Diamond Aircraft Offers Special Deal On The DA40 XLS or DA40 CS

According to Diamond Aircraft, there has never been a better time to buy a Diamond DA40 XLS or DA40 CS, especially with a new offer from good through year-end 2008.

Customers who buy and take delivery of a new DA40 between now and December 31, 2008, receive free maintenance, free insurance, free fuel and free flight training, for the first year of operation – a $13,250 value.

The offer includes a free fuel card worth $5,000 and free flight training via a $2,000 training credit, which customers can use for transition training or toward any rating – private or more advanced, in their new airplane.

Source: Diamond Aircraft

Embraer Presents Forecast For Business Aviation

Embraer recently presented its 20-year forecast of the world demand for 30- to 120-seat commercial jets, and its ten-year forecast for the business aviation market.

According to the report, Embraer forecasts a global demand of 11,880 business jets for 2009-2018, which could generate approximately US$ 204 billion in new aircraft deliveries. The new air taxi and branded charter market may add yet another 1,800 to 2,800 jets to the personal and entry level segments for the same period.

Embraer is investing over US$ 100 million in the infrastructure and organization for customer support and services. In 2008, three new Company-owned service centers were inaugurated in the States of Connecticut, Arizona and Florida, in the United States. The service network will be comprised of 45 centers, including seven wholly owned facilities.

Source: Embraer

Garmin GPS/EFB Devices Help Pilots See Their Altitude Between Aircraft And Terrain

The Official Garmin blog reports on the GPSMAP 696 and 695 large displayed GPS / EFB hybrids.

The 696 and 695 were displayed at the AOPA Expo convention and generated buzz thanks to new features.

One of the capabilities of the 696 is an added view for pilots to see the upcoming terrain and differences between the aircraft’s altitude and altitude of the terrain, allowing pilots to visualize how much space they will need to clear the ground more safely.

Source: Garmin

Cessna On Track To Deliver 105 Caravans This Year

Cessna Aircraft Company recently reported it is on track to deliver 105 Caravans this year and increase to an expected 120 deliveries in 2009.

“The Caravan is the leader in a unique market segment. Because of its utility, reliability and multiple functionalities, we continue to see increased interest and stable sales for the Caravan in the military, government and special missions segments,” said John Doman, Cessna vice president of worldwide propeller aircraft sales.

“We currently have a record backlog for the Caravan and expect to sustain the 120 delivery rate for the next several years. An added benefit for our customers is the Caravan continues to be known for its ability to retain its value well,” Doman said.

Source: Cessna

Diamond Aircraft Selected For CAE schools

According to the Diamond Aircraft homepage, the CAE has selected Diamond Aircraft as its provider of choice for flight training airplanes and Diamond-specific flight training devices in order to support the deployment of the CAE Global Academy.

CAE will operate DA40 and DA42 aircraft for their ab-initio flight training schools. As a first order, CAE has purchased 22 aircraft and four type-specific flight training devices, which will be deployed in India.

The CAE Global Academy is a network of flight schools providing ab-initio training, in strategic locations around the world, to meet the growing need for professional pilots.

“The CAE Global Academy leverages CAE’s unique experience in professional pilot training, as well as our partners’ in-depth local expertise, to offer aspiring professional pilots high quality and efficient ab-initio training,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Innovation and Training and Services. “Diamond has demonstrated its capability and clear dedication to providing a full range of modern fuel-efficient aircraft and complementary training devices for professional flight training.”

Source: Diamond Aircraft

Gulfstream Jet Completes Future Air Navigation System Data Link Flight Across The Atlantic Ocean

Gulfstream recently completed a full Future Air Navigation System (FANS) flight across the Atlantic Ocean using Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication with Automatic Dependent Surveillance (CPDLC/ADS).

According to Gulfstream The flight was the first of its kind for a purpose-built business jet. The CPDLC/ADS data link provides flight crews with direct communication to oceanic and remote-area Air Traffic Controllers. It enhances safety because it automatically reports when an aircraft deviates from its cleared altitude and route. It also provides meteorological data from the aircraft’s sensors.

Source: Gulfstream

Piper Luxury Aircraft Deliveries Continue At Record-Breaking Levels

Piper Aircraft has announced that its piston aircraft deliveries are up 24 percent for the 3rd Quarter of 2008. The company also announced that overall deliveries for the first nine months of 2008 are up 18 percent over the same period last year and that its PA-46, luxury aircraft models are registering record deliveries.

This news from Piper Aircraft comes at a time when General Aviation’s overall piston-aircraft deliveries are down. “In the last three years, Piper has moved forward on virtually every front – from new product introductions to strong sales, from strategic alliances to breaking into an entirely new segment with our all-new PiperJet,” said Piper President & CEO James K. Bass. “We are a modern-day, American success story: a company that relies on American workers to provide the next generation aircraft for the world.”

Piper’s current piston increases are driven by the unparalleled success of its all new Piper Matrix, a cabin-class, six-seat aircraft based on the world-renowned Malibu Mirage and operating with the economy of an unpressurized aircraft. That success accounted in part for deliveries of 195 aircraft in the first nine months of 2008 against 166 aircraft for the same period last year.

Of that total, 76 were from deliveries of the Piper Matrix, which the company began delivering this year. Moreover, deliveries of Piper PA-46 models combined (Meridian, Mirage and Matrix) are at record levels.

“We have orders for 101 Matrix models this year,” Bass said. “The Piper Matrix fills a niche in the market that hasn’t been truly addressed until now. To date, our entire first year of production is sold out and market demand continues to be very strong. At the same time, deliveries of our flagship turboprop, the Piper Meridian, continue unabated, with 33 aircraft for the first nine of this year and an expected 53 deliveries in total for 2008. These deliveries have continued at the same strong levels as those in 2007.”

In all, Piper delivered 195 aircraft with $150.5 million in billings in the first nine months of 2008, compared with 166 aircraft and $125 million in billings for the same period in 2007.

Source: Piper Aircraft

Gulfstream Demonstrates Fly-By-Wireless Aircraft Control System

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has successfully demonstrated aircraft control using “Fly-By-Wireless” technology. This historic flight, which took place on Sept. 18, is the first known application of wireless signaling for a primary flight-control surface in a civilian or military aircraft.

During a two-hour flight over Savannah, four distinct signal types transferred input from the pilot to the lateral controls on the Gulfstream GV test aircraft. A mechanical system controlled the ailerons; a Fly-By-Wire system manipulated the outboard spoilers; the Fly-By-Wireless system handled the mid-spoilers; and a fiber-optic Fly-By-Light system moved the inboard spoilers.

“After developing the Fly-By-Wire system, the next goal for Gulfstream was to reduce the complexity and weight of that system without sacrificing safety or reliability,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “This Fly-By-Wireless flight proved we achieved that goal. There was no difference in signal quality or strength among Fly-By-Wireless, Fly-By-Light or Fly-By-Wire. That benefit, combined with the streamlined profile of Fly-By-Wireless, makes it a potential backup for other flight-control systems.”

The Fly-By-Wireless control system was developed by Gulfstream and Invocon, a system-engineering firm near Houston. It offers an additional channel of communication for redundancy, which increases system safety. Gulfstream is reviewing the benefits of wireless technology for applications beyond backup flight control.

Source: Gulfstream

University of North Dakota EERC Creates First 100% Renewable Jet Fuel

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at The University of North Dakota recently announced they have achieved a major technical milestone in creating a 100% renewable domestic fuel that meets the JP-8 aviation fuel screening criteria, proving a pathway to providing energy security to the U.S. military and the entire nation.

EERC fuel samples created from multiple renewable feedstocks were tested at a U.S. government facility to evaluate key specification parameters for JP-8, a petroleum-based fuel widely used by the U.S. military. JP-8 specifications include parameters such as freeze point, density, flash point, energy content, and others; all of which were met by the EERC fuel samples.

The EERC fuel was produced under a $4.7 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Department of Defense is the largest consumer of petroleum in America, and securing a domestic fuel source is a key operational challenge for the military. Production is now under way to produce a large fuel sample for engine testing this fall.

"This builds on a solid foundation of expertise at the EERC in the area of alternative fuel production," said EERC Director Gerald Groenewold. "The EERC is now uniquely positioned to provide drop-in-compatible JP-8 fuel from both fossil and renewable feedstocks, providing critical strategic opportunities for the U.S. military as well as commercial aviation."

The technology takes advantage of feedstock chemistry to reduce capital and operating expenses. The feedstock-flexible process can use various crop oils and waste greases. The process can be tailored to produce combinations of propane, gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel that are identical to petroleum-derived fuels, enabling direct substitution with existing fuels and providing renewable options across the spectrum of fuel needs.

The EERC is actively exploring partnerships with the private sector to move into full-scale production of the fuel. Preliminary negotiations are under way with feedstock suppliers and oil refineries. Talks of building a large-scale Advanced Tactical Fuels Production Complex are ongoing.

Source: The University of North Dakota

More Private Jet Owners Put Their Planes Up For Sale

Image: Wikipeida

Private jet ownership is one of the perks taking a hit due to the slowing economy.

According to The Wall Street Journal’s Wealth Report blog, new September numbers show that private jet owners are putting their planes up for sale, creating more inventory of once hard to find private aircraft.

The story tracks the sales and prices for a popular brand of aircraft: Gulstream’s GIV model. GIVs were tough to find for sale a year ago, now the number of GIV’s for sale has hit a 22 year high.

Private aircraft are also taking longer to sell.What has not decreased are the prices for used aircraft, which remain high. One source in the story says that could change as increasing numbers of aircraft for sale put pressure on sellers to lower prices.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Cessna Delivers 100th Citation Mustang

Cessna Aircraft Company recently delivered Citation Mustang unit 100 during a ceremony at the company's manufacturing facility in southeast Kansas. The commemorative Mustang is owned and operated by long-time customer Supap Puranitee, a businessman based in Thailand.

Puranitee put a deposit down on the Mustang on the same day the entry level jet program was unveiled at the 2002 National Business Aviation Association meeting and convention. "After seeing this fantastic looking airplane unveiled, I immediately placed a deposit. That same year I had the opportunity to take delivery of the 1,000th Grand Caravan, so I requested that I receive the 100th Mustang," Supap Puranitee said. "I enjoy a wonderful relationship with Cessna employees, and I consider them to be extended family. Already in 2008, I have received two new Cessna 172s that I am going to use to give private flying lessons."

The first retail Citation Mustang entered service in April 2007, and Cessna delivered 45 Mustangs in 2007. The company expects to deliver a total of 100 Mustangs by the end of 2008, and next year Cessna plans to reach a full production rate of about 150 aircraft per year. Source: Cessna

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