PUBLICATIONS

Vol.49 | No.6

$9.00

JUNE 2020 | ainonline.com

« Textron Aviation has firm orders for 50 Cessna SkyCouriers and options for 50 more from FedEx. The twin Pratt & Whitney PT6-powered turboprop can fly 200 ktas, seats up to 19 passengers, and in cargo configuration can carry three LD3 containers.

Manufacturing Third Gulfstream G700 takes off page 6 Fractionals NetJets Europe lays off as flying dips page 12 Acquisitions Embraer-Boeing tie up derailed page 16 Safety Owner-pilots address SkyCourier soars on 1st flight safety issues page 31 by Jerry Siebenmark

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-turboprop driving 110-inch McCauley propellers. It also Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper. “The prototype lifted off on its first flight May 17 features a Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck. Cessna SkyCourier will be an excellent prod- from Beech Field at Textron Aviation’s east Configurable for both cargo and com- uct in its segment due to its combination of campus in Wichita. Piloted by senior test muter operations, the high-wing turboprop cabin flexibility, payload capability, superior pilot Corey Eckhart and chief test pilot twin is designed to carry a payload of up to performance, and low operating costs. Our Aaron Tobias, the utility twin flew for two 6,000 pounds with an 87-inch cargo door, a customers will be very pleased with what hours and 15 minutes. flat floor, and a nearly 70-inch tall and wide they experience from this aircraft.” “We were very pleased with how the cabin to accept three standard LD3 air cargo Cessna SkyCourier performed throughout containers. In passenger configuration, it Read Our SPECIAL REPORT its first flight,” Eckhart said. “It was particu- will have seating for up to 19 passengers, larly impressive to see how stable the aircraft with a netted rear cabin area for luggage handled on takeoff and landing. The Cessna and equipment. It also will be available in a SkyCourier already displays a high level of mixed passenger/cargo combination. Bizav in Europe maturity in its flight characteristics, especially Along with the prototype, five additional Although this year’s EBACE show was for a first flight. We were able to accomplish flight and ground test articles will be part canceled because of the coronavirus, everything we wanted on this flight, and that’s of the airframer’s flight validation program European companies remain active in an excellent start to the flight-test program.” and will expand on testing flight controls the business aviation segment, and With an initial order from FedEx for 50 and aerodynamics. they all have a story to tell about how copies of the high-wing airplane and options “I’m proud of the way the team has per- they are dealing with the pandemic. for 50 more, the SkyCourier is capable of fly- severed through disruptions caused by the ing 200 ktas powered by two 1,100-shp Pratt Covid-19 global pandemic and remained page 20 & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines focused on getting us to this point,” said PRAETOR ff""# CERTIFIED OUTPERFORMANCE.

Announcing the certified Praetor 600, the world’s most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize aircraft that leads the way in performance, comfort and technology.

Unveiled at NBAA in October 2018 and now certified by ANAC, FAA and EASA, the Praetor 600 did not just meet initial expectations, it exceeded them. Named for the Latin root that means “lead the way,” the Praetor 600 is a jet of firsts. It is the first super-midsize jet certified since 2014. The first to fly beyond 3,700 nm at M0.80. The first with over 4,000 nm range at LRC. The first with full fly-by-wire. The first with turbulence reduction capability. The first with a cabin altitude as low as 5,800 feet. The first with high-capacity, ultra-high-speed connectivity from Viasat’s Ka-band. And all of this, backed by a top-ranked Customer Support network.

Learn more at executive.embraer.com/praetor600

LEADING THE WAY PRAETOR ff""# CERTIFIED OUTPERFORMANCE.

Announcing the certified Praetor 600, the world’s most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize aircraft that leads the way in performance, comfort and technology.

Unveiled at NBAA in October 2018 and now certified by ANAC, FAA and EASA, the Praetor 600 did not just meet initial expectations, it exceeded them. Named for the Latin root that means “lead the way,” the Praetor 600 is a jet of firsts. It is the first super-midsize jet certified since 2014. The first to fly beyond 3,700 nm at M0.80. The first with over 4,000 nm range at LRC. The first with full fly-by-wire. The first with turbulence reduction capability. The first with a cabin altitude as low as 5,800 feet. The first with high-capacity, ultra-high-speed connectivity from Viasat’s Ka-band. And all of this, backed by a top-ranked Customer Support network.

Learn more at executive.embraer.com/praetor600

LEADING THE WAY INSIDE this issue

30 JAMES HOLAHAN "1921#2015$, FOUNDING EDITOR WILSON S. LEACH, MANAGING DIRECTOR EDITORffINffCHIEF – Matt Thurber NEWS EDITOR ff AIN PUBLICATIONS ff Chad Trautvetter SENIOR EDITORS ff Charles Alcock, Curt Epstein, Kerry Lynch Gregory Polek – Air Transport ASSOCIATE EDITOR ff Jerry Siebenmark CONTRIBUTORS David Donald – Defense Mark Huber – Rotorcraft Jennifer Leach English David Jack Kenny – Safety Gordon Gilbert Richard Pedicini John Goglia – Columnist Ian Sheppard James Wynbrandt 16 PRODUCTION MANAGER ff Martha Jercinovich GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ff John A. Manfredo, Grzegorz Rzekos DIGITAL SOLUTIONS MANAGER ff Michael Giaimo INDUSTRY DEVELOPERS ff Nathan Douglas, Ryan Koch 34 DIRECTOR OF VIDEO ff Ian Whelan GROUP PUBLISHER ff Dave Leach ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ff Nancy O’Brien ADVERTISING SALES Bizav owner- Georges France – Western Europe, +33 6 80 21 17 93 Melissa Murphy ff Midwestern U.S., +1 (830) 608-9888 pilots aim high Nancy O’Brien ff W estern U.S./Western Canada/Asia Pacific, on safety and +1 (530) 241-3534 Joe Rosone – Mid-Atlantic U.S./Southeast U.S./Caribbean/Brazil, professionalism +1 (301) 693-4687 Diana Scogna ff Italy/Northern Europe/Middle East/, +33 6 62 52 25 47 Victoria Tod ff Northeastern U.S./Eastern Canada/Great Lakes U.S./ 31 United Kingdom, +1 (203) 733-4184 Yury Laskin ff Russia, +7 05 912 1346 AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ff Jeff Hartford MARKETING AND CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER ff Lisa Valladares AIRPLANES and ENGINES INDUSTRY and MANAGEMENT SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ff Zach O’Brien 1 Cessna SkyCourier completes first flight 6 Embraer bizjet deliveries edge SALES ADMINISTRATOR ff Cindy Nesline 6 Third Gulfstream G700 joins test program lower in first quarter DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES ff Michele Hubert 12 Citation CJ4 celebrates 10th anniversary 8 Jet deliveries cut in half, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ff Mary Avella 16 GE Aviation to shrink workforce by 25 percent profits drop in Textron’s Q1 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ff Bobbie Bing 10 Pandemic leads to layoffs and delivery AIRPORTS and FBO U.S. HEADQUARTERS delays at Gulfstream 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432, +1 (201) 444-5075 8 Aerion Supersonic chooses Florida’s Melbourne 10 Workforce reductions reduce ranks at NBAA Advertising Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 [email protected] Airport for new HQ 14 Global 7500 boosts Q1, but Bombardier Circulation Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 20 Biggin Hill presses ahead with long-term growth plans faces rocky Q2 [email protected] 24 Saab’s digital tower joint venture 17 Dassault during crisis, forging ahead on 6X WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE: Kerry Lynch (business aviation) builds on civil success 27 EBAA tackles pandemic problems [email protected] 24 European FBOs adapt during Covid crisis 30 Pandemic prompts big changes for bizav Tel: +1 (703) 969-9195 28 Carbon-neutral Farnborough doesn’t rest 31 Bizav owner-pilots aim high on safety EUROPEAN EDITORIAL OFFICE: Charles Alcock on green laurels and professionalism [email protected] Tel: +44 +44 7799 907595 AIRSHOWS and CONVENTIONS MAINTENANCE, MODs, and COMPLETIONS THE CONVENTION NEWS COMPANY, INC. 36 Heli XP 2020 rescheduled for October 18 Aviation schools training online now, eyeing future AIN PUBLICATIONS EXECUTIVE TEAM Wilson Leach Jennifer Leach English AIR TRANSPORT REGULATIONS and GOVERNMENT Matt Thurber Dave Leach 16 Boeing-Embraer saga leaves sour taste in Brazil 26 Europe aviation still facing risk on Brexit decisions Michele Hubert Nancy O’Brien 38 Manila gateway reopens to international flights 44 NTSB releases factual report on Halladay accident Aviation International News (ISSN 0887-9877) is published monthly. 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Subscription inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 or 39 Boeing to institute big cuts to workforce and rates 36 Insurance hikes, limited Covid aid for helo operators email: [email protected]. 36 Airbus H135 with Helionix approved in Canada Aviation International News is a publication of The Convention News AVIONICS Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432; Tel.: +1 (201) 444-5075. 37 Perot pushes Alliance as eVTOL technology hub Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part 22 APG acquisition opens doors for future growth 37 Helo OEMs post solid Q1 results without permission of The Convention News Co., Inc. is strictly prohibited. The Convention News Co., Inc. publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, 34 Hands-on with the Bose ProFlight Series 2 headset AIN Air Transport Perspective, AINtv, Business Jet Traveler, BJTwaypoints, 35 Vintage 727 back to work for testing towing system DEPARTMENTS ABACE Convention News, Dubai Airshow News, EBACE Convention News, 42 Accidents | 38 Air Transport Update Farnborough Airshow News, FutureFlight.aero, HAI Convention News, 35 New Garmin portable adds approach overlays LABACE Convention News, MEBA Convention News, NBAA Convention 34 Avionics Update | 45 Compliance Countdown News, Paris Airshow News, Singapore Airshow News, Mobile Apps: CHARTER and FRACTIONAL Aviation International News; AINonline. PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT 41 Hot Section | 8, 10, 12, 14 News Briefs NO. 40649046 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: PITNEY 12 NetJets cuts staff, aircraft deliveries for 2020 46 People in Aviation | 36 Rotorcraft Update BOWES INTERNATIONAL MAIL, STATION A, P.O. 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Important Events Note While there have been many cancellations and postponements of important events during the Covid-19 crisis, AIN remains PUBLICATIONS committed to covering the business aviation industry. Please send any news and press releases, especially related to For feedback, letters to the editor, or other editorial needs, events you had been planning to attend, to [email protected] and we will endeavor to help share your news. please contact AIN’s Editors at [email protected]

4 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com ONE JOURNEY TOGETHER

Today and always, we are dedicated to keeping you safe, secure and connected. As We Go To Press

AFTER RECORD 2019, PILATUS interference issues that dogged the PONDERS COVID-19 FUTURE LightSquared FCC application. While 2019 was a very successful year for Swiss airframer Pilatus, the company JETNET SEES USED BUSINESS is preparing for any Covid-19-related AIRCRAFT INVENTORIES RISE downturn, it said in a May 15-released Preowned business aircraft inventories annual report. The OEM set a new have begun to creep back up, rising more production record last year, delivering than a half point year-over-year, to 9.9 83 PC-12NG turboprops, 40 PC-24 light percent, according to JetNet. It marked N703GA, the third flight-test Gulfstream G700, achieved first flight on May 8 from the jets, and 11 PC-21 military trainers, with an the first time since 2016 that the month company’s headquarters at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. It reached 45,000 operating income of CHF153 million ($157 of March saw a year-over-year increase in feet and Mach 0.85 during the roughly 3-hour flight. million). Pilatus noted that the market the fleet percentage for sale. Business jet rollout and ramp-up of production for sale transactions slowed by 5.8 percent the PC-24 are now complete. Pilatus from March 2019, with aircraft on average also recently began deliveries of the taking 13 days longer to sell. While Third G700 joins test program PC-12NGX, an updated version of its the number of jets currently for sale venerable turboprop single with an increased by 162, or 7.9 percent, to 2,215 by Chad Trautvetter improved engine and redesigned cabin. in March 2020, it pales in comparison to While the manufacturer began 2020 with 2009 when available business jets jumped Gulfstream Aerospace now has three of environmental control system, mechani- an order book worth more than CHF2 by 1,095 units, a 62 percent increase, its planned five flight-test G700s online, cal systems, flight into known icing, and billion, it was quick to respond to the during the height of the Great Recession. the aircraft manufacturer announced cooling/vent; T5, avionics and level D sim threat of the virus, introducing short- The turboprop market saw a moderate on May 8. The third test aircraft—reg- data. A sixth G700 will also serve as a pro- time work for many of its staff members. 0.2 percent rise in inventory, but had a istered as N703GA and dubbed T3 by duction test aircraft. 13.8 percent decrease in the number of Gulfstream—made a 3-hour, 2-minute “The G700 flight-test program is run- CREDITORS MOVE TO FORCE transactions and 51 fewer days on market. first flight that day from the company’s ning very well, a reflection of the exten- ONE AVIATION LIQUIDATION headquarters at Savannah/Hilton Head sive testing we conducted in our ground The unsecured creditors committee UNIVERSAL ROLLS OUT GLOBAL International Airport. T3 reached 45,000 labs,” said Gulfstream president Mark (UCC) for the Chapter 11 bankruptcy VENDOR COVID STANDARDS feet and Mach 0.85 during the flight. Burns. “All three flight-test aircraft are case of aircraft manufacturer One Universal Weather and Aviation has The first flight-test G700—T1, regis- performing exactly as we expected.” Aviation requested a hearing to convert launched a new Covid-19 standards tered as G700GA—has been flying since Powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Pearl the case into Chapter 7 liquidation. program for its preferred suppliers across February 14, while T2 has been flying since 700 engines, the Mach 0.90, 6,400-nm One Aviation, the merged company the top 100 destinations frequented by its March 20. These three aircraft have logged G700 features a five-living-area cabin of Eclipse Aviation and Kestrel Aircraft, trip support customers. The first phase more than 100 flight hours to date, during with 20 panoramic windows. It also entered Chapter 11 in October 2018, of the plan covers three core logistical which the G700’s envelope has been includes the Gulfstream Symmetry flight intending for an expedited trip through components that involve physical contact expanded to 54,000 feet and Mach 0.94. deck with electronically linked active con- bankruptcy court and emergence by the of passengers and crew: FBO ground T1 will focus on envelope expansion, trol sidesticks, touchscreen controls, and end of that year under ownership by services, in-flight catering, and ground flutter, stalls, flying qualities, flight con- a predictive landing performance system the Chinese-backed investment group transportation—all areas in which the trol, and ice shapes; T2, cabin devel- for enhanced runway safety. Citiking International. Several delays company operates its own divisions. opment and static test; T3, loads/PID, Service entry of the long-range followed, however. Albuquerque, New The standards are based on health and engine/thrust-reverser operation, field twinjet—a stretch derivative of the Mexico-based One Aviation appeared to safety practices recommended by the performance, and climb performance; T4, G650ER—is scheduled for 2022. clear another hurdle in March, following CDC, FDA, IATA, and WHO, and are approval of the company’s sale by the similar to those that have already been Committee on Foreign Investment in the implemented by the company’s Universal United States (CFIUS). But no apparent Aviation, Air Culinaire Worldwide, and progress toward emergence from Universal-Drivania Chauffeurs businesses. Embraer bizjet deliveries Chapter 11 has followed. A hearing on the UCC request is scheduled for June 4. FLIGHT SIMULATION ICON RUDY FRASCA FLIES WEST edge lower in first quarter GPS INTERFERENCE ISSUE Rudy Frasca, a pioneer in the flight BACK ON THE TABLE simulation field who founded Frasca by Jerry Siebenmark A coalition of industries that rely on International in 1958, died of natural GPS is concerned that the U.S. Federal causes on May 11 at the age of 89. Embraer Executive Jets (EEJ) saw its Communications Commission’s “Rudy was truly larger than life. His business jet deliveries slip from a year (FCC) approval of Ligado Networks’ contributions to the aviation industry will ago, according to its first-quarter 2020 telecommunications system will risk not be forgotten,” Frasca International delivery report issued on May 12. Spe- interference with GPS signals. Ligado said in announcing his passing. Frasca cifically, the Brazilian airframer reported is the new company formed after built his first flight simulator in his home deliveries of five light jets—all Phenom LightSquared’s bankruptcy in 2012 and garage in Champaign, Illinois, which 300Es—and four large jets—one Praetor does not agree that there is any risk proved to be the first step to launching 500 and three Praetor 600s—for a total of GPS interference in the range of the company that was first called Frasca of nine aircraft. The Phenom 300E accounted for the most frequencies covered by its FCC license. Aviation. Initially starting with general That compares with 11 in last year’s first deliveries among all Embraer Executive Jets The coalition’s issues include ignoring aviation trainers, over the next 60 quarter: two Phenom 100s, six Phenom models in the first quarter of 2020. national security, risking public safety, years Frasca built simulators for college, 300s, two Legacy 500s, and one Legacy economic impact, and outsourcing airline, and military training programs, 650. An EEJ spokeswoman told AIN this although for the past two consecutive enforcement of GPS interference delivering more than 2,600 devices to year’s first quarter Phenom deliveries years the company has reported higher issues to Ligado. The public safety 70 countries. Along with his interest in were all the original 300E variant. First but flat deliveries. During the quarter issue is perhaps the most important training, he became a collector of antique delivery of the newly upgraded 300E has it saw certification of the new 300E by as it addresses the widespread use aircraft and further was a benefactor not yet occurred, she said. ANAC, FAA, and EASA, adding that in the of GPS and reintroduces the GPS to collegiate aviation organizations. Embraer noted that the first quarter is 2010s the 300 was the most-delivered seasonally its lowest for aircraft deliveries, twinjet in its class.

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19-MCJT26193 Citation Excel_XLS G5000 Upgrade Ad-10.8125x13.875-AIN.indd 1 10/10/19 3:24 PM we’re going to take [those] out of the book.’” News Briefs Jet deliveries cut in half, Textron Aviation’s financial results were impacted partly from $12 million Honda Aircraft Bullish in costs from temporary plant closings on Bizav’s Future profits drop in Textron’s Q1 and employee furloughs—which were As Honda Aircraft restarted HondaJet initially planned for four weeks but have production on May 4 after furloughing by Jerry Siebenmark since been extended to eight weeks—as employees and shutting down the line in a result of the pandemic. The pandemic April due to Covid-19, president and CEO Deliveries, revenue, and profit plunged Backlog at the end of the quarter was also affected deliveries that couldn’t be Michimasa Fujino said he is optimistic in the first quarter at Textron Aviation as down to $1.4 billion from $1.7 billion at made to customers in the quarter because about the recovery of business aviation. the Wichita airframer wrestled with the the end of fourth-quarter 2019, which of travel restrictions. Deliveries in the Business jets “are a good solution for effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and, to Scott Donnelly, president and CEO of period were interrupted as well by an people who have urgent business,” he said. a lesser degree, the December accident at parent company Textron Inc., largely explosion in late December at its compos- “And they could avoid the risk of Covid-19 its composite manufacturing plant. The attributed to “a revised demand outlook” ite manufacturing facility. The company by using private aviation. Recently, some manufacturer of Beechcraft and Cessna from fractional operator NetJets. “They’re has temporarily worked out an arrange- financial people started to show some aircraft delivered 23 Citation jets and 16 still taking quite a few deliveries this year ment with Wichita-based aircraft supplier interest in traveling in light jets to close turboprops, compared with 44 jets and 44 on both Latitude and Longitude,” Donnelly Spirit AeroSystems to use its autoclaves their deals. There are some positive signs, turboprops in the same quarter last year, explained during an earnings call this morn- until Textron Aviation can bring in new but the economy as a whole is declining. leading to a $262 million decline in reve- ing, “but they also said, ‘Look, until we see equipment, Donnelly added. It’s a very mixed situation.” Meanwhile, nue to $872 million and an even sharper the sales turn back on [for] other aircraft Looking ahead, Donnelly said there’s new countermeasures to prevent the fall of $100 million in profit to $3 million. that we expected to take delivery of this year, still a great deal of uncertainty about spread of Covid-19 on the manufacturing demand for the remainder of the year line will result in a lower production rate. because Textron Aviation is unable to get its salesforce out to talk with customers. Gulfstream G600 “We just don’t have good visibility into Lands EASA Nod what that production rate needs to be Gulfstream Aerospace has received the for the balance of the year,” he said. “We green light to begin deliveries of the always gauge that based on looking at fly-by-wire G600 to customers in Europe, our sales teams and understanding order following EASA certification of the large- flow and what’s going on in terms of the cabin jet, the Savannah, Georgia-based normal progression of customers moving aircraft manufacturer announced on from query to taking an order. And we May 11. This nod comes almost a year after don’t have that right now. We’re basically similar FAA approval for the twinjet, which doing furloughs to buy time, to see the entered service on Aug. 8, 2019. “The economy start to pick back up for people, Gulfstream G600’s technology, high-speed to be able to travel, and to understand performance, and effciency will serve

MARK WAGNER MARK where they are so we can gauge what do the intercontinental European business A “revised demand outlook” from NetJets during the first quarter of 2020 was the reason we need to set that production run rate traveler well,” said Gulfstream president behind a nearly $300 million decline in Textron Aviation’s backlog. for the balance of the year.” Mark Burns. The G600 can fly 6,500 nm at its Mach 0.85 long-range cruise speed.

NetJets Expands Employee Covid-19 Testing Aerion Supersonic chooses Florida’s Melbourne Airport for new HQ NetJets has partnered with North Carolina-headquartered Cellex to make Aerion Supersonic is moving its headquar- “The Space Coast has become a hub design, build, and maintenance of its AS2 antibody testing available to its employees. ters from Reno, Nevada, to a new $300 for the aviation and aerospace industry, SSBJ. Aerion plans to break ground on the The program augments the fractional million campus at Florida’s Melbourne and my administration continues to make campus later this year, with manufacturing ownership provider’s joint initiative with its International Airport (MLB), bringing at it a priority to expand this high-wage and of the AS2 anticipated to start in 2023. pilots’ union, NetJets Association of Shared least 675 jobs to the area, the company important business sector,” said Florida The company also expects Aerion Park Aircraft Pilots, to o"er Covid-19 testing for announced jointly with the state in late Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are thrilled to attract “key aerospace suppliers within free to its employees. The moves come as April. The supersonic business jet devel- that Aerion has selected Melbourne for its the supersonic technology ecosystem to NetJets prepares for economies to begin oper lands at the same airport chosen in new global headquarters.” bring business to Florida, creating addi- reopening, said NetJets president of sales, 2008 by Embraer Executive Jets, which Dubbed Aerion Park, the more than tional roles for scientists, designers, engi- marketing, and service Patrick Gallagher. now has a service center, customer deliv- 60-acre site at the northwest corner of neers, and aircraft builders.” ery facilities, paint bays, and Phenom light MLB will house Aerion’s global headquar- In 2015, Aerion told AIN that its U.S. Daher Ships 1st 2020 TBM jet assembly line there. ters and integrated campus for research, manufacturing location for its Mach 1.4 940, HomeSafe Nears Cert AS2 would eventually be on the East or Daher delivered the first 2020 TBM 940 West Coast, within 200 nm of an offshore early last month and expects the HomeSafe supersonic flight-test area. At the time, it autoland system for that model to be FAA said it was seeking 100 acres on a major and EASA certified this month, aircraft airport with a minimum 9,000-foot runway division executive v-p Nicolas Chabbert and “other special geophysical require- said. TBM 940s built last year are eligible ments.” MLB’s Runway 9L/27R is 10,181 feet to be retrofitted with HomeSafe, which long by 150 feet wide. costs $85,000. Meanwhile, Chabbert Other factors that Aerion previously said said Daher has not seen any diminished it was taking into consideration include air- demand for TBMs during the Covid-19 port suitability; road and rail infrastructure; crisis, but said the company will likely proximity to a deep-water port for shipped not meet its 2020 forecast delivery for structures and equipment; local aerospace 50 TBMs due to the slower production Aerion Supersonic will break ground later this year on its new headquarters facility at workforce; state and local regulations; output and the potential for supply Florida’s Melbourne International Airport. It plans to begin manufacturing of its AS2 quality of life; and regional educational chain issues later this year. But he said supersonic business jet at the campus, dubbed Aerion Park, in 2023. institutions. C.T. the company will meet the projected 15 Kodiak 100 shipments by year-end.

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FLIGHTSAFETY INSTRUCTOR-LED ONLINE TRAINING - AIN - Trim: 10.8125” w x 13.875” d Bleed: 11.0625” w x 14.125” d Gulfstream deliveries News Briefs were hampered in the first quarter by Covid- JetSuite Files For Chapter 11 19 travel restrictions Reorganization that hamstrung JetSuite’s aircraft operating arm, Superior customer handovers. Air Charter, in late April filed for Chapter 11 While the Savannah, reorganization in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Georgia-based aircraft in Delaware. This came shortly after manufacturer fully JetSuite temporarily ceased operations expects to deliver and furloughed staff due to Covid-related these aircraft as soon reduction in charter demand. The filing as travel restrictions does not include its aircraft holding are lifted, supply chain company, JetSuite Aircraft Holdings, or issues have prompted scheduled air carrier JetSuiteX (JSX) it to cut planned that is still conducting city-pair regional

INTOSH deliveries from 150 jets airline flights. Per the bankruptcy filing, ff to between 125 and 130 the company owes between $50 million

DAVID M this year. and $100 million to hundreds of creditors but has only less than $10 million in assets. It owes some $9.7 million to its disclosed that Gulfstream logged four top 30 creditors, all but two of which Pandemic leads to layoffs customer cancelations in the quarter, but are SuiteKey prepaid charter clients. added, “We expect three of them to come The top creditor is Netflix, a SuiteKey back. We are hearing no other noises com- customer that is owed about $931,000. and delivery delays ing from deposit holders.” She stressed that demand is still ASU Earns STC for Pilatus by Chad Trautvetter strong, which she countered is com- PC-12 Night Vision pletely opposite from the 2008 finan- The FAA awarded Idaho-based Aviation Gulfstream Aerospace said early last customer resources, including sustain- cial crisis. However, sales are currently Specialties Unlimited (ASU) an STC for month that it will have to lay off some able aviation fuel and increased ramp di"cult to consummate because demo night vision imaging system (NVIS) on workers and close its Las Vegas service space,” as well as the company’s Field and flights, in-person sales calls, and in- Pilatus’s PC-12 turboprop single. “Because center after earlier cost-cutting measures Airborne Support Teams (FAST) mobile person contract negotiations have been of the PC-12’s ability to take off and intended to blunt challenges stemming response unit. on hold during the Covid-19 crisis. Nova- land in undeveloped runways and fly in from the pandemic weren’t su"cient. Air- Meanwhile, Gulfstream manufactured kovic does expect sales to spike post- terrain that is less developed, adding craft deliveries at the company were also 34 aircraft in the first quarter but could crisis, however. NVIS capability just adds to the aircraft’s one-third lower than expected in the first deliver only 23—20 large-cabin and three But supply chain issues stemming already robust capabilities,” said ASU quarter as Covid-19 travel restrictions midsize jets—due to international travel from the pandemic—and to a much repair station manager Chris Reber. ASU hamstrung customer handovers, while restrictions, compared with 34 deliveries lesser degree production efficiency also holds NVIS STCs for a number of pandemic-related supply chain issues are (27 large cabins and seven midsize) in the losses from social distancing and other airplanes, including the Cessna expected to curtail production by about same period a year ago. General Dynamics plant deep cleaning measures—have Caravan; Casa C-212; De Havilland Dash-8; 15 percent this year, according to parent chairman and CEO Phebe Novakovic said prompted Gulfstream to cut its pro- Dornier 228-202; and Gulfstream G550. company General Dynamics. the remaining 11 aircraft will be handed jected deliveries this year from 150 A Gulfstream spokesperson told AIN over to customers when travel restric- aircraft to between 125 and 130. “Some Gary Dunn Takes Helm that the company must “take additional tions are lifted. “Customers definitely still suppliers entered this period already in of Aviation Partners steps to balance the size and structure of want them, and they will be delivered as di"culty,” Novakovic said. “We know Aviation Partners Inc. (API) last month the business with current conditions. As soon as we can,” she noted. who they are and are working with them.” promoted Gary Dunn to president, a result, we made the di"cult decision to Backlog has remained flat year-over- This lower production rate will also permanently naming him to the position reduce our workforce at multiple loca- year and book-to-bill was 1.1:1 in the quar- “de-risk” 2021 should demand not mate- he has held in an interim capacity since tions across our company.” ter, according to Novakovic. However, she rialize into sales this year, she added. the unexpected passing of company The aircraft manufacturer did not spec- co-founder Joe Clark. Dunn brings nearly ify how many workers would be laid off 30 years of experience to the role, more but expressed regret for “the impact these than 20 of which have been spent at the actions will have on our colleagues and Seattle-based blended winglet developer. their families.” Approximately 150 work- Workforce reductions reduce ranks at NBAA He joined API as director of engineering ers could be affected at the Las Vegas ser- in 1996, supporting the company’s winglet vice facility alone, while WARN notices The layo"s that have spread throughout “As we know, the Covid-19 pandemic is for the Gulfstream II. In 2001, he moved filed in Georgia indicate up to 700 peo- the industry have reached NBAA, which in challenging organizations of every kind, into sales and then added marketing to ple would lose their jobs at Gulfstream’s May announced “a significant reduction” and NBAA is certainly not immune to those his responsibilities. During his time there, facilities in Brunswick and its Savannah in its workforce. NBAA cited the chal- challenges,” NBAA president and CEO Ed he oversaw products for business aircraft headquarters. Affected eligible workers lenges associated with the Covid-19 pan- Bolen said. “We are working to address along with Boeing 737s, 757s, and 767s. will receive severance and benefits exten- demic in the move and said it will enable the challenge by looking at all aspects of sions, the company said. it to keep “a sharp focus on advocacy, our business, including significant reduc- APS Aims To Keep Pilots According to Gulfstream, the proxim- strategic communications, operational tions to our workforce, consistent with Sharp in Covid Era ity, central location, and capabilities of its support, the production of NBAA-BACE what we are seeing in the aviation com- Upset prevention and recovery training Van Nuys service center were among the and other events, and other priorities for munity and beyond.” (UPRT) provider Aviation Performance largest contributors toward the compa- the association and industry.” Bolen added the decisions “have been Solutions has launched a line-up of free ny’s decision to close the Las Vegas facil- With travel restrictions and ongoing among our most di#cult ever” but are nec- and paid online UPRT course options ity this month. “The Las Vegas service concerns surrounding Covid-19, NBAA essary to ensure the association continues in response to Covid-19’s impact on team will complete the aircraft currently has canceled many events that are an to meet the evolving demands confront- pilot training and safety. These courses in for service before the facility closes,” important part of the association’s funding, ing the industry and association. “I firmly allow pilots to study academic portions the spokesperson said. including EBACE and ABACE, which gather believe they are appropriate to ensure of upset training remotely at their own Work scheduled for the Las Vegas cen- thousands of attendees and hundreds of NBAA, and business aviation, will thrive pace and schedule. Costs of the paid ter will be shifted to Gulfstream’s Van exhibitors from around the world. as we look to the future,” he said. K.L. course options can be credited toward Nuys facility, which “offers significant a future on-site UPRT program.

10 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com The key to simplifying your next aircraft transaction is our experience. \ Business Aviation Simplified.

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844.436.8200 \ [email protected] \ globaljetcapital.com News Briefs NetJets FAA SFAR Provides Relief The FAA has built on its efforts to keep the national air transportation system cuts staff, operational to the extent possible during the Covid-19 pandemic with the April 30 release of a “wide-ranging” planned Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) providing regulatory relief to pilots and other certificate holders. aircraft It provides temporary reprieve from requirements that business and general aviation operators and training providers deliveries must meet surrounding recency-of-

INTOSH experience, testing, checking, renewals, c and inspection authorizations, as well for 2020 DAVID M as the validity periods of FAA medical NetJets Europe’s fractional ownership services have seen a significant decline in demand due certificates. The agency previously by Charles Alcock to the Covid-19 pandemic. has addressed training and medical deadlines for 121 and 135 carriers, among NetJets has confirmed reports of work- still conducting “hundreds of flights” backing have already ceased operations. It other requirements. Under the SFAR, force reductions at its NetJets Europe each week, he said EJM has seen a dip is logical to assume that others are hold- medical certificates that were to expire (NJE) and Executive Jet Management in demand for its aircraft to provide ing on while they await the approval of between March 31 and May 31 will (EJM) subsidiaries by 25 percent. The subcontract support for the NJA fleet loans and grants available to them under remain valid through June 30. The same private aviation group also has reduced during busy periods. the CARES Act.” extension is provided for flight instructor planned new aircraft deliveries for 2020, In addition to the job cuts, NetJets None of the other major private flight certificates. Further, a three-month and these are expected to be down from also has offered unpaid leave with paid providers, including the VistaGlobal group, grace period is provided for flight review around 60 to 25. healthcare to both flight crew and cor- Flexjet, or Wheels Up have yet announced deadlines, under certain conditions, Portugal-based NJE provides fractional porate office staff. The company said staff cuts or fleet groundings. On April 16, as well as for instrument recency. ownership programs, while Cincinnati, it has not applied for loans and grants charter operator JetSuite grounded its Ohio-based EJM is engaged in aircraft available under the U.S. CARES Act. 12-strong fleet of Embraer Phenom light DOT Watchdog Finds Contract management and charter services. The Along with other operators, it has ben- jets and furloughed its staff. Towers Efficient, Safe group has not yet implemented any fur- efitted from the act’s relief from the NetJets has taken multiple steps to The U.S. Department of Transportation loughs or workforce reductions in any 7.5 percent air transportation federal reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection to Offce of Inspector General (OIG) gave a other U.S.-based operations, including excise tax and said it has passed this passengers and crew. These include treating strong endorsement to the FAA’s Contract U.S. fractional arm NetJets Aviation saving on to its customers. cabin interiors with an antimicrobial prod- Tower Program, finding that those (NJA). In a written statement, the com- NetJets told owners it has restructured, uct called ClearCabin and using its aircraft facilities are more cost-e"ective and have pany said that the cuts at NJE and EJM deferred, or canceled planned new jet to move flight crew to departure points to similar safety records as similar federal were made last week “to align with the deliveries for this year. It did not specify avoid exposure by using airline service. towers. Congress has ensured funding for current market and ensure sustainability which aircraft types will be affected by According to the most recent Global the program, and it has flourished with for the future success of those businesses.” changes to its existing orders with several Market Tracker published by data analyst about 250 towers now managing about 28 In a letter obtained by AIN and sent leading manufacturers, including Textron WingX, fractional ownership aircraft oper- percent of the nation’s ATC operations. to aircraft shareowners by NetJets Aviation, Embraer Executive Jets, and ations have shown slightly steeper tra"c Participating towers typically are at chairman and CEO Adam Johnson, Bombardier Business Aircraft. decline than aircraft management and airports with lower-level activity. The the company reported that, due to the “Daily, we see the distressing toll this branded charter services in recent weeks. OIG compared these towers with similar Covid-19 pandemic, demand for trips is taking on private aviation,” Johnson The company also noted that business avi- federal facilities and found between 2015 had been “down significantly since mid- said in his letter to shareowners. “Known ation tra"c volumes in the U.S. have been and 2018, on average, contract towers March.” While adding that the group is brands with seemingly strong financial higher than those in Europe. used at least 47.6 percent fewer resources. These towers also had fewer safety events per aircraft, but the OIG cautioned, “We do not believe the di"erence between these numbers and those of FAA’s towers Citation CJ4 is meaningful because…safety-related events across the NAS were very low celebrates relative to the total number of flights.” 10th anniversary EAA Cancels 2020 AirVenture The Experimental Aircraft Association’s The largest of Cessna’s CitationJet family (EAA) AirVenture fly-in convention held marked its 10th anniversary, with first deliv- annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and ery of the CJ4 occurring on April 20, 2010, drawing hundreds of thousands of according to Textron Aviation. More than visitors from some 90 countries, was 320 copies of the $10.09 million, single-pi- canceled this year amid the Covid-19 lot twin make up the active fleet, Textron pandemic. It was slated to be held from Aviation senior v-p of sales Rob Scholl July 20 to 26. “Ultimately, preserving noted. “This network of operators is a part Textron Aviation surpassed 300 deliveries of the Cessna Citation CJ4 in 2019. the health and safety of all who would of the largest owner-operated light jet com- attend—and all the varying guidelines munity in the world,” he added. a 12.5-degree sweep angle. Powered knots. It also features a 1,040-pound between states and countries from where With seating for up to 10 passengers, by two Williams International FJ44-4A baggage capacity, single-point refueling, our participants arrive—along with the the model 525C is a stretch version of turbofans, each with 3,621 pounds of and an externally serviceable lavatory. massive commitments needed now for an the CJ3 by about two feet but borrows thrust, the CJ4 has a range of 1,926 nm The Wichita airframer delivered its 300th event to meet EAA’s high standards, made the larger Citation Sovereign’s wing with (3,567 km) and maximum cruise of 451 CJ4 just last year. J.S. cancellation the only option for this year,” said EAA chairman and CEO Jack Pelton.

12 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com AHEAD OF THE CURVE

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15821 FAB AIN-Standard-June 2020 275x352 v2.indd 1 07/05/2020 14:16 added senior v-p and CFO John Di Bert. News Briefs Pointing to analyst estimates of a 30 to 35 percent decline in business jet deliv- Textron Finds New Special- eries this year, Martel said Bombardier missions Role for Latitude could be in that range as well, but it all Textron Aviation has delivered two depends on when restrictions are lifted Cessna Citation Latitudes to Japan that and the pandemic ebbs. Already more are configured for flight inspection than a handful of deliveries were pushed missions. They are part of a three-airplane off at the end of the first quarter and sales order from the Japan Air Self Defense have slowed in March, particularly in the Force (JASDF) made in September 2017. light and midsize jet segments, he said. Kanematsu Corp. has received the pair

BARRY AMBROSE BARRY The large-cabin jet segment has of midsize twins that will be owned and Bombardier, ramping up on Global 7500 production, delivered six in the first quarter and remained fairly steady thanks to a “very operated by the JASDF to scrutinize says that despite Covid-19 uncertainties, the order book remains solid. However, production solid” backlog, he said, while noting few instrument approaches and airway disruptions could hold down deliveries this year and significantly harm second quarter results. cancellations. Overall, business aviation procedures in the country’s national backlog declined to $13.6 billion, from airspace. The Flight Checker Squadron $14.4 billion a year ago. based at Iruma Air Base in Saitama When asked about the differences Prefecture north of Tokyo will operate Global 7500 boosts Q1, but between the current crisis and the market the Latitudes, which are outfitted with crash a decade ago, Martel said the com- Unifis 3000 Flight Inspection System pany has now not seen “that rush of can- equipment from Norwegian Special Bombardier faces rocky Q2 cellations.” In addition, while the crash Mission. A third Latitude for the JASDF is particularly affected the light and midsize expected to be delivered early next year. by Kerry Lynch jet segments, Bombardier’s exposure now centers far more on the large-aircraft seg- FAA Adjusts Hours at 100 Acceleration in Global 7500 deliveries aircraft revenues, the company added. ment, he said. Air Traffic Towers helped provide a 5 percent boost in Bom- However, recently appointed Bombar- Bombardier remains in the early stages The FAA has temporarily cut back the bardier’s overall revenues to $3.7 billion in dier Inc. president and CEO Eric Martel of assessing production rates to match operating hours of about 100 of its air the first quarter, but a “significant” decline did not provide an outlook for the rest the rest of the year but it does not believe traffc control towers where movements in order intake that began in March, cou- of the year, given the uncertainties sur- plans for production acceleration of its have significantly decreased. Adjusting pled with Covid-19-related disruptions, has rounding the pandemic, but he expects flagship 7500 will change. However, deliv- the hours enables the agency to minimize the company evaluating production-rate the second quarter to mark a low point eries might be slightly slower because of health risks while ensuring continued adjustments for the rest of the year, the before gradually improving during Covid-19-related production disruptions. safe operations, the FAA said. Further, company reported in early May. the rest of the year. In the first quarter The company suspended production this reduces the possibility of temporary Bombardier delivered 26 business jets alone, Martel estimated a cash impact of at the end of March and now is slowly tower closures occurring from Covid-19 in the quarter, including six Global 7500s. $600 million to $800 million along with reopening those facilities. Martel called exposures. Operations at the a"ected Overall, Bombardier delivered two more deferred deliveries, production disrup- the exercise a “tremendous undertak- towers particularly have dropped o" in business jets—an additional light jet and tions, and declining sales. ing” and cited the need to prepare facili- the evening during the pandemic, the another large-cabin jet—in the quarter ver- “We saw a significant impact in Q1 with ties with new stringent health and safety FAA noted, saying it selected the towers sus a year ago. Bombardier delivered three more to come in Q2 as a large part of our measures, recall thousands of furloughed based on several factors—including Learjets and 14 Globals, including the production remained shut down for the employees, restore the supply chain flow, numbers and types of operations, ability 5000/5500 and 6000/6500 series, in the past eight weeks and the international restart lines, and reset delivery schedule to social distance and reduce exposure, quarter. It further delivered 14 Challeng- borders remained closed,” he said. In with customers. “We expect this process and safety during non-towered times. ers, the same as in first-quarter 2019. The the second quarter, the company expects will appear over the remainder of the ramp-up in Global 7500 deliveries helped a reduction in production, deliveries, quarter and will likely generate some FAA Guidance Aids drive a 16 percent increase in business “and therefore revenues,” by almost half, challenges along the way,” he said. Standardized Part 135 Training The FAA issued long-awaited guidance providing a new consensus-based standardized approach to Part 135 pilot training that industry offcials VoltAero unveils production version of Cassio hybrid have characterized as one of the most significant changes in training VoltAero revealed the production configu- engine that provides power to three 60-kW approaches for charter operations ration for its Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft. electric motors. In standard operations, in years. FAA Advisory Circular 142- The French company started flight testing the electric motors would be used for take- 1, “Standardized Curricula Delivered the fixed-wing design in early March and off and landings (partly to reduce noise), by Part 142 Training Centers,” is the plans to achieve type certification under with the engine extending range. culmination of collaborative e"orts EASA’s CS-23 rules in time for deliveries VoltAero is testing this power combination between the FAA, industry associations, to begin by the end of 2022. in an early prototype, the Cassio 1, which is operators, and stakeholders. Under the On May 6, VoltAero announced that it loosely based on the Cessna 337 Skymaster. new—and voluntary—approach, the intends to offer three variants of the single The production aircraft will not include this curriculum would be standardized at pusherprop aircraft, featuring a distinctive prototype’s two forward-facing sets of pro- the national level, rather than have aft main wing and tail boom, as well as VoltAero intends to offer three variants for pellers or the forward high wing. each program crafted at the operator a canard configuration. These will include its Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft. The company intends to produce the level. In a joint statement, NBAA and the four-seat Cassio 330 with a combined all-composite aircraft in a purpose-built NATA said the new curriculum would hybrid-electric power rating of 330 kW, to be less than 1,800 feet and VoltAero final assembly line in the Nouvelle Aquita- streamline relationships between Part 142 the six-seat Cassio 480 (480 kW), and the says the aircraft will be able to operate for ine region of southwest France. It will also training centers and on-demand carriers 10-seat Cassio 600 (600 kW). up to 10 hours each day, allowing multi- seek partners for licensed production in and reduces ineffciencies. Key to the Intended for a variety of business and ple rotations. Max takeoff weight will be North America and Asia. C.A. guidance is the creation of a government/ general aviation applications, including air below 2.5 tonnes (5,511 pounds) to comply This story comes from FutureFlight. industry Training Standardization Working taxi, the Cassio family will offer a range of with CS-23 requirements. aero a resource developed by AIN to Group to develop standardized training - up to 920 nm and 200-knot cruise speed. The hub of the Cassio’s proprietary pro- - procedures for common aircraft types. Takeoff and landing distance is projected pulsion system is an internal combustion The FAA believes most Part 135 operators will opt for the standardized option.

14 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com

Editorial Boeing-Embraer saga leaves sour taste in Brazil by Gregory Polek INTOSH Boeing’s decision to let the deadline What seems certain is that Boeing chose c

pass for its purchase of 80 percent of not to avail itself of a deadline exten- DAVID M Embraer’s commercial airplane business sion the language in the MTA allowed. An Embraer E195-E2 in the company’s special “Profit Hunter” livery takes off for a ranks among the most dramatic compet- Whether or not it effectively scuttled the demonstration flight at the 2019 Paris Airshow. itive shakeups in the aerospace industry deal for the reasons Embraer outlined, since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, but it certainly can use the $4.2 billion that bankrupt, but only barely and with signif- that the Brazilian company could not refuse. perhaps it shouldn’t have come as a sur- would have gone to the Brazilians, partic- icant help from the Canadian and Quebec Both companies often promoted the prise. In a way, the pandemic served to ularly now as it seeks to tap capital mar- provincial governments. Finding itself in a “synergies” the deal would bring: the seal the fate of a deal that had become kets and probably government loans to precarious financial position even with an Embraer E-Jets would benefit from Boe- more of a distraction than it was worth maintain the level of liquidity it will need airplane that by most accounts was techno- ing’s market reach and financial muscle to the board members and executives in to execute on its plans to emerge from the logically sound and highly regarded among while Boeing would gain access to what Chicago already absorbed in the 737 Max Covid crisis relatively healthy. airlines, Bombardier saw little choice but the Brazilians often touted as Embraer’s drama and the structural upset it wrought. For Embraer, the short-term situation to give up control of the program to Airbus. engineering expertise. Some, however, Not only did the $4.2 billion purchase appears dire. Although it has reported Analysts often assume the Bombardier- wondered how Boeing—one of the price look overly steep following Embraer’s no order cancellations since the start of Airbus combination triggered the world’s most technologically advanced precipitous decline in market value since the year, sales activity had begun to dry Embraer-Boeing talks because, the think- enterprises—could face a shortage of the pandemic took hold, but the $1.6 billion up before the pandemic hit. The Brazil- ing goes, Embraer reached the conclusion engineering muscle. It seemed more that would have gone directly to Embraer ian company doesn’t control near the that it couldn’t compete with the support likely that Boeing coveted the access to shareholders would seem to conflict with resources of Boeing or Airbus to weather a network and pricing power Airbus brought cheap labor in Brazil, though neither com- the spirit of the restriction on dividends two- to three-year industry recovery from to the C Series, since rebranded the A220. pany has explicitly said so. attached to any government support on its this crisis. It will, of course, also need Nevertheless, Embraer Commercial Aircraft Whatever the reasons for Boeing’s early way to Boeing under the CARES Act. cash desperately, and to what extent and CEO John Slattery told AIN last September interest in Embraer, the Brazilian com- While those considerations seem in what form the Brazilian federal govern- that the talks with Boeing actually started pany seems to have far more to lose than like obvious hindrances to any eventual ment will help remains a big question. before Airbus announced its intention to its U.S. counterpart from the collapse of conclusion to the deal, no one really Meanwhile, the competitive reasons take over the C Series. “Our transaction the deal. Embraer spent untold man-hours knows what went on behind closed Embraer fell into the arms of Boeing with Boeing was completely independent in the so-called carve-out of the business, doors between the companies’ respec- seemed apparent well before anyone but of that,” he insisted. “That being said, being particularly as it related to IT systems and tive boards. For its part, Boeing blamed global health experts seriously consid- pragmatic, it does add a sense of urgency to the moving of its business jet tooling and “unsatisfied conditions” of the master ered the threat of a pandemic. While rela- want to move on now with the transaction.” production out of São José dos Campos to transaction agreement (MTA) on the tively stable over the past couple of years, Slattery’s admission of a newfound Gavião Peixoto, where it manufactures the part of Embraer for the repeated delays regional jet sales haven’t shown much urgency brought about by the Airbus- C-390 Millennium military transport. to the closing until the April 24 deadline chance of returning to the boom times Bombardier marriage meant that the A220 Meanwhile, the European Commis- arrived. Embraer said it believes Boeing of the late 1990s and 2000s. Embraer, to did, in fact, raise the stakes for Embraer. But sion’s repeated pauses of its antitrust purposely and systematically delayed the its credit, stayed relevant by developing it also suggests it wasn’t the main consider- review of the Boeing-Embraer combi- process because it had decided ahead of a next-generation E-Jet known as the E2, ation. Perhaps the premium Boeing agreed nation left the Brazilian company in the time it didn’t need or want to close the while Bombardier centered its efforts on to pay for Embraer, along with the $1.6 bil- unenviable position of having to practice deal at a time of financial and reputational a small five-abreast narrowbody that it lion dividend payment to Embraer share- patience with the process while costs crisis at the U.S. aerospace giant. managed to get to market without going holders, sweetened the offer to the point associated with preparations for the pro- posed merger mounted. In fact, Embraer suffered steep losses as it committed what Slattery called enormous resources to the effort. “There’s no doubt as this drags on GE Aviation to shrink workforce by 25 percent there’s a cost associated with it,” he told GE Aviation CEO AIN last November. “If you ask the cus- Further voluntary and involuntary layoffs affecting 50 percent of its U.S. mainte- David Joyce tomers, they don’t want this noise in the at GE Aviation will see its 52,000-strong nance, repair, and overhaul employees said he sees marketplace. They want clear visibility.” global workforce shrink 25 percent as for 90 days. The company estimated the a continued Now, as if to add insult to injury, Boeing the company institutes plans over the move—along with a hiring freeze, the can- industry refuses to pay Embraer the $100 million “coming months” to shave its cost base celation of the salaried merit increases, a contraction and termination penalty specified by the MTA by $1 billion this year, company CEO “dramatic” reduction of all non-essential a protracted in the event it exited the deal. Embraer has David Joyce wrote in a letter to employ- spending, and a significant decrease in recovery. filed for arbitration and said it would pursue ees dated May 4. The plans, said Joyce, its contingent workforce—would save “all remedies” against Boeing for damages. include $2 billion in “cash actions” in it between $500 million and $1 billion. Despite the obvious costs associated 2020 and follow a “comprehensive strat- Since March 23, however, market “real- “While extremely diffcult, I am confident with the collapse of the deal, Embraer put egy” under development to re-size the ities” have dimmed, as aircraft manufac- this is the required response to the con- a brave face on its prospects for the future. business to match its forecast for the turers plan reduced production schedules tinued contraction of the industry and its “Our history of over 50 years is lined commercial aviation market. well into 2021. GE expects global traffic protracted recovery,” said Joyce, who on with many victories but also some dif- The decision follows an announcement to decline by 80 percent during the sec- March 23 said he would forego a salary of ficult moments,” it said in a statement. on March 23 to slash the company’s U.S. ond quarter compared with the start of his own this year. “I am equally confident “All of them were overcome. And that’s workforce by 10 percent. At the time the the pandemic’s effect on China in early that the industry will recover over time and exactly what we are going to do again: company also instituted temporary layoffs February. that we will be positioned to win.” G.P. overcome these challenges with strength and determination.”

16 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com Encouragingly, interest has been strong and a vaccine,” he said. “We just have to Dassault during crisis, for Dassault preowned aircraft, Brana said. assume that demand will remain soft for “There is a certain segment of the market the time being, but as restrictions are lifted, that is looking for quality aircraft that can markets will begin recovering.” forging ahead on 6X | by Kerry Lynch be put into service quickly.” For Brana, Covid-19 has been “an As far as what might happen moving for- up-close and personal experience.” He Dassault Aviation has focused on pandemic, and restrictions surrounding it, ward, Brana is less certain. “I wish I had a had a relatively early and mild case, he said, ramping its production lines back presents obstacles to sales efforts, including crystal ball for the next two years. So much keeping him at home for three weeks. But up after a short suspension to travel to a customer’s o"ce or taking pros- will depend on the ability of global markets he said he is recovered and his family is accommodate new health and safety pects on demo flights. to operate in the absence of therapeutics fine as well. measures and, despite the ongoing uncertainties surrounding Covid-19, is working to keep its Falcon 6X pro- gram on track with first flight still anticipated next year, according to a senior company executive. OUR CUSTOMERS ARE TRULY THE WORLD’S BEST! Carlos Brana, Dassault’s exec- utive v-p of civil aircraft, said the restart of production—which halted temporarily in mid-March— has gone smoothly and the com- pany’s priority is to “emerge from this crisis in a strong position.” This includes sustaining the com- pany’s research and new programs. “We have a lot of development activ- ity going on,” said Brana, who took over responsibility for the French manufacturer’s civil aviation pro- grams last year after holding several positions with the company. Dassault is focused on the Fal- con 6X development, he added. “We have commitments to custom- ers that we intend to honor. As pre- viously announced, first flight will happen early next year.” Dassault took the wraps off the 5,500-nm 6X twinjet in early 2018 with plans to bring it to market in 2022. Research and development activity is pushing forward for pro- grams beyond the 6X, Brana added. “We have some interesting things in the pipeline, too, including an all- new Falcon model and new safety, comfort, and health features,” he said. “I frankly think our compet- itors’ eyeballs will pop out when they see what’s coming.” Dassault has not yet revealed plans for its “future Falcon;” but is HONORED TO BE RANKED #1 FBO IN THE WORLD expected to later this year. Near term, though, Dassault Fal- 2020 AIN FBO Survey con is taking measures to get its customer aircraft delivered. “We have adapted our delivery process to this new environment and, in paral- EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE lel, have maintained our support to customer operations,” he said. This includes dispatching Falcon go teams and airborne support air- craft when needed and maintain- ing support and spares operations. “We’re continuing the adaptation of our greatly expanded service Fort Worth Meacham International Airport center network—our acquisitions from TAG Aviation and ExecuJet,” Brana said. As is typical during market slow- downs, he is anticipating a dip in [email protected] | AmericanAero.com | 817.289.8000 new sales, but observed, “We’ve adjusted to circumstances before.” Beyond a softening of demand, the

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 17 TORQUED Aviation schools training Full-throttle opinion from former NTSB member John Goglia online now, eyeing future by Kerry Lynch

Salute to aviation’s unsung heroes Aviation trainers have adapted their curricu- Ranganathan said. “There is a significant lums to an online environment to the extent amount of localized decision-making pro- It’s sad that it has taken a devastating pan- equipment, their commutes are often by possible in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, cess based on what is allowed and what is demic for us to begin to appreciate all the public transportation where social distanc- stressing a need to maintain currency and not and above all what is safe.” frontline workers who make our world ing is not possible and many people are still skills of today’s pilots and mechanics. At Like Embry-Riddle, CAE has instituted turn. They perform desperately import- not wearing masks. (As I write, New York the same time, training experts who spoke new protocols for the centers and modified ant functions and deserve our respect and and other states are beginning to mandate during an AIN webinar, “How the Avia- recurrent programs to an online environ- acknowledgement. They deserve living wearing masks on public transportation tion Training Industry Is Coping with the ment. Many regulators have provided tem- wages and health care, too. and in other places where physical distanc- Covid-19 Pandemic,” emphasized the need porary relief to enable the shift to online Everyone knows that doctors and nurses ing isn’t possible.) For some workers now, to ensure the pipeline of students continues training, but this is not standard and it is are performing heroic, lifesaving work getting to work may be more dangerous to move in anticipation that the pilot and only temporary, Ranganathan said. during this awful time. I want to focus than the workplace itself. mechanic shortage will return in a few years. “Our instructors had to be trained up here on the frontline workers who are less While I want to focus here primarily At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univer- to use the tools,” he noted, particularly in often acknowledged—at least until a once- on America’s underappreciated workers, sity, instructors have had to learn how to areas such as maintenance training. in-a hundred-year pandemic forces us to I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge reorient the curriculum to online use, said But as it works to keep training going to look more closely at their importance. I’m that pilots and flight attendants have Kenneth Byrnes, associate dean of the the extent possible, CAE has been collab- talking about the workers who are keep- taken incredible risks themselves to keep College of Aviation and chair of the flight orating with international organizations ing food—and, yes, toilet paper—on gro- our air transportation system running, at department at the university’s Daytona on guidance material for recovery plans, cery store shelves. I’m also thinking of the least in part to allow healthcare workers Beach, Florida campus. “We want to give including use of the virtual classroom for cashiers who until recently were prohibited and needed goods to continue to move them as many tricks and tools as possible.” competency-based training and refresher by many store managers from wearing per- across the country. While students aren’t on campus, courses. “We continue to innovate,” Ranga- sonal protective equipment such as face Flight attendants appear to be partic- instructors are still using aircraft and nathan said, adding that some of the adapta- shields even though their contact with the ularly hard hit by the virus. According to flight training devices—under health and tions created now will be used in the future. public was probably as great as that of any one union for a major airline, 100 of its safety protocols—to maintain their own “Everyone’s experience is evolving there.” workers outside a hospital. And let’s not members were diagnosed with the coro- currency in preparation for when stu- forget the janitors who clean up hospitals navirus as of this writing and one died in dents return, Byrnes said. and essential businesses, bus drivers, train March from Covid-19 complications. The Particularly helpful, Byrnes said, have There is a conductors, and delivery people. These union asserts that some flight attendants been the 360-degree videos that they workers have proved themselves to be far have been working without adequate sup- used for in-classroom maneuver training significant more essential than any celebrity, and they plies of personal protective equipment, with virtual-reality headsets. These vid- amount of localized deserve our recognition. and one flight attendant said that until eos are now online. Technicians, mean- decision-making In aviation, we have our own invisible recently her airline had instructed crew while, continue to maintain aircraft using and usually unsung workers. I often think not to wear face masks during flights “but social distancing, masks, and wellness process based on of my fellow mechanics as being in that cat- in recent weeks has allowed them to wear checks verified through various-colored what is allowed and egory, though they have made great strides masks in ‘neutral colors.’” wristbands. in recent years in terms of pay and benefits. With a raging pandemic, it’s hard to Byrnes anticipates that classroom what is not and above But many other aviation workers are under- fathom that airline management would activity will restart in July “at the soon- all what is safe.” appreciated as well. Some of them must hold prevent workers from protecting their own est.” But the university must continue to — Chris Ranganathan, CAE chief learning officer two or even three jobs just to get by. Many health—and that of their passengers—by work toward getting the students their Chris Ranganathan of these people have continued to come to wearing a mask, even after it became obvi- certificates and ratings “so we have room work despite risks to their own health and ous that the virus was spreading globally for the incoming class,” he said. He is And as the current services have slowed, safety. They’re the ones who can’t do their and that airline passengers were a signifi- encouraged that the fall numbers look CAE has seen this as an opportunity to get jobs from home and can’t afford not to work. cant part of the reason for that. I have heard strong—on paper up by as much as 25 per- simulators installed and updated. They include the men and women who clean these reports myself from workers at all cent—because “we believe this is a short- Craig Joiner, senior v-p of brand expe- aircraft cabins—an important job at any levels of aviation and it’s mindboggling. It’s term issue. The pilot shortage was years rience at Fulcrum Labs, which specializes time but particularly during a pandemic, also reminiscent of reports of grocery store in the making, and it’s not going to end.” in adaptive-learning technologies, said when we want our airplanes thoroughly management not allowing cashiers to wear Byrnes does believe the shortage will his company has seen a notable uptick cleaned and disinfected. These are usually masks—until a worker dies of the virus. If “take a breather for a year or two or possibly in demand for adaptive-learning tools contract workers, making minimum wage one lesson comes out of this pandemic, I three,” but he said trainers must continue from maintenance schools. These schools or close to it. Their jobs are dirty, thankless, hope it’s a renewed commitment by man- to work to develop new pilots because oth- already were looking for online tools, and and often backbreaking in normal times. agers in all businesses to the health and erwise “we’re going to be in the same boat “the urgency of crisis seems to accelerate Now, they have the added stress of worry- safety of their workers. All their workers. where we were a few months ago.” this process,” Joiner said, particularly as ing that they could catch a disease that could And, once we all get back to flying reg- CAE chief learning o"cer Chris Ranga- the pandemic has dragged on. “We’ve make them seriously ill or even kill them. ularly, perhaps more air travelers will nathan agreed that there might be around definitely been busier than ever in avia- Then there are the people who refuel make it a point to “see” the all-too-often a two-year hiatus from the workforce tion maintenance training.” and de-ice our aircraft, as well as baggage invisible workers who make their journeys shortages, but likewise said it would be And Joiner believes that while it might handlers and other ramp workers. Their possible. It couldn’t hurt to say thank you “shortsighted for us not to continue ab take some time for the jobs to return, the jobs are often grueling under normal cir- when you come across these people. initio training. Otherwise, down the road, first that do come back will involve main- cumstances—working outdoors in rain, we will be right back to where we were.” tenance technicians. “Aviation mainte- snow, and extreme heat and cold takes its The opinions expressed in this column are During the pandemic, CAE centers nance will be on the front line,” he said. toll. Now, they, too, worry about risks to those of the author and not necessarily have remained open, as possible, with During the crisis, this training is crit- their own health and that of their families endorsed by AIN. strict health protocols enforced. This has ical “to make sure people can move if they bring this disease back home. Even been a challenge given the worldwide dis- forward and also that they don’t slip back- if at work they can stay a safe distance John Goglia is a safety consultant. tribution of the CAE training network. ward.” But Joiner said he could foresee a from others and have been lucky enough He welcomes your e-mails at: “We’ve had to deal with many dif- “blended experience” where these tools to be given adequate access to protective [email protected] ferent travel and local restrictions,” are incorporated.

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Like many ambitious business aviation takes a long time to turn it back on again.” companies, London Biggin Hill Airport In many respects, he and his team con- had big plans for 2020. Even after endur- sider themselves fortunate to have the ing the disruption caused by several weeks backing of a single private shareholder, under full lockdown restrictions imposed Andrew Walters, who has invested “more by the UK government on March 23 in than 25 years of his life in the airport.” Bombardier is investing in a new service center at London Biggin Hill Airport that will have response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Winstanley said that this support gives capacity for 14 of its large cabin Global 7500 jets. privately-owned airport has not aban- his team the latitude to pursue opportuni- doned these plans. ties beyond the current short-term crisis. interior outfitting to the menu. Winstanley acknowledged this possi- However, its management team is all The airport launched a coronavirus Advanced new businesses need a ready ble windfall benefit from the contentious too well aware of how its operations, and recovery package to help business aircraft supply of skilled workers. Biggin Hill is court ruling but insisted that Biggin Hill those of its customers, have been impacted operators maintain airworthiness and keep addressing that need, too, by partnering doesn’t want this to distract from its wider by the emergency and so the short-term flight crew current. Under a program called with the Greater London Authority and objectives. “We can’t put all our eggs in one focus is on keeping a facility designated Return to the Skies, it is offering a special London Southeast Colleges to develop basket,” he told AIN. “Our strategy remains as critical national infrastructure open landing fee rate that covers six landings in the new Aerospace and Technology Col- the same—that we must focus on becom- and functioning appropriately. Beyond a single day, complimentary handling, two lege at the airport. Students are already ing the leading business aviation gateway that, Biggin Hill is focusing on a changing hours of free parking, and access to crew being recruited and companies like Bom- for London with a connected ecosystem role for business aviation as a degree of support and the briefing room. bardier are having direct input in defining including leading aircraft manufacturers normality returns and on what it can do the training that will be provided when and the companies that support them. We to facilitate travel plans that have been so Growing to the Future the college opens in September 2021. do need to attract more larger aircraft, and abruptly interrupted in recent weeks. By just about any measure, 2019 was a One month later, in October 2021, a new there is room enough for us to do this along- Predicting that Covid-19 will have an highly satisfactory year for Biggin Hill, with hotel is due to open at the airport. Biggin side Oxford and Farnborough. We can’t just “extremely long term” impact on sched- its share of the city’s business aviation traf- Hill has appointed Focus Hotel Manage- rely on picking up what tra"c is left from uled airlines and the airports that serve fic rising to 18 percent. More significantly ment to run the facility, which is expected Stansted, Luton, and London City.” them, Biggin Hill CEO David Winstanley for the airport’s balance sheet, the average to be popular with business aircraft crews Biggin Hill’s operations team prides told AIN that business aviation’s flight path weight of business aircraft, excluding light and local companies. Air Culinaire is mov- itself on ensuring that passengers can get from lockdown conditions will be different, general aviation aircraft, grew by almost 6 ing its existing on-site flight kitchen into from the steps of their aircraft to the air- but no less challenging. “I believe we will all percent to around 16,280 pounds—boost- the hotel and will run its restaurant as well port’s exit gate in around eight minutes. need to look at aviation in a different way,” ing handling and fuel revenues. as delivering inflight food to aircraft. One regular customer arrives at 6.40 a.m. he reflected in an interview on April 23. But just over 12 months on from his Over the next two years, parent com- each Monday from New York and, without “The fact that we have been able to stay appointment as Biggin Hill’s first CEO, pany Regional Airports Ltd is making fail, is the London Heliport’s first arriving open has demonstrated our resilience and Winstanley has set his sights far higher. further investments with a completely passenger when it opens at 7.00 a.m. the flexibility that we offer. Our future is He believes the airport has reached a new FBO building and control tower. It A few years ago, operating times were based on those two factors and is not pred- transformational point in its long his- will also create a new main entrance to extended to between 6.30 a.m. and 11.00 icated on overall passenger numbers.” tory and, by taking the right next steps, the site to provide a more permanent and p.m. on weekdays and from 8.00 a.m. to The airport, conveniently located to the is poised to fulfill its ambition to be the professional first impression to match its 10 p.m. on Sundays (two hours later than southeast of the UK capital, has had no dominant full-service business aviation bigger, longer-term ambitions. Farnborough Airport). To demonstrate its reduction in opening hours, in order to airport for the UK capital. commitment to avoiding adverse impact support government-sanctioned essential In this regard, Winstanley told AIN that Growth in Green on the local community, Biggin Hill travel. It has reinforced requirements for better measures of success than short- For former Royal Air Force o"cer Winstan- installed sophisticated noise-measuring operators to have approved flight plans and, term tra"c and market-share figures are ley, Biggin Hill’s future needs not just to equipment and claims to resolve all com- knowing that it could face o"cial scrutiny, the number and scale of the businesses it be big but also green. Inspired by friendly plaints, imposing fines and, potentially, monitors planned trips to ensure they are attracts. The jobs that come with these new rival Farnborough Airport’s achievement bans on operators who breach noise- compatible with government requirements. businesses are an important validation of in becoming the first carbon-neutral busi- abatement requirements more than once. This has meant flights involving repatria- the commitment the airport has made to ness aviation airport, his team is working Under proposals posted in September tion of passengers and flight crew, move- its local community in southeast London, on a flight path to reach the same destina- 2019, Biggin Hill is actively involved with ment of medical personnel and supplies and that growth will bring tangible benefits to tion. Plans are to create a solar farm that other airports around the UK capital in also some support for military operations those who may never fly in a business jet. would allow the whole airport, including the London Airspace Modernisation Pro- associated with the rapid construction of Since 2017, the number of jobs at Biggin potentially its tenants and customers, to gramme, which is intended to expand the nearby NHS Nightingale hospital. Hill has risen from around 1,000 to over be completely self-su"cient for power. capacity with new routes that should According to Winstanley, Biggin Hill 1,300. There will be more to come when Biggin Hill is looking at what it would prove to be quieter, cleaner, and more has handled as much as 60 percent of Bombardier opens its new European service take to be able to offer biofuels to aircraft e"cient. At the same time, by next fall, permitted business aviation movements center in April 2022, with a new hotel and an operators and has resolved that any further the airport intends to have established a in the London area since the lockdown aerospace training college in the cards too. development of its aprons will be future- GPS-based approach for Runway 03. started. That said, he acknowledged that In February, Bombardier announced proofed by including ducting that could The fact that Bombardier committed to overall tra"c volumes could be as much plans to build a 250,000-sq-ft facility on accommodate electrical charging points such a significant expansion at Biggin Hill as 85 percent down on levels previously the south side of Biggin Hill with room for aircraft and ground vehicles. less than a month after the UK left the forecast for 2020. enough to take 14 of its new Global 7500 “Future developments [at airports] European Union was to Winstanley a sig- Despite everything, the company is ultra-long-range jets at once and 650,000 need to be in line with the commitments nificant vote of confidence in the face of pressing ahead with long-term expansion sq ft of apron space outside. This facil- the UK has made [to achieving carbon concern that the move might isolate and and development plans, including new ity, for which construction has already neutrality by 2050],” said Winstanley. diminish the country’s aviation sector. maintenance facilities, a training center started, will provide customers with full “This is essential to allowing our industry “We are convinced that we are a fantas- and a hotel. “We won’t take our foot off maintenance, repair, and overhaul sup- to grow while reducing its adverse [envi- tic London asset and a fantastic national the accelerator,” Winstanley said. “If you port, and Bombardier’s agreement with ronmental] impact, and if you ignore this asset with huge amounts of further poten- turn the tap [faucet] off in aviation, it Austria-based F/List will add aircraft it is very short-sighted.” tial,” he concluded.

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data, and that is why it didn’t want to own charter brokerage FlyVictor. He explained, “FlyVictor put me in conflict with my cus- tomers. We never compete with customers. People trust us with their data because we never competed with them.” Aquila sees the business aviation indus- try as not well connected, with partici- pants and products not communicating e"ectively. AFV has successfully invested in improving connections between dis- Aircraft parate entities in other industries such Performance as insurance and trucking, improving Group’s iPreFlight effciency “by connecting information Genesis iPad strands,” he explained. “Our model is flight planning about getting digital connectivity.” and performance An important part of this e"ort is put- calculation ting blockchain to work. “It’s important app is just the because an asset can live forever,” he said. beginning of new “You need to have a recording of history. developments at Blockchain gives you the ability to take the Colorado-based the history from any point. [Start with company, which the] tail number and serial number and was acquired pick a date; you know who owned it, who earlier this year by serviced it. Think of it like a giant ledger AFV Partners. that is connected. “We did this in the automotive industry and reduced insurance premiums because it reduced waste and fraud. A car has 54 and balance and performance calculations, critical transactions, a truck 250, and air- APG acquisition opens along with runway analysis. The full version, planes 2,000. Whoever understands those iPreFlight Genesis, is now the Navigator can give the best history report. That’s why subscription, and this adds flight planning we use blockchain. If you have all that at doors for future growth to the other features. your readiness, now you can underwrite Training is available from APG, but cus- power-by-the-hour programs better.” by Matt Thurber tomers can also specify that they want to use the iPreFlight app during training Speedier Processes When AFV Partners bought Aircraft Per- an incredible number of functionality events at FlightSafety and CAE. “They’re The APG acquisition, Aquila explained, is formance Group (APG) in January, this exchanges,” he said. using the app just as they would in regular important not only because it helps pilots signaled new opportunities for the devel- Chief among these is RocketRoute’s flying,” he said. fly more effciently and safely but it opens oper of the iPreFlight Genesis iPad app strength in flight planning in Europe’s up opportunities to further improve flight and long-time provider of runway analy- complex airspace. “They’re the best com- Why Buy Aviation Companies? operations. “We can generate a fileable, sis services. pany for routing and filing through Euro- Aquila said the reason that AFV purchased flyable flight plan in less than a minute APG was owned by private equity firm control, with a high rate of acceptance in RocketRoute and APG has to do with with full weight and balance and perfor- Liberty Hall, and APG board member flight plan filings,” he said. “We’ll take helping the aviation industry conduct mance,” said Caflisch. “We not only buy Tony Aquila is the founder and CEO of advantage of that. And there are other transactions more effciently, by creating them time, but it’s better and in a more AFV Partners. “Tony is a long-term inves- features on our roadmap that we’ll add, a common platform that speeds up com- safe fashion. tor and he creates value,” said APG CEO and vice versa. We’ll be able to help them munication and makes use of all the data “We’re looking for where the opportunity Mike Caflisch. “We were looking for a in all their markets. It’s a situation where generated by participating entities. exists to gather data, fuse data, and create partner to bring our long-term vision and there is very little overlap competitively.” AFV’s portfolio of companies puts that time. We’ve been focusing on and build- strategy together.” As far as integration of iPreFlight Gen- blockchain technology to work to authen- ing a road map to capitalize on those high- Just two months after buying APG, esis and RocketRoute, the first step is ticate the data and the people and assets value opportunities that will drive growth AFV Partners added the RocketRoute improving the user experience for cus- that generate that data, not just in avia- across our portfolio. Tony’s team has come flight-planning service to its aviation sta- tomers of both products, Caflisch said. tion but other industries such as sports in and [conducted] major activities to bring ble, purchased from Alyssum Holdings. “Customers will see a much deeper level and trucking. All of these industries, he in know-how and the technology skillset to APG had been working with RocketRoute of integration of performance [calcula- said, “are top-25 micro-terrorist attack build that foundation and grow. That’s the for many years, providing runway anal- tions] in the RocketRoute system.” The vectors,” and thus require protection benefit we get from Tony’s team and AFV ysis and aircraft performance services existing setup redirects a RocketRoute using modern technology like blockchain, partnering with us. for RocketRoute customers. The owner flight-planning customer to APG for per- which uses cryptography to link records “We’re super excited. Now we have the of RocketRoute as well as charter bro- formance calculations, but that will soon in an open ledger that can easily be shared right partner that can help us [with] our ker FlyVictor ran into financial trouble be improved. APG’s products will also between two parties. future vision and strategy.” and needed to divest those two com- be more integrated with RocketRoute’s, AFV’s specialty is taking “disaggre- “This is a long-term game,” said Aquila, panies, giving AFV the opportunity to especially for Eurocontrol flight plan fil- gated” but “connected environments” “not short. [We’re asking], what can people acquire RocketRoute. “We saw it as an ing, creating a seamless platform. “Bring- and getting them all to work together on work on that will make a di"erence. We opportunity,” said Caflisch. “They have a ing the two companies together only a common platform. “This reduces waste, want to invest in entrepreneurs who are technology set that is really terrific and strengthens each other in our flying and increases security, and lowers the attack passionate about what they believe in.” complementary to what APG is doing.” geographical markets,” he said. vector [opportunities]. We’re never in Of course, APG’s iPreFlight Genesis APG customers, meanwhile, have new competition with anything, we’re the app includes flight planning, but the plan ways of subscribing to the available software information provider between partici- was always to add new capabilities, and programs. At last year’s NBAA convention, pants. We’re putting data to [work] so RocketRoute will help with that plan. APG introduced two subscription types, people can transact more effciently.” YOUR SOURCE FOR AVIATION NEWS “This acquisition by AFV and bringing one called Performance, which is basically One mistake that AFV avoids is compet- www.ainonline.com RocketRoute into the family will create the iPreFlight 3 product that covers weight ing with the customers that generate the

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15821 FAB AIN-Office-June 2020 275x352 v2.indd 1 07/05/2020 14:26 EUROPEAN Bizav

“eventually change the way military ATC is Saab’s conducted, both during normal operations and during times of increased threats.” The system will be installed at RAF Loss- digital tower iemouth in Scotland for demonstration and evaluation during 2020 and 2021, said Saab. “Saab’s Digital Tower demonstrator joint venture will enable us to explore how we could modernize our air traffc services fit for a next-generation air force,” said the chief builds on of sta" for capability, Air Vice-Marshal Simon Rochelle. Magnus Lewis-Olsson, president civil success of Saab Technologies UK, said, “We are delighted that the close collabora- Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions remote towers are proving increasingly popular in Europe. by Ian Sheppard tion between the RAF and Saab UK has resulted in this first contract for a Saab the Saab system and London City Airport “Saab will support us in the further When Saab Digital Air Traffc Solutions digital tower and I look forward to the is also working to introduce Saab’s solution development of the system, safety anal- (SDATS) was selected last month by the next steps in the Air Force’s journey mainly as a back-up tower operation. yses, and training courses for air traffc UK’s Royal Air Force to create a remote towards digital airfields.” In addition, SDATS last year signed controllers”, said Hans-Peter Spies, gen- tower “operational concept demonstra- Per Ahl, CEO of Saab Digital Air Traf- a 20-year framework agreement with eral manager of the LVNL regional unit. tor,” it was also exactly 100 years since the fic Solutions, added, “We are proud to be LVNL, The Netherlands’ air traffc control Sweden has also taken advantage of the world’s first aerodrome control tower was trusted by the RAF to support their Dig- organization, for remote tower systems. home-grown success story. In December it established, at Croydon, south of London. ital Tower Operational Concept Demon- SDATS received an initial order within the inaugurated the first new airport in the coun- SDATS, the remote tower business Saab strator at Lossiemouth. [It is an] excellent framework contract to establish remote try in 20 years at Scandinavian Mountains formed with the Swedish Civil Aviation opportunity for Saab to show how the towers at Groningen and Maastricht, and Airport in Sälen, with Saab providing the Administration (LFV) in 2016, has been RAF could benefit from the use of our a remote tower center at Schiphol Airport. on-site camera tower. The Stockholm-based going from strength to strength, mainly digital tower system.” “This contract will be the first to cover company is also providing ongoing digital in the civil airport world, but militaries The first airport to get a Saab digital a country-wide implementation. with our ATC services for a period of 10 years from have now started to see the advantages tower was Örnsköldsvik Airport, in 2015— second-generation digital towers,” said Ahl. its remote tower center in Sundsvall. of applying new technology, saving costs making it the first airport in the world to Delivery to the Netherlands project will The airport mainly serves the ski while safely adding capabilities and reach. have remote air traffc control. Cranfield start in 2020 with initial operations to be resorts in the Sälen/Trysil area during the Saab said the technology could Airport was the first in the UK to operate started in 2021. winter season.

drive-through UK Border Force passport European FBOs adapt during Covid crisis control facility, and passengers are asked to stay in their vehicles. by Curt Epstein Aircraft are generally parked as close as possible to the GA airport’s three-story While the Covid-19 virus has a global and suppliers to adhere to the same pro- terminal to minimize the need to trans- reach, some areas have been more heavily tocols. Passenger lounge access is limited. port customers and crew by car. Even a"ected than others. Before the extensive “As a group, we have also provided all so, all of its ground vehicles have been spread of the disease to the U.S., Milan, employees with a specific Covid-19 insur- equipped with plastic shields for passen- Italy, was a major epicenter. Reports say ance policy to cover them in need of care ger and driver protection and are cleaned that while the Lombardy region passed or hospitalization,” Dorigotti told AIN. and disinfected in accordance with health its peak for the pandemic around the FBOs physically separated from com- authority guidance. Hand sanitizer is beginning of April, the disease stubbornly mercial terminals such as at Milano Prime provided throughout the airport, and persisted, slowing the return to some are in a better position to control their cleaning procedures have been enhanced semblance of normalcy. security and health monitoring, she said. across the airport site. For SEA Prime, which manages the “The attention is very high, and we feel we At the end of March, Russia changed city’s Malpensa and Linate Airports as Disinfection of the Milano Prime business are well-positioned to be the first to start business aviation flight coordination well as their modern Milano Prime FBOs, aviation terminal at Milan’s Malpensa when travel restrictions are lifted.” processes in response to the pandemic, 2020 began well. But the Lombardy area, Airport has become a regular occurrence At London-area Farnborough Airport, requiring the submission of applications which among all of Italy has the highest in the Covid-19 era. The region was an early one of Europe’s premier business aviation at least 24 hours before planned arrival for contact with China, soon found itself in epicenter for the disease and has been gateways, April’s movements decreased aircraft with fewer than 20 seats. crisis by late February. As travel restric- subject to travel restrictions to curb spread of by 85 percent year-over-year, from more However, A-Group reports its FBOs at tions were imposed at the Italian, Euro- the virus. Like many airport and FBO operators, than 2,000 operations to 300. Moscow Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg pean, and global levels, air traffc levels in SEA Prime, which also manages the city’s “The current circumstances are cer- Pulkovo International Airports are still Milan fell. According to SEA Prime CEO Linate Airport, has embraced the latest in tainly challenging for everyone in busi- fully operational, and the company claims Chiara Dorigotti, Linate was open only for sanitary and hygiene guidance ness,” Farnborough CEO Brandon those airports have seen a much smaller essential state, sanitary, and emergency O’Reilly told AIN, adding the airport con- decrease in flight activity than the indus- flights as well as aircraft requiring main- sodium hypochlorite solution, minimiz- tinues to connect companies to the world. try average in Russia and Europe. tenance. Malpensa remained available ing sta" in the facilities through work-at- “More than ever during these extraordi- Sanitary quarantine control rules now 24/7 for passenger flights, the only airport home policies, using personal protection nary times, our focus is to continue pro- require health checks of passengers upon in Northwest Italy so authorized. Opera- equipment for those onsite, enforcing viding the highest level of service.” arrival. When the requirements were tions have fluctuated, reaching a year-on- social distancing, and installing sanitizer The airport has put in place a number introduced, A-Group was prepared with year decrease of 85 percent in mid-April. dispensers throughout the facilities. of precautions for customers and employ- quarantine control sta" and doctors on Like most service providers, the com- Employees undergo temperature ees, including social distancing measures duty, conducting remote temperature pany has taken steps to protect its sta" checks and those with even slight fevers across all areas, he said, adding this has checks and surveying arrivals. and customers, including deep clean- are not allowed into the facility. SEA required adjustments to processes. Pass- A-Group’s terminals are equipped with ing and treatment of its terminals with Prime has asked ground handler tenants ports are now systematically checked at a sanitizer and hygiene products.

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Once Comlux Aviation completed the initial A bonus in the Indianapolis flight was flurry of repatriation activity for its clients that Comlux’s employees at its completion in March, the company turned to opportu- center there had not seen the 777 before. nities for its aircraft to support Covid-19 “The other flight was a regular flight Comlux Aviation’s Crystal Sky Boeing 777-200LR VIP jet was put to use carrying 20 tonnes of relief efforts, according to Andrea Zanetto, in Kazakhstan using our Sukhoi Business medical feight from Shanghai to Indianapolis. CEO of Zurich-based Comlux Aviation. “We Jet, as we have a base in Almaty. This was know our clients are now staying safely at to transport experts coming from China knew their mission and act like medical increased demand for aircraft with more home—in fact, we brought them home in to train personnel fighting against Covid- staff in a hospital—they are in the field.” seats than typical in such aircraft, so pri- March, which was quite intense. So today 19,” he added. He noted after being di"cult to adapt vate groups could travel together, and that we’re looking for opportunities for our air- Zanetto said Comlux, which has nine initially, the protocols are now known for there would be a decrease in prices “to craft—keeping our assets flying.” o"ces around the world and a fleet of 11 operating during the Covid-19 crisis. “The allow more people to fly.” By April 23, when AIN spoke to Zanetto, aircraft, is now “looking for other oppor- risk is very, very, very contained—there For example, as sports teams start mov- the company was highlighting two success- tunities—and our policy is to operate ‘at were no infections of the crew and pas- ing again, even if competing only in front ful operations with its aircraft. The first cost.’” He sees cargo, especially medical sengers [on that trip]. We really have to of TV audiences, he predicts more will used its Boeing BBJ 777-200LR VIP-con- cargo, as the area with the most demand honor the crews, even though I think the choose to fly privately. However, Comlux figured airliner named “Crystal Skye” and at the moment, meaning the group’s operations are now very safe.” does not currently plan to have its own often referred to in media coverage as “the larger aircraft can play their part. “We Like many others in business aviation, coronavirus testing facilities. “We have world’s largest luxury charter jet.” also have a [Boeing] 767 which has been Zanetto predicts that private aircraft will not gone through that as we believe it’s “Our 777 especially is great for cargo and used mainly for head-of-state transport, prove popular “as we come out of this cri- for the authorities in each country. But has excellent range capabilities.” This is which we have done a lot of in the past sis” as measures such as social distancing we do ensure the cabin is fully sanitized.” particularly the case as the cargo it carried two months, but now it’s more available will be in place for a long time. He expects Zanetto said that for agencies wanting from Shanghai to Indianapolis earlier this and can be used for cargo. And also we May to provide opportunities for the com- to explore the possibilities of using Com- month was not heavy, just “voluminous,” have the [Airbus] ACJs, which are good pany’s aircraft to help while June is likely lux’s aircraft, which he admits might only being 20 tonnes of medical freight, said for transporting people.” to see a recovery in demand, as customers be for the next few weeks in this capacity, Zanetto. That meant it could take maxi- Meanwhile, he admits that the compa- return—some wanting to avoid airlines “the message is to just contact us. Some- mum fuel for the 13-hour flight. ny’s smaller aircraft, a Bombardier Chal- and main airport terminals. times things don’t seem possible but in “It’s very simple to transport this type lenger 605 and Global 6000, haven’t seen “Humanity has to understand this will certain circumstances, a no becomes of cargo,” he added, “and we got approved much activity in recent weeks. The advan- not go away in the short term so we have a yes. We have seen many flights like [by China’s CAAC] in a very short time.” tage of the 767/777 is it’s easier to social to find a solution in the short term to keep that—so contact us and we’ll try to make Zanetto said flights can usually be distance. “We got approval for the crew in the world moving on,” reflected Zanetto. it happen. It’s a temporary approach for arranged within 24 hours and authorities China to sleep onboard the aircraft. It has “We’re sure about the attraction of private the next few weeks while we’re getting around the world “are being very respon- 88 beds, like a hotel,” Zanetto said. aviation—many will choose to take a pri- ready to go back to full speed. It’s a win- sive and helpful to aviation.” Of the pilots and crew, he said: “They vate jet and stay safer.” He also suggested dow of opportunity.”

negotiation of UK-EU bilateral aviation membership of EASA is incompatible with Europe Aviation still facing agreement (Swiss model); the UK joins the UK’s independent status, even though the ECAA; no “aviation deal,” with rever- other non-EU states, including Switzerland, sion to previously agreed on bilateral air are long-standing members. risk on Brexit decisions services agreements (BASAs); and nego- Whether a new relationship, including in tiation of a new BASA with EU and/or the aviation, can be negotiated in time remains With the aviation industry consumed with Areas such as tra"c rights, ownership individual member states. EBAA’s report to be seen. The EU recently stated: “It is not the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, and control, VAT and customs duty, and then lays out the various complexities of certain whether such an agreement will be preparations for the end of the transition the future relationship with the European each scenario—which is why it’s import- concluded and will enter into force at the phase for the UK’s departure from the Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)— ant to know which one will apply, as the end of the transition period. In any event, European Union (EU) have been put on which oversees the European Common industry needs time to prepare. such an agreement would create a relation- the back burner even though there are Aviation Area (ECAA)—all have to be The current situation is that EU/UK ship which in terms of market access con- potentially serious consequences for not decided well before December 31. The negotiations have started based on the ditions will be very different from the UK’s being prepared. The crisis has disrupted EU has been part of negotiated horizon- Political Declaration agreed in October participation in the internal market.” negotiations between the UK and the EU tal agreements with 17 other non-ECAA 2019, which itself followed the UK’s EU It further warned: “As of the end of the on future arrangements, including the countries, including the U.S. and Canada. (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and the public transition period, the EU rules in the field regulation of aviation and market access. These cover areas such as access rights for vote to leave the EU back in 2016. The of civil aviation safety will no longer apply It is far from clear that agreement will be airlines, passenger rights, and investment. former ensured that all existing EU law to the UK.” reached before the transition period ends According to the Centre for Aviation was effectively incorporated into UK law The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at midnight December 31, opening the (CAPA), “Through these and the ECAA, on Feb. 1, 2020. The EU states the UK said the UK government’s position is, “to possibility of a so-called “no-deal” sce- the UK flights have access to 44 countries, withdrew from the union at that date and ensure continued transport connectivity nario that could be highly disruptive. accounting for about 85 percent of all of has become a “third country,” with EU law in support of successful economic and The two sides have until June 30 to deter- Britain’s international air tra"c.” This is a applying “in its entirety,” though the UK social ties, and as part of a deep and special mine whether or not to extend the transition lot of ground for the UK to make up. will have the power to repeal it. future relationship.” However, its recent period by a year or two to give more time for In its 2018 paper on Brexit, the Euro- On March 7, the UK government con- guidance added: “Different outcomes are agreement to be reached. However, Britain’s pean Business Aviation Association firmed that it will withdraw from EASA possible, but the respective positions out- Conservative government has steadfastly (EBAA) outlined six possible scenarios: on December 31, provoking widespread lined in the EU and UK negotiating man- ruled out a request for an extension, even maintenance of the status quo; the UK concern in the aviation industry about the dates make clear that the UK will no longer though talks are well behind schedule. joins the European Economic Area (EEA); disruption this could cause. It argued that participate in EASA systems.” I.S.

26 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com that everybody stays safe and healthy. We information, on the EU and global level. AIN Q&A are doing as much as we can to continue Athar Husain assisting our members and keep everyone Kahn, What support are you expecting engaged. We took early in the crisis the secretary- from the European Commission and strategic decision to get a good feeling general of national regulators to protect the EBAA tackles of what it is that our sector is experienc- the European continuity and survival of the busi- ing and facilitated an online survey. We Business ness aviation sector in the face of the received a lot of responses, a lot more Aviation Covid-19 crisis? pandemic than we had expected. Association (EBAA). Measures that we are looking for are very What are your members’ concerns? much targeted at ensuring more opera- problems have had to put their employees on leave tional flexibility, less red tape, and no finan- The survey of 130 European business avia- and over 60 percent have had to reduce cial burdens. EBAA jointly with the General by Cathy Buyck tion CEOs revealed that the majority antici- hours for their sta". Aviation Manufacturers Association and pate deep financial losses and the top three national industry groups outlined an The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastat- concerns are about staffng, fixed costs, and How are the continent’s operators action plan that calls for relaxation of travel ing impact on the aviation sector. According to taxes. A third of CEOs surveyed estimate keeping up with the unending flow restrictions, the extension of pilot licenses Eurocontrol data, the reduction in the num- a revenue loss of around 80 percent com- of travel restrictions? There was no and airworthiness certificates, and finan- ber of flights across Europe averages almost pared to their budgeted forecast. There are common EU-wide approach, and each cial aid through guarantees, credit, and the 90 percent since mid-April compared to the European funds, such as the EU Corona- state has its own approach to border suspension of taxes and fees. I like to high- same time in 2019. AIN spoke with Athar virus Response Investment Initiative, and closures and phasing out lockdowns. light that the whole supply and value chain Husain Kahn, secretary-general of the Euro- national schemes that o"er support to should be eligible to benefit from financial pean Business Aviation Association (EBAA), employers to retain sta". However, access The many flight limitations and country support and relief measures. Nobody is on how the region’s business aviation segment to those financial instruments should be entry or exit restrictions make it exceed- going to be helped if ATC, fuel supply, fire is adapting and what is needed to reboot oper- simple, straightforward, and streamlined as ingly diffcult for our operators, and many emergency, airports, maintenance provid- ations when travel restrictions are lifted. many of our members are small and medi- of them operate essential medical and ers, or security provision stops. We believe um-sized companies. They do not have the emergency flights. Because several of them the entire ecosystem should be maintained How is EBAA handling the pandemic? time or sta" to navigate through complex are small and medium-sized enterprises and should be back to normal as soon as procedures. Several companies had to and they do not have the resources to keep possible. Business aviation has a vital role We keep the offce running with the latest reduce their sta" due to the pandemic. The track of the continually evolving situation, to play in the fight against Covid-19 and will IT gadgets and gimmicks, we have confer- survey, which ran from March 26 to April 2, with new developments occurring daily, be one of the key catalysts for the recovery ence calls, organize webinars and so on, revealed that over 50 percent of companies EBAA stepped in and launched a dedicated of society, particularly economically, when and of course the most important thing is in the European business aviation sector Covid-19 Resource Centre. We update the the pandemic is over.

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ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 27 EUROPEAN Bizav

Through the Webtrak portal, local resi- dents can monitor movements to see for themselves whether operators are adher- ing to the required flight paths. On February 27, new standard instru- Farnborough Airport ment departure and arrival routings took pays to support e"ect as part of a new class D airspace environmental zone approved by the UK Civil Aviation programs to offset Authority. The new routings allow aircraft any remaining carbon to climb faster into controlled airspace,

PHOTOS: FARNBOROUGH AIRPORT FARNBOROUGH PHOTOS: emissions each year. resulting in less noise for surrounding residential areas. Since around mid 2016, the airport has your organization is critical, and we had not been sending any waste materials for Carbon-neutral Farnborough to get environmental responsibility into disposal in landfills. Essentially, it recycles everyone’s job description in a strategy everything using services based in the UK, that came down directly from the board,” rather than shipping materials overseas. doesn’t rest on green laurels said Thomas. “We’ve done a lot of engagement with In reducing power consumption, the our customers about waste management, by Charles Alcock airport’s first step was to stop using heat- heavily promoting the idea that waste is ing oil and switching to natural gas. All the responsibility of the waste creator,” Business aviation is an easy target for making a sustainability charter a key part pipes were lagged (insulated) and destrat- said Thomas. “We expect everyone using those who argue that aviation’s impact of the airport’s masterplan. ification fans were installed to reduce heat the airport to follow our requirements for on the environment is too high to be The sustainability charter addressed loss, as well as automatic heating cut-o"s waste separation and we have 26 streams sustainable. Rather than just deflect the just about every aspect of Farnborough’s when the doors open. of waste.” inevitable criticism with well-practiced operations, including carbon emissions, As part of e"orts to reduce carbon lines about this mode of transportation’s noise, air and water quality, and waste LED Lighting emissions from activity related to the run- balancing contribution to economic good, disposal. “You need to take a ‘no stone The airport invested in more e#cient ning of the airport, but that happens o"- Farnborough Airport in the UK decided unturned’ approach to make this mean- lighting throughout the site, replacing site, the company incentivizes employees in 2007 to aspire to a more definitive and ingful,” Thomas told AIN. older sodium and tungsten lamps with to use public transportation, bicycles or voluntary response by setting itself the Another key starting point in the plan LEDs. Replacing the high mast lights on ride shares to get to and from work. They goal of going carbon neutral. Nine years to make the airport greener was a com- the apron reduced the wattage draw by 60 can earn vouchers that can be used in the later, in June 2018, the privately-owned prehensive audit of its environmental per- percent and also lessened light pollution. sta" canteen. business aviation gateway achieved that formance at the end of 2008 conducted Some solar power has been added to To address any remaining carbon foot- goal when it became the first airport in by independent experts Carbon Trust. the mix, with a 49 kW peak system feed- print, the airport pays to o"set residual the sector to achieve carbon neutral status “We spent three days walking around the ing the Meadowgate buildings. It has not emissions as required by the ACI’s carbon as defined by the Airport Council Interna- building to talk to everyone and they been possible to install solar panels on accreditation program. To ensure that its tional Europe’s Level 3+ Airport Carbon helped us to categorize the easy wins and Farnborough’s hangars due to their dis- o"setting is credible and environmentally Accreditation program. It achieved this come up with a top 20 improvements we tinctive curvy roofs. Over the past five robust, the Farnborough team consulted more than a year ahead of schedule. could start on right away, and then other years, the airport has spent more than $1.3 with UK company Carbon Footprint Ltd, In the process, Farnborough cut its items that we would need more data for,” million on improving its energy e#ciency. which recommended suitable programs carbon dioxide (COff) emissions by 42 explained Thomas. To record air quality, there are 13 mon- that meet the Verified Carbon Standard percent (reducing it by 2,183 tonnes per A key outcome from the audit process itoring devices to measure nitrous oxide in a process that is audited by the Quality year), and this total has continued to fall were benchmark figures for the airport’s levels around the site and more in various Assurance Standard. since then. Any carbon still being emitted carbon footprint and also data covering locations across the town of Farnborough “We like to find projects that resonate is then o"set through approved programs not just CO2 but other harmful gases. that collect samples every 30 minutes. with our stakeholders and are understand- to mitigate the impact of its activities on This got the Farnborough team started on This is part of the compliance process able, such as planting trees,” Thomas the environment. their campaign to achieve the ACI accred- for the local government planning rules explained. Most of these o"set programs “We wanted to be ahead of the curve itation and also ISO14001 environmental under which the airport was allowed to are outside the UK, but the airport also on this issue. We wanted to show that we management certification. increase the number of permitted annual supports local projects to deliver a pos- recognize our impact on the environment With significant financial backing from movements to 50,000. The airport is also itive social and economic impact. For and show that we are doing something the airport’s former owners TAG, Farn- required to test water quality in local instance, in 2017 it had 3,600 tonnes of about it,” said Farnborough Airport’s envi- borough started making investments streams and runoffs to guard against carbon to o"set and so it planted 3,600 ronment manager Miles Thomas. With a in more energy efficient technology, contamination caused by spillage from trees in cooperation with local schools degree in biological sciences and past while also working with employees to its operations. and community charities. By 2018, it had experience as an air tra#c controller, he address multiple aspects of procedures Also covered by the same rules are reduced the carbon needing to be covered was recruited in 2007 and led e"orts to and practices. “Raising awareness and requirements to record aircraft noise by o"sets to 1,650 tonnes and last year the start the journey to carbon neutrality by understanding among all the people in with monitors at either end of the runway. total was 1,700 tonnes. Securing carbon neutrality status isn’t the end of Farnborough Airport’s green ambitions and it is committed to contin- ual improvement, especially as tra#c lev- els increase. Thomas’s team are looking at improved space heating systems with more sophisticated temperature con- trols and also moves to ensure that more of the energy consumed by the airport originates from renewable sources. It is also considering more solar panels and a possible solar farm as well as improved Holly Reeves, Farnborough Airport environment advisor monitors battery storage for electricity. Also on the Farnborough Airport environment manager Miles Thomas is in charge every aspect of the site’s environmental performance including wish list are more electric vehicles to be of keeping the business aviation airport carbon neutral. checking for contaminants in runoff fluids beneath the apron. used on the ramp.

28 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com Strength of a Chain, Flexibility of an Independent

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The aviation world has changed consider- other current practices such as mandating ably as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, that the crew wear masks and gloves and Charter operators such as California-based Silver Air are working to develop protocols to make forcing business aircraft operators and flight reduce their interaction in the cabin. It is their operations as sanitary as possible to protect their customers and crews from infection. departments to question common practices also a good idea to equip each aircraft with and what were, until just a few months ago, a sanitization kit, provide personal protec- outbreaks, in some cases giving as little service or delivery service, or if in-room considered certainties in the industry. tive equipment to passengers and instruct as six hours notice. He added that under- food delivery options are not available, Decreasing passenger loads and varying them on its use as well as proper disposal, standing that past behavior is now an get take-out from a hotel restaurant or regulatory demands have contributed to a limit the seating capacity on the aircraft to important factor in mission planning. “If another restaurant nearby. Several indus- worldwide decline in flights in all aviation provide some personal separation, and pair a country has shown that they close their try caterers are now offering to deliver sectors, but for those business aviation crew members and maintenance teams to airspace down with very little notice, it meals to destination airports for crews operators still flying or about to resume minimize contact and possible transmis- becomes even more imperative that crews to take to their hotels for consumption. operations, “there is no such thing as a sion as well as simplify contact tracking in and passengers are at the ready to leave in routine trip anymore,” said Adam Hartley, case of infection. a very quick amount of time,” he said. FBO Standards manager of global regulatory services with According to a recent U.S. Department Going forward, international flight crews NATA issued a document containing guid- Universal Weather and Aviation. “If you are of Transportation (USDOT) Safety Alert might encounter a “clean corridor” system ance for FBOs and ground handlers in late an operation that would normally require a for Operators (SAFO) 20009, after each comprising a clean crew, clean aircraft, and March including advice that disinfectant/ permit, those requirements have certainly cockpit crew change, it is recommended clean airports and hotels,” Dr. Paulo Avles, antiseptic solutions should be applied changed, with a lot more information to clean and disinfect surfaces in the flight MedAire’s global director of aviation health hourly to high-risk, high-tra"c areas and requested about travel history and health deck that are frequently touched and uti- told AIN. “China, for example, is already items. “FBOs are a funnel point between declarations, and I don’t think those things lized by cockpit crew members, such as publishing guidelines in that regard, cre- the outside world and the flight line,” said are going to be going away anytime soon.” yoke, throttles, autopilots, and radios, and ating procedures to be followed for crews LeBlanc, noting some flight departments Hartley suggests that flight depart- to use products that are effective against arriving in that country. They are designat- have begun to inquire what sanitary mea- ment operators begin capturing 14-day Covid-19, compatible with aircraft, and ing specific hotels around the airports to be sures service providers are undertaking, crew and passenger history for everyone approved by the aircraft manufacturer for utilized by crews in layover and requiring before engaging their services. Other mea- expected to participate in a flight. “That’s use onboard the aircraft. the need for testing for the virus for those sures imposed at some locations include not something that has been a common- subsequently connecting domestically.” He segregating customers by flight within or even uncommon-type request or prac- Cleaning and Testing is hopeful that a vaccine will be developed the FBO terminal and even requesting tice, but certainly something that is a Last month NetJets announced it would along with the establishment of a “health customers to stagger departure times to best practice now, so it’s not just where provide antibody testing to all of its employ- passport” to allow for the free movement minimize contact between waiting groups. did everybody travel on the airplane, but ees, dispatching a quartet of its Global of passengers and crews. As for ordering ground transportation, even in their personal travels.” 6000s to Shanghai to pick up a half a million Even for domestic flights, things can “ask them a simple question, what are your That extends to charter flights as well, Covid-19 antibody tests approved for use change rapidly from state to state, accord- cleaning guidelines for your vehicles?” said according to Daniel Govatos, director of by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. ing to Universal’s Hartley, and accurate, LeBlanc. “If there is a lot of pausing and operations for charter provider Keystone “We are committed to testing 100 percent timely information from the destination hesitation, that probably means they’re not Aviation. “We ordinarily would not be ask- of our crewmembers initially and offering is key from the flight planning perspective. doing much and probably making it up as ing people details about their past travel ongoing testing to anyone who travels to “Start the process earlier, forget what you they as they go along,” he told the webinar and details about their health,” he said. “But high-risk locations, has been exposed to knew for sure about locations, and take audience. “We’ve talked a lot about pro- bringing to their attention that we sincerely Covid-19, or becomes symptomatic,” said them on a case-by-case way right now tecting our passengers and crews [but] all want to protect both them and our crews, it Patrick Gallagher, the operator’s president until we can start to build back to a level that goes out the window if we put them has gone over very well. I believe that people of sales, marketing, and service. of consistency,” he said. He advises opera- in a vehicle that has not been properly are understanding a lot more, that they will There has also been a proliferation of tors to get that vital information, including cleaned, at least to the best of expecta- need to be as honest with us as possible.” companies offering aircraft and facility any current local health regulations, from tions.” Some companies such as Keystone Flight operations have begun instituting disinfection services using a variety of someone with a “boots-on-the-ground” Aviation have attempted to avoid chauf- other safety measures. Some require that methods. view such as the destination FBO. He feur-driven or rideshare situations entirely, passengers and crew undergo temperature As operators slowly resume interna- warned that familiar hotels, rental cars, or according to Govatos, who said his com- screenings before boarding the aircraft. tional flights, new potential problems need restaurants could be in short supply. “The pany has been relying more on rental cars, However, some decisions, such as what to be considered, according to Charlie availability of those things is something even for passengers. temperature threshold to use, are being LeBlanc, v-p of United Healthcare Global’s that shouldn’t be counted on today or Greg Kulis, a member of NBAA’s security left to the individual companies. Given the medical assistance and security division, thinking that all those services are going council as well as a lead captain and secu- fact that some infected people can remain and a member of NBAA’s security council. to be open and available without extra con- rity coordinator for an international flight fever-free or have just a low-grade fever, Speaking during a recent NBAA webinar firmation ahead of time.” department, said that when weighing the temperature screening is far from a fool- on aviation security issues in the Covid-19 During this period, to avoid being level of safety precautions companies are proof indicator. era, he noted that countries have devel- caught in local restrictions, Universal taking during this time versus the possi- “These are unsettling times, and with oped varying responses to the pandemic. advises that crews leave the destina- ble inconvenience and alarm to custom- that comes new procedures for both crew “One of the biggest concerns that I see as tion airport only if necessary, and many ers and passengers who may already be and passengers,” said Kimberly Mazzeo, we open up the world again and start trav- companies are advising their crews to anxious, “We’re here to provide the safest, chief flight attendant for an international eling globally is countries now have figured pack food from home. Indeed, to protect most effective transportation in the world, flight department. “Some of these may out that flipping a switch and closing their their health, the U.S. DOT SAFO 20009 so given that mission statement, I would seem somewhat of an invasion of privacy borders is a relatively simple act.” advises air carrier crews to stay at home much rather explain why we are taking a to our passengers, and we need to be sensi- He pointed to several recent examples or in their hotel rooms (as applicable) certain precaution than why we are not tak- tive to that.” She recommends taking tem- during the crisis, where countries ordered to the extent possible, eat in their hotel ing a certain precaution. I think most times peratures in a more secluded location and their borders and airspace sealed after room during layovers with either room that will answer the question.”

30 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com airline reservations for longer trips or get- ting up earlier and driving for more local flights. The pilot could also arrange to fly a day early if weather looks iffy on the planned travel date.

“I need to be planning my flight at the same time I’m preparing for my meet- ing, which, I’m afraid, could compro- mise my focus.”

There is no easy answer to this, but the solution is simple. The firewall between focusing on business and focusing on flying must be impenetrable. Modern apps and internet-based programs do help by mak- ing flight-planning a lot more streamlined.

“The flight home will come at the other end of a perhaps-momentous event in my pro- fessional life. I may be elated or deflated. Either way, I need to decide whether I’m too overwhelmed for the ‘home stretch’ flight at the end of a big day.”

Besides just plain fatigue, this could be one of the most critical areas for having specific limits laid out ahead of time in a prepared flight-risk assessment tool A Falcon 2000 owned and flown by actor John Travolta may not be a typical owner-flown airplane, but the principles of safety and or a written collection of standard oper- professionalism apply no matter the size, speed, or capability of the aircraft. ating practices that has been compiled, reviewed, and vetted by all possible stake- holders (which could include spouses and children). Making room for emotional Business aviation owner-pilots aim responses as part of a prepared document could be lifesaving. For example: “If the deal I’m pitching exceeds X percent of high on safety and professionalism potential business revenue for the quar- ter, I, the pilot, hereby promise I will wait by Mark Phelps X hours before launching the flight home.”

There are some pretty rare birds flying in So, what does an owner-pilot business these pilots, however, is a passion for flying “I make the same two-hour, 20-minute our airspace. These pilots are not profes- flyer look like? The diversity in that answer and aviation in general. flight twice a month between my two sionals, but they strive for professionalism is key to a large part of the challenge. The main businesses locations. I’ve done in completing every mission. While most range of business owner-pilots starts with Personal, Professional Challenges it so many times, I worry about com- owner-pilots focus on strictly personal a private pilot who occasionally uses a There are also some specific challenges placency and confirmation bias, as in, travel—or just simply getting off the rented aircraft for business transporta- that set this pilot segment apart. For the ‘I know the weather between X and Y ground to enjoy the miracle of lift, some tion, either for an employer or as part of an pilot with a business meeting, sales pre- waypoints is often worse than forecast, pilots rely on flying for business transpor- independent limited-liability corporation, sentation, or any other form of activity but it’s never been any worse than I tation and supporting their company’s such as a one-person consulting firm. that brings home a paycheck or enhances can easily manage. And today, it’s more bottom line. Maybe it’s not on every flight At the other end of the scale is a pilot revenue, the pressure is different than important than usual that I deliver this or even most flights. But the owner-pilot such as actor John Travolta, who holds for a pilot who usually flies for personal legal document.’” flying on business is a relatively odd breed; a dozen jet type ratings, including six as transportation. The change in the risk somewhere between the paid career avia- pilot-in-command (PIC). His current proj- exposure from personal flying to execut- The “slippery slope” of slowly increasing tor and the dedicated amateur enthusiast. ect is achieving PIC status on his recently ing a trip with a financial purpose cannot risk-acceptance over time in a familiar The challenge is recognizing and acknowl- acquired Falcon 2000 and 900 intercon- be understated. Blurring the two mission environment is a real concern for any edging the borders between those two. tinental jets. That training will start after profiles unnecessarily increases risk. pilot. Randomly contacting a type-club Of course, every pilot, from light sport logging 100 hours each as second-in-com- Here are some of the differences friend, flight instructor, or pilot buddy is to ATP, strives for professionalism. It’s the mand. In the meantime, Travolta will fly between pleasure and business flying, and a good reality check for whether or not gold standard that is universally revered his Falcons with two other type-rated some of the ways to help ensure there is your risk assessment might have become within the global pilot culture. Profes- pilots on board at all times. He also reg- no increase in risk: a little too lax over time. sionalism means completing the mission ularly flies his Eclipse very-light jet as its calmly and routinely and never compro- sole pilot. There will be more on how Tra- “This trip is not the same as a vacation or These are just a few of the operational mising safety standards that have made volta uses his airplanes later in this report. a return home for a school play. Arriving safety considerations that are not likely to the mode of air transportation among the In between are scores of pilots flying every- late for those brings unpleasant but per- impact a paid, professional pilot but are safest and most reliable in human history. thing from light piston singles to jets, though sonal consequences, and as a family we unique to pilots flying personal aircraft This report is not meant to be a how-to most owners of two-pilot aircraft prefer to sit have discussed this and they will under- on business. There are also logistical and for do-it-yourself business pilots. Rather, in the back—with some notable exceptions, stand. When flying on business, I have financial responsibilities that render this it is meant to illustrate the advantages— including singer Jimmy Buffett (Falcon 7X) to show up, on time, or my professional operational segment different from both and challenges—that the owner-pilot seg- and Avfuel owner and CEO Craig Sincock reputation suffers.” professional flight crews on one hand and ment faces. There is a wealth of resources (Falcon 2000—a company-owned aircraft). strictly personal pilots on the other. There is covering guidance for single-pilot opera- So there really is no “typical” profile of the There are a few ways to ensure this factor some overlap from both ends, but this sort tions and issues specific to owner-pilots. business pilot flying a personal aircraft. One does not increase the risk of get-there-itis. of business flying is singular in many ways. This report is meant to point the way. characteristic that is almost universal among The first is having a backup plan—either continues on next page

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 31 continued from previous page from Mustangs to Latitudes, the associa- tion’s mandate, according to CEO Andrew Flying safely Broom, is “to create an ecosystem that can help single-pilot operators operate and professionally like large flight departments.” In the past three years, CJP has Maximizing the utility of flying one’s own launched numerous safety initiatives, airplane on business and balancing that including the Safety and Education effort against safety is a team game. One Foundation, a 501.C3 non-profit. The way to look at this team effort is to com- association’s safety committee, led by pare a safe, effective business flight with a chair Charlie Precourt—former fighter perfect defensive inning of a baseball game. pilot, Space Shuttle commander, and In such an inning, the team works together current CJ owner—has been working to keep the offense of the other team from with training providers and avionics scoring. Though not everyone on the field is companies, among other outreach, and going to touch the ball, everyone still plays a generated “huge dividends,” according role in keeping bad things from happening. to Broom. “The goal is to save lives.” Further, the scouts and coaches have also In January, CJP sponsored a FOQA played their vital roles, preparing the team summit, incorporating “all the play- by analyzing data and reviewing tapes of At the annual Citation Jet Pilots convention, owner-operators learn and share information ers in the Citation space,” said Broom, past performance by their own players, as about operating their jets safely and with a high degree of professionalism. including Textron Aviation, avionics well as those of the opposition. manufacturers Garmin and Collins, Fore- The ideal result is an inning with no executive v-p of sales and marketing at calculations, and post-flight track logging Flight, and postflight analysis providers runs, no hits, and no errors. In other words, ForeFlight, told AIN that the app “levels and 3D review, similar to more sophisti- CloudAhoy and Flight Data Services. The the best result for the defensive team is… the playing field, giving [single-pilot oper- cated flight operational quality assurance goal is to provide pilots with immediate boring. But if you string nine of those ators] so many of the large flight depart- (FOQA) data collection and analysis. feedback after each landing, reviewing innings together, the resulting “perfect ment capabilities.” Apps such as Garmin Pilot, Appareo performance at specific segments—five game” is one of the greatest achievements One tool of particular interest to pilots Stratus Insight, FlyQ, and APG’s iPreFlight miles out; three miles out; height above in sports. And that perfection is what who fly on business is ForeFlight’s Trip Genesis offer many similar EFB features threshold; runway used; and more. “They we strive for with every flight operation, Assistant, he explained. “At ForeFlight, we and their own unique capabilities. For can see a color-coded rating of their per- including those flown by owner-pilots. have a small flight department, and we’re example, in Garmin Pilot, users can set formance—red, yellow, or green,” said No pilot can achieve perfection alone. often asking ourselves, ‘what time do we up custom holds at published waypoints. Broom, adding that the program, still in Vital teammates include flight-planning pro- have to leave the o"ce in order to get to Insight allows pilots to record transcribed beta testing, looks ahead to capturing and viders; airport/FBO operators; maintenance a meeting at a certain location in mid- radio communications. And iPreFlight anonymously sharing data. “The object is and avionics shops; air tra"c controllers; town Manhattan, on time?’” Trip Assis- Genesis combines flight planning with to determine as a group, ‘Here’s 10 things training institutions; aircraft manufactur- tant helps flight operations understand weight and balance and runway analysis. we need to work on.’” ers and type clubs; trade and user associa- with a few clicks how long a trip is going Aircraft manufacturers and type clubs The CJP menu of available resources, tions such as NBAA and AOPA; insurance to take door-to-door and what fuel stops are another tremendous resource for event participation, and programs is over- underwriters; financial institutions; and they might have to make, if any. business owner-pilots. Virtually all air- whelming in its scope. Broom stresses last but far from least, support and buy-in The program uses filters to evaluate the craft models popular among business-ori- that the effort is not just for Citation from passengers. That can come in the form choices of arrival airports based not only ented aviators have comprehensive type pilots or association members but is ded- of in-flight assistance, understanding, and on geographic proximity, but also weather, clubs, including those serving operators icated to the entire pilot segment they acceptance of “sterile cockpit” rules, or the fuel price, runway length, approaches, and who fly Daher TBM, Pilatus, Piper, Beech- represent, and everything on the website acknowledgment that this trip might end other programmable factors. It uses Goo- craft, Cirrus, Eclipse, and Embraer Phe- is available to anyone. “Those operating up with an unplanned airline flight—or a gle Maps to estimate ground-travel time nom aircraft, among others. They provide single-pilot jets,” he said, “they’re at the long drive home in a rental car. to the departure airport at the beginning resources, advocacy, information, train- pinnacle. They need to demonstrate the of the trip and from the arrival airport to ing, and a huge, underappreciated benefit safest operations there are. If we can Flying Technology the ultimate destination address. for this pilot segment—networking. build this safety infrastructure and filter Among the most important advanced Other ForeFlight features that are espe- Citation Jet Pilots, an association for it down—even to the Cubs and smaller technology, electronic flight bag (EFB) cially useful for this pilot segment include owner-operators of Cessna jets, is among airplanes—it would be great.” apps are an ever-evolving tool that makes 3D preview of arrival, departure, and the most comprehensive and active air- owner-flown business operations more approach procedures, customized check- craft type clubs. With close to 1,300 mem- Managing Safety practical and safe. Stephen Newman, lists, takeoff and landing performance bers representing almost 800 Citations AOPA’s Air Safety Institute (ASI), led by Richard McSpadden, a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot, is another valu- able resource built upon five principles. “If you take knowledgeable pilots, train them well, keep them proficient, with reliable equipment, and surround them with a good culture—they will fly safely,” McSpadden said. Recognizing that we all, especially the business pilot segment, have busy lives, McSpadden is dedicated to providing the best support through the institute, as well as AOPA’s extensive resources. Because a full-on formal safety man- agement system (SMS) is not practi- ForeFlight’s Trip Assistant (above) estimates cal for most owner-pilots, one effort the time needed from departure point to involves developing a downloadable destination, including ground time. Pilots scalable safety framework through the can preview an arrival, departure, or ASI website, “like an SMS-lite.” Opera- approach procedure with 3D Flight Preview tors could fill in parameters that make (right) and see what surrounding terrain and the most sense for their operations. other terrain features look like. Another key player in the safety game,

32 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com NBAA strongly supports the owner-flown reduced runway incursions. He sees in life of how to make a living—and I do— business pilot with extensive resources controller-pilot data link communica- [for me] it’s not just films, it’s ancillary available on its website. It also fields an tions—essentially texting with ATC—as opportunities that demand flight. I’ve annual Single-pilot Safety Standdown just one of the next advances sorely needed. arranged my life to be this way. If I didn’t before the annual NBAA-BACE trade show. Aviating and navigating have gotten much love aviation and travel, I wouldn’t work Attendance has grown to more than 100 better, he said, but we’re still relying on for those companies.” participants, most being owner-pilots of antiquated voice communications tech- He is type-rated as second-in- command high-performance aircraft. NBAA also has nology in the digital age. “I’m acting as on the Falcons and will begin training for an extensive safety library and offers flight a robot inputting data in the cockpit that his PIC rating after logging 100 hours in operations manual templates and sample I’m hearing through a headset,” he said. each jet; an insurance stipulation. Tra- standard operating procedures. volta has a full-time pilot on staff and has “For more than a decade,” added Mark A Life of Flying a list of contract pilots. He’s in the pro- Larsen, NBAA senior manager of safety For the finale of our successful owner-pi- cess of hiring two more full-time pilots and flight operations, “we’ve had training lots of note, let’s close with this month’s but will still use contract pilots to fulfill guidelines for very light jets and technolog- celebrity guest star, John Travolta, who his needs. His policy, established in 1992 ically advanced aircraft. Loss of control in was kind enough to spend 45 minutes when he bought a Gulfstream GII, is to flight is also as key an issue for this segment talking with AIN about how he uses his always fly two-crew aircraft with at least of the industry as it is to pilots flying full- Falcon 2000 and 900. His fixation with two other pilots on board, besides himself. time as professionals. That’s another area aviation is well known, but most people As well as carrying Travolta and his I would encourage operators to focus on.” remember him flying his Qantas-liveried family, all his airplanes often fly missions It’s a rare pilot who came into business Boeing 707, which he kept parked outside to pick up clients and associates for meet- flying without previous interest in avia- his house on a Florida airpark. He donated ings at Travolta’s house or at potential tion, strictly for its competitive advantage. it a few years ago to Australia’s Historic filming sites. The actor regularly flies his Tom Turner, executive director of the Actor and pilot John Travolta flies his Aircraft Restoration Society and it’s now Eclipse as a single-pilot. American Bonanza Society’s Air Safety business jets with professional pilots as the on display Down Under. Travolta is type- Asked how he handles the transition Foundation, once flew professionally for second crew member, although he pilots his rated in the 707 and used the ex-airliner from movie star/businessman/family man the head of an earth-moving company Eclipse 500 solo. on business, as well as flying relief mis- to the pilot role, Travolta said, “I handle it who did just that. “He got tired of spend- sions, such as during flooding in Haiti and the same way a professional pilot would. ing all that time on the road,” Turner said, “I can sit in a meeting and, during a break, New Orleans. You greet the passengers, discuss what you “so he learned to fly. The company had two I can check my phone to see how a front Besides the Falcons, Travolta also oper- need to discuss with them, and then you Beech Barons when I joined them. He flew is developing and if there are flow-control ates an Eclipse 500, which he calls the most go do your job in the cockpit. Anyone who one and I flew the other. We’d fly out to issues I’ll need to consider for my return pilot-friendly airplane he’s ever flown. “All travels with me understands that when I’m visit two work sites a day, usually highway trip. In the old days, I’d have to get up and my airplanes fly a lot,” he said, “about 600 in pilot mode, they respect the bubble. I’ve development sites, taking off early in the leave the room to make a phone call.” to 700 hours a year, total.” He estimated never had an issue with that.” morning and landing around 5 p.m.” Turn- With Garmin’s purchase of Fltplan, the that 75 percent of the hours logged are Now 66, Travolta started flying lessons er’s former employer now flies a Daher company’s flight-planning assets have flown on business-related missions. as a teenager in 1970, “squandering” all TBM turboprop single, soaring through taken a big step forward, and the com- Why two Falcons? “The second plane the money he earned from early TV com- the heavens to help move the earth. pany is adding new features, including an is backup. I equip my airplanes very per- mercials and summer stock theater. In A more typical example of a business pilot, expanded trip planning program that incor- sonally for my needs, and if one is in addition to discussing his business flying, Phil Straub is executive v-p and managing porates data on ground-time, contract-fuel maintenance—for one month, or two the rambling telephone conversation with director of aviation for Garmin. He still availability, and more. The program also months—I’d have to resort to charter, AIN covered a wide range of pilot talk and owns the 1967 Cessna 150 his father bought collates and securely stores personal data which doesn’t really work for me.” aviation lore, including his amazement in 1968, along with a T-tail Piper Lance—but for Canada’s eAPIS U.S. Customs and Bor- Travolta explained, “That may sound when told about Garmin’s new Autoland most of his flying these days involves busi- der Patrol data-exchange program. overly-indulgent to some people, or technology (“Oh, my God. That is unbe- ness travel in Garmin’s King Air 350 and Straub also noted how modern excessive, but most of my [business] lievable!”) and his musings on a docu- Citation CJ2. As a business pilot, Straub advances such as TCAS and TAWS have obligations are global. I’ve done work for mentary he had just watched on Amelia loves to talk about how far technology has dramatically reduced midair collisions Breitling, Qantas, Bombardier, and Boe- Earhart. It was a good talk. Before saying advanced since he began flying in the 1980s. and controlled flight into terrain, respec- ing. They ask you to be at various places goodbye, he told me, “When I listen to And how that makes it more feasible to fly tively. And airport moving maps, such around the globe—Dubai, Europe, South your voice—and I hear my own voice—I oneself on business trips. as Garmin’s SafeTaxi, have substantially America, Australia. If you have a choice feel like we’re both 12 years old.”

Lufthansa Technik Converts First A350-900 for VIP

Lufthansa Technik took delivery on May 7 of multifunctional lounge, washrooms, and the first of three Airbus A350-900s for con- a kitchen with modern equipment. It will version to a VIP interior for the German Fed- receive the permanent VIP cabin once com- eral Government’s Special Air Mission Wing. pletions are wrapped up on its sister A350s. It’s the first conversion of this kind to an “Over decades we have formed a com- A350-900, according to Lufthansa Technik. prehensive partnership with the German To be delivered by the end of July to the Air Force, in the course of which we have German Air Force, the widebody twin will be already equipped a large number of aircraft equipped with a “transitional” cabin for the with special cabins for government repre- transport of government offcials and their del- sentatives,” said Lufthansa Technik VIP and egations that will be later replaced with a “fully special mission aircraft services v-p Kai- featured VIP cabin” that the other two A350s— Stefan Röpke. “We are pleased to be able military registrations 10+01 and 10+02—will to extend this cooperation to install the first have installed at Lufthansa Technik. government cabin in an Airbus A350. This The transitional cabin on this first is not only a first for our long-standing cus- To be delivered by the end of July to the German Air Force, this Airbus A350-900 will be A350—military registration 10+03—will tomer German Air Force or for Lufthansa equipped by Lufthansa Technik with a “transitional” cabin for the transport of government include office and conference areas, a Technik, but for the entire industry.” J.S. officials and their delegations.

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 33 AVIONICS & technology

intercom/ATC audio but limited to one News Update Hands-on with the Bose source each. In mute mode, an intercom signal will cause the Bluetooth audio to Appareo Recorder mute until the intercom audio is fin- Hardened for Crashes ProFlight Series 2 headset ished. The mix position is suitable for Appareo has developed a new crash- receiving Bluetooth audio advisories hardened flight data recorder designed by Matt Thurber that some electronic flight bag (EFB) for small aircraft. The RDM-300 apps offer. Up to two Bluetooth devices (Recoverable Data Module) features Bose introduced the ProFlight Series 2 The design challenge then becomes can be connected at a time, such as a auto-detect for Arinc or serial buses and digital active noise-canceling aviation how to mount a boom mic on a light- phone and a tablet. it “can record more than 500 parameters headset in July last year, updating the weight headset without weighing down It’s important to install the Bose per second to the non-complicated, original ProFlight with new comfort fea- one side or the other. “So then you need Connect app on the tablet (available for solid-state memory within the device,” tures based on customer requests. The a head-worn form factor to support the Android or iOS) to get the maximum according to Appareo. The RDM-300 ProFlight headsets are lightweight and boom and make sure the boom weight Bluetooth utility. This enables, for one weighs less than two pounds and meets feature in-ear tips, a departure from tra- and moment doesn’t disturb the earbuds. example, the ability for two pilots to hear RTCA DO-160G testing standards. ditional over-the-ear aviation headsets. That’s how we arrived at the form factor, EFB advisories from one tablet. “There When Bose engineers designed the based on the needs of the pilot not to be are a lot of hidden features” accessible Elliott Aviation Guarantees ProFlight headset, released in 2018, they disturbed by anything on their head and from the Bose app, Ruwe said, and users Upgrade Downtime were responding to customer requests for still be able to move the boom.” can learn about these by going through Elliott Aviation is offering downtime Bose noise cancelation but in a product The result is an ultra-light headset that the app’s tutorial. guarantees for King Air Garmin G1000 NXi more suitable for quieter environments is extremely comfortable to wear for long I flew with the ProFlight 2 in both and Citation Excel/XLS Garmin G5000 and without the bulky ear cups. The Bose flights. The ProFlight Series 2 weighs just piston-engine airplanes and during a upgrades. For the King Air retrofit, Elliott A20 active noise-canceling headset has 4.5 ounces versus the A20 at 12 ounces. demo flight in an Embraer Phenom 300E promises to complete the job in three long been popular among pilots of piston- twinjet. The headset definitely does shine weeks, while the G5000 upgrade for the and turbine-powered light aircraft, but in the jet. It is so light that I barely noticed Excel/XLS is guaranteed at four weeks. If business jet pilots work in a much quieter it was on my head, and I could hear ATC the work isn’t done within the guaranteed environment and didn’t want to have to audio and the aircraft’s aural warnings time, Elliott Aviation will pay the customer wear the bulkier headset. perfectly. Intercom communication with $3,000 per day over the three- or four- “Customers flying jets or airliners were my fellow pilot was perfectly clear. week period, up to a $15,000 maximum. telling us that our headset was overkill, it In piston airplanes, which included a was too big and bulky,” said Matt Ruwe, Piper Cherokee 180 and a Cessna 172S, Innovation Preview Brings senior product manager. “They liked the the noise-canceling worked pretty well, New Products to Light benefits of the A20-style noise-canceling but the ProFlight isn’t really designed for After canceling this year’s Aircraft headset,” he said. “We heard that over and that application, so the engine noise did Electronics Association show, AEA over again.” get through more and it was more fatigu- unveiled an online version of its popular Bose had already designed in-ear ing. In the piston aircraft, I found that I new products showcase, the Avionics headphone tips or buds for its QC20 was spending a lot of time trying to get Innovation Preview. Highlights include: consumer products, and this turned Bose’s ProFlight Series 2 headset now the ear buds fitted inside my ears, and if Alto Aviation introduced the out to be ideal for an aviation applica- features a lighter down-cable and improved, the buds aren’t perfectly sealed, extrane- Preconfigured Cadence Switch Series, tion. “We had done a lot of work to get more firm positioning of the boom mic. ous noise does come through. “The leak off-the-shelf cabin switch options the in-ear buds to perform very well,” path is much more noticeable [in piston with 34-panel options and a variety he said. “That was the starting point to The changes to the Series 2 include a aircraft],” Ruwe confirmed. “You lose of functions including HDMI and USB research in this market, and we started new, lighter down-cable that doesn’t dis- sensitivity and noise rejection, and the ports, Bluetooth support, HD selection experimenting; can it work in a com- turb the headset when moved. The cable signal-to-noise ratio is much worse.” and video control, and headphone. mercial or TSO environment?” itself was a design challenge, containing I also tested the ProFlight Series 2 on Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing’s Meeting FAA and EASA technical more than a dozen connectors and shield- my desktop flight simulator, by connect- new panel-mount BAA01 Bluetooth Audio standard order (TSO) requirements for ing to provide the correct signal structure, ing the X-Plane simulator to the PilotEdge Accessory enables adding Bluetooth to headsets is critical for Bose as airlines according to Ruwe. “We worked hard real-time live ATC network. The ProFlight existing avionics, audio, PA, and loudspeaker generally are required to use TSO’d to develop a cable that is substantially connects to the simulator computer via a systems. The unit is 1.1 inches high and equipment, and without that the mar- lighter and supple, and it results in better USB device developed by New Zealand- offers two unique Bluetooth connections ket for ProFlight would be limited. Bose comfort and stability.” based Flight Sounds. The ProFlight per device. Available this month. also saw a void in the headset market Bose engineers designed subtle headset worked perfectly with the Flight Aircraft Lighting International after Sennheiser stopped making avia- improvements to the mechanical aspects SoundsX adapter as both an aviation unveiled new LED window lamps for King tion headsets, and its products such as of the headband, and an improved boom headset when connected to PilotEdge and Air 90 and 200 turboprops, which connect the A20 didn’t appeal to airline pilots, mic stays solidly in place after position- as an audio device using Skype. directly to the existing ballast and use similar to the situation with business ing by the pilot. The mic can be easily If the three sizes of earbuds that come existing wiring and controls. The LEDs jet pilots. “We never really targeted the swapped from side to side. with the ProFlight don’t fit perfectly, use less current and last much longer. airline market,” Ruwe said, “and it’s a Noise-canceling comes in three set- custom-made buds are available from The new Gogo Vision 360 entertainment fairly new market segment. Our timing tings: maximum for the best signal-to- third-party providers such as Avery Sound. system runs on Gogo’s Avance high-speed couldn’t have been better.” noise ratio and audio in loud aircraft; The ProFlight with two plugs starts broadband platform, offering moving- Although Bose makes wireless active medium for consistent audio in quieter at $996 without Bluetooth or $1,046 map and Flightpath 3D with augmented noise-canceling ear pods, they aren’t suit- aircraft such as jets; and low for the best with Bluetooth and is powered by two views, including 360-deg aircraft view, able for the aviation market. “We experi- result when speaking to others nearby AA batteries that provide more than instrument view, and real-time flight mented with pods,” he said, “but to meet without the intercom. Double-tapping 45 hours of use without Bluetooth and data. Gogo’s new Cloudport system turns the TSO we had to have a [hard-wired] one earbud does the same as the low at least 25 hours with Bluetooth. Air- hangars into Gogo hotspots for updating. boom mic.” The problem with wireless setting, just for that ear bud, for a quick craft-powered variants of the headset Shadin introduced the Volta Series microphones is that software runs the non-intercom discussion. are also available, and optional configu- data converter platform. The Volta- wireless activity and if there is a software There are three Bluetooth priority rations include twin plug, five-pin XLR, 60 Discrete to Arinc 429 converter problem, the mic can cut out. “The qual- settings on the ProFlight’s control mod- seven-pin XLR, or six-pin Lemo plug. is designed “to address the growing ity of the audio and reliability [of wired ule: off, mix, and mute. Off eliminates The down-cable and microphone can customer demand for such a plug-and-play microphones] can’t be beat by new tech- Bluetooth audio and is recommended easily be swapped to either side with- flight worthy avionics package to digitally nology,” he said. “That’s what we’ve run during sterile-cockpit flying. The mix out tools. The ProFlight is FAA TSO interpret discrete electronics throughout into when designing TSO’d headsets.” setting allows mixing of Bluetooth and and EASA E/TSO C139A certified. an aircraft,” according to Shadin.

34 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com Another discovery proved a major Vintage bonus for the new owners. “It was amazing to find the auxiliary power still installed,” said Howie, adding that King 727 back Aerospace will handle the cleaning and partial refurbishment of the jet. “If they can get the APU working, it will allow to work ATS to power the brakes and steering, which will make testing much safer and easier.” King Aerospace will also rein- for testing stall the engines’ cowlings and mount new tires on the aircraft as part of its rehabilitation. towing “We believe our strategic investment in this jet will be the perfect instrument to demonstrate how ATS works in the system days ahead,” noted Howie. ATS, which would represent a major capital expendi- by Curt Epstein ture for an airport, is integrated into the ground control system, and run by the When Vince Howie first noticed the Kitty ground control tower personnel. It uses Hawk Air Cargo Boeing 727 parked for- tow tractors that ride along underground, lornly at Oklahoma’s Ardmore Industrial permanently-installed rail channels, Airpark several years ago, he thought ATS World-Wide CEO Vince Howie poses with his company’s new acquisition, a formerly- leading from the runway to the termi- about leasing it someday to test the per- derelict Boeing 727 that ATS will use to test and demonstrate a new permanently-installed, nals. Intended to be able to move aircraft manently-installed automatic aircraft automated aircraft towing system. with their engines off, anticipated bene- towing system his company, Aircraft fits include improved safety, fuel savings, Towing Systems World-Wide (ATS), was acquire it for just over the minimum bid. aircraft had simply been closed up when decreased emissions, increased engine developing there in cooperation with The aircraft had not moved since 2007, its owners walked away. The flight log lifespan, reduced ground staff require- Oklahoma State University’s New Prod- and its former owner declared bank- ended with entries for its last flight in ments, and noise reduction. uct Development Center. As the proto- ruptcy the following year. When Howie August 2007, and all interior equipment Howie told AIN that testing utiliz- type of the electrically-powered system and several other ATS employees and was still present, down to the fire extin- ing the 727 should begin in about four nears completion, he inquired about the family members went to examine the new guishers. The jet’s last airworthiness cer- months when the prototype installation classic tri-jet’s status. acquisition, they found the only entrance tificate was found in the cockpit, along is completed at the Ardmore Airpark. He “When I discovered it was abandoned, I that was accessible was the aft ventral with some 2007-vintage aviation publica- expects trials to be completed by the end asked if I might buy it,” said Howie. “The airstairs (the same access point the noto- tions. The Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines of the year, pending regulatory approval. City of Ardmore then filed for an aban- rious D.B. Cooper used to escape his 1971 had been removed at some point, but “We have several very interested airports doned title and put it up for auction.” mid-air 727 hijacking attempt). their cowlings and thrust reversers were and we continue to work with the FAA,” With no other bidders, ATS was able to Once inside, it became clear that the found in the cargo compartment. he concluded.

New Garmin portable adds approach overlays

The proliferation of powerful tablet elec- updates and databases wirelessly. The por- tronic flight bags (EFBs) hasn’t killed the table can also connect to Garmin’s GTX 345 market for portable GPS navigators, and ADS-B transponder or GDL 52 ADS-B receiver Garmin today introduced the aera 760 por- for display of free ADS-B In traffic and table GPS navigator with some EFB- and avi- weather. SiriusXM weather is also an option onics-like features. Shipping begins in May, when paired with the appropriate receiver. and the new unit retails for $1,599. Hard-wiring of the aera 760’s power, audio, The aera 760’s seven-inch touchscreen and dual RS-232 connections to a Garmin display allows pilots to load instrument GTN or GNS series navigator allows the approach, arrival, and departure procedures devices to share and synchronize flight plans. in a flight plan. Approach procedures can The aera 760 can also connect wirelessly to also be overlaid on the moving-map. The navigators via a Garmin Flight Stream 210 or GPS receiver works on both the U.S. GPS 510 wireless gateway. Connection to Garmin and Russian Glonass networks. GTR 225, GNC 255, or GTR 200 navcoms With a user interface mirroring typical enables the pilot to input frequencies on Garmin avionics conventions, as well as the aera 760 and then transfer them to the those of the Garmin Pilot EFB app, the aera navcom. Autopilot connections are also avail- 760 was designed by Garmin’s TeamX, a able for flying lateral GPS and single-point group of pilots and aircraft builders. The vertical navigation in visual conditions. aera 760 stores IFR en route charts, VFR Garmin’s 3D Vision technology is avail- sectionals, and Garmin FliteCharts, and it able on the aera 760, including an HSI dis- Garmin’s newest portable GPS device, the aera 760, packs many features into a compact can also display optional Jeppesen charts play with lateral and vertical deviation bars unit, including approach chart overlay, procedures in flight plans, and synthetic vision. for access to instrument approaches world- and “a virtual 3D visual perspective view of wide. Flight planning can include victor surrounding terrain, obstacles, and airports.” Other features include fuel price information, Battery life is up to four hours, and a airways and user-defined holds over an Full synthetic vision with backup attitude an E6B computer, weight and balance calculator, USB-C connector is available for external existing navigation fix. information is also available when the aera optional WireAware wire-strike avoidance tech- power and charging. Loading of topography Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are built into the aera 760 is paired with a compatible attitude nology, and optional map data to allow entry and street maps and user waypoints is via a 760, which allows for downloading software source, including the GDL 52 or GTX 345. of street intersection or non-aviation waypoints. microSD card slot. M.T.

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 35 ROTORCRAFT & unmanned systems

ratios and loss rates are much higher than Sikorsky Signs Cougar for Insurance hikes, limited they are for fixed-wing,” he explained. S-92A+ Helicopter Upgrades While Gardner said there are options Cougar Helicopters is the launch customer for helicopter operators to reduce insur- for the Sikorsky S-92A+ upgrade kit with Covid aid for helo operators ance costs during the Covid-19 crisis due an order for four. The kit features the to parked aircraft or reduced flying hours, new Phase IV main gearbox that uses a by Mark Huber he counseled against expecting the same supplemental oil pump and additional kind of relief from insurers a"orded to oil lines to reuse main gearbox oil that Aviation Insurance Association board pres- a 2015 Colorado accident with severe automobile drivers. If Covid-19 triggers a is accumulated in a lower sump in the ident James Gardner warned of continuing burns. Globally, the aviation insurance reduction in the premium base, that could event of primary lubrication failure in the “seismic changes” throughout the industry market shrunk from $7 billion to $4 bil- in fact provide the impetus for additional twin-engine helicopter. Lockheed Martin and limited insurance cost relief for opera- lion between 2005 and 2019, while claim rate increases, he warned. subsidiary Sikorsky announced both the tors impacted by Covid-19.During a recent ratios and settlements have increased, Tour operators that have suspended S-92A+ upgrade program and the follow-on Helicopter Association International (HAI) creating a situation that is “not sustain- operations are the most impacted, he S-92B production helicopter program webinar, he said that changes in the form of able” for insurers, he said. noted, adding that at least one insur- in 2019. The company anticipates the increasing premiums, higher deductibles, Beginning in 2018, insurers began dra- ance carrier had stopped writing new S-92A+ kit will be delivered by 2023 and overall coverage and liability limits, and matically increasing premiums by annual policies for any helicopter operator that the S-92B helicopter in 2025. All of the less competition would continue. rates averaging 15 percent and finding carries passengers. However, there are features on the A+ kit will be incorporated According to Gardner, these changes more ways to offoad risk. Some insurers ways to mitigate the insurance bite on a into the B model, along with several other are being “driven by years of a soft have either exited the market outright or case-by-case basis via policy provisions, improvements such as 20 percent larger market” that included artificially low consolidated, Gardner said. The outlook modifications, and riders. These include cabin windows and a common cabin past premiums, premium shrinkage for helicopter operators is particularly rotors not in motion, rotors not in flight, door for offshore and SAR missions. brought on by a contracting market, acute due to high loss ratios. “The bad layup credit, premium financing, monthly and increased costs due to several high- news for helicopter operators is that your reporting and flight by the hour, and, in Bell 525 Edges Closer profile cases and settlements, includ- track record is not the healthiest in the extreme cases, voluntary policy cancella- To Certification ing the 2018 and 2019 Boeing 737 Max world. Somebody said there is no such tion. But the bottom line, Gardner said, Bell might be entering the home stretch crashes and the $100 million award to thing as a partial loss for helicopters and is that “operational excellence is the best on its 525 super-medium twin program. an EMS helicopter medic who survived in many cases that’s true, so your loss insurance you can buy.” The helicopter OEM recently announced that it had completed noise testing to satisfy FAA Part 36 certification standards during a series of sorties conducted over Barkersfield, California. The test Heli XP 2020 aircraft flew 16 hours over the course of five days for both company noise rescheduled testing and to satisfy certification requirements. Significantly, a Bell for October spokesman told AIN that the company “is heavily involved with the FAA in the Organizers of the Brazilian helicopter certification of the 525, with no additional show Heli XP, which they normally plans for off-site activities at this time. hold in May in São Paulo, have moved the event to October 21 and 22, public U.S. Helo Safety Team Offers health permitting. The fair was 90 per- Case Studies for Survival cent sold out in January and expects The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) 88 brands and 22 static-display aircraft, has released a new recommended with all of last year’s exhibitors returning practice guide with suggested training Transport Canada has validated the certification of the Airbus Helicopters H135 light twin- and a 75 percent increase in event space. scenarios designed to mitigate risk and engine helicopter with the Helionix avionics suite. Heli XP—which serves the Brazilian improve decision making. USHST’s new helicopter market, the world’s second- guide contains materials for lesson largest in fleet size and the busiest in plans using fatal helicopter accidents instrument data for the pilot in one indi- operations—will use an entire hangar precipitated by flawed decisions that Airbus H135 cator. Helionix already is standard on the at Helipark for stands. “The idea is the placed the aircraft at risk. Scenarios company’s H175, H145, and, soon, on the exhibitor just arrives with his material include loss of rotor rpm in autorotation; H160 super-medium and medium twins. and everything’s ready,” Gledson Cas- loss of tail rotor effectiveness; spatial with Helionix “The H135 has proven itself to be one tro of organizer G2C told AIN. disorientation; unintended flight in of the most reliable aircraft on the mar- Offcials will reserve part of the Heli- instrument meteorological conditions ket,” said Dwayne Charette, president park ramp for test flights, one of the fea- (IMC); low-altitude wire strike; and approved in and COO of Airbus Helicopters Canada. tures that contributed to the success of low-altitude engine failure. “This recent certification now allows us the first Heli XP, which last year attracted to deliver the H135 with the latest technol- 4,000 invitation-only visitors—90 per- Asleep at the Stick? Canada ogies to our customers, providing them cent from Brazil—over its two days. The National Transportation Safety Board the combination of power, safety, and The Helipark venue allows Heli XP (NTSB) final report on a fatal late-night Transport Canada has granted certifica- maneuverability.” to o"er lower costs and has permit- rural northern Wisconsin helicopter EMS tion validation to the Airbus Helicopters Existing customers for the aircraft in ted rescheduling without scrambling crash on April 26, 2018, indicates that H135 light twin equipped with the Heli- the U.S. and Europe include Stat Medevac; for convention center space. The first the pilot was non-responsive before onix avionics system. The approval fol- the British Ministry of Defense/UK Mili- edition mostly sold out even before his ship rolled inverted, descended at lows those awarded by the FAA in 2018 tary Flight Training System (UKMFTS), the watershed 2018 Brazilian election, 5,000 fpm, and hit terrain. The entire and EASA in 2016. operated by Ascent Flight training; and Castro noted. “Even with the pandemic, accident sequence lasted 12 seconds. Helionix is designed with three large the Norwegian Helicopter Emergency the sector strongly believes in the [eco- O"cially, the NTSB labeled the “defining electronic displays, is night-vision-goggle Medical Services operator Norsk Luftam- nomic] recovery and that’s what gave event” of the crash as “loss of control (NVG) compatible, features a four-axis bulanse (Nolas). In Canada, some 220 us the certainty needed to move ahead in flight,” but its report suggests pilot autopilot, and includes a first-limit indica- operators fly approximately 720 Airbus with the event,” he said. R.P. fatigue might have been a contributing tor that highlights the appropriate engine helicopters. M.H. factor in the nighttime accident.

36 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com Perot pushes Alliance as eVTOL technology hub by Mark Huber

Ross Perot, Jr. believes the 26,000-acre Fort Worth Alliance airport complex is just the place to develop and test a new generation of delivery drones and pas- senger eVTOL aircraft. Beginning in the 1980s, Perot’s Hillwood Development Ross Perot, donated the land for the public-use air- Jr. Chairman, port and developed adjacent industrial, Hillwood retail, and 10,000 residential properties. Development Today, more than 525 companies and 61,000 employees are part of the Alliance complex that includes logistics hubs and He sees the military playing the same high-tech facilities for Amazon, UPS, role today with eVTOLs. “The Air Force’s IF YOU ARE ROTORS Santa Fe Railroad, and Facebook, and vision gives the industry the courage to Perot is known as the most powerful take the risk to develop technologies WE GOT IT! real estate developer in Texas. He is a big for our military, then have tremendous backer of new technology, hosting the civilian- use spinoffs and have a huge eco- TexasUP summit of industry investors nomic impact on the world today.” in eVTOL last year and driving the for- Despite the current Covid-19-generated mation of a “mobility zone” at Alliance. crisis and industry skepticism with regard Referring to that property, Perot to UASs and eVTOLs, Perot sees them as Nov 10 – 12, 2020 said, “We have a big lab” for UAS and inevitable. “We’re going to improve the eVTOL trials, including residential human race and give people a much bet- Koelnmesse | Germany home delivery. Perot envisions a future ter life with these new flying products. I where heavy-lift drones would be used see this as the [same] opportunity that we to move rail shipping containers and saw back in the 1930s when [commercial] www.europeanrotors.eu working with industry to bring clients aviation started coming to life. Billions of to Alliance for the manufacture, train- people around the world will benefit.” He ing in, and maintenance of these and characterized the market as potentially other new-generation aircraft. worth $1.6 trillion and called it a “revo- Speaking at the Air Force’s “Agility lution in aircraft [that’s] going to be here Prime” virtual conference in May, Perot before we know it.” stressed the historical importance of A former Air Force F-4 flyer and military programs as a catalyst for break- world-record helicopter pilot, Perot said throughs in civil aviation that included he is personally eager to take the controls GPS navigation and transformational of an eVTOL. “I’m ready…I’m always aircraft such as the Boeing 707 and 747. ready to fly.”

Helo OEMs post solid Q1 results

The Covid-19 crisis had minimal financial primarily by higher military sales. Segment impact on several helicopter OEMs during profit increased by $11 million, to $115 mil- the first quarter of 2020. lion. During the period, Bell delivered 15 Revenues at Airbus Helicopters actually commercial helicopters, half the number increased 19.4 percent for the first three delivered in first-quarter 2019. Backlog at months of this year to reach just over ff1.2 bil- the end of the latest quarter stood at $6.4 lion ($1.3 billion). During the first quarter, Air- billion. Bell continues to see strong civil bus delivered 47 helicopters, which was one demand from parapublic customers who more than it delivered in the same period are “more resilient,” said Scott Donnelly, in 2019. The improved value of these deliv- chairman of Bell parent Textron. eries and some significant new growth in Meanwhile, revenues from Leonardo’s associated services contributed to adjusted helicopter business fell by around 5 per- operating profits more than doubling to cent during the first quarter to ff704 million. ff53 million. However, the division’s overall The company attributed the results partly orders backlog fell 4.7 percent, to 702 units. to reduced deliveries of its AW139 twin- It logged 54 net orders for helicopters in the engine helicopter. Leonardo is now working quarter, which was 18 percent less than the on introducing a so-called “smart delivery” organised by in cooperation with same period last year. process in which it shares as much informa- For the first quarter, Bell posted rev- tion as possible with customers via digital enues of $823 million, an 11.4 percent means to reduce the need for them to send increase from the year-ago period, driven sta" to the factory. C.A. & M.T.

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 37 AIR transport News Update Boeing deliveries MC-21 Resumes Flight Tests slow to a crawl The Irkut MC-21-300 program resumed regular test flights outside Moscow on Boeing delivered just six airplanes April 23 following an interruption in the during the month of April, as monthly program caused by Covid-19-related figures reported by the company on recommendations from Russian authorities. May 12 for the first time reflected the United Aircraft Corporation reported full effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. a gradual increase in flight test intensity Philippine Airlines’ first Airbus A320neo takes off for delivery to Manila from Hamburg in July 2018. A total of 108 order cancellations by the four MC-21 flying prototypes since during the month included those the start of this year. Out of 650 flights already announced from GE Capital needed to obtain a Russian certificate, the Aviation Services covering sixty-nine program has completed more than 300. Manila gateway reopens 737 Max jets and 29 from CDB Finan- Two of the MC-21 flight test articles cial Leasing, along with another 10 carry passenger cabins, one in a two- from unidentified customers. class, 163-seat layout, and the other in to international flights After the company removed orders a “super-dense” 211-seat configuration. for another 101 airplanes from its The MC-21 test team has finished flutter by Jennifer Meszaros books to comply with new accounting testing and most of the tests related to standards, its net order total for 2020 extreme angles of attack. Other tests have International arrivals at Manila’s main having their separate restrictions,” the now stands at negative 516. Of those, involved determining minimum separation gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Air- advisory said. the 737 Max accounted for negative speeds, instrument landing system port (NAIA), resumed on May 11 under The announcement comes after NAIA 299, while the 737 NG saw a net posi- operation, navigation, landing systems, limitations set by the Civil Aviation moved to temporarily suspend all domes- tive total of 16 airplanes. Boeing’s new and external lighting equipment at night. Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). tic and international flights on May 3 to 777X has recorded no order activity A CAAP notam allows for international mitigate the spread of Covid-19. As part of this year, while the 777-300ER’s total Alafco Sues Boeing chartered flights to land at NAIA on Mon- a new government directive, passengers stands at negative 1. Along with 737 Over Max Payments days and Thursdays while commercial arriving in the Philippines must undergo NGs built for the P-8 military program Kuwaiti aircraft lessor Alafco has filed flights may land on Tuesdays, Wednes- strict quarantine and testing procedures. and a pair of 767 freighters for FedEx, suit against Boeing in federal court in days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Meanwhile, local airlines have laid Boeing has seen positive net order Chicago for failure to return payment Operators must secure prior clearance plans to boost health protocols as they activity for the year for only the 787 on undelivered 737 Max 8 jets. The filing from the Department of Foreign Affairs prepare for flights after May 15. According Dreamliner, at 25 units. claims rights to the return of $336 million and the CAAP for slots at NAIA, whose to budget carrier Cebu Pacific, all ground The dismal month of April followed in advance payments for the first 10 of tra"c inflow authorities have capped at and flight crew must wear personal pro- a first quarter in which Boeing deliv- 40 aircraft on order, the first delivery of 400 passengers per day. tective equipment while pilots and cabin ered a total of 50 airplanes, compared which Boeing had set for March 2019. “The restrictions, which will last a crew will undergo rapid antibody testing with 149 during 1Q2019. During the All global aviation authorities grounded month, from May 11 to June 10, are going before flights. Middle seats in aircraft will month of March alone, Boeing regis- the 737 Max by March 13, when the to be implemented in NAIA only, with remain open and all passengers must wear tered cancellations of 150 Max jets, a U.S. FAA became the last to do so. other international airports in the country face masks on flights. development the company said would The filing indicates that Alafco sent a relieve some pressure on its backlog letter to Boeing terminating orders for the while the model remained grounded. aircraft scheduled for the March delivery By the end of last month, Boeing based on a non-excusable delay. Boeing finally detailed planned production countered in a December 3 letter that Embraer ships five airliners rate cuts starting with the 787, which it “respectfully disagrees” with Alafco’s will see a reduction from the current 14 assertion of non-excusable delay rights a month to seven per month in 2022, and refused to return the payment. On in Q1 amid Boeing exit while 777/777X rates will fall from five March 6 of this year, Alafco canceled the this year to three next year. orders for all 40 aircraft after Boeing failed Embraer delivered just five airliners information technology systems—shut Plans call for 737 Max production, to make “timely” delivery of nine of them. during this year’s first quarter, underscor- down the final assembly line for weeks, which CEO David Calhoun has esti- ing the company’s inability to generate but sales contracts came to a virtual halt mated will resume in the third quarter, Boeing Flies Second 777X significant revenue during its commer- as potential customers waited for the to accelerate even slower than orig- Boeing conducted what it called a cial aircraft division’s “carveout” from the consummation of the deal before moving inally planned following the narrow- productive and successful first flight of rest of the company in preparation for its ahead with purchases. body’s year-and-half-long grounding. the second 777X airplane on April 30. expected sale to Boeing. “Certain airlines want more visibility on In a drastic departure from plans to Designated WH002 and the second of four Embraer delivered three E175s, one the transaction before they’re prepared to raise the 737’s peak rate of 57 a month 777-9 flight test articles, the big widebody E190-E2, and a single E195-E2 during move forward with their fleet planning,” to as many as 63, Boeing now sees will test handling characteristics and the period, while negotiations with Embraer Commercial Aircraft CEO John 737 Max rates gradually increasing to airplane performance, the company said. Boeing stalled over certain “unsatis- Slattery told AIN in February. “We are just 31 per month next year and mod- During the first flight, 777X project pilot fied conditions” related to the planned hearing increasingly that airlines are get- estly rising with any increased market Ted Grady and 777/777X chief pilot Van sale of 80 percent of Embraer Com- ting a little frustrated. They want some demand thereafter. Chaney flew for 2 hours and 58 minutes mercial Aviation. surety around what the future is going Rival Airbus has revealed plans to over Washington state before landing at While the unresolved conditions to look like so they can plan accordingly. cut rates across its product line by Seattle’s Boeing Field at 2:02 p.m. local time. related to the sale’s master transaction So we understand that frustration. We’re about one-third, resulting in a reduc- WH002 carries an array of equipment, agreement remain a matter for specula- doing everything we can to get our trans- tion of A320 family production to 40 sensors, and monitoring devices tion, Embraer’s interest in seeing the deal action closed so that we can get back to per month from a peak of 60 in 2019. throughout the cabin, allowing the close as soon as possible while poten- the day job, which is designing new air- Widebody production, meanwhile, will onboard and ground-based teams to tial customers hesitated to pursue E-Jet craft, building fine aircraft, and servicing see A330 rates drop from some 3.25 document and evaluate the airplane’s acquisitions, even before the Covid-19 them in the marketplace.” per month to two per month, while response to test conditions in real- crisis took hold, seemed clear. Not only Embraer has vowed to pursue “all reme- A350 rates fall from roughly 10 per time. The 777X test plan lays out a did the carveout—largely involving prepa- dies” for damages it claims to have incurred month to six. G.P. series of tests to demonstrate the rations for merging the two companies’ as a result of Boeing’s actions. G.P. safety and reliability of the design.

38 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com Shareholders approve Norwegian Air Norwegian Shuttle has managed to arrange for a financial Air rescue lifeline through a near $1 billion private placement plan to lessors and bondholders. by Gregory Polek

Norwegian Air Shuttle will proceed with helps qualify Norwegian for another two industry. Now flying just seven airplanes concentrating on “top-tier” cities and “key private placements through the conver- tranches of state aid worth 2.7 billion kro- on state-subsidized domestic routes in flows” between the European Union and sion of some 10 billion Norwegian kroner ner. The airline had already received an Norway, Norwegian has since cut 95 per- the U.S., where Norwegian enjoys inherent ($966 million) worth of bonds and lease initial 300 million kroner tranche under cent of its capacity and 7,650 employees strength in terms of scale and market pres- debt to shares and carry out a public offer- the country’s coronavirus relief plan, but from its payroll. About 200 employees ence, such as at London Gatwick, New York ing valued at up to 400 million kroner, any further funding hinged on the compa- remain in operations. JFK, and Los Angeles International. the company said in a filing with the Oslo ny’s ability to shed most of its debt. Entering what it calls a hibernation phase, Meanwhile, Norwegian’s short-haul Stock Exchange. More than 95 percent of Norwegian has cut virtually all its passen- Norwegian doesn’t expect a recovery until network would benefit from simplifi- votes taken at an extraordinary general ger services since a March 16 announcement the high season of 2021 nor a return to nor- cation of schedule design to gain crew meeting (EGM) on May 4 went in favor that it would gradually shed 85 percent of mal operations until 2022. By that time, it e"ciencies and improved on-time per- of the proposed private placements. its flights and lay off 7,300 employees—or expects the size of its fleet to shrink from formance. Plans call for a focus on the The plan effectively hands over con- 90 percent of its workforce—as stagnating its pre-Covid peak of 168 to about 110 to airline’s intra-Nordic core routes, while trol of the near-defunct airline to cred- demand and government-enforced travel 120. Under plans for what it calls New Nor- overall production falls by about 10 itors and leaves shareholders with only restrictions worldwide due to the Covid-19 wegian, the airline would see its long-haul percent “as a precaution for [a] lower 5.2 percent of the company. However, it crisis force dramatic measures across the network consolidate by some 40 percent, demand environment.”

Boeing to institute big cuts to workforce and rates Boeing will shed 10 percent of its six-airplanes-a-year rate for the 747. 160,000-strong workforce by the end of In a letter sent to employees, Cal- the year and significantly cut production houn called the pandemic “a body blow” of both widebody and narrowbody air- to the business, created by a decline in planes through 2022 as it adjusts to what passenger volumes of more than 95 per- it characterizes as a new market reality cent compared with last year’s figures created by the Covid-19 crisis. and an expected $314 billion fall in air- Speaking during the company’s line revenue in 2020. He opined that a first-quarter earnings call on April 29, recovery from the Covid crisis to 2019 Boeing CEO David Calhoun detailed the levels would take two to three years and production rate cuts starting with the that it would take “a few years beyond Boeing plans to cut 787 production rates from 14 per month this year to seven in 2022. 787, which will see a reduction from the that” for the industry to return to long- current 14 a month to seven per month in term growth trends. Although Boeing blamed the collapse of suspending dividend payments, terminat- 2022, while 777/777X rates will fall from “As a result, airlines are delaying pur- the negotiations on the Brazilian airfram- ing share repurchase authorization, and five this year to three next year. chases for new jets, putting the brakes on er’s failure to meet certain conditions in reducing or deferring “non-critical spend.” Plans call for 737 Max production, delivery schedules, and deferring elective the master transaction agreement, the Boeing’s efforts to “resize and reshape” which Calhoun estimated will resume maintenance,” said Calhoun. “We’re also resulting savings in capital expenditure its business include reducing the work- in the third quarter, to accelerate even seeing a dramatic impact on our commer- came at an undeniably opportune time force by some 16,000 through voluntary slower than originally planned follow- cial services business, as grounded airline for the U.S. manufacturer. layoffs, natural attrition, and involuntary ing the narrowbody’s year-and-half-long fleets decrease the demand for our offer- “We are intensely focused on ensuring layoffs “as necessary.” The cuts will dis- grounding. In a drastic departure from ings. All of this puts near-term pressure liquidity through the immediate crisis,” proportionately affect the commercial plans to raise the 737’s peak rate of 57 on our cash flow.” said Calhoun. “We believe that govern- airplane and services business, amount- a month to as many as 63, Boeing now Boeing saw this year’s first-quarter ment support will be critical to ensuring ing to about a 15 percent reduction in the sees 737 Max rates gradually increasing cash flow turn negative in the amount of our industry’s access to liquidity. We con- workforce among those divisions. to just 31 per month next year and mod- $4.3 billion compared with positive cash tinue to evaluate options in the capital “We will be a smaller company for a estly rising with any increased market flow for the same period in 2019 of $2.8 markets as well as funding options from while,” said Calhoun. “We’ve worked hard demand thereafter. billion. Now holding some $15 billion in the U.S. government via the U.S. Treasury to maintain the stability of our workforce. Finally, the company envisions no cash and $5 billion in short-term debt, the and various federal reserve programs.” But the sharp reduction in demand for our change in the three-per-month rate for company recently allowed the deadline Measures to strengthen Boeing’s cash airplanes that we see for the next several the 767, split between freighters and tank- for a $4.2 billion purchase of Embraer’s position have included drawing down years won’t support the size of the work- ers, nor does it plan a change from the commercial airplane business to lapse. on a term loan, reducing operating costs, force we have today.” G.P.

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 39 TOUCHING bases FBO and Airport news by Curt Epstein

project, which has been planned for sev- by [FATA], ICAO, and other industry eral years, is seen to be crucial to main- regulators,” said A-Group president taining the airport’s competitive status Sergey Semenov. “Business aviation in with nearby facilities such as Westover general, and our terminals in particular, Metropolitan Airport and Bradley Inter- allow us to provide not only passenger national in Connecticut. “We’re fortunate safety in every way but also social dis- that this project has been able to move tancing, which plays an important role forward during the Covid pandemic and in preventing the spread of the virus.” we’re looking forward to the runway being open at the end of September,” airport director Chris Willenborg told NATA Issues FBO Equipment AIN. That work period will include a one- Care Guidance month curing period for the pavement With FBOs pumping less fuel as a result before the grooving of water channels to of the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Aeroplex/Aerolease Group will construct a new 38,750-sq-ft hangar on the Signature Flight increase braking action in wet or snowy Air Transportation Association (NATA) Support leasehold at Dallas Love Field. After it opens later this year, Aeroplex will provide conditions. While such an upgrade is has issued equipment maintenance management for the property. expected to last for 20 years, 15/33 was guidance for fuel providers. During this last reconstructed sometime in the 1970s. “low-use” period, problems that might just north of the commercial terminal, it be encountered in refueling equip- Dallas Metroplex To Receive will include a 5,200-sq-ft FBO terminal, ment include microbial growth in filter New Hangar Complex a fuel farm, and a pair of up to 12,000- Russian FBOs Ready for Duty vessels, tanks, and piping; increased The Dallas Metroplex area will receive a sq-ft hangars able to accommodate the Despite recent regulations on inter- water production in fuel tanks with low new business aviation hangar complex latest ultra-long-range business jets. national business aviation flights put volume; and unused fuel left in hoses as Aeroplex Group Partners, the project forth by Russia’s Federal Air Transport that could possibly “spoil” or degrade management and consulting division of Agency (FATA) during the Covid-19 o"- specification. NATA recommends Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, broke ground Arkansas Airport Shelves pandemic, aviation services provider that FBOs continue to conduct and on a project at Dallas Love Field. The Terminal Project Amid Covid-19 A-Group reports its FBOs at Moscow document their regular quality con- 38,750-sq-ft facility will be able to shelter Due to a current and projected decline Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg trol checks for all equipment and on a the latest ultra-long-range business in revenues stemming from the Covid-19 Pulkovo International Airports are still weekly basis recirculate fuel at max- jets. Located on the 80-acre Signature crisis, a $3.6 million expansion project fully operational. Under the adminis- imum achievable flow and move fuel Flight Support leasehold at the airport’s at Arkansas North Little Rock Municipal trative regulations on sanitary quaran- through bottom-loading hoses. For southeast corner, it is scheduled for Airport (ORK) has been put on indefinite tine control, passengers are required tanker trucks seeing limited use, oper- completion by year-end and will feature hold. According to airport manager Clay to undergo health checks upon arrival. ators should recirculate fuel through a 7,000 sq ft of offce and shop space. The Rogers, the project, which had already When the requirements were intro- single-point hose at the maximum flow multi-million dollar project will also been pared back from $5.5 million over duced in Moscow, the company was and flush over-wing hoses into jet-A and include a new ramp, enhancements to the past year, is still intended to include prepared with quarantine control sta" avgas-specific reclamation/sump saver the access road, and a new parking lot. a new 4,500-sq-ft general aviation center and doctors on duty 24/7, conducting tanks. Refueler trucks should be started Upon completion, Aeroplex will provide that will house the North Little Rock Jet remote temperature checks and sur- and driven regularly to move fluids property management services for the Center, one of two FBOs on the field that veying arrivals to determine whether through the transmission and power hangar. “We are excited to spearhead an caters to business jet traffc. Rogers told to order self-isolation or observation. steering lines, as well as to maintain a e"ort that will not only enable Sig- AIN that the airport has approximately 15 The terminals are equipped with battery charge. To prevent “static shock” nature Flight Support to better serve based business jets and turboprops cur- sanitizer and hygiene products, infor- or fuel that has been in storage for more business aviation’s diverse needs but rently and, as a reliever to Bill and Hillary mational materials, and medical masks. than six months since it was received, refuel the economy and position the Clinton National Airport, it would like Rooms inside are thoroughly cleaned the organization suggests taking lower business aviation industry to create to further develop this business. With a after each flight, while arriving lug- fuel loads. NATA noted that recircula- more high-paying jobs in the commu- waiting list of business aircraft operators gage is also disinfected. Each member tion is not a remedy for static shock, and nity,” said Aeroplex/Aerolease Group looking for hangar space, the now-delayed of the FBO sta" undergoes a daily any fuel in long-term storage should president and CEO Curt Castagna. project also included the construction check-up, and their use of personal be tested to make sure it meets the of a new 15,000-sq-ft community hangar protective equipment is mandatory. applicable ASTM standard before being capable of sheltering midsize business “The main tasks of our infrastructure delivered to the aircraft. Last, allow- Group Wins Contract To jets, along with ramp connections to the in the current circumstances are to ing fuel systems to dry out can cause Open New Wilmington FBO taxiway system, and a vehicle parking protect the health of passengers and damage to hoses, filters, gaskets, and North Carolina’s Wilmington Interna- lot. Rogers said the state Department of sta", as well as to ensure the seamless seals, so users should consult with their tional Airport (ILM) will be receiving Aeronautics, citing an anticipated plunge maintenance of flights in compliance equipment manufacturers before remov- a second FBO after a group led by in fuel sales revenue in the second quarter with all procedures and directives issued ing any equipment from service. business aviation industry veterans and possibly beyond, opted to withhold Marty Hiller, Michael Scheeringa, and its portion of the funding and instead Sanjay Aggarwal won a contract after a concentrate its support on essential request for proposal was issued by the runway and taxiway safety improvements New Hanover County Airport Authority. during this time. Rogers still hopes the According to Hiller, who operates two project at ORK will launch later this year. FBOs at The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, the new entity known as Marathon Aviation Partners Massachusetts Airport Starts will operate the FBO, to be constructed Runway Rehab Project on a 6.3-acre leasehold at ILM under the Massachusetts Westfield-Barnes Regional name Aero Center Wilmington. Hiller Airport has begun a project to rebuild remains the owner of Marathon Aviation its 5,000-foot secondary Runway 15/33. Associates. He expects to break ground Nearly $7 million of the $7.6 million con- The A-Group FBO in Terminal A at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport is still fully operational in the on the new facility within three months struction cost will be covered by federal face of new government Covid-19 regulations on business aviation traffic. All flights with a and for the FBO to be operational in at AIP grants, while the state department of passenger capacity of less than 20 seats must submit applications at least 24 hours before least one of the hangars by next April. transportation and the city of Westfield the planned arrival, with full details of all passengers and crew. The company is prepared to Located on the west side of the airfield, will pay the remaining 10 percent. The handle arrivals with health checks and thorough cleaning regimens.

40 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com MRO/ hot section Maintenance news by AIN Staff

AMAC Sees Mx Rush helicopter engine, including for the on ACJs, Globals Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk and commer- AMAC Aerospace is taking on two cial UH-60 Black Hawks. As part of Airbus ACJ projects and has a third in that announcement, it has signed an the pipeline, as well as work on a pair of exclusive authorized repair and services Bombardier Global twins, the Switzer- provider agreement with Brightwater land-based MRO provider announced. United Aero Group (UAG) to cover The company has accepted two ACJ319s certain non-military customers fly- in Basel, one of which is undergoing ing the engine, the variants of which a six-, 12-, and 24-month check, while include the -701D on the Firehawk and the other also has a six- and 12-month Stevens Aerospace's new maintenance facility at Smyrna Airport in Tennessee. -701C/D on commercial Black Hawks. check and ADS-B Out and Ka-band Connecticut-based Brightwater satom system installations. By the end we simply don’t have the floor space includes assistance for charter opera- UAG and Brightwater Arista Avia- of summer, AMAC also will take on a to effciently meet demand. This move tors looking to restructure their costs, tion Services Group in Alabama join Middle East customer’s ACJ319 project, will give us more room and o"ers our which could include effciency upgrades the network of GE-licensed MROs though it didn’t detail the type of work customers easy access to our operation.” such as Tamarack’s Atlas winglets. supporting the engine through the it would be performing on that airplane. MQY is about 12 miles southeast of These can reduce fuel consumption agreement, which covers the repair, Those projects are in addition to its BNA hangar but still close to down- as much as three to four times the upgrade, lease, and exchange of T700 a Global XRS that AMAC received in town Nashville. At 30,000 sq ft, the savings of passive winglets, increasing engines and parts. That includes new February. The XRS’s work includes a 120- facility sizes are about the same at both the capability for nonstop flights. OEM parts as well as used, service- month inspection and a refurbishment of airports, but MQY o"ers Stevens the able parts that meet OEM standards. its cabin seats, divans, and carpet. Also, ability to expand in the future. “The Also covered under the agreement AMAC will upgrade the XRS’s avionics Smyrna Airport o"ers ample room for Duncan Transforms are civil and municipal operators of to Primus Elite and install ADS-B Out. growth and easy access to the attrac- GIV Shuttle Interior used Black Hawk helicopters purchased Simultaneously, it is performing a 15- and tions around downtown Nashville, as Duncan Aviation recently completed through the U.S. Army Black Hawk 30-month check on a Global 6000. well as an airport leadership team that a unique major renovation project on Exchange and Sales Team (BEST) encourages and understands business,” a Gulfstream GIV-SP. A Duncan client program, GE Aviation said. More than said Stevens president Christian Sasfai. used the long-range twinjet as a corpo- 100 million flight hours have been Camp Begins Integration Stevens's hangar at MQY will be rate shuttle, often flying up to 14 pas- accumulated on the turboshaft and of ILS Software Offerings part of the Hollingshead Aviation FBO sengers on long international trips. As turboprop T700/CT7 engine family. Months after being acquired by Camp campus. The MRO began performing the aircraft came due for its 96-month Systems, Inventory Locator Service work there on May 4 and will be fully inspection, which required the removal (ILS) and aviation MRO and logis- moved in by June 30. Since 1989, Ste- of the interior, the customer expressed Aero-Dienst Provides Ferry tics software developer Component vens’s Nashville operation has been at dissatisfaction with the aircraft’s Flights for Mx Customers Control (CCI), also a Camp company, BNA in a hangar constructed in 1938. seating configuration and challenged MRO provider and charter operator have launched ILS Bridge for Quan- Duncan’s design team to come up Aero-Dienst is providing ferry flights, tum, providing for an automated, with one that better suited its needs. using its charter fleet, for customers real-time listing of CCI’s Quantum Tamarack Offers Crisis The resulting interior on the aircraft, who have their aircraft serviced at its Inventory on ILS’s electronic market- Pricing on Winglet Upgrade which Duncan delivered earlier this Nuremberg, Germany facility. Under place for sellers and buyers of aircraft In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, year, features 14 individual club seats the o"ering, Aero-Dienst will pro- parts, equipment, and services. Tamarack Aerospace has announced in walnut brown leather facing toward vide transport using its Bombardier ILS has more than 27,000 users in it will waive the installation fee for the cockpit, as on an airliner, many of Learjet 45XR and 60 and Challenger more than 100 countries primarily in its Active Technology Load Allevia- which perch on rotating bases allowing 300 and 650 jets from its Nuremberg the commercial and defense aerospace tion System (Atlas) winglet technol- them to pivot 180 degrees when needed. location to return flight crews to a industries, while CCI supports more ogy for Cessna CJs. According to the Other work conducted included the maintenance customer’s home base. than 1,600 companies in more than 60 manufacturer, the move will ensure 5,000-landing inspection and the appli- Aero-Dienst is providing the value- countries with its Quantum enterprise that employees and its supply chain cation of a full custom paint scheme. added service due to the Covid-19 resource planning (ERP) software. ILS will remain strong, while providing pandemic. It noted that, with its decades Bridge also provides for greater effciency customers with a $42,000 savings on of experience operating air ambulances, in the issuing of requests for quotation installations booked through June 30. GE, Brightwater UAG ink T700 it has implemented extensive measures and purchase orders directly through Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, engine support agreement for the safe transport of customers, who Quantum. Sean Lanagan, president of and Economic Security Act (CARES), GE Aviation is now o"ering its will be flown by Aero-Dienst crews. Camp Enterprise Information Systems— which set aside $25 billion for aviation, TrueChoice Commercial Services the umbrella organization overseeing ILS, a portion of the economic funding maintenance plan for its T700 CCI, and Continuum Applied Technology Textron Offers Financing for (CAT)—said the ILS Bridge is the first Citation Upgrades, Mods step in integrating ILS into the software In a bid to increase business for its platforms of CCI, CAT, and Camp. Next service network and ease the financial is a planned, real-time integration with burden of upgrades and refurbishments CAT’s Corridor software platform. on customers during the Covid-19 pan- demic, Textron Aviation has unveiled an exclusive financing program for certain Stevens Moves from upgrades and modifications on most Nashville to Nearby Smyrna U.S.registered Cessna Citations that are Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems performed at one of its 11 service centers relocated from its hangar at Tennessee's in the U.S. The new financing program Nashville International Airport (BNA) to o"ered through Textron Financial Corp. nearby Smyrna Airport (MQY) in May covers upgrades such as Garmin G5000 as the MRO provider sought a location avionics or Gogo Avance L5 connectivity. where it can continue to grow. “The BNA Offcials at Textron Aviation said facility has served us well,” said Stevens the company has fielded numerous BNA general manager Kenyon Blacker, inquiries from customers look- “but as business has continued to expand, Tamarack Aerospace's Atlas winglets add longer range capability to CitationJets. ing to update their Citations.

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 41 ACCIDENTS by David Jack Kenny

FINAL REPORTS engines [were] operating at comparable Lack of Recent Partial- site, ruling out an in-flight break-up. The low power settings prior to impact.” The Panel Training Cited in remotely mounted vertical reference Conquest Crashed Simulating landing gear and flaps were up. King Air Accident gyroscope driving the left AI showed Engine Failure After Takeoff The ATSB investigation revealed that signs of rotation at impact but was too until a practice flight the week before the KING AIR 200, JAN. 30, 2019, extensively damaged for the reason the CESSNA 441 CONQUEST II, MAY 30, 2017, accident, the new hire had not tried to WHATI, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA indicator flagged to be determined. RENMARK, SOUTH AUSTRALIA manage an engine failure in a Conquest in two and a half years, and the chief The crew’s decision to take off with the PRELIMINARY REPORTS Drawing on GPS data recorded via the pilot hadn’t simulated one in nearly one right attitude indicator inoperative proved OzRunways application, Australia’s year. An observer present on that flight fatal after the left-side instrument failed Caravan Freighter Crashes Transportation Safety Bureau con- described it as “messy” with the return- in flight. The two pilots were the only After Second Missed Approach cluded that the fatal crash of a Rossair ing pilot being “rusty…well behind the air- occupants of the Air Tindi King Air, which Conquest II occurred after the crew sim- plane.” He also noted deficiencies in the entered an uncontrolled descent during CESSNA 208B, MARCH 17, 2020, ulated an engine failure during initial chief pilot’s conduct of that training. The initial transition from cruise flight to the LACROSSE, KANSAS climb. Three highly experienced pilots investigation also disclosed that the seat RNAV approach to Runway 28 of the Whati were killed when the turboprop twin occupied by the FOI, who had more than Airport. The Transportation Safety Board of A Cessna Caravan on a Part 135 cargo flight crashed “in an inverted near-vertical atti- 5,100 hours of Cessna 441 experience, was Canada identified a lack of recent practice was destroyed and its pilot killed while tude” 60 seconds after taking off from not equipped with headset jacks, hinder- in partial-panel instrument technique as attempting to divert to Great Bend, Kan- Runway 25 at Renmark Airport. A com- ing the FOI’s ability to respond quickly to the final link in the accident chain. Neither sas after missing two approaches to the parison of airspeed and altitude readings an in-flight emergency. company procedures nor Transport Canada Hays (Kansas) Regional Airport in very low with the flight’s previous departure from regulations required recurrent partial-panel weather. The flight departed from Wichita Adelaide led investigators to conclude that Inadequate Planning training, and the investigators found no at 7:51 a.m.; at 8:25, Hays reported 1 mile thrust on one engine had been reduced at Downs EMS Helicopter record of either pilot having practiced it visibility under a 200-foot overcast and a about 400 feet above ground level. The since obtaining their commercial ratings temperature of 3 deg C. Radar and ADS-B Conquest’s Pilot’s Operating Handbook EUROCOPTER AS350, SEPT. 29, 2018, several years earlier. The accident aircraft coverage were lost at 8:31 as the airplane recommends conducting this maneuver RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO was also the only one of Air Tindi’s five descended through 4,000 feet msl (about at altitudes of 5,000 feet or above to pro- King Air 200s not equipped with an addi- 2,000 feet agl) while being vectored for the vide ample room for recovery from any The pilot of an EMS helicopter that tional standby attitude indicator (AI), and ILS approach to Runway 34 and were reac- resulting loss of control. descended into a mountainside on its minimum equipment list did not autho- quired at 8:43 when the pilot requested a The flight was an unusual dual eval- approach to a ski resort acknowledged rize dispatch with the right AI inoperative. second attempt at the ILS. An observation uation, with a CASA flying operations never having calculated the in- or out-of- The accident flight was the first leg of recorded at 8:41 showed that visibility had inspector (FOI) observing the Rossair ground-effect hover ceilings or the density a scheduled six-segment route from Yel- dropped to one-quarter mile in fog. chief pilot’s conduct of a new line pilot’s altitude at the accident site, which was sub- lowknife to Whati, Wekweèti, and Ekati, Contact was lost again between operator proficiency check. Had it been sequently determined to be above 12,000 and then back. Forecast weather condi- 8:53 and 8:59, at which time the pilot completed successfully, the chief pilot feet. He also admitted being unaware that tions included ceilings of 600 to 1,200 requested diversion to Great Bend. would have obtained check pilot authori- the resort had defined an approach, land- feet, one to five miles visibility in light The Caravan climbed to 7,000 feet and zation for the Cessna 441. The FOI was in ing, and takeoff procedure. The helicopter snow decreasing to half a mile in heavier turned south toward Great Bend, but the left seat in the second row and thus sustained damage to its fuselage and ver- snow showers, and moderate mixed icing entered a descending left turn and dis- unable to reach the flight controls. All tical stabilizer after touching down hard, between 2,000 and 12,000 feet msl. Crew appeared from coverage at 9:18. The three pilots held air transport pilot cer- bouncing, and sliding down an embank- communications captured by the cockpit wreckage was located about half an tificates and each had more than 5,000 ment, but the pilot and two medical crew voice recorder showed that the first o"cer hour later. The aroma of jet fuel was hours of fixed-wing flight experience. The members were not injured. initially noted the lack of response of his AI, observed at the site. pilot being evaluated had flown for Ros- En route to pick up a patient, the pilot a conventional vacuum-driven instrument, sair between May 2010 and August 2014, made an eastbound reconnaissance and at 8:42 a.m. while running the after-start Pilot Survives while the FOI had previously served as decided to go around upon seeing two checklist. The captain assured him twice Destruction of PC-12 the company’s chief pilot. cables in front of and below the helicop- that it would begin to work, but during the The flight departed from Adelaide at ter’s flight path. After adding power to initial portion of the takeoff roll, the first PILATUS PC-12/47, APRIL 23, 2020, 3:24 p.m. local time, climbed to 17,000 clear the cables, he lowered collective to o"cer confirmed that it was still inoper- MESQUITE, TEXAS feet, and subsequently flew holding pat- address decreasing main rotor rpm, then ative despite adequate indicated vacuum terns and a practice RNAV-Z approach to made a 180-degree left turn back to the pressure. During the next 11 minutes they The pilot was extracted with injuries after Runway 07 at Renmark, circling to land landing site. At about 20 feet above the made several attempts to troubleshoot the a forced landing that tore both wings off on Runway 25. At 4:14, the Renmark com- ground, he raised collective and main instrument without success. the airplane and ignited a post-crash fire. mon tra"c advisory frequency recorded a rotor rpm again decayed, increasing the At 9:11, with the airplane descend- The single-engine turboprop, operated transmission advising that the Conquest helicopter’s descent rate. As it neared ing through 10,800 feet, the electrically under a Part 135 certificate by Boutique would be taking off from Runway 25 for touchdown, one of the medical crew driven left AI flagged and the autopi- Air, had departed from the Dallas-Fort airwork in the tra"c pattern. A witness members spotted a steel barrier cable lot disconnected. The captain began to Worth International Airport (DFW) on at the airport described its takeoff roll as below the helicopter, which the pilot hand-fly using partial-panel references an IFR flight plan to Muscle Shoals, Ala- normal, but the OzRunways GPS down- made a 90-degree left turn to avoid. The and attempted to climb, but the King Air bama when the pilot reported that it load showed that its heading began to veer helicopter turned 180 degrees while did so only briefly before beginning to was losing engine power and requested to the right of the extended centerline as bouncing over the cable and eventually descend and turning about 60 degrees a diversion to Rockwall, Texas. After air it climbed to 400 feet, just after reaching came to rest upright. right. Thirty-eight seconds later it entered tra"c control issued vectors, the pilot its maximum recorded airspeed of 132 The 16,818-hour commercial pilot had a gradual left turn that tightened into a said that power output had stabilized and knots. Ten seconds later it leveled off at more than 3,500 hours in make and model, steep descending spiral. Its terrain aware- requested a return to DFW, but shortly 600 feet while its airspeed decayed below but told investigators that this was only ness and warning system issued five thereafter lost power again. The control- best single-engine rate of climb and con- his second flight in a high-altitude moun- alerts in the last 10 seconds before the ler advised that the Mesquite airport was tinued to decline. The last data recording tainous environment; most of his previ- airplane struck trees in a shallow, nose- three miles ahead at 11 o’clock and the was made about 60 seconds after liftoff at ous experience had been acquired near low attitude, leaving a 900-foot debris pilot attempted a 360-degree turn to set an airspeed of 107 knots and an altitude sea level. Winds at the nearest reporting path. The calculated descent rate peaked up for a left base entry to the tra"c pat- of 500 feet. Examination of the engines point, 14 nm away, were out of the south- at more than 35,600 fpm, but all major tern, but the airplane came up short and and propellers suggested that “both west at 9 knots. components were found at the accident went down in a muddy field.

The material on this page is based on reports by the offcial 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.

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The partially submerged wreckage of an Icon A5 light sport amphibious airplane in the Gulf of Mexico is shown in this photo taken Nov. 7, 2017, near Clearwater, Florida. NTSB releases factual report on Halladay accident by Matt Thurber The National Transportation Safety Board degrees. At 1202:29, the pilot performed — Tom Clements, Author of The King Air Book (NTSB) has released a factual report on a second maneuver, a climbing right the crash of former Major League Baseball 360-degree turn from a GPS altitude of 19 Raisbeck’s Enhanced Performance Leading Edges increase cruise speeds by 3-4 knots at equal power settings, resulting in shorter block times and pitcher Roy Halladay’s Icon A5 light sport to 136 feet; the airplane reached a maxi- reduction in fuel usage. When combined with other Raisbeck Systems as part amphibious airplane on Nov. 7, 2017, in mum load factor of 1.93 g and a maximum of an EPIC Performance Package, they can add a whole new dimension of which Halladay died. Although not break- AoA of 15.73 degrees, which is within the ing news, as autopsy results were released red band on the AoA indicator. pilot control. in January 2018, the factual report identi- “At 1203:34, the pilot initiated a final Contact your Raisbeck Authorized Dealer to learn more. fies many drugs found in Halladay’s speci- maneuver: a climbing right turn from a mens during toxicology testing. The report GPS altitude of 210 feet and an indicated also documents the high angle of attack airspeed of 81 knots. The airplane’s load raisbeck.com | 206.723.2000 (AoA) maneuvers at low altitude that Hal- factor increased rapidly to 1.91 g and then laday flew in the A5 just before the accident. varied between 1 and about 2 g as the AoA Halladay bought the A5 about four increased steadily to 15 degrees, which is weeks before the accident, according to at the top of yellow band on the AoA indi- the NTSB, and had logged 14.5 hours in cator. About three seconds after initiating that airplane. The NTSB was able to con- the climb, the engine throttle lever was firm from recovered GPS data that the air- retarded from 99 percent to 27 percent, plane had been flown under the Sunshine resulting in a corresponding decrease in Skyway Bridge, near St. Petersburg, Florida, engine speed from about 5,393 to 2,261 rpm. and Halladay documented the maneuver “The lowest recorded indicated airspeed in his logbook. during the maneuver, 54 knots, occurred as According to the report, the FAA’s the airplane reached a GPS altitude of 358 Forensic Sciences Laboratory found the feet, the apex of the maneuver, with a low following drugs in Halladay’s specimens: energy state. The computed bank angle Zolpidem (Ambien), a sleep aid; Amphet- exceeded 50 degrees and the computed amine (2.2 µg/ml in cardiac blood; “gen- pitch angle exceeded 30 degrees before erally, levels above 0.2 µg/ml indicate the airplane descended toward the water.” amphetamine misuse to maximize the Witness reports included two commer- drug’s psychoactive effects”); Morphine; cial fishermen, one saying he saw the A5 SOARffTOGETHERff Fluoxetine (an antidepressant); Baclofen, fly over his vessel below 300 feet. Another FAMILYffOWNED"•"SAFETY"&"SERVICE"DRIVEN a muscle relaxant; and Hydromorphone, said he saw the A5 flying “really close” to an opioid pain medication. houses, then he watched it descend, climb The report noted: “Review of the avail- steeply, then descend steeply in a decreas- able personal medical records for the pilot ing pitch attitude, finally reporting that indicated a history of substance abuse “the airplane impacted the water in a 45 requiring inpatient rehabilitation twice degree nose-down, wings-level attitude.” between 2013 and early 2015 and diagno- Halladay died of blunt trauma, with OURffFAMILYffSERVINGffYOUffLIKEffFAMILY ses of chronic back pain, insomnia, and drowning contributory, according to the Find your aviation home at one of Sheltair's 18 award-winning depression, which were treated with var- report. The NTSB found that “no pre- FBO's in FL, GA, NY & CO. ious prescribed medications. .” accident anomalies were noted with the Modern & Clean Facilities Following CDC, WHO & NATA Guidelines NTSB investigators were able to ana- airframe or engine that would have pre- Exceptional Customer Service lyze data from the A5’s onboard digital-to- cluded normal operation.” There was also IS-BAH Certified For Your Safety analog converter (DAC) data memory unit no evidence of impact damage that could Avfuel Branded Contract Fuel & AVTRIP Rewards and Rotax engine control unit. According have been due to a bird strike. to the report, “The recorded data indicated The report concluded by describing that, at 1201:19, the pilot began a rapid Icon Aircraft’s “Low Altitude Flying Guide- climbing ’S’ turn from a GPS altitude of 0 lines,” which were sent to all A5 clients and sheltairaviation.com to 134 feet and then descended to 36 feet; owners on Oct. 23, 2017. The final sentence the airplane reached a maximum load fac- of the NTSB report stated: “The guidelines tor of 1.94 g and a maximum AoA of 7.53 also warned pilots ‘Do not show off.’”

44 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com COMPLIANCE countdown by Gordon Gilbert

Within 6 Months cruise speed of Mach 1.8. This category June 19, 2020 would apply to the SSTs currently being FAA: Helicopter IFR Minimums developed for business aviation. Com- ments on the proposal are due by July 13. FAA Notice 8900.534 describes mandatory revisions to helicopter Oct 1, 2020 operations specification (OpSpec) Australia: H105 and implemented revised IFR Rest and Duty Times A LONG-TIME DUNCAN AVIATION weather guidance for rotorcraft MAINTENANCE CUSTOMER HIRED operations conducted under FAR New fatigue rules apply to holders OUR AIRCRAFT SALES AND Parts 91K and 135. The revisions of commercial air operator certif- ACQUISITIONS TEAM TO PERFORM become effective on June 19. icates (AOCs), including charter, MARKET RESEARCH AND FIND A on-demand air taxis, and Part 141 June 26, 2020 UPDATE flight schools. Operators who select LATE-MODEL AIRCRAFT WITH LOW FLIGHT TIME AND A CABIN THAT EASA: the prescribed limits must be in compliance by June 30, 2020. Oper- HAD PLENTY OF SHOULDER ROOM. Tire Pressure Minimums ators who develop their own fatigue The comment period for this proposal risk management system must be was extended from June 6 to June 26. in compliance starting October 1. EASA proposes to amend large airplane certification (CS-25) rules to provide a Dec. 7, 2020 and June 7, 2023 NEW means to ensure that no tire is below its European ADS-B minimum serviceable inflation pressure during operation. This can be achieved Out Mandate either by requiring operators to perform The ADS-B Out requirement in Europe tire pressure checks at suitable time has been postponed from June 7, 2020 intervals or by installing a tire pres- to Dec. 7, 2020 for aircraft receiving sure monitoring system that alerts the their certificate of airworthiness (C of A) flight crew when a tire is at an unsafe starting on June 7. Aircraft that obtained pressure. Comments are due June 26. their C of A between June 6, 1995 and June 6, 2020 must meet the ADS-B Out June 29, 2020 mandate by June 7, 2023. Both deadlines FAA: Pilot Records Database apply to aircraft with a mtow exceeding 5,700 kg (12,566 pounds) or having a The FAA is proposing to require the maximum cruising true airspeed capa- use of an electronic Pilot Records bility greater than 250 knots. Aircraft Database (PRD) to facilitate the shar- with a C of A dated before June 6, 1995 ing of pilot records among operators are exempt from ADS-B requirements. in an electronic data system managed by the FAA. The PRD would replace already mandated data currently filled Within 12 Months out on paper forms and mailed to Jan. 1, 2021 IN ORDER TO STAY WITHIN THE PRICE the FAA. Covered operators include Saudi Arabia: RANGES, OPERATIONAL COSTS OF airlines, air taxi/charters, fractionals, OWNERSHIP, AND PERFORMANCE and corporate flight departments. ADS-B Out Mandate PARAMETERS THE CUSTOMER WANTED, Saudi Arabia delayed the start of WE DETERMINED HE SHOULD FOCUS June 30, 2020 ADS-B requirements in Class A and B ON A FALCON 2000LX. AFTER AN ICAO: NAT Data Link airspace by a year from the previously published original date of this past EXTENSIVE MARKET SEARCH WE International regulators are sus- January. According to a recent notam, FOUND THE APPROPRIATE ONE IN pending the North Atlantic datalink the new start date is Jan. 21, 2021. THAILAND. WHEN THE SALE CLOSED, mandate until June 30 to provide THE NEW OWNERS ELECTED TO HAVE more flexibility for tra"c that flies March 25, 2021 DUNCAN AVIATION ADD FANS 1/A, through the region during the Australia: Flight Operations RECONFIGURE AND REFURBISH THE Covid-19 crisis. The mandate, which INTERIOR, AND PAINT THE EXTERIOR. went into effect January 30, requires Ten new flight operations regulations aircraft to be equipped with FANS 1/A will consolidate the operating and controller- pilot datalink communi- flight rules, as well as certification cations and ADS-C (contract) equip- and management requirements, for a ment to transit through the North variety of aircraft and operations in Atlantic tracks from FL290 to FL410. Australia. The rules will apply to all pilots and operators in Australia and July 13, 2020 will commence on March 25, 2021. The FAA: SST Noise Proposal regulations covered include: general operating and flight rules; certifica- READ THE CASE STUDY: Under a notice of proposed rule making, tion and management of commercial www.DuncanAviation.aero/expert-resources the FAA would add supersonic air- aircraft operating certificates; and small planes to the applicability of FAR Part 36 and large airplanes and rotorcraft. takeoff and landing noise certification regulations. Initially, the proposal would For the most current compliance status, see: apply to SSTs with a mtow no greater https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ than 150,000 pounds and a maximum compliance-countdown AIN_DuncanAviation_May2020.indd 1 5/4/2020 8:32:13 AM

ainonline.com \ June 2020 \ Aviation International News 45 PEOPLE in aviation Compiled by Kerry Lynch

TOM CHATFIELD RODGER RENAUD ROBERT KEHOE MC ERNST STEPHEN ZARZECKI

Camber Aviation Management co-founder and Associates, Matt Stringfield from Soljets, Nick Underwriting Department manager, was pro- Christopher Parlier was named to a similar completions specialist Tom Chatfield has taken Newby of Exclusive Aviation/Fargo Jet Center, moted to senior v-p; Stephen Zarzecki, a role in Dallas, and Mitzi Rasmussen similarly the role of CEO. Chatfield, who helped found Patrick Lynch of Guardian Jets, and Tyler member of the General Aviation Claims in Chicago. Also, Andrew McMurray in the Camber six years ago, has 35 years of aviation Bowron from QS Partners. Department, was also promoted to senior Eastern branch offce was promoted to senior experience, including with Stratus Aviation Ser- The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) v-p; and Robert Kehoe, senior claims repre- underwriter. Brenda Riech, assistant v-p, has vices and Qatar Airways, among others. elected Priester Aviation president and CEO sentative in the Hull Loss Claims Division, has taken on policy language analyst duties in the Markus Haggeney was named secre- Andrew Priester to the organization’s Board been become v-p. Further, Sam Greene was Customer Care Department, and, Margaret tary-general of Fédération Aéronautique Inter- of Governors. Priester has spent more than promoted to assistant v-p and assistant under- Kucala, assistant v-p, assumed the responsi- nationale (FAI), the World Air Sports Federation. two decades with his family firm and is the writing branch manager in Los Angeles, while bilities of senior underwriting analyst. Haggeney, who had been acting secretary- former chair of the National Air Transporta- general since in December, had previously tion Association. served as FAI sports and events director and Will Wyatt joined Global Jet Capital as AWARDS and HONORS has competed in, organized, and offciated senior counsel. Wyatt had worked with Global ballooning championships. Jet Capital while he was an associate at Vedder The British Business Aviation Association age 30, Scorer qualified as a solicitor in 1965 The International Aircraft Dealers Associa- Price LLP. (BBGA) honored Tim Scorer with its Michael and represented many cases involving the tion (IADA) appointed a board of directors for The Ritchie Group appointed Rodger Renaud Wheatley Award for Outstanding Services to UK CAA during the 1970s. One high-profile its AircraftExchange preowned aircraft search v-p of aircraft sales. Renaud has a 40-year avi- the general aviation industry. Scorer, a long- case involved assistance in prosecuting an portal: Chris Meisner of Meisner Aircraft is ation career, beginning with Rockwell Interna- time aviation lawyer and currently a consul- Irish wol#ound breeder in Norfolk who had president and treasurer; Walt Wakefield of tional and later serving with Midcoast Aviation/ tant at Kennedy’s Law Firm, was recognized fired a gun at aerial crop sprayers. His avi- Jete"ect is v-p and secretary; and Lee Thomas Jet Aviation and West Star Aviation. for decades of support to the OEMs, air- ation practice spanned a number of firms, of Eagle Aviation is also v-p. In addition, board USAIG made a number of promotions and lines, private flyers, and BBGA. A pilot since including Barlow Lyde and Gilbert. members at large are John Bowman of Hatt & personnel changes: MC Ernst, who was Airline

FINAL FLIGHTS with a fleet of Bell 47G-3B-1s and Hiller 1962 as a pilot in training and mechanic, Born in Manassas, Virginia, Fox had an SL-4s, he told HAI’s Rotor magazine. amassed 11,500 hours and remained active aviation career that spanned more than Elling Halvorson, a pioneer in helicopter The backdrop of the flights left a strong in the helicopter community during his four decades. An aviation maintenance tourism and the founder and chairman of impression on Halvorson and his team, more-than five-decade career. technology graduate of the Spartan School Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, died on who began asking for chartered helicopter Born on Feb. 25, 1934, in Seattle, Wells of Aeronautics, Fox began his career with April 16. He was 88. flights during o"-hours, HAI added. This became an Alaska communications system Piedmont Aviation in 1978. He spent the Halvorson established Papillon Grand was the genesis of his foray into air tourism. specialist with the U.S. Army Signal Corps in next 35 years at Piedmont, which later Canyon Helicopters in 1965, giving the Halvorson ventured into di"erent 1953, according to HAI. Five years later, he became Piedmont Hawthorne Aviation and company claim to “the world’s oldest and technologies, asking helicopter manu- returned to Washington, attending Perry Tech- then Landmark Aviation, working his way largest” aerial sightseeing company, typi- facturers to develop quieter aircraft and nical Institute. He received his A&P license in up to director of maintenance at Landmark. cally flying some 600,000 passengers each developing “Whisper Jet” technology for 1960 and a year later became a private fixed- He served in that capacity for eight years year on tours. helicopters that sported rotor systems with wing pilot. After joining Cascade Helicopters, In 2015, Fox launched his own consul- Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on Jan. 2, more blades and passive noise-reduction he earned his FAA commercial rotorcraft tancy, Fox Aviation Resources, specializing 1932, Halvorson had moved numerous features that quieted the engine. license in 1963 and his CFI license in 1964. in project management, and stepped into places as his father was in the construction In 1986, he co-founded the Tour During his career, he was involved in his position with Global Jet Capital in 2017. business. After graduating from Willa- Operators Program of Safety that drew agricultural spraying, search and rescue, “Bob will be deeply missed, and not just mette University in Oregon with a degree together air tour operators in an initiative fire suppression, government contracting, for his dedication, leadership, and keen in economics, he followed his father into to develop operating standards and safety and transmission-line repair, among many problem-solving abilities, but for his sincere construction, establishing his own company best practices that surpassed regulatory other missions. He became owner and kindness, willingness to help, and love that specialized in geographically remote requirements. president by 1988. for his family and friends,” said Global Jet projects, according to the Helicopter Asso- Throughout his career, he remained He was deeply involved in HAI serving as Capital CEO Shawn Vick. ciation International (HAI). active in the industry, serving two terms as chairman from 1994 to 1995 and chaired its Kirby Harrison, who spent 18 years as Halvorson bought his first helicopter, chairman of HAI’s board of directors and par- Government Safety Committee, as well as a journalist with AIN, has died. He was 78. a Bell 47G-3B-1, in 1960 for a project his ticipating in NBAA, the American Helicopter serving on the Government Contracting Com- Born June 1, 1942, Harrison had joined a construction company was undertaking for Society, National Parks Overflight Advisory mittee. HAI honored Wells in 2001 with its Syracuse University advanced photojour- AT&T in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. His Group, US Travel Association, and US Air Tour Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award. nalism program through the U.S. Navy and air tour company, initially Grand Canyon Association. In 2016, he was inducted into Wells retired in 2002 and closed Cascade then served as an associate editor at Naval Helicopters, was born out of a project the Vertical Flight Hall of Fame as part of the Helicopters but had expressed the sentiment Aviation News. After retiring from the service in which Halvorson and his team used Living Legends of Aviation Awards. that the hundreds of rescues he performed in 1987, he earned his bachelor’s of science helicopters to lay pipe into the Canyon. The William H. “Bill” Wells Jr., the former were what “being a helicopter pilot was all degree in photojournalism and journalism project involved the building of a 13.5-mile president and owner of Cashmere, Wash- about,” according to his obituary information. from Syracuse in 1991. He joined the sta" of water pipeline connecting the North and ington-based Cascade Helicopters and Robert (Bob) Fox, Jr., the aircraft main- AIN in 1995, serving as senior editor, writing South Rims. Halvorson used several heli- past chairman of the Helicopter Association tenance manager for Global Jet Capital for about numerous topics related to aviation. copters for the project, including a Sikorsky International, died on April 15. He was 86. the past three years, died March 19 at the He retired from the company in 2013 but S-61, Bell 204B, and Sikorsky S-55, along Wells, who joined Cascade Helicopters in age of 61. kept his hand in freelance journalism.

46 Aviation International News \ June 2020 \ ainonline.com Cancer Patients Fly Free

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