Aviation Blog by Aero Trader - Aero Trader Insider

New innovative Schweiss Moving Gate gives versatility

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:40:00 +0000

Schweiss one piece hydraulic and patented lift strap bifold doors have been on the market for years. Schweiss now has a newcomer on the scene — the Schweiss Moving Gate.

The Schweiss Moving Gate still utilizes the patented liftstraps, but instead of folding like a bifold door or outward like a hydraulic door, it lifts straight upward. The gate is a perfect solution for a room divider and cladding materials can come in multiple applications or combined with metal, glass or other materials to your liking.

A perfect example of this was a first-of-its-kind Schweiss “Gate” built by Schweiss Doors for “The Paw,” an upscale dog and cat resort. The owner of the 27,000 sq. ft. luxury pet resort needed a room divider gate, wall if you wish, to separate a 96 ft. room in half for dog training and handling purposes. Who you gonna call? Schweiss Doors.

What made this Schweiss 46 ft wide, 1,500 lb. multiple-function designer gate different was how Schweiss Doors built it to his personal gate design. Yenish wanted a quiet and smooth operating Schweiss gate that stood about head high with the top half of seethrough polycarbonate panels and below that utilized steel paneling.

This particular Schweiss gate allows humans and animals to see across to the other side of the room without having to raise the Schweiss gate. A push button control on the side wall lifts the Schweiss gate conveniently out of sight and the Schweiss gate lifts in less than a minute.

Schweiss Doors designed it to lift straight up to the high ceiling, up and out of the way when not in use. Five popular patented Schweiss Bifold liftstraps and a 2 h.p. top-mounted Schweiss quality electric motor easily and quietly lift the Schweiss Moving Gate.

The owner was absolutely needing a safe gate that would not cause harm to humans or animals in the public facility. He also noted that it was reasonably priced and comparative in price to a pocket door, but much easier to use. He enjoyed working with the professional Schweiss design team to get this Schweiss designer gate done.

The Schweiss gate now virtually gives animal resort two rooms to work in, or when in the up position, a larger size room. “If You Can Think It — Schweiss Doors Can Build It!” Learn more about Schweiss Doors at: www.schweissdoors.com or call (800) 746-8273.

Avinco Celebrates 10 Years as the Pre-Owned Helicopter Specialists

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:29:00 +0000

MONACO – March 2013

This year Avinco proudly celebrates its 10 year anniversary as one of the world’s leading pre-owned helicopter specialists. Avinco is a 20-strong company, with operations in Monaco, Ireland and Germany, complemented by representatives worldwide. Avinco has steadily grown despite various industry upheavals.

Avinco has successfully transacted over 220 helicopters in its 10 years in business, with more than 50% on trade.

2012 transactions included 21 helicopters sold- covering Asia, South America, North America, Europe and Africa.

During its evolution, Avinco has demonstrated its understanding of the worldwide market and adapted its offer and services. Avinco attributes its continued success to offering customers tailored solutions in a rapidly changing market. With access to a wide network, Avinco provides a reliable resource for buyers, lessees and aircraft owners while delivering qualified services in even the most complex scenarios.

This is possible through a mix of on-going market intelligence, extensive product knowhow, innovative financial structures/solutions, and the key ability to offer technical services that such as configuration modifications and equipment upgrades.

“Over the past decade, Avinco has taken great pride in making aircraft acquisition and disposal easier by offering tailored solutions to its clients, small and big alike”, says François Gautier CEO, “Though we expect a more favorable market in the second half of 2013, the first half should be as challenging as last year. According to our market analysis, Oil & Gas shows steady growth and new opportunities, and a growing market for mining with heavy utilities. The Corporate market promises limited scope this year again outside Russia and Brazil. In our view opportunities will lie with EMS replacements only in the USA.”

“Today’s market can be daunting and customers need a partner they can trust, “François Gautier concludes, “customers need to find finance, buy at the right price and be in a position to react quickly to market changing situations - that’s what we’re here for and that’s what we do best.“

Avinco continues to expand its leasing activities to offer an even wider range of services, as well as develop its helicopter Spare Parts sales activity. In addition to an extensive stock of Puma spare parts, it now offers a wide range of used BO105 parts, EC135 avionics and dynamic components for Gazelle, Lama, Alouette III, Ecureuil, Dauphin & Super puma, and more stock is planned for this year.

Avinco is in the process of re-launching its website, already one of the leading second-hand helicopter search engines. The new fully revamped website will offer an even more sophisticated facility for advanced aircraft search and seamless contact with Avinco, accessible in the office and on the go. Launch planned for March 2013.

About Avinco

Avinco is also a major player in the commercial aircraft industry offering remarketing, sourcing, lease management, technical and financial structuring services worldwide. Avinco has successfully sourced, traded or placed nearly 120 large commercial aircraft on all continents. This includes over 90 narrowbodies (A320 family, 737 family and E190s), several widebodies such as A330, A340, 747 and 777s, and a number of large corporate jets (ACJ, BBJ,etc..).

Separately Avinco has raised over $200m of debt to support various acquisitions.

For more information visit www.avinco.net

Avemco Launches Safety Education Tour with Keynote at Northwest Aviation Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:49:00 +0000

February 7, 2013— Avemco Insurance Company Vice President, Mike Adams, will present “Flying the Pacific Northwest: Findings Revealed from Avemco^® Files” at the Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show on February 23, 2013 in Puyallup, Washington.

As a leader in safety advocacy, Avemco will be launching their 2013 Safety Education Tour at the conference. The tour will include speaking, webinar, online, print, events and presentations. The focus will be to encourage all aviators to participate in relevant training, offer information compiled from claims data to help avoid accidents and provide expertise about insurance that will benefit aircraft owners and renters.

Over 12,000 pilots are expected to attend the annual Conference where Adams’ presentation will focus on general claims information from accidents occurring in the Pacific Northwest including those that didn’t make it to the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) files.

“We’re excited to kick-off our 2013 Safety Education Tour in the northwest region of the US because it presents a set of unique challenges to new and skilled pilots. As we’ve seen through our claims data: weather, terrain and altitude are definitely factors and in this session you will also learn about claims that may surprise you.” notes Adams.

Mike Adams is Avemco’s Vice President of Underwriting and has been with the organization for over 25 years. Formerly the President of the Oregon Pilots Association, Adams is an instrument-rated pilot with over 750 hours. As senior underwriting officer, his role is to determine the underwriting requirements for Avemco’s insurance policies and to help customers understand why many of these decisions are designed to help keep them safe.

“The Pacific Northwest was the perfect backdrop for my formative flying years and I have a great appreciation and respect for the high level of flying skill needed for this area. Our file case studies show losses that could have been prevented with greater awareness and attention to issues like human factors, safety management and pilot/aircraft preparedness,” continued Adams.

The 30^th Annual Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show will be held in Puyallup, Washington February 23-24, 2013. The Avemco presentation will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Room B/Pioneer of the Showplex on Saturday, February 23. For more information on the Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show go to http://www.washington-aviation.org/NACoverview.html

Avemco Insurance Company, a leading pleasure and business general aviation insurer in the United States, has been insuring planes and pilots since 1961. Headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, Avemco is rated AA (Very Strong) by Standard & Poor's and A+ (Superior) by A. M. Best Company. Avemco has also earned prestigious recognition in the Anniversary Best Mark Program by the A.M. Best Company. The Best Mark Program was created to distinguish insurance companies with at least a 25 year history of being rated A or higher. For the latest rating, visit www.ambest.com. Avemco is a wholly owned subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCC) a leading international specialty insurance group.

For More Information Contact:

Lauretta Godbey, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations Director
Avemco Insurance Company
Telephone: 301-694-4207
Email: lgodbey@ave.com
www.Avemco.com

Schweiss Doors introduction of spherical bearings is unique to the hydraulic door industry

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Schweiss Doors has once again proven to be a worldwide leader in production of hydraulic and bifold doors, and is proud to announce it has made another unique design improvement to its hydraulic one-piece doors with the addition of “spherical” bearings.

All Schweiss “Red Power” Hydraulic Doors are now built with spherical bearings. These bearings are critical to the safe and smooth operation of the door. The design team at Schweiss Doors, during an extensive testing phase, found them to be the perfect answer to a stronger, longer lasting door for its customers.

No one else in the industry has adopted this unique feature. Others seem to be content with the use of conventional bearings, but Schweiss Doors engineering team has proven that spherical bearings are far superior. Itʼs simple, just plain common sense — when you use superior components, you get a superior product.

Spherical bearings are not something new, but they are “new” to the door industry. They are being used and have been used in tractor 3-point hitches, planters, drawbars, car suspensions, engines, driveshafts, heavy machinery and many other applications throughout the years. Schweiss Doors was “light years” ahead of the curve in engineering genius by realizing they would be perfect for its “Red Power” hydraulic lift doors, which in many cases are large and heavy doors.

Schweiss Hydraulic Door spherical bearings are strategically located between the teardrop area and cylinder plate at each end of the doors large lifting and closing cylinders. Each door frame has a certain amount of deflection when in operation. Spherical bearings allow for less friction, eliminate binding, wear and damage to a door cylinder and take up any flexing of the door frame.

With over 30 years as an established company, Schweiss Doors will continue to be at the top of its trade. You can always rely on Schweiss Doors for the very best in a agricultural, aeronautical, industrial, commercial, residential and designer doors.

Visit us at www.schweissdoors.com or call (800) 746-8273.

Schweiss Doors develops new “Red Power” Hydraulic Pump

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:39:00 +0000

Schweiss Doors, a Minnesota based company, providing quality Bifold and Hydraulic One-Piece Doors for agricultural buildings, aircraft hangars, businesses and other installations, announces they have developed a new, more powerful and smoother running hydraulic pump system which goes by the trade name of “Red Power.”

Mike Schweiss, owner of the company, said since it was first introduced at various trade shows around the U.S. farmers, ranchers and pilots have been asking for it by name.

“Over the years we rolled together our customer comments, combined with our knowledge and experience, and turned it over to our talented Schweiss design team to perfect. Whatʼs really nice for the buyer is that we donʼt charge them a penny more for this new pump than they paid before. It goes on all our hydraulic doors and is made at our factory,” said Schweiss.

The Red Power Hydraulic Pump comes to the buyer in a compact unit, ready to be mounted where the buyer wants it, whether it be on a wall, top-hung, floor or back room. Itʼs power comes from a top quality LEESON motor and offers superior electrical components.

The Safety Advantage System and three back-up systems are something buyers are really liking. They allow the door to lock up and down and safely lower the door in an emergency from ground level. The hydraulic directional control valve has a built in manual override. Back-up systems are all in the same compact unit. In case of electrical failure a pilot can use a DC battery, tractor hydraulic or a drill with a 7/16: hex head to raise or lower the door.

Red Power hydraulic pumps come in 2 h.p and go all the way up to 10 h.p. for larger doors.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
For more information contact:
Schweiss Doors
1-800-746-8273
schweissdoors.com
schweiss@schweiss doors

Gulfstream Celebrates The 25th Anniversary of the First Flight of the GIV

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:49:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

The Gulfstream hompage reports is the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Gulfstream IV.

“The GIV was the aircraft that launched a thousand Gulfstream aircraft,” said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. “It formed the foundation for designing and building the G300, G400, G350 and G450. The aircraft’s first flight was a milestone and turning point for the company.”

Longtime Gulfstream employee Jim Gallagher, an acoustics engineer for the GIV program, said the aircraft revolutionized the industry. More than 520 of the 536 jets produced in the GIV series are still in operation.

Source: Gulfstream

Test Establishes Gulfstream G650 As World’s Fastest Civil Aircraft

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:08:00 +0000

Gulfstream has announced the Gulfstream G650 recently reached Mach 0.995 as part of its 1,800-hour flight-test program. This accomplishment establishes G650 As World’s Fastest Civil Aircraft.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

According to Gulfstream, the aircraft achieved this speed during flutter testing, which evaluates the aircraft’s damping responses following an input from an external test device.

Flutter testing is performed at a variety of frequencies, speeds, altitudes, weights and centers of gravity. In order to achieve the maximum speed of Mach 0.995, Gulfstream experimental test pilots Tom Horne and Gary Freeman along with flight test engineer Bill Osborne took Serial Number (S/N) 6001 into a dive, pitching the aircraft’s nose 16 to 18 degrees below the horizon.

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

During the dive, flutter exciters introduced a range of vibration frequencies to the wing, tail and flight control surfaces to ensure the aircraft naturally dampened out the oscillations without further action from the pilots.

Source: Gulfstream

Happy National Aviation Day

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:56:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Library of Congress

Today is National Aviation Day and 138th birthday of Orville Wright.

The National Park Service reports on events taking place at the Wright Brothers National Memorial to mark the occasion.

NYCAviation.com features a list of aviation milestones that have taken place on August 19th, including the founding of Embraer Aircraft in Brazil in 1969.

Source: NYC Aviation and The National Park Service

Pilot My-Cast iPhone App Includes Aviation Fuel Prices and Charts

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:01:00 +0000

Digital Cyclone, Inc., a subsidiary of Garmin, has announced upgrades to Pilot My-Cast by Garmin app that is available on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

Photo Credit: Garmin

According to Garmin, the new features – fuel pricing and approach charts – will be available soon at no additional cost from the iTunes store. Thanks to the real-time fuel price information, pilots will no longer need to wonder where they can find the cheapest 100LL and jet fuel. Pilot My-Cast displays fuel prices at the pilot’s current airport and along their current route.

“We recognize that the essential information pilots need, like weather, constantly changes. Pilot My-Cast is designed to give personalized, up-to-the-minute information that is relevant to a pilot’s specific flight,” said Craig Burfeind, president of Digital Cyclone, Inc. “From getting the best price on fuel to checking the weather to filing a flight plan, Pilot My-Cast is all about putting information and tools in a pilot’s hands that is tailored to them.”

Source: Garmin

The Bose A20 is Engineered to Deliver Greater Noise Reduction

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Bose has introduced the new Bose A20 Aviation Headset, described as "the result of more than 30 years of ongoing Bose research in noise reduction technology".

Photo Credit: Bose According to Bose, the A20 has been engineered to deliver significantly greater noise reduction -- even in louder environments -- and offers improved comfort, clear audio reproduction, and new features, including a Bluetooth communications interface, auxiliary audio input, and priority switching of audio sources.

“Since introducing the industry’s first active noise reduction headset in 1989, we’ve continued our aviation research with a very specific goal: to improve the flying experience for pilots,” said Sean Garrett, general manager of the Bose Noise Reduction Technology Group. “With the A20 headset, several proprietary technologies work together to deliver a combination of benefits that wasn’t available until today.”

To achieve a greater level of noise reduction in the cockpit -- where noise levels can reach 105 dBA -- the A20 Aviation Headset uses a new, more advanced approach to active noise reduction, leveraging the technology used in the acclaimed Bose QuietComfort 15 consumer headphones for the more demanding applications of pilots.

Source: Bose

Cessna Sells New Aircraft to Nine Global Training Fleets in the First Half of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:01:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company reports the sales of new aircraft to nine global training fleets in the first half of 2010, marked by the recent delivery of the 12th 172 Skyhawk to a Russian training program.

Photo Credit: Cessna

Since January, Cessna has delivered more than 60 aircraft to major aviation university programs in the United States and for training programs in countries such as Egypt, Korea, Turkey and Uganda, in addition to several programs in Russia.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“The reasons Cessna aircraft are so popular with training programs is the range of products we offer – whatever is required, we have aircraft to meet their needs - the reliability of our products and Cessna’s reputation for customer service,” Gibbs said. “They know our support network is one of the largest in the industry. If they need support, it is likely going to be very close by.”

Source: Cessna

Bombardier Aerospace Builds All-Composite Manufacturing Validation Unit

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:34:00 +0000

Bombardier Aerospace has announced it has reached another significant Learjet 85 aircraft program milestone, having successfully built the first all-composite manufacturing validation unit (MVU) for the aircraft’s pressure fuselage section.

Photo Credit: Bombardier

This unit will be used to validate the design concepts, manufacturing processes and quality as the program advances towards the beginning of production, scheduled for later this year.

“This is another crucial step towards the start of production of the first Learjet 85 aircraft,” said Ralph Acs, Vice President, Learjet 85, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Our next step will be to apply what we learn from this first manufacturing validation unit to the second unit, in order to confirm our technology readiness.”

Source: Bombardier

Gulfstream PlaneConnect Now Offers Summary Fleet Information Through My Gulfstream.com

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:37:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream has announced that, PlaneConnect, the air-to-ground maintenance data link Gulfstream introduced in September 2007, now offers summary fleet information to Gulfstream operators through myGulfstream.com, the secure Gulfstream customer communications website.

According to Gulfstream, PlaneConnect automatically relays messages generated by the Crew Alerting System (CAS) and Central Maintenance Computer (CMC) to operation centers on the ground and then via e-mail to operators. With myGulfstream.com, operators can now see summary-level messages across the Gulfstream fleet for a particular model, as well as messages for each of their own PlaneConnect-equipped aircraft. The fleet data accessible by operators contains no aircraft or operator identification information.

“With this new fleet capability, operators have even more information, which is always good,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. “Along with providing a searchable record of the last six months of their aircraft operations, access to information from more than 70,000 unique flights is available for comparison purposes. We’ve seen how this type of tool benefits aircraft support by identifying the cause of an intermittent issue and, in some cases, identifying issues before they are apparent to the flight crew.”

Source: Gulfstream

Garmin SafeNav Guides Airport Vehicles Away From Runways

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:06:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Garmin

The Garmin company blog features information on SafeNav, an on-vehicle, GPS-based navigation and alert system designed to provide airport vehicle operators with information to avoid accidental runway incursions.

The SafeNav is powered by the same technology found in Garmin-equipped aircraft. Garmin's SafeTaxi maps guide operators driving on the ground to see where the runways, taxiways and buildings are at the airport.

Source: Garmin

New Cessna RightNow Interiors Program Reduces Time On Refurbishments of Citations

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Cessna has announced a program to reduce lead times required for interior refurbishments of classic Citations.

According to Cessna, the new RightNow Interiors program, Cessna’s Citation Service Centers will stock pre-selected, certified interior design materials, eliminating long-lead times – typically eight to 12 weeks – traditionally necessary to order materials for interior refurbishments.

“This program is another way to add flexibility into the maintenance process for our customers, or to fast-track a refurbishment for a new customer eager to get an airplane updated with a new look,” said Stan Younger, Cessna’s vice president of Service Facilities. “A customer will find it easier to schedule interior refurbishments at the last minute to coincide with their personal schedules.”

Source: Cessna

Aviation Apps Bring the iPad to the Cockpit

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:45:00 +0000

The iPad is the hottest selling tech item in years and promises to bring sweeping changes to publishing, video, and office computing.

AOPA Online features a story on the potential uses of the iPad for pilots. Aviation apps have been available for the iPhone before.

Apps, like ForeFlight, are already expanding their capabilities for iPad's larger screen and interactive tools. Aviation apps can help pilots prepare pre-flight checklists, track weather, and even check for restaurants near destination airports.

Source: APOA Online and ForeFlight

Bombardier Learjet 85 Aircraft On Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:35:00 +0000

Bombardier Aerospace recently reported on its Learjet 85 program development.

Photo Credit: Bombardier Aerospace

Bombardier reports having successfully exited the Joint Definition Phase in February 2010, Bombardier Learjet is now working with over 40 suppliers worldwide in the detail design phase. All aircraft performance objectives continue to be achieved and the program is on schedule for entry into service in 2013.

Photo Credit: Bombardier Aerospace

The new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR Part 25.

An extraordinary advancement in next-generation flight, the Learjet 85 aircraft’s all-composite structure will allow Learjet aircraft designers to maximize cabin comfort while minimizing drag and improving performance.

Source: Bombardier Aerospace

Study Finds Head-up Guidance Technology Increases Flight Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:55:00 +0000

The Rockwell Collins homepage reports on a study conducted by the Flight Safety Foundation on how head-up guidance system technology could have prevented or positively influenced 38 percent of all commercial aircraft accidents that occurred over the past 13 years.

"Head-up guidance systems technology is a great safety tool for the prevention of runway excursions, loss of control, and approach and landing accidents," said Bob Vandel, foundation fellow for Flight Safety Foundation. Vandel co-authored the study with Earl Weener, Ph.D. and foundation fellow. "This technology provides extremely useful data to the flight deck crew which allows them to be the pilot they always thought they were."

A complete copy of the report can be downloaded on the Flight Safety Web site at http://flightsafety.org/files/hgs_nov09.pdf. (Note: PDF File)

Source: Rockwell Collins

Gulfstream Announces Second Mid-Range G250 Completes First Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently announced that a second large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250 completed its first flight. Gulfstream designed and built the super mid-size business jet in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The aircraft flew for 1 hour and 57 minutes, reaching an altitude of 20,000 feet (6,096 m) and a speed of 195 knots. “We are very pleased with the progress that we’ve made,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Both aircraft have performed wonderfully. We have a lot of work ahead, but we are excited about where we are.”

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna’s Pelton Issues Aviation Industry Call to Action for Environmental Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Cessna Homepage reports that Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton issued a call to action to the general aviation community to take a leadership role in defining solutions to environmental issues so that responsible stewardship works in conjunction with economic considerations required for industry growth.

Pelton made the remarks in a speech after receiving the 2010 Lindbergh Award, given annually to individuals whose work over many years has made significant contributions toward Lindbergh’s concept of balancing technology and nature.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The award was presented here Wednesday at a dinner at the Sun ‘n Fun fly-in and trade show. “Aviation has established an outstanding track record in reducing its environmental impact as we grow to meet rising demand for transportation around the world,” Pelton said. “To further reduce aviation’s impact on climate change requires partnerships between industry and government, and a commitment to find realistic solutions . . .technically and financially viable solutions everyone can live with.”

Source: Cessna

Swift Enterprises Develops "Greener" Aircraft Fuel

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:30:00 +0000

While previous research on aircraft biofuel focused on powering jet aircraft, small planes are now getting chance to “go green”.

Wired magazine’s Autopia blog reports on Swift Enterprises and demo flights of a test aircraft using a new fuel called 100SF.

The fuel contains no lead or ethanol and is originates from feedstocks ranging from sugar beets to sorghum.

AOPA Online also has a story on the new fuel. Here is YouTube video of an interview with Swift Enterprises co-founder John Rusek.

Source: Wired Autopia, Swift Enterprises, AOPA Online, and YouTube

Cessna Celebrates International Learn To Fly Day

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Cessna Aircraft Company announced today at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida that it is partnering with its global Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) network to celebrate EAA’s International Learn to Fly Day May 15.

Anyone who visits and registers with a domestic CPC on May 15 will be eligible for two drawings. First prize is a $10,000 flight training credit at a CPC; second prize is a $5,000 flight training credit at a CPC.

In addition, participating CPCs around the U.S. will hold local drawings for a free Cessna Sport/Private kit and their first flight lesson. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s International Learn to Fly Day is designed to raise interest in flying and encourage current pilots to get individuals involved in aviation.

To find the CPC nearest you or for more information about Cessna’s Learn to Fly program, visit our Web site at www.cessnaflighttraining.com or follow Cessna Pilot Centers on Facebook or on Twitter at GetInTheAir.

Source: Cessna

Cessna Calls for Industry Unity to Defend the Image of Business Aviation

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:15:00 +0000

Since the rough days of the economic crisis of 2008, the use of business aircraft has come under increased scrutiny. Now, the aviation industry is taking on perception that business aircraft is just another gold-plated perk of big business.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Cessna home page reports that Robert Stangarone, vice president, Corporate Communications, Cessna Aircraft Company said at the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) Annual Conference that the industry needs to keep communicating the value and benefits of business aviation. Stangarone said: “Everyone in our industry should consider themselves ambassadors. Business aircraft are used in so many valuable ways and have truly become essential to the global transportation system. We need to take every opportunity to spread that message to the world.”

Stangarone stressed the importance and strength of unity. “Protecting our image is a common goal we can all pursue, on both sides of the Atlantic. Through Cessna’s own ‘Rise’ campaign, we’ve seen the power of partnering with our industry allies and associations, with our government officials, with our customers and with other stakeholders. “Together, we need to make sure the facts are heard. Business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs across the U.S. Equally, thousands of European jobs depend on our industry. And companies that use business aviation are more productive than their competitors.

“It’s not just big business either,” continued Stangarone. “The vast majority of companies that rely on business aviation are small and medium-sized operations. And just as important, business jets are a lifeline for small cities across North America and remote communities in Europe, and they play a critical role in disaster relief efforts following catastrophes such as the earthquake in Haiti.” Stangarone concluded, “As an industry we’re a force with strong points to make and a solid strategy. We’re making good headway but we have to keep working to protect our image.”

Source: Cessna

FAA Deadline For Plastic Pilot's Licences Coming Up on March 31, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0000

AVStop.com reports that the FAA deadline requiring pilots to have a plastic license is coming up on March 31, 2010.

According to the story, paper licenses will not be valid after this March 31st..

The FAA.gov site has more details on the switch. You can get a replacement certificate from the FAA website or through regular mail.

Source AVStop.com and FAA.gov

Citation CJ4 Built On Cessna's New Assembly Line Makes First Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company recently announced the first Citation CJ4 built on Cessna's new assembly line has made its first flight.

According to Cessna, the Citation CJ4 is a true upward extension to the single-pilot-certified family of Citation CJ family – delivering the strongest performance and payload balance in the series along with advanced amenities and system architecture.

Photo Credit: Cessna

Configurable for seven to eight passengers in the main cabin, the CJ4 is expected to have a cruise speed of 435 knots, a full fuel payload of 1,000 pounds and maximum payload of 2,100 pounds, more than 300 additional pounds compared to the typical CJ3.

Source: Cessna