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Vol.50 | No.6

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JUNE 2021 | ainonline.com

OEMs Dassault unveils Falcon 10X sees sales, orders growth page 12 by Matt Thurber OEMs during a May 6 vir- Powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X downward-canted horizontal stabilizers on Gulfstream orders, tual event launched the Falcon 10X as a , the 10X has a 2,780-cu-ft cabin that all previous Falcon business jets. 7,500-nm competitor to the Bombardier sets it apart from competitors, boasting the Also new for the 10X is an addition to the deliveries climb page 14 Global 7500 and Gulfstream G700, adding largest cross-section of a purpose-built busi- digital flight control system (DFCS), the the French manufacturer to the ranks of ness jet with an interior width of 9 feet 1 inch single power-lever Smart Throttle that was ultra-long-range manufactur- and height of 6 feet 8 inches. By comparison, tested extensively during a 7X flight-test Safety ers. Originally code-named NX, the 10X is the G700 cabin measures 8 feet 2 inches wide campaign last year. Adding the Smart Throt- excursions and expected to be certified and enter service in and 6 feet 3 inches tall; the Global 7500 is 8 tle to the DFCS will enable the addition of 2025, according to Dassault. feet wide and 6 feet 2 inches high. All three jets’ Recovery Mode, a new feature for Falcon jets. x-winds, part 2 page 18 “Today we are introducing a new benchmark cabin volume is nearly similar at around 2,700 continues on page 28 in business aviation,” said Dassault chairman cu ft. While the Global 7500’s published range Ops Costs and CEO Eric Trappier. “The 10X will offer is 200 nm longer, all three have price tags of Read Our SPECIAL REPORT an unrivaled passenger experience over both around $75 million (2021 dollars for the 10X). Why insurance rates are short- and long-duration flights, along with Leveraging its experience manufacturing page 26 breakthrough safety features derived from composite wings for the Rafale fighter jet, so high frontline fighter technology. We have opti- Dassault said the 10X’s highly swept wings Spotlight on SAF mized every aspect of the with the pas- will be made of carbon-fiber materials. The The production and use of sustainable Safety senger in mind and established a new level of 10X will be Dassault’s first commercial air- aviation fuel (SAF) is growing slowly but capability for ultra-long-range aircraft.” plane with composite wings, although the surely, while the aviation industry faces IIMC avoidance versus Dassault consulted with potential company did extensive flight testing of a increasing pressure to reduce carbon recovery page 32 customers on the design, and the key Falcon 10 with a composite wing from 1985 emissions in all aspects of and attributes they asked for were range and to 2005. “The wing is key for the perfor- business aviation . comfort, Trappier explained. For long-du- mance of an aircraft,” Trappier said. Training page 20 ration flights, he added, customers said A big change on the 10X is the T-tail con- Virtual reality simulators “you need to be effective, you need to feel figuration of the empennage, a switch away at home.” from the distinctive-looking cruciform and gain ground page 33 FUNCTIONAL RANGE.

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prae•tor six hun•dred : best-in-class range of 4,018 nautical miles, connecting London to New York nonstop +1 321 751 5050 | embraer.com/human INSIDE this issue 35 JAMES HOLAHAN #1921$2015%, FOUNDING EDITOR WILSON S. LEACH, FOUNDER & CEO EDITOR!IN!CHIEF – Matt Thurber NEWS EDITOR ! AIN PUBLICATIONS ! Chad Trautvetter SENIOR EDITORS ! Charles Alcock, Curt Epstein, Kerry Lynch Gregory Polek – Air Transport, Jerry Siebenmark CONTRIBUTORS David Donald – Defense Mark Huber – Rotorcraft Jennifer Leach English David Jack Kenny – Safety Gordon Gilbert Richard Pedicini James Wynbrandt PRODUCTION MANAGER ! Martha Jercinovich 8 12 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ! John A. Manfredo, Grzegorz Rzekos DIGITAL SOLUTIONS MANAGER ! Michael Giaimo DEVELOPER ! Ryan Koch DIRECTOR OF VIDEO ! Ian Whelan

SPECIAL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ! Dave Leach REPORT VICE PRESIDENT SALES & MARKETING ! Karl H. Elken ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ! Nancy O’Brien AIN explores ADVERTISING SALES SAF cost and Melissa Murphy ! Midwestern U.S., +1 (830) 608-9888 Nancy O’Brien ! Western U.S./Western Canada/Asia Pacific, availability +1 (530) 241-3534 challenges and Joe Rosone – Mid-Atlantic U.S./Southeast U.S./Caribbean/Brazil, +1 (301) 693-4687 how industry- Diana Scogna ! Europe/Middle East, +33 6 62 52 25 47 government Victoria Tod ! Northeastern U.S./Eastern Canada/Great Lakes U.S./ collaboration United Kingdom, +1 (203) 733-4184 can tackle them Yury Laskin ! Russia, +7 05 912 1346 26 23 AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ! Nicole Bowman MARKETING AND CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER ! Lisa Valladares SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ! Zach O’Brien AIRPLANES and ENGINES 21 Manufacturers go all in on SAF development SALES ADMINISTRATOR ! Cindy Nesline 1 Dassault unveils Falcon 10X 23 SAF central to Europe’s ReFuelEU plans DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES ! Michele Hubert ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ! Mary Avella 12 Second Falcon 6X joins flight-test fleet 24 CoSAFA aims for SAF accountability ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ! Bobbie Bing U.S. HEADQUARTERS 44 Rises Once Again 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432, +1 (201) 444-5075 INDUSTRY and MANAGEMENT Advertising Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 [email protected] AIR TRANSPORT 6 Collins expects full bizav Circulation Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 [email protected] 34 Eurocontrol outlines means to cut CO! by 2030 bounceback by early 2022 WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE: Kerry Lynch (business aviation) 34 resolves to buy 10 More 8 Bombardier deliveries flat, but revenues up in Q1 [email protected] Tel: +1 (703) 969-9195 , Boeing Widebodies 10 Phenom demand helps push up EUROPEAN EDITORIAL OFFICE: Charles Alcock 35 Airbus to alter aerostructures businesses Embraer bizjet deliveries [email protected] Tel: +44 7799 907595 35 IATA decries ‘price gouging’ on Covid PCR testing 12 jet deliveries, orders climb THE CONVENTION NEWS COMPANY, INC. 35 Boeing to open more 737-800BCF conversion lines 14 Gulfstream deliveries and orders soar in first quarter AIN PUBLICATIONS EXECUTIVE TEAM Wilson Leach Jennifer Leach English Karl H. Elken 26 Hard insurance market not entirely due to pandemic Matt Thurber Dave Leach AIRSHOWS and EVENTS Michele Hubert Nancy O’Brien

6 NBAA-BACE 2021 showing strong early response ROTORCRAFT and UNMANNED SYSTEMS Aviation International News (ISSN 0887-9877) is published thirteen times per year (monthly plus a special NBAA Convention News issue 14 LABACE 2021 Set for November 9 to 11 10 in November). Periodicals postage paid at Midland Park, N.J., and Bell delivers 300th jet Ranger X additional mailing o !ces. Postmaster: Send address changes to Aviation International News, P.O. Box 8059, Lowell, MA 01853 USA. Allow at least 15 Leaders stress rotorcraft future development eight weeks for processing. Include old address as well as new, and an and TECHNOLOGY address label from a recent issue if possible. Subscription inquiries: +1 (201) 27 Obstacles constrain single- engine helo IFR 345-0085 or email: [email protected]. 8 Collins delivers avionics for NASA’s Aviation International News is a publication of The Convention News supersonic X-59 test aircraft 30 New team, new focus at MD Helicopters Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432; Tel.: +1 (201) 444-5075. Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part 30 EASA approves VRM virtual reality flight without permission of The Convention News Co., Inc. is strictly prohibited. The 25 Avidyne Atlas FMS receives FAA TSO, STC Convention News Co., Inc. publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, simulator for helicopter pilot training AIN Air Transport Perspective, AINtv, Business Jet Traveler, BJTwaypoints, 36 JetTech moves Citations into the touchscreen age ABACE Convention News, Dubai Airshow News, EBACE Convention News, 32 Safety experts stress IIMC avoidance over recovery Farnborough Airshow News, FutureFlight.aero, HAI Convention News, 37 Hands on: Garmin inReach Mini Iridium satcom LABACE Convention News, MEBA Convention News, NBAA Convention News, Paris Airshow News, Singapore Airshow News, Mobile Apps: 32 Many new helicopters are sitting in China Aviation International News; AINonline. PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT CHARTER and FRACTIONAL NO. 40649046 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: PITNEY 33 NovaSim raises bar for simulation training BOWES INTERNATIONAL MAIL, STATION A, P.O. BOX 54, WINDSOR, ON, N9A 6J5, returns [email protected]. 10 Airshare moving super-mid with Challenger 350 buy DEPARTMENTS ENVIRONMENT 42 Accidents | 18 AINsight | 36 Avionics Update 20 SAF grabs the spotlight 45 Compliance Countdown | 40 Hot Section PUBLICATIONS

20 Promise of SAF lies in its scalability, 8, 10, 12, 14 News Briefs | 46 People in Aviation For feedback, letters to the editor, or other editorial needs, please contact AIN’s Editors at [email protected] cost-e"ectiveness, and availability 30 Rotorcraft Update | 38 Touching Bases

4 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com INNOVATING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

While innovating to deliver peak efficiency and performance today, we never lose sight of tomorrow. In the air, our new, clean-sheet aircraft achieve industry-leading fuel economy and reduced emissions. On the ground, green facilities, sustainable manufacturing processes and a carbon offset program help guide the way to a better shared future.

21_310072_AIN_June_ENG_275x352mm_3mm.indd 1 4/26/21 3:45 PM Collins Aerospace As We Go To Press expects production HERMEUS LINES UP HQ, ARGUS REPORTS DRAMATIC rates to return to ASSEMBLY FACTORY IN ATLANTA REBOUND IN U.S., EUROPE pre-Covid 2019 levels Hermeus, an aerospace startup that BIZAV FLIGHTS by 2022. This is good landed a U.S. Air Force contract for the Business aviation traffic jumped news for aircraft initial development of a hypersonic dramatically year-over-year (YOY) in manufacturers such business jet for presidential travel, April, reaching triple-digit-percentage as Dassault Aviation, secured a 110,000-sq-ft factory in Atlanta increases in both the U.S. and Europe, whose Falcon 8X to serve as an aircraft assembly facility. according to new TraqPak data from production line is The location also will be used for light Argus International. In the U.S., flights shown here. manufacturing and structures testing, as were up 250.5 percent overall from well as the company’s headquarters. The April 2020, when the wave of lockdowns location expands the Hermeus presence was in full effect. As a sign of further in the Atlanta region, joining a Hermeus rebound, the 262,277 business aviation test facility nearby at Dekalb-Peachtree flights logged in April were also up Collins expects full bizav . Founded in 2018, Hermeus has by 359 from April 2019. Midsize jets ambitions to develop a Mach 5 aircraft. showed the biggest yearly gains by In addition to working with the U.S. Air aircraft category in the U.S., with bounceback by early 2022 Force, the company is collaborating with flights up 365.9 percent. Fractional NASA on high-speed technologies. operations climbed 475.6 percent YOY, by Charles Alcock while Part 135 flights increased 238.5 AEA: AVIONICS SALES SOFTEN, percent and Part 91 by 219.5 percent. In Business aircraft production rates will delivered an avionics suite based on its Pro BUT RECOVERY UNDERWAY Europe, operations were up from April be back to 2019 levels by early next year, Line Fusion system for NASA’s X-59 super- Worldwide business and 2020 by 153.9 percent, with super- according to Collins Aerospace. Colin sonic research aircraft(see page 8). Another avionics sales in the first quarter fell midsize jets up 448.9 percent. Similar Mahoney, the aircraft systems group’s recent boost for the company has been 13.9 percent year-over-year, to about to the U.S., European flights in April v-p customer and account management, confirmation of its role on Dassault’s new $568.8 million, according to the Aircraft slowed from March by 2.3 percent. told AIN that the recovery from the Covid Falcon 10X, providing the ultra-long-range Electronics Association’s (AEA) latest pandemic has been shorter than the 2008 jet’s primary and auxiliary electric power avionics market report. While that was PIPER AIRCRAFT SET TO financial crisis, encouraging it to make fur- units, ram-air turbines, air data systems down by almost $100 million from a year START EUROPEAN M600/ ther investments in its product range. with new smart probes, potable and waste ago, AEA said this represented a marginal SLS SHIPMENTS “The build rates will be close to back to water systems, and fire protection. increase from the fourth quarter and Piper Aircraft has received EASA normal by early 2022, and especially for Meanwhile, Collins has certified its new marked the third consecutive quarter approval for its M600/SLS Halo the heavy jets,” he said. “We’re seeing a LuxStream connectivity platform on 18 air- of increasing sales. According to AEA, safety system, which includes Garmin lot of business aircraft use, and especially craft and expects to increase that number 53.7 percent of these sales came from Autoland. The first M600/SLS delivery with the charter and fractional operators.” to 40 by year-end. It holds supplemental the retrofit market, while forward-fit under the European aircraft registry On Tuesday, Collins announced a sim- type certificates for the system covering accounted for the remainder. The is expected this month, according plified graphical interface for its Venue the Bombardier Global family and Gulfst- North American market accounted for to Vero Beach, Florida-based Piper. cabin management system and also ream G350, G450, G500, and G550. n 76 percent of the first-quarter sales As the Covid-19 pandemic wanes, volume, while 24 percent took place in Piper Aircraft plans to launch a other international markets. Reported European M600/SLS demo tour business and general aviation aircraft later this summer, visiting all Piper electronic sales include all component dealer partners and key markets NBAA-BACE 2021 showing and accessories in cockpit/cabin/ in the region. To date, Piper has software upgrades/portables/certified delivered nearly 70 Garmin Autoland- and noncertified aircraft electronics; equipped M600s in the U.S. market. strong early response tip-to-tail hardware; batteries; and chargeable product upgrades. NTSB PREPARES PRELIMINARY by Kerry Lynch REPORT ON DENVER MIDAIR EVIATION: ALL-ELECTRIC ALICE The NTSB is expected to publish NBAA remains encouraged by early met- networking and/or seeing friends as a rea- TO FLY LATER THIS YEAR a preliminary report this month rics for this year’s BACE scheduled from son for attending the show. After taking delivery last month of the on the May 12 midair collision October 12 to 14 in Las Vegas, saying 90 As for show plans, NBAA noted the first electric propulsion unit (EPU) between a Cirrus SR22 piston single percent of its planned exhibit space is exhibitor lineup will include dozens of new supplied by sister company MagniX, and a Swearingen Metroliner twin booked. In addition, as the association companies joining the mainstays that will Eviation Aircraft said its all-electric . No one was injured when prepares to open registration soon, it all be housed within the Las Vegas Con- Alice aircraft is slated to fly later this the Metroliner, operated by Key Lime noted results of a recent survey indicat- vention Center’s new West Hall. The West year. “The MagniX delivery is one of Air, and a rented Cirrus SR22 collided ing that 88 percent of respondents plan to Hall includes 600,000 sq ft of exhibit space, the key milestones in getting emission- in VMC over a reservoir as they were attend live events later in the year. That 80 new meeting rooms, and a 14,000-sq-ft free, low-cost, all-electric aviation on approach to Denver Centennial response was a more optimistic num- outdoor terrace for receptions. off the ground with the first flight of Airport at about 10:30 a.m. The ber than in a similar survey taken earlier This year’s event will have an expanded the Alice,” said Eviation CEO Omer Metroliner—which had part of its this year. floor footprint for advanced air mobility Bar-Yohay. According to Eviation, FAA upper rear fuselage sheared off in An informal AIN survey revealed that technology, a focus on business aviation type certification of the airplane is the collision—was able to complete more than 63 percent of respondents sustainability, and an increased program expected by the end of 2023. This is an emergency , while the pilot said they planned to attend NBAA, while highlighting thought leaders. about 12 months later than initially of the SR22 deployed its emergency another 23 percent are maybes. Of the “NBAA-BACE 2021 is shaping up to be a targeted, with the delay largely caused parachute that slowed the aircraft’s respondents, almost 97 percent had special event,” said association president by disruption from a fire that in January descent before crash landing in a field. attended previous BACE shows. Mean- and CEO Ed Bolen. “Although a small 2020 damaged an earlier prototype NTSB investigators have interviewed while, 45 percent said they were “much number of companies are not participat- during ground testing. The source the pilots and listened to recordings more” enthusiastic about this year’s event, ing in trade shows this year, we’re thrilled of the fire was traced to a fault in from ATC. Interviews of the controllers while Covid concerns weigh on 38 percent that nearly all the leading companies in a ground-based battery system. working the aircraft are planned. of the respondents and travel restrictions business aviation will be at NBAA-BACE, on 28 percent. Almost 90 percent listed some in a very big way.” n

6 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com OUR CUSTOMERS VOTE US #1 FBO IN THE WORLD! 2020 & 2021 AIN FBO Surveys

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AmAero_AIN_Junior tabloid ad_0521.indd 1 5/12/2021 3:25:45 PM has taken a toll. Order activity started News Briefs Bombardier deliveries flat, slowly in January but picked up notably in February and March, and that momentum With Halo Buy, Directional has carried into the second quarter. Eyes Air Mobility Ops but revenues up in Q1 Bombardier has continued to chip Directional Aviation’s OneSky Flight has away at the lengthy Global 7500 backlog, acquired UK-based Halo Aviation, adding by Kerry Lynch which Martel said is now approaching another helicopter operation to its the company’s goal of 18 to 24 months, portfolio just months after buying New While Bombardier’s first-quarter deliv- aggregator Seeking Alpha said was the ana- a timespan he believed will help attract York City-based Sikorsky S-76 operator eries remained flat year-over-year at 26 lysts’ consensus estimate of $1.18 billion. further orders. Associated Aircraft Group. Halo has a business jets, a shift in mix to far more of Meanwhile, Seeking Alpha had reported a Bombardier said it remains on track to fleet of six Leonardo AW109s and AW169s its large, ultra-long-range models, includ- consensus EBITDA estimate of $89 million. deliver between 110 and 120 business jets that it flies from bases near London, the ing eight Global 7500s, helped lead to an “The preliminary financial results…vali- this year, about the same level as in 2020, Midlands, and Channel Islands. Kenneth 18 percent increase in business jet rev- date the actions we have taken to reposi- when it delivered 114. Ricci, Directional Aviation’s principal, said enues, the company reported on May 6. tion our business and reflect the progress The company also reported that it the addition of Halo “positions us as a Release of these quarterly results marked we are making on our strategic priorities,” received a letter from a holder of debt that leader in the future of vertical-lift solutions; the company’s first earnings report as a said Bombardier president and CEO Éric matures in 2034 alleging that Bombar- builds a core competency in urban mobility pure-play business aviation organization. Martel. “The first quarter was a strong dier’s sales of its transportation, regional operations; and makes possible synergies Bombardier delivered 16 Globals in start to the year, with our cost-reduction jet, and aerostructures businesses were with our other affiliated companies, like the quarter, compared with nine a year initiatives beginning to contribute to the in breach of the loan covenants. The air- Flexjet and Sentient.” Andrew Collins, earlier. This year’s first-quarter deliveries bottom line, continued progress of our framer stressed that it believes the alle- OneSky’s on-demand private jet travel included two more Global 7500s. Mean- Global 7500 learning curve, and robust gations are without merit and that the and vertical-lift lead, said that Directional’s while, Challenger deliveries fell from 14 demand supporting significant year-over- sales “enabled it to reposition the busi- longer-term goal is to jump into advanced in the first quarter of 2020 to nine in the year margin expansion.” ness, strengthen its balance sheet, accel- air mobility, with Halo and AAG acquisitions most recent quarter, while deliv- Martel added that the company erate deleveraging, and better position providing springboard for eVTOL ops. eries dropped year-over-year from three remains on target to obtain a 20 percent Bombardier for long-term growth and to one as Bombardier moves to end pro- cost savings on the Global 7500 produc- value creation.” Gogo Unveils Unlimited duction of that product line by year-end. tion program from the 50th aircraft to the The sales of its non-business jet units Streaming, Data Plan Encouraging to the manufacturer is 100th aircraft. were among several steps the company has Gogo is now offering what it claims that EBITDA from continuing operations Martel was also encouraged by improv- taken to grapple with a heavy debt load that is the first unlimited streaming and jumped 43 percent year-over-year, to $123 ing order activity, with the company achiev- became even larger as the pandemic took a data plan in business aviation—Gogo million, not only from a deliveries mix ing a book-to-bill ratio exceeding 1:1 in the toll last year. Bombardier also is discontin- Biz 4G Limitless—offering owners and tilted more heavily toward its top-of-the- quarter. However, he noted that Bombar- uing Learjet production, realigning facilities, operators predictability in billing. It is line Globals but continued cost savings dier needs to rebuild its backlog, which fell and reducing its global workforce to about priced at $9,995 a month and available gleaned from Global 7500 production. from $13.6 billion in first-quarter 2020 to 13,000 by year-end. In addition, it made to Avance L5 customers. According to The earnings beat expectations. Bombar- $10.4 billion at the end of this March. a strategic decision to keep down capital Gogo v-p for product management Jim dier reported business jet revenues of $1.3 While the ramp-up of Global 7500 deliv- expenses for new aircraft programs over MacDougall, “Unlimited streaming and billion, well ahead of what financial data eries plays into that decline, the pandemic the next several years. n data gives customers the ability to enjoy the benefits of our streaming plan while reducing or eliminating the risk of getting high overage bills for any given month.” Collins delivers avionics for NASA’s supersonic X-59 test aircraft NBAA’s Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable Lifts Off Collins Aerospace has handed over the NBAA has formed a new Advanced Air avionics system for NASA’s X-59, bringing Mobility (AAM) Roundtable as a forum for the Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) high-level policy planning to chart a course research aircraft a step closer to its first for the integration of AAM technologies flight in 2022. Being built at Lockheed Collins Aerospace into U.S. airspace and infrastructure. The Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, tailored an avionics roundtable, NBAA said, will allow OEMs California, the X-59 will be used to conduct suite based on Pro developing eVTOL vehicles and other sonic boom trials over various population Line Fusion for the systems to discuss topics such as airport centers to generate noise data that could X-59 that includes access, airspace management, and local be used to ultimately develop new interna- SVS and EVS to help community engagement. Founding tional standards for . account for the members include Eve Air Mobility, Hillwood Collins is providing a Pro Line Fusion- lack of forward- Aviation, Hyundai UAM, Joby Aviation, based avionics system that is designed to looking windows. Lilium, and Wisk. The inaugural meeting accommodate the unusual design of the took place in February, with additional X-59, including a lack of forward-looking large-format touchscreen display system The X-59 will incorporate a long, slender air- meetings planned throughout the year. windows. “We are bringing Pro Line Fusion with multifunction windows and a range of frame with a 30-foot-long nose that will help to the world of supersonic with an opti- navigation, communication, and other sys- achieve supersonic speeds with a low-boom Pilatus Aircraft Hands mized solution for the X-59,” said Peeter tems to help the pilot to safely fly and land or “sonic thump,” defraying the noise impacts. Over 1,800th PC-12 Soot, Collins Aerospace senior director in all weather conditions, the company said. “The X-59 is expected to create a noise Pilatus Aircraft last month handed over of marketing for avionics. “It has no for- The company is incorporating HUD symbol- about as loud as a door closing instead the 1,800th PC-12 turboprop single, just ward-looking windscreen, so we are adding ogy, synthetic vision, ARC-210 communica- of a sonic boom when it breaks the sound three months after delivering its 100th EVS [enhanced vision] and SVS [synthetic tion radios, and the Collins multi-spectral barrier,” said Dave Schreck, vice president PC-24 . The milestone PC-12 NGX, vision] to give pilots all the visual refer- enhanced vision system (EVS-3600), which and general manager for military avionics S/N 2070, was delivered to Alán Aguirre, ences they need. And we are introducing uses advanced visual sensors and multi- and helicopters at Collins Aerospace. “This owner of Divine Flavor, a family-run and touchscreens and a new HUD to combine ple-wavelength infrared technology. aircraft has the ability to shape the future of grower-owned distribution company based all the images, and a suite of navigation and Buttressing these systems will be NASA’s supersonic travel and our avionics are help- in Nogales, Arizona, with greenhouses surveillance equipment.” eXternal Vision System, which uses a 4K mon- ing make this revolutionary aircraft a reality. and vineyards throughout Mexico. Pilatus Working with and NASA itor to display images from two cameras out- We’re excited as we count down the days shipped 82 PC-12s last year, which the on software applications, Collins tailored a side the aircraft combined with terrain data. until we see it fly.” K.L. company said made it the most-delivered turbine business aircraft model.

8 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com

Bell delivers News Briefs Beroe: Bizjet Shipments To Climb at 6% CAGR 300th jet A Global Business Jet Industry Outlook released by data intelligence firm Beroe projects deliveries of 8,750 business jets Ranger X over the next 10 years, with the number increasing at an average compound by Mark Huber annual growth rate of 6 percent. The overall business jet market is expected Bell delivered its 300th Bell 505 Jet to reach $37.5 billion annually by 2030, Ranger X turbine light single helicopter according to the report. North America last month. The delivery was made to the is expected to account for most of the Jamaican Defense Force (JDF), a long- forecasted business jet deliveries, with time customer, and is the JDF’s sixth 505. 5,250 aircraft worth $150 billion, followed The first Bell 505 was delivered in by Europe and Asia-Pacific each with 2017. Today, 300 copies of the model are 1,575 aircraft worth approximately $54 The addition of Bombardier Challenger 350s will push Airshare’s fractional program upmarket in operation across six continents, with billion. The remainder would be delivered into the super-midsize segment. Airshare will take up to 20 of the , expanding on its customers that have logged more than to Latin America, the Middle East, and current fractional fleet of 20 and 300 light jets. 70,000 hours. The five-seat 505 has a top Africa, which along with Asia-Pacific speed of 125 knots and a useful load of are growing markets, Beroe said. 1,500 pounds. Platform advances include Garmin G1000H NXi avionics, , CBAA Continues Battle against Airshare moving super-mid Flight Stream, lightweight EMS interior, Proposed Luxury Tax Bell public safety configuration, Pulselite, In addition to yachts and high-end vehicles, FliteStep, a left-hand side door, business, personal, and other general with Challenger 350 buy and moveable ballast. aviation aircraft remain in the Canadian Earlier this month, EASA approved the government’s luxury tax proposal. The by Chad Trautvetter 505 for operations to carry external loads up tax is included in the government’s to 2,000 pounds, giving the aircraft an exter- federal budget that is expected to be Kansas City-based aircraft charter, man- the central U.S. to the East Coast. nal gross weight of 4,475 pounds. “The Bell enacted, with the luxury tax taking effect agement, maintenance, and fractional “The addition of super-midsize jets into 505 is one of Bell’s fastest-growing commer- on Jan. 1, 2022. The Canadian Business provider Airshare has placed a firm order our fleet represents a significant mile- cial programs to date,” said Michael Thacker, Aviation Association (CBAA) has been for three Bombardier Challenger 350s, stone in our vision to expand the Airshare executive vice president, innovation and fighting the tax since it first appeared with options for 17 more. When delivered brand nationally,” said Airshare president commercial business. “As we continue to in the proposed budget in 2019. CBAA later this year, the trio of Challengers will and CEO John Owen. “Considerable due see interest for the aircraft in public safety, president and CEO Anthony Norejko said, expand Airshare’s fractional offerings diligence went into choosing the Chal- utility, and corporate transport, Bell has “The possibility of a new tax is not only into the super-midsize segment. lenger 350, with input from our current invested in new products and technologies unfair but can have the perverse effect of Airshare currently has 50 aircraft in customers and contributions from every to expand the Bell 505’s capabilities.” n stifling an area of economic growth and its fleet, including 20 Embraer Phenom department in the company.” reduce the ability of Canadians to conduct 100 and 300 light jets for its fractional Airshare’s days-based fractional pro- business and connect by using aircraft.” program and 30 managed aircraft. The gram provides each owner of a 1/16th share company said it selected the Challenger with 20 days and unlimited flight time, YOUR SOURCE FOR AVIATION NEWS Airbus Heli Orders Drop 26% 350 as the catalyst for expanding its based on a customer’s allocation of days First-quarter results from Airbus www.ainonline.com fractional ownership program beyond and maximum 14-hour crew duty days. n Helicopters saw new orders and deliveries fall sharply. New orders dropped by 26 percent to 40 net orders, compared with 54 in the same period a year ago. E!NEWSLETTER FOR BUSINESS AVIATION Meanwhile, deliveries dropped to 39 Phenom demand helps push up Embraer bizjet deliverieswww.ainonline.com/alerts helicopters, down by eight aircraft from a year ago. The overall orderbook dropped As the light-jet market continues 5 percent, to 664 helicopters, from 702 in to strengthen during the pandemic, the same period a year ago. Still, first- Embraer’s Phenom deliveries doubled in AERO DEFENSE INDUSTRY E!NEWSLETTER quarter earnings before interest and the first quarter to 10 aircraft, the Brazilian www.ainonline.com/subscribe taxes increased 17 percent, to $75 million, manufacturer reported in mid-May. At the thanks to increased service revenues and same time, however, Embraer handed over unspecified reductions in program and one fewer Praetor midsize jet, for a total of research and development spending.

three in the first quarter. AIR TRANSPORT INDUSTRY E!NEWSLETTER Overall, Embraer delivered 22 commer- ZeroAvia Testbed Damaged www.ainonline.com/subscribe cial and executive jets in the first quarter. A Piper Malibu Mirage being used by This marked a jump from the 14 shipments ZeroAvia to test its hydrogen propulsion logged in the same period in 2020, when system landed in a field just outside global rolling shutdowns were pushing Cranfield Airport in England on April 29. off late-quarter deliveries at most air- Embraer delivered nine Phenom 300Es in the first quarter, compared with five a year earlier. While the two crewmembers on board craft manufacturers. FOR NEWS VIDEO FROM HELI!EXPO were not injured, the aircraft sustained In the most recent quarter, Embraer 600s and a single 500 in the quarter, com- accounted for this increase, with five deliv- substantial damage. ZeroAvia said that the handed over nine Phenom 300s, up from pared with three 600s and one 500 in the ered in the first quarter, compared with a aircraft made “a safe off-airport landing” five a year earlier. In addition, Embraer same period a year ago. single copy in the same period of 2021. during a “routine pattern test flight.” An handed over a Phenom 100 in the first Commercial deliveries, meanwhile, While deliveries increased, backlog image released by the local fire service quarter versus zero in first-quarter 2020. improved from five in the first quarter shrunk, fromFOR $15.9 NEWS billion VIDEO a yearFROM ago EBACE to $14.2 showed the left wing completely detached As for the Praetors, Embraer shipped two of 2020 to nine this year. The 195-E2 billion in the most recent quarter. K.L. from the airplane, along with damage to the horizontal stabilizer and cowling.

10 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com DESIGNED FOR PASSENGERS WHO’VE EXCEEDED THEIR LIGHT JET CAPACITY The world’s first Super Versatile Jet takes off! Reached your maximum capacity? Stop leaving the big stuff behind and expand to the cargo volume your mission demands. With the PC-24’s spacious, versatile and highly modular cabin, space limitations are a thing of the past. Carry more in a PC-24 – contact us now! www.pilatus-aircraft.com News Briefs GE Continues Progress on Catalyst Engine GE Aviation is in the final stages of installing its new Catalyst turboprop engine on the new Denali following the completion of ice testing of the powerplant. Over the past two winters, the company has been running the engine in below-zero temperatures in what it calls “icing critical point analysis” at the National Research Council in Ottawa, Canada. The 10-meter-long wind tunnel generates atmospheric conditions and in-flight temperatures that are channeled to the engine as clouds comprising small drops at sub-zero temperatures and simulates the variability of altitude up to 30,000 feet. Textron Aviation expects first flight of the Denali turboprop single to occur later this year.

Leonardo Rebrands Kopter SH09 as AW09 Leonardo Helicopters and its Swiss Textron Aviation is seeing a strong level of interest from buyers among all its Citation business jets, Textron CEO Scott Donnelly told analysts subsidiary, Kopter, have rebranded the on a first-quarter 2021 earnings conference call. single-engine SH09 as the Leonardo AW09. Leonardo is now preparing to fly the latest P4 prototype between September and November of this year, Textron Aviation jet deliveries, orders climb with type certification for the light helicopter expected in late 2023 or early byJerry Siebenmark 2024. The P4 prototype now being built will incorporate some undisclosed design Textron Aviation saw better-than- of the fleet that’s out there that’s under 10 2020, primarily due to lower aftermarket changes from the existing P3 aircraft, expected business jet deliveries and a years old that’s available for sale,” he said. volume. But the quarterly segment profit which this year will complete its flight significant increase in its order backlog Revenue for the quarter was $865 million, of $47 million was up by $3 million from a testing. P3 has already logged more in the first quarter, parent company Tex- down $7 million from the first quarter of year ago. n than 40 flight hours since it underwent tron reported. Citation jet deliveries for some configuration changes in January. the first quarter, historically its lightest delivery and new-order three-month NBAA Launches Flight Dept period in any year, totaled 28 jets, includ- Sustainability Program ing five copies of the recently announced Second Falcon 6X joins flight-test fleet NBAA has announced the launch of CJ4 Gen2. This compares with 23 jet han- its Sustainable Flight Department dovers in the quarter a year ago. Less than two months after Dassault Avi- be completed to a typical customer configu- Accreditation Program. With an eye Order intake also jumped, with back- ation’s first Falcon 6X widebody twinjet ration and sent on a global tour. towards a formal rollout this fall at NBAA- log at the end of the quarter totaling $2.1 took to the skies, a second aircraft has “We are very pleased with the prog- BACE in Las Vegas, the program—still billion, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of joined the flight-test campaign. Flight- ress of the Falcon 6X test program and under development with its initial pilot 1.57:1. That compares with $1.6 billion in test aircraft S/N 2 completed its inaugu- remain confident of meeting its target test members, including Starbucks backlog and a 0.9:1 book-to-bill ratio in ral flight on April 30, flying for two hours, 2022 certification date,” said Dassault and Adobe—will serve as an industry the fourth quarter. climbing to FL400, and reaching a cruise Aviation chairman and CEO Eric Trappier, standard for validation of sustainable “I think the overall demand environ- speed of Mach 0.85. adding that both 6X flying test aircraft flight operations. It will concentrate ment is…more positive,” Textron presi- The initial flight-test vehicle flew for the are “performing as expected and show- on four areas: flight, operations, dent and CEO Scott Donnelly said on a first time on March 10 and the third, which ing a high level of systems maturity for ground support, and infrastructure. conference call with analysts. “You’ve got will have a finished interior, is expected to this phase of the program.” Several more people looking to acquire aircraft join the program in the third quarter. That lat- Dassault test pilots have now flown the Schwenk To Step Down than we’ve seen in quite some time, so the ter aircraft will test cabin systems and ameni- Falcon 6X, he added. “All are extremely as Pilatus Chief level of activity, the number of customer ties, equipment, flight entertainment satisfied with its performance and han- Pilatus Aircraft chairman Oscar Schwenk interactions, is certainly quite strong.” systems, and options such as high-speed dling characteristics.” will be stepping down this summer but He also noted on the call that “virtually Ka-band Internet capability. The first Announcement of the second 6X first remain with the company in a non- every model of jet and turboprop we have is production aircraft, S/N 4, will flight came just before Dassault unveiled operational capacity. “In Hansueli Loosli, a seeing strong activity.” Despite the strong its next Falcon twinjet, the 7,500-nm ultra- current member of the board of directors, showing on jet deliveries in the quarter, tur- long-range Falcon 10X we have found a capable personality who boprops were down by 2 units, to 14, com- (see cover story). is available and qualified for this office,” pared with the same quarter last year. K.L. he said. Loosli joined Pilatus’s board in Interest in the acquisition of new jets mid-2020 and has chaired numerous other was still largely driven by “personal travel,” boards, including Coop, Swisscom, Bell Donnelly explained, but “corporate aviation Dassault Aviation now Food Group, Transgourmet, and Coop departments are starting to come alive.” has two flying Falcon 6Xs Mineraloel. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Donnelly added that new aircraft order as it remains on track for Pilatus brought in CHF 1.1 billion ($1.2 billion intake for the quarter was likely helped by certification of the 5,500- U.S.) in 2020, nearly matching its 2019 a shrinking pool of young, used jets for sale. nm twinjet next year. results, and delivered 129 aircraft, five “At this point, we’re down below 1 percent shy of the 134 delivered a year earlier

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16346 FAB AIN Award Advert 275x352 2021.indd 1 04/05/2021 16:56 As for the orders, Novakovic noted that News Briefs the only sales quarter to eclipse the first quarter at the aerospace division in the Outfitted Gulfstream G700 past two years was the end of 2019 when Joins Flight-test Program Gulfstream had rolled out the G700. Tak- The sixth and final test aircraft in ing in $2.457 billion in orders in the first Gulfstream’s G700 program made its quarter, the funded backlog for the aero- first flight on April 15 from the company’s space group grew from $11.308 billion at headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. This the end of 2020 to $11.545 billion. Includ- aircraft—the first to have a production ing Jet Aviation, the aerospace group’s interior—will be put through a test book-to-bill for the quarter was 1.3:1. regimen that will include more than 15,500 Noting that the aerospace group’s test points, examining and validating every performance eclipsed the corporation’s cabin function to ensure reliability and own expectations, Novakovic said sales customer comfort upon delivery. This picked up notably in mid-February and G700 has been fitted with Gulfstream’s continued throughout the quarter and new “ultra galley,” which features more appear to have continued into the sec- than 10 feet of counter space, a dedicated

MARK WAGNER MARK ond quarter. Encouragingly, she added, crew rest space, a six-seat conference and A ramp up in G600 deliveries helped drive an overall increase in ’s unit this sales momentum has occurred while dining area, and a large stateroom with a shipments in the first-quarter of 2021. many countries have kept travel restric- full-length wardrobe. Further, the ultra- tions in place, leaving the company well- long-range Rolls-Royce Pearl-powered positioned for when restrictions ease features the manufacturer’s “ultra-high- globally. “Demand should improve even definition” circadian lighting system, 100 Gulfstream deliveries and further when these restrictions are ulti- percent fresh cabin air, low cabin altitude, mately removed,” she added. and “whisper-quiet” noise levels. The The U.S. accounted for half of the sales G700 is slated to enter service in 2022. orders soar in first quarter and this activity came from a broad cus- tomer base representing a range of buy- ACSF Endorses NTSB by Kerry Lynch ers. This included Fortune 500 companies, Call for SMS, FDM which are increasingly reentering the The Air Charter Safety Foundation Gulfstream Aerospace marked one of its group—which includes Gulfstream and market, she said. (ACSF) endorsed the NTSB’s inclusion strongest sales quarters in the past two Jet Aviation—increased 11.6 percent from Meanwhile, Gulfstream’s service rev- of safety management systems (SMS), years, reaching a book-to-bill of 1.34:1 in $1.691 billion in first-quarter 2020 to $1.887 enues saw a 5.7 percent increase. Jet crash-resistant recorders, and flight the first three months, parent company billion in the most recent quarter. How- Aviation, however, has been slower to data monitoring (FDM) programs on (GD) reported in late ever, aerospace earnings fell by $20 million rebound, with revenues down $31 million, the 2021/22 “Most Wanted” list of April. At the same time, the aircraft man- in the quarter, to $220 million, reflecting but Novakovic said this was not unex- transportation safety improvements, ufacturer had a five-unit jump in deliver- a write-down involving G500 test aircraft. pected given the dip in flight hours during saying the recommendations will create ies, to 28, with large aircraft driving that Further, GD chairman and CEO Phebe the pandemic. n a safer charter industry. In its list, the improvement. Savannah, Georgia-based Novakovic cautioned that the second NTSB called for the FAA to require, as well Gulfstream handed over 25 large aircraft quarter would be the most “challeng- as verify the effectiveness of, SMS in all in the first quarter, up from the 20 a year ing” in terms of deliveries, but that she revenue passenger-carrying operations. earlier, as well as three midsize G280s, expected a “rapid improvement” in the In addition, a second focus area on the YOUR SOURCE FOR AVIATION NEWS unchanged from a year ago. third and fourth quarters as produc- list calls for mandatory crashworthy www.ainonline.com As a result, revenues at GD’s aerospace tion increases. recorders and the adoption of flight data monitoring programs. ACSF said the recommendations could help prevent accidents, reduce injuries, and save E!NEWSLETTER FOR BUSINESS AVIATION lives. Foundation president Bryan Burns LABACE 2021 Set for November 9 to 11 The Congonhaswww.ainonline.com/ Airport has traditionallyalerts pointed out that of the 1,900 Part 135 housed stands in a historic hangar with organizations in the U.S., only 20 had been LABACE, Latin America’s largest annual While the show is normally held in mid-Au- the door wide open to the static display accepted into the FAA’s voluntary SMS business aviation event that was canceled in gust, ABAG has pushed it back to November ramp, which is expected to provide a good program and another 213 have applied. 2020 due to the pandemic, is poised to return 9 to 11, allowing three more months for Brazil setupAERO for social DEFENSE distancing, INDUSTRY the E!NEWSLETTER show orga- this year, organizer ABAG said in late April. to recover from the pandemic. nizer said.www.ainonline.com/ With these new dates,subscribe however, Colorado Sees First LABACE will close just three days before Continuous SAF Supply the Dubai Airshow opens, which could Colorado’s Telluride Regional Airport potentially cause a conflict for some. (KTEX) has become the first location in Colorado to continually stock LikeAIR other TRANSPORT world INDUSTRY regions, Ebusiness!NEWSLETTER avi- ation in Latin America has been much less sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The first www.ainonline.com/subscribe severely a!ected by the pandemic than of what will be a continuous supply the , according to a recent analysis was delivered in mid-April, with each by ABAG technical manager Raul Marinho. 7,600-gallon truckload of the blended He views the crisis as having driven new SAF representing a 22-tonne reduction of users to private aviation and given new rel- CO₂ emissions over its lifecycle. Supplied evancy toFOR air NEWS ambulance VIDEO FROMservices. HELI !MarinhoEXPO by Avfuel and produced from renewable also sees new Brazilian ANAC rules allow- waste and residue materials, the Neste ing per-seat charter and, soon, regulating drop-in fuel meets all ASTM standards shared ownership as all boosting busi- when blended with conventional jet- ness aviation. A. “Avfuel has worked diligently on the

INTOSH Brazil’sFOR agribusiness NEWS VIDEO sector, FROM EBACE which is logistics for delivering SAF to Telluride c export-oriented and dollar-based, has also Regional Airport, and we’re excited to

DAVID M weathered the crisis well and is historically announce this significant milestone Congonhas Airport comes alive with business aircraft during the annual LABACE show. a strong aircraft purchaser. R.P. that’s been three years in the making,” said KTEX manager Kenneth Maenpa.

14 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com and regulation of urban air mobility (UAM) Bell v-p of rapid manufacturing and pro- Leaders stress rotorcraft aircraft. Later flights in December concen- totyping Glenn Isbell emphasized a need trated on evaluating the rotor strike alert- for a cultural shift within companies to ing system. Other tests to be conducted this achieve vehicle performance goals. “Air- future development | by Mark Huber year include a camera image-detection solu- craft manufacturing can be done differ- tion to enable low-altitude navigation, ded- ently,” he noted, pointing to Bell’s new A leader of the U.S. Army Futures Flight tests on noise reduction that began icated health and usage monitoring system manufacturing technology center that Command and senior rotor- in April 2020 focused on buildings’ impact (HUMS) for light helicopters, and an engine the company intends to use to modernize craft company executives all on people’s sound perception, with a view backup system that provides emergency manufacturing across its entire enterprise. emphasized the need not only to toward applying the data to sound modeling electric power in the event of turbine failure. continues on page 19 change how current and future rotorcraft and other vertical lift aircraft perform, but how they are made. During remarks May 10 at the keynote session of the Vertical Flight Society’s (VFS) Forum 77, they also pointed to the need to continue to recruit and retain top engineering tal- ent as the rotorcraft industry transitions to future vertical lift Ready programs, more efficient internal combustion and electric propul- sion, and increased use of auton- omous systems. to train U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Thomas H. Todd III, the Army Futures with the best technologies and tools, unmatched Command’s deputy command- ing general for acquisitions and instructor expertise, full-career-lifecycle pilot training systems, stressed the need to to the highest safety standards and a program built develop “affordable” aircraft that around your specifc needs and goals could be “fielded at scale.” This not only applies to new future vertical lift (FVL) aircraft under development, but also the ability to digitize and modernize legacy with the industry military helicopter platforms such as the Apache, Chinook, and Black Hawk that will be operated in leader? some cases through 2060 as FVL aircraft are integrated into the fleet over time. Cockpits of many of these aircraft already have been modernized and the Army is con- tinuing with plans to retrofit leg- CAE is ready acy aircraft with a new generation of engines—such as the Improved when you are. Turbine Engine Program (ITEP)— that increase shaft horsepower by 50 percent and reduces fuel burns Explore more reasons for working with the team by up to 25 percent. that works with you — at cae.com/business-aviation Tomasz Krysinski, v-p of research and development at Airbus Helicopters, said his com- pany is focused on innovation that would make vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft “safer, simpler, more affordable, and more citizen-friendly.” He said the company intends to achieve these goals via the implementa- tion of “automation, autonomy, detectability, predictability, con- nectivity, and sustainability.” He noted that a good deal of this enabling technology is being tested and validated between now and 2023 on the company’s flying turbine-single H130 “Helicopter Flightlab” and its “Project Vertex” that includes the use of infrared cameras and lidar sensors to sup- port improved situational aware- ness and obstacle detection.

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 15 The Future of Aircraft Management !+7$08(.#-'/$0+,/'2+H%-)+F-7)+!8/-'/$0+3.(#/9(0'+-09+HaA+F+&(#*G&+H'"B,+

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SPONSOR CONTENT AINsight

Stuart “Kipp” Lau, pilot, safety expert, and consultant

tendency to start a “de-crab” maneuver Runway excursions and crosswind to align with the runway. In a crosswind, prematurely removing crab allows the air- Runway excursions have become one of the centerline. Thrust was then reduced Paramount is an awareness of the landing craft to drift to the leeward (or downwind). the most common types of aircraft acci- to idle at 30 feet agl with the aircraft in conditions. Questions to ask: if there is Other cautions include flare technique dents worldwide. Most of them occur a left bank. The aircraft quickly began to a crosswind, are you within limits? If the during a crosswind. An extended or high during landing with lateral excursions drift to the left of centerline. runway is contaminated, is the braking flare not only significantly increases the and are becoming a growing concern. Next, the pilot simultaneously rolled coefficient sufficient for a safe landing? landing distance but decreases aircraft Typically, poor pilot technique or air- the aircraft to the right and flared. The If the answer is “no” to either, do not energy, making it more sensitive to cross- craft handling errors combined with aircraft touched down on its right main attempt to land. Accordingly, initiating winds. If the aircraft begins to drift exces- environmental factors such as weather (MLG) approximately 55 feet a go around close to the ground or even sively during the flare, go around. contribute to these events. Crosswinds in to the left of the runway centerline. after a bounced landing is better than an After touchdown (rollout) it is imper- particular have proven to be a challenge. At touchdown, the aircraft was “crabbed” unsafe landing. If you are not stable at any ative to continue to “fly” each control While these events are rarely deadly, lat- eight degrees to the right of the runway point, go around! surface until you vacate the runway. eral runway excursions, or veer-offs, often heading. Within seconds, the left MLG Proper seat and rudder pedal position Remember, the aircraft will rotate around result in a hull loss. clipped several runway edge lights and are important. Seat position, especially its center of gravity during rollout if not Last month’s AINsight blog focused on touched down in the grass at the runway height, is a must for that consistent “sight counteracted with the rudder. runway excursions and crosswind take- edge. Afterwards, the aircraft began to decel- picture” in the flare. Full rudder travel is Touching down in a crab creates a piv- offs, specifically aircraft handling during erate and then corrected back towards the important to keep the aircraft on the run- oting moment around the vertical axis by periods of strong and/or gusty winds. As runway centerline and exited the runway. way during strong crosswinds, engine-out the combined effect of the lateral friction mentioned, aircraft handling and the envi- The investigation concluded that strong handling, and rejected takeoffs. of the tires and inertia force applied at the ronment are the two main contributors to precipitation to the north of the runway cre- From the flare to touchdown during center of gravity. The intensity of the piv- runway excursions during landing. Other ated a temporary drop in temperature and a strong crosswind landing probably oting moment is dependent on the run- factors may include pilot decision-making change in wind direction; this confirmed requires more skill than any other maneu- way surface friction. ability (land/no-land decision) or under- the presence of a downburst from a thun- ver in an aircraft. No pressure. Weathercock effect is another undesir- standing of aircraft performance limita- derstorm cell at the time of landing. Con- To “ace” this maneuver, the pilot must able outcome of a crosswind landing. The tions related to landing in a crosswind tributing to the runway excursion was the land in the correct zone, with the right effect of the wind on the vertical stabilizer together with hazardous conditions such increased intensity of the precipitation caus- alignment and the right amount of energy. causes the aircraft to yaw into the wind, as a contaminated runway surface. ing reduced visual references in the flare. In a crosswind, the pilot must maintain and is counteracted by using the rudder. Pilots operate in a complex and Furthermore, a lack of runway lighting the proper lateral flight path. As speed decreases, the rudder becomes dynamic environment. Even the best-laid made it difficult for the pilot to detect the In general, fly the aircraft wings level less effective. Differential braking may plans can be disrupted by changes in the lateral movement of the aircraft over the and crab into the wind maintaining the be required to steer the aircraft during weather and degraded airport facilities. In runway. The A330-300 has both reactive proper trajectory along the runway axis. strong crosswinds. Some aircraft require October 2014, an Airbus A330-300 crew at and predictive windshear systems; each The crab (on most aircraft) is removed forward pressure on the yoke during roll- the end of a transatlantic flight planned are inhibited below 50 feet agl. The airport just before the flare with a smooth cho- out to ensure nosewheel effectiveness. a benign arrival into Montreal Trudeau’s did not have a low-level windshear sys- reographed transition to align the longitu- There is one last gotcha on aircraft cer- Runway 24R in VMC with light winds and tem. Two aircraft on approach behind the dinal axis of the aircraft with the runway tified for an autoland. On many aircraft, few cumulonimbus clouds in the area. A330 both discontinued their approaches using rudder (primarily) and aileron. the autopilot controls the rudder surface, As the flight progressed, conditions due to deteriorating weather conditions. Pilots of transport-category aircraft with but the rudder pedals remain neutral. began to rapidly deteriorate; the crew A recent Airbus study identified underwing engines should limit roll to Before disconnecting the autopilot during began to note an area of “strong returns” three main environmental factors that around five degrees (or aircraft flight rollout, the pilot must be ready with feet on the weather radar north of the air- may contribute to a runway excursion manual limit) to prevent “pod strikes.” positioned on the rudder pedals and be port. Soon, discussions on the flight deck during landing: wet or contaminated Runway alignment is largely dependent prepared to immediately respond with switched from landing with a “light wind” runway, turbulence or crosswind, and on an understanding of lateral flight path large inputs on the rudder. Autobraking to preparing for a possible encounter degraded visibility. alignment. On most aircraft, the localizer is recommended. with windshear. Once established on final The study concluded that 88 percent of antenna is located under the radome in Runway excursions continue to be approach to Runway 24R, ATC gave an runway excursion events involved a wet the center of the aircraft. a threat during the landing maneuver. updated wind report as 280 degrees at 13 or contaminated runway, while nearly 80 So, regardless of IMC versus VMC or Pilots must constantly evaluate environ- knots gusting to 18 knots and a reminder percent of the events included at least autoflight versus manual flight, it really mental factors such as a strong crosswind that the runway lighting was out of service. two of the three environmental factors; does not matter. In Airbus terms, “Correct or contaminated runway surface before According to the report, the flight crew the A330-300 runway excursion event in lateral flight path means localizer centered attempting an approach and landing. never lost visual contact with the runway Montreal tagged all three. or nose of the aircraft trajectory aligned Awareness and even avoidance may be the and the approach was stable. Passing Statistics point to handling issues as a with the runway axis.” All this really means best strategy to mitigate this risk. through 900 feet agl, the first officer—the significant contributor to runway excur- is that in the transition from flare to touch- Aircraft handling skills can only be pilot flying (PF)—disconnected the auto- sion events during landing. Airbus and down, the goal is to keep the location of the improved through training and experi- pilot. Seconds later, the preceding aircraft, others recommend a holistic approach that LOC antenna or center of the flight deck ence. Most of all, pilots should under- a Dash 8, reported “light windshear below “combines a variety of dimensions.” These aligned with the runway centerline. stand not only the aircraft limitations but 400 feet.” ATC then advised the Airbus include information and awareness (the There are a few gotchas to look out for their own personal limitations—when crew of a wind increase—“300-degrees at environment), state of mind and prepared- in the flare maneuver—disconnecting the factors begin to “pile up,” it might be safer 18 knots, gusting to 24.” Next, the pilots ness, and handling skills. Here we will focus autopilot, going visual, or the “de-crab” to just go around. n observed a rainshower approaching the on handling skills; something that every maneuver in a crosswind. middle of the runway. ATP-rated pilot should be able to control. In general, the autopilot is doing you The opinions expressed in this column are At 130 feet agl, the aircraft entered a Generally, pilots should break down a favor. At autopilot disconnect, the air- those of the author and not necessarily heavy rainshower. Flight data indicated the landing technique into three phases: craft should be trimmed—thus, avoid endorsed by AIN. roll oscillations to the left and right (later before the flare, from the flare to touch- large control movements as the autopilot described as pilot-induced oscillations) down, and after touchdown or the rollout. is disconnected. Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about safety down to about 50 feet agl, where the air- Before the flare is the best opportunity Studies have shown that when pilots and airmanship. He welcomes your craft crossed the runway threshold on to discontinue the approach or go around. transition to visual flight there is a e-mails at: [email protected].

18 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com continued from page 15 challenge we have as an industry.” executed from a mission systems standpoint. Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo, who Boeing’s new v-p and general manager “It is getting offboard sensor information is not a pilot, said his company’s Matrix Future plans for of vertical lift, Mark Cherry, said the com- and changing capability with adaptable autonomous technology enabled him to pany continues to innovate with its existing software en route. There is adaptation and be able to successfully fly an S-76 heli- rotorcraft OEM partners—including Bell, Leonardo, updates to the maintenance and logistics copter—albeit under the watchful eye of a and Sikorsky—on a variety of military platforms as the aircraft is returning from a safety pilot—after just one hour of train- “This is something future mar- vertical lift programs with an emphasis mission.” Cherry said artificial intelligence ing. “These technologies really are proving kets will demand and will be at on growing its digital capabilities. Those and machine learning could be used to pre- themselves.” He said FVL programs are the core of our success going capabilities will someday allow rotorcraft dict where opportunities exist to rapidly going to take digital engineering “to the forward,” he said. “We are using to be “updated as the mission is being redeploy aircraft. next level.” n a digital enterprise to combine the expertise of our new tech- nology and business process and applying the latest technology and tools to drive better perfor- mance and efficiency of products using simplified and inherently reliable design systems.” This drives down maintenance and direct operating costs, Isbell said. “The way the world flies these products is going to be different in the future, and we plan to lead the way.” Since starting operations, the facility already has born fruit toward significantly cutting lead times and costs of critical V-280 tiltrotor components, said Isbell, noting that the lead time for the aircraft’s rotor masts was shrunk from 18 months to 90 days and costs were reduced by 40 percent. Roberto Garavaglia, senior v-p of strategy and development for Leonardo Helicopters, warned that the $3 billion civil helicopter market was unlikely to recover to pre-Covid levels “before the middle of this decade,” but the “sluggish” market provided an “opportunity to work and improve things.” However, he said the prospect for military rotorcraft is brighter, noting that rotor- craft are a growing share of the total 54,000-unit world market, increasing to 40 percent from 30 percent over the last decade. “Vertical flight has become an essential component of armed TITAN forces today,” he said. According DELIVERS to Garavaglia, militaries world- wide want “faster, longer-range, more agile, and more autono- mous” vertical aircraft. But he FUELING SUCCESS SINCE 1975. cautioned that the stampede to 45-years of experience, resources and relationships. That’s what TITAN means. It means autonomous flight “will have to having confi dence in your brand to go far beyond just fuel. It means a network with more than respect some pretty significant 550 branded FBOs, ready to exceed your expectations. But mostly, it means trust. The trust you regulatory restraints.” He also pointed to the con- place in us to handle the every day details so you can focus on your success. TITAN Delivers. tinuing trend for rotorcraft man- ufacturers to improve support www.titanfuels.aero • 1-800-334-5732 and cut operator maintenance costs. “Helicopters are mainte- nance-heavy,” Garavaglia noted, acknowledging the pressure to reduce operating costs per hour. “There is never enough cost you can take away from vertical flight. This is the most expensive way of flying on the planet. It’s a collective

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 19 SPECIAL report

far more aggressive sustainability policy, and Young pointed particularly to the SAF Grabs the Spotlight so-called blenders tax credit for SAF as an important means to encourage enough use by airlines. The ability to meet worldwide 2050 carbon neutrality goals hinges on a multi-pronged effort by virtually “The government needs to signal that there would be consistent policy support,” all sectors of the global economy, and while aviation claims its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions she said. “So, a multi-year—up to 10-year— amounts to no more than 2 percent of the total, its efforts will prove vital, both practically and symbolically. SAF blender’s tax credit, starting at $1.50 Fortunately, the industry can turn to a variety of means to meet its own objectives. Of those, sustainabile a gallon for fuel that demonstrates a 50 aviation fuel (SAF) holds the most immediate promise because its use requires no breakthroughs in terms of percent lifecycle benefit and up to $2 for SAF that gets all the way to a 100 per- engine technology or even distribution infrastructure. In this special report, AIN explores the accompanying cent benefit…Because sustainable avia- SAF cost and availability challenges and how industry-government collaboration can tackle them. tion fuel has not had the policy support ground-based alternative fuel has had, this will greatly help bridge that gap. And so we think that is probably the best near- term thing that can be done that would Promise of SAF lies in its scalability, help us ramp up to meet really significant supply in the coming years. We were very pleased to see that.” cost-e!ectiveness, and availability As its name suggests, a blenders tax credit goes to companies that blend the by Gregory Polek SAF with jet fuel, which, in turn, would lower overall transaction costs between Reaching a goal to achieve carbon neu- will happen no sooner than 2035. use it in large enough quantities will take producers and end-users. “It’s really a trality by 2050 will require the adoption Conversely, increased production and more than good intentions. Government supply-chain benefit, as the producers of a range of technological advances. But consumption of SAF offers the potential intervention and partnerships among air- are more inclined to produce it because perhaps the most readily attainable— for immediate and sustained reduction lines, , producers, and blenders it will be more saleable,” explained Young. sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—has of CO! without the need for investing in will prove critical, according to Airlines for “So the blenders are more inclined to be already progressed to the point of com- new aircraft, new engines, costly engine America (A4A) vice president for environ- involved because they can address some mercial application, demonstrating its technology maturation programs, or mental affairs Nancy Young. of the cost challenges [associated] with ability to safely power engines major infrastructure projects. In the U.S., the government support it. And then users should benefit from the on a 50-50 blend with conventional jet fuel. Perhaps the biggest challenge, though, element has lacked consistency, partic- reduced cost of production and delivery While companies such as Airbus con- centers on the scalability and availabil- ularly given what environmentalists con- of the fuel.” sider hydrogen power a kind of “holy grail” ity of SAF. In 2019, SAF accounted for sider the hostile policy positions toward Young also characterized the recently in the quest for net-zero carbon emis- some 0.01 percent of all fuel used by the sustainable energy of the Trump admin- announced $61.4 million grant pro- sions, even optimistic projections suggest aviation industry. Reaching the point at istration from 2017 to 2020. The incoming gram from the Department of Energy its practical application in a narrowbody which operators can cost-effectively Biden administration has implemented a for companies to help accelerate the

20 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com development of lower-cost biofuels as Inaugural participants, which represent “really significant” because it specifically a range of business sectors, include Sie- includes SAF. Separately, A4A has asked mens, Nike, Deloitte, and Takeda Phar- for additional funding for the ASTM pro- maceuticals. Young explained that the cess for testing and demonstrating SAF. benefits to the companies reside with “It takes several years for a new fuel to incentives tied to the Greenhouse Gas get through that process, which is under- (GHG) Emissions Protocol’s Scope 3 standable because it has to be highly safe, standard, which essentially provides a and it’s an extremely expensive process methodology to account for and report to go through,” explained Young. “So to emissions from companies of all sectors. the extent you can get more research and Released in 2011, the Scope 3 standard development support for the ASTM pro- remains the only internationally accepted cess, that can help.” method for companies to account for indi- With incentives for blenders and rect value-chain emissions. producers, costs for end-users such as Airlines, as the actual emitters of GHG airlines should also fall. SAF now costs through fuel burn, fall under the cate- between three and five times more than gory known as Scope 1. “Increasingly, conventional jet fuel, which, of course, companies that are capable of provid- Rolls-Royce has successfully tested 100 percent SAF in its Trent and Pearl engines. presents a major barrier to user uptake. ing climate finance to help reduce their Although A4A doesn’t in principle oppose own Scope 3 emissions by focusing on future SAF blending mandates similar to the Scope 1 emissions of their suppliers those imposed on ground-based fuels, are doing that,” noted Young. “So it’s Manufacturers go all Young said any such requirement in the not really unique to aviation, but that’s near term would prove premature. “We the kind of benefit Microsoft would get need some number of years to build up when it did that kind of arrangement with in on SAF development both the facilities that produce this, the , for example.” supply chain that can move it into the While Young expressed confidence by Gregory Polek blending process, and get it to the air- that aviation will meet its goal of net-zero port before you would have a mandate,” carbon emissions by 2050, she cautioned While climate scientists consider sus- More SAF Production Needed she said. “Otherwise, you’re just going to that it will take a holistic approach that tainable aviation fuel (SAF) an important Still, SAF accounts for less than 0.1 per- cripple it with cost [and] probably give a includes more than the increased pro- but incremental step toward meeting a cent of all jet fuel burned by the aviation monopoly to a small handful of producers duction of SAF, but such technological 2050 carbon neutrality goal, engine and industry. Increasing that share to the that are already there.” advances as hydrogen power and elec- manufacturers have trained their point of generating any appreciable effect trification. “The members are committed,” sights squarely on the fuel’s development, on the environment will depend on cre- she said. “What we don’t achieve in our seeing it as an integral and enduring ating conditions that will allow for more industry, we would have to try to achieve part of a holistic endeavor to stem cli- production and distribution at a lower Nancy Young, through something like carbon capture mate change. cost to operators. That, in itself, presents Airlines for and sequestration outside of our industry, To what extent SAF will ultimately a challenge for the entire industry, one America vice which is something that United [Airlines] contribute to achieving net neutrality, that the OEMs will need to help meet. president of has just invested in.” however, remains a matter of debate. “As a society, we need to partner environmen- Last year, United became the first The industry’s major OEMs all voice between government and industry to go tal a!airs airline to commit to an investment in an interest in pursuing a universal much faster and accelerate the transition,” carbon capture and sequestration with approach to curbing carbon emissions, Pratt & Whitney engineering senior fel- a multimillion-dollar investment in 1Point- but so far only Airbus has publicly low Dr. Michael Winter told AIN. “We’re Notwithstanding the lack of direct Five, a joint venture by Oxy Low Carbon unveiled plans to commit to such a much less than 1 percent SAF production incentives to purchase SAF, several air- Ventures and Rusheen Capital that plans radical solution as hydrogen power for today. In order to get ahead of the curve, lines in the U.S. have signaled a commit- to build the first industrial-sized direct its next clean-sheet narrowbody design. it’s going to take cooperation and collab- ment to its use. , for one, air capture plant in the U.S. The partners Of course, such an ambitious project oration and investment in the infrastruc- has promised to buy 3.4 million gallons claim a single plant will capture and per- will take billions of dollars in invest- ture required.” of SAF this year under a partnership manently sequester one million tonnes of ment, not only in airframe and engine While that cooperation needs to lead program with more than a dozen other CO! each year, which equates to the work technology but in the infrastructure to more supply of SAF, for example, cre- companies called the EcoSkies Alliance. of 40 million trees. n needed to ensure a ready supply of fuel ating a standard to allow engines to fly for the airplanes. on 100 percent of the fuel must eventu- Perhaps the most important benefit ally accompany increases in production of SAF lies with its so-called “drop-in” capacity, said Winter. Gaining ASTM cer- nature, meaning, for example, that it tification for 100 percent SAF will require doesn’t require the development of arriving at the proper chemical fingerprint groundbreaking new technology by to account for the loss of certain proper- engine makers and needs only relatively ties or molecules that would result from minor adaptations to distribution infra- the removal of conventional jet fuel from structure. ASTM-certified SAF, regard- the blend. Engine seals require a partic- less of its source, can power any modern ular level of aromatics in the fuel to prop- , meaning engine makers have erly perform their intended function, for to make only minimal investment aside instance. Meanwhile, fuel compatibility from the cost of the engineering evalua- hinges on more than its aromatics content. tions and testing that might occur prior “There’s a lot more that goes into the Phillips 66’s Rodeo, California refinery will begin producing renewable fuels. to approving a new SAF. standard than just the aromatics and the

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 21 SPECIAL report seals,” explained Winter. “For example, lubricity—some of the lubrication of the fuel components is provided by the fuel. Other factors like…volatility and viscosity as a function of temperature are import- ant for altitude re-light. That’s a question of safety of flight…There are some 50 parameters that need to be identical for a drop-in replacement.” SAF Task Force Convenes In April the Alterna- tive Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) participated in the launch of an ASTM task force to define the standard with an aim of certi- fying 100 percent SAF. CAAFI executive director Steve Csonka told AIN that the coalition will prompt the exploration of several approaches to allow for the use of fully synthetic fuel, including employ- ment of an existing, fully formulated synthetic blending component to move past the 50 percent blend now allowed. Other approaches would involve blending of other blending components; deriving for meeting standards for 100 percent 2030, establishing a benchmark for its paper recently published in the Proceed- an entirely new specification that would SAF. While a blend component on its own environmental bona fides follow- ings of the National Academy of Sciences. maintain compatibility with the most own might not meet the ASTM standard ing Airbus’s 2035 hydrogen pledge. The The study evaluated the catalytic conver- common ASTM specification (D1655) for 100 percent SAF, mixing it with other airframer worked with airlines, engine sion of food waste-derived VFAs to pro- while using a process similar to the stan- blend components could, especially when manufacturers, and others to conduct duce a paraffin SAF to meet a 10 percent dard practice for the evaluation of new more become available, he explained. biofuel test flights starting in 2008 and “fast track” ASTM specification blend for turbine fuels (D4054); and moving toward “So the blend component might not be, gain approval for sustainable fuels in 2011. use by in 2023. It also a compositionally based specification by itself, fit for 100 percent, but blends In 2018, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator details how researchers improved the VFA- rather than using the individual definitions of the blend components could look very flight-test program made the world’s first SAF flashpoint and viscosity to allow for a that now prevail. Csonka expressed confi- much like jet fuel and meet [the require- demonstration flight using 100 percent 70 percent renewable blend limit. dence that at least one of the approaches ments],” said Andac. “Currently, that is not sustainable fuels with a 777 Freighter in “We kind of pushed the boundary on will emerge from the process before 2026. allowed, but with this new standardization, collaboration with FedEx Express. what the fuel can do in terms of going to The chairman of the task force, GE we are changing that. So we will open up Boeing director of environmental higher blend limits by further changing Aviation engineering leader for aviation a door to get to 100 percent drop-in either sustainability strategy Sean Newsum the chemistry to see how much renew- fuel and additives Dr. Gurhan Andac, directly with some of these pathways or explained to AIN that while the biggest able content you could get in the fuel, explained that 100 percent SAF formu- by blending of blend components from challenges associated with SAF center and 70 percent could do it,” explained lated from two of the seven approved different pathways.” on economics more than technology, the study’s principal investigator, Derek pathways could technically power jet SAF derived from the rest of the path- technological advances toward the use Vardon. “When we looked at the overall engines as a drop-in fuel today. In fact, ways that produce synthetic paraffinic of lower-cost feedstocks, for example, lifecycle emissions, that’s where we got he noted that GE has already tested and kerosene (SPK) does not contain the can drive down costs. Research into new excited because if you’re no longer taking flown its engines in multiple demonstra- aromatics needed for proper interaction feedstock sources also centers on max- the food waste and putting it in the landfill, tions with both drop-in and non-drop-in with seals in legacy products, meaning imizing lifecycle efficacy. For instance, the lifecycle analysis supported that you 100 percent SAF since 2016. they aren’t fleetwide compatible. Nev- Boeing participates in a program led by could actually get to a net-zero blend.” Although fully formulated, 100 per- ertheless, Andac said, the task force the U.S. National Renewable Energy Lab- As for readying airplane systems for cent SAF requires an industry-approved also intends to standardize 100 percent oratory (NREL) to develop a type of SAF 100 percent SAF, Boeing’s Newsum char- standard—such as that set by the ASTM— SPKs such as hydroprocessed esters and derived from so-called wet waste, which acterized that task as an important but before it becomes available for commer- fatty acids (HEFA-SPK), Fisher-Tropsch researchers believe can result in net-zero relatively modest challenge. cial use. “We need to define what 100 (FT-SPK), and alcohol-to-jet (ATJ-SPK)— or even negative net emissions. “There are some things we may need percent SAF is,” said Andac. “Even for fuels derived from fats, oils, greases, The novel process, on which NREL sci- to do to our airplanes to ensure that we drop-in…there are nuances. So we need waste streams, and other feedstocks— entists have worked for about five years, can provide 100 percent SAF compati- to standardize 100 percent SAF, either for limited fleet approval after achieving avoids the organic waste fermenting into bility,” added Newsum, referring mainly through the modification of the current a standard for 100 percent drop-in SAF. methane, which causes harm to the envi- to possible adaptations to fuel systems. standard we have for the blends, the Andac noted that the company has ronment. Rather than allow that refuse to “We’ve started those studies…Again, it’s ASTM D7566, or by means of a new stan- already tested and flown GE engines create greenhouse gas emissions in landfills, a fuel system compatibility issue, not a dard. So that’s the work that started at in multiple demonstrations with both for example, the process essentially arrests fundamental operational issue.” ASTM to basically accomplish that.” drop-in and non-drop-in 100 percent SAF the production of methane during fermen- Airbus, too, continues to study the Andac expressed “high confidence” since 2016. tation and instead produces volatile fatty potential effects on fuel systems with a that it will take two to three years to reach acids (VFA) that refiners can covert into SAF. Rolls-Royce Trent-powered A350-900, a standard for a 100 percent drop-in SAF. Boeing’s 2030 Commitment Life-cycle analysis shows that by divert- which the companies began flying on 100 The GE engineering leader specifically In January, Boeing promised to ensure ing methane-producing waste from landfills, percent SAF in March. Airbus new energy highlighted the so-called blending of that all its commercial airplanes can VFA-SAF could cut greenhouse emissions program manager Steven Le Moing told blend components approach mentioned fly on and gain certification to use 100 by 165 percent and soot by 34 percent AIN that the company doesn’t expect to by Csonka as another promising method percent sustainable aviation fuels by compared with fossil fuel, according to a encounter major technical barriers, but

22 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com that it can take nothing for granted. The “The point is that modern engines have earlier generation seals],” noted Burr. shows “superior” resistance to forming company expects the test program to last got synthetic seals in them so we’re not Rolls-Royce has run engines on fuel gum deposits that typically come with oxi- until the end of this year. worried about the effects on nitriles and derived from two different sources of HEFA dation resulting from increases in tempera- “We need to be prepared to go beyond so on,” said Burr. “Our engines can deal without any adverse effects on the hard- ture. Separately, gear pumps in a jet engine these [50 percent blend] limits and we with the subtle differences in calorific ware. But Burr was careful not to minimize get their lubrication from fuel, meaning the need to start working on this right now,” value and volumetric density. And the the job the industry as a whole still faces. fuel must maintain its lubricity or risk pre- Le Moing said. “That’s why we started on operability with different aromatic content “You’ve got to do work,” he said. “You’ve mature wear of those parts. “I don’t see any this journey. We started with the A350 was…no problem at all. And emissions, as got to look across the range of operating other things you need to worry about in a recently and we ran other research proj- expected—particulate emissions—were conditions plus all the attributes and then jet engine,” said Burr. “If you’ve got a fuel ects to cover our different products. So way down, which is a great thing.” do proper testing…We’re not saying we’ve that is thermally stable, we’re not going to we are deeply involved in that and we Rolls-Royce will perform its next done formal testing to certify anything; be worrying about fuel system issues. Then believe we will be ready between 2025 series of tests in the autumn with a Trent we’ve shown compatibility. So there’s it’s just a question about acidity and other and 2030.” 1000 fitted to a -200 test- more to go in this space if we’re honest.” things that have marginal effects. Within Apart from validating technical bed at altitude to validate, for example, For example, the long-term effects on the engine itself, if you’ve got cleaner com- assumptions and investigating the effects re-light operability. “The other interest- hardware of burning 100 percent SAF need bustion, that’s kind of a good thing. But we of 100 percent SAF on fuel systems and ing thing about that, of course, is you’re consideration, including thermal stability will be exploring all of those things. We’re engines, Airbus considers the A350 testing SAF in an older airframe, [with and lubricity. Burr explained that SAF in the early days right now.” n test flights a signal to policymakers and governments of its commitment to do the work needed to meet the 2050 net neutrality goal. Further evidence, said Le Moing, lies with Airbus’s use of SAF in its SAF central internal operations. The company has powered its Beluga transports with SAF since 2019 and offers to deliver customer to Europe’s airplanes using SAF from its production sites in Toulouse, France; Hamburg, Ger- many; and Mobile, Alabama. “So once ReFuelEU again, we’re really leading by example,” remarked Le Moing. While the company also sees its plans plans for a hydrogen-powered airplane as part of its commitment to sustainability, Le by Cathy Buyck Moing stressed Airbus’s broad vision for meeting the challenge. Europe’s airlines traditionally like to “We don’t want to oppose one solution bicker with airports and air navigation against the other,” he said. “Of course, we service providers over a range of issues, are quite ambitious on hydrogen…We are most prominently regarding charges also aware there are some challenges on and allegations of monopolistic behav- the technical aspects of changing dras- ior. Now, though, the industry seems to KLM flew its first passenger flight with sustainable synthetic kerosene in January. tically the aircraft configuration and the have found common ground on one topic: external energy ecosystem we will need the environment. flights powered partly by a sustainable kerosene. The synthetic SAF was pro- and also the infrastructure.” Prompted by public perception of air biofuel started in 2011—yet its uptake duced by Shell in its research center in Le Moing noted that Airbus’s hydrogen transport as an irresponsible polluter remains at minimal levels. SAF now Amsterdam and is based on CO!, water, project will involve a relatively small air- and by the European Green Deal—which accounts for less than 1 percent of EU and renewable electricity from Dutch plane flying to a range of 2,000 nm; the would enshrine the EU’s commitment to aviation fuel consumption, and a mere wind and solar installations. company considers any possible hydro- reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and 25 airports in Europe receive sustainable Speaking during her keynote address gen-powered widebody a far longer- reducing net greenhouse gas emissions bio-jet fuel, a recently published map by in the online SAF Summit organized by term prospect. by at least 55 percent by 2030—the Eurocontrol reveals. Most of those air- EBAA on April 20, Valean expressed Le Moing’s counterpart at Rolls-Royce industry in February launched “Destina- ports receive batches on an ad-hoc basis confidence that the upcoming ReFuelEU Civil Aerospace, director of product tion 2050–A Route to Net Zero European and fewer than half receive ongoing SAF Aviation initiative “will boost significantly development and technology Simon Aviation.” The cross-industry sustainabil- deliveries, with all of the latter located in both the production and the uptake of Burr, told AIN that Rolls has started ity initiative details a roadmap to reduce the Nordics. SAF by establishing a long-term regula- talking with Airbus about the hydrogen CO! emissions from all flights within and “For Europe to attain its climate goals, tory framework on the EU level.” project. But while noting that Rolls will departing from the “EU+,” which covers SAF must account for an increasing share The European Commission considered not limit itself to one kind of sustain- the EU27, the UK, and the four European of aviation fuel’s mix to reach more than various policy options but concluded, fol- ability effort, he conceded that the fuel Free Trade Association countries. The 60 percent by 2050,” asserted EU trans- lowing a three-month public consultation, poses “lots of challenges.” plan calls for emissions cuts of 45 percent port commissioner Adina Valean. Euro- that the obligation to blend a certain per- Conversely, Burr characterized the by 2030 compared with the 2018 baseline pean Commission analysis indicates that centage of SAF with conventional fossil job of readying its engines for 100 per- and for reaching net-zero CO! emissions over time synthetic or electro-fuels—also kerosene is the best way to “address cent SAF as fairly straightforward. In fact, by 2050. The report calculates that using known as power-to-jet fuels or power- to- the chicken-and-egg problem and help along with powering the Airbus A350-900 SAF could achieve emission reductions of liquid (PtL) fuels—account for the largest the demand-and-supply curves to meet test flight on 100 percent SAF, Rolls con- up to 46 percent, including a 12 percent share of sustainable low-carbon aviation somewhere,” noted Filip Cornelis, direc- ducted ground testing using unmixed SAF CO! reduction from the effect of the more fuels, she said. KLM in January operated tor of aviation with the European Com- in a Trent 1000 and a Pearl 700 business costly SAF on demand. an industry-first passenger flight, from mission’s transport directorate. To have jet engine, the results of which validated The advantages of SAF to decarbonize Amsterdam to Madrid, using a mixture “maximum” effect, he said, the obligations virtually all assumptions. flying are well-established—commercial of 500 liters of sustainable synthetic continues on next page

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 23 SPECIAL report

continued from previous page establishes a 2 percent SAF supply objec- sustainable jet fuel developers LanzaJet for minimum uptake of SAF will not be tive for 2025. and Velocys as part of a $400 million limited to intra-EU flights but will include The blending targets in the Re-FuelEU investment in the development of SAF all flights that depart from European air- Aviation initiative will be binding and uni- by parent company International Airlines ports. The mandate, whose details the form across the bloc, Valean confirmed, but Group (IAG) in the next 20 years. commission still hasn’t formally released, EU transport “they must be realistic—initially modest but IAG also committed to powering 10 per- will likely apply to fuel suppliers rather commissioner becoming increasingly ambitious beyond cent of its flights with SAF by 2030. The than individual airlines. Adina Valean 2030,” she said, adding that the fuel indus- group, which has airlines in the UK and the “We hope to put in place a quite sim- try needs time to ramp up production. EU, will buy 1 million tonnes of SAF per year, ple system with not too much additional According to Jonathan Wood, vice resulting in a reduction in annual emissions administrative burdens,” Cornelis empha- For Europe to president for renewable aviation at of 2 million tonnes within nine years. sized, though operators will need to col- attain its climate Neste, a target SAF share of 5 percent The European Commission aims to lect the data on the quantity and type of of all aviation fuel demand by 2025 and release the ReFuelEU Aviation proposal SAF uplifted so they can use it to obtain goals, SAF must 10 percent by 2030 is feasible in Europe. before the summer. It will need approval credits under the EU emissions trading account for an Many fuel producers on the continent from the Council of the EU, which rep- system and ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting increasing share of are accelerating the production of low- resents the bloc’s member states, and and Reduction Scheme for International carbon fuels, often in cooperation with the European Parliament. The require- Aviation (CORSIA). aviation fuel’s mix to airlines that see it as a means to secure ment will come in the form of regulation EU-wide legislation will avoid “reli- reach more than 60 their own supply. KLM joined with Sky- and thus it will immediately apply across ance on national initiatives,” Valean percent by 2050...” NRG on the construction of a plant in the member states once adopted. reckoned. Several European countries Netherlands that’s scheduled for opening In parallel to the ReFuelEU proposal, have already set blending obligations or 2030 while a recent French law requires next year and committed to purchasing the European Commission is reviewing have announced plans to do so. Norway all aircraft operators refueling in the three-quarters of the planned 100,000 the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) introduced a requirement that 0.5 per- country to use at least 1 percent SAF by tonnes of annual SAF production over 10 and the Renewable Energy Directive cent of advanced biofuel be mixed with 2022, 2 percent by 2025, and 5 percent by years. SAS and Preem, Sweden’s largest (RED) to align them with the European jet fuel sold starting in 2020, with the aim 2030. Germany has begun preparing leg- fuel company, signed an agreement to Green Deal’s targets. Plans call for the of increasing the use of SAF to 30 percent islation that calls for a 0.5 percent blend investigate the possibility of large-scale ETS directive to include a proposal to of aviation fuel by 2030. The Dutch gov- with fuels from 2026, increasing to 2 per- deliveries of biojet fuel starting in 2023, reduce the free ETS allowances allocated ernment has set a target of 14 percent by cent by 2030. Spain’s climate-change law and has partnered with to airlines. n

CoSAFA aims for SAF accountability by Curt Epstein

With the production, availability, and realized that the system could be ripe for adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) illicit activity through deceitful means such accelerating, more companies are becom- as double counting of emissions savings ing involved in its sale, distribution, and ulti- or even claiming SAF was involved in the mate consumption. This has led many in transaction when it wasn’t, which would the industry to see the need for oversight undermine the trust of users and investors. and guidance on how SAF is marketed and “CoSAFA unites sectors from across the World Energy has been delivering SAF to a variety of aviation users for years. how its environmental benefits will be cal- aviation industry in creating standards culated and verified. that ensure transactional transparency, a as United, which has been placing millions with companies and organizations across As a result, aviation organizations rep- system to efficiently match SAF supplies of gallons of blended SAF into the general the entire aviation spectrum, many of resenting commercial and business avia- with demand, and an understanding and fuel storage at Los Angeles International which were attempting to develop their tion sectors joined to launch the Council accounting of the environmental benefits Airport for years and receiving the envi- own environmental accounting measures. on Sustainable Aviation Fuels Account- they are receiving, whether through the ronmental credit under book and claim. “It dawned on me that in an attempt to ability (CoSAFA). The group—including uptake of SAF or through book and claim,” “There has really been an amazing com- come up with an elegant solution, we are NATA, NBAA, EBAA, IBAC, GAMA, IATA, said NATA president and CEO Timothy plement brought by the business aviation going to confuse the hell out of people,” he and —aims to provide Obitts, who also serves as CoSAFA chair- side to the work that the commercial side noted, and that led him to gather them all clarity, transparency, and accuracy to the man. “They will have verifiable data so they had been doing for the past several years,” together. He added that many of the SAF accounting practices documenting the use will be able to know, for example, what the Sherbacow told AIN. “When the business producers are now delivering, along with of SAF in multi-party transactions. This source of the feedstock was, where it was aviation industry came in, the number of each fuel shipment’s bill of lading, a certifi- includes book-and-claim, whereby a cus- made, who made it, and if it’s book and participating companies just grew expo- cate that does the lifecycle carbon savings tomer may pay for the SAF and receive the claim, where it was consumed.” nentially. You combine all that incremental analysis on a solely delivered basis. environmental credit for it, but the actual Bryan Sherbacow, COO of SAF pro- demand and then this concept of trying CoSAFA expects by year end to release sustainable fuel may be dispensed some- ducer World Energy, has been involved to keep it low carbon, and this book and its environmental accounting framework where else into an entirely different aircraft. with sustainable jet fuel from its earliest claim becomes an incredibly powerful tool.” and create a voluntary program validated Given such parameters, the organizations days. That typically involved airlines such As a SAF provider, Sherbacow deals by third-party audits. n

24 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com approaches to have coupled approach guid- Avidyne Atlas FMS receives FAA TSO, STC ance on these and other SBAS approaches.” Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable shar- by Matt Thurber ing of information with tablet electronic flight bags. Avidyne offers optional integra- The FAA has issued technical stan- charts and airport diagrams with own-ship guidance to Collins Pro Line 21 and Hon- tion of radios into Atlas, including a 16-watt dard order and supplemental type position display. eywell Primus EFIS avionics during instru- VHF com, VOR, localizer, and glideslope. The certificate approval for installa- The ability to add LPV approaches comes ment approaches. According to Avidyne, FMS’s screen can also be used as the radar tion of Avidyne’s Atlas flight man- from Avidyne’s GPS Legacy Avionics Support “This unique integration capability enables display for BendixKing digital radars or as an agement system (FMS) in the (GLAS) interface, which provides vertical EFISs certified before the availability of LPV RS-170 video display. n Citation 560XL, Excel, and XLS. The Dzus-mounted Atlas FMS adds modern capabilities such as LPV approaches to older busi- ness aircraft, without the need to update all the onboard avionics. With an introductory price of $44,999, the Atlas FMS will be available from Avidyne MRO part- HOW DID WE MAKE THE ners, and Avidyne and the MROs will develop STCs for installa- tion in other Part 23 and 25 busi- NEW M600/SLS THE ness aircraft. Designed for installation in consoles in business aircraft, Atlas NEW STANDARD IN SAFETY? measures 7.5 inches high, 5.75 inches wide, and 10.615 inches deep and it is “form-factor com- We taught it everything you know. patible” with a variety of leg- acy FMSs. In addition to meeting TSO- C146c for SBAS/LPV approach guidance, Atlas meets require- ments to act as an approved ADS-B Out position source.

Avidyne’s Atlas FMS is STC’d for installation in Citation 560 jets.

While Atlas has a spill-proof QWERTY-style physical keyboard, the display is a touchscreen that can be used for map panning, rubber-band flight plan edit- ing, and “virtually all functions,” The HALOTM Safety System with Garmin® Autoland—the most groundbreaking advancement in recent according to Avidyne. But pilots general aviation history—does everything you would do when you can’t. After alerting ATC, checking can also use buttons and knobs fuel levels and weather, it safely lands the aircraft. In short, it’s as if the controls were still in your instead of the touchscreen, or as hands. See how your highest standards come standard at piper.com/HALO. Avidyne puts it, a “hybrid-touch- screen user interface.” The display itself includes a moving map that can show air- space, terrain, navaids, and air- ports. SiriusXM or ADS-B In weather can be overlayed on the

Download the Piper App to experience moving map, as can traffic from Download theour M600/SLS Piper in Aircraft flight App to TCAS, TAS, or ADS-B In. Also experience our M600/SLS in flight. available are Jeppesen approach

M600SLS_AIN_JUNE_2021_JuniorTabloid.indd 1 5/10/21 9:33 AM ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 25 worldwide reinsurance rate increases in the property and casualty markets ranged between 5 and 30 percent, aerospace rein- surance rates increased a minimum of 25 percent for insureds who were loss-free and as much as 250 percent for certain insureds who had previous loss history, according to various sources. The higher cost of reinsurance meant insurance carriers were forced to increase their rates as well, and underwriters began tightening up liability limits, reducing coverages, and scrutinizing operations. “For existing policies, there’s a much stronger mindset of driving toward an Tornado damage in Monroe, Louisiana, caused extensive damage to aircraft, part of the reason insurance rates have climbed. adequate rate for the risk class, as well as managing the exposure,” said Wesley Col- lier, senior vice president and themselves purchase insurance (called rein- product line manager for Old Republic Hard insurance market not surance) to help spread the risk, preventing Insurance Group. “Each risk is evaluated any one claim from bankrupting a company. based on its own individual risk factors. The reinsurance market, which also covers While make and model flight experience entirely due to pandemic property and casualty insurance, life and probably remains ‘king’ among all factors health, worker’s compensation, and other for getting an underwriter comfortable by Kim Rosenlof industries, took a beating during 2020 due with a pilot, many other factors weigh to natural catastrophes such as Hurricane in on the decision to accept a risk, and While the continuing global pandemic has in repair claims as the price of parts and Laura, which itself caused an estimated $10 ultimately the rate generated…Obvi- certainly contributed to the ever-harden- labor rose during the pandemic. billion in insured loss. ously, clean accounts with fewer elevated ing aviation insurance market, the seem- Also, though there were fewer flights in According to “Willis Re 1st View: The risk factors will have more options in ingly exponential rise in rates in the late 2020, more fatal airline losses occurred Perils of Unmodeled,” a reinsurance the marketplace.” 2020 and early 2021 renewal seasons can be in that year (eight accidents resulting in report published April 1, insured natural The worst hit may be small single-ship further attributed to other factors. Among 315 fatalities) than in 2019 (21 accidents catastrophe losses totaled $78 billion in and single-pilot aircraft operators; the them: the rise in reinsurance market rates resulting in 257 fatalities), according 2020, up $25 billion from 2019 and 17 per- ones who made it through the pandemic due to underwriters’ decreased appetite to the Flight Safety Foundation. High- cent above the average annual loss over squeeze are now finding themselves in for high-risk, high-liability operations; profile accidents such as the January 2020 the last 10 years. A January 2021 report an insurance conundrum where rate and the need for the market to replenish helicopter crash that killed nine people from reinsurer Aon reported an estimated increases can reduce profitability to the coffers after several years of catastrophic including basketball star Kobe Bryant $97 billion in insured losses due to natu- point of nonexistence. claims, both within and outside aviation. and the midair collision of two small air- ral catastrophes, or 40 percent above the The “USI 2020-2021 Commercial Prop- With the number of aircraft and flight craft that killed eight people in July 2020 21st-century average. erty & Casualty Market Outlook” noted hours flown significantly reduced because added to the loss record. S&P Global Ratings’ Global Reinsurance that for owner-flown aircraft higher liabil- of the pandemic, one might have surmised The year also saw the fallout from the Highlights 2020, published in May 2020, ity limits are scarce, pilot age and training that 2020 would have been a profitable Boeing 737 Max accidents, as claims from indicated that Covid-19 losses eroded are being scrutinized more heavily, and year for the aviation insurance indus- the loss of two airline hulls and hundreds the buffer of many reinsurers and pre- premium increases are in the high dou- try. But several factors turned 2020 into of lives, plus worldwide grounding of the dicted: “If 2020 catastrophe losses reach ble digits—between 50 and 100 percent. another loss for the business as claims airframe by governmental bodies, have the level reinsurers have budgeted for, we Single-pilot charter operations are under from weather events, ground collisions, reportedly topped $2 billion. The annual expect at least eight of them to suffer a intense underwriting scrutiny and limits and previous accidents outstripped the worldwide aviation collected premium in capital event.” A chart published in that have been drastically reduced. Rotorcraft reduced premiums collected as most of 2019 was just under $2 billion, meaning report indicated an industry loss of $75 operators have been particularly hard hit the airline fleet remained grounded. the 737 Max crashes will likely wipe out an billion-plus Covid-19 losses would result with rate increases of 50 to 150 percent, According to data published by travel entire year’s worth of worldwide aviation in the catastrophe budget and prospective depending on loss history. Large fleets data analyst Cirium in December 2020, premiums over time as claims are paid. earnings being insufficient to cover the of both fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft the global airline industry flew about half total loss, affecting as many as 15 reinsurers. with a history of losses are requiring lay- as many flights in 2020 (16.8 million) as Reinsurance Woes ered insurance programs where multiple in 2019 (33.2 million). The reduced airline Due to high hull values and high liability Reinsurance Effect on Aviation insurers each assume a portion of the risk. activity brought about by the global pan- limits associated with aviation insurance In an attempt to refill empty coffers, rein- David Merker, region manager of aero- demic had a twofold impact on aviation policies, most insurance carriers must surers increased their rates in 2020. While space in North America for Willis Towers insurance. First, since airline premiums are Watson, says that pilots and operators can generally assessed according to hours flown, improve their rate situation through various the global aviation premiums collected were safety-related initiatives, including partici- down by an estimated 25 percent compared pating in the FAA Wings program, increas- with 2019 numbers. Covid-related business ing make and model time, and engaging closures have reduced the aviation pre- in simulator-based training. “Anything mium base even further. you can do to improve your proficiency Second, while aircraft and crews were as a pilot, especially relative to the aircraft sitting, claims continued to occur from you’re insured in, will factor favorably into weather and ground collision damage. In your rates,” Merker said. “There are a lot addition to individual incidents of hail and of programs offered through the insurers wind damage to sitting aircraft, airports themselves, or they provide preferred ven- in five U.S. states suffered direct tornado dor access to upset prevention and recov- hits in spring 2020, causing upwards of ery training or safety management system $125 million in insured damage. A marked assistance. Attaining a higher pilot rating is increase in hangar rash and other ground also always favorable. It shows your dedica- incidents as crews returned to work after The tragic crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others in January 2020 was tion to the aircraft platform and your profi- a long hiatus generated millions of dollars one of several losses that contributed to recent insurance rate increases. ciency in flying that aircraft.” n

26 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com has to experience actual IFR. Because so sometimes doesn’t reflect real-world sce- Obstacles constrain single- few helicopter pilots have much actual IFR narios, he explained. experience, trainee pilots are inevitably Glover said he knows of many pilots who taught to stay clear of weather less than refuse an IFR job because they do not want to engine helo IFR | by Kodey Bogart “clear blue and 22,” instead of being taught keep up with the IFR training requirements. how to deal with actual IMC and IIMC In any case, there are few opportunities for Regulatory restrictions, costs, and of the training. Gary Glover, who works when flying VFR an IFR-rated pilot to take advantage of those operator and pilot mentality have for a helicopter air ambulance operator, Training in flight simulators and training skills because many operators are hesitant to all combined to serve as a disincen- observed that to obtain an instrument rat- devices, while helpful from a cost stand- install IFR equipment when the majority of tive for IFR flight in single- engine ing under FAA regulations, a pilot never point and also for IIMC and IFR operations, flights are VFR. n helicopters despite the increasing incidence of inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological condi- tions (IIMC) and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). HAI president and CEO James Viola recently noted that 33 per- cent of U.S. accidents and 21 fatal- ities have been attributed to IIMC in 2019 alone. Most single-engine helicopters are certified as FAR Part 27 nor- mal category rotorcraft, which generally have less stringent cer- tification standards than Part 29 transport category rotorcraft. However, for IFR certification of Part 27 rotorcraft, the FAA applies the same reliability requirements as Part 29, which means that additional backup systems that are standard on transport cate- gory were needed on normal cat- egory rotorcraft. The costs associated with Rethink equipment such as a stability augmentation system (SAS) and a backup electrical power system were the driving forces behind sin- gle-engine helicopters not being IFR approved. Until recently, the costs of such systems were prohibitive, but new low-cost How You but capable SAS from Garmin, Genesys Aerosystems, and Thales are changing that paradigm. Because a change in FAA policy made in 1999 imposed the stricter reliability requirements—based on numerical safety analysis (AC 27-1B)—no new single-engine Refuel rotorcraft have been approved in decades to fly IFR until the SAVE 37% ON AVERAGE. TRY IT FOR 3 MONTHS FREE. Leonardo TH-119 was approved in July 2019, and after that the Bell 407GXi. For 10,000+ Part 91 aircraft, CAA membership means more savings, more freedom, and more control. Although new SAS and backup power technologies are now We negotiate the best jet fuel prices from more than 270 preferred FBOs throughout the US and available for single-engine heli- beyond. You even get to vote on which FBOs copters, cost is still an issue. Nick Mayhew, industry co-chair we include — and recommend your favorites. of the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, noted, “Because it costs more money to require the IFR equipment, the FAA is reluctant Interested FBO? to make [mandatory] an amend- Apply for free ment that they would regard as imposing a public burden and No fees to belong subsequently get pushback on Keep 100% of fuel sales [from the operators].” From the pilot standpoint, IFR Sign up online. JOIN FOR FREE TODAY! training requirements continue www.corpaa.us to serve as a deterrent, and there are questions about the validity CAA provides the lowest price on jet fuel o!ered to Part 91 aircraft at the CAA Preferred FBO.

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 27 continued from page 1 phase-of-flight modes that make flight planning and management much simpler, Falcon 10X unveiled similar to what Gulfstream has done in the G500 through G700. Simplified checklists The Smart Throttle in the DFCS provides include auto-sensing of many switch posi- complete control of all aspects of fly-by- tions to help improve efficiency. wire flight control and the Fadec-controlled In addition to four 14-inch touchscreen engines, which makes Recovery Mode pos- displays, the flight deck will also have four sible. What Recovery Mode does is return nine-inch supplemental touchscreens for the 10X to stable flight after an upset in any features such as the FalconSphere elec- configuration, when the pilot pushes the tronic flight bag and other functions. The Recovery button on the instrument panel. overhead panel is much smaller, with many This is a step up from envelope protection, switches and controls relegated to control which can help prevent overspeed or stall via the touchscreen displays. Cursor con- and other excursions, and it’s more com- trol devices remain in place, providing an prehensive than the level buttons in some alternative control mechanism, either for modern . pilots who prefer that to touchscreens or Incorporation of the Recovery Mode for when turbulence makes using touch- may also lead to addition of an Auto- screens difficult. “We have upgraded this matic Ground Collision Avoidance Sys- new cursor control device with a nice arm tem (AGCAS), which can automatically The 10X will be the first Falcon powered by a Rolls-Royce engine, the Pearl 10X. rest and also a touchpad that will allow you recover the aircraft if its trajectory is to reproduce all the gestures you use on headed toward collision with the ground. your personal units,” said Duchateau. The single power lever, Recovery Mode, Dassault is anticipating a potential and AGCAS are standard on Dassault's need for reduced crew operations, which Rafale fighter. could be one pilot flying while the other “It will assist the flight crew in case of rests and only two pilots flying long-range spatial disorientation or, for example, if trips. Thus, the flight deck design reflects you go in wake turbulence and find your- this concept, with the Stelia Aerospace self inverted,” said Dassault chief test pilot seats able to fully recline to facili- pilot Philippe Duchateau. “It's activated tate extended minimum crew operations, through a push button, press it, and what allowing one pilot to sleep in place while it will do is induce autopilot engagement the other operates the aircraft. This would and perform an automatic recovery. It be allowed only above FL200, and Das- brings you nicely returning to level at a sault has already begun discussions with speed in the medium range. The authority regulators on how to certify this capability. will depend on how far away you are from The FalconEye head-up display (HUD) the ground. If you’re quite high, there’s no and enhanced flight vision system will need to be uncomfortable, so it will be a take on a new role, doubling as primary very smooth maneuver.” instruments. That means the pilot will be The 10X’s DFCS has additional fea- able to refer solely to the HUD without tures, including a soft go-around and having to look at the head-down displays, “comfort” climb and descent, designed and this opens up panel display real estate to make passengers more comfortable for other uses. The 14-inch display in front during maneuvering. The Smart Throt- of the pilot, for example, could be used for tle also helps facilitate improvements for a moving map and the display next to that reduced-thrust takeoffs and noise-abate- for systems synoptics. ment procedures. For example, variable Dassault expects to have EVS-to-land friction allows virtual “notches” to be The spacious flight deck in the 10X features touchscreen displays and dual FalconEye HUDs. capability with FalconEye, allowing land- set to simplify power settings for spe- ings to touchdown and rollout in poor cific conditions. Also built into the Smart visibility with no natural vision outside Throttle are airbrake and thrust reverser the aircraft. controls. Separate controls allow the pilot to control each engine individually, Rolls-Royce Engines for example, after a birdstrike makes it The Pearl 10X represents the first time a necessary to set the damaged engine for Falcon will be powered by a Rolls-Royce minimum vibration. engine, although Dassault had originally Pilots will be able to keep the autopi- planned to power the so-called SMS, which lot and engaged for max- became the 5X, with Rolls-Royce’s RB282 imum-performance maneuvers such before switching to the Snecma Silvercrest. as windshear escape and TCAS resolu- (The 5X was canceled due to delays with the tion. The autothrottle will be useable Silvercrest, in favor of the Pratt & Whitney- until touchdown. powered and larger 6X.) For the new jet, the Pearl 10X will produce more than 18,000 Avionics Upgrades pounds of thrust while delivering 5 percent “Our design is to drastically reduce the lower specific fuel consumption compared workload,” said Duchateau, “especially to earlier-generation engines. regarding the human to machine inter- The engine features a bladed-disk face.” Touchscreen instrument panel dis- (blisk) fan design and a 10-stage com- plays simplify the pilot interface, which pressor with six stages of blisks. An ultra- is an updated version of the low-emissions combustor cuts noise and Primus Epic-based avionics that have emissions, and a two-stage high-pressure long been a Falcon staple. There is a new turbine has a shroudless blade design. graphical flight management system, with Dassault’s interior designers are aiming for a “flying penthouse” feel for the Falcon 10X. Testing will include running on 100 percent

28 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). allows passengers to exit their seat without if two passengers want to dine together. “I would like to thank our team for the Spirit AeroSystems will build the disturbing seatmates. Passenger seats will Three options are available for the aft lav- work produced up to now,” Trappier said at laminar-flow nacelle system, which have an available full-recline option akin to atory, including one with a stand-up shower the unveiling, “and I would like to encour- along with the 10X engine will be first-class seating on . and four windows. The standard lav has full- age them for the future because there are trialed on Rolls-Royce’s Boeing 747- There is enough room in the four-club height closets. new steps coming. 400 flying testbed. Rolls-Royce will lounge area for individual tables, with The 10X will have a 3,000-foot cabin alti- “I really want to thank our shareholders, maintain a digital twin of the engine no worries about passengers interfering tude at 41,000 feet and air filtered by ozone in particular the Dassault family and the to track its performance, including with each other, as well as ample storage and VOC filters. Windows are 50 percent holding company, which have been support- capture of more than 9,000 param- space. Each passenger can work on their larger than those in the 8X, and there are 38 ing us for a long time and especially when eters. Rolls-Royce’s engine health own table, or the tables can fit together in the 10X’s long fuselage. we are designing new birds." n monitoring will provide advanced diagnostics and alerts, as well as two-way communication between the engine and support operations. With an mtow of 115,000 pounds, Sponsored by: the 10X will carry 51,700 pounds of fuel and have a payload of 6,500 pounds. At Mach 0.85, the 10X will be able to achieve its 7,500-nm range (all performance figures are prelim- inary). Maximum operating speed will be Mach 0.925, but the 10X will still be able to take off at maximum weight with a balanced field length BoardingBBoooaaar Pass Back DEPARTURE:DEP ANYWHERE rdrdiddin RRT iin of less than 6,000 feet and perform TURE nngg YWY PPa PPASSENGER:A HERRE sss We’re in Time... SE E s steep approaches. Landing distance NGNGE R DESTINATION:DEST TWA Hotel, JFK Airport is projected to be less than 2,500 feet. TION YYOO H U te , J SSEATEEAAT #: 12 K A #: irp r 12B t Cabin Features With so much cabin space, the goal based on customer feedback ...and in Person ; the JETNET iQ Summit returns with new life, was to give passengers the feel of new ideas and a new location at the neo-retro, super swanky TWA Hotel a high-end penthouse, explained Agnes Gervais, Dassault indus- located at the JFK Airport. Reconnect with colleagues, business trial design manager, new pro- leaders and old friends in this exciting new space, where the past meets gram and innovation. “The origin is the customer experience. This the future. Come and celebrate our 10th iQ Summit...back in time. is really the key of the program.” Visit jetnet.com/summit for more info. Dassault met with customers to obtain feedback and held focus groups “to make sure that we were addressing the right needs and the right customer expectations,” she explained. “Sixteen hours is a long flight to go on, so we need to take care of the body during that time.” Dassault designers are working on various configurations with up to four lounges, including a full bathroom with shower, private TWA Hotel at JFK | Sept. 15-16th, 2021 cinema, and VIP master suite with an optional 60-inch queen-sized bed and its own bathroom. Cus- tomers will be able to choose the number and size of the lounges, according to Trappier, to custom- ize their interior layouts. The large kitchen has two win- dows, a chiller, oven, deep sink, and microwave. “It is a high-end kitchen,” Gervais said “You have plenty of natural light, it's going to be flooded with light.” A 34-inch forward lavatory is located in front of the kitchen. A crew-rest area opposite the galley also has two windows, and Gervais sees this as being large enough for the occasional kitchen cof- fee klatsch. The wide center aisle allows two people to pass without Network Experience Inspire Convenient Hob-nob over cocktails Dazzling speakers from Brainstorm with the A single flight from infringing on each other’s space. with all the right people. across the industry. biggest brains in BizAv. almost anywhere. In the dining area, an optional table with four individual seats

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 29 ROTORCRAFT & unmanned systems New team, new focus at MD Helicopters News Update Leonardo Opens $80 by Mark Huber Million Philadelphia Training Academy A new management team has taken the Leonardo officially opened its new helm at MD Helicopters (MDHI). “It’s a Philadelphia training academy in April. The new day for MD Helicopters,” said Alan remodeled warehouse on Leonardo’s Carr, currently the company’s sole director existing production, engineering, and and acting CEO. Since taking over MDHI service campus will be operated by from Lynn Tilton, Carr has moved quickly Rotorsim, a joint venture between to shore up customer support and return Leonardo and CAE, and offer mission- the company to relevancy in the commer- specific ground, in-flight, and virtual cial market. MDHI had been completely training. The new facility is expected to preoccupied with lucrative foreign mili- serve up to 1,000 students per year and tary sales of its MD500 series scout/attack features 10 multi-media classrooms, three helicopters in recent years and had all but maintenance simulators (AW139 and AW119 vanished from the commercial market. with the AW609 to be added shortly), and In August, Carr, who specializes in turn- two full-motion flight simulators for the ing around distressed companies, appointed While reentering the commercial market with renewed focus and new leadership, MD AW139 and AW169/AW609 with roll-on/ several new senior executives, part of an Helicopters’ main business remains foreign military sales. roll-off capability. The AW139 simulator overall larger new team that has been was relocated to Philadelphia from assembled since Tilton resigned in March end-user and the customer with any- “The platform sells itself,” he said. “We Whippany, New Jersey, while the new 2020 after running MDHI since 2005. thing—parts, data, support, responses to just have to put people out there to go AW169 is one of only two simulators of Marc Brodeur, MDHI’s new v-p of com- inquiries. We are doing and will continue sell it.” Work is continuing on certifying its kind in the world. An empty bay allows mercial and military sales, is a retired U.S. to do better.” a for the 530E and the com- for a third simulator to be added later. Army colonel and aviator who has held Brodeur hired two new sales directors pany now officially has an independent senior positions at Smiths Aerospace, to focus on the commercial market and research and development budget to fund Robinson Delivers Goodrich, and Ultra Electronics Flight since August the company has logged the future product improvement. 13,000th Helicopter Line Systems. “MD is a great place to be sales of 10 new MD500 series helicopters: MD also has improved its support of the Robinson’s 13,000th helicopter, an R44, today,” said Brodeur, who praises the com- one MD530E and the remainder MD530Fs. estimated 100 in-service MD900-series was delivered to longtime dealer Sky pany’s new “culture and the entrepreneur- This is particularly remarkable as these light twins, Brodeur said. “We made the Helicopters of Dallas, Texas. S/N 14438 ial spirit. Alan has done a great job bringing sales were achieved in the Covid-hob- decision some months ago that we were features a new paint scheme and is in people and giving us the latitude to go bled market after MDHI had not made a going to do a better job of supporting the equipped with the latest R44 options out and sell the helicopter to the world. single new commercial sale in five years, 900s that are still out there. We found new such as a True Blue Power lithium-ion We are really focusing on supporting the Brodeur said. suppliers for pitch casings and tail booms battery, heated seats, and a 4K cockpit and blades and so on. While we are not video camera. The helicopter’s avionics currently per se producing the MD902, we include the touchscreen Garmin G700 do have customer RFP responses out there TXi and GTN 650Xi navigator, as well as for a number of people for it. We also are a Genesys HeliSAS autopilot. Robinson EASA approves VRM virtual reality flight talking to major OEMs about teaming with delivered its first two-place R22 piston in them on production and evaluating options 1979 and today still produces this model, simulator for helicopter pilot training for reintroducing production,” he added. in addition to the four-seat R44 piston While re-entering the commercial mar- and five-seat R66 turbine. Robinson EASA has granted the first certification ket with renewed focus, MDHI’s main delivered its 12,000th helicopter in 2017, for a rotorcraft virtual reality (VR)-based business remains foreign military sales. 11,000th in 2013, and 10,000th in 2011. flight simulation training device (FSTD) “That is our sweet spot: producing light The company shipped 177 helicopters to VRM Switzerland. The FSTD is quali- attack scout helicopters. And we want to last year, but president Kurt Robinson fied as flight and navigation procedures maintain our dominance in that market,” told AIN that he expects deliveries trainer (FNPT) level II for the Robinson Brodeur said. “But we are making a huge in 2021 to surpass this number. R22 Beta II. Approval for the Airbus H125 effort from a marketing and business is expected shortly. development perspective to delve back Bell Targeting Permanent Depending on the training concept, into the commercial market.” Fix for Cracked Collective EASA will provide users of the device with In addition to Brodeur, the new manage- Bell could have a final solution for cracked up to five hours of training credit for a pri- ment team consists of Mario Coracides, v-p pilot collective sticks on its 505 light vate pilot license, 10 to 20 hours of training VRM Switzerland’s rotorcraft virtual of supply chain; Barry Sullivan, CFO; and single helicopter before the end of the credit for a commercial certificate, and five reality-based flight simulator gives Duncan Koerbel, v-p of program manage- year. Approximately half of Bell’s 505 hours of nighttime credit. VRM developed pilots a realistic and wide-field view of ment. Coracides joined the company from in-service fleet of approximately 300 the device in partnership with Air Zermatt, the outside world. Vectrus and previously held positions at helicopters have received replacement and launch customers include Mountainfly- Dresser-Rand, Finmeccanica, Honeywell, sticks, but those parts have a 300-hour ers and the Heli Academy. perception and wide field of view are required. United Technologies, and General Electric. life limit pending completion of fatigue In granting the authorization, the Euro- Device approval “aligns with the safety Sullivan worked in public accounting testing and certification, according to the pean regulatory agency applied special objectives of the EASA rotorcraft safety firms PricewaterhouseCoopers; Bold company. Both of those activities should conditions from the existing regulations roadmap to review the most critical training Beranek and Newman; Stavisky, Sha- be completed within six months after that take account of new technology scenarios and promote the use of simula- piro & Whyte; and his own Sullivan & which the life limit on the replacement adapted to cockpit, display, and motion tors for high-risk training operations,” said Drooks, which was acquired by American part is expected to be removed. The systems to ensure an equivalent safety EASA flight standards director Jesper Ras- Express Tax and Business Services. Koer- cracked collective was first detected by level compliant with the FSTD certification mussen. “This evolution will make a wider bel was formerly chief technology officer a California customer in February and specifications. Its evaluation confirmed the range of cost-e!ective training devices at Suzlon Wind Energy and held v-p and triggered a series of ADs that initially suitability of VR for helicopter flight train- available to complement full flight simula- general management roles at Fairchild called for repetitive 25-hour fluorescent ing particularly for autorotations, hovers, tors and is being driven in part by training Dornier, Lockheed Martin, and Bombar- penetrant inspections of the part and and slope landings where exact height needs for new VTOL aircraft.” M.H. dier Aerospace. He also was president of later the requirement that all 505s be Adam Aircraft. n flown single pilot only from the left seat.

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barriers in place to that. You should near the surface, the autopilot will Safety experts stress IIMC make more conservative decisions not allow the aircraft to maneuver as before the flight and have en route quickly as they desire. Many of these decision points.” By way of example, AFCS [automatic flight control systems] avoidance over recovery Webb suggested a simple metric. “If or autopilots are limited to 30 degrees you make a flight-path adjustment more of roll. So they may slew in a heading by Mark Huber than three times [due to weather], you change, but the ship is not changing need to stop flying. You have to be heading as aggressively as they desire, A diverse team of helicopter industry rating and not doing any instrument fly- comfortable and confident 100 per- or as aggressively as they are used to, so safety experts discounted the effective- ing for the last X number of months is not cent of the time. In IIMC you are under they decouple and hand fly.” ness of inadvertent instrument mete- going to help at all. There is a big differ- an inordinate amount of pressure and Webb said the other problem is a sim- orological conditions (IIMC) recovery ence between being legally current and your ability to make good decisions is ple lack of familiarity with the onboard training in favor of an emphasis on avoid- being proficient flying instruments.” diminished. When you are in a helicop- systems, which makes pilots reluctant ance during a Helicopter Association Other IIMC recovery strategies are ter and something goes wrong, the place to use them in a high-stress situation. International (HAI) webinar. equally flawed, according to Tucker, to make good decisions is on the ground. “We must use automation even when we Tim Tucker, the longtime head of including making a 180-degree standard Don’t be blasting through space at 120, don’t need it to be comfortable with it Robinson Helicopter’s safety program, rate turn, climbing, or autorotating. While 150 knots and be trying to troubleshoot and feel secure and confident in it. You summarized the effectiveness of IIMC each of these strategies has its own unique something. Land the helicopter. When have a two-axis autopilot (pitch and roll) recovery training in stark terms: “[If] set of problems in common, they typically you are in marginal weather, stop.” onboard a helicopter—or maybe even a you end up in the clouds, my sugges- don’t work because they rely on the pilot’s three-axis one—and you are not using tion is that you take your hands off the ability to control the helicopter without Changing Minimums it in normal flight. Then you find your- controls and put your palms together outside visual reference, he said. The typ- Gordon Jiroux, CEO of Universal Heli- self in a situation where you need it to underneath your chin because you now ical strategy of control, climb, course, and copters, counseled against using the save your life, but your senses are telling have 56 seconds to discuss things with communicate—taken from the fixed-wing Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) to you something different than the flight- your creator and maybe say goodbye to world—doesn’t work, Tucker said. “The determine what are and aren’t helicop- control system is telling the helicopter to your family.” The mention of 56 seconds helicopter pilot has a hard time getting by ter VFR conditions in favor of advocating do. You are going to have difficulty with was a reference to the average amount the first ‘c’—control.” higher fixed individual/organizational that. You might decouple and override of time that elapses between helicopter minimums for ceilings and visibility. it. I feel that we must use these systems entry into IIMC and crashing. (A new “The Part 91 weather minimums as writ- and be comfortable with them and have U.S. Helicopter Safety Team video on ten for helicopters—daytime one-half confidence with them at all times.” the topic is entitled, “Fifty-six Seconds mile visibility and clear of clouds—allows But concurrently Webb counseled To Live.”) the pilot to slowly create an environment against overreliance on such systems to Tucker’s avoidance strategy consists Bruce Webb, that he might not be able to live through, the point where they would contribute of three main elements: the takeoff deci- Airbus and that is part of the problem when to a deterioration in hand flying skills sion, flight decisions at en route points, Helicopters it comes to IIMC penetrations. In my or encourage increased weather risk tol- and ultimately the decision to land before director of company, we don’t allow SPVFR [spe- erance. “If people believe, because they entering clouds. He added that having an aviation cial VFR] outside the pattern, period. We have an AFCS, they can delve deeper into instrument rating after a VFR entry into education don’t allow flight at or below 1,000 feet bad weather, that this automation will IIMC doesn’t do much good. “If you think unless you are taking off or landing. If save them, that is wrong. Do not do that. an instrument rating is going to protect Several other panelists echoed Tuck- you eliminate those two things you elimi- If you are going to fly IFR, file IFR. Don’t you from an IIMC condition, nine times er’s stark assessment of IIMC sur- nate potential tragedies. But the problem go traipsing off VFR thinking your autopi- out of 10 that is not going to be the case,” vival prospects. with making these kinds of rules is that lot will save you.” n he said. “Don’t for a second think that this Bruce Webb, director of aviation educa- you have to enforce them, and it starts instrument rating is going to help if you tion for Airbus Helicopters, said, “We’re at the top. You need someone to enforce inadvertently go IFR. trying to fly helicopters VFR in weather an them besides the chief pilot or the assis- airplane can’t fly IFR in. And the results tant chief pilot. A lot of [IIMC] crashes NEWS note are predictable.” Webb said the solution are the [fault of the] chief pilot.” Many new helicopters are sitting in requires a heavy dose of education that China, according to Asian Sky Group’s centers on avoidance, starting with ab (ASG) fleet report. More than 80 new initio training. helicopters recently delivered to China Rather than canceling lessons due to are still crated or in storage, despite the weather, instructors should “allow the rotorcraft market having been growing Tim Tucker, DPE student to come in and prepare a flight there at an annual rate of 8 percent. and Robinson plan and determine whether the weather “The problem is that the China market is Helicopter is sufficient. Then, as an instructor, you not [now] as healthy as it seems,” ASG chief pilot respond to that. Allow the student to Gordon Jiroux, said. Of the stored helicopters, 38 are make a decision.” Webb said this condi- CEO, Universal equipped for EMS operations, 17 for util-

“What we have done in the helicopter tions students to make “a decision that MARIANO ROSALES Helicopters ity, and two for law enforcement, with 11 world is bastardize instrument flying,” errs on the side of safety.” for VIP transport. Light turbine singles Tucker continued. “Instrument flying is That means getting pilots comfort- While the panelists praised a new account for a large number of the im- like what happens in the airplane world. able with canceling flights even when the generation of stability augmentation pacted helicopters, particularly the Bell You plan, you get a clearance, you fly, you weather holds VFR, Webb said. “That is a systems and autopilots coming online 505. “The situation with the Bell 505s shoot an approach at the end. What we learning point. On occasion, those deci- for light helicopters, they expressed exemplifies the problem today and for have done in the helicopter world is get all sions are going to be wrong and we as concerns that pilots may be reluctant the future: 110 were ordered, 32 have this training on instruments and then try pilots need to be comfortable with that. to use them as often as they should in been delivered, and 18 are flying, but and stay VFR as long as we possibly can. Otherwise, we are going to repeatedly cases of marginal VFR conditions, or 14 are still in crates,” ASG said. Overall And when we can no longer maintain VMC make the more aggressive choice, the less conversely might use them as a justi- in China for 2020, ASG reported that conditions, we hope all these instrument conservative decision, and we are going to fication to penetrate IIMC. Webb said 4,385 civil turbine helicopters were in skills will come rushing back to us. It is not continue to crash helicopters.” he has observed students in simulators operation by year-end with 78 additions going to happen. It is not the way it works.” Webb also advocated the use of en actually decouple from autopilots as in the year. However, 8.8 percent of Chi- Tucker said one of the main reasons it route firewalls to prevent IIMC entry. weather conditions deteriorate. “It’s a na’s fleet on the mainland is in storage, doesn’t work is the lack of IFR proficiency “We have to examine why we behave fascinating human behavior. I believe ASG reported. # in the helicopter world. “Just getting the the way we behave, and we have to put what happens when they get very low

32 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com landings. By the time they stepped into NovaSim raises bar for simulation training the real airplane with their instructor, the students should be ready to begin learn- by Woody McClendon ing flight maneuvers leading to comple- tion of their primary training. Simulation component manufacturer At the training center, several trainers Brunner Elektronik won a contract to pro- would be placed in a room and students vide its NovaSim mixed-reality full-motion could be tutored by one instructor, dra- simulator to Zürich, Switzerland- based matically increasing instructor productiv- Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT). The ity and allowing more of them to focus on NovaSimMR (mixed-reality) is a light- flying instead of ground training. weight and compact flight simulation The Air Force Training Command training device that uses virtual reality anticipates that it will be able to reduce (VR) to fill in details of the simulated air- the flight time required for each student craft and outside surroundings. pilot by as much as 20 percent and total The NovaSim device for LAT repli- program calendar time by as much as 40 cates the twin-engine Diamond DA42 percent, according to FlightSafety. and is equipped with FlightSafety While the Air Force and potentially the International’s Vital 1150 level-D image Army primary flight-training programs generator. The pilot interacts with the could benefit greatly from the use of simulated airplane while wearing Brun- the Brunner trainers, their applications ner’s Varjo XR-3 VR headset, using real within the civil sector seem nearly limit- controls on the Garmin G1000 avion- less. Providing the same kind of efficien- ics installed in the simulator. But when cies to ab initio pilot-training programs wearing the VR headset, the pilot can see could deliver similar reductions, both in the rest of the aircraft and the external calendar time and cost. As the pilot short- view in any direction, with no limits on age heats up again post-pandemic, these the field of view as is normal with tradi- When the student puts on a virtual reality headset, the blank walls near the NovaSim mixed- efficiencies could produce more pilots tional simulators. reality simulator turn into a vibrant and highly realistic view of the rest of the aircraft and the faster and at less expense. The lower cost of mixed- reality VR sim- outside world. Dozens of key managers from ulation will lead to more affordable train- para-public agencies, air medical com- ing, especially for smaller flight schools, aircraft. These controls are also a Brun- controls and pilot seat. Instead of using a panies, and others flew the NovaSimMR according to Brunner. And its high-reso- ner specialty. The tech turned everything set of screens for the visuals, which natu- EC145 at Heli-Expo, according to Klingler. lution visual and motion qualities create a on, and I felt the hum of an EC145 sit- rally limits the field of view, the Varjo VR Their almost unanimous response: How more realistic learning experience for the ting on the ground in flat pitch, the rotor headset provided a virtual cockpit and an can we acquire this trainer for our own student, potentially accomplishing train- disc pulsating in front of me in the VR unlimited field-of-view visual model of programs? They saw it as a powerful sup- ing goals in fewer training hours. A key scenario. My host explained that the sim- the world outside. plemental tool to their simulator training driver for the development of the Nova- ulated rooftop heliport we were on was programs, providing an inexpensive and SimMR is the EASA Rotorcraft Safety in Rio de Janeiro. I could see the Christo NovaSim Software flexible platform for interim specialized Roadmap. This was released in 2018, and Redentor statue and the blue water of The combination of Brunner’s mixed- training modules. one of its recommendations is that “Sim- the harbor. reality simulator with FlightSafety’s visual Brunner came away from Heli-Expo ulation should be more widely used to I raised the collective, picked up to a system formed the basis of a product that with a backlog of potential training appli- rehearse at-risk scenarios.” hover, and immediately recognized the Brunner is offering as the training system cations. Given the focus on the inadver- solid, stable feel of the EC145. Edging it for the U.S. Air Force Primary Pilot Train- tent flight into IMC (IIMC) issue from the Demo Flight forward I flew around downtown, watch- ing Program. high-profile Kobe Bryant accident, apply- At last year’s Heli-Expo in Anaheim, Cal- ing people moving around in offices in the One other essential component of any ing the Brunner trainer to a short, focused ifornia, FlightSafety demonstrated the virtual buildings and signs at street level such device is the aerodynamic software IIMC review could result in a one-day Brunner NovaSimMR simulator at the flashing their advertisements. that the simulator runs on and that cre- process that could funnel as many as four FlightSafety exhibit—configured as an My seat moved in sync with the flight, ates the motion responses to flight con- pilots through the class at an affordable Airbus EC145 helicopter—and I had the powered by the motion system in the trol inputs. Brunner is using Laminar price. The trainer could be set up almost opportunity to fly it. Unlike low-cost Brunner 1000 motion platform. It felt as Research’s X-Plane simulation software, anywhere, needing just one large room desktop simulators with limited capabili- near to a real EC145 as I had ever experi- running an aero model of the EC145. and a 110-volt wall outlet—the other end ties, the NovaSim device is far more real- enced in a simulator. Having worked for FlightSafety and of the spectrum from the costly level-D istic. Its additional realism is particularly I descended into a nearby airfield, hov- being familiar with its aero model devel- simulator environment. desirable in helicopter training where ered in place, then moved the virtual heli- opment process, I was impressed with the The idea of replicating what the Air flight training devices and other less copter around, doing pedal turns, taxiing, quality of the Brunner trainer’s modeling Force plans for its primary training pro- expensive trainers are of limited value. and a couple of quickstops. Then I took and the fact that a relatively small team gram within civilian programs offers This new MR trainer looked ungainly, off, flew around the pattern, and asked the had developed it. According to Klingler, plenty of opportunities to reduce expen- the pilot seat and a set of helicopter con- engineer to fail both engines. I did a pass- the plan for this particular EC145 trainer, sive airplane and instructor hours with trols nesting on top of the four-foot-high able autorotation to the ramp, then did a which was to be demonstrated to the U.S. a Brunner trainer. Even more efficiency Brunner 6DOF Motion 1000 platform. A few more. I wanted to stay on this little Army to support its EC145 training fleet, could be gained by grouping several sim- semblance of an instrument panel was trainer all day, enjoying the experience of was to replace the X-Plane software with ulators together under the tutelage of installed in front of the seat and a large flying a helicopter I had really liked. FlightSafety’s EC145 aero model shortly one instructor. monitor stood a few feet in front of that. Back at the rooftop heliport, I had to after Heli-Expo. This aero model was These ideas are all still in various stages I accepted an invitation to fly it and take a minute and collect my thoughts. developed from an extensive flight test of planning and probably would have climbed on. A member of the tech team This had been a near level-D simulation project in an EC145, covering the entire gained earlier momentum had it not been handed me the VR headset, which I put experience, all of it from this unassuming flight envelope. for the complications from the pandemic. on and then saw the full cockpit and heli- little device. The Air Force trainer would use a Those managers that flew the Brunner copter nose and the view of a large city Brunner president Roger Klingler was Textron T-6A aero model and cockpit to trainer at Heli-Expo no doubt will be as in FlightSafety Vital 1150 high resolution. at Heli-Expo hosting the NovaSimMR. He expose new pilots to the airplane. They much in need of its benefits as they were I have flown the EC145 for a few hours, explained that the EC145 I flew combined would learn start and shutdown pro- in early 2020. “We’re looking forward to a and the cyclic and collective felt realistic Brunner’s six-degrees-of-freedom 6DOF cedures, including malfunctions, then near-term bright future for the NovaSim to me, as if they had come from a real 1000 motion base with its EC145 flight practice taxiing followed by takeoffs and product,” said Klingler. n

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 33 AIR transport Eurocontrol outlines means to cut CO2 by 2030 by Gregory Polek

Every flight within Europe could become technological developments, said Eurocon- on average more than 25 percent “greener” trol. Today, SAF accounts for less than 0.1 by 2030 while using existing technology, percent of all fuel used by the commercial according to a new so-called think paper aviation industry in Europe, according to published by Eurocontrol in late April. the paper. The paper asserts that the aviation Calling SAF “the most important recent industry can make significant progress development on the sustainability front,” toward the “perfect green flight” through the Eurocontrol study estimates that a Eurocontrol considers increased use of sustainable aviation fuel as among the most effective

measures including increased use of sus- 50 percent blend of such fuel to conven- means of reaching a 25 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. tainable aviation fuel (SAF), more efficient tional jet fuel can cut CO2 emissions from use of airspace, and fleet modernization aviation by 40 percent. However, given savings per flight, leading, with the other performance of the aircraft from the begin- by airlines. Eurocontrol estimates that today’s relatively minuscule level of SAF measures proposed, to 34 percent in CO2 ning of the flight. Employing best practices such efforts could eliminate 4,268 kg of use, the paper stressed the importance of emissions savings per flight.” for stand allocation, the use of fixed elec- CO2 emissions by 2030 out of 16,632 kg accelerating production of the fuel and Measures needed to meet such goals start trical ground power and pre- conditioned produced during an average flight in the increasing its availability at major hubs with passengers, according to Eurocontrol. air, the flexible use of taxiways to minimize wider European area. to reduce their cost, which runs three Non-transit passengers arriving late to the taxi time, the use of Airport Collaborative Better use of fuel-efficient air traf- times the amount of jet-A. According to cause small delays that can add com- Decision Making (A-CDM) to avoid long fic management improvements could the European Union’s Destination 2050 plexity to managing departures. Meanwhile, queues at the holding points, and the opti- account for 8.6 percent to 11.2 percent report, with “proper” incentives, SAF airlines that opt to speed en-route flight to mization of runway throughput to avoid (up to 1,863 kg) of those improvements, could account for 6 percent of fuel used compensate for delays and missed slots delays all can contribute to improvements, said the study. Accelerating the transition by 2030. The International Energy Agen- increase fuel burn and thus emissions. added the study. Finally, the use of semi- from the research and development phase cy’s Sustainable Development Scenario Airlines and airports share responsibil- or fully electrical aircraft towing systems to deployment of the Single European Sky 21 estimates about a 10 percent share in ity for the second set of measures. Pow- brings immediate environmental bene- ATM Research (SESAR) joint undertaking 2030 and 19 percent in 2040, while coun- ering an aircraft using its own auxiliary fits; delaying engine start-up can reduce and improving the functioning and per- tries such as Norway and Finland already power unit (APU) burns far more fuel in fuel consumption during taxiing by 50 to formance of the network to the greatest have set a 30 percent target by 2030. most cases than using a mobile ground 85 percent. extent will prove crucial, it added. “A firm policy support target of 10 per- power unit (GPU) for that purpose, for Meanwhile, the takeoff phase offers a The study also concluded that emerging cent SAF by 2030 could lead to higher example. APUs also generate more noise, number of potential improvements air aircraft technologies in the form of hybrid, demand than initially expected and a more pollution, and increase aircraft traffic and airlines can effect, of which fully electric, and hydrogen airplanes will faster decarbonization of aviation,” said maintenance costs. Continuous Climb Operations (CCO) “transform” aviation during the 20-year the Eurocontrol paper. “This would The third set of measures lies with air brings the most important environmen- period starting in 2030. By 2050, those new accelerate SAF uptake, leading to higher traffic control (ATC). Each minute taxiing tal benefit, said the paper. Air traffic con- airplanes will prevail on short- to medium- demand and speeding up aviation decar- with engine on burns 3 to 10 kg of fuel, so trollers should, as far as possible, clear haul routes, while SAF use will predominate bonization—permitting more ambitious ATC should prioritize minimizing ground flights to climb, avoid unnecessary level- in long-haul operations. By then, SAF will target setting in the future. Twenty per- delays for aircraft with engines already offs and permit the most fuel-efficient account for 83 percent of all fuel burned cent SAF use by 2030 would represent running and facilitate engine-off taxi solu- CCOs. Other measures include the use if efforts to increase production capacity a colossal challenge to meet, but would tions, said the report. Some ATC and air- of so-called rolling takeoffs to seamlessly prove successful, regardless of any further potentially deliver 16 percent in CO2 port processes significantly influence the deliver clearances and avoid aircraft stop- ping on the runway. Once the airplane gets in the air, cruis- ing accounts for the longest flight phase and the biggest effect on overall CO2 Lufthansa resolves to buy 10 More Airbus, Boeing widebodies emissions and fuel consumption. “Nev- ertheless, there are a series of improve- Lufthansa Group’s supervisory board last ments that can be made,” notes the report. month approved the purchase of five Airbus On-board systems such as the flight man- A350-900s and five Boeing 787-9s as part agement system ensure that the crew can of a long-standing fleet renewal program aim to fly using the optimum values of that will see 175 new aircraft delivered to speed and cruise level, it added. Opera- the group this decade. Lufthansa Airlines tors should update those systems with the will fly all 10 of the long-haul widebodies, latest wind and atmospheric condition starting with the first 787-9 as early as this information, and the crew should fly at a coming winter and continuing into the first The first of a new batch of five Boeing 787-9s will arrive at LH’s Frankfurt base this winter. speed corresponding to the best specific half of 2022. Monday’s decision brings the range (maximizing the distance flown for total number of firm orders for Boeing 787- ordered A350-900s to enter the Lufthansa percent. The aircraft purchases e!ectively a given amount of fuel) on minimal drag 9s and 777-9s to 45. fleet in 2027 and 2028. accelerate the reduction of fleet complex- configuration whenever possible and try Decisions by some airlines to slow or Lufthansa said the 787-9 and A350-900 ity for more e"ciency, it added. Lufthansa to maintain an optimum altitude. cancel delivery of orders over the past year essentially will replace the four-engine estimates that operating costs of the new Finally, upon landing, more efficient due to Covid considerations opened an A340 as part of a process that will see an aircraft will be 15 percent less than those of taxi-in during ground operations means opportunity for early delivery of previously initial fleet reduction. Plans call for cutting the models they replace. minimizing the use of engine thrust and manufactured aircraft, said Lufthansa. the number of four-engine aircraft in the The investment in new aircraft complies brakes, choosing the shortest route, using The order for the A350-900s brings group’s long-haul fleet to less than 15 per- with the framework agreement between the reduced engine taxi techniques such as Lufthansa’s firm order total for the Airbus cent by the middle of the decade; before Economic Stabilization Fund of Germany and using a single engine on arrival, delaying widebodies to 45. Plans call for the newly the crisis, the share amounted to about 50 Deutsche Lufthansa, said the group. G.P. the start of the APU, and shutting it off as soon as possible, the report concluded. n

34 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com “Airbus has reaffirmed its intention to Airbus to alter aerostructures businesses build a stronger aerostructures assem- bly value chain across its industrial sys- by Gregory Polek tem to its social partners, and considers aerostructures assembly as core to its Airbus has launched a plan to reorganize status would also enable them to focus The company provided details about business,” said the company. “Airbus pre- and consolidate aerostructures activities on their industry segment and be leaner its ongoing assessment of its industrial sented its plans to create two integrated in France and Germany, the European air- and more agile, fostering competitiveness, arrangements in Europe—most notably aerostructures assembly companies at the frame maker said in late April. innovation, and quality to the benefit of its aerostructures activities—to union heart of its industrial system in order to Under the plan, a new company in France the Airbus programs of today and tomor- leadership during a European Works reinforce its value stream management would combine the activities now managed row,” said Airbus in a statement. Council meeting, it reported. and prepare the company for its short- within Airbus in Saint Nazaire and Nantes and long-term future.” with those of its Stelia Aerospace subsidi- The company plans to complete the ary. In Germany, the exercise would com- restructuring by January 1, 2022. n bine the activities at Stade and structure assembly in Hamburg with those of Pre- mium Aerotec in Nordenham, Bremen, and partly in Augsburg. Airbus also said it would engage in “rebalancing activities” toward Boeing to open the upper part of its value chain and review its involvement in the manufacturing of more 737-800BCF detail parts. That exercise would involve folding some of Premium Aerotec’s activ- conversion lines ities into what Airbus calls a new global Boeing signaled its intention to fur- player in the detail parts business. ther expand its 737-800BCF cargo The two new aerostructures assembly conversion capacity by contracting companies, both wholly owned by Air- with Costa Rican MRO provider Coop- bus, would no longer serve as suppliers erativa Autogestionaria de Servicios and would instead become integrated Aeroindustriales (Coopesa) to add within the parent company, simplifying two new lines in the city of Alajuela. both governance and interfaces in a new Plans call for the opening of the first industrial framework. “Their distinct Premium Aerotec assembles the forward fuselage section for the A350 XWB in Nordenham, Germany 737-800BCF conversion line outside China in early 2022 and the second later that year. Boeing now converts 737-800 pas- ticket with taxes and fees cost $200, senger airplanes to freighters at three IATA decries ‘price gouging’ meaning a $90 PCR test raises the cost by locations: Boeing Shanghai Aviation 45 percent. Add another test on arrival and Services (BSAS) in Shanghai; Guang- the one-way cost would leap by 90 per- zhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineer- on Covid PCR testing cent, to $380. Assuming the need for two ing Company (Gameco) in Guangzhou, tests in each direction, the average cost China; and Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft by Gregory Polek for an individual return trip could balloon Engineering Company (Staeco) in from $400 to $760, according to IATA. Jinan, China. International Air Transport Association An IATA study into the costs of PCR test- “The real risk here is that these prohibitive Boeing has secured orders for more (IATA) director general Willie Walsh ing from a sampling of 16 markets showed an costs will prevent people from exercising than 180 737-800BCFs from 15 cus- last month called on governments to average minimum cost of $90 per test and their freedom to travel, to visit friends, to tomers on four continents. In March, intervene against the alleged practice of an average maximum cost of $280. take a holiday,” said Walsh. “As a society, we it re-delivered the 50th 737-800BCF price gouging by Covid testing entities. “We’ve seen an incredible variation,” cannot allow a situation to develop where since the model entered service Speaking during a May 4 briefing on the noted Walsh. “Clearly this is unjustifiable. only the rich can afford to travel again. in 2018. effects of the crisis on the airline industry, We’ve talked about evidence of profiteer- “We also need to highlight the fact that Data released last month by the Walsh decried what he characterized as ing. Credit to France, because France has governments continue to mandate these International Air Transport Association the emergence of a cottage industry led implemented the [World Health Organi- tests but are taking their big slice of the (IATA) showed that air cargo demand by companies that have taken advantage zation] recommendation that the cost of pie through VAT charges. There’s no evi- continued to outperform pre-Covid of the virus crisis by charging as much testing should be borne by the country.” dence other than to demonstrate that levels, increasing by 4.4 percent in as $400 for tests he said should cost no IATA’s research showed that, before people are being gouged.” March 2021 over March 2019. In fact, more than $15. the pandemic, the average one-way airline Walsh referenced specifically the UK, March demand reached the highest where he said he had to buy PCR testing for level on record. Broad range of PCR test costs (min. – max.) a recent trip there. A number of new compa- Meanwhile, global capacity, mea- nies that administer tests and send the swabs sured in available cargo tonne-kilo- $0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450 to a lab, he said, have emerged as a result of meters, continued to recover in March, Australia the opportunity to profit from the pandemic up 5.6 percent compared with the Brazil

France $0 in recent months. “If you look at the UK gov- previous month. Nevertheless, capac- Germany ernment website, you can see that many of ity remained 11.7 percent below March Indonesia these identifying that they’re working with 2019 levels due to ongoing passenger Japan the same lab,” he noted. “So I think what Malaysia aircraft groundings. Airlines continue New Zealand we’ve got to do is understand how these to use dedicated freighters to com- Philippines companies come about, who’s behind them, pensate for the lack of belly capacity. Singapore why are they charging such exorbitant prices International capacity from dedicated South Korea

Switzerland given that we know in many cases they’re freighters rose 20.6 percent in March Thailand offering discounts of up to 50 percent. If 2021 compared with the same month UK they can offer a discount of up to 50 percent in 2019 and belly-cargo capacity USA to some people, why can’t they reduce the G.P. Vietnam dropped by 38.4 percent. prices by 50 percent to all people?” G.P.

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 35 AVIONICS & technology

Collins Pro Line 21 and Garmin G3000 News Update JetTech moves Citations avionics. It was interesting to fly JetTech’s CJ equipped with the TXi and other avi- FreeFlight TSOs FDC-500 onics with Rob’s son Chris to evaluate the Digital-to-analog Converter into the touchscreen age latest offering. The FAA has granted technical standard The JetTech CJ is a beautiful example of order approval for the FreeFlight Systems by Rich Pickett how a legacy aircraft can be upgraded to FDC-500 Arinc 429 digital-to-analog the latest standards. When you enter the converter. The FDC-500 is designed While legacy Cessna Citations may meet through a proprietary JetTech adaptor. flight deck, the simplicity and capabilities to aid replacement of Honeywell KRA mission needs for range, payload, and More than 400 Citations in the 500 series of the upgraded avionics are immediately 405/405B radar altimeters with a modern operating expense, many lack an avionics took advantage of these STCs. apparent. JetTech’s technicians did a com- FreeFlight RA4000/4500 while retaining suite that can take advantage of the latest JetTech then moved to the Cessna Cita- plete renovation of the panel and not by the existing cables, antenna, and indicator. in approach capability, situational aware- tion 525 series, starting with the original just shoehorning in the new products. All FreeFlight is targeting airliner and heavy ness, and communication technology. But CitationJet. The initial STC for this series of the aircraft systems and their associated rotorcraft markets for this upgrade. The as is often the case, the manufacturer of the was only for the GTN 650/750, which I’ve switches along with the engine gauges and TSO makes it easier to upgrade the older existing avionics doesn’t offer an upgrade flown, and it is a significant improvement, N1 computer are still present, but the rest radar altimeters, according to president for these legacy jets, although in all other replacing the Universal FMS and the GNS of the clutter is gone. and CEO Tim Taylor. “This is a significant aspects the jet meets the owner’s needs. 400. This upgrade expanded the Cita- While it doesn’t have the minimalistic achievement for the FDC-500, as it will This is the scenario that JetTech, based tionJet operating envelope by providing style of the latest Citation M2 or Citation allow more opportunities for operators at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport ADS-B using a Garmin 345 transponder, CJ3+ and their G3000 avionics, the modi- to leverage this converter while keeping (KBJC) in Broomfield, Colorado, has and because it included WAAS capability, fied CJ is clearly more ergonomic than its their original analog panel indicators.” elected to resolve. Since starting the it added the all-important LPV approach predecessor, which was equipped with a company almost 20 years ago, Rob Irwin approval with autopilot coupling. The mix of various manufacturers’ products, CloudAhoy Puts Flight Path and his team have dramatically expanded JetTech STC included an interface that most of which are now obsolete. I also Vector into Debrief Tool the operational envelope of Citations sends the appropriate vertical guidance find that having knobs and switches for Pilots viewing the visual debriefing of their and other aircraft by developing a series signal to the Sperry SPZ 5000 digital some functions is actually more efficient, flight on CloudAhoy’s postflight analysis of avionics solutions. Irwin—who has a autopilot, enabling the use of the APR and ergonomic, than relegating all func- platform can now see a depiction of the background as a military fixed-wing and button for LPV approaches. The STC also tions to a touchscreen. flight path vector (FPV) in all phases of rotorcraft pilot along with A&P mechanic provides an option for a handy glove box The panel is outfitted with two 10.6- flight. The FPV, which shows the path being and inspection authorization certifi- where the Universal FMS used to reside. inch Garmin G600 TXi touchscreen flown, is a feature in head-up displays and cates—started working on RVSM in the displays, two GTN 750Xis, GTX 335R/ many modern primary flight displays and early 2000s. His efforts resulted in the TXi to CitationJet GTX 345R transponders, the GFC 600 helps pilots fly more precisely. As depicted development of RVSM solutions for a Not content with offering only that STC autopilot, an integrated audio panel, a in the CloudAhoy postflight debriefing tool, wide variety of turbine aircraft, including for the Citation 525, JetTech embarked on GDL 69A SiriusXM weather and radio the FPV shows a pilot whether the aiming many Citations. adding the latest Garmin products to the receiver, a GSR 56 Iridium phone and point is lined up properly with the runway; Irwin’s company expanded from its CJ series. With the advent of Garmin’s weather datalink, GWX 75 radar, and the if the pilot compensating correctly for original RVSM STCs and by 2010 started new touchscreen TXi displays, Xi versions GI 275 electronic flight instrument as a wind during an approach or on final; and offering Garmin G600 displays in the Cita- of the GTN 650/750, GI 275 electronic dis- . JetTech’s CJ also has a third VHF whether the pilot is maintaining altitude in tion 500 series, interfaced to GNS 400/500 play, and GFC 600 autopilot, the CJs were antenna for future-proofing to accommo- a turn or when flying straight-and-level. series GPS navigators. In 2013 JetTech ripe for the creation of yet another STC. date CPLDC if Garmin incorporates that In an example from CloudAhoy, during obtained an STC to install dual G600s and JetTech purchased its own CJ to facilitate capability in the GTNs. slow flight and just before stalling, the FPV touchscreen GTN 750 navigators in Part the development of an expanded STC to The GI 275 is a highly configurable is below the horizon line, which indicates 23 Citations in the 500 series. At that time, replace the legacy avionics. The compa- display. It can be installed with various that the aircraft is not able to stay level the existing copilot instruments had to be ny’s CJ was invaluable in this develop- options from a PFD, to an HSI, or engine and is already descending. The pilot retained on Part 25 Citations due to the ment, and Garmin test pilots spent about indicating system. The GI 275 in JetTech’s would have seen the nose of the aircraft FAA requirements for Level A hardware 100 hours flight testing that jet. CJ is configured as a combined HSI and above the horizon, and CloudAhoy shows and software, which wasn’t available in I’ve flown numerous aircraft, includ- PFD, featuring synthetic vision, standalone that as well, with the aircraft pitched up. the G600. All of these STCs allowed inte- ing my own, with the Garmin displays GPS, and backup battery power so it acts as But the FPV tells the pilot what is really gration with the Sperry SPZ 500 autopilot, and GTN navigators as well as CJs with an effective standby instrument. Even the happening and illustrates the trajectory clocks are replaced with Mid-Continent’s of the aircraft, not just its attitude. MD93 solution, which includes dual USB CloudAhoy computes the FPV power ports. It felt like a new airplane. in the debriefing animation using GPS position data recorded by the Flying the Modified CJ avionics or portable devices. When Garmin developed the TXi dis- plays, it added many features similar to Honeywell Mini IMUs Ideal the G3000/G5000 products. The display for Drones and GA Aircraft clarity alone is a significant improvement, Honeywell’s new bottle-cap-size micro- along with luminosity that is three times electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based greater than on earlier displays. The new inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer capabilities require more processing much lower-cost precision navigation capability, hence the incorporation of capabilities for commercial and military dual-core processors. These sophisticated applications. The HG1125 and HG1126 IMUs displays leverage the technology, includ- can withstand shocks up to 40,000 g and ing touch-capabilities, of the Garmin are ideal for drones and general aviation GTN series navigators, resulting in seam- aircraft as well as high-shock industrial less integration with the GTN 750Xi. uses such as drilling. MEMS sensors Before starting the engines, Chris and replace gyroscopes, accelerometers, I reviewed various G600 TXi configura- and electronics in traditional IMUs “to tion possibilities, from split-screen to full- give precise rotation and acceleration screen display with an expansive view of data,” according to Honeywell, enabling RICH PICKETT JetTech’s CitationJet 525 upgrade makes for a much cleaner-looking panel, with Garmin’s the detailed synthetic vision. All functions accurate position and velocity calculation touchscreen TXi displays, GTN 750 NXi navigators, GFC600 autopilot, and GI 275 standby. continues on facing page including when GPS signals are unavailable.

36 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com temperature, he messaged with his wife; Hands on: Garmin inReach then hours later—after realizing his numb feet were not getting any warmer despite having emergency equipment and a cold- Mini Iridium satcom weather sleeping bag—he sent an SOS to the IERCC. A rescue helicopter soon was by Matt Thurber able to find Lewis, thanks to the precise coordinates relayed by his inReach Mini. Last year, the number of rescues attributed applicable laws in the jurisdictions where Despite the deep snow, the helicopter to Garmin’s inReach satellite communi- the device is intended to be used.” For crew managed to winch a rescuer to help cation devices reached the 5,000 mark. this reason, I wouldn’t bring the inReach load him up and fly him to a hospital. Garmin purchased DeLorme, manufac- mini on a trip to one of these countries to While Lewis suffered severe frostbite on turer of the inReach devices, in 2016 and avoid having it confiscated or getting in his hands and feet, he recovered and didn’t now offers five products, including the trouble for carrying an illegal device. lose any digits. And he was told that he smallest—the Mini—and four others with The inReach devices require a subscrip- could have sent the SOS sooner. “The res- screens large enough to display maps. tion to a usage plan, which covers tracking cue team actually told me that rather than I’ve been testing the inReach Mini since and messaging services as well as access suffering as long as I had through the night,

last year, while hiking, kayaking, and flying. to GEOS Worldwide and its International THURBER MATT I should have just triggered the SOS earlier Though it’s a comfort to know that the Emergency Response Coordination Cen- Garmin’s inReach Mini enables sending and not risked potential harm,” he said. device’s SOS button is always available to ter (IERCC). Garmin purchased the assets and receiving messages while airborne After recovering, Lewis was able to call for help, I like its ability to send and of GEOS in January 2021. Usage plans cost and sending an SOS request in case of retrieve the Super Cub, using a helicopter receive messages from anywhere in the $11.95 to $49.95 per month in an annual emergency, via Iridium satellites. to lift it from the snowfield. world via the Iridium satcom network and plan. You can also purchase monthly “At the end of the day, the minor addi- location sharing of tracking information. service—which you can suspend and “land” on a snowy and forested mountain- tional cost to be able to communicate For aircraft that are too small to install more reactivate only when needed—for $14.95 side. After sending an SOS to the IERCC, with somebody if something happens, capable and costly airborne connectivity to $64.95. The prices reflect the number the pilot sent messages to his family to let and being able to provide details of the systems, an Iridium messaging device like of messages and track points included, them know he and his companion were situation so that rescue can be prepared, the inReach mini offers a good compromise. but all plans include unlimited SOS and safe. Both were rescued a few hours later is a huge peace of mind,” he said. I also like to bring the Mini with me unlimited preset messages. after they walked to a service road that The inReach Mini can be used to send when traveling, although I haven’t done Garmin has plenty of examples of res- gave rescuers better access. and receive messages by itself, but to do much of that during the pandemic. How- cues via the inReach devices. In March In another incident, in January 2020, so requires choosing and then accepting ever, some countries prohibit certain uses 2017, a pilot and his friend crashed in a Alaska pilot Chad Lewis got his ski- individual letters. It’s much easier to con- of satellite communications devices, and Cessna 182 in mountainous terrain in equipped Super Cub stuck after landing nect it via Bluetooth to either Garmin’s Garmin advises that “it is the responsi- Idaho, after flying into a strong downdraft. in deep snow at the end of the day. Unable Earthmate or Garmin Pilot app and bility of the user to know and follow all Both survived after the pilot was able to to build a fire in the -35 deg F nighttime then use the smartphone or tablet’s key- board to write messages. Earthmate also includes helpful topographic maps. The tracking feature works by sharing a continued from facing page back. The panel essentially has six con- Installation Considerations Garmin MapShare web page with friends are crystal clear and bright, and the syn- figurable panels, offering even the most JetTech develops the STCs and, while it and family members. The inReach user thetic vision provides a near-3D experi- energetic pilot more than enough display will do some installations to perfect the can set the track point intervals, but with ence. In my flying with modern displays, options for all phases of flight. process, the company works primarily the lowest-cost plan, track points are I vary the configuration depending upon Garmin’s GFC 600 autopilot per- through Garmin’s network of autho- 10 cents each. The other plans include the phase of flight. I can split the G600 formed flawlessly in all modes, includ- rized aviation dealers. JetTech provides unlimited track points at 10-minute inter- TXi display and view a PFD and terminal ing the helpful LVL button, which the dealers with a kit, which includes vals. More frequent intervals are available. procedure for arrivals and departure, then offers immediate recovery to a straight- the engineering drawings, technical data, The benefit of sharing tracking informa- switch to a multifunction panel in cruise. and-level flight mode from an unusual AFM supplement, maintenance docu- tion is that the person viewing the track- Configuring and programming the attitude. The GFC 600 also features over- ments, technical support information, ing can see the location of the inReach avionics suite is simple and intuitive. and under-speed protection to avoid and of course the STC. The length and user, even if the user becomes incapaci- While this equipment does not have maximum airspeed exceedances as well cost of the installation process depend tated and can’t activate the SOS button. the systems integration and checklist as low-speed excursions when approach- upon several factors, including the avail- That button is housed under a protective of a G3000/G5000 installation, all the ing stall speeds. The GFC 600 has an IAS able options. cap to prevent accidental activation. other capabilities for flight are present. speed mode, which is like the FLC mode With an estimated 80 percent of the According to Garmin’s specifications, Entering a flight plan is quick, either on other autopilots. Citation CJ fleet having implemented the Mini’s battery lasts for up to 35 hours through the GTNs or using a split-screen When we were returning to KBJC and at least one of JetTech’s GTN STCs, when the device is using 10-minute track- on either G600 TXi. Our flight was rel- entering the Denver Class B airspace, I there are ample opportunities to easily ing send intervals and one-second log atively simple, with a departure from split the G600 to display a highly visi- move up to the latest offerings. Within intervals. Without the logging, battery life KBJC to Greeley and then back. With our ble map featuring the complex airspace the Citation series, beyond the CJ, I is up to 90 hours or 24 days in extended flight plan loaded and the N1 computer sectors, aiding in situational awareness. wouldn’t be surprised if JetTech uses tracking mode (30-minute intervals). set, we were ready to fly. The GTNs and G600 TXi support LPV its extensive experience to put current I’ve had good success connecting to the On departure, I experimented with a approaches, something that wasn’t avail- and future Garmin equipment into addi- Iridium satellites from light aircraft and full-width G600 TXi offering synthetic able in the legacy CJ avionics. Once I’d tional models. while hiking and kayaking. Note, however, vision across the screen. The situational loaded the RNAV RWY 30R, which was With the long lifespan of turbine air- that the inReach requires a clear view of awareness in this configuration is amaz- a simple process, I split the G600 TXi craft and engines, the ability the sky to connect to the satellites. The ing and useful when flying at night, in low- to display the approach procedure chart to extend the capabilities of legacy jets Mini comes with a solidly connected lan- visibility, or in mountainous terrain. After on my right panel. As Denver Approach is important for their continued utility. yard or carabiner, which makes it easy departure, I switched to a split screen vectored us, I activated the approach on JetTech’s innovative engineering solu- to attach to a backpack or a convenient with the multifunction panel displayed the GTN 750 in anticipation of approach tions over the years have significantly attach point. In light airplanes, I usu- as my default. This allowed me access to approval. Once that was obtained, a sin- improved the usefulness of these aircraft. ally place the Mini on top of the glare virtually all of the GTN functions directly gle press of the APR button on the GFC The current offering for the Citations shield for good access to the sky. One of in front of me. When I wanted to display 600 transitioned us to the final-approach brings the latest technology to the flight the handiest features when flying is that only PFD functions, it took just a press on course. As expected, the entire process deck, further enhancing the value and the inReach Mini provides GPS position the screen-split function icon to switch was seamless. safety of these useful airplanes. n information to the Garmin Pilot app. n

ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 37 TOUCHING bases FBO and Airport news by Curt Epstein

Sheltair’s acquisition of the former Apex Executive Jet Center at central Florida’s Orlando IF YOU ARE ROTORS International Airport gives the company its 12th full-service facility in the state. Sheltair Adds Melbourne FBO in the fourth quarter, the FBO will include WE GOT IT! Sheltair has expanded its network with an 11,000-sq-ft terminal, along with the addition of Apex Executive Jet Cen- 15,000-sq-ft and 10,000-sq-ft hangars. ter, one of two full-service providers at Meanwhile, a 2,000-sq-ft hurricane-rated Florida’s Orlando Melbourne Interna- temporary terminal and 50,000-gallon Nov 16 - 18, 2021 tional Airport (KMLB). For Sheltair the fuel tank farm are open. Cologne | Germany purchase represents its 19th FBO and the According to Scheeringa, Aero Cen- 12th in its home state. ter also plans to open another FBO by The company has had a presence at year-end at North Carolina’s Wilmington KMLB since 1988 and already operates International Airport, part of the compa- www.europeanrotors.eu 250,000 sq ft of hangar space there. The ny’s “focused strategy on bringing compe- new acquisition added another 52,000 tition to secondary cities that can support sq ft of hangar space that can accommo- two FBOs,” Scheeringa told AIN, adding date ultra-long-range business jets. Also that parent company Marathon FBO Part- included in the purchase was the 12,400- ners has an appetite to add two to four sq-ft terminal, which features a pilot new FBOs a year. lounge, flight planning area, 10-seat A/V- equipped conference room, refreshment bar, concierge, and available U.S. Customs. New FBO at Trenton Mercer FlightServ, one of two existing ser- vice providers at New Jersey’s Trenton Ross Acquires Nebraska FBO Mercer Airport (KTTN), broke ground Ross Aviation has expanded its Midwest on its new FBO after a delay of several footprint with the addition of Silverhawk years. The company is currently based Aviation at Nebraska’s Lincoln Airport in a 2,000-sq-ft 1950s-era terminal and to its network. One of two service pro- adjoining 34,000-sq-ft hangar, which are viders on the field, Silverhawk’s 14-acre slated to return to the airport’s control leasehold includes an 18,000-sq-ft, two- after the conclusion of the $25 million story terminal with passenger lounge, project. When completed in mid-2022, it business center, crew lounge with show- will include a 30,000-sq-ft, two-story ter- ers, eight-seat conference room, crew minal with build-to-suit office space and vehicles, and on-site . It also a heated 80,000-sq-ft hangar. has nearly 80,000 sq ft of hangar space. While the deal includes the Silverhawk MRO operation, it does not include the Premier Buys Michigan FBO company’s fractional aircraft ownership Stuart, Florida-based air charter provider program or its charter and management Premier Private Jets has entered the business, which will continue to operate FBO arena with its purchase of Oakland as Silverhawk Aviation under its original Air, one of six FBOs at Detroit-area Oak- ownership. This latest acquisition brings land County International Airport. The the company to a total of 18 locations in full-service facility will be rebranded as the continental U.S., Alaska, and the Cay- Premier Jet Services. Its nearly six-acre man Islands. leasehold includes a 10,000-sq-ft ter- minal. According to Premier CEO Josh Birmingham, a $500,000-plus terminal Second FBO at Lakeland renovation project will begin “immedi- Florida’s Lakeland Linder International ately,” modernizing and opening up the Airport (KLAL) received a second FBO lobby, installing a new air filtration sys- with the opening of Aero Center Lake- tem, and adding a snooze room in the pilot organised by in cooperation with service provider land’s temporary facility. The company, lounge. Taking a page from on-field rival headed by industry veterans including Pentastar Aviation, the upgrade, which former Signature Flight Support presi- is expected to be completed by the third dent Michael Scheeringa, broke ground quarter, will include a commercial cater- in February at KLAL on its $7 million ing kitchen and café. The FBO also has permanent home. With a planned debut 61,000 sq ft of heated hangar space. n

38 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com EVENTS !"#$%#&'()(*"*+)#&)!$,( -$#'.+(%,/)0+1,&+( !"#!"#!$%#&"'(!)%*+!%',-./0!+,("%'/1!2%'),+,'2,#!%'!#*#&/"'/3"1"&0!/'.!&$,!! 4%.,+'!)1"($&!.,5/+&4,'&6!7,/+'!)+%4!/'.!,'(/(,!8"&$!!"#!,."&%+#!/'.!1,/."'(!4/+9,&! ,:5,+&#!/#!&$,0!."#2*##!&%5"2#!#*2$!/#!;<=>!2/+3%'!2+,."&#>!"45/2&!%)!1,("#1/&"%'>!/'.!4%+,6

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Bombardier Opens Geneva on Citation CJ2s—at its new facility Line Maintenance Station in Aiken, South Carolina. Another Bombardier has opened a business jet CitationJet active winglet installation line maintenance station in Geneva, at the center is pending, it added. Switzerland. It’s the company’s 10th Like Tamarack’s other installation such location worldwide and will pro- centers in Sandpoint, Idaho, and vide enhanced service in Europe, the Oxford, UK, the Aiken facility is able to Canadian airframer announced. It is retrofit CitationJet, CJ1/CJ1+/M2, and the seventh line maintenance station CJ2/CJ2+ models with the company’s in Europe for Bombardier, which also active winglets in seven to 10 days. has a fleet of 30 customer response team mobile units in the region. The 10,000-sq-m (107,000-sq-ft) sta- Dassault’s Florida Satellite tion is at Geneva Airpark and is staffed Makes 1st Jetwave Install by technicians certified to maintain Dassault Aircraft Services’ satel- Challenger and Global business jets. lite service station in Stuart, Flor- Since Constant Aviation has been operating under the processes for SMS approval for the past ida, recently completed its first year it has reduced incident severity and workplace injuries by more than 55 percent. installation of Honeywell’s Jetwave F/List Secures EASA Part 145 Ka-band connectivity system. The Approval for Upholstery Shop process. As such, Constant is the said it expects to add 50 new jobs in upgrade was made on a Falcon 7X. F/List’s upholstery facility in Erfurt, fourth MRO out of the more than 4,500 the near term and a total of 100 long- Germany, received EASA Part 145 repair maintenance organizations nationally term. Completion of the new hangar station approval. The European regu- and the first independent business jet is expected in third-quarter 2022. Cirrus Taps Gary Jet as lator’s approval clears the way for the MRO Part 145 repair station to achieve Authorized Service Center shop to provide qualified maintenance the designation for aviation mainte- Cirrus Aircraft has named Gary Jet service on business aircraft uphol- nance safety and risk mitigation. StandardAero Awarded Cert Center in Indiana as an authorized stery. The aircraft interiors specialist, for LRUs, Accessories Repair service center. As part of the designa- which had acquired the shop from Honeywell and have tion, the Part 145 repair station will ACC Columbia in February, called Duncan To Install 250th certified two StandardAero Accessories have technicians trained on the airfram- the upholstery work an “increasingly Gogo Avance L5 System Center of Excellence facilities in Florida er’s SR-series piston singles and SF50 important strategic business area” with Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebraska, for the repair of several helicopter Vision jet. The MRO will offer a full aftermarket demand picking up sig- facility is approaching its 250th instal- and turboprop engine line replace- range of services on the Duluth, Min- nificantly during the pandemic and, lation of a Gogo Avance L5 airborne able units and accessories. Under the nesota-based OEM’s aircraft, including along with it, refurbishment requests. connectivity system. The milestone Honeywell certification, StandardAero’s scheduled and unscheduled mainte- equipment installation will be carried Hialeah facility will be able to perform nance, as well as composite and paint out by Duncan avionics techs in a OEM-approved repairs on a variety of repair, warranty support, Garmin and ExecuJet MRO Services Gulfstream GV-SP using one of the nine helicopter and turboprop engine LRUs Avidyne avionics service, and air con- Expands into New Zealand STCs developed by the MRO provider’s and accessories. The license agreement ditioning service using Cirrus parts. ExecuJet MRO Services has received engineering and certification depart- covers repairs on Rolls-Royce M250 Part 145 approval from New Zealand’s ment. Duncan’s STC covers the equip- and Pratt & Whitney PT6T helicop- Authority that covers ment and antenna installation necessary ter fuel controls and governors. West Star Expands its facilities in Auckland, Wellington, to use the Gogo Biz 4G network. Meanwhile, Triumph has approved Interior Design Center and Christchurch for line and limited StandardAero’s Fort Meyers facility West Star Aviation is remodeling base maintenance on several business for maintenance, repair, and over- and expanding the business aircraft jet models. This list initially includes Rheinland Adds Third Hangar haul of Rolls-Royce M250 hydrome- interior design center at its Grand the 2000EX series, for Increasing Bizav Mx chanical units and fuel pumps. Junction, Colorado facility. When Embraer Phenom 100, and Bombar- Rheinland Air Service is expanding its complete, the center will be four times dier Challenger 604, but ExecuJet footprint with the addition of a third its previous size and include extensive said other aircraft models will be hangar at Mönchengladbach Airport in Tamarack Begins Winglet material and sample storage displays added based on customer needs. Germany at a cost of €15 million ($17.8 Installs at New Aiken Center and feature improved lighting. million) to address increasing business Tamarack Aerospace has performed aviation MRO activities. In addition the first three active winglet installa- Jet Maintenance Solutions to the expansion, the MRO provider tions—one on a CitationJet and two Dassault Renews Western's Expands European Foothold Falcon Service Designation Jet Maintenance Solutions is estab- Dassault Falcon Jet recently renewed lishing a line maintenance station at the authorized service center (ASC) Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France contract for Idaho-based FBO and and will add one in the London area FAA repair station Western Aircraft. in the fourth quarter. According to It became a heavy jet-authorized the Lithuanian MRO provider, Côte Dassault service center in 2001. . d’Azur has been a leading airport for private aircraft in Europe in the past two years based on takeoffs. Yingling Approved for Goodrich Deice Installations Yingling Aviation, an FBO and FAA Awards SMS Approval maintenance- services provider at to Constant Aviation Wichita Eisenhower National Airport Constant Aviation said the FAA has in Kansas, has been named by Collins accepted its fully functional safety Aerospace as an authorized Goodrich management system (SMS) as being deicer service center, enabling it to in “active conformance” with the install Goodrich’s full line of Fast- Part 5 Voluntary SMS Program, which Rheinland Air Service's third maintenance hangar at Germany's Mönchengladbach Airport will boot, Silverboot, and standard pneu- is the final step in the regulator’s SMS allow it to keep up with increasing business aircraft maintenance needs. matic deicing boots and systems. n

40 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com THE FUTURE OF THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

Join us as we launch a range of new 14-18 November 2021 features including new content streams, DWC, Dubai Airshow Site emerging technologies showcase, intelligent matchmaking platform, enhanced networking and much more in a live format. www.dubaiairshow.aero Book your space today: [email protected] Follow us on: | | | | #DubaiAirshow

CommerCIal Aviation | Aircraft Interiors | MRO | Business Aviation | Air Traffic Management Space | Defence & Military | Air Cargo | Emerging Technologies NEW

Supported by: ACCIDENTS by David Jack Kenny

PRELIMINARY REPORTS went down while conducting a polar bear performance and its oversight of reve- left-wing down position, which the air- census in Lancaster Sound for Nunavut’s nue flights conducted under FAR Part 91 plane’s owner ascribed to “the left wing Eight Die During Department of the Environment. The in addition to specific shortcomings of being bent.” Unairworthy conditions in Fiery Accident chartered aircraft was reported missing at the accident pilot and his employer, the recorded in its logbooks included cable about 4:45 p.m. after it failed to return to Oahu Parachute Center (OPC). The pilot tensions far outside their nominal ranges IAI 1124A WESTWIND II, MARCH 29, 2020, base Sunday afternoon. A company Twin and all 10 passengers were killed when the that were left unadjusted and none of the NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Otter was dispatched to its last known 1967 King Air banked left just after takeoff, daily engine compressor washes required MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES location and located the wreckage on rolled inverted, and struck the ground in when operating in a marine environment. Griffith Island, 22 km (13.7 miles) south- a 45-degree nose-down attitude. While In response, the NTSB reiterated All eight on board perished and the aircraft west of Resolute Bay. Rescuers reached the proximate cause was found to be its call for tighter regulation of Part 91 was destroyed after catching fire during the site early the next morning and found “the pilot’s aggressive takeoff maneuver, passenger-carrying operations made in its takeoff roll on Runway 6. Witnesses no survivors. which resulted in an accelerated stall and response to New York’s Liberty Helicop- reported seeing sparks coming off the subsequent loss of control at an altitude ters accident and issued additional safety runway before the jet reached Taxiway R2. FINAL REPORTS that was too low for recovery,” the Board recommendations advocating closer FAA They continued until the airplane departed also cited uncorrected structural damage oversight of skydiving operations and the runway safety area at the H1 intersec- Unstable Approach that reduced the airplane’s stall margin, development of an automatic system tion, struck two runway edge lights and a Ends in Wing Strike an insufficient regulatory framework for alerting FAA inspectors to instructors concrete electric junction box, and came skydiving and other for-profit Part 91 with substandard student pass rates. to rest against the airport perimeter fence, HAWKER 850XP, JULY 26, 2017, flights, and the pilot’s substandard flight where it was consumed by fire. Chunks MYKONOS STATE AIRPORT, GREECE training as contributing factors. Passive Checklist Slippage Faulted in of rubber, metal debris, and scrape marks FAA oversight of flight instructor perfor- Metroliner Runway Excursion from the hub of the right main wheel were The Turkey-registered corporate jet mance as measured by student pass rates found on the runway. Scrape marks from landed hard and its left wing struck the was implicated in the inadequacy of his FAIRCHILD SA227-DC METRO 3, the left main wheel began near H1, where runway after an unstable approach in initial instruction. FEB. 24, 2020, DRYDEN REGIONAL AIRPORT, much of the left main tire was recovered. which the captain (acting as pilot mon- Investigators found that the 42-year- ONTARIO, CANADA itoring) warned of an excessive descent old, 900-hour pilot had failed the initial Czech Billionaire Among rate, the and practical tests for his private pilot, instru- A runway excursion that caused severe Heli-Skiing Victims activated simultaneously, and the first ment rating, and commercial pilot certif- airframe and powerplant damage was officer ignored two instructions to go icate. The areas requiring reexamination traced to the pilots’ failure to restart an EUROCOPTER AS350B3, MARCH 27, 2021, around on short final. The winglet, the included “takeoffs, landings, go-arounds, interrupted checklist. The KNIK GLACIER, ALASKA trailing end of the flap, and the aileron performance and ground reference voice recording showed that as the first drive cover were damaged, and the outer maneuvers, and multiengine operations” officer began the “Start Locks” item of Billionaire Petr Kellner, reputed to be the left main tire was flat-spotted. There as well as instrument approach procedures. the “Before Taxi” checklist, the captain Czech Republic’s wealthiest citizen, was were no injuries to anyone onboard. In each case, he passed the retest. Only 59 had him stand by while he discussed among five fatalities when a chartered heli- The flight from Istanbul was routine. percent of his instructor’s students passed flight plans and departure details with copter struck a ridgetop during heli-ski- Shortly after the crew was cleared to land their checkrides on the first take, well the destination radio operator. Rather ing operations in the Chugach Mountain and completed the landing checklist, the below the national average of 80 percent than resuming “Before Taxi,” he then Range. The other victims included the flight deck voice recorder captured the during the same period, and most of the called for the “Before Takeoff” checklist, pilot, two guides, and another skier, with captain’s voice saying “Speed, speed vert” 52.5 hours of King Air time his CFI logged leading the Metroliner to begin its takeoff a single, seriously injured survivor rescued. [sic]. The stick shaker and stick pusher as “dual instruction” was apparently spent roll with the right propeller’s start locks Passengers boarded the helicopter at a both activated during the descent from on long cross-country flights carrying pas- still engaged. The flight data recording lodge on Wasilla Lake for the 20-minute 200 to 100 feet; at 30 feet, the captain sengers for a paying client. Other skydive showed increasing torque on the left flight to the mountains. Data from a hand- called for a go-around. After landing, the pilots at Dillingham Field recalled that engine but not the right. held GPS found in the wreckage showed first officer laughed and said, “What have the accident pilot initially made “normal” The airplane veered off the right side of that it flew multiple short legs in that I done, my friend?” takeoffs and landings but began to pitch Dryden Regional Airport’s Runway 12 and area between 4:12 and 6:07 p.m. The final The captain’s report attributed the and bank the airplane increasingly aggres- struck a frozen snowbank. The compos- segment began at 6:27 when the helicop- to windshear, an expla- sively after takeoff to provide a “thrill ride” ite wood-epoxy blades of both propellers ter climbed to 5,900 feet on a northwest nation not supported by the airplane’s for his passengers. shattered, penetrating the fuselage skins heading. At 6:33 it slowed to a groundspeed instruments, its voice and data record- The airplane, which had accrued some and reinforcement panels on both sides of 1 knot at 6,266 feet, an estimated 14 feet ings, or ground-based observations of 15,000 hours and 25,000 cycles, had also of the fuselage. One passenger was seri- above a ridgetop. It maneuvered at low steady five-knot winds from 180 degrees. suffered an accident on a skydiving flight ously injured by propeller fragments pen- altitude and airspeed for another three The flight data recorder showed that in California in 2016. That pilot inadver- etrating the cabin. Both engines and both minutes before the data track ended. during the last 1,400 feet of the descent, tently stalled and spun the airplane three propeller hubs were subsequently found After the ship did not return as sched- airspeed decayed from 125 to 100 times before regaining control, over- to be free of pre-impact abnormalities. uled at 8 p.m., the company initiated a knots, well below the calculated refer- stressing it and separating the right hor- The TSB noted that composite propeller helicopter search that discovered the ence speed of 131 and barely above the izontal stabilizer and elevator during the blades are lighter than aluminum equiv- wreckage at about 9:30. An initial aerial 97-knot stall speed at its actual landing recovery. The stabilizer was replaced with alents but “have poor ductile qualities, survey of the site by NTSB investigators weight, with a left roll of 13.7 degrees a unit from an earlier model Beech 65-90 resulting in a shattering failure mode” showed that the helicopter struck the ridge upon touchdown. that was not approved for use in the acci- rather than bending or curling. 15 to 20 feet below the top then slid some dent airplane. Photographs taken after the The TSB also noted that slips of atten- 900 feet down the slope. Training, Regulatory Lapses occurrence and video shot on the ferry tion during “routine, well-practiced tasks” Cited in Oahu Skydive Disaster flight to Hawaii also showed wrinkles in are a hazard that checklists are intended Fatal Crash Mars the left wing’s upper skin, a raised ridge to mitigate. Interruptions can cause users Polar Bear Census BEECH 65-A90, JUNE 21, 2019, just aft of its forward spar, and compres- to lose track of their point in the sequence. DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD, OAHU, HAWAII sion buckling in the fairing covering the In this case, crew resource management AEROSPATIALE AS350B2, APRIL 25, 2021, top rear spar attachment. None of these might also have been impeded by an RESOLUTE BAY, NUNAVUT, CANADA The NTSB’s analysis of the takeoff crash were addressed. The pilot who gave the unusually steep authority gradient: the of a 52-year-old skydiving platform cat- accident pilot his check-out training said captain was a 20-year, 20,000-hour vet- Two pilots and a renowned polar bear aloged sweeping deficiencies in the the airplane would not fly straight and eran, while the first officer was on the first biologist were killed when their helicopter FAA’s monitoring of flight instructor level unless the aileron trim was in its full day of his line indoctrination training. n

The material on this page is based on reports by the o!cial agencies of the countries having the reponsibility for aircraft accident and incident investigations. It is not intended to judge or evaluate the ability of any person, living or dead, and is presented here for informational purposes.

42 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com THE 2021 NOMINATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN!

Following the successful launch of AIN’s Top Flight Awards last year, AIN is accepting nominations from readers for the 2021 Top Flight Awards.

2021

There are 10 awards categories for which nominations will be accepted, ranging from Contribution to Safety and Maintenance Innovation to Technology, Sustainability, Training, and more. Nominees will be announced at the 2021 NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas in October.

Submit your nomination today! ainonline.com/topflightawards2021 Eclipse rises once again by Rob Finfrock

Nearly 10 years ago, the then-CEO of Eclipse issues within days. It took a couple of months Aerospace (EAI) vented his exasperation at to build up inventory and fulfill backorders the multitude of “phoenix rising from the from the bankruptcy.” Press also alluded to ashes” stories to describe his company and possible restart of Eclipse 550 production. its hallmark product, the very For the moment the primary challenge will light jet. Alas, comparisons to that mythical be to support the existing fleet and restore bird, reborn from its own remains, are prob- the company’s relationship with vendors, ably even more apropos today. including outside support providers. On November 30 last year, following a Cary Winter, former senior vice- president protracted trip through the U.S. Bankruptcy for manufacturing, engineering, and techni- Court, assets of the Eclipse 500 program cal operations for the previous incarnation were purchased by British entrepreneur of EAI, founded Resurgent Aviation Solu- Christopher Harborne out from under tions (RAS) in 2016. His goal: to provide the umbrella of beleaguered . another option for Eclipse parts support Among Harborne’s portfolio of companies when “it became obvious there would be a is international fuel provider AML Global. point in the future when a third-party pro- The purchase staved off almost certain vider would be needed for the parts and sup- Introducing Raisbeck’s liquidation and the probable end of the port for the aircraft.” Eclipse 500 as a going concern. Harborne RAS supports the Eclipse’s primary role is estimated to have spent approximately today as an owner-flown aircraft, far dif- EPIC CARAVAN $6 million, including court costs, for assets ferent from its originally intended mission, including production equipment; MRO which was to support large-scale fleet utili- !"#$%&"$'#()*+,-"./.*'0"'-&+-''$'#"%-#"1(+2*".*$,-&"3,$"*4'"5%$%6%-"789:;" facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and zation with air taxi operators. <%+.1')=>."!"#$%$&'&(&)%*+,-./"&+6'."/,("*4'")4,+)'",3"3%.*'$")$(+.'".?''#.",$" Aurora, Illinois; and a base of more than 280 Winter noted that Eclipse systems were $'#()'#"3('2"@,A.;"0%=+-&",?'$%*+,-."0,$'"),.*B'C')*+6'D" aircraft delivered since 2006 in need of parts designed around swappable line-replaceable E,A"%))'?*+-&"?$'B)'$*+F)%*+,-",$#'$.D and maintenance support. units to sustain high utilization. “But owners The now two-decades-long Eclipse saga don’t want to take a big part out and put a has witnessed two bankruptcies, along with big part in; they want to send in a part to be four company name changes and at least six repaired,” he continued. “That’s our place in (800) 537-7277 | [email protected] | www.raisbeck.com controlling interests along the way. And yet, the world, to make cost-effective repairs to perhaps improbably so, the Eclipse flies on. keep ownership costs down. Direct operat- Once again doing business as EAI, the ing costs may be amazing, but high owner- Albuquerque-based company is operating ship costs will negate that value quickly.” with “over 50 employees and looking for Ron Lebel, board member and forum more,” interim CEO Mike Press told AIN. moderator of the Eclipse Jet Owners and Press co-founded the first iteration of Pilots Association, expressed his apprecia- AT!THE!HEIGHT!OF!SERVICE EAI more than a decade ago, following the tion for Winter’s efforts. “RAS has been an liquidation of the company’s first iteration, extremely helpful organization when we had Thank you for supporting Sheltair in the 2021 AIN FBO Survey and . After focusing on upgrad- major parts shortages, and Cary continues making us the top ranked FBO network in the country. ing the existing Eclipse fleet to the specifi- to be a source for parts that are, in some cations promised by the original company cases, unavailable from Eclipse,” he said. TOP!"# TOP!$%# TOP!&%# MOST!IMPROVED and resuming limited production of Eclipse Both Lebel and Winter also expressed TPA!•!FLL JAX!•!ORL SAV!•!DAB!•!PIE LGA!•!JFK aircraft, EAI merged with Kestrel Aircraft cautious optimism about the latest itera- in 2015 to form One Aviation; that entity tion of Eclipse, with the latter stating that entered liquidation in February 2021. his company’s dealings with AML Global ABOVE!&!BEYOND!CUSTOMER!SERVICE!TEAM Top priorities for the new company have been “definitely better” than with prior include stabilizing the parts and mainte- ownership. “They’ve reached out at the staff nance situation for current Eclipse jet own- level and they’re using us to repair parts,” ers and shoring up vendor relationships. EAI Winter said. “We’ll help them where we can.” is also working to upgrade as many as 30 Added Lebel: ”AML Global has been very aircraft for what Press described as a “large customer-friendly, and it’s obvious they’re fleet operator in Europe.” working hard to secure parts and develop As of May 2021, the FAA registry shows 22 good relationships with customers and sup- Eclipses, ranging from the earliest models to pliers. Harborne is in this for a pretty good Bernie Spencer (DAB) Johanna Echeto (ORL) Odette Miqui (FLL) the most recent Eclipse 550 standard, regis- chunk of money; he loses his investment if tered to TAK Aviation. Press confirmed that the aircraft can’t be supported. We’ve seen the entity is related to the order but said that some concrete indications that he’s com- he was “not at liberty to disclose” details. mitted to this program, and that benefits all Even with those orders, the existing Eclipse owners.” owner base comprises the largest near-term, When asked what has made the Eclipse stable income stream for the company. Press program resilient, Press recalled many of the emphasized that EAI is working to rebuild same attributes that first attracted attention both owner and vendor relationships that to the aircraft at the turn of this century. grew strained as One Aviation struggled “It’s a brilliant design [offering] continued Rebecca Reres (TPA) Venus Koenig (JAX) under bankruptcy. economical utility,” he said. “It is also the “Most, if not all vendors have an interest most ‘green’ airplane ever built, [with low] aviation.com in returning,” Press said. “We are working carbon, noise, and other pollutants, and its sheltair hard to support our current fleet customers 60-gallons-per-hour fuel flow at cruise. The and believe we can solve most if not all AOG Eclipse 500/550 has a bright future.” n

44 Aviation International News \ June 2021 \ ainonline.com COMPLIANCE countdown by Gordon Gilbert

Within 6 Months date of regulations implementing new June 2, 2021 standards for aircraft landing perfor- U.S.: Aircraft Fuel Truck/ mance calculations. The new compliance date of the rules, amended on Aug. 1, Farm Fire Standards 2019, and originally set to go into effect The National Fire Prevention Association on Nov. 5, 2020 is now Aug. 12, 2021. (NFPA) has revised its aviation servicing standards to call for the installation of Aug. 25, 2021 EXQUISITE automatic shutdown systems on aircraft EASA: Aging Aircraft Structure fuel trucks and fuel farms. The NFPA stan- dards, typically adopted as requirements Incremental deadlines are set for imple- by regulatory agencies, apply to in-service menting new and revised EASA regula- trucks and fuel farms, as well as for new tions to address large turbine airplane equipment. In-service equipment would structural aging risk factors. Design FIT & need to be retrofitted by June 2, 2021. approval holders are required to develop data to support continuing structural June 12, 2021 integrity programs. At the same time, U.S.: Weight and operators of covered airplanes need Balance Program to revise their aircraft maintenance to incorporate those data and to address FINISHES Extensive changes to how aircraft weight the adverse effects of modifications and and balance calculations are to be made repairs on each airframe. The second of were adopted last year under OpSpec several incremental deadlines, includ- Notice 8900.551 and Advisory Circular AC ing the submission of compliance 120-27F. The compliance effective date plans by STC holders, is Aug. 25, 2021. is June 12, 2021. The FAA will no longer THAT publish average passenger or baggage Nov. 25, 2021 weights. Until June 12, operators will have Canada: ELTs the option to use actual weights or an approved average weight method they Starting on Nov. 25, 2021, Canadian- have developed. After June 12, operators registered commercial and private that have not received amended OpSpecs/ aircraft are required to have an emer- LAST FOR MSpecs/LOAs should use actual weights. gency locator transmitter that broad- casts simultaneously on the 406 MHz June 18, 2021 NEW and 121.5 MHz frequencies. Foreign- EASA: GA Aircraft Repairs registered aircraft operating in Canada must have at least one 406 MHz ELT These proposed regulatory updates by November 25. Currently, Canadian YEARS are intended to reduce the administra- aviation regulations only require that tive burden for “simple changes and aircraft operate with one 121.5 MHz ELT. simple repairs” of certain GA aircraft registered in Europe. The amendments in this proposal are based on lessons Within 12 Months learned and recommendations sub- April 30, 2022 NEW mitted by affected stakeholders, as Colombia: ADS-B Out Mandate well as technological innovations from the industry to “bring moderate safety Starting on April 30, 2022, unless benefits in a cost-effective manner.” specifically authorized by ATC, no Comments are due by June 18, 2021. person may operate an aircraft within Colombian territory in any controlled July 1, 2021 NEW airspace or other airspace in which Australia: Duty and a transponder is required without Rest Time Rules ADS-B Out operational capability. Starting July 1, 2021, affected operators are required to follow new regulations Beyond 12 Months establishing flight duty and pilot rest times. Sept. 16, 2022 and Sept. 16, 2023 The new regulations have given operators U.S.: UAS Remote ID the last two years to submit their regula- tory compliance plans. Affected operators New FAR Part 89 requires that after include all those with Australian-registered Sept. 16, 2022, no unmanned aircraft commercial certifications, including air- system (UAS) can be produced without lines, charter and air taxi companies, and FAA-approved remote identification flight schools and aerial application firms. capability. After Sept. 16, 2023, no unmanned aircraft can be operated Aug. 12, 2021 unless it is equipped with remote ID View galleries: EASA: Landing capability as described in new Part 89 or Performance Criteria is transmitting ADS-B Out under Part 91. www.DuncanAviation.aero/gallery Due to continuing disruptions in the For the most current compliance status, see: aviation industry from the Covid-19 pan- https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/compli- demic, EASA has delayed the effective ance-countdown.

AIN_DuncanAviation_May2021.indd 2 5/10/2021 3:23:11 PM ainonline.com \ June 2021 \ Aviation International News 45 PEOPLE in aviation by Kerry Lynch

JAY YU ANTHONY RIOS ÈVE LAURIER MICHAEL LAWRENCE PENI NELSON

Jay Yu has provided seed investment and SmartSky Networks named David Claas- background in the luxury hospitality indus- Cochran Regional Airport and serving joined private aviation services company sen chief technology o!cer. Claassen, who try, including the Acqualina Resort and Resi- as a founding partner of one of the first Flewber Global as co-founder, president, holds multiple patents in mobile communica- dences on the Beach in Sunny Isles, Florida, FBOs there. and member of the board of directors. Yu, a tions technology areas including satellite and and The Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. Todd Wheeler returned to Elliott Aviation dynamic private investor and CEO of Financial air-to-ground communications, previously Bombardier appointed Ève Laurier as v-p to serve as director of maintenance services Ventures Group, joins Flewber founder and held senior roles with Telepad, WFI, and Nex- of communications, public a"airs, and market- at its Des Moines, Iowa facility. Wheeler, who CEO Marc Sellouk in helping to establish and tel Communications. ing. Laurier has more than 20 years of public has more than 30 years of aviation experience, grow the company. Sir David King, former chief scientific advi- relations, communications, and marketing began his career with Elliott Aviation and most Keith Cochran joined lithium-ion battery sor to the UK, has joined LanzaJet’s board experience, most recently as general manager recently served with Dallas Airmotive. safety and thermal management specialist of directors. Founder and chair of the Center of the communications firm Edelman. Wendy Bartos joined Universal Avionics as Kulr Technology group as president and CEO. for Climate Repair at Cambridge and senior Michael Lawrence was promoted to gen- director of contracts. Bartos formerly served Cochran has more than 25 years of opera- strategy adviser to the President of Rwanda, eral manager at Premier Jet Center (PJC) in as director of the law department for air- tions and business management experience, King served as the UK government’s chief sci- Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Lawrence, who has craft interiors at Collins Aerospace and also most recently senior v-p of Jabil Greenpoint’s entific advisor from 2000 to 2007 and as the 25 years of aviation experience, joined PJC in has held positions with Honda Aircraft, Gan- Global Business Units in Singapore. Foreign Secretary’s special representative for November 2017 as operations manager. nett-Fleming, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM. The Mojave Air & Space Port appointed Climate Change from September 2013 until Desert Jet Center hired Peni Nelson to Engine Assurance Program (EAP) hired Todd Lindner CEO. Lindner has more than 30 March 2017. serve as customer relations advisor. Once Stephen Hubble to serve as director of tech- years of aerospace and aviation experience, Blackhawk Aerospace named Steve Cook honored by a former mayor of Palms Springs nical engine solutions. A 27-year industry vet- most recently as director of Cecil Spaceport senior v-p of engineering. Cook previously with a proclamation decreeing July 16, 1997, eran, Hubble most recently was international for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. spent 28 years with L3, primarily in the flight as Peni Nelson Day, Nelson has 36 years sales director for StandardAero and also has Flight Data Systems appointed Anthony test department as a flight test engineer and of business aviation experience, playing a worked for Raytheon, Bombardier Aerospace, Rios as president. He succeeds Darren Privit- test director. role in the development of the Jacqueline and Garrett Aviation. n era, who will remain with the organization to Rolls-Royce appointed Megha Bhatia v-p collaborate on developing long-term strate- of sales and marketing for Business Aviation gies. Rios has two decades of experience with at its North America headquarters in Wash- FINAL FLIGHT aviation technology companies, most recently ington, D.C. Bhatia has spent 10 years with as CEO of Avionica. Rolls-Royce, holding customer business roles Benjamin F. Thomas, a founding mem- technical sales in Vancouver, as well as Jet Access Aviation appointed Desiree Ward within its Civil Aerospace and Marine units and ber of the Organization for Black Aero- corporate jet sales. Cade retired in 2010 president. Ward has more than 20 years of most recently as customer services manager space Professionals (OBAP), has passed and became a consultant. executive management experience with firms for Business Aviation. away, the organization announced. In honoring his death, the Canadian including NetJets and Starbase Aviation. She Jet Linx appointed Christof Pignet v-p Thomas founded OBAP in 1976 when he Business Aviation Association noted that takes the role of company founder Jack Lam- of client experience and a member of the was a young African American pilot with “almost everyone in aviation in Canada and bert Jr., who is continuing as chairman and CEO. operator’s leadership team. Pignet has a Eastern Airlines, leading an e"ort to cre- abroad” knew Cade. ate a body that could address discrimina- Nikita “Nips” O!enberg, 91, who was tion in the airline industry. among the earlier corporate pilots and had OBAP said he invited 37 African Amer- a career that spanned nearly four decades, AWARDS and HONORS ican pilots—who represented almost 50 died on April 28 in St. Petersburg, Florida. percent of the total in the industry at the Born May 18, 1929, in New York City, he was The National Air Transportation Association excellence in the field of pilot training.” time—to join the organization, originally the stepson of Michael Gluhare", one of the (NATA) has announced the recipients of its Ernest Felix, a line service technician for called the Organization of Black Airline key Russian aeronautical engineers who 2019-2020 Industry Excellence Awards, Bohlke International Airways, was selected Pilots. OBAP, which honored Thomas worked with Igor Sikorsky in the develop- recognizing five aviation executives for for the Safety 1st Certified Line Service Profes- as Founders and Pioneers Hall of Fame ment of flying boats and rotorcraft. their leadership, customer service and pro- sional Award. The honor recognizes the e"orts inductee in 2016, said his “legacy is carried Learning to fly at Bridgeport Flying Ser- fessionalism, safety and training, and part- of certified line service professionals “to raise forward by his family and dear friends, as vice in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1947, O"en- nership e"orts. awareness of the positive impact they have on well as the hundreds of black aviators and berg became a pilot flying an L-18 Lockheed NATA is honoring Diane Crews, president safety, service, and business success.” aerospace professionals who followed in Lodestar for Kollsman Instrument and in and CEO of Orlando Sanford International Air- Betsy Santos-Torres, a customer service his footsteps.” 1956 joined the US Industries corporate port, with the Airport Executive Partnership supervisor for Bohlke International Airways, Long-time Canadian business aviation flight department in White Plains, New York. Award in recognition of her “outstanding was named as the recipient of the FBO Cus- executive Ric Cade died on February 18. There, he obtained an airline transport pilot e"orts to nurture the relationships between tomer Service Representative Award, which Cade, who called himself an “aviation lifer,” certificate and became type rated on the aviation businesses and airport operators.” recognizes “the valuable impact FBO CSRs had spent nearly five decades holding roles Douglas DC-3 and 440. He flew for Todd Shellnut, CFI academy stan- have on the success of our industry.” ranging from a pilot to an FBO manager to a Radio Corp. of America (RCA) and ultimately dardization manager for ATP Flight The association further is honoring corporate jet sales executive. joined Great Lakes Carbon (GLC) in 1960. School, is the recipient of the Excellence GrandView Aviation COO Jessica Naor with The bulk of his career was with Inno- O"enberg flew for GLC for 25 years, in Pilot Training Award, which recog- its Future Leader Award, which is presented tech-Execaire in various capacities and retiring in 1985 as chief pilot. Based at nizes an individual or organization “that to an individual “who has shown outstand- he also worked for Field Aviation. He was Sikorsky Memorial Airport, he flew a has made outstanding contributions in ing promise, passion, and professionalism base manager for the FBOs in Toronto Convair 580 and Lockheed all safety, professionalism, leadership, and within the general aviation community.” n and Calgary and was involved with over the world. n

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