Business Aviation
News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.
AIN Blog: Drone Year Retrospective, Uncertain Karma
There were fits and starts with both consumer and commercial drones as the FAA's Part 107 regulation brought much needed definition.
Maintenance and Modifications
Jet Aviation Vienna Adds To Bombardier Authorizations
In addition to the Bombardier Challenger 350 and Global family, the location now adds line maintenance for the advanced Challenger 600 series.
Avionics
Vector Earns EASA Nod for ADS-B Solution
The system is intended for the the Airbus Helicopters AS332, Leonardo Helicopters AW139, and the Sikorsky S-76 series.
Regulations and Government
Industry Panel Recommends TFR Improvements
The current TFR format can be confusing and lead to violations, AOPA said.
Charter & Fractional
HondaJet Entering Charter Service with Cutter Aviation
Cutter added two of the aircraft to its charter certificate.
Aircraft
China's Wanfeng Takes Control Of Diamond Canada
Production of the DA62 and DA40 models to move from Austria to Canada, and there may be fresh investment in the D-Jet program.
Rotorcraft
Bell 505 Wins Transport Canada Nod
Bell Holds More than 400 Letters of Intent from 505 customers.
ATC
Sesar Technology Demonstration Program Deemed a Success
The two-year project, led by NetJets Europe, saw more than 360 successful trial flights In Europe.
Santa Monica Mayor: City Committed to Replacing FBOs
Mayor Tony Vazquez said he was not surprised by the FAA cease-and-desist order, but will continue to run services at SMO.
Regulations and Government
EASA To Move Ahead on TAWS Requirement
The mandate applies to newly manufactured, commercially-operated turbine planes weighing less than 12,500 pounds.
Charter & Fractional
Zetta Jet To Acquire Firms in Singapore and Van Nuys
Zetta Jet and Asia Aviation Company will combine operations under the Zetta Jet brand, while Advanced Air Management is to become Zetta Jet USA.
FBOs
UK Aviation Company Adopts New Identity
Bristol Flying Center wants to take on a "modern identity."
Rotorcraft
Chinese AC352 Makes First Flight
The helicopter is the Chinese manufactured version of the Airbus Helicopters H175.
Aircraft
Embraer Completes First E2VS Retrofit on Legacy 500
The retrofit comes two months after the combined enhanced vision system won U.S., European and Brazilian approvals for the Legacy 500 and 450.
Cirrus Delivers First Vision Jet
Arkansas real estate developer takes keys; Cirrus opens Duluth "finishing center" as part of the festivities
Maintenance and Modifications
Embraer Adds New Service & Support Unit
The OEM sees an opportunity to expand and integrate service and support across its product lines.
Charter & Fractional
Lynjet Launches Members-only Charter Booking Site
Members pay annual dues to book flights online at new site launched by France-based Global Jet Partner.
AOPA Schedules 2017 Fly-ins with Expanded Format
AOPA will host four two-day Fly-Ins in 2017.
FBOs
Jet Aviation Marks 50th Anniversary with Refreshed Branding
Business aviation services group is marking its 50th anniversary in 2017.
Maintenance and Modifications
Colorado Pilatus Dealer Earns Part 145 Certification
Denver-based Tempus Jets is ratcheting up its maintenance support in advance of the PC-24's anticipated entry-into-service.
Rotorcraft
Air Methods Upgrades with Honeywell Sky Tracker III
The system enables phone and text services through the Iridium satellite network, including in areas without cell phone coverage.
Rotorcraft
FAA Clears Super Pumas for Return to Service
EASA had previously permitted the helicopters to return to flight.
Maintenance and Modifications
Constant Aviation Ups Its Winter AOG Service
Just in time for ski season, the Ohio MRO has expanded its U.S. coverage with two additional Colorado locations.
FBOs
Meridian Hosts Grand Opening at California Location
The New Jersey-based service provider has completed the first phase of its West Coast development in the San Francisco Bay-area.
Aircraft
Gulfstream Achieves G600 First Flight Ahead of Schedule
The first G600 took off from Savannah on December 17, with two other prototypes set to join the test program soon.
Rotorcraft
FAA SAFO Stresses Hover Checks
The agency attributes a number of accidents to pilots' failure to follow checklists.
Regulations and Government
Huerta: GA Entering 'New Era' with Part 23 Release
Huerta announced the release of the Part 23 rule, which culminated a nearly decade-long effort, saying it represents a fundamental shift in certification.
Regulations and Government
FAA's Part 23 Rewrite Ready for Release
U.S. FAA holding a briefing on December 16 on new rule.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Signs 30-helicopter Chinese HEMS Deal
This follows an order for 25 AW119Kx singles from Sino-US placed earlier this year.
Avionics
AEA Survey: ADS-B Fueling Growth at Avionics Shops
89 percent of avionics shops expect their businesses to grow in the next 12 months, up from 81 percent in last year’s survey.
