Aviation Blog by Aero Trader - Aero Trader Insider

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

Cessna Rolls Out 300th Citation Mustang

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:50:00 +0000

Cessna Aircraft Company has announced the rollout of the 300th Citation Mustang at its assembly facility in Independence, Kansas, less than three years after the first Mustang delivery in 2007.

Photo Credit: Cessna

“The aircraft continues to set the mark for entry level business jet operations around the world, and its demand has remained fairly resilient during the past year,” said Jack J. Pelton, Chairman, President and CEO. “It has found success in air taxi and charter operations, in flight departments, in training organizations as well as with owner-operators.”

The 300th Mustang will be delivered later this year to a retail customer in Australia. The Citation Mustang is the world’s first fully certified entry-level business jet. It was announced at the 2002 National Business Aviation Association convention and made its first flight in April 2005. The first Citation Mustang was delivered in April 2007. Coming in at just over $3 million (2010 delivery), the Mustang features Garmin avionics, Pratt & Whitney Canada engines and boasts a maximum 1,200-nautical mile range.

Source: Cessna

Gulfstream G150 Recieves FAA, EASA Approval For Steep Approach

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Gulfstream has announced that the Gulfstream G150 aircraft has achieved steep approach certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

This approval allows the G150 to operate at airports with an approach angle of up to 6 degrees. Most airports have an approach angle of 3.5 degrees or less.

Several airports worldwide require steep approach certification to land at their facility due to terrain, obstacles or local noise ordinances. They include: Lugano in Switzerland; Sion in Switzerland; Stephenville International in Newfoundland, Canada; Marseille Provence in Marignane, France; and Chambery in Le Viviers du Lac, France.

The G150 is the first Gulfstream aircraft to receive steep approach certification from the FAA and EASA. “These FAA and EASA certifications allow our Gulfstream G150 operators around the world greater flexibility, particularly the operators in Europe,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test.

Source: Gulfstream

Piper Aircraft Enters the LSA Market With the PiperSport

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:15:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft, Inc. recently announced details and unveiled its all-new PiperSport, underscoring its foray into the Light Sport Aviation segment. Piper President & CEO Kevin J. Gould made the announcement during a news conference at the Sebring U.S Sport Aviation Expo 2010.

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

“With the PiperSport,” Gould said, “Piper is entering what is undeniably one of the most exciting market segments in general aviation. This burgeoning segment is becoming vital to our industry and playing an ever-increasing role in developing general aviation’s next generation of pilots. The PiperSport is an amazing entry-level aircraft that will bring new customers into Piper and lead the way for those customers to step up into more sophisticated and higher performance aircraft within our line over time. Moreover, as the only aircraft manufacturer to have models in every market segment, Piper continues to expand its business model to ensure that we are in tune with the times and that we meet the needs of our customers at every level.”

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

Source: Piper Aircraft

Embraer Delivers 244 Jets in 2009 - Surpasses 2009 Goal

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:30:00 +0000

Embraer reports it delivered 91 jets to the airline, executive and defense markets during the fourth quarter of 2009, totaling 244 airplanes for the year.

According to Embraer, the company delivered 23 E-Jets and three ERJ 145 jets to the airline market; six Legacy 600 super midsize jets, 52 Phenom 100 entry level jets, two Lineage 1000 ultra-large jets, and the first Phenom 300 light jet to the executive jets market; and one ERJ 135 jet, two Phenom 100 jets, and one EMBRAER 190 jet to the defense market.

Source: Embraer

The SubSonex Jet Brings Do-It-Yourself Jet Travel to Your Garage

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:15:00 +0000

The year 2010 is here, and we still don't have flying cars or jetpacks as pulp science fiction novels predicted. While the personal jet pack is not consumer ready, the personal jet might be.

Photo Credit: Sonex

According to Wired.com Autopia blog, The SubSonex is designed to be a modestly priced (as in $60,000 modest) private jet that fits in your garage.

Don't expect luxury jet comfort for that price, you have to put it together yourself and it only flies one person. The story reports that SubSonex has only done ground tests, but is expected to hit a cruising speed at over 240 mph and climb to 2,000 feet.

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Source: Autopia and Sonex