The Drake Group (Booth C8829) has acquired an STC it helped to develop that permits parachuting skydivers and cargo from the Gulfstream GV/G550. Parachuting capabilities include single/tandem skydiving and cargo such as humanitarian supplies and life rafts. Drake has also held a meeting with the FAA to increase the cargo weight limit to 100 pounds from the current 50 pounds.

Drake president Robert Honzik said owning and managing the STC is an important element in using its capabilities. The company managed the original FAA certification, which included significant FAA flight testing.

Separately, Drake announced its upcoming seminars. "FAA Certification: TC/STC/PMA/TSO" will be held from December 6 to 8 in Las Vegas. In first-quarter 2018, Drake will hold two one-day seminars: "Business and Finance and Budgeting for Technical Personnel;" and "Tools for Managing FAA Certification Programs, STCs, PMAs, TSOs." Drake has pledged up to $1,000 to the Red Cross based on revenues-over-costs in conjunction with the December seminar.

Drake Group is located at the Henderson Executive Airport, which is hosting the 2017 NBAA static display.