Lancair, Cirrus win TCs at Expo
At AOPA Expo '98 in Palm Springs, California, on October 23, FAA Administrator Jane Garvey presented Cirrus Design and Lancair with type certificates for their respective SR20 and Columbia 300 aircraft.
This event marked the first time in decades that the FAA handed out two type certificates for all-new airplanes at one time, fueling the already upbeat industry attitude at the convention. Cirrus and Lancair had already begun production of the airplanes in anticipation of certification. Both companies expect to begin deliveries soon.
Bombardier Aerospace has begun seeking commitments from prospective customers for the new super-midsize Bombardier Continental business jet. The aircraft is positioned between Bombardier's Lear 60 and Challenger 604 and is poised for competition with the Raytheon Hawker Horizon, Galaxy, Falcon 50EX, and Cessna Citation X. A formal program launch is currently set for next spring. The first flight is expected in the first quarter of 2001, with type certification expected in mid-2002. Bombardier has set the base price for an equipped aircraft at $14.25 million.
The FAA has named Gary Schandl, 45, of Cahokia, Illinois, as Maintenance Technician of the Year and J.C. Boylls of Encinitas, California, as Certified Flight Instructor of the Year. Schandl is manager of quality assurance for Midcoast Aviation at St. Louis Downtown Airport. Boylls is a designated pilot examiner and flight instructor who also serves as an FAA aviation safety counselor. From left are Gean and Gary Schandl, FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, and J.C. and Ginny Boylls.
Only nine days after its first flight, the first production Galaxy super-midsize business jet flew nonstop from Paris, France, to White Plains, New York, on its way to the National Business Aviation Association convention. The third Galaxy produced by Galaxy Aerospace, it will be fitted with a production interior and will be used for function and reliability testing, required for certification. "Barring any unforeseen surprises, we will certify the airplane by December of this year," said Brian Barents, Galaxy Aerospace's president and CEO. The first aircraft is scheduled to enter service in early 1999.
Bob Maling, AOPA 1231730, the president of Toyota's AirFlite aviation subsidiary, decided that the best way to learn his new job was to become a pilot. Maling passed his private pilot checkride earlier this year, and is currently working on his instrument rating. He didn't stop there. He has taken aerobatic lessons and has purchased a Cessna 172. "I've always been a student of my industry, which until I was assigned to this position, had been the auto industry," said Maling. "I figured the best way to become a student of the aviation industry was to become a pilot." Maling's enthusiasm for flying has inspired his 20-year-old son, Robert III, to also become a private pilot. Maling had held a number of senior positions at Toyota since 1981 and is now responsible for operations at AirFlite, Toyota's FBO at Long Beach Airport, California.
Management shakeup
Trimble to sell GA avionics business
Trimble Navigation abruptly decided to sell its general aviation avionics business. In the meantime, sales and service for the newly developed TrimLine avionics suite and other Trimble avionics products continues. The company canceled advertising and reduced its presence at general aviation trade shows starting in October.
A hint of the pending sale came when Trimble officials at the Sunnyvale, California, headquarters announced a loss of $36.5 million, or $1.57 per share in the third quarter. The company said that the loss included a $14.4 million operating loss, $2.4 million associated with corporate restructuring, and $19.7 million associated with discontinuing certain manufacturing operations and product lines at Austin, Texas. Those "certain" operations turned out to be general aviation manufacturing. So far, however, the manufacturing is continuing.
It appears that Trimble may continue with its military work on GPS systems. Military GPS work is also done in Austin, where the firm won a $3.14 million GPS contract from the Department of Defense Navstar Joint Program Office in September. At Trimble's Austin facility, there are presently more than 200 employees working in marine, military, and general aviation product divisions.
Another hint of changes at Trimble came when Charles R. Trimble, founder and chief executive officer of Trimble Navigation Limited, stepped down from that position in one of several management changes at the company. Trimble will continue as chairman of the U.S. Global Positioning System Industry Council and will serve as vice chairman of the board of directors. His departure from the top spot followed the election of Robert Cooper, president of Atlantic Aerospace Electronics Corporation, as chairman of the company's board of directors. Additionally, Executive Vice President for Commercial Systems Jim Sorden has resigned.
From the grossly overgross file. The FAA proposed a fine of $160,000 against Transportes Aereos Ejecutivos S.A. de C.V. (TAESA) for operating a cargo-configured Douglas DC–10 weighing 23,564 pounds more than the maximum allowable gross weight and for failing to make repairs.
Top officials with Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ), manufacturer of the Falcon line of business jets, said at the recent NBAA convention that their plans for development of an eight-passenger supersonic business jet (SSBJ) are still very much in the preliminary stage. Existing Falcon customers have asked for a supersonic business jet, saying that they don't want to sit for long periods of time in small cabins. DFJ said that it had begun preliminary studies for an SSBJ, but has run into snags with engine technology.
Seatbelt airbags slated for airline, GA use
AmSafe, Incorporated, hopes to reduce the number of fatalities in airline and general aviation aircraft with its seatbelt airbag system currently under development at the company's Phoenix, Arizona, headquarters.
AmSafe, which claims to be the world's leading manufacturer of aircraft seatbelts, says that seatbelt airbags could protect passengers from head injuries in a 16-G crash. If head injuries are reduced, the probability of passengers' remaining conscious and successfully exiting the aircraft is greatly increased, says AmSafe.
The seatbelt system weighs 1.5 pounds per seat. The look, feel, and buckling action of the seatbelts are similar to those features of existing restraints. Seatbelt airbags for commercial airplanes are expected to be certified by mid-1999. GA approval should come shortly thereafter. Per-seat price for GA aircraft will be about $1,500. For more information, see AmSafe's Web site ( www.amsafe.com).
GA Team 2000 is changing its name to Be-A-Pilot. "We changed the name to more closely reflect what the organization does," said program Chairman Ed Stimpson. Over the past year, GA Team 2000 got 30,000 responses to its toll-free number (888-BE-A-PILOT) and its Web site ( www.beapilot.com). The "Stop Dreaming, Start Flying" tagline will continue.
Cessna 206/T206 certified
Cessna's single-engine division recently received type certificates from the FAA for its new 206 Stationair and T206 Turbo Stationair.
Cessna expected the new 206s to have begun rolling off the Independence, Kansas, assembly line in November to chip away at a pent-up demand for the utility singles.
New to the 206 is a Lycoming IO-540 engine creating 300 hp in the Stationair and 310 hp in the Turbo version. Performance of the $304,900 Stationair is 143 knots at 75-percent power, while the $340,900 Turbo Stationair reaches 165 knots at 20,000 feet.
In other Cessna single news, the company recently delivered its 1000th single-engine airplane since restarting production in January 1997. The Cessna Skyhawk SP was delivered to John Hammel of Ace High Inc., a Cessna Pilot Center in Bloomington, Indiana.
Executive Jet, a fractional ownership company, and Gulfstream Aerospace have signed an agreement for the purchase of 10 Gulfstream V aircraft, with options for an additional 12, and the purchase of 14 Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft. In addition, a maintenance contract for Executive Jet's fleet of Falcon, Hawker, and Gulfstream jets has been signed with Gulfstream, bringing the total value of the purchase and maintenance contracts to $1.3 billion.
The new German motorglider Caret has a unique method for reducing propeller drag when in glider mode. The propeller folds forward automatically if the engine is stopped. A 1.8-liter Volkswagen engine powers the single-seat airplane and offers a cruising speed of 115 knots, the company claims. It has been certified in Germany. It was built by Technoflug of Schramberg, Germany. For information, email [email protected].
Orenda considering V-6 aircraft engine
Orenda Recip Incorporated of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is studying the viability of a 350- to 500-horsepower, six-cylinder variant of its recently certified V-8 powerplant.
The liquid-cooled, 600-hp OE-600A V-8 received Transport Canada certification in March; FAA approval followed in May. Work is under way on eight different supplemental type certificates for installation of the eight-cylinder engine, with Beech King Air C90B and Rockwell Twin Commander 685 programs nearest to completion.
Although no airframes have been specifically targeted for the six-cylinder engine, Orenda General Manager Peter Jackson said that potential candidates could include the Piper Malibu, Beech Duke, Cessna 421, and the pressurized Piper P-Navajo. Both normally aspirated and turbocharged versions will probably be offered.
Eight pilots have become members of the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team and will represent this country in the Czech Republic next July during the Third Biennial Advanced World Aerobatic Championships. Members of the team are, left to right: Dave Swartz, Gary Henry, Bob Stark, Paul Donner, Bill Marcellus, Glenn Frick, Bradford Lang, and Maynard Smith. Five on the team are from Texas, while Stark and Swartz are both from Florida.
GAMA reports continuing bull market
The end of the third quarter continued the growth trend in general aviation, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
Total shipments for the first nine months of 1998 were 1,495 units, compared to 960 in 1997. Total piston deliveries, buoyed by Cessna's reentrance into the piston arena, were 1,051 units, up 85.4 percent from last year. Turboprop and jet markets were up 3.2 and 19.5 percent, respectively.
For the last two quarters, Cessna's 182 Skylane has seen the most deliveries, even outdoing the traditionally more popular 172 Skyhawk.
Squawk Sheet
The FAA issued an airworthiness directive ( 98-21-21), which requires the deactivation or removal of some 20,000 inflatable door seals manufactured by Bob Fields Accessories of Santa Paula, California. The FAA, responding to a recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board, found that if the seal was punctured, the electric pump used to inflate it would continue to run - possibly overheating, potentially leading to smoke and/or fire in the cabin. AOPA is working with the FAA and Bob Fields Accessories on alternative means of complying with the AD - one alternative is using a hand (bulb) pump. Bob Fields Accessories is also working on certifying an improved pump that will terminate the AD.
Owners of more than 13,200 Piper PA–24, PA–28R, PA–30, PA–32, PA–34, and PA–39 airplanes should be aware of AD 97-01-01 R1, detailing alternative methods of compliance for AD 97-01-01, which requires repetitive inspections of the main gear sidebrace studs for cracks.
A new airworthiness directive (98-CE-61) has been proposed for nearly every model of Raytheon (Beech) piston-powered single and twin that would require the installation of a placard on the fuel selector warning of the no-flow condition that exists when the selector is between the selector detents. If the AD is made official, Raytheon will provide the placard at no cost to the owners of the 15,200 affected airplanes.
Owners of Mooney M20B, -C, -D, -E, -F, -G, and –J models equipped with O&N bladder-type fuel cells installed under a supplemental type certificate are the subject of proposed AD 98-CE-64 that would require inspection of the drain valve to assure that it is inserted fully into the drain nipple.
Glasair prototype reaches 33,000 feet
Stoddard-Hamilton, manufacturer of the Glasair III kitplane, has built a Super III variant that has reached 33,000 ft and a true airspeed of 322 knots. The prototype is a one-off, developmental aircraft built to investigate high-speed flight at very high altitudes. The future enhanced Super III kitplane may not routinely cruise at such high altitudes.
The Super III incorporates an enlarged rudder for high-altitude flight, supplemental baggage-area fuel tanks, and a highly modified cowling. The new cowling accommodates a Lycoming IO-540-AA1B5 engine equipped with an intercooled AlliedSignal turbocharger.
The engine's normal 300 hp can thus be pushed to approximately 350 hp up to 37,000 ft. Rates of climb in excess of 2,000 fpm have been recorded up to 32,000 ft. Projections indicate that without major modification, the aircraft should be capable of attaining cruise speeds of 350 kt. For details, see the Web ( www.stoddard-hamilton.com).
AOPA members in the news
Matthew A. Colles, AOPA 1329232, of Charlotte, Michigan, has completed a Cessna Citation V type rating funded by a SimuFlite scholarship. Training was completed at SimuFlite's Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport training center.
Barrie Rokeach, AOPA 627628, has completed the Kodak Guide to Aerial Photography, another in Kodak's famous series of how-to books. It is available for $29.95 at most photography and bookstores, or contact Silver Pixel Press, 21 Jet View Drive, Rochester, New York 14624.
Garrett Fisher, AOPA 1342713, of Cowlesville, New York, manages The Weather Resource, a Web site ( www.nxdc.com/weather). The site features general weather information, including an aviation weather section.
Gordon B. Hoff, AOPA 1103071, manager of aviation education for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, has won the State Aviation Distinguished Service Award given by the National Association of State Aviation Officials.
Charles H. Kaman, AOPA 1231058, is recovering from a stroke following knee surgery and has been released from the hospital. He is chairman and chief executive officer of Kaman Corporation, a $1 billion aerospace and distribution company in Connecticut.
Pat Zerbe, AOPA 1216646, has left the public relations department at Raytheon Aircraft to become director of media relations at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prior to joining Raytheon she worked for daily and weekly newspapers in Kansas.
Henrietta Duff, AOPA 660469, has designated the AOPA Air Safety Foundation as recipient of donations in memory of her son, Doug Duff, 42, whose Washington, D.C., airborne radio traffic reporter aircraft crashed on October 13 during an attempted emergency landing necessitated by weather.
Virginia Skiby, AOPA 843615, won the Copperstate Dash Air Race for the third consecutive year on October 9. She flew a modified Vari-Eze and covered the 304-nm course with an average speed of 216 kts.
Lou Thole, AOPA 1183651, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has published Forgotten Fields of America, a book about World War II air bases and training. It is available for $14.95 from Pictorial Histories Publishing, 713 South Third Street West, Missoula, Montana 59801.
Philip Handleman, AOPA 830027, has completed a photographic book on Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Chicago O'Hare: The World's Busiest Airport. It is available from Motorbooks International, 729 Prospect Avenue, Osceola, Wisconsin 54020; telephone 800/458-0454.
Avidyne's Flight Situation Display is now available as an option in new Mooney Bravo and Ovation airplanes, as well as the Socata Trinidad. Socata's Nicholas Chabbert said that his company is evaluating the system for possible installation in the TBM 700 single-engine turboprop.
The first Great Hawaiian Air Race is scheduled for February 12 to 14. The race/tour will explore the Hawaiian Islands while racing to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii. For more information, contact Air Race Central at 808/836-1031; or by e-mail ( [email protected]).
Mooney Aircraft has changed its base aircraft specifications to include popular options. The options include an autopilot, GPS, and other equipment. The new Mooney Bravo M20M price with the options as standard equipment has risen from $429,900 to $439,000. The Ovation M20R base price will increase from $369,900 to $384,000. The Mooney Eagle M20S base price has increased from $279,900 to $319,000.
Agreement with Williams signed for jet-powered Aerostar
Aerostar Aircraft Corporation, located in Hayden Lake, Idaho, and Williams International have signed an agreement for use of Williams' new FJ33-1 engine on a twin-engine jet version of the well-known piston-twin aircraft. Williams will proceed with development and FAA certification of the 1,200-lb-thrust engine.
Aerostar officials predict that the aircraft will reach 400 knots maximum cruise speed between 31,000 and 35,000 feet. Economy cruise is projected to be 340 kt at FL410. The company will proceed with design and manufacturing while continuing to secure funding. It is hoped that the aircraft can be certificated for single-pilot operation and cost about $1.8 million.
Fourth pilots' tour of Israel planned
General aviation pilots will have an opportunity to fly with famed Israeli air force pilots this summer - although not in Israeli jet fighters. The flying will be done between June 21 and July 2, 1999, in a variety of general aviation aircraft as part of a pilots' tour of Israel that will be led by retired TWA captain and longtime AOPA Pilot contributor Barry Schiff.
Pilots will visit an Israeli air force base, see a spectacular air force show, and take a comprehensive tour of the Holy Land. This includes visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Bethlehem; a sunset cruise on the Sea of Galilee; and a reception hosted by the president of Israel and members of the Israeli AOPA.
The cost is $4,250 per person, including round-trip transportation from New York. For information, call Amos Mazur of AMI Travel at 800/821-8947 or 773/267-5555. Cessna boosts Textron incomeCessna Aircraft played an important role in Textron's third-quarter financial results, which show a 20-percent increase in earnings per share - the thirty-sixth consecutive quarter to show income growth for the company as a whole.
Aircraft revenues increased 14 percent and income grew 15 percent, because of greater earnings at Cessna. Bell Helicopter, also owned by Textron, saw a drop in revenues and income caused by the 1997 completion of a three-year helicopter contract with the Canadian armed forces. Revenues from the V–22 Osprey powered-lift aircraft are increasing, offsetting losses somewhat.
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