BendixKing Introduces The AV8OR - The GPS That Works On The Road Or In The Air

BendixKing recently introduced a new handheld GPS that works on the road or on the air. According to BendixKing, the AV8OR Handheld Multi-Function Display (MFD) is described as "designed by pilots, for pilots."

The AV8OR Handheld is ideal for any pilot that requires GPS navigation in the air or in the car, real-time weather, and navigator graphical moving map, with built-in entertainment system,” says Dan Barks, Director, General Aviation Aftermarket Avionics. “In addition to pilot-specific features, the AV8OR Handheld includes an all-in-one multimedia player with the ability to view or play music, movies, pictures and electronic books.

The AV8OR Handheld is much more than an aviation GPS unit – it’s a handheld Multi-Function Display that pilots will want to keep with them from the car to plane, and even at their destination, for entertainment.

The AV8OR Handheld is designed with an external interface to WxWorx XM Satellite Weather receiver available separately, and enables graphical NEXRAD, METARs, Storm Cell Tracks, AIRMETs/SIGMETs, Text METARs/TAFs, and more. The built-in multimedia system allows pilots to create library of music, movies, photos and electronic books on the included 4GB SD Card. The unit also includes a Bluetooth interface for wireless weather, an interface to an alternate GPS receiver and even an interface to cellular phones.

Source: BendixKing

Brazil Is Among The Top Markets For Cessna Aircraft

According to Cessna Aircraft Company, Brazil is now among the top business jet markets for Cessna Aircraft Company, trailing only the United States and Europe.

Cessna is in Brazil through August 16th to participate in the Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition. Among the aircraft in the company’s static display are three Citation business jets: the Citation Sovereign, Citation CJ3 and Citation Mustang(pictured above); the Grand Caravan turboprop and two single-engine pistons: the Turbo Stationair and Cessna 400

“Business aviation in Brazil is benefiting from a strong economy; Cessna will deliver more Citation business jets to Brazil this year than any other international market,” said Trevor Esling, vice president, International Sales for Cessna. “A growing number of companies and individuals throughout the region are embracing the concept of an aircraft as a business tool.

Cessna’s broad product range offers a solution for various mission types and gives customers efficient transportation, convenience, flexibility and accessibility to remote areas.” Cessna is scheduled to deliver 48 new business jets to customers in Latin America by the end of 2008, and the company’s backlog there tops more than 175 Citations. Orders span the entire Citation line, from the entry-level Mustang to the all-new, large cabin, intercontinental Columbus.

“Brazil is our largest single international market for the Mustang, outside the European Union,” Esling said.

Source: Cessna

The Matrix Gives Piper Aircraft A Boost In A Tough Economy

No one is truly immune when the economy is sluggish, even the wealthy are cutting back on spending due to higher fuel costs and tight credit.

Despite the rough times, one aircraft company is enjoying success thanks in part to a new model.  TCPalm.com reports that the new Piper Matrix boosted sales for Piper Aircraft Inc. during the second quarter.

The Piper Matrix, a cabin-class six seat aircraft and the latest addition to Piper’s PA-46 family of aircraft, was introduced in 2007. According to the story, The General Aviation Manufacturers Association reports that Piper Aircraft sold 75 units during the second quarter, beating the 43 units sold in the first quarter.


Worldwide demand for aircraft is thriving the market despite economic woes with the United States economy.  The General Aviation Manufacturers Association also reported that aircraft sales for the aviation industry were $12.1 billion, a 24.1 percent increase in the first half of 2008.

Source: TCPalm.com

Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Company, LLC Reports its Second Quarter 2008 Results

The Hawker Beechcraft homepage features a news release on Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Company, LLC second Quarter 2008 Results. 

According to the release, Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Company, LLC (HBAC) reported increased orders, improved sales and higher earnings during the three months ending June 29, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. Net bookings for the three months ending June 29, 2008 totaled $1.7 billion.

The continued strength in new order activity resulted in a new record backlog of $7.4 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2008. Net sales for the three months ending June 29, 2008 were $1,028.7 million. During the quarter, the Company delivered 129 business and general aviation aircraft consisting of 50 jet, 50 turbo-prop and 29 piston aircraft.

On June 18, 2008, HBAC delivered the first Hawker 4000, its flagship aircraft; a super-midsize business jet utilizing advanced composite construction. Second quarter 2008 sales increased by $327.6 million, compared to the second quarter of 2007, primarily due to the increase in aircraft deliveries. 

Source: Hawker Beechcraft

Hawker Beechcraft to Install Universal Avionics

Universal Avionics Systems Corporation has announced an agreement with Hawker Beechcraft Limited (HBL) to provide digital flat panel glass displays and flight management systems for a fleet of Hawker 125-700B series aircraft.

The upgrade package will replace existing flight and engine analog instruments with Universal’s SBAS-capable UNS-1Fw FMSs, EFI-890R flat panel instrument displays, and Application Server Unit (ASU) with UCDT-III displays. A 22-week initial installation program began at the end of June at Hawker Beechcraft’s Chester, UK facility. 

Hawker Beechcraft’s integration of the WAAS/SBAS-FMS and EFI-890R in Hawker 125-700 series aircraft will provide HBL operators new capabilities in flight operations, and enhanced safety for aircrew and passengers.

Additionally, the flat panel upgrade will provide HBL the opportunity to market a robust and proven solution to civilian operators of the Hawker 125-700 and 800 series of aircraft who wish to modernize their aircraft.

Source: Universal Avionics 

Cessna Unveils The First Production Model 162 SkyCatcher At AirVenture 2008

Cessna Aircraft Company has unveiled to the public the first production Model 162 SkyCatcher complete with a production interior at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture 2008.

The unveiling comes exactly one year from the date and at the same venue where Cessna officially launched the light sport aircraft program.

Since the launch, Cessna has taken orders for more than 1,000 SkyCatchers and completed three airframes for the program’s development. The 162 prototype and the first production aircraft have accumulated more than 90 hours for ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) flight testing, which will be completed later this year.

Source: Cessna Aircraft Company