News

Italian manufacturer Agusta this week announced its forthcoming A109 Grand helicopter during the Farnborough 2004 air show. The new light twin helicopter fits at the upper end of the light twin FAR/JAR 27 segment, according to the company. The A109 Grand will have a maximum takeoff weight of 3,175 kg./7,000 lb. and be powered by […]

NetJets announced changes to its flight operations shop. Senior Vice President of Flight Operations Dave MacGhee, Maj. General U.S. Air Force (Ret.), who has joined the company to assume the position, will take over the company’s flight ops. Among other challenges MacGhee will face are preparations for FAR 91K/FAR 135 operations. MacGhee is a former […]

The recently announced media guide from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) — long overdue, in AVweb‘s opinion — has already seen pretty significant exposure. According to the association, more than 10,000 page views were registered since it went online last week, with more than 4000 hits to the guide’s home page. The association told […]

Meanwhile, Eclipse inked a long-term deal with Compass Aerospace Corporation calling for Compass to manufacture structural components and sub-assemblies for the cockpit, fuselage and doors on the Eclipse 500 jet. Compass is currently supplying the structural components and assemblies for Eclipses pre-production, certification-program aircraft and expects to begin its production ramp in 2005 and achieve […]

One of the industry’s major concerns about the forthcoming flood of light-light jets like the Eclipse and the Safire Jet is training. Turning loose, say, a Baron pilot in a jet cruising 150 knots faster at much higher altitudes is not something to be taken lightly. Just ask the insurance companies. Perhaps recognizing this, Eclipse […]

Air Methods Corporation will be the launch customer for Bell Helicopter’s new Model 427i twin-engine helicopters, the manufacturer announced this week. Fifteen of the new 427i aircraft are scheduled for delivery to the aeromedical operator, beginning in late 2007. The agreement between Bell and Air Methods provides for a minimum delivery of three aircraft per […]

Bell Helicopter this week announced the first flight of Bells MAPL (Modular Affordable Product Line) tail-fan demonstrator at the companys new XworX research center in Arlington, Texas. The company said its new aircraft on July 15 was test-flown, briefly, including hover, low-speed maneuvers and pedal turns before safely landing. Bells says its tail-fan-equipped demonstrator will […]

Even as the rumors of a Learjet company sale swirled around Bombardier, the company may also be getting into the “real” airliner market. Already manufacturing one of the world’s most popular regional jets, Bombardier officials say a new plane designed to compete in the airliner market for 100- to 150-seat jets may soon take shape. […]

Its all a rumor, say company officials. Nevertheless, its a rumor gaining visibility. “It” is the concept that Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier is trying to sell its Wichita-based Learjet subsidiary. But, like Mark Twains death, rumors of Learjets pending sale are premature, according to the parent company. Published reports quote Bombardier Aerospace spokesman Leo Knaapen […]

You’re a pilot. You stopped counting hours long ago; now you count engines, instead. Your FAA certificate comes with page numbers and looks like a list of every ticket and rating the FAA hands out. Flying is your main source of income. You fly as a professional, act as a professional and get compensated as […]