The super-midsize Gulfstream G280, a joint project between Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), obtained full FAA and Israeli type certification today. This was an on-time arrival for Gulfstream, which had promised such approval in the third quarter. The aircraft received provisional type certification from Israel’s CAAI on December 29 and from the FAA on March 1.
AINalerts » September 4, 2012
September 4, 2012 - 3:40pm
The transonic speed spat between Cessna’s Citation Ten and Gulfstream’s G650 is likely to hit of the stops at Mach 0.95 when it encounters not “the sound barrier” but required safety margins. With the Ten’s top speed now pegged at Mach 0.935, Gulfstream’s G650 could thus leapfrog the Ten only slightly, if the Savannah-based aircraft manufacturer even chooses to do so.
September 4, 2012 - 3:35pm
Pre-owned business jet and turboprop inventories held steady in July month-over-month, according to data released late last week by business aviation market information firm JetNet. Inventory of used business jets ticked up from June by three aircraft, to 2,521 in July, representing 13.5 percent of the in-service fleet. This was down by 0.2 percentage points year-over-year.
September 4, 2012 - 3:30pm
New data published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) appears to confirm the widespread view among executive charter operators that few people are prosecuted for illegally flying for hire in Britain. Between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012, the CAA pursued 16 prosecutions for various breaches of UK aviation rules, only one of which was for illegally conducting a public-transport flight without holding an air operator certificate (AOC).
September 4, 2012 - 3:25pm
Thomas Hendricks started his first day as the new president and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) today. In July, the veteran pilot was selected to succeed James Coyne, who announced earlier this year that at the end of December he would be stepping down from the post he has held since 1994.
September 4, 2012 - 3:20pm
The Embraer Phenom 100 light jet recently received type certificate validation by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer announced today. “Embraer has been strengthening its market position in China’s executive aviation market over the past few years,” said Embraer China president Guan Dongyuan. “The CAAC’s certificate for the Phenom 100 is great news for Embraer and prospective customers. With the approval, the company can deliver copies of the eight-seat jets to Chinese customers.
September 4, 2012 - 3:15pm
The AOPA Foundation’s Air Safety Institute (ASI) released a new interactive online course focused on unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System. Topics include what unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are and how they operate; their effect on general aviation; how manned and unmanned aircraft can safely share the airspace; and how UASs are operating in the NAS. It was developed in collaboration with the Department of Defense.
September 4, 2012 - 3:10pm
Fractional provider Avantair has released “owner portal” applications for iOS, Blackberry and Android devices, allowing customers to book and view scheduled flights via smartphones and tablets. “Our mobile application allows customers more flexibility when traveling. They can now book flights, view their scheduled flights, view peak travel days and even change profile settings online by using mobile devices,” said Avantair CIO David Fitzgerald. “This is essential for our customer base since our clients are constantly on the go.”
September 4, 2012 - 3:05pm
Custom Aircraft Cabinets, a business aircraft cabinetry and upholstery supplier, is expanding into a new manufacturing plant in Sherwood, Ark., about 12 miles from its existing facility. The move represents a $5.9 million investment and is expected to double the number of jobs to more than 290 workers. It will also allow CAC to “successfully approach other segments of the aircraft interiors market.” The firm expects the move to be complete by December, with no effect on production or deliveries.
September 4, 2012 - 3:00pm
A major runway relocation project has been completed at New Hampshire’s Nashua-Boire Field Airport. The project, funded by the FAA, relocated Runway 14/32 some 300 feet to the north, allowing for adequate separation from a nearby taxiway. It also extended the runway by 500 feet, to 6,000 feet, and added overrun safety areas at both ends. The runway is now available for visual landings, with full operation expected on November 15, by which time navaids will have been relocated and instrument approach procedures published.
