Aviation International News
June 2015
PUBLICATIONS Vol. 47 No. 6 $9.00
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What pilot shortage? This one, right here by Matt Thurber
First flight of the Gulfstream G500 took place on May 18.
Gulfstream G500 logs first flight by Matt Thurber production interior, and FAA and EASA type certification is planned in 2017, followed by entry into service in 2018. A unique feature of the G500 and the G600 sibling is electronically interconnected BAE active sidestick flight controls.
G500 performance includes range of 5,000 nm at Mach 0.85, maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925 and a 4,850-foot cabin altitude at FL510. Power is provided by 15,144-poundthrust Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA turbofans. o
BUSINESS AVIATION GATHERS IN GENEVA Last month’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition–now in its 15th year–served as the venue for several aircraft debuts and provided a stage for product announcements as well as a forum for discussions of the myriad issues that affect the industry in Europe and beyond.
“We have a serious crisis going on in our industry,” said Racca chairman Tim Komberec and Empire Airlines president and CEO, addressing the opening session at the conference, which was attended by more than 300 people. “There’s much debate about the pilot shortage in the United States and in the world, but there is absolutely no doubt that at our level where we perform, where we recruit pilots from and where we are on the food chain, we have an extremely serious problem and it has taken on crisis proportions. And the thing that is so worrisome is it’s going to affect all of us. We need to see if we can collectively find ways to find solutions to help fix what’s going on.” An interesting keynote followed, given by Dr. Mark Taylor, who explained the key differences between baby-boomer audience members and members of the young “generation next” who populate the future pilot pipeline. “Boomers are retiring,” he said. Continues on page 63 u
DARRIN VANSELOW
Seven months after rolling out at its Savannah, Ga. headquarters, Gulfstream’s fly-bywire G500 took off for its first flight on May 18, departing at 10:39 a.m. from SavannahHilton Head International Airport and piloted by experimental test pilots Scott Martin and Kevin Claffy along with flight-test engineer Bill Osborne. After climbing initially to 10,500 feet, the pilots flew the G500 to a maximum speed of 194 knots, climbed to 15,000 feet and “exercised all primary flight control systems; evaluated handling qualities and takeoff and landing configurations; performed a simulated approach and go-around; and checked all systems using the [Honeywell Primus Epic-based] Symmetry flight-deck touchscreen controllers.” The G500 landed at 12:55 p.m. Five G500s will be used for the flight-test program, one of them equipped with a
The 2015 Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (Racca) spring conference in Phoenix opened April 28 on a somber note as members aired concerns about a tangible shortage of pilots affecting their operations. Racca’s membership comprises both Part 135 and 121 operators, some of which fly passengers as well as cargo. Traditionally, Racca member companies act as a steppingstone for pilots building flight time to apply to larger airlines, but regulatory and other circumstances have vastly thinned the flow of pilots in the pipeline to Racca members.
Safety
Avionics
Government
Special Report
Single- vs. two-pilot crashes
Touchscreens come to King Airs
Intense debate about ATC reform
New business aircraft engines
Does having a two-pilot crew at the controls of a business jet provide a significant safety benefit? AIN’s analysis of the safety record yielded some surprises. page 30
With the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion, touchscreen displays are coming to larger airplanes. The displays are slated for flight decks in the entire King Air line. page 52
The idea to separate air traffic control from FAA oversight is gathering momentum on Capitol Hill, but some stakeholders urge legislators to proceed with caution. page 12
Manufacturers are getting more power, improving reliability, quieting noise and reducing downtime for maintenance in today’s engines, all while planning for the engines of tomorrow. page 20