The HondaJet Makes Its First Visit to Banyan at FXE
November 24, 2014
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Banyan Air Service, the newest dealer in the HondaJet sales and service network, recently welcomed the HondaJet to its facility at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) for demonstration flights of the world’s most advanced light jet. The HondaJet arrived on Friday, October 24 following the National Business Aviation Association’s Convention and Exhibition in Orlando and stayed throughout the weekend providing demonstration flights for customers.
“Seeing the HondaJet land at FXE was a very exciting time for both the Banyan team and our customers. Hearing the comments about this very sleek, efficient light jet and participating in a flight during this demonstration tour is definitely a highlight of my career,” said Don Campion, president of Banyan.
The visit of the first production HondaJet to HondaJet Southeast is part of a North American demonstration tour that started in September and has included stops at locations in several cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The HondaJet is in the final phase of certification testing with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The optimum Over-the-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration of the HondaJet dramatically enhances aircraft performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The HondaJet can achieve a maximum cruise speed of 420 knots, burn up to 17 percent less fuel, and has the most cabin room over other light jets in its class.
HondaJet Southeast at FXE will provide sales and service for an eight-state territory that includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina. Banyan’s Michael O’Keeffe, senior vice president of aircraft sales, and Banyan’s Bob Van Riper, HondaJet Southeast sales manager, are responsible for all sales. Banyan’s Lynn Juengel, vice president of technical services, is responsible for service, including necessary tooling, parts inventory, and airframe and avionics training for Banyan technicians.
Van Riper Joins Banyan’s HondaJet Sales Team
November 24, 2014
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Banyan Air Service based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) recently selected Robert “Bob” Van Riper as sales manager for HondaJet Southeast. Van Riper is responsible for HondaJet sales for an eight-state territory that includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
“We are extremely pleased that Bob has joined the Banyan team as the southeast sales manager,” says Michael O’Keeffe, Banyan’s Senior VP of Aircraft Sales. “He offers a wealth of knowledge about the HondaJet, and he will be instrumental in Banyan’s success in HondaJet sales.”
Van Riper attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned a BS Degree in Aviation Maintenance Management and an AS Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. He also attended Troy University where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Management. His FAA ratings include Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification for airplanes and helicopters and an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate. In addition, he served 12 years on active duty in the United States Navy as an Officer and Naval Aviator. After completing eight years in the Navy Reserve he retired at the rank of Commander.
Bell Helicopter Issues Statement on Death of Former CEO James Atkins
November 19, 2014
Fort Worth, TX (November 19, 2014) – Bell Helicopter President and CEO John Garrison issued the following statement regarding the death of former company CEO James Atkins:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Under his skilled leadership, he guided Bell Helicopter through some of the company’s most challenging times during its postwar diversification. Without Jim’s guidance and direction, Bell Helicopter would not be the industry leader it is today. We are deeply grateful for his extensive contributions and will miss his support. We extend our sympathies to the Atkins family on their personal loss.”
Atkins joined Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York in 1940 and retired as president and CEO in 1983.
Former Bell Helicopter President James F. Atkins
Garmin Offers New Upgrades and Enhancements to G1000-Equipped King Air Series Aircraft in Europe
November 14, 2014
Garmin is pleased to announce EASA validation of the most recent software for G1000-equipped King Air
200/250/300/350 series aircraft. These enhancements provide a number of new features and optional
equipment upgrades that offer King Air owners and operators enhanced capability. These upgrades
include customer-requested features, such as user-defined holding patterns and the approval of optional
equipment, to increase its global operating capability.
User-Defined Holding Patterns
Owners and operators now have the ability to quickly build user-defined holding patterns that can be
created over an existing fix in the navigation database or user-defined waypoint. Unpublished holds or
those assigned by air traffic control are easily created and displayed on the multi-function display (MFD),
further simplifying the process of flying a holding pattern.
Baro-VNAV Approach Capability
New capabilities including the option to fly Baro-VNAV approaches, present a significant opportunity for
owners and operators to fly more efficiently with greater flexibility and situational awareness.
Search and Rescue Options
For operators conducting SAR missions, the G1000 system can automatically generate flight plans for
three search patterns: Parallel Line Search, Expanding Square, and Sector Search patterns. This feature
aids in crew situational awareness by streamlining the process of entering and managing search patterns.
The SAR package is a priced option.
Access More Remote Locations
The optional GRS 7800 Attitude Heading and Reference System (AHRS) enables free-gyro mode for King
Air aircraft, greatly expanding the authorized area of operation up to North 65 degrees latitude. With the
optional GRS 7800, King Air operators will increase their global operational capabilities and have access to
more remote locations throughout the world.
TCAS II/ACAS II Solution
The optional GTS 8000 traffic system and GTX 3000 transponder is a fully Change 7.1 compliant
TCAS II/ACAS II system, which also meets the standards for ADS-B ‘Out’ compliance. This offers King Air
operators a solution to satisfy worldwide regulatory requirements. The GTS 8000 system offers improved
safety by issuing traffic alerts and Resolution Advisories (RA) to avoid traffic conflicts. The optional
GRA 5500 radar altimeter supports the TCAS II/ACAS II solution for King Air aircraft without an existing
compatible radar altimeter. The GRA 5500 all-digital radar altimeter provides smooth altitude tracking
resulting in highly accurate altitude indications, even over the most challenging environments.
Solid State Weather Radar
The GWX 70 combines exceptional range and adjustable scanning profiles with precision target definition
for accurate, real-time weather analysis in the cockpit. Compared to earlier generation magnetron-based
weather radar systems, pilot-adjustable horizontal scan angles of up to 120 degrees allows for precise
scanning along a route of flight, while vertical scanning enables pilots to interpret storm tops, gradients
and storm cell development at various altitudes. The digital GWX 70 offers significant improvements in
capability, reliability, and cost of ownership.
Expanded Upgrade Eligibility
The aircraft eligibility list now includes the B200GT and B200CGT models and also includes all serial
numbers for B200 and B200C models.
Platinum Plus Promotion
The King Air Platinum Plus Promotion expands upon the existing Platinum Package to include additional
upgrades and optional features. King Air owners placing an order for the G1000 Integrated Flight Deck by
January 24, 2015, may take advantage of substantial savings on safety-enhancing G1000 options,
including Garmin’s Electronic Stability and Protection (Garmin ESP) system, Synthetic Vision Technology
(SVT), Garmin ChartView and the GRT/GRC 10 Sirius XM audio remote. The electronic monitoring and
exceedance-correcting technology offered by Garmin ESP works to assist the pilot to ensure the aircraft
maintains a safe, flight-stable condition. Garmin ESP functions independently from the autopilot when the
pilot is hand-flying the aircraft, providing gentle control inputs back towards stable flight whenever pitch,
roll or high-speed deviations exceed the recommended limits. Coupled go-arounds are also enabled with
this technology, which greatly reduces pilot workload during critical phases of flight. SVT enhances
situational awareness to provide a rich, three-dimensional depiction of terrain, obstacles, the runway
environment and more, while ChartView gives pilots access to Jeppesen’s extensive library of charts and
airport diagrams. The King Air Platinum Plus promotion is available for $29,995, offering a savings of over
$16,000.
For current King Air owners and operators, the latest software is available today from a Garmin
Authorized Dealer as a free upgrade (installation charges may apply). Optional equipment upgrades are
also currently available. King Air owners and operators may contact a Garmin Authorized Dealer for
pricing information.
Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Achieves Successful First Flight
November 14, 2014
Mirabel, Québec (November 10, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today announced the successful first flight of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X™ helicopter. The maiden flight took place at the company’s Mirabel, Québec manufacturing facility.
“Bell Helicopter pioneered the short light single market, and here we are nearly fifty years later, changing the way the world flies once again,” said Matt Hasik, senior vice president of commercial programs at Bell Helicopter. “We have seen tremendous response from the market for the Bell 505, and today’s exciting flight marks another step toward delivering the high-performance, high-value aircraft our customers have been asking for.”
The Bell 505 was designed based on extensive input provided by a Customer Advisory Council (CAC). Bell Helicopter unveiled the Jet Ranger X at HELI-Expo 2014 in February and has already received more than 240 letters of intent for the new model.
“The Bell 505 performed exactly as anticipated today,” said Yann Lavalle, senior flight test pilot at Bell Helicopter. “I am excited to be a part of the history of the Jet Ranger legacy, an aircraft that defined the market nearly 50 years ago.”
“We hovered in the Bell 505, performed a low-speed controllability assessment and flew two laps in the local traffic pattern. Our top speed today was 60 knots, and the entire flight lasted approximately 30 minutes,” added Eric Emblin, senior flight test pilot at Bell Helicopter.
The customer-driven design of the Jet Ranger X places safety, performance and affordability at its forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design. The Bell 505 features a high visibility cockpit equipped with the Garmin G1000H Integrated Avionics Suite to provide pilots critical flight information at a glance. Bell’s newest commercial helicopter is powered by the Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which further reduces pilot workload. Additional enhanced safety features include a high inertia rotor system delivering superior autorotation capabilities.
The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a five-seat, single-engine, turbine helicopter that is designed to be the safest and easiest aircraft to fly in its category while still remaining affordably priced. With a cruise speed of 125+ knots, range of over 360 nautical miles and useful load of 1,500 pounds, the Bell 505 offers best-in-class performance. The Jet Ranger X is a multi-mission helicopter, designed to meet a wide variety of missions with its fully flat floor, increased cabin volume and clam shell doors that will provide customers the configuration flexibility needed in today’s market. It can support a wide variety of operations categories, including the utility segment, corporate and private owners, and training schools. The combination of capabilities, performance characteristics and value will be backed by Bell Helicopter’s industry-leading customer service and support.
The Jet Ranger X is one of three new aircraft currently under development at Bell Helicopter. The company is also developing the Bell 525 Relentless, the world’s first commercial fly-by-wire helicopter, as well as the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor for the Department of Defense (DoD) Future Vertical Lift (FVL) effort.
Latest Contract Brings Brazilian AW169 Orders to 20
November 14, 2014
Continuing the exceptional sales success
of this new generation helicopter in the Brazilian market
- Expected to be delivered in 2016
- Largest single market for the new generation helicopter, representing 17 percent of the over 120 sales of AW169s worldwide
Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland announced today a contract has been signed for an AW169 in corporate transport configuration, continuing the exceptional sales success of this new generation helicopter in the Brazilian market. Due to be delivered in 2016, this latest AW169 contract reinforces market demand for the aircraft, and brings the total number of AW169s signed in Brazil to 20.
A versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the 4.5 tonne AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. The AW169 incorporates several new technology features in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems, and is the first all new helicopter in its class in more than 30 years.
The AW169’s avionic suite introduces state-of-the-art technology including a full digital NVG compatible cockpit with three 8” x 10” large area displays (AMLCD) and touch screen technology with enhanced graphics capability for maximum situational awareness. A 4-axis digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) with dual Flight Management System (FMS) minimises crew workload allowing single/dual pilot VFR/IFR operations. The avionics suite also complies with satellite-based navigation, communication and surveillance requirements and has the capability to perform satellite-based IFR LPV (localizer performance with vertical guidance) approaches to maximize round-the-clock utilisation of the helicopter. Safety enhancing avionics such as Terrain Awareness Warning Systems, airborne collision avoidance systems can be added to the standard avionic configuration.
The AW169 helicopter is part of AgustaWestland’s family of new generation helicopters that also includes the AW139 and AW189. These helicopters all possess the same high-performance flight characteristics and safety features whilst sharing the same common cockpit concept and design philosophy. This approach facilitates synergies for operators of these models in areas such as training, maintenance and support.
Brazil is the largest single market so far for the type and represents 17 percent of the over 120 sales of AW169s worldwide.
Airbus Helicopters entrega el quinto EC145 a la Policía Nacional del Perú
November 14, 2014
Lima, 13 de Noviembre de 2014 – El Ministerio del Interior del Perú ha recibido el quinto y último helicóptero EC145, destinado a la modernización de la flota de la Policía Nacional. La entrega oficial de la aeronave se realizó en las instalaciones de la Dirección Nacional de la Aviación Policial en el Callao en presencia de autoridades peruanas y francesas, como el Ministro de Interior del Perú, Sr. Daniel Urresti y el General de las Fuerzas Aéreas de la Gendarmería Nacional Francesa, Sr. Daniel Leimbacher, así como de representantes de Airbus Helicopters.
En diciembre de 2012, La Policía Nacional del Perú eligió a Airbus Helicopters como socio en el proceso de renovación de su flota de helicópteros. El primer EC145 llegó a Lima en noviembre del 2013 y en menos de un año se han entregado los cinco helicópteros adquiridos por el gobierno peruano. Las cuatro aeronaves iniciales han acumulado en este tiempo más de 800 horas de vuelo en una gran variedad de misiones demostrando su polivalencia y eficacia operativa en todo el terreno peruano. Así, además de las operaciones de vigilancia y apoyo en misiones de seguridad ciudadana, la Policía Nacional del Perú ha encontrado en ellos un fiel y eficaz aliado en la lucha contra la minería ilegal en la región de Madre de Dios, en la frontera con Bolivia y Brasil. Asimismo, los helicópteros han participado con éxito en más de 20 misiones de rescate marítimo y evacuación aeromédica en Lima y Callao.
Con la adquisición de los nuevos EC145, la Policía Nacional del Perú se beneficia de un programa de transferencia de tecnología que ya ha conllevado la capacitación de más de 14 pilotos y 20 técnicos. Además, desde que en Octubre del 2013, los Ministros del Interior peruano y francés firmaran un acuerdo de cooperación en materia de seguridad y defensa, la Policía Nacional del Perú y la Gendarmeria Nacional francesa, operadores ambos del EC145, colaboran en un intercambio operacional para profundizar en el empleo táctico de estas aeronaves de última generación. En este marco, la PNP participó hace sólo unas semanas en un programa de rescate en alta montaña en los Alpes franceses.
Helicóptero de referencia en el segmento de los bimotores ligeros, el EC145 es uno de los helicópteros más reconocidos a nivel mundial para misiones de seguridad pública y apoyo a la población. Con más de 500 unidades entregadas hasta la fecha, esta aeronave es utilizada por las fuerzas policiales de 26 países, como Francia, donde la Gendarmerie Nationale tiene en servicio más de 15 helicópteros de este modelo. El éxito del EC145 abarca también el continente Americano, empezando por Estados Unidos, donde el gobierno decidió adquirir 345 unidades de este helicóptero para remplazar los UH-1H del Ejército. En América Latina, el EC145 participa en misiones policiales y de servicio público de varios países como Argentina, Bolivia y Brasil.
Potente y versátil, el EC145 de Airbus Helicopters se adapta perfectamente a las condiciones operativas del Perú ya que permite afrontar con éxito misiones en condiciones extremas tanto a nivel de mar, como en la selva o en el exigente Altiplano. Los EC145 de la Policía del Perú pueden transportar hasta 10 pasajeros, tienen una capacidad de carga de más de 1,7 toneladas y un alcance de 370 millas náuticas. Poseen también sistemas de altavoz, sirena y radios multi-frecuencia para interconexión radial y uno de ellos cuenta con una cámara infrarroja de última generación. Esta nueva cámara de alta definición, única en el país, permite la transmisión de imágenes en directo a la central del comando o a las fuerzas en tierra, optimizando las misiones de vigilancia y seguridad ciudadana.
Airbus Helicopters delivers the fifth EC145 to Peru’s National Police
November 14, 2014
Lima, November 13, 2014 – Peru’s Ministry of the Interior has now added the final EC145 helicopter to the modernized fleet of the National Police of Peru (PNP). The formal handover at the Police Aviation Unit facilities in El Callao was attended by both Peruvian and French officials, including Peru’s interior minister Daniel Urresti and Daniel Leimbacher, chief of the Central Air Command of the French Gendarmerie, along with representatives of Airbus Helicopters.
Five EC145s have been delivered in less than one year since the PNP first selected Airbus Helicopters as its partner to renew its helicopter fleet. The first four aircraft have already accumulated more than 800 flying hours in that time, performing a wide range of missions that demonstrate the EC145’s versatility and operational efficiency throughout Peru’s territory. In addition to surveillance operations and support for parapublic missions, the EC145 has proven itself to be a reliable and effective ally in the PNP’s fight against illegal mining in the Madre de Dios region on the border with Bolivia and Brazil. The helicopters have also successfully completed more than 20 sea rescue and MEDEVAC missions in Lima and Callao.
The deal for these new EC145s includes a technology transfer program that has already provided training for more than 14 pilots and 20 technicians of the PNP. In addition, the PNP and the French Gendarmerie – both operators of the EC145 – have been engaged in an operational exchange program to provide in-depth training on the tactical uses of these next-generation aircraft. This exchange is part of the cooperation agreement signed between the French and Peruvian interior ministries in the field of security and defense in October 2013. Just a few weeks ago, the PNP participated in high-mountain rescue exercises in the French Alps as part of this program.
The EC145 is the helicopter of choice in the light twin-engine category and is renowned worldwide for police and public service missions. With more than 500 units delivered to date, this helicopter serves in the police fleets of 26 countries – including France, where the Gendarmerie Nationale operates more than 15 units. The EC145 has also been a major success in the Americas, starting with the United States, where the government purchased 345 units to replace the Army’s UH-1Hs. In Latin America, the EC145 performs police and public service missions in a number of countries including Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil.
Powerful and versatile, the Airbus Helicopters EC145 is perfectly suited to the operating conditions in Peru, ensuring the success of missions in extreme conditions whether at sea level, in the jungle or up on the demanding Andean Plateau. With a payload capacity of more than 1.7 tons and a range of 370 nautical miles, the PNP’s new EC145s can transport up to 10 passengers. They are also equipped with PA systems, a siren and multi-frequency radios for hub-and-spoke communications. One of the helicopters features a state-of-the-art infrared camera. This new high-definition camera, the only one in the country, will transmit live images to the command center or ground units, which will optimize surveillance and civil security missions.
Bell Helicopter Announces New Regional Sales Manager in United States
November 13, 2014
Fort Worth, TX (November 13, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today a new addition to the North American team. Effective immediately, Ron Orndoff will assume the role of Regional Sales Manager in North America, responsible for overseeing marketing and sales activities within the Midwest region.
“Ron is an outstanding addition to our commercial sales team, and will excel in a new role supporting our current and future customers,” said Anthony Moreland, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of North American sales. “His experience supporting our global fleet allows him to provide a new perspective to our sales team and fully understand what is needed during the entire lifespan of each aircraft we sell.”
Orndoff brings over 30 years of aviation experience to Bell Helicopter’s North American team. Eight of those years were spent in Bell Helicopter’s Northeast U.S. region providing customer support and services as a Customer Service Engineer. He began his career in the U.S. Army Aviation branch, and is proud to have experience in both the military and commercial markets. This inspired a skill set that focuses on extensive technical and customer success oriented service.
Centenario de la obtención de la licencia de vuelo de la primera mujer en Argentina y en América del Sur
November 7, 2014
Gabriel Pavlovcic, Argentina 
Amalia Celia Figueredo fue la primera mujer en Argentina y en Sudamérica en recibirse de piloto de avión, el 1° de octubre de 1914. Recibió la licencia N° 58 del Aero Club Argentino. El Centenario de la efemérides fue celebrado con un emotivo acto en el Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica.
Nació en Rosario, Santa Fe, el 18 de febrero de 1895. Cuando su familia se mudó a Buenos Aires, comenzó a frecuentar el aeródromo de Villa Lugano, ubicado en cercanías de su domicilio. Allí conoció a Jorge Newbery, que concurría a su casa para pedir que enfríen botellas de agua en el aljibe “para los muchachos del Aero Club”, y tuvo la oportunidad de realizar un corto vuelo “de bautismo”, invitada por Newbery, acompañando a Pablo Castaibert. Las nuevas sensaciones que experimentó, la llevaron a interesarse en esa actividad que se consideraba privativa para los varones: comenzó sus prácticas de aviación con el piloto Pablo Castaibert, a bordo de un aeroplano Castaibert-Anzani, de 25 HP de potencia, con resultados adversos, pues en el avión no cabía el instructor, y por eso, en cada intento de carreteo rompía la aeronave.
Participó en dos vuelos muy interesantes: con el piloto Ricardo Detomassi, volaron desde Villa Lugano a San Fernando en un biplano Marichal, propiedad del señor González, utilizando 01:17 horas. Regresaron, en la misma aeronave, 17 días después, en 35 minutos solamente, pues tuvieron viento de cola. Luego, se presentó en la escuela Paillette, en San Fernando, que era dirigida por Enrique A. Roger, continuó su aprendizaje allí con el francés Marcel Paillette, logrando rendir su examen de vuelo definitivo, el 01 de octubre de 1914, a bordo de un biplano Farman. Con el Farman, que era un biplano mucho más grande, ya podía hacer prácticas con instructor a bordo, lo que permitió avanzar con su aprendizaje, y recibió su licencia de vuelo N° 58, emitida por el Aero Club Argentino. Para ese vuelo, fue fiscalizada por el ingeniero Irmscher y el señor Borcosque, que fueron designados comisarios por el Aero Club Argentino. Después de realizar algunos vuelos de demostración en su Rosario natal, con un accidente incluido, prometió a su novio que abandonaría la actividad aérea cuando se casaran. Efectivamente, se casaron el 13 de noviembre de 1915, y Amalia Celia Figueredo de Pietra dejó de volar.
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