport, satellite pictures centered on more than 95% of
airports worldwide, METARs, TAFs, and even Winds Aloft maps in your
pocket. Aviation weather that's ready when you need it — on the
tarmac, in the run-up area, or at unattended grass strips. AVweb
readers receive $10 off the regular annual subscription rate at
http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/wxserver/biz. |
ATTENTION, BARON AND CESSNA 310 OWNERS — NEWS FROM
McCAULEY!
A new STC has been approved to McCauley
Propeller Systems for installation of a new three-bladed
propeller. Replace your old threaded propellers with the new
Blackmac propeller. The Blackmac provides operators with
an average weight savings of 10 pounds, longer TBOs, and fewer ADs
than other propellers available today. The Blackmac also comes
with a standard three-year warranty. For more information and an
authorized service center near you, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/mccauley/biz. |
AVIDYNE AND RYAN JOIN FORCES TO SAVE YOU UP TO
$2,000!
In a joint promotion, Avidyne and Ryan
International will give customers rebates from $1,500 to $2,000
when they purchase an Avidyne FlightMax EX500 Multi-Function Display
(MFD) with Ryan's 9900BX Traffic Alerting System (TAS). There are four
combinations of these fantastic avionics savings. This promotion
ends October 31, 2005. For more information (and to order), go
to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avidyne/ryan/biz. |
SUBSCRIBE TO AVIATION CONSUMER AND SAVE, PLUS GET
NO-COST ACCESS TO
AviationConsumer.com. This
subscribers-only web site is packed with ratings and evaluations of
aircraft, avionics, aviation products, and accessories. Enjoy greater
confidence when you buy and when you fly with your Aviation
Consumer subscription. Order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avcons/biz. |
EXCLUSIVE OFFER! NO-COST SUBSCRIPTION TO
THE DIGITAL
VERSION OF WORLD AIRCRAFT SALES
Packed with the
latest business aircraft, alongside quality editorial, World
Aircraft Sales magazine is a "must-have" for anyone involved
in business aviation. For quick, guaranteed delivery direct to your
computer, simply go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avbuyer/reg/biz. |
LOW-COST
DIGITAL REPLACEMENT TRANSPONDERS!
Narco Avionics
announces the availability of their all-new Value Series plug-and-play
line of digital transponders for the cost-conscious owner. Narco's
Value Series line of plug-and-play transponders includes the AT165/VS
(a replacement for the AT50 through AT155), the AT165/KA/VS (a
replacement for the KT76A/78A), and the AT165/K/VS (a replacement for
the KT76/78). Coming Soon:
Narco's AT165/C and AT165/C/VS, plug-and-play replacements for the ARC
(Cessna) RT359A/RT459A. SPECIAL: Purchase an AT165 and get an
AR850 for $99. For more information, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/narco/biz. |
SUBSCRIBE TO AVIATION SAFETY NOW AND
SAVE!
You spent thousands to earn your license. Now
safeguard it for just pennies a day. Aviation Safety
helps pilots stay ready for the realities of today's demanding flight
environment with instructive articles to keep their decision-making
skills sharp. Subscribe now and save big at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avsafe/biz. |
HASSLE-FREE AUTO BUYING FROM CREWCAR & CONSUMER
GUIDES
Don't go blindly into a dealership when purchasing a
vehicle; look to CrewCar. CrewCar is a car-buying service
formed by aviation professionals providing shoppers with a
complimentary integrated phone and electronic concierge-level buying
service offering value nationwide. The service is provided
gratis and meets the Consumer Guide dealership network
standards. For information, visit CrewCar at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/crewcar/biz. | |
_____________________________________
We Welcome
Your Feedback!
Business AVflash is a twice-monthly summary of the latest business
aviation
news, articles, products, features and events featured on
AVweb, the
Internet's Aviation Magazine and News Service.
http://www.avweb.com
Have a comment or question? Send it to mailto:newsteam@avweb.com.
Today's issue written by Joseph E. (Jeb)
Burnside:
http://www.avweb.com/contact/authors.html#jburnside
AVweb's
editorial team: http://avweb.com/contact/authors.html.
Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on
marketing?
Send it to AVweb's sales team:
mailto:sales@avweb.com.
Shiny side up, okay?
Want to subscribe or unsubscribe? Review/update your AVweb Account?
Forgot your password? No problem! Simply go to our friendly Member
Services menu.
|
