Textron Aviation Names Doug May Leader for Piston Aircraft Business
April 7, 2015
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the appointment of Doug May as vice president, Piston Aircraft. May serves on the company’s senior leadership team and reports to Chief Executive Officer Scott Ernest.
As vice president of Piston Aircraft, May is responsible for the Beechcraft and Cessna piston-engine aircraft product lines. In this role, May is responsible for overseeing customer input and advanced design, manufacturing, customer delivery and continued service and support for these products.
May has enjoyed a long career in aviation, including experimental flight test positions with Kohlman Systems Research and Bombardier Learjet, prior to joining Cessna Aircraft Company in 2006. Since that time, he has held a variety of increasingly responsible roles within Engineering and Flight Test, most recently as director of Engineering Flight Test and Experimental Operations for all Cessna and Beechcraft products.
May has a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Kansas. An Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP), he holds an Air Transport Pilot rating with over 5,500 experimental flight test hours. May is type-rated in eight models, including four Cessna Citation aircraft.
CIT orders five additional A321ceo aircraft
April 3, 2015
Strong demand for the A321, Airbus’ largest single-aisle aircraft
CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a global leader in transportation finance has placed a firm order for five more A321ceo aircraft, in effect doubling its most recent commitment for five A321ceo’s signed at the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow and firmed up in November 2014.
This latest agreement brings CIT’s total order for the A320 Family to 205 aircraft, comprising 155 CEO and 50 NEO aircraft.
“We continue to see strong demand for the A320 Family CEO and NEO models from operators looking to grow their business,” said Jeff Knittel, President of CIT Transportation & International Finance. “The larger A321 in particular is becoming an increasing sought after model, as steady passenger growth encourages airlines to deploy larger fuel-efficient aircraft.”
“When leading lessor, CIT, continues to place incremental orders for the A321, we take that as a clear confirmation of the trend for larger aircraft and the high value the market places on this largest member of our popular, fuel-efficient A320 Family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A320 Family is a solid investment for lessors as it is recognised worldwide as the number one, best-selling single-aisle aircraft family and the preferred choice with airlines in all segments thanks to its unbeatable economics, high operational reliability and best-in-class passenger comfort.”
While passengers benefit from the A321’s state-of-the-art cabin design, wider seats and superior comfort, airlines profit from the unique operational flexibility of Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft. The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 11,500 orders to date and over 6,400 aircraft delivered to 400 customers and operators worldwide. Thanks to its wider cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.
Second Falcon 8X Joins Flight Test Campaign
April 3, 2015
April 2, 2015 (Saint-Cloud, France): The second aircraft has joined the Falcon 8X flight test campaign as the ultra long range trijet continues to pass key development milestones.
Falcon 8X s/n 02 took to the skies from Dassault Aviation’s Bordeaux-Mérignac facility on Monday, March 30 at 3:24 PM local time with test pilots Hervé Laverne and Etienne Faurdessus at the controls. The flight plan was similar to that of the maiden flight on February 6.
After initial checks on the digital flight controls and engine system, the pilots took the aircraft to 43,000 feet and Mach 0.8 for performance tests. After the test routine, the aircraft ran a series of additional checks before touching down after 2 h and 45 min in the air.
“We are very pleased with the way the aircraft responded and flew,” said Laverne. “It demonstrated the same flawless handling qualities as s/n 01, a very positive development at this early stage of the flight test campaign.”
The aircraft will now join s/n 01 at the Dassault flight test center at Istres, near Marseille, where it will mostly serve for performance testing.
The full program will total about 200 flights and 500 flight hours through final EASA and FAA certification which is anticipated in mid-2016.
Unveiled in May 2014 at European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), the latest addition to the growing Falcon business jet family rolled out on 17 December. It will offer the greatest range and the longest cabin in the Falcon line, along with the most extensive selection of cabin configurations available on any business jet.
Brazilian Over-The-Horizon Radar Site Breaks Ground
April 1, 2015
LAAD 2015 – IACIT’s Over the Horizon (OTH) radar project broke ground this month at a coastal site in the South of Brazil. Backed up by transfer of technological knowhow from IAI-ELTA, the project is being conducted with the support of the Brazilian Navy.
After receiving the necessary clearance from local authorities, IACIT began the installation and assembly of the first Brazilian OTH. The radar system is developed with the support of the Brazilian Federal Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP) and with the technological cooperation of IAI’s ELTA Group.
The innovative surface-wave radar design, operating in the High-Frequency (HF) band, is capable of Over the Horizon surveillance for hundreds of miles at sea. The radar employs phased array technology and unique interference cancellation techniques which provide reliable and persistent coverage of the broader maritime area at all times, regardless of atmospheric conditions or sea state.
This OTH radar application focuses on the Blue Amazon Managing System (SisGAAz) and differs from conventional line of sight radars in that it uses the electromagnetic wave propagation phenomena.
These advanced maritime surveillance features are combined with IACIT’s oceanic environmental HF capacities. IACIT has been developing an HF Radar solution since 2010 for oceanic environmental weather and sea surface surveillance, as well as pollution control and to assist prediction of environmental hazards such as storms and tsunamis.
IAI has demonstrated a continuously growing involvement in the Brazilian defense market, as evidenced by the teaming agreement for investment and cooperation signed by ELTA in 2013 with electronic company IACIT.
“We view this project as an important milestone towards persistent, affordable, reliable and efficient coverage of a broad Brazilian maritime area”, said Mr. Nisim Hadas, IAI Executive VP & ELTA president. “We are excited to share our experience with our local partners in favor of Brazil’s unique defense needs.”
“The technological development process requires time and considerable financial resources, depending on the complexity of the project. The expected assimilation of technology, including by the National Defense Strategic (END), provides a significant leap for technologies already tested outside Brazil with validated solutions. In the case of a Strategic Defense Company (EED) such as IACIT, transfer of technology and know-how are mandatory to ensure continuous production in Brazil. said IACIT president Luiz Teixeira. “The OTH development has propelled IACIT’s capabilities years forward and will provide a strategic advantage for the Brazilian Navy as well as important lifesaving information for environmental control agencies”.
Mexico becomes launch customer for new Airbus C295W 30.03.2015
March 30, 2015
The Mexican Navy (Semar) has become the launch customer of the latest version of the market-leading Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft – the new C295W equipped with winglets.
Thanks to the winglets, the C295W will be able to transport more payload to a longer distance with around a 4% fuel savings, even in hot and high conditions.
The Mexican Navy has specified the winglets for two C295s, for which the order was already announced, and winglets will be standard for all new C295s ordered from now on.
“The advantage of the winglets in hot and high conditions means that the development of the C295W is a key step for our highly successful light and medium transport family. And it is a particular pleasure to deliver this first aircraft to Mexico, which already has the biggest Airbus Defence and Space transport fleet in Latin America,” said Antonio Rodríguez Barberán, Head of Commercial for Airbus Defence and Space in Latin America.
“The C295 has served us well for many years. We had some concerns about operating a mixed fleet of aircraft with and without winglets, but when we studied the enhanced performance of this new version it was clear that it would bring very significant operating benefits for us that could not be ignored”, said Rear Admiral from Mexican Navy, José María García Macedo.
ENAER signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the largest Italian aeronautics company Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi
March 30, 2015
ENAER and Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi officially announced today the signing of an industrial cooperation agreement under the form of a Memorandum of Understanding. This alliance is tied in the context of Italy’s Defense Minister, Roberta Pinotti’s first visit to Chile.
According with the agreement, the Chilean aeronautics company, ENAER and Alenia Aermacchi will collaborate on the logistic support of the C-27J, worldwide considered as the benchmark in the new-generation, medium battlefield airlifter category, and on the new M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer), the most recent solution proposed by Alenia Aermacchi for the basic-advanced phase of training syllabus for military pilots.
Textron Aviation expands ProAdvantage support programs for Hawker jets
March 30, 2015
WICHITA, Kan. (March 26, 2015) – Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced it has expanded coverage of its industry leading ProAdvantage product support programs to the Hawker 125-series, which include the Hawker 750, 800, 850 and 900 models, and Hawker 400-series business jets.
The addition of the Hawker 125- and 400-series aircraft under the ProAdvantage program follows the inclusion of Beechcraft King Air aircraft in 2014. ProAdvantage programs were originally developed to cover Cessna Citation business jets and Caravan turboprops.
“Extending ProAdvantage, one of the leading support programs in the industry, to more of our products is part of our commitment to the long term support of these aircraft and to our customers,” said Brad Thress, senior vice president, Customer Support. “The addition of optional coverage under ProAdvantage for Hawker 125- and 400-series aircraft is another step in our overall goal of integrating our service offerings and gives these customers the benefit of better prediction of ownership costs, as well as access to technical support at a fixed rate.”
ProAdvantage is a support solution, previously exclusively available for Cessna Citation customers, comprised of a number of programs providing life-cycle maintenance and spare part support for aircraft airframes and avionics, engines and, when applicable, auxiliary power units. It is designed to increase efficiency, reduce costs and optimize the value of aircraft within the Textron Aviation family of products.
ProParts, the cornerstone element of the ProAdvantage package, provides coverage for maintenance – line, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance – and parts such as wheels and tires, avionics, brakes, motors, actuators, gauges and light bulbs, while ProTech locks in labor costs during the contract period.
Garmin Media Advisory: G1000-Equipped King Air C90 Update Available
March 30, 2015
Garmin is pleased to announce new capabilities and enhanced operational benefits for the King Air C90 aircraft, which are made available through the latest software upgrade. This latest update offers new features including, NextGen components such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) compliance, user-defined holding patterns and the approval of optional equipment, which expands global operational capability.
New enhancements offer King Air C90 owners and operators the opportunity to prepare for the demands brought on by NextGen. These options ensure aircraft meet industry requirements while expanding capabilities to allow for greater flexibility and improved situational awareness. These new features include:
· Barometric Vertical Navigation (Baro-VNAV) approach capability
· ADS-B Out Compliance
· Area Navigation (RNAV) capability that includes the ability to fly procedures with Radius-to-Fix (RF) segments
As part of the latest upgrade, pilots now have the flexibility to conveniently build user-defined holding patterns. These holds may be created over an existing fix in the navigation database or over a user-defined waypoint. Additionally, for operators conducting SAR missions, the G1000 can automatically generate flight plans for three search patterns: Parallel Line Search, Expanding Square and Sector Search patterns. SAR is available as an option and aids in crew situational awareness during these critical missions.
Optional equipment upgrades are now available for operators who pursue the latest software upgrade. The industry leading GWX 70 solid state radar offers significant improvements in capability, reliability and cost of ownership, compared to earlier generation magnetron-based weather radar systems. The GRS 7800 Attitude Heading and Reference System (AHRS) is also available as an optional equipment upgrade. The GRS 7800 enables free-gyro mode, greatly expanding the authorized area of operation up to North 84 degrees latitude.
For King Air C90 operators, the latest G1000 software update is available immediately from select Garmin Authorized Dealers as a free upgrade (installation charges may apply). For additional information regarding the G1000 upgrade for the King Air series, contact Scott Frye at 913-440-2412.
Ultra Electronics Airport Systems Awarded Contract for Belo Horizonte International Airport in Brazil
March 30, 2015
Ultra Electronics Airport Systems (“Ultra”) has been awarded a contract from Belo Horizonte International Airport in Brazil to deliver and integrate an Airport Management System (AMS) to provide real-time information management that will optimize BH Airport’s decision-making process, facilitate operational excellence and underpin a significant expansion of the airport from 10 to 20 million passengers per year.
Blue Springs, MO (PRWEB) March 24, 2015 — Ultra Electronics Airport Systems has been awarded a contract by Belo Horizonte International Airport in Brazil to deliver and integrate an Airport Management System (AMS), a software platform for real-time information management that will optimize BH Airport’s decision-making process, facilitate operational excellence and underpin a significant expansion of the airport.
Key benefits to BH Airport, its airlines and passengers include:
· Achievement of international operational standards and meet growing demand that will double capacity from 10 million to 20 million passengers per year
· Fully realize the benefits of the new terminal to be opened in 2016, with modern equipment, spaces and integrated facilities to ensure greater fluidity, comfort and passenger safety
· Maximize BH Airport’s return on R$1.5B being invested in implementing world-class technology and processes for efficient flight operations and systems integration
· Collection of data for analysis and forecasting of “what if” scenarios to improve efficiency and operational flexibility for the airport
Ultra’s Airport Management System, comprised of an Airport Operational Database (AODB), a Flight/Data Display System and a Resource Management System, will be fully integrated with a wide variety of other operational and information systems at BH Airport. The Ultra Integration Broker (an Airport Operations ESB) will serve as the “circulatory” system for the AMS – which will be the “heart of BH Airport”, allowing BH Airport to gain value from the distribution and use of real time data.
“BH Airport is growing rapidly and we require systems that can be readily adapted to our needs and simplifies intersystem communications by ensuring that all systems are speaking the same language,” said Andre Costa, the IT Manager for BH Airport. “Ultra’s solution will enable us to better partner with our airlines and other stakeholders for operational excellence.”
Once the AMS is fully operational, the airlines and their passengers will see immediate and measurable benefits in efficiency, communication and coordination at BH Airport. Going forward, the AMS provides the foundation exists for continuous improvements with a flexible, extensible platform that can grow as expansion and new business needs arise.
“One of the key investors in BH Airport is Zurich Airports, an Ultra customer for nearly 30 years,” stated Paul Drury, Ultra’s Vice President, Americas. “We intend to create a similarly long-term relationship with BH Airport.”
Mr. Drury will announce the contract at the Airports Council International (ACI) 2015 Business Information Technology Conference in Vancouver, BC. He will also participate in a panel discussion on ‘Managing the Management Systems.’
Rockwell Collins introduces Spanish language version of Vector safety management system
March 19, 2015
TOLUCA, Mexico (March 19, 2015) – Rockwell Collins has introduced a Spanish language version of its Vector SMS (Safety Management System) software for its ARINCDirect customers. The Spanish language version of Vector SMS is the first available for flight departments in Latin America, enabling them to implement an SMS solution in their native language. The software is being demonstrated in Booth #104 at this week’s AeroExpo 2015.
Vector SMS, provided through a strategic agreement with Polaris Aero, LLC is a safety management program that enables customers to identify flight risks and hazards which, once known, can be addressed via guidance or advisories having a direct impact on safety.
Vector SMS was recently used by ARINCDirect customer Grupo ALFA to obtain Phase I SMS certification from Mexico’s civil aviation authority, Mexican Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). “Vector SMS was a key factor in our obtaining approval from the DGAC,” said Francisco Gonzalez, Grupo ALFA Chief Pilot. “It is a simple and intuitive software application that helps improve the safety and effectiveness of our entire flight department.”
“Mexican-based flight departments now have a proven, integrated software solution which can be used to comply with the DGAC’s requirement for operators to implement a Safety Management System,” said Bob Richard, vice president, ARINCDirect, Information Management Services for Rockwell Collins. “Our Vector SMS program helps business aviation customers comply with not only Mexico’s new SMS mandate but also other countries’ as these standards become adopted globally. The Spanish language version of Vector SMS makes safety management systems accessible to even more business aviation customers.”
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