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

The 2008 General Aviation Technology Challenge Seeks Greener And Quieter Aircraft

The CAFE Foundation's homepage reports on the 2008 General Aviation Technology Challenge to be conducted at CAFE's Flight Test Center in Santa Rosa, California from August 2-10, 2008.

According to the CAFE Foundation, NASA and CAFE have partnered to create a new challenge for 2008 to advance five vital General Aviation Technologies: noise reduction, fuel efficiency, speed, safety and ease of use.

The first-ever "Green Prize" for transportation will test true "Environmental Efficiency". Aircraft competing for the Green Prize will advance all of the valuable measures of energy use; MPG as well as speed and payload.

Reducing vehicle noise emissions is vitally important to general aviation. The new GAT Community Noise Prize Challenge places a major priority on the reduction of noise emitted into the community.

Making personal aircraft safer and easier to fly is a primary goal of the new Aviation Safety Prize Challenge. This $50,000 prize will recognize achievement in implementing electronic pilot assistance (eCFI) along with rewarding outstanding handling qualities.

The $25,000 CAFE 400 Prize is a 400 mile cross-country air race over Northern California. However, each aircraft's speed result is tempered by its takeoff distance capability as well as by its fuel efficiency. Burn too much fuel in the CAFE 400 and you are disqualified.

Source: The CAFE Foundation

Green Flight - Is Algae The Aviation Fuel Of The Future?

Pratt & Whitney Canada is conducting research into a new source for aircraft fuel that is green…literally. The source is algae.

According to a press release, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is leading a groundbreaking aerospace industry-university research effort to investigate the potential use of biofuels for small and medium size engine applications.

The most recognized biofuel is Ethanol, most commonly derived from corn. While corn is a renewable resource, it is also food. Critics of Ethanol charge that using corn for fuel will drive up food prices. P&WC is evaluating the feasibility of using "second generation" biofuels that originate from sources that do not compete with human food sources.

These could include jatropha and algae derived biofuels, as well as biobutanol to power aircraft engines. "Already a leader in green technologies for small aviation engines, we aim to have a fuel-flexible engine and to develop technologies that will allow us to offer aircraft manufacturers innovative and green power solutions," said Walter Di Bartolomeo, vice president - Engineering, P&WC.

The objectives for the four-year project include identifying and assessing appropriate biofuels, studying their effect on engine components such as combustors and fuel systems, developing appropriate technologies and design changes to accommodate them, and conducting tests comparing current jet fuels with first generation ethanol, as well as second generation biofuels.

According to US News and World Report, Airbus, Honeywell, Boeing, and Virgin Atlantic have announced they are exploring the possibility of algae-based fuels. The story also reports that algae fuels could power a third of commercial aircraft by 2030.

Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada and US News and World Report

Harrison Ford Narrates "Oshkosh: The Spirit Of Aviation"

The official site for the EAA's AirVenture Oshkosh features a 18 minute video called Oshkosh: The Spirit Of Aviation, narrated by Harrison Ford.

The video highlights the events and history of the Oshkosh gathering and offers a glimpse of what this year's gathering will offer. The 56th annual EAA fly-in convention takes place July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Harrison Ford will be attending Oshkosh to introduce the classic "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" on Wednesday evening, July 30, as part of Fly-In Theater.

Aviation related films are shown during Fly-In Theater at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, presented by Ford Motor Company and Eclipse Aviation, featuring movies nightly on July 27 through August 2.

Source : EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Sluggish Economy Could Slow Demand For Private Aicraft

Is the softening United States economy slowing down the demand for private aircraft?

According to the International Herald Tribune, avionics manufacturer Honeywell reports the American market for business jets has fallen below 50 percent of global sales in recently.  Aircraft sales are growing in Russia, South Asia and the Middle East thanks to increased demand for air travel in those countries.

One culprit for the softening sales to the United States could be the cost of jet fuel. Security hassles and service issues are still driving business travelers to choose private jets over commercial airlines.

An uncertain economy has some businesses choosing fractional aircraft ownership companies or charter aircraft businesses instead of buying a plane.

Source: International Herald Tribune

Mooney Aircraft Company To Display The Acclaim Type S At Parade of Pistons In Denver

Mooney Airplane Company will be displaying and demonstrating the world’s fastest piston single, the Mooney Acclaim Type S, at an upcoming aviation event, the Parade of Pistons, sponsored by FLYING magazine and AMPT Associates at Denver’s Centennial Airport (KAPA) from Thursday July 17 through Saturday, July 19.

The piston aircraft expo will be open to the public from 10 AM until 5 PM each day. Mooney will have an aircraft on static display, and will be scheduling demonstration flights for qualified prospects according to Bob Shank, Mooney’s Regional Sales Manager for the Northwestern United States. “FLYING magazine and AMPT Associates have created outstanding opportunities for us to interact with prospects and we’ve had some success at similar events in California and Texas,” said Shank.  Mooney recorded a pair of sales at the most recent Parade of Pistons event at Addison, Texas.  

Parade of Pistons is an aircraft expo designed to build momentum in the new piston engine aircraft marketplace.   Participants include manufacturers offering airplanes ranging in price from $50,000 Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) to $650,000 high performance singles and twins.  It will include information and representatives from aero clubs, insurance and finance companies, as well as one of the country’s top aircraft brokers.

Source: Mooney Aircraft Company

Cessna Asks Business Travelers "Are You Ready To Get Your Life Back?"

Cessna Aircraft Company has launched a website called gethomeontime.com, featuring a video of two business travelers flying from Chattanooga to the same destination in New York City.

Showing both travelers in side-by-side video, one flies by the most direct commercial flight available, the other flies on a private Cessna Citation CJ2+.  The message featured on the website and in the video asks viewers "In the end, you just have to ask yourself: are you ready to get your life back?"

Business travelers, frazzled by rising fare costs and flight delays, will probably empathize with the commercial air flyer having to sit for a spell in the airport lounge.  Meanwhile, the private air traveler is at home with the kids.

According to bizjournals.com, Cessna is taking the "get your life back" message to the jumbo video screens of New York City's Times Square over the next two months.

Source: Bizjournals.com and Cessna

Cessna Announces Program Offering Free Fuel

Cessna Aircraft Company recently announced a program that offers free fuel for up to 18 months and a free Garmin synthetic vision upgrade for new buyers of Cessna 182 Skylanes or Turbo Skylanes through September 30, 2008.

Under the program, Cessna will pay for fuel for the new Skylane up to $15,000 between now and the end of 2009, based on average usage and power settings.1 Cessna will also upgrade at no charge the Garmin G1000 avionics package standard on the 182 with Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) currently in the final stages of certification by Cessna and Garmin.

“When you couple this with the U.S. government’s bonus depreciation program for new business aircraft passed earlier this year, we have a package that offers unparalleled value for the popular 182,” said John Doman, Cessna’s vice president for propeller aircraft sales. “This will prove to be a very popular program as it provides unique ownership opportunities.”

Bonus depreciation is part of the U.S. government’s economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year and, if aircraft use and other factors meet qualifications standards, may provide substantial tax savings for new aircraft ordered in 2008 and delivering in 2008 or 2009.

Source: Cessna

"The Jet" By Cirrus Design Makes Its First Flight

Cirrus Design Corporation reports that the most highly anticipatedaircraft in the company’s history, currently called ‘The-Jet’, made its first flight on July 3rd, 2008.

According to Cirrus Design, the45-minute flight was conducted from company worldwide headquarters atthe Duluth International Airport, Duluth, MN and the aircraft performed flawlessly.

The-Jet is an all new personal aircraft that blends boththe high performance single-engine class and the very light jet (VLJ)category.

Single engine fuel efficiency,flexible seating options for a family of up to seven, state-of-the-artadvanced avionics and flight systems and the Cirrus Airframe ParachuteSystem (CAPS) are each hallmarks of the new design.

Source: Cirrus Design

Business Jet Sales Continue To Grow In A Tight Economy

As major airlines are trying to cut costs to deal with high fuel prices, sales of business jets are booming.

The San Jose Mercury News reports a study indicates that the number of business jets being built will double in the next ten years.It is more than just the price of airline air travel making the difference to businesses that lease or buy jets. The choice is also a matter of convenience.

Business jets bypass the annoyances of lost baggage and intrusive security checks.

Fuel costs are hitting jet-charter companies just as hard as big airlines and raising rates, but customers are still willing to pay more for a business jet to avoid the unpleasantness of flying a big airline.

Source: The San Jose Mercury News

“Liberty Belle” B-17 Flying Fortress Crosses Atlantic Ocean For July 4th

Photo by Alton K. Marsh
The APOA Pilot Blog reports on the the “Liberty Belle”, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress that is crossing the Atlantic Ocean and set to land on the Fourth of July in England.
According to the story, the Liberty Belle will arrive on the Fourth in Duxford, Englnad, performing a flyby above an cemetery where 300,000 Americans who died in World War II are buried.
You can track the flight on the Liberty Foundation's offical homepage.
There are more photos of the Liberty Belle on the Liberty Foundation's Flickr account and more photos of WWII aircraft.
Source: AOPA Pilot Blog and The Liberty Foundation

Eclipse 500 Receives Flight Into Known Icing Certification

© Eclipse Aviation Corporation, 2008

Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), recently announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) certification for the Eclipse 500. With this certification, the Eclipse 500 can now operate in conditions in which ice is known to be present.

© Eclipse Aviation Corporation, 2008

"This certification process is one of the most difficult things to put a new model of aircraft through," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "We've worked through this process for some time, flying the Eclipse 500 in the precise natural icing conditions that the FAA requires. We tested the aircraft in some of the most severe weather conditions we could find, wherever we could find it. By receiving the FAA certification, we proved that the aircraft can withstand known icing conditions in a real-world operating environment with no structural changes required of the airframe," said Raburn.


Source: Eclipse Aviation

Brazilian Aircraft Builder Embraer Achieves New Success In The Global Market

The Miami Herald reports on the rise of Brazilian aircraft builder Embraer and the opening of their new U.S. headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Embraer is now number three among commercial aircraft builders in the world, behind Boeing and Airbus, and recently announced plans to build a $50 million dollar assembly plant in Florida for light and executive jets.

After overcoming financial problems in the 1990s, business is booming for Embraer with over four years worth of orders for commercial and executive jets to fill. The Miami Herald article explores how Embraer managed to overcome obstacles to find succcess and what challenges the company faces from global competitors.

Source: The Miami Herald

Cessna Seeks To Go Green By Establishing Environmental Strategy Council

Cessna's homepage reports on the announcement by Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton of the establishment of the Cessna Environmental Strategy Council.

According to Cessna, the council will assess the company’s impact on the environment and formalize initiatives to minimize that impact. The council is comprised of representatives from every part of the company.

“This is an important part of our long-term strategy,” Pelton said. “We are looking at boosting our efforts in recycling – both personal and industrial – conserving energy, aircraft operations and aircraft design,” he said.

The council is looking at how the company interfaces with the environment, with the goal of developing an action plan to lessen Cessna’s impact on the environment. The effort will also reach out to Cessna’s employees, encouraging them to embrace an environment-friendly approach to their everyday lives.

Pelton said Cessna is coordinating with industry and government groups, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Business Aviation Association.

Cessna already is thinking green in a number of ways: recycling materials such as aluminum and paper, designing lighter airplanes to complete the same mission and working with suppliers – especially engine makers – to develop more efficient systems.

Source: Cessna

Hawker 4000 Receives FAA Approval To Begin Customer Deliveries

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation recently announced Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification for the new flagship Hawker 4000 super-midsize business jet, allowing the company to begin delivering this revolutionary aircraft to customers this month.

The Hawker 4000 features innovative composite construction and considered one of the world’s most advanced business jets . HBC concurrently received the FAA production certificate for the Hawker 4000.

“This is a historic step forward for Hawker Beechcraft, as our hard work and dedication on the Hawker 4000 program has resulted in the most luxurious, most innovative and most advanced super-midsize business jet in the world.” said Jim Schuster, HBC chairman and CEO. “We’ve put a tremendous amount of effort into the Hawker 4000 and are eager to fulfill our substantial backlog of worldwide customer orders.”

Source: Hawker Beechcraft