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Embraer makes MSJ, MLJ official, announces suppliers
Embraer officially introduced its 2 newest bizjets—the MSJ and MLJ—on Apr 8. Senior executives of risk-sharing partners Honeywell and Rockwell Collins joined Embraer Pres & CEO Frederico Curado for the presentation at an evening event at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Introduction of the MSJ midsize jet and MLJ midlight jet is in keeping with Embraer’s declared intention to become a major player in business aviation by 2015. These 2 new bizjets fill the space in Embraer’s product line between the Phenom 300 and Legacy 600.
Designers have achieved a high degree of commonality between the MSJ and MLJ. Both will have a 6-ft-high stand-up cabin with a flat floor and an interior designed in partnership with BMW Group DesignworksUSA—and both will seat up to 8 passengers. Power will be provided by 2 reduced-fuel-burn Honeywell HTF7500E turbofans rated at 6000–7000 lb. Projected maximum range is 3000 nm for the MSJ and 2300 nm for the MLJ. Embraer quotes high-speed cruise as Mach 0.82. Rockwell Collins will supply its Pro Line Fusion avionics suite with four 15.1-inch high-resolution displays. SVS will be standard, with EVS and HGS available as an option. —Phil Rose
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Partners on the Embraer MSJ/MLJ program (L–R) Embraer Exec VP Executive Jets Luís Carlos Affonso, Rockwell Collins Chairman, Pres & CEO Clay Jones, Embraer Pres & CEO Frederico Curado, Honeywell Intl Chairman & CEO Dave Cote and Embraer VP MSJ/MLJ Programs Mauricio Almeida.
MLJ is the smaller of Embraer’s 2 new bizjets. Names for the pair—and prices—will be announced at EBACE 2008 when the commercial launch takes place. Flight controls for the MSJ/MLJ will be fully FBW—a feature Embraer describes as a big differentiator for this class of business jet. Affonso says a common type rating for the MSJ and MLJ is likely.
IndustryBombardier has handed over a modified Learjet 40 to Omni Aviação, a Portuguese EMS provider. The Learjet 40 includes a medical package from Lifeport and an interior configured to allow easy stretcher access. With capacity for 1 patient and 4 medical staff, the aircraft can fly up to 1796 nm under standard conditions. It joins a fleet of 3 Learjet 45s and 1 Learjet 31 already in Omni’s fleet. Hawker Beechcraft has obtained EASA certification for the Hawker 900XP. The manufacturer has also received certification from several countries around the world, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE. FAA certification of the 900XP occurred in Aug 2007. Viking Air has secured a $14.3-million contract for 3 DHC6 Twin Otters for the US Army Golden Knights parachute team. The sale brings the number of Twin Otter firm orders to 40 since Viking re-established production of the aircraft early in 2007. Becoming the 9th operator to purchase Twin Otters since Viking took over production, the Golden Knights will add the aircraft to its fleet of 2 Twin Otter 300s and 2 Fokker F27Ms. Viking plans to deliver the first aircraft in 2010, with the remaining 2 the following year. Golden Knights Commander Lt Col Tony Dill noted the Twin Otter provides “an efficient jump platform, short time to climb and the capacity to accommodate 16 jumpers at the same time.” Embraer rolled out the first prototype of the Phenom 300 on Apr 12 at GPX (Gavião Peixoto SP, Brazil). Ground tests will begin immediately in preparation for the aircraft’s first flight. Embraer has also begun final assembly of the 2nd Phenom 300 prototype. VP Programs, Executive Jets Henrique Langenegger points out that more than 400 engineers were involved in the Phenom 300 design, as well as over 50 suppliers. |
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West Star Aviation has completed modifying a medical-configured Hawker 800A that will be used during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. AirMed Intl, whose headquarters are in Birmingham AL, will perform air ambulance missions using the Hawker from its newest base in Hong Kong, China. Work performed on the Hawker 800A at West Star’s GJT (Grand Junction CO) facility included a new interior, air system, avionics upgrade, satellite phone system and electronic flight bags.
Hundreds visit NBAA regional forum
On Mar 27, a total of 826 visitors came to SAT (Intl, San Antonio TX) for the first of 4 regional forums NBAA has scheduled around the US this year. The event was heavily supported by most of the major business aviation manufacturers, with 21 aircraft on display and 55 exhibitors showing their wares. Held at Valero Energy’s new 39,000 sq ft corporate flight hangar and 61,000 sq ft ramp at SAT, the forum had the look and feel of a mini NBAA Convention. It featured an extensive static display featuring lots of heavy iron and presentations on operating issues such as planning for safety and security on international flights, changes in FAA operating specs on operational control of charter flights, alcoholism in flight departments and challenges facing business aviation in the years ahead. One exhibit making its airshow debut was Cessna’s new Mobile Service Unit—a ground vehicle designed to provide service to aircraft that cannot easily reach a regular Citation Service Center. NBAA bills its forums as low-cost opportunities for bizav professionals to interact with their peers, attend professional development seminars and see the latest new aircraft models, all without having to go far from home. Standdown comes to capital region.
Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA) hosted around 85 pilots, flight department members and mechanics at its 2nd annual Safety Standdown on Apr 8 at the NSTB Training Center in Ashburn VA. According to GWBAA Safety & Operations Chairman Jim Lumley, the organization decided to pair down the number of presentations and focus on 3 speakers this year. They were Bob Agostino, father of the Bombardier Safety Standdown and former director of the company’s flight operations, NTSB Associate Managing Director Paul Schuda—who led a presentation on the cause of the TWA Flight 800 midair breakup in 1996 and a tour of the reconstructed forward fuselage—and former NTSB Investigator Greg Feith. “We are all as good as our last flight,” Agostino said, pointing out that many accidents involve high-time pilots. He added that the responsibility for safety involves not only pilots, but everyone involved in flight operations, including maintenance personnel, flight attendants and company leadership. Quoting a NASA Ames study, Agostino noted that “no one ‘thing’ causes an accident, but rather a confluence of multiple events, task demands, actions taken or not taken, and environmental factors.” NBAA Pres Ed Bolen noted that the demand for Safety Standdown-type seminars continues to grow. He anticipates that in addition to the Bombardier Safety Standdown—scheduled from Oct 20–23 in Kansas City MO—around 20 regional safety events will be held across the US during 2008, as well as the 2nd installation of the European Safety Standdown this May. —Andrew Parker. |
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Aircraft on display at the NBAA regional forum in San Antonio TX included a Falcon 2000EX (L) and 2 Piaggio P180 Avanti IIs. (Inset) Scene inside the Valero Energy hangar, where more than 800 attendees perused various displays, including one featuring a P51 Mustang.
(L–R) GWBAA President Bob Blouin, Jim Lumley, who is a corporate pilot with Landmark Aviation, and Bob Agostino.|
CharterDelta AirElite Business Jets has integrated a Beechcraft Premier I into its fleet membership program. With seats for up to 6 passengers, the Premier I features an oversized baggage compartment and can fly up to 520 mph at 41,000 ft. MaintenanceDassault has selected Aero Personal as the latest location in its service network. The TLC (Toluca, Mexico City, Mexico)-based company becomes the 30th location for work on the Falcon 7X, 900 and 2000. Dassault’s worldwide support network consists of 27 authorized service facilities, 3 factory-owned service facilities, 9 spares distribution locations and 3 call centers. |
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Evergreen International Aviation is planning to release its Boeing 747 Supertanker in Jun 2008. The effort follows almost 4 years of development and a $50-million investment by the McMinnville OR-based company. With the capacity to drop a payload of over 20,000 gallons, the Supertanker can disperse water, foams, gels and fire retardants in day or night conditions. Evergreen is helping the US Forest Service prepare to use the Supertanker starting this summer.
Evolution and growth displayed at Sun ’n Fun 2008This year’s 34th annual Sun ’n Fun—held from Apr 8–13 at LAL (Lakeland FL)—allowed showgoers to sample everything from ultralights and powered paragliders through midsize business jets, including all the flying VLJs and numerous turboprop singles and twins.
Cessna, whose line covers everything from a new light sport aircraft through the transcontinental Citation Columbus, brought everything from the CJ1+ on down. The NGP (which may now be thought of as “next-generation propeller” rather than “piston”), is looking for a place in the Cessna lineup. “We have a pretty broad range right now,” said VP of Corporate Communications Bob Stangarone, “so we’re looking hard at where the [NGP] program will fit in.” Citation Mustang deliveries should hit 100 this year, Stangarone said, with 150 annually starting in 2009. The large-cabin Columbus, announced on Feb 6, will be built at ICT (Mid-Continent, Wichita KS and represents a $780-million investment for Cessna. In the face of a declining dollar, Stangarone said that over 50% of Citation orders come from overseas operators. With a $136-million backlog, he continued, “We’re confident of weathering even a pretty hefty recession, and we’re globalizing.” Embraer ran a steady crowd through its Phenom 300 mockup and answered questions about the Phenom 100 program, now deep in certification test flights even as the 300 is readying for imminent first flight. The Phenom 100 and 300 have garnered more than 700 firm orders combined, in about a 60/40% mix, headed by the earlier-release 100. The big news from Embraer was a double announcement of the MSJ and MLJ models. (See page 44.) Last year in Lakeland, Pilatus had only photos of its PC12 Next Generation, with Honeywell Primus Apex cockpit featuring four 10.4-inch screens. This year, they flew it to the show. The Honeywell system is backed up by an independent electronic standby instrument system (ESIS) and the new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P has 15% more power and sports new twin 300-amp generators.
In late 2007, EADS Socata announced the Garmin G1000 flightdeck in the TBM850. The new panel and interior that supports it have, according to the company, been responsible for record sales. Popularity of numerous TBM850 improvements is reflected in the company’s 15-month backlog. Pres Nicolas Chabbert also announced that Socata is adding training devices and capability, including a Level 5 FTD at Simcom in Orlando FL in Jun 2008. In addition, a freestanding G1000 system trainer was on display at the show. Chabbert closed the Socata presentation by teasing that “the TBM’s big brother is still a secret.” News for the Eclipse 500 involved an upgrade to dual Garmin 400W GPS units which couple through the Avio flightdeck to the autopilot and allow FMS functionality. Flight demonstrations of the Eclipse 500 featured some crowd-pleasing maneuvers, including slow flight and a zoom climbout. Diamond’s 2nd D-Jet is now achieving all its expected numbers in the accelerated test flight program. Diamond is the first OEM to announce delivery of Garmin’s synthetic vision system (SVS) option on the G1000-equipped DA40, where it lists for $9995. SVS price for the dual-screen D-Jet has not been announced. Piper’s big-engine PiperJet is just about to make its first test runs. The company’s Matrix (basically an unpressurized Malibu) has proven popular among what Piper calls “those who want a bigger, better, faster Saratoga.” Avionics took a big step forward at Sun ’n Fun, as Garmin’s long-awaited SVS system was announced for nearly every G1000-equipped aircraft. The view on the screen is a computer-generated, “perfect-weather” look out the windscreen that depicts terrain, airports and runways, as well as traffic and various warnings, allowing pilots to “see” under various weather conditions, including during storms and at night. Bringing affordable glass cockpits to older aircraft was Aspen Avionics, which holds STCs for just about every popular steam-gauge single. The company’s PFD and MFD fit through existing instrument holes. Many functions are either standard or optional, including dual GPS, ADAHRS, slaved directional gyro, electronic HSI, base mapping with curved flightpaths, sectional-style mapping and reversionary PFD functions. Pilots can mark their calendars for next year’s Sun ’n Fun convention, scheduled to take place from Apr 21–26, 2009. —Tim Kern |
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Garmin G1000 panel in the new TBM850. Exterior mods include a new paint scheme and forward luggage compartment.
Lancair’s new Pratt & Whitney PT6-powered Evolution was a show favorite.
ManifestGulfstream has appointed Jim Gallagher to lead the company’s Entry-Into-Service (EIS) program for the G650. He will be responsible for developing and implementing a plan to bring the new G650 to market in 2012. Gallagher previously served as EIS program manager for the GIV, G350 and G450. Bombardier has named key executives to new positions. Guy Hachey is the new president and COO of Bombardier Aerospace, Steve Ridolfi has taken the role of president of Bombardier Business Aircraft and James Hoblyn is the new president of Bombardier Aircraft Services. Before joining Bombardier, Hachey held 2 titles at Delphi Corp—president of its Powertrain Systems division and president of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division. Ridolfi was formerly president of Bombardier Regional Aircraft and Hoblyn was previously senior VP of customer experience at Bombardier Business Aircraft. UK-based PremiAir has appointed Kevin Gleeson as chief pilot for helicopter charter and management. A PremiAir employee since 1998, Gleeson was formerly senior pilot. He is rated in the AW109, AS355, Bell 222 and S76. NetJets Aviation has promoted Mark Bianchi to exec VP of aircraft maintenance. He is responsible for oversight of more than 400 aircraft in the company’s fleet, including maintenance, quality control and logistics. He was previously senior VP of aircraft maintenance. Last Flight
Tiedowns May 20–22: 8th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2008), Geneva, Switzerland. NBAA, 202-783-9000 or visit www.nbaa.org. |
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EADS Socata has promoted Stéphane Jacques (L) to chief test pilot and hired Charlie Holomek as VP of customer support for its North America business operations. Jacques joined Socata in May 2007 after finishing his service with the French Air Force as a lieutenant colonel. He replaces Christian Briand, who retired after a 19-year career as an EADS Socata test pilot, accumulating over 19,000 flight hours. An engineer, Holomek has held various positions at major business aircraft manufacturers, including his former role of manager of customer support engineering for Bombardier Learjet. He will be based at Socata’s facility in Pembroke Pines FL.
Omniflight Helicopters of Addison TX has named Eric Pangburn (L) chief pilot. He is responsible for training new pilots, recurring education and compliance with meeting FAA requirements and standards. Pangburn was formerly check airman.
Hong Kong Aviation Group Vice Chairman David Tong (R) has completed his commercial multiengine instrument rating. Flight training was performed at Galvin Flying Services at BFI (Boeing Field, Seattle WA).
Kevin Perris has taken the role of STC program director for Standard Aero’s Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A business unit. He previously served as director of engineering services for Standard Aero.
Belton Gardner, a pilot and owner of Dulles Aviation, died of cancer on Apr 1. He was 76. Enlisting in the US Army Air Force in 1946, Gardner served for several years before earning a degree in electrical engineering and then taking a job at McDonnell Aircraft in 1957. He worked as a VP of marketing at Electrospace Systems in Dallas TX from 1974–83. Following his retirement, Gardner founded an FBO—Dulles Aviation—in 1983 at IAD (Dulles, Washington DC) before moving the operation to HEF (Manassas VA) in 1985. Gardner, his wife Irene and 2 of his sons have run the business for the past 25 years. He is survived by his wife, 6 children and 13 grandchildren.
Leonel Fritz, quality assurance manager for JA Air Center, died on Mar 5 at his home in St Charles IL. He was 65. After spending time in the US Air Force, Fritz became a service manager for Bohling Aircraft in 1965. He joined West Chicago-based JA Air Center in 1972 as director of maintenance. Among his accomplishments at JA were being named a designated airworthiness representative by FAA and having the GPS approach to Runway 20R at DPA (Dupage, Chicago IL) named after him.