8/31/09

FAA Awards Piper Type Certificate Organization Designation Authorization


Piper Aircraft, Inc. reports that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Piper with Type Certificate Organization Designation Authorization (TC-ODA), which gives Piper the authority to act on behalf of the FAA in the approval of airplane designs and certification to FAA standards of airworthiness.

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

“We’re honored by the FAA’s recognition of our capabilities and expertise,” said Piper CEO Kevin J. Gould. FAA officials Melvin Taylor, Manager of the FAA Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, and Mack Riley, Manager of the FAA Orlando Manufacturing Inspection District Office, presented Gould and Piper President John D. Becker with an official letter of authorization during a ceremony held here at Piper headquarters.

TC-ODA is similar to the previous FAA standard, Delegation Option Authorization (DOA) that Piper held. “TC-ODA is one of the most important authorizations that the FAA awards aircraft manufacturers,” said Becker. “This authorization affirms the FAA’s confidence in Piper’s ability to design, develop and certify aircraft.

Source: Piper Aircraft
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8/21/09

New Bombardier Global Vision Flight Deck Has Flawless First Test Flight


Bombardier reports that the Global Vision cockpit successfully completed its first Bombardier test flight on a Global Express XRS aircraft on August 3. Dedicated to testing basic system functionality, the flight marks another significant milestone for the program.
Photo Credit: Bombardier 

“The new Global Vision flight deck is fantastic, everything performed as expected,” said Captain Gary Bruce, Project test pilot, Bombardier Aerospace. “The new Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite’s large displays, in combination with the synthetic vision system, provide enhanced situation awareness that will surely be a great success with pilots.

The comfort and ergonomics of the overall cockpit are like nothing we’ve ever experienced.” Scheduled for availability on Global 5000 and Global Express XRS jets, the Global Vision flight deck merges leading-edge design with advanced technology to deliver a completely new cockpit experience. It pairs the latest technological advancements from Rockwell Collins – the Pro Line Fusion avionics suite – with superior design aesthetics to create the ultimate flight control environment and provides pilots with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and comfort.

Source: Bombardier
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8/10/09

Gulfstream G450 Business Jet Sets Speed Record Between Oranjestad and Barcelona


A large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 business jet recently established a city-pair speed record between Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad, Aruba, and Barcelona International Airport in Spain.

The aircraft flew 4,374 nautical miles in 8 hours, 56 minutes, at an average speed of Mach 0.80 with no headwinds. It landed with 3,900 pounds of fuel remaining.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Piloting the G450 was Jaime Bahamon, international demonstration captain. Ross Oetjen, senior international demonstration captain, served as copilot. In addition to flight attendant Lori Starbuck, nine passengers were onboard the flight.

The National Aeronautic Association confirmed the flight as a U.S. record and forwarded the figures to the Federation Aeronautique International in Switzerland for approval as a world record.

Source: Gulfstream
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8/5/09

Cessna SkyCatcher Completes ASTM Compliance, Clearing the Way for Deliveries


Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company has announced its Model 162 SkyCatcher Light Sport Aircraft is in compliance with ASTM International standards for Light Sport Aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin before year’s end.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“This is significant not only for Cessna, but for the aviation community as a whole,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. “Once these airplanes enter service, they will act as a catalyst for increased pilot starts. They will significantly change the economics of ownership and operation for flight schools, aircraft renters and aircraft owners, and will benefit the entire GA community.”

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Model 162 SkyCatcher is a two-place, single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft in the Light Sport Aircraft category, defined in the United States as an aircraft with a gross weight under 1320 pounds and with a top speed of no more than 120 knots. LSAs are built to ASTM International standards.
Photo Credit: Cessna

The 162 is powered by a Continental O-200D 100-hp air-cooled, carbureted engine and a fixed-pitch propeller. The aircraft will cruise at speeds up to 118 knots and will have a maximum range of 470 nautical miles. The Cessna 162 SkyCatcher features a Garmin G300 avionics system. Information is presented in a single, split-screen primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD), or as two full-screen displays with an optional second screen. The SkyCatcher will be capable of Visual Flight Rules/Day/Night operations.

Source: Cessna
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