Cessna Citation M2 receives certifications in Brazil and Argentina, makes LABACE debut
August 12, 2014
SÃO PAULO, Brazil, Aug. 12, 2014– Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition that that Citation M2 – making its LABACE debut – has gained final certification from civil aviation authorities in Brazil and Argentina, paving the way for deliveries to begin.
Since its certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in December and European Aviation Safety Agency in June, 31 Citation M2s have been delivered to customers through the first half of this year.
“The market in Latin America has shown tremendous interest in the Citation M2 due to its competitive acquisition and operating costs, its airport performance and its advanced onboard systems,” said Robert Gibbs, vice president, International Sales.
The Citation M2 has a maximum cruise speed of 404 knots true airspeed (460 miles per hour) and a range of 1,580 nautical miles. It can operate at airports with runways as short as 3,210 feet and will climb to 41,000 feet in 24 minutes. The Citation M2 is certified for single-pilot operation with room for seven passengers and features two Williams FJ44 engines.
The Citation M2’s clean cockpit design features Cessna’s proprietary Intrinzic™ flight deck powered by Garmin G3000 avionics, with high-resolution multifunction displays and split-screen capability. Touch-screen interactivity comparable to a smartphone provides pilots with precise performance information they need in a logical, familiar user interface. From the cockpit divider aft through the rear lavatory, the main passenger cabin of the Citation M2 is 58 inches wide and 11 feet long with a 5-inch dropped aisle providing a cabin height of 57 inches. Eight large windows, roomy adjustable seats and intuitive controls highlight the all-new cabin.
This announcement is another demonstration of the company’s continued efforts to invest in products that meet the needs of global customers. New Citation products expected to come to market within the coming year include the recent certification of the Citation X+ and upcoming introductions of the Citation CJ3+ and Citation Latitude.
More than 6,600 Citations have been delivered to customers around the world since the first Cessna Citation business jet was put into service in 1972. Citations are the largest fleet of business jets in the world and have surpassed 30 million flight hours.
Cessna Citation Sovereign+ on track for first Brazilian deliveries in September
August 12, 2014
SÃO PAULO, Brazil, Aug. 12, 2014 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, said today at the annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition it expects certification soon for the Citation Sovereign+ by the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil to pave the way for the first scheduled deliveries to Brazilian customers during the third quarter of 2014.
Following certification in December by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States and in June by the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Sovereign+ has gained certification in Mexico, Argentina and Chile. Through the second quarter, Cessna has delivered 24 Sovereign+ aircraft.
“The Citation Sovereign+ has already gained attention in Latin America for its short-field performance and its range,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Customers in São Paulo or Buenos Aires can reach the whole of South America non-stop, while a large portion of the U.S. is one flight away for customers leaving Manaus or Caracas.
“One of the best attributes of the Sovereign+ for Latin America is its ability to operate from smaller airfields, with a take-off distance of 3,530 feet,” Shortt said.
Featuring winglets and the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D engines providing 5907 pounds of thrust, the Citation Sovereign+ has a range of 3,188 nautical miles (5,904 km), a top speed of 460 knots (529 miles per hour) and a direct climb to 45,000 feet.
The new cockpit in the Sovereign+ is designed around the Cessna Intrinzic Flight Deck powered by Garmin G5000 avionics. An integrated, workload-reducing auto throttle system streamlines the pilots’ tasks. With Cessna’s Clairity cabin management system and redesigned interior options, the Sovereign+ features the longest and most comfortable cabin in its class with a max seating configuration for up to 12 passengers. The Clairity system allows passengers to remain connected in-flight through the integration of smartphones and tablets, along with an airborne Internet system.
Cessna is offering the Sovereign+ with a unique Sovereign Shield program covering all scheduled maintenance and parts costs for the aircraft’s first five years or 1,500 flight hours, practically eliminating maintenance-related direct operating costs and allowing owners to operate the Citation Sovereign+ for far less than other business jets in the midsize category.
In service since 2004, the Citation Sovereign has reached a fleet of 349 aircraft worldwide and amassed more than 802,000 flight hours.
Today’s news reflects the company’s focus on continued investment in general aviation’s most extensive product line up for customers around the world. New Citation products expected to come to market within the coming year include the recent certification of the Citation X+ and upcoming introductions of the Citation CJ3+ and Citation Latitude.
More than 6,600 Citations have been delivered to customers around the world since the first Cessna Citation business jet was put into service in 1972. Citations are the largest fleet of business jets in the world and have surpassed 30 million flight hours.
Bermuda accepts Vector SMS safety management system for Rockwell Collins’ ARINC Direct customers
August 12, 2014
SÃO PAULO, Brazil (August 12, 2014) – The Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has accepted the Vector Safety Management System (SMS), available to Rockwell Collins’ ARINC Direct customers, to comply with the country’s SMS mandate requiring foreign business aviation operators to have an SMS program in place, or to have started the SMS implementation process.
Bermuda is the first country in the world to issue this mandate, which also requires a SMS for flight departments that are based within the nation. The announcement was made today at the 2014 Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in São Paulo, Brazil.
The Vector SMS program, provided through a strategic agreement with Polaris Aero, LLC, seamlessly integrates with the ARINC Direct flight operation service so that customers can easily implement all of the critical components of a safety management system.
This integration enables ARINC Direct Vector SMS users to identify risks and hazards which, once known, can be addressed via guidance or advisories that have a direct impact on safety. In addition, because Vector SMS is a web-based service, it is significantly easier to implement than paper-based programs.
“Safety Management Systems are becoming a standard throughout the aviation industry worldwide,” said Bob Richard, staff vice president, ARINC Direct for Rockwell Collins. “Our fully integrated Vector SMS program helps business aviation customers comply with not only Bermuda’s new mandates but also other countries’ as these standards become adopted globally and help drive improvements in aviation safety everywhere.”
Boeing to Feature Advances in Missile Defense and Directed Energy at Space & Missile Defense Symposium
August 12, 2014
Exhibits showcase ballistic missile defense capabilities for evolving threats
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 12, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] will showcase integrated air and missile defense solutions during the Space and Missile Defense Symposium at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Aug. 11-14.
“Our capabilities offer our military customers and our nation solutions to address the most complex air and missile defense system needs with innovation and affordability,” said Jim Chilton, Boeing vice president and general manager, Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. “This forum allows us to learn as much as we can about our customers’ needs.”
Boeing will exhibit scale models and demonstrations of the Avenger, Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD), High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD), Arrow weapon systems, and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC -3) Missile Seeker. Program executives and subject matter experts will be on hand to provide information on a variety of kinetic and directed energy applications and products. Boeing will also feature Phantom Eye, a High Altitude Long Endurance unmanned airborne system and a wide spectrum of solutions to address the evolving needs of the space and missile defense community.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide.
Bell Helicopter Promotes Safety in Sao Paulo with Safety Symposium
August 12, 2014
Collaboration with regional safety experts and local authorities enriches customer experience
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL (August 12, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced it held a regional Safety Symposium for rotorcraft pilots and technicians from across Brazil on Monday, August 11 at the Sao Paulo World Trade Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Introduced in 2013, the safety symposium educates pilots and maintainers on key safety practices and applications to implement into their daily operations. The effort is tied, in part, to Bell Helicopter’s participation in the International Helicopter Safety Team’s (IHST) mission to establish international partnerships in countries with significant helicopter operations and encourage development of safety interventions.
Presenters included Bell Helicopter Training Academy pilots, local Bell Helicopter Customer Service Engineers, regional safety experts and local government representatives. The team introduced the concept of a Safety Management System – a holistic approach to managing safety in an organization by implementing the necessary organizational structure, metrics, accountability, policies and procedures. Human Factors Awareness training, a growing topic of interest with Bell Helicopter’s regional customers, was also presented. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Sydney Velloso da Silva Junior, Chief 4th Regional District for the Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) welcomed the audience and spoke to the importance of such events to help increase the safety of flight. Army Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Queiro, IHST representative, Brazil, provided an update on the IHST’s progress towards improving rotorcraft safety worldwide.
“We were very pleased with the attendance at this event,” said Steve Woolston, director, Product Support for Bell Helicopter’s Customer Support and Services organization. “It‘s encouraging to see the message about the importance of safety being spread across the globe. Our collaboration with knowledgeable organizations such as the IHST, as well as the active participation and interest of the attendees, has allowed Bell Helicopter to make significant strides in our efforts to promote a culture of zero mishaps and zero accidents.”
More than 100 customers and safety advocates attended the event. An additional symposium is scheduled in Prague, Czech Republic on Sept. 17, to be held at the Bell Helicopter European Customization and Delivery Center.
Rockwell Collins AHS-3000 Attitude Heading Reference System retrofit now certified for Embraer 120 and Saab 340 aircraft
August 12, 2014
SÃO PAULO, Brazil (Aug. 12, 2014) – Rockwell Collins announced that its AHS-3000 Attitude Heading Reference System retrofit solution for Embraer 120 and Saab 340/340A/340B air transport aircraft has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The AHS-3000 retrofit replaces the legacy AHS-85 in the Embraer and Saab aircraft with a smaller, lighter unit that is more than four times as reliable. Replacing the AHS-85 with the AHS-3000 requires minimal downtime between maintenance cycles.
The AHS-3000 combines innovative solid-state sensor technology with leading-edge avionics design techniques. Its primary function is to provide measurements of the aircraft pitch, roll and heading for use by the flight deck displays, flight control and flight management systems, and other avionics equipment.
For more information about the AHS-3000 retrofit solution for Embraer 120 and Saab 340 aircraft, contact Rockwell Collins or a Rockwell Collins-authorized dealer for more information.
Cobham Receives Brazil STC Approval for AVIATOR 200 for King Air Operators
August 12, 2014
2014 LABACE, 12th to 14th August, Sao Paulo, Brazil
LYNGBY, Denmark – Cobham SATCOM has announced during LABACE that its AVIATOR 200 SwiftBroadband solution has received Administración Nacional de Avianción Civil (ANAC) Brazil Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for installation by King Air operators.
The new certification was developed in cooperation with Cobham SATCOM partner Pro Star Aviation and includes the activation of the AVIATOR 200’s built-in Wi-Fi option, offering access to an extensive range of communication capabilities aboard King Air models B200, B200C and B300 (Super King Air 350).
The approval of the STC for use of the innovative Cobham system on Brazilian-registered aircraft adds to the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) STCs already confirmed for King Air aircraft, which were also developed with Pro Star.
Kevin Harriman, Pro Star Aviation General Manager, commented: “The AVIATOR 200 is the perfect choice for King Air operators as it offers the ideal broadband and voice solution and is small and lighter than other solutions. It is practical and affordable, and, with reduced hardware and installation costs, the AVIATOR 200 is everything you need to stay connected.”
Cobham’s AVIATOR 200 is an exceptionally compact, lightweight system that offers reliable, affordable connectivity to provide users with a range of services including data, video and voice.
With built-in Wi-Fi capability, the AVIATOR 200 allows aircraft operators to offer wireless connectivity on board, supporting the use of Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.
Kim Gram, Vice President Aeronautical Business Unit, Cobham SATCOM, commented: “The AVIATOR 200 offers in-flight broadband communication to aircraft of virtually any size as it utilizes a low gain antenna.
“We are particularly pleased to add the Brazilian approval to the FAA and EASA STCs already developed with Pro Star for King Air. This is a world-wide solution which can now benefit many more people. It represents another key step forward in enabling more users to take advantage of modern in-flight communications in the South America region.”
The AVIATOR 200 is the smallest and lightest system in Cobham SATCOM’s cutting-edge SwiftBroadband product portfolio and utilizes Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband 200 service. AVIATOR 200 simultaneously provides data speeds of up to 200 kbps and a single AMBE 2 channel for voice calls, providing a complete airborne communications solution previously unavailable to aircraft below a certain size.
The AVIATOR 200 certification for its King Air line is the latest certification developed by Pro Star Aviation, which holds various STCs for retrofit upgrades on all types of business aircraft. Pro Star also has an STC for the AVIATOR 200 on the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
The full Cobham SATCOM AVIATOR range includes the revolutionary AVIATOR S series, AVIATOR 700 and 700D, AVIATOR 350 with High Gain Antenna (HGA), AVIATOR 300 with Intermediate Gain Antenna as well as the AVIATOR 200 with LGA.
For further information about Cobham SATCOM’s AVIATOR portfolio, please visit www.cobham.com/satcom.
About Cobham
Cobham protects lives and livelihoods with its differentiated technology and know-how, operating with a deep insight to customer needs and agility. The Group offers an innovative range of technologies and services to solve challenging problems across commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the depths of the ocean. It has market leading positions in air-to-air refuelling; aviation services; audio, video and data communications, including satellite communications; defence electronics; life support and mission equipment. The most important thing Cobham builds is trust.
Russian Helicopters to share experience of operating Ka-32A11BC and Мi-171А1 in Latin America
August 12, 2014
Moscow / 12 August 2014
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec, will showcase new and innovative models of helicopters at the Latin American exhibition and business aviation conference LABACE 2014 (Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition), to be held from 12-14 August in São Paulo, Brazil. Experts and representatives of regional operators will share their experience of operating Russian helicopters Mi-171A1 and Ka-32A11BC, which have already been used effectively in South America for a wide range of tasks.
The Mi-171A1 helicopter – one of the modifications of the popular Mi-8/17 series – received approval in the form of certification by the Brazil Aircraft Register in 2005. The Mi-171A1 won a tender from the Brazilian national oil company Petrobras, and is used as a transport helicopter in remote areas of the Amazon basin by Atlas Taxi Aereo. Until the end of this year, this Brazilian fleet operator gained another reliable and economical helicopter.
“Our company uses the multirole Mi-171A1 for work in support of the operations of Brazilian oil company Petrobras,” said CEO and co-owner of Atlas Taxi Aéreo, Waldomiro F. Da Silva Junior. “These helicopters are perfect for the climatic conditions in the Amazon region, as they are able to fly in 45-degree heat and almost 100 percent humidity.”
The legendary Mi-8/17 series is a clear favorite in the corporate and VIP transport market. Its spacious cabin offers unique possibilities for tailored fitting-out and finishing and provides the greatest possible comfort for passengers. In August 2013, Russian Helicopters received additional certification for the Mi-171, designed for corporate and VIP transportation. Additional equipment has been installed to maximise the level of comfort even for long flights.
The Ka-32A11BC multirole helicopter is a recognized leader in its class. The Brazilian company Helipark Taxi Aéreo has operated the Ka-32A11BC since 2012. The helicopter is used for the transport of industrial cargo on an external sling, but also has a number of additional capabilities. Ka-32A11BC’s coaxial rotors offer advantages in precision hovering and manoeuvrability that are needed when performing complex assembly operations, such as the construction of power lines in the Amazon basin. The Ka-32A11BC has proven itself as an effective firefighting helicopter. It is able to put out fire using a horizontal water cannon and Bambi-Buckets.
“The Ka-32A11BC helicopter has unique characteristics for its class, able to perform effectively all the tasks that we require,” said Helipark Taxi Aéreo President João Velloso. “Of particular note is the reliability of the helicopter; it has never failed us.”
Russian Helicopters will present exhibitors and visitors with new and promising models of helicopters from its product line. One of these is the multirole Mi-171A2. This helicopter combines the traditional advantages of the Mi-8/17 series with the latest technology, offering customers even more opportunities. Thanks to a whole variety of innovations, the helicopter’s flight capabilities have been significantly improved, including greater range, cruising speed and lift capacity, while noise levels have been significantly reduced. Modern complex avionics reduces pilots’ workload and makes flying more efficient.
Russian Helicopters annually reports steady growth in demand for its products in the South American market, which is one of the fastest growing in the world. At the beginning of 2014, Russian Helicopters’ fleet production exceeded 400 units. Today, Russian Helicopters is widely represented in the class of commercial helicopters, with a maximum take-off weight of 10 to 20 tonnes, taking up a 77% stake in the regional fleet in this segment. Russian helicopters are used for military purposes in a number of countries in Latin America, and make up the basis of army aviation fleets. Participation in the LABACE 2014 exhibition will allow Russian Helicopters to introduce the latest Russian helicopter sectors to regional partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and establishing new business contacts.
New Luxury Interior for Bell 429 Makes Debut in Latin America
August 12, 2014
LABACE August 12, 2014 –Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) will display its “MAGnificent” luxury interior for the Bell 429 at the 11th Annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE) in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event marks the debut of the VVIP interior in Latin America.
The Bell 429 interior mock-up will include many functional amenities. The center console is fully serviceable with access to storage, an insulated beverage container and functional USB ports. MAG personnel will be onsite at Booth #1009 to demonstrate the consoles and customizable features for clientele.
“We anticipate a positive response at the show in Brazil this week,” said Armando Sassoli, co-general manager of MAG. “As we remain on schedule for an STC in January of 2015, we continue to promote our VVIP interior for the Bell 429 all over the world, however we see increased demand specifically in Sao Paulo.” Sassoli continued.
Italian design, engineering and craftsmanship inspired MAG to develop a new innovative VVIP interior for the Bell 429 which has been branded “MAGnificent”. This interior incorporates two of MAG’s proprietary cabin comfort solutions. The advanced noise abatement system called “SILENS” reduces the passenger cabin noise to decibel levels where normal conversations can be conducted in comfort. The “I-FEEL” (In-Flight Entertainment Enhanced Lounge) provides a next generation entertainment and cabin management system resulting in an unprecedented flying experience.
About Mecaer Aviation Group
With facilities across Italy, Canada and the United States, MAG offers Integrated Systems for Helicopters, General Aviation & Business Aircraft and Basic Trainers such as flight control, landing gear and actuation systems, as well as passenger flight experience enhancement solutions which include interiors design, development, manufacturing and certification, noise and vibration abatement, sound-proofing, entertainment & communication systems, completion & modification services, as well as MR&O services. More information is available at www.mecaer.com
La JIAAC estuvo presente en la muestra “Argentina Vuela”
August 12, 2014
Más de un millón de personas participaron de la jornada de puertas abiertas en la Base Aérea de Morón, durante la celebración del aniversario de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina. La JIAAC realizó distintas acciones de difusión y presentación de su actual modelo de investigación
La Junta de Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (JIAAC) fue una de las protagonistas en las jornadas de puertas abiertas “Argentina Vuela”, que se realizaron el 9 y 10 de agosto en la Base Aérea Militar de Morón, en el marco de un nuevo aniversario de la creación de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina.
El organismo, dependiente de la Secretaria de Transporte del Ministerio del Interior y Transporte de la Nación contó con un espacio exclusivo de informaciones y esparcimiento, con diversas acciones de difusión, combinadas con el relax y el entretenimiento, especialmente para los chicos, en coincidencia con la celebración del “Día del Niño”, durante el domingo.
Las jornadas contaron con una masiva asistencia de público, conformado tanto por especialistas, pilotos, técnicos y fanáticos de la aviación, como aficionados y familias enteras que aprovecharon los días a pleno sol para pasear, ver de cerca las aeronaves y asombrarse con los múltiples shows de acrobacia aérea, paracaidismo y vuelos rasantes.
Según confirmaron los organizadores, entre sábado y domingo asistieron en total más de un millón de personas.
La presidenta de la JIAAC, Cdra. Pamela Suárez, asistió al acto de inauguración que se realizó el viernes 8 de agosto junto a la ceremonia por el 102º aniversario de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina. Desde allí aprovechó para remarcar la “importancia de hacer una jornada de puertas abiertas en forma conjunta entre la aviación civil y militar”. Como parte de los actos conmemorativos, en ese mismo día se dejó inaugurado el monumento al aviador Jorge Newbery y se realizó un desfile militar.
Como preludio, durante los días 6 y 7 de agosto se realizaron visitas programadas de contingentes de distintos establecimientos educativos e institucionales de todo el país. Además, el día viernes se entregaron premios estímulo a distintos proyectos de escuelas técnicas.
Además de los shows dinámicos que se ganaron todas las miradas, la muestra “Argentina Vuela” contó con la exhibición de aviones de combate, de transporte y civiles. Los visitantes también pudieron recorrer las instalaciones del Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica e interiorizarse sobre las actividades y competencias de los diversos organismos del Estado que participaron.
Con una clara orientación educativa y didáctica, en el marco de la política de apertura hacia la comunidad que coincide con los 60 años del organismo, el espacio de la JIAAC tuvo una excelente recepción e interacción con todos los asistentes que se acercaron a conocer más el trabajo realizado por la institución y a llevarse globos que el personal presente en el stand entregó como regalo a los más chicos.
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