Gulfstream disagrees with the FAA about the regulatory requirements for a hydrophobic water-repellent coating system instead of windshield wipers for the new G150, which is scheduled to be certified next year. The FAA is requiring Gulfstream to meet “special conditions,” a common regulatory method the agency uses when it determines that a particular design feature is “novel or unusual” and not covered in current airworthiness requirements.
Business Aviation » Business Aviation Aircraft
News and issues relating to business, aircraft, primarily turbine-engine powered airplanes and helicopters.
October 17, 2006 - 9:24am
Albuquerque, N.M.-based start-up manufacturer Eclipse Aviation said its six-month-old JetMatch program has “more than exceeded our expectations.” JetMatch “facilitates partnerships” in new Eclipse 500s via a password-protected message board on the company’s Web site. An Eclipse spokesman said the service has thus far resulted in two matches for the $1.295 million VLJ.
October 17, 2006 - 9:23am
The mockup Embraer used to design the interiors for its very light jet (VLJ) and light jet (LJ) revealed a lack of room for the passengers’ feet. (Embraer last month tapped BMW Group DesignworksUSA to design the jets’ interiors.) This has prompted a cabin cross-section change from a circular design to an egg-shaped one, resulting in an extra five inches of foot room without compromising any other cabin dimensions.
October 17, 2006 - 9:20am
Embraer reported it delivered eight Legacys in the first nine months of this year compared with five in the same period last year. The Brazilian manufacturer shipped 13 of the business jets last year and in 2003.
October 17, 2006 - 9:15am
Spirit Wing Aviation of Edmund, Okla., said it now expects to receive STC approval for its $2.2 million SpiritLear–a re-engined Learjet 25–in the first quarter of next year. Last year, the company expected certification this past summer.
October 17, 2006 - 8:02am
The FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, N.J., last month took delivery of a special-mission Bombardier Global 5000 for its research and development program. This marks the 11th Bombardier aircraft in the FAA’s fleet, which already included Challenger 601/604s and Learjet 60s.
October 17, 2006 - 7:49am
Piaggio received EASA certification for the Avanti II, an upgraded version of the turboprop twin. FAA approval is expected within the next few weeks. The Avanti II features a higher mtow and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The aircraft will be on display at the NBAA Convention this month.
October 17, 2006 - 7:40am
Few if any Mustang orders are for very light (VLJ) jet air-limo operators, and Cessna seems neither surprised nor alarmed.
October 17, 2006 - 6:33am
Look for a new single-engine jet to be unveiled at the NBAA Convention this month. Spectrum Aeronautical, based in Encinitas, Calif., and led by industry veteran (and father of the Beech Starship) Linden Blue, has taken a booth at the convention. Its product is the Model 33, a single-engine jet with composite construction. N322LA is the registration assigned to S/N 0001.
October 16, 2006 - 7:29am
In mid-April, Ibis Aerospace conducted indirect lightning tests on its 10-seat Ae270 turboprop single. According to the company, these tests were under the control of the Czech Civil Aviation Authority inspectors and EMCC of Germany.
