Pilot Briefing

Vantage design under review

VisionAire Corporation says its Vantage business jet has come under weight and cost pressures during final development. An interim design review has been initiated to explore refinements and alternatives to the design.

A company official said that the jet might end up weighing 500 pounds more than the planned design weight if measures are not taken. The proposed weight was 7,800 lbs.

The aircraft's $1.8 million price could increase to $2 million. However, the St. Louis-based company has 150 firm orders with locked-in prices ranging from $1.7 million to $1.8 million. That means the company will need a greater number of orders to achieve a profit.

"This process is not uncommon for aircraft development programs," said Jim Kinnu, a consultant to VisionAire and former program manager of the B-2 bomber program. "I'm pleased VisionAire is addressing the issues at this stage, because addressing them later could significantly increase the cost of the program," he said.

The impact on the certification schedule will depend on the degree of design improvements recommended as a result of the review. Additional information was to be announced in January and a revised certification schedule will be set by the end of the first quarter of 1999. Company officials are determined to deliver on promises to build a single-engine jet that can cruise at more than 347 knots at 41,000 feet, yet require a runway only 2,500 feet long.

To refocus resources on certification of the Vantage, VisionAire laid off 25 of its 200 workers in late November. However, the company will add 25 contract aeronautical engineers during the first quarter of 1999.

Pilot error blamed in Ethell P-38 crash

The June 6, 1997, crash of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning in Tillamook, Oregon, resulting in the death of pilot and aviation historian Jeff Ethell, was caused by pilot error, says the National Transportation Safety Board's final report on the accident.

According to the report, Ethell's improper fuel management starved one engine of fuel and resulted in the failure of one engine while the airplane was turning onto the base leg of the airport traffic pattern. The report then states, "Failure of the pilot to maintain minimum control speed (VMC) after loss of power in one engine resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain."

Related factors in the crash were "the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane relative to single-engine minimum airspeeds." Ethell reportedly had only flown "six or seven hours in another P-38." The FAA added that Ethell was not authorized to fly the P-38 since he did not have a type rating. (The FAA requires a type rating to act as pilot in command of a single-seat airplane certificated in the Limited category.)

Galaxy certified

Galaxy Aerospace received FAA certification of the Galaxy super-midsize business jet on December 16, 1998, one day after the airplane was certificated by Israel's civil aviation authority. Galaxy's flight test program comprised 810 hours in 260 flights. Galaxy most recently completed icing tests over Northern Europe in December. The fifth airplane built is the first production aircraft and will become a company demonstrator. The first customer airplane (serial number 6) is to be delivered to the company's Fort Worth, Texas, completion center in March. Customer delivery of the airplane is expected in mid-1999. Performance of the Galaxy includes a balanced field length of 5,900 feet; 470-knot/Mach 0.82 cruise; 45,000-foot max operating altitude; and a range of 3,620 nautical miles with NBAA IFR reserves.

Raytheon Aircraft's newest business jet, the Premier I, made its first flight on December 22, 1998. During the 62-minute flight, test pilots Charlie Volk and Warren Gould flew basic maneuvers at speeds up to 200 knots and at altitudes as high as 14,500 feet. The Premier I features an all-composite fuselage that provides an indefinite fatigue life without adding too much weight. Raytheon claims 140 firm orders for the 461-knot Premier I. The company expects certification at the end of the year with deliveries of the $4.15 million (1995 dollars) airplane starting immediately thereafter.

Cirrus to use Garmin avionics

Cirrus Design Corporation has decided that its recently certified SR20 will be equipped with avionics supplied by Garmin International and autopilots from S-Tec.

Cirrus originally planned to have Trimble avionics installed in all new SR20s, but plans were scrapped when Trimble announced just prior to the SR20's certification in October that it was selling its GA avionics business unit. The Trimble sale is still pending.

Cirrus will offer three avionics packages, all of which are anchored by the Garmin GNS 430 GPS/com/nav/loc receiver (see " Pilot Products," October 1998 Pilot). All packages also include an S-Tec autopilot and a standby vacuum system.

The SR20's standard A configuration will include one IFR-approved GNS 430, a GNC 250XL VFR GPS/com, GMA 340 audio panel with stereo intercom and marker beacons, a GTX 320 Mode C transponder, a 10.4-inch Arnav ICDS-2000 moving map display, a single-axis S-Tec System Twenty autopilot (see " Pilot Products," December 1998 Pilot), and a directional gyro with heading bug. An SR20 equipped this way will list for $171,300. The price of the standard "A" SR20 has been increased $2,500 because of the new equipment.

Next in line is the B configuration, which swaps the GNC 250XL for a GNS 420, which is basically a -430 without the VHF nav/ILS receiver. The $17,500 B package also swaps the System Twenty autopilot for a two-axis System Thirty and adds a Century NSD-360A horizontal situation indicator (HSI).

Finally, the $32,800 C package provides dual GNS 430s, a two-axis S-Tec System 55 autopilot, Century NSD 1000 HSI, and dual alternators. Cirrus was expected to begin deliveries of new SR20s early this year.

Squawk Sheet

A new airworthiness directive affecting Mooney M20B through M20G and M20J, -K, -M, and -R models will require inspection of the aileron control links for the installation of a reinforcing gusset. If no gusset is found, the AD calls for repetitive inspections of the aileron control links for cracks. If cracks are found, the AD would require the replacement of the aileron control links with improved parts. The FAA estimates that 7,500 U.S.-registered airplanes are affected by the AD. AOPA is petitioning the rulemaking to reduce the economic and operational burden on the owners of these airplanes.

The FAA has proposed an airworthiness directive affecting Piper PA-31, PA-31-300, -325, -350, and PA-31P-350 airplanes that will require the installation of access holes for inspection of the elevator spar. The proposed AD also requires the inspection of elevator ice protection boots for looseness and repetitively inspecting the elevator spars for cracks and replacement of the elevators or elevator spar assembly with improved parts if cracks are found. The proposed rule results from reports of cracks developing in the elevator spar inboard of the outboard hinge.

Owners of new Cessna 182S models can obtain a replacement muffler assembly that will eliminate the requirement for 25-hour repetitive inspections of the muffler assembly for cracks. Compliance information can be found in Cessna Service Bulletin 98-78-03. Cessna's warranty covers the cost of the new parts and labor for the installation.

Owners of BFGoodrich Skywatch (SKY497) systems are targeted in an AD requiring the verification of antenna location at each power-up of the unit. An internal component failure of 11 systems caused the system to change the antenna configuration from top to bottom. The failure causes Skywatch units to display targets 180 degrees out of the displayed position. BFGoodrich is covering the cost of a software upgrade that will fix the problem.

Mercury Air Centers has purchased Jackson Air Center in Jackson, Mississippi, bringing to 15 the number of FBOs now operated by the chain. Mercury Air Group, the parent organization, now operates FBOs under the Mercury name in California, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Mercury Air Group was founded in 1956 by three members of the legendary American Volunteer Group in China, better known as the Flying Tigers. Mercury reported fiscal year 1998 revenues of more than $240 million.

Million Air Tulsa, an FBO at the Tulsa International Airport, now offers U.S. Customs services. For information, telephone 918/836-6592.

Naval aviators rally around pub

Nearly all naval aviators, and many other pilots, have heard of Trader Jon's, the legendary watering hole in Pensacola, Florida. Last year Martin "Trader Jon" Weissman suffered a debilitating stroke, and the bar's future is in jeopardy.

But a group of former Navy and Marine aviators is serious about saving the place - serious enough that its members have formed a not-for-profit Florida corporation, the Trader Jon's Preservation Squadron, which seeks to acquire, preserve, and operate the bar in downtown Pensacola. Organizers are seeking Section 501(c)(3) tax-deductible status from the Internal Revenue Service.

Anyone wishing to participate in the effort can send contributions to Trader Jon's Preservation Squadron, Inc., in care of First Navy Bank, 180 Taylor Road, Pensacola, Florida 32508.

For more information, visit the organization's Web site ( www.traderjons.com). - Michael P. Collins

More than 330 young people, many of them underprivileged children who had never flown before, enjoyed airplane rides during the Reading (Pennsylvania) Airport Authority's second annual "Christmas In the Air" program. Santa flew in aboard a Cessna for the event on December 12, 1998, which featured breakfast with the jolly fellow and a variety of other activities. Almost every business and organization at the airport joined together to sponsor the day's activities; 16 aircraft and about 70 volunteers took care of the logistics. - MPC

Russian trainer gets U.S. certificate

The Ilyushin IL-103, an all-metal, two-seat, propeller-driven aircraft, has been issued an FAA type certificate. The FAA said it is the first U.S. certificate to be awarded to a Russian design, and clears the way for import into the United States.

It was designed originally as a military and civilian trainer. The type certificate was issued at a ceremony at the Ilyushin plant attended by Russian government officials and by U.S. Ambassador James Collins.

A 210-hp Continental IO-360-ES engine turning a Hartzell propeller powers the aircraft. It was certified in the Utility category. The aircraft, which first flew in 1993, has fixed tricycle gear (it uses a castering nosewheel), and claims a cruise speed of 121 knots at 90 percent power. The useful load is reportedly 970 pounds. For information contact the Ilyushin Aviation Complex, Leningradsky Prospect 45, 125190 Moscow, Russia; telephone 011-7-095-943-83-25.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame Learning and Research Center was dedicated December 17, 1998, in Dayton, Ohio. The 17,500-square-foot facility is located adjacent to the U.S. Air Force Museum. Astronaut and National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee John Glenn visited the facility the day of the opening to lend his support. The Hall of Fame is currently raising $5 million to fund interactive exhibits, an electronic research library, and educational programs. There are now 163 enshrinees, including astronaut Scott Crossfield and World War II bomber pilot Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets, Jr., who flew the airplane that dropped the first atomic bomb. For membership information, contact the National Aviation Hall of Fame, Post Office Box 31096, Dayton, Ohio 45437; telephone 937/256-0944.

Parent company of Signature buys AMR Combs

The BBA Group PLC, based in London, has signed an agreement to purchase AMR Combs from AMR Corporation for $170 million on a debt-free, cash-free basis.

Payment will be made in cash out of BBA's existing resources. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. AMR Combs, which operates 11 FBOs, will join Signature Flight Support under BBA's aviation services division. In addition to the 11 sites, AMR Combs has interests in two executive aviation centers in Mexico and one in Hong Kong.

AMR Combs had operating profits before corporate allocations of $16.2 million in 1997. Tangible net assets were $67.5 million.

Roberto Quarta, BBA Group chief executive, said, "It is an excellent fit with our existing Signature network of 42 FBOs and the combination of these two businesses will allow us to provide enhanced services to a growing customer base in the United States and increasingly throughout the world. The acquisition will also allow BBA to roll out further the successful concept of the one-stop shop, providing business aviation services and engine overhaul capabilities to the same customer."

The Aviation Insurance Association, a professional organization, has moved its headquarters from Seattle to Bloomington, Indiana. Contact the association at 812/323-7955.

Learjet 45 sets new record

Bombardier's new Learjet 45 business jet on November 23, 1998, set a transcontinental speed record for its class of 422 knots. The aircraft made the journey from San Diego to Washington, D.C., in four hours and 18 minutes. Powered by two AlliedSignal TFE731-20 engines, the business jet burned an average 946 pounds of fuel per hour.

The aircraft had tailwinds averaging less than 40 knots and had 1,570 pounds of fuel remaining after landing. With no wind, the Learjet 45 could take off from San Diego with 5,532 pounds of fuel, four passengers plus a crew of two with 280 pounds of luggage, and still arrive in Washington with an hour's fuel reserve. Pilot Bob Agostino said the aircraft climbed directly to 43,000 feet in 25 minutes, and reached 45,000 feet one hour into the flight.

In other Bombardier news, the company's Aviation Services facility in Tucson, Arizona, will be expanded to carry out completions on the Global Express business jet.

AirCell connects
FCC approves air-ground phone system

Following seven years of development and testing, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved AirCell's air-to-ground telephone system. AirCell connects airborne telephone systems to existing ground-based cellular networks.

Although AirCell operates on the same 800 mHz frequencies as cellular phones, technology that the company has developed and patented keeps the signal from being detected by conventional ground-based cell sites. The system provides voice and data communication (including fax, e-mail, and internet access).

Prior to winning approval, AirCell performed technical demonstrations monitored by the FCC and field tests with 13 cellular partners. AirCell's efforts were bolstered by support from several members of Congress and encouragement from AOPA.

"This is a wonderful day for us and the culmination of an incredible seven-year effort by a very dedicated group of individuals," said James Stinehelfer, president and CEO of AirCell.

The FCC prohibits the use of conventional cellular telephones in airborne aircraft due to potential interference with the ground-based network. Only those sites equipped with specialized AirCell antennas will be able to receive the AirCell signal from the aircraft.

There are two units available, one for making both air and on-ground calls, and another for in-air calls only. The air-only unit costs $3,995, while the air-and-ground unit is $6,995. Monthly fees are $39.95 for calls from the air, and an additional $19.95 if calling while on the ground. Each call costs $1.75 per minute. Installation is estimated to require 40 hours of shop time. For information visit the AirCell Web site ( www.aircell.com).

Hartzell Propeller has been selected by Raytheon Aircraft to be Raytheon's sole supplier of propeller systems. The six-year contract is valued at more than $35 million. Hartzell currently manufactures four-blade composite propeller systems for the Beech 1900D Airliner, as well as four-blade aluminum systems for the King Air 350, King Air B200, and the T-6A Texan II Joint Primary Air Training System airplane. Hartzell will also supply three-blade aluminum propeller systems for the Baron 58, Bonanza B36TC, and Bonanza A36.

Joe Vorbeck scholarships awarded

Four students - chosen from among 34 attending aviation courses at the University of Cincinnati's Clermont College in Batavia, Ohio - have each received a $2,500 Joe Vorbeck Aviation Scholarship for flight training at Sporty's Academy. The winners are Mary C. Allen, Mark B. Trees, Tim Haymes, and Christopher John Hadedorn.

The scholarship program was started by Hal Shevers, president of Sporty's Academy, to honor the late Vorbeck. "I am proud to offer scholarships to aviation students at the University of Cincinnati in Joe Vorbeck's honor," said Shevers. Vorbeck was known as "Mr. Instrument Flying" for his knowledge of regulations, and was widely respected as a gifted flight instructor. Vorbeck, co-founder of Sporty's Academy, helped establish the program at Clermont College. Scholarship applicants must be enrolled at Clermont College.

School officials are currently raising $200,000 needed to make the scholarships self-sustaining. Anyone wishing to contribute should write to the Joe Vorbeck Aviation Scholarship Fund, University of Cincinnati, 4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103; telephone 513/732-5250.

The FAA has begun the installation of an interface between Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) information and Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) frequencies at airports equipped with both systems. ASOS weather information will be available over the ATIS frequency when the tower is closed. The interface will provide one-minute-old weather observations. The FAA plans to install the system at 220 part-time control towers. For information, contact Ken Kraus at 202/366-5439 or visit the Web site ( www.faa.gov/asos/asos.htm).

JetCorp, an FBO and charter company at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport near Chesterfield, Missouri, is building a 70,000-square-foot addition to its hangar that includes 30,000 square feet of space for growth in avionics and interior refurbishment services.

AOPA members in the news

Charles M. Suma, AOPA 1293364, president and CEO of The New Piper Aircraft, has been elected vice chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association board of directors. L. David Caplan, chairman and CEO of Pratt & Whitney Canada, was elected chairman.

Ralph Charles, AOPA 1347314, of Somerset, Ohio, was featured on the front page of The Columbus Dispatch in an article titled "Still Flyin' High at 99." Charles, who was born November 6, 1899, is likely the oldest active pilot in the United States and possibly the world. Charles is also the second-oldest AOPA member. In case you were wondering, the oldest AOPA member is 100-year-old Harry Stagg, AOPA 148904, of Albuquerque,New Mexico.

Herbert Jones, Jr., AOPA 1202887, of Fort Washington, Maryland, was recently featured in The Washington Post for his efforts in recruiting young African-Americans to become pilots. Jones, a former Tuskegee Airman, runs Metropolitan Aviation, a flight school based at the Potomac Airfield in Friendly, Maryland.

Jane Rosevelt, AOPA 1069038, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, was featured on the front page of The Oregonian's Business section in an article about her air-taxi service called Rose Air, which utilizes a Cessna 182 RG.

Louise Timken, AOPA 009273, of Canton, Ohio, died recently at the age of 88. An AOPA member for 56 years, Timken was among the first women to fly a private helicopter. In 1958, Timken became the first woman in the United States to fly and own a jet aircraft when she and her husband, H.H. Timken, Jr., imported the first private jet into the United States from France. In 1965, Timken was the first female to acquire a Learjet type rating so that she could fly her latest purchase, one of the first Lear Jets off of the assembly line. The Ohio Division of Aviation presented her its Award of Achievement and the state of Arizona named her to its Aviation Hall of Fame. H.H. Timken founded the Timken Company, maker of bearings and alloy steels.

Jeff Parker, AOPA 698813, of Leesburg, Virginia, recently received his private pilot certificate in a Piper Arrow. What makes the achievement especially remarkable is that Parker is a paraplegic.

The FAA successfully completed the first test flights in Chile of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The test flights were conducted at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago. WAAS consists of a network of differential Global Positioning System (GPS) ground stations that receive, analyze, and provide corrections to signals from GPS satellites, and transmit that information to aircraft flying within the WAAS coverage area. Reference stations in Santiago, Balmaceda, and Antofagasta were installed last fall and connected to the FAA's National Satellite Test Bed in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Ted Forstmann, who has been chairman of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, has assumed the additional title of chief executive officer under a new management structure. Joining Forstmann in a three-person chief executive office are Bill Boisture and Chris Davis. Boisture is president and chief operating officer, while Davis is the chief financial officer. James Johnson, former president, has retired.

The Smithsonian Institution has completed architect's drawings of its new National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Dulles Center at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The principal building is described as an "arched, great hangar." The 700,000-square-foot facility will contain 280 air and spacecraft, including the space shuttle Enterprise; an SR-71 Blackbird, which broke four world speed records en route to Dulles in 1990; and the Boeing "Dash 80" prototype for the Boeing 707. The center's design is nearing completion. A ceremonial opening is planned for December 17, 2003. The NASM Dulles Center will occupy a 180-acre site at the southeast corner of Dulles along Route 28 and near the Sully Plantation, a tourist attraction.

Nav Canada claims Y2K compliance

Nav Canada has announced that all of its computer systems are now ready for year 2000 (Y2K) certification. The corporation's Y2K Project Office reviewed 1.5 million lines of computer code, identifying and then correcting any potential problems.

The year 2000 bug occurs when the computer coding for the year is written as two-digit number; there is concern that on January 1, 2000, the year will be interpreted as 1900 (see " Y2K2U," December 1998 Pilot). Government and industry also are concerned about other potential computer glitches that could surface as the century ends.

Nav Canada is the not-for-profit private corporation that provides air traffic control, weather briefings, and other civil air navigation services in Canada. - MPC

The 29 supplemental type certificates owned by Bonaire Aviation Company have been sold to Davis Aviation Services in Virden, Illinois.

Socata Aircraft reports that development of the proposed twin-engine Tangara model (see " Return of the Night Fighter?" August 1996 Pilot) is continuing. It should reach production sometime after 2000, but must wait for development of the Morane-Renault engine to be completed. The aircraft - based on the Grumman Cougar - will have either 180- or 250-hp engines. No decision has been made. Testing has shown that the Tangara equipped with 180-hp turbocharged engines achieves cruise speeds of 175 kts TAS at 8,500 feet. Socata engineers are working to reduce the vibration and weight of the jet-fuel-burning Morane-Renault piston engines.