Honeywell commemorates golden anniversary of TPE331 engine at AirVenture 2016

     With more than 500,000 people and 10,000 planes in attendance, the EEA's annual AirVenture Oshkosh is renowned as one of the most popular airshows and aviation conventions in the world. 

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     This year was no exception, extremely successful in turnout and visitor engagement with the event's numerous exhibits. Included in these exhibits was Honeywell's display of of one of their very first turboprop engines, the iconic TPE331, in celebration of its 50th year in production. Originally designed specifically for military use, the engine was eventually developed for civil aviation as well, with its first certified model presented for commercial use in 1965. The TPE331 series now boasts 18 models and more than 100 possible configurations, powering countless single-engine aircraft across the globe. With over 120 million hours of flight time logged to date, more than 13,000 have been delivered since its initial design finalization. The product is hailed by many as the most provenly reliable of any turboprop engine model, with notably greater fuel efficiency and lesser operating costs than competing market models.

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     With an utterly simplistic design, this engine proudly presents with 1000+ shaft horsepower, and has been lauded by aviation consumers and enthusiasts time after time. Aviation International News readers gave the TPE331 the highest rating in product support six years in a row, and Twin Commander likewise named a recent edition the "best new product" of 2013. A spokesperson reinforced Honeywell's pride in the engine's massive historical success, and assured future continuity of the product's reputation in years to come:

"[Our company] continues to work with airplane manufacturers across the aerospace industry to ensure the TPE331 will meet the needs of the aviation community for the next 50 years." 

EEA.com

Gulfstream Celebrates The 25th Anniversary of the First Flight of the GIV

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The Gulfstream hompage reports is the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Gulfstream IV.

“The GIV was the aircraft that launched a thousand Gulfstream aircraft,” said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. “It formed the foundation for designing and building the G300, G400, G350 and G450. The aircraft’s first flight was a milestone and turning point for the company.”

Longtime Gulfstream employee Jim Gallagher, an acoustics engineer for the GIV program, said the aircraft revolutionized the industry. More than 520 of the 536 jets produced in the GIV series are still in operation.

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna Sells New Aircraft to Nine Global Training Fleets in the First Half of 2010

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company reports the sales of new aircraft to nine global training fleets in the first half of 2010, marked by the recent delivery of the 12th 172 Skyhawk to a Russian training program.

Photo Credit: Cessna

Since January, Cessna has delivered more than 60 aircraft to major aviation university programs in the United States and for training programs in countries such as Egypt, Korea, Turkey and Uganda, in addition to several programs in Russia.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“The reasons Cessna aircraft are so popular with training programs is the range of products we offer – whatever is required, we have aircraft to meet their needs - the reliability of our products and Cessna’s reputation for customer service,” Gibbs said. “They know our support network is one of the largest in the industry. If they need support, it is likely going to be very close by.”

Source: Cessna

Cessna Calls for Industry Unity to Defend the Image of Business Aviation

Since the rough days of the economic crisis of 2008, the use of business aircraft has come under increased scrutiny.  Now, the aviation industry is taking on perception that business aircraft is just another gold-plated perk of big business.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Cessna home page reports that Robert Stangarone, vice president, Corporate Communications, Cessna Aircraft Company said at the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) Annual Conference that the industry needs to keep communicating the value and benefits of business aviation. Stangarone said: “Everyone in our industry should consider themselves ambassadors. Business aircraft are used in so many valuable ways and have truly become essential to the global transportation system. We need to take every opportunity to spread that message to the world.”

Stangarone stressed the importance and strength of unity. “Protecting our image is a common goal we can all pursue, on both sides of the Atlantic. Through Cessna’s own ‘Rise’ campaign, we’ve seen the power of partnering with our industry allies and associations, with our government officials, with our customers and with other stakeholders. “Together, we need to make sure the facts are heard. Business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs across the U.S. Equally, thousands of European jobs depend on our industry. And companies that use business aviation are more productive than their competitors.

“It’s not just big business either,” continued Stangarone. “The vast majority of companies that rely on business aviation are small and medium-sized operations. And just as important, business jets are a lifeline for small cities across North America and remote communities in Europe, and they play a critical role in disaster relief efforts following catastrophes such as the earthquake in Haiti.” Stangarone concluded, “As an industry we’re a force with strong points to make and a solid strategy. We’re making good headway but we have to keep working to protect our image.”

Source: Cessna

Piper Aircraft Enters the LSA Market With the PiperSport

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft, Inc. recently announced details and unveiled its all-new PiperSport, underscoring its foray into the Light Sport Aviation segment. Piper President & CEO Kevin J. Gould made the announcement during a news conference at the Sebring U.S Sport Aviation Expo 2010.

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

“With the PiperSport,” Gould said, “Piper is entering what is undeniably one of the most exciting market segments in general aviation. This burgeoning segment is becoming vital to our industry and playing an ever-increasing role in developing general aviation’s next generation of pilots. The PiperSport is an amazing entry-level aircraft that will bring new customers into Piper and lead the way for those customers to step up into more sophisticated and higher performance aircraft within our line over time. Moreover, as the only aircraft manufacturer to have models in every market segment, Piper continues to expand its business model to ensure that we are in tune with the times and that we meet the needs of our customers at every level.”

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

Source: Piper Aircraft

Embraer Delivers 244 Jets in 2009 - Surpasses 2009 Goal

Embraer reports it delivered 91 jets to the airline, executive and defense markets during the fourth quarter of 2009, totaling 244 airplanes for the year.

According to Embraer, the company delivered 23 E-Jets and three ERJ 145 jets to the airline market; six Legacy 600 super midsize jets, 52 Phenom 100 entry level jets, two Lineage 1000 ultra-large jets, and the first Phenom 300 light jet to the executive jets market; and one ERJ 135 jet, two Phenom 100 jets, and one EMBRAER 190 jet to the defense market.

Source: Embraer

Piper Aircraft Selects Aviall Services To Distribute Parts

Piper Aircraft today announced the selection of Aviall Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, to be its global parts distributor, providing supply chain support for the company’s global dealer network and individual customers.

“One of Piper’s primary goals is to enhance every facet of our customer service experience,” said Piper President & CEO Kevin J. Gould. “Aviall’s extensive experience and excellent reputation in parts management and distribution will give our customers world-class service that is fundamental to the total Piper experience.” Aviall Services any is a leading solutions provider of aftermarket supply chain management services for the aerospace, defense and marine industries.

Source: Piper Aircraft

Cessna Delivers First Skycatcher

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company has delivered its first Model 162 Skycatcher Light Sport Aircraft during a ceremony at Yingling Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Yingling is one of three U.S. re-assembly facilities for the Skycatcher. As previously announced, Rose Pelton, wife of Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton, received the first Skycatcher.

Cessna, in association with King Schools, has also developed a new Web-based training system for sport and private pilot certificates that will be available through the Cessna Pilot Center network of flight schools.

Cessna launched its Skycatcher program at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007 and has since amassed more than 1,000 orders.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Delivers 300th Citation X

Cessna Aircraft Company has delivered the 300th Citation X to its authorized sales representative, Jetalliance, based in Vienna, Austria. The Citation X will be operated from Vienna by an unnamed retail customer. Jetalliance is Cessna’s authorized sales representative for Russia and Eastern Europe.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“The Citation X continues to be a popular aircraft all over the world, including Europe. The exceptional speed, reliability, and cabin comfort offered by the Citation X have contributed to its great success,” said Trevor Esling, Cessna’s vice president, International Sales. The Citation X is the world's fastest non-military aircraft with a top speed of .92 Mach, just under the speed of sound. Since launch, Cessna has delivered more than 45 Citation Xs to the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa).

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Citation X is the top of Cessna's line of light and mid-size business jets and was announced at the 1990 National Business Aviation Association annual meeting and convention. The first Citation X was delivered to golf legend and long-time Cessna customer, Arnold Palmer, in 1996.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Rolls Out First Production Citation CJ4

Cessna Aircraft Company recently celebrated the first production Citation CJ4 rolling off the assembly line at the company’s primary design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The first production unit will now go to paint and interiors, while three flight test aircraft continue to work toward type certification. Federal Aviation Administration certification is the final stages with deliveries starting in the first half of 2010.

The Citation CJ4 also offers an extensive standard equipment list including a four-screen Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite with electronic charts and graphical weather, TCAS II, EGPWS Class A TAWS, Dual Mode S Diversity transponders with ADS-B out capability, Multi-Scan weather radar, Emergency Descent Mode, and an essential electrical bus.

The aircraft will also debut the new Williams International FJ44-4A electronically controlled (FADEC) engines. The cabin can be configured for up to eight passengers, plus a standard, belted aft lavatory. The Citation CJ4 also features the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system that includes BluRay DVD with HD monitors and XM radio. To date, the CJ4 test aircraft have flown more than 1,000 flights and accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Poised to Deliver First Skycatcher LSA This Year

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company recently announced it will deliver the first Model 162 Skycatcher Light Sport Aircraft to the first customer of the model later this year. The customer, Rose Pelton of Wichita, Kan., will use the aircraft to pursue her private pilot’s license.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“When I first saw the Skycatcher mockup at Oshkosh in 2007, I knew that was the aircraft I wanted to learn to fly in,” Pelton said. “I couldn’t be more excited to own the first Skycatcher.” Rose is the wife of Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. 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 1,320 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.

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna, in association with King Schools, has also developed a new Web-based training system for sport and private pilot certificates that will be available through the Cessna Pilot Center network of flight schools. Cessna launched its Skycatcher program at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007 and has since amassed more than 1,000 orders.

Source: Cessna

Gulfstream Rolls Out New Flagship Aircraft: The Gulfstream G650

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace recently rolled out its new flagship business jet, the all-new Gulfstream G650, at company headquarters in Savannah. The aircraft rolled out under its own power. First announced in March 2008, the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650 remains on schedule for customer deliveries in 2012.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Approximately 7,000 people gathered at the new G650 manufacturing building for the aircraft’s debut. The audience included state and local dignitaries, customers, certifying authorities, supplier representatives, members of the G650 development team and many other employees at the Savannah facility.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

“We’ve all been looking forward to this day since we officially announced the G650 program last year,” said Joe Lombardo, executive vice president, General Dynamics Aerospace group. “Simply put, the Gulfstream G650 is in a class by itself. I want to thank everyone who made this aircraft possible. I share the tremendous amount of pride you have for this significant piece of aviation history. Like you, I am eagerly awaiting the first flight later this year.”

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The G650 offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. It features an all-new fuselage cross section, allowing a wider and taller cabin than the previous top-of-the-line G550 model. The G650 is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925, which will make it the fastest civil aircraft flying. It can climb to an altitude of 51,000 feet, which allows it to avoid traffic and inclement weather.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

“Our customers had an instrumental role in the design of the G650,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “The G650 will set new levels of performance in aircraft capability, cabin environment and maintainability. Customer input was used to guide fuselage size selection as well as aircraft performance characteristics.

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna Finance Corporation Offers New Finance Option

Cessna Aircraft Company has announced that its sister company, Cessna Finance Corporation (CFC), has initiated a new finance program with lower rates available for Cessna's single-engine piston and Caravan aircraft purchased in 2009.

Photo Credit: Cessna

"We are finding many people are ready to buy a new aircraft but are unsure about where to finance the purchase, so CFC initiated this program to ease their concern with a smoother process and lower rates," said John Doman, vice president, Worldwide Propeller Aircraft Sales."And since many of these aircraft are used for business, they may also qualify in the United States for accelerated depreciation, an option of the 2009 Federal stimulus package that is set to expire this year," Doman said. "It really is an excellent time to buy a new Cessna."

The CFC program offers new rates for the entire Cessna line of propeller aircraft: the Cessna 172, 182 and 206 high-wing pistons, the Corvalis and Corvalis TT high-performance pistons, and the 208/208B Caravan/Grand Caravan turboprops.

Source: Cessna

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

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

Cessna Will Begin Delivering The SkyCatcher Later This Year

Photo Credit: Cessna

Kansas.com reports that Cessna Aircraft will begin delivering the Cessna SkyCatcher to customers by the end of the year.

According to Kansas.com, Cessna hase confirmed that the SkyCatcher will test-fly a model from the production line sometime this year, with some deliveries later on.

In a previous statement about the Skycatcher, Cessna President and CEO Jack J. Pelton said :The need for a modern, cost-effective two-seat trainer aircraft has never been greater, and we believe we are well positioned to meet that need. The SkyCatcher program is an important part of our strategy."

Source: Kansas.com and Cessna

Gulfstream GV and GIV Families Achieve Flight-Hour Milestones

Two families of Gulfstream business jets — the Gulfstream GV and Gulfstream GIV — recently achieved flight-hour milestones.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The 412 aircraft in the GV family, which comprises the ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550, G500 and GV, have surpassed 1.1 million flight hours since the first GV entered service on June 30, 1997. The fleet leader accounted for 13,107 of those hours.

The GIV family, consisting of 669 G450, G350, G400, G300, GIV and GIV-SP aircraft, has achieved nearly 3.5 million flight hours since the first GIV entered service on June 8, 1987. The fleet leader accounted for 18,403 of those hours.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

“The milestones are very gratifying to all of us here at Gulfstream,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “They reflect the safety, performance and reliability of these aircraft.”

The in-service G550/G500 fleet has a 12-month dispatch reliability rate of 99.88 percent. In addition, the G550 has close to 40 city-pair speed records. The most notable is a 14.5-hour, 7,301-nautical-mile nonstop flight from Seoul, South Korea, to Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 3, 2003. That record was set less than two weeks after the aircraft entered service.

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna Moves Corvalis Deliveries to Independence Customer Center

Cessna Aircraft Company has begun deliveries of the Corvalis line of high-performance single-engine piston aircraft at the company's state-of-the-art customer center in Independence, Kan., the first step in moving the entire production line from Cessna's facility in Oregon.

Photo Credit: Cessna

"We currently deliver the Cessna Skyhawk, Skylane, Stationair, and the Citation Mustang from the customer center in Independence. Using this facility for deliveries to our new Corvalis customers is a great way to begin the process that will transition the entire Corvalis production line to Independence later this year," said Rod Holter, vice president for Cessna Single-Engine/Mustang Operations.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The customer accepting delivery of the first Corvalis from the Independence customer center is Glenn Hughes from Utah, who already owns a Citation CJ2 and has a Citation CJ4 on order. "Taking delivery of my new Corvalis in Independence has been a wonderful experience," said Hughes. "We plan to use our Corvalis for our business and it will be a great addition to our Cessna fleet."

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Corvalis TT is the world's fastest fixed-gear single-engine piston aircraft with a top speed of 235 knots (435 km/hr) and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet (6,620 m).

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna will close its Bend, Ore., facility as previously announced on April 29. The final assembly and delivery process for the Corvalis product line will be moved to Cessna's facility in Independence over the next few months. Cessna acquired certain assets of Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Co. in December 2007. Since then, in addition to making a number of significant improvements to the aircraft and its global product support, Cessna renamed these aircraft the Cessna Corvalis TT (twin turbo) and Corvalis (normally-aspirated).

Source: Cessna

Bombardier Aerospace Releases Annual Aircraft Market Forecasts

The Bombardier Aerospace homepage features annual market forecasts for the business and commercial aircraft markets.

Photo Credit: Bombardier

“The financial turbulence being felt around the globe has placed a significant focus on the challenges facing the aviation industry, particularly within the business jet sector. The sharp downturn in global economies in late 2008 precipitated a sharp decline in demand that affected aircraft manufacturers, suppliers and operators.

 With demand for air travel closely linked to economic growth, we anticipate continued volatility in the aerospace industry in the near term. However, despite the current recession, the market fundamentals are strong in the long term. As the world begins to emerge from this economic crisis, demand should gradually return and future prospects remain solid,” said Mairead Lavery, Vice-President, Strategy and Business Development, Bombardier Aerospace.

While in the short term the industry faces such important challenges as high pre-owned inventories, negative public perceptions and a difficult economic climate, Bombardier remains confident that there is a strong potential for the business aircraft industry over the next 10 years. The anticipated return of global economic growth is expected to result in a strong recovery in the demand for business jets.

Source: Bombarier

Gulfstream Facilities Earn Organization Designation Authorizations From FAA

Gulfstream Aerospace has announced it recently received an expansion of its Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) to include final-phase manufacturing and service-center work at its headquarters in Savannah as well as its facilities in Appleton, Wis.; Brunswick, Ga.; Dallas; and Long Beach, Calif.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream received ODA authorization for Savannah initial-phase design, manufacturing and airworthiness in March 2008.

Gulfstream was the first aircraft manufacturer to achieve that authorization level. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) started the ODA initiative to more effectively manage critical resources in response to the growing needs of the aviation industry.

It also allows the FAA to concentrate its resources on the most safety-critical matters. The designation allows Gulfstream to act on behalf of the FAA to examine Gulfstream aircraft designs, production quality, parts approvals, repairs/alterations and airworthiness.

“We are pleased that our positive relationship with the Federal Aviation Administration continues to grow,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “This designation clearly indicates the FAA’s trust in our internal procedures. We take this responsibility very seriously.”

Source: Gulfstream