NBAA CONVENTION NEWS
DAY 3
OCTOBER 19, 2023
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ELECTRIC Air taxi on display Wisk plans to fly Gen6 test eVTOL aircraft in 2024 | 6
CONNECTIVITY Upgrade for bizjets Honeywell introduces next-gen satcom hardware system, JetWave X | 8
ENGINES Milestones recorded BARRY AMBROSE
Pratt & Whitney Canada logs 1 billion flight hours and celebrates 60th anniversary of PT6 turbine | 12 XBrand and 3 Delta Fox is showcasing high-tech aerial camera ships here at NBAA-BACE with an Aero L-39, Embraer Phenom 300, and Airbus AStar helicopter. Xbrand owner and director of photography Michael FitzMaurice said the AStar is the workhorse.
MAVERICK MOVIEMAKERS By David Donald One of the most talked-about exhibits this week at NBAABACE is the display from partner companies XBrand and 3 Delta Fox, which are showing three high-tech aerial camera ships. The companies specialize in aerial photography for the TV and movie industries, and for corporate work. The best-known project undertaken so far is the filming of the “Top Gun: Maverick” movie; the company was originally formed when discussions of that movie began. XBrand is concerned primarily with the operations side, providing the cameras, gimbal systems, and crew. It also works
with the producers in shaping the aerial sequences according to the storyboard, as well as doing detailed planning for the actual shoots. 3 Delta Fox is a production company that creates fully edited and produced movies, primarily for promotional work by clients such as airlines and aircraft manufacturers. On show in NBAA-BACE’s indoor static display are an Aero L-39 from the Patriots display team, an Airbus AStar helicopter, and an Embraer Phenom 300. The aircraft were towed at night with police escort to the Las Vegas Convention Center, having flown into Harry Reid International Airport. Aircraft are hired or borrowed from continues on page 21
FLIGHT PLANNING App for fuel savings Dassault’s FalconWays helps pilots find the most efficient routes | 18
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MARIANO ROSALES
Embry-Riddle endowments boost bizav
During a motivating keynote speech, Daymond John of “Shark Tank” fame shared his tips for how entrepreneurs can set and reach their career goals through hard work and determination.
‘Shark Tank’ celebrity dishes out advice for aspiring entrepreneurs By Hanneke Weitering In a keynote speech during the second-day opening session at NBAA-BACE, “Shark Tank” superstar Daymond John shared his recipe for successful entrepreneurship. The 54-year-old businessman, investor, and television personality explained how he hustled his way to the top despite growing up financially strained and having no college education. He summed up his advice for aspiring business aviation entrepreneurs in a fitting acronym, SHARK, which stands for: set your goals, do your homework, amor (or “love” in Spanish), remember your brand, and keep swimming. “Now you in the aviation world understand setting goals, because you understand how to set an automatic pilot,” he said, adding that when an aircraft veers off course “the automatic pilot keeps bringing me back. What I realized in life is that we may set goals on numbers we want to hit, we may set goals on
destinations and logistics, but we don’t set our personal goals.” John explained he went from waiting tables at Red Lobster to building his own hip-hop-inspired apparel company, FUBU. When he created FUBU (“For Us By Us”) in 1992, he was working from his mom’s house. “I set a goal that no matter what, we’re gonna live, die, and prosper in the world of hip hop,” he said. “Now the only problem was I couldn’t rap, I couldn’t sing, I couldn’t dance, and I couldn’t produce.” To market the brand, he convinced some upcoming hip-hop artists from his neighborhood in New York to wear FUBU, and the brand started gaining popularity. It took almost 10 years before FUBU really took off. Today, the company is worth more than $6 billion. Now a successful financier and businessman, John has an estimated net worth of $350 million. Although he no longer owns a jet, he frequently charters flights. z
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has kept busy this week at NBAA-BACE 2023 with a series of announcements of philanthropic support from a range of donors. The university kicked off its activities on Tuesday with news that aircraft management firm Solairus has granted Embry-Riddle’s Runway to Business Aviation Scholarship a $100,000 gift to help meet the anticipated growth in demand for civil aviation pilots. This scholarship fund supports flight training costs for students interested in pursuing careers in business aviation. Solairus created the endowment to recruit high-performing students from underrepresented backgrounds and contribute to their success through a scholarship that pays for flight training costs. Students who receive the scholarship get the opportunity to engage with peer and industry mentors and receive professional academic career advice. Next, business aviation financial technology firm Tuvoli issued a $50,000 endowment to support students pursuing business degrees. Greg Johnson, president and CEO of Tuvoli and an Embry-Riddle alumnus, signed the agreement for the endowment to support students pursuing business degrees in the David B. O’Maley College of Business. On the second day of the convention, the National Aircraft Finance Association Foundation (NAFA) gifted $100,000 to support faculty in ensuring the growth of general and business aviation programs at Embry-Riddle’s David B. O’Maley College of Business. Along with the gift, the foundation has agreed to involve its members in panel discussions for faculty and students where they can share their expertise and serve as class speakers. G.P.
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Victor Tao wants to bring the Jetcruzer back as a hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Revived Jetcruzer gets ready for first flight By Mark Huber Two decades after it was shelved, the Jetcruzer is back—sort of. Aircraft components manufacturer Victor Tao—owner of Farrar Aerospace in Riverside, California—bought the physical and intellectual remains of the program in 2016 and has been quietly working with a small team to bring it back to life. A pair of scale models are on display this week at NBAA-BACE 2023 at Jetcruzer International’s booth. But the company is a long way from entering production and has yet to make the first flight of its lone test article. Although that first flight could come before year-end, operations manager Jonathan Garza told AIN. The pusher turboprop single-engine aircraft was originally designed in the early 1980s with the six-seat, single-pilot 450—an unpressurized version—which flew for about a decade. The design features an all-composite fuselage, aluminum wings, and forward canard.
It ended up in pieces and packed in boxes in Texas after going through several ownership changes. AASI killed the program in 2004 after it had racked up tens of millions of dollars in losses. Tao received the remains in 2017. Garza said Jetcruzer is working to “put that model back together.” Initially, Jetcruzer will fly it with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 power and then produce a hydrogen-powered/ electric version of the Model 500, a stretched and pressurized version of the 450. The company believes that aircraft could be certified by mid-2025. While Jetcruzer is displaying a replica of the twin-engine, 12-passenger Model 1250 at the show that could run on electric power, Garza said there are no immediate plans to produce it. Jetcruzer also has developed an eVTOL concept for the Model 450. Garza said resurrecting the 450 has been difficult since a lot of components on the approved parts list “don’t exist anymore.” Tao has individually funded the project to date but is seeking additional investors. z
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Dutchess County in upstate New York has been working to develop its aviation industry. Centered around Hudson Valley Regional Airport (KPOU) with its 5,000-foot main runway, recent improvements include the opening of the Dutchess County Community College’s (DCCC) new $16 million, 31,000-sq-ft aviation education center on the field. The school’s aviation management program is the first of its kind to receive FAA certification in the past 50 years. Earlier this year, at a nominal cost, DCCC obtained “Falcon One,” a former U.S. Air Force Gulfstream III that had carried Presidents
Dutchess County Community College has acquired and restored “Falcon One,” a former U.S. Air Force Gulfstream III, for training purposes. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, as well as served as the transport for Army General Norman Schwarzkopf during the Gulf War. The aircraft—which has become the centerpiece of the school’s AMT training program—was restored through the help of local aircraft detailing specialist Automaxx+, other in-kind sponsors, and a team of volunteers. In the aircraft’s interior, the leather furnishings were reconditioned, while the exterior was cleaned and recoated. “The coating is a very expensive process, costing tens of thousands of dollars, and we would not have been able to afford to do this without their support,” said Genna Suraci, the coordinator of the school’s aviation maintenance program. “In my eyes, they’re saving a piece of history—polishing a gem and keeping it pristine.” z
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Wisk is displaying a mockup of its Gen 6 air taxi at NBAA-BACE.
Wisk me away! Gen 6 eVTOL to fly in 2024 By Mark Huber Wisk’s chief marketing officer said the autonomous eVTOL company currently has several of its Gen 6, four-seat air taxis under construction and plans to fly a test article next year. Wisk is wholly owned by Boeing. Rebecca Tanner said the company had
already applied for its FAA type certificate and was well on its way to completing the G1 and G2 requirements of that process. The Gen 6 mockup on display this week at NBAABACE is fitted with a luggage compartment in the nose, with room for four roller bags and passenger conveniences—including air conditioning and USB charging ports.
Tanner said performance goals for the all-electric aircraft include a range of 90 miles, a cruising speed of 100 to 120 mph, full fastcharging in 15 minutes, and a service ceiling of 4,000 feet. The aircraft features 12 main rotors, including six on the forward section of the wing that tilt up and down for takeoff and landing. It is also equipped with skid gear, as opposed to wheels, to save weight. Unlike the Gen 5 aircraft, it does not feature an aft propulsor. Thrust comes strictly from the forward rotors. According to Tanner, the Wisk Gen 6 would be flown by a ground-based “remote vehicle supervisor” and passengers would be able to proactively communicate with Wisk personnel during flights via a button and individual touchscreens at each seat location. The vehicle itself features triple-redundant systems and advanced sensor technology, and it can fly with multiple motors inoperative. Tanner said Wisk is building its own aircooled motors and drivetrain components for the aircraft, and its cabin would be rapidly reconfigurable with possible applications for cargo and air ambulance. The Gen 6 prototype aircraft will be built at the company’s main facility near San Francisco. Tanner shared that Wisk would have an announcement regarding the location of a serial production facility within the coming months. Wisk is aiming to begin commercial service within the decade and anticipates production “in the thousands.” z
Skyservice makes major move into Miami, continues expansion effort Canada-based aviation services provider Skyservice has purchased a majority interest in Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF) FBO Fontainebleau Aviation. It follows the company’s recent expansion into the U.S. and will bring the Skyservice brand to 13 locations in North America once the deal is approved by regulators. According to Skyservice president and CEO Benjamin Murray, South Florida is the top destination for Skyservice’s managed fleet. This acquisition, which is expected to close in the next 30 days, will represent the Toronto-based company’s first foothold in the Southeast U.S. Murray told AIN there will be little outward change at KOPF because he wishes to preserve the Fontainebleau name, and all 112 employees at the facility—which offers 350,000 sq ft of hangar space and a
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modern multi-story terminal—will be retained as well. “Fontainebleau is an iconic brand that aligns perfectly with our values of service excellence, safety, and exceptional amenities,” said Murray. “We are differentiated by our world-class service offering across all our business lines and our proven ability to deliver bespoke solutions to a highly discerning customer base as demand for private aviation travel in North America continues to grow.” The deal will also include Fontainebleau’s planned expansion into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL). Fontainebleau acquired the former Jetscape FBO facility that is currently under development. Including 80,000 sq ft of aircraft storage and a 35,000-sq-ft terminal/office complex, it is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024. C.E.
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By Hanneke Weitering Honeywell is introducing its next-generation cabin connectivity service, JetWave X, and upgrading its Cabin Sentinel software suite for business jets to provide enhanced connectivity and better service for all JetWave customers, the company announced this week. Cabin Sentinel, which Honeywell introduced in May, is a cabin connectivity monitoring and support service intended to “improve the passenger experience by better optimizing and securing JetWave’s connectivity link,” said Steve Hadden, v-p and general manager of services and connectivity at Honeywell Aerospace. The upgraded Cabin Sentinel software suite, available this quarter for all JetWave customers, provides more robust data
security by using quantum-encrypted keys to protect user data. “Real-time monitoring of the health of the system will provide early warnings of hardware or network issues to help prevent the loss of connectivity onboard,” Hadden said. JetWave X, Honeywell’s next-generation satcom hardware system, builds on the original JetWave hardware used by airliners, military aircraft, and business jets. The upgraded JetWave X system is designed specifically for business jets, with more service network flexibility and new hardware that is easier to install. With JetWave X, customers also have the option to tap into Viasat’s Ka-band network, including the planned ViaSat-3 global satellite constellation. Jason Wissink, president of services and
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Honeywell upgrades JetWave X for bizjets
JetWave X is tailored to meet the connectivity needs of business jets. The satcom hardware system also improves service network flexibility. connectivity at Honeywell Aerospace, said customers of the first-generation JetWave platform “will also experience a performance boost with the existing systems being able to support the higher speeds of new JX Evolution plans.” z
Honeywell to expand database of FMS guided visual approaches Honeywell Flight Technical Services has made its FMS guided visual (KVNY, Runway 34L); and Scottsdale (KDSL, Runway 21). Four other approaches database an optional standalone product. Aircraft opera- airports or runways are under development, including Cabo San Lucas tors can now purchase the visual approach database without buying (MMSL, Runway 11); Peachtree-Dekalb (KPDK, Runway 3R); Henderson the full RNP approach database, and the cost for a subscription is (KHND, Runway 17R/35L); and San Francisco (KSFO, Runways 28L/R). $2,000 per year. Each visual approach is depicted on a JeppeGuided visual approaches are specially sen chart in the normal format, accompanied by designed approach procedures coded in the a detailed briefing sheet on the back side of the Honeywell flight management system (FMS) that approach plate. All of the approaches require provide lateral and vertical guidance to a runway pilots to be responsible for terrain and obstacle for use only in visual meteorological conditions. clearance and only to use the approaches in visual The approaches are designed to provide stabiconditions. The approaches use radius-to-fix legs, lized maneuvering with low bank angles and pre“which provide a precise track over the ground to cise, repeatable lateral and vertical flight paths. align the aircraft while observing known airspace Pilots can fly the procedures manually or fully The approach procedures can be flown restrictions,” according to Honeywell. manually or fully coupled to the autopilot. Aircraft eligible (with Honeywell FMSs) for the coupled to the autopilot. There are five FMS guided visual approaches in visual approaches include Gulfstream G450 through the database, and Honeywell is adding more, along with expanding G600 models, Hawker 4000, and Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy and the list of eligible aircraft. The five airports with visual approaches 8X. Plans call to add aircraft from Embraer (170/190), more Falcons, are Teterboro (KTEB, Runway 6 circle to Runway 1); Chicago Executive some Cessna Citations, the GV, Bombardier Global Express, and Pila(KPWK, Runway 34); Jaqueline Cochran (KTRM, Runway 35); Van Nuys tus PC-12 and PC-24. M.T.
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SpaceX logs sale of Starlink for Trans-Exec By Matt Thurber SpaceX made its debut at this year’s NBAABACE with an exhibit displaying the airborne hardware and antenna for its Starlink Aviation service. During the first day of the show, charter operator Trans-Exec Private Jets announced that it is buying Starlink systems for its entire Gulfstream fleet. SpaceX is offering customers the opportunity to buy the system for $150,000 and sign up for the service plan, which costs $25,000 per month. A Starlink marketing document notes, however, “Does not include [supplemental type certificate] & installation.” While the Starlink personnel at the SpaceX booth were specifically instructed by their employer not to speak to the press, AIN has learned that the company is exploring the possibility of creating a dealer network for installation of the airborne hardware. The only STCs now available for hardware installation are for the Embraer ERJ135/145 and Gulfstream G650. According to the marketing document, STCs will be available “starting Q4 2023” for the GIV through G550 models and Bombardier Globals from the Express through 7500. System speeds are download of 40 to 220 Mbps and upload 8 to 25 Mbps, with less than 99 ms latency. Starlink provides global coverage, and the service includes unlimited data with no service contract, a five-year hardware warranty, “dedicated Starlink support,” and “ongoing account and technical support.” The hardware consists of an aero terminal, which is a phased-array electronically steered antenna that mounts on top of the fuselage, a power supply, and two wireless access points. According to the document, installation should take 10 to 14 days. No other information was provided to this AIN reporter at the Starlink exhibit, due to the aforementioned ban on interacting with the press. AIN was unable to learn
how SpaceX is dealing with Gulfstream Aerospace’s maintenance and operations letter (ALL-MOL-23-0013) dated September 15. This MOL points out to Gulfstream operators that the Starlink STC was developed by a third party and thus is not supported by Gulfstream. “Since Gulfstream is not the STC holder,” it noted, “Gulfstream technical operations and engineering teams will not have the data or ability to support any repairs common to the area [fuselage structure with respect to the antenna installation] or that may arise with
Starlink is considering creating a dealer network for installing the airborne hardware. the STC upon installation or afterward.” However, Gulfstream did explain in the MOL that it “will continue to work with Starlink to evaluate new technology, and we are committed to validating solutions on our aircraft when and if the data we gather supports the viability of the product.” z
Textron Aviation delivers 100th King Air 360 Textron Aviation has delivered its 100th Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop twin, the Wichita-based airframer announced Tuesday at NBAA-BACE. The aircraft was delivered to the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center, a research and treatment facility in Bakersfield, California, that conducts clinical trials around the world. “The addition of this aircraft will be a game changer for us in terms of productivity,” said CBCC founder and medical director Ravi Patel, MD. “We are excited about the increased capability the King Air 360 will give us to globally expand our cancer care delivery and research.”
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According to Textron, nearly 7,800 King Airs have been delivered to customers since the original aircraft debuted in 1964, which makes it the best-selling family of business turboprops. The King Air 360, the latest variant of the iconic jet, received its FAA type certification in October 2020, followed by EASA certification in September 2021. Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper said the King Air 360 “continues to really do well around the world, both in consumer applications or special missions or government applications.” H.W.
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P&WC logs 1B hours, PT6 celebrates 60 years By David Donald
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Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is celebrating a number of milestones this year, including amassing one billion flight hours with its engines, the 60th anniversary of the PT6 turbine, and delivering the 6,000th PW300series turbofan in May. Earlier this month, the division announced its 200th engine certification when Transport Canada signed off on the PW127XT-L for the ATR 42-600S regional airliner. Current activity includes getting the PW812D into service on the Dassault Falcon 6X. The engine is certified, and the first customer deliveries of the twinjet are imminent. The 6X is one of four aircraft types to operate with the PW800 series, in addition to the Gulfstream G500 and G600, as well as the in-development G400. Also under development by the company is the PW545D engine for the Textron Citation
Ascend, announced at EBACE in May. Of the billion total flight hours, the ubiquitous PT6 accounts for around half, with the current PT6E series surpassing 100,000 flight hours in July. Development of the evergreen turbine continues unabated. The architecture of the 60-year-old engine has proven to be highly accommodating of technology insertion over the decades. The latest variants introduce digital control and singlelever engine/pitch operation. P&WC is also looking to the future and is researching, developing, and maturing technology that will be applicable to advanced air mobility projects as well as shorterterm efforts. A major project led by P&WC is a hybrid-electric flight test demonstrator based on a Dash 8-100 regional airliner. The aim of the project is to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent compared with current advanced turboprops. z
Try your hand at painting an airplane using VirtualPaint’s virtual reality training simulator technology on display at AkzoNobel’s booth.
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SD gets exclusive on new plans from Viasat Jet ConneX Satcom Direct has unveiled an expanded range of service plans for Viasat’s Jet ConneX inflight broadband service, SD said Monday at NBAA-BACE. Viasat will make the new plans available exclusively to Satcom Direct operators equipping their aircraft with the SD Plane Simple Ka-band tail-mount terminal. The option includes the first “powerby-the-hour” option for Jet ConneX, enabling business jet operators to pay an hourly rate for in-flight connectivity. SD said these service plans offer streamlined global connectivity for more aircraft owners around the world. Purpose-built for business aviation, the terminal consists of two line-replaceable units—a tail-mount antenna with a reduced footprint and the SD modem that sits in the unpressurized part of the fuselage, saving cabin space. Along with the new service plans, SD and Viasat are making available more powerful Ka-band connectivity to a broader range of aircraft sizes. Owners and operators will benefit from highspeed data transfer for teleconferencing, HD video streaming, and multiple digital applications for high volumes of users traveling on midsize to large-cabin jets. SD president Chris Moore said, “Our Plane Simple Ka-band technology, combined with new plans and our industryleading customer support, adds further value to our offering.” Satcom Direct and Viasat also have confirmed that the Plane Simple terminal will connect immediately with the GX satellite constellation, launched by Viasat’s recently acquired Inmarsat business. The service plans will enter commercial service once SD finalizes flight testing of the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal and gains certification, which is expected early next year. G.P.
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were cleaned thoroughly before receiving the SAF—began to leak, requiring the company to replace all the O-rings in the valves prior to the test program. For the tests, Embraer also partnered with the engine makers for both aircraft (Pratt & Whitney Canada in the case of the Phenom 300E, and Honeywell for the Praetor 600) and the respective fuel systems providers (Safran and Parker). “They engaged and accepted the challenge and became real partners in the venture, which made the process much easier,” said Serpa Jr. The first phase of the campaign was ground testing, after which the fuel systems were flushed with jet-A and the O-rings were replaced. After no objections were raised, Embraer Executive Jets flew its demonstrator Phenom 300E and prototype Praetor 600 to test the use phase two of flight testing was accomplished, with the seals and valves again replaced. of 100 percent SAF. The pilots reported that they did not see any degradation or change in performance. “All removed parts were sent to the engineers and labs for examination,” stated Serpa Jr. “That’s ongoing because it has been only two or three weeks now, and we hope to have the results in the near term.” In the meantime, he believes the test was a success. “We are confident that the fuel will work, because of the feedback we got from the pilots,” he said, adding that they were very By Curt Epstein fuel was produced by World Energy in Par- satisfied with the performance of the airplane. amount, California, and delivered by World “They did not see any change in performance, Embraer Executive Jets recently conducted Fuel Services. Embraer was required to pur- they didn’t see any degradation whatsoever, flight tests on two of its aircraft using 100 per- chase an entire refueler load of approximately so it was positive.” cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Bra- 8,000 gallons. Serpa Jr. concluded with a prediction: “I zilian airframer flew its demonstrator Phenom This necessitated special permission from think there will be a day when we’re going 300E and its prototype Praetor 600 at its U.S. the Melbourne Airport Authority to bring it on to have [100 percent SAF] approved with an headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, at the the field because the 100 percent SAF—which ASTM stamp, and then it’s going to be just end of September after a year of preparations. is not yet approved by ASTM—is technically another fuel.” z As a safety measure, both of the twinjets— classified as a chemical product, not a fuel. which have separate fuel tanks supplying “We got the fuel in the June, July timeframe in each engine—flew with one engine running Melbourne,” Serpa Jr. told AIN, adding that it NEWS • NOTE on conventional jet-A while the other used was required to rent a pair of fuel tankers for Elevate MRO has joined the MRO Insider unblended SAF. the test—“one to work as a reservoir to hold network, the companies said this week “That’s one of the reasons that we did the fuel before using it in the airplane and at NBAA-BACE. MRO Insider allows users it on the 300 and 600 and not on the 100,” then another one for defueling so we wouldn’t to obtain various scheduled and unschedexplained Alvadi Serpa Jr., the manufacturer’s mix the products.” uled/AOG maintenance quotes from a sindirector of product strategy and competitive One of the noted drawbacks of 100 pergle service request. Operating in-house intelligence. “On the 100, we don’t have the cent SAF, and the primary reason it requires maintenance at its Salt Lake City Part 145 ability to segregate the left from the right side, blending with conventional jet fuel, is its lack repair station and OAG facility at Miami-Opa so the day we go for the 100, it’s going to be of aromatic compounds. These are needed Locka Airport, Elevate MRO offers an extento help seals in the fueling system swell and all in.” sive range of resources to users of the MRO The logistics for the test involved many eliminate leakage. Serpa Jr. noted that the Insider platform. industry partners, according to Serpa Jr. The trucks—which had previously held jet-A but
Embraer’s road to 100% SAF filled with potholes
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Sky Harbour bizav hangars landing at Chicago Exec
Twenty-five acres will be developed to construct Sky Harbour Group’s hangar campus at Chicago Executive Airport. Sky Harbour’s existing campuses are located in Houston, Nashville, and Miami.
By Gregory Polek Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) and Sky Harbour Group have reached an agreement for the development of a Sky Harbour home base campus at the general aviation facility, the companies said Tuesday at NBAA-BACE. The contract calls for the development of some 25 acres in two phases, creating or sustaining hundreds of local jobs and generating as much as $550 million in economic benefit. The new campus will join Sky Harbour campuses now operating at Houston Sugar Land Regional Airport, Nashville International
Airport, and Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. SkyHarbour development projects also continue at Denver Centennial Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, and Dallas Addison Airport. Sky Harbour v-p of real estate Eric Stolpman explained that Chicago Executive’s existing
JetNet iQ paints cautiously positive outlook for bizav By David Donald While supply issues remain a considerable thorn in the side of the business aviation industry, and wars and border tensions threaten to destabilize business in certain regions, the outlook for the sector is generally positive for the remainder of 2023 and into the next year. That is the analysis of business aviation market intelligence specialist JetNet iQ in its latest quarterly report issued on Tuesday at NBAA-BACE 2023. There are longer-term issues that need to be addressed to maintain positivity, including sustainability, improving the industry’s image, and restoring the talent pipelines of young, enthusiastic people entering the industry— and retaining them for the long term, it said. Although the industry has seen a remarkable
rebound in traffic in the post-Covid era, JetNet iQ managing director Rolland Vincent said this has not necessarily been a result of growth in GDP, which has been unspectacular across most leading nations in recent years. In the U.S., for instance, which accounts for 63.5 percent of the global business aviation fleet, the economy is expected to rise by only 1.8 percent this year. However, in terms of business jet flight operations, the figure is now greater than before the Covid pandemic. The rise in movements is now trending slightly down again as the business normalizes after the post-Covid boom. The available inventory of preowned business aircraft is increasing and now runs at around 6 percent of the total fleet, but the number of sales is reducing, so the figures are converging as the supply and demand begin to
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hangars operate at more than 100 percent capacity, making the need for more hangar space obvious. During the first phase of development, Sky Harbour will oversee the construction of seven or eight hangars and create 130,000 sq ft of hangar and office space. z
balance. For the OEMs, sales of new aircraft are growing, and most are reporting order backlogs of between 18 months and two years. The monitoring of industry optimism shows a large rise following the low point of the Covid pandemic, growing sharply through 2021 and early 2022, before falling sharply by the end of the year as fears of an economic downturn took hold. However, the third-quarter report shows a welcome rise in industrial optimism as those fears dissipated. The JetNet iQ report shows a growing acceptance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Four years ago, the percentage of the industry considering the use of SAF was just 31 percent, but in the third quarter that proportion had risen to 56 percent. The report’s 10-year projection for fleet changes suggests that the 23,417-strong business jet fleet will increase overall, with 3,745 aircraft expected to be retired or removed. New deliveries are forecast to add 8,685 aircraft between now and 2032 for a net gain of nearly 5,000 jets. The turboprop fleet is expected to grow by 1,300 units. z
By Curt Epstein In an agreement signed on Tuesday at NBAA-BACE 2023, Universal Aviation, the ground-handling arm of Universal Weather and Aviation, was selected to manage the dedicated business aviation terminal under construction at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan. The facility—which will open on December 8—will be equipped with security checkpoints; customs, immigration, and quarantine services; and lounge space for private aircraft passengers.
The Hokkaido Airport Corp. believes demand for international business jet travel will increase. It also expects that the facility will become a major entry point for Hokkaido, enhancing its guest services and attracting high-end travelers. Universal Aviation has successfully established and managed several new general aviation terminals tailored for business jet operators, including one in San Jose, Costa Rica, as well as those in Madrid and Barcelona. The company operates more than 60 facilities in 40 countries, including five in Japan. z
MARIANO ROSALES
Universal Aviation to manage bizav terminal in Hokkaido, Japan
Artist David Uhl uses oil on canvas to transform moments from aviation and automotive history into detailed paintings. Some can be seen on display here at NBAA-BACE 2023.
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PHOTOS BY BARRY AMBROSE
Pilots can use the FalconWays app to plot the most optimal routes for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Dassault’s FalconWays app enables fuel savings By Curt Epstein Dassault Falcon has introduced FalconWays, a flight-planning application designed to help pilots determine and implement the most flight-efficient routes. The app blends a variety of data in its algorithms, including aircraft performance, weight, and weather to determine the optimal flight route for fuel burn savings. In a demonstration at the airframer’s chalet this week at NBAA-BACE, Cyrille Grimald— project manager for FalconWays—gave AIN a rundown of the system’s capabilities. Using the example of an eight-hour Falcon 6X flight between Paris and Mumbai, he designed an optimized flight route using the app, which is compatible with Jeppesen and Universal flight-planning tools. The first phase—flight preparation— involves combining the aircraft’s performance with accurate weight and balance calculations, in addition to the predicted weather. Then, the system will determine the optimal amount of trip fuel required to reach the destination. Grimald cautioned users to consider carefully the amount of excess fuel they wished to tanker. While extra fuel is a pilot’s prerogative, he noted that more weight equals
higher fuel burn and greater emissions. “If you want to save CO2, you have to save fuel,” he said, adding that such fuel savings will be reflected in the app. He also suggested the data input be made as close to takeoff as possible to ensure the most up-to-date information. “It’s really important just before flying to take the latest weather, and you will have the best route that you can,” he explained. For the example flight, Grimald was able
Four more Citation CJ4 Gen2s for Jet Out
to achieve a 3 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions just by optimizing the weight on takeoff. The second phase—flight execution— involves changes made to the route during the flight. A “free flight” feature will automatically suggest the most optimal route, taking advantage of tailwinds or minimizing headwinds, and the app can show and compare the different tracks. Users can slide the aircraft icon along the map on the track to show different weather and even differing arrival times. While an earlier arrival might be preferred by passengers, it might not be the most optimal in terms of fuel burn saving, so users can use FalconWays to suggest speeds. The app can even analyze segments of flights. Taking into account variables such as altitude, lateral direction, and en-route weather, Grimald was able to demonstrate a further fuel savings of 7 percent in the execution phase, for a total savings of 10 percent. The main goal of the application—which will be available for the 6X and will be expanded to the Falcon 8X and 7X next year and to the 2000 series in early 2025—is to minimize emissions, not minimize flight time. “It could be an option for the future, but the first version of FalconWays is clearly dedicated to emissions reduction,” concluded Grimald. z
Textron Aviation and Jet Out celebrated an order for four Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 business jets at the NBAA-BACE static display at Henderson Executive Airport yesterday. The four aircraft are expected for delivery during next year, and form part of a fleet order for six aircraft, the first two of which were delivered in June. Currently the Milwaukee-based charter and co-ownership business has three CJ4 Gen2s in its fleet, one of which formed the backdrop to the celebrations at Henderson.
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Tecnam P2012 STOL is approaching EASA nod By Kerry Lynch Tecnam’s STOL variant of the P2012 twin-piston utility aircraft remains on pace for EASA certification by year-end, the company said this week at NBAA-BACE. Test flights have confirmed and/or exceeded
preliminary design performance data, the Italian planemaker said. First deliveries are slated to begin in January, and the company said the aircraft is already in production. Designed to enable operations at some of the most demanding commercial airports, the P2012 STOL is available in passenger
BARRY AMBROSE
Tecnam P2012 STOL at NBAA-BACE
SMART
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and multi-mission configurations, including combi, cargo, and air ambulance. The twin-piston, fixed-gear, unpressurized aircraft is interchangeable so it can convert from a nine-passenger cabin to a special-purpose use. At maximum takeoff weight of 8,113 pounds, the aircraft can take off in 1,035 feet; at its maximum landing weight, the aircraft has a 1,181-foot landing distance. The P2012 STOL has a useful load of 2,830 pounds. The flight deck is fitted with a Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite with the GFC 700 specifically tuned autopilot, and connectivity through Bluetooth, Flight Stream, and Iridium, and with features such as Wx radar, storm scope, inset map, and synthetic vision. In passenger configuration, the interior includes a center aisle and dedicated windows for each passenger seat with amenities such as USB ports, dedicated reading lights, seat pockets, and cup holders. The cabin offers a 24 percent greater seat pitch, 188 percent additional luggage allowance, and 303 percent more luggage volume over a comparable aircraft, the company said. z
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a i n o n l i n e . c o m • October 19, 202 3 • N B A A Convention 10/3/23 News 4:44 PM 19
Cirrus Aircraft delivers 500th SF50 Vision Jet Cirrus is celebrating the recent delivery of the 500th SF50 Vision Jet by creating a special-edition range of five designs, with styling applied to both exterior and interior. This includes 500th Limited Edition branding throughout. At the same time, pilot type ratings issued for the SF50 surpassed 1,000. The delivery milestone is significant for an aircraft program that went through uncertain times in its early days. Now, however, the world’s first single-engine personal jet has carved out a class-defining niche for itself and has been the best-selling private jet for five years in a row. Orders continue to grow, with many customers coming from the piston-engine Cirrus SR community, as well as first-time pilots and those who had previously flown other types. Cirrus is building just under two SF50s per week, for an annual rate of around 90. The rate is increasing as demand grows. Parts are manufactured in Grand Forks, North Dakota, before being trucked to Duluth, Minnesota, for final assembly and completion. Customer delivery is handled at the Cirrus facility in Knoxville, Tennessee. Knoxville is also home to the Cirrus training center, where there is better weather than Minnesota, especially in the winter. Training is tailored to customer requirements, including a PPL course conducted on SR aircraft. Type rating training in the SF50 full flight simulator takes around two weeks, with the Vision Jet sharing similar avionics and procedures with the SR. Cirrus has continually improved the SF50, adding new technologies and capabilities. In 2019, the G2 was introduced with autothrottle and increased payload, while RVSM certification enabled the aircraft to attain an altitude of FL310. Based on its Garmin avionics, Safe Return Autoland was introduced in 2020, and the SF50 became the first jet to be certified with this capability.
The G2+ Vision Jet appeared in 2021, with Gogo air-to-ground connectivity and a 25 percent jump in takeoff performance, unlocking 40 percent more airfields in hot and high conditions. This year, Cirrus introduced the Cirrus IQ mobile aircraft readiness checking app
BARRY AMBROSE
By: David Donald
and Garmin Auto Radar, which provides a detailed picture of hazardous weather. Safety is also enhanced: the aircraft is equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). To date, there have been two CAPS deployments with the SF50, saving four occupants. A robust support network is in place, based largely on that of the popular SR series. Cirrus also manages the Vision Pilots and Owners organization, which provides a rapid way to share important safety information and also a channel through which owners can help shape future updates. z
The SF50 Vision Jet has been the world’s best-selling private jet for five consecutive years.
XBag shows kit to extinguish Li-on battery fires First-time NBAA show exhibitor XBag has developed a solution for extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires in airplanes and eVTOLs. The German company is displaying a kit that includes fire extinguishers and special heat-resistant gloves for handling a burning battery, wrapped in a rolled bag for easy storage in cabins and cockpits. The kits come in two sizes: a larger one contains two small fire extinguishers for the cabin and a smaller kit has one fire extinguisher for the cockpit. XBag general manager Thomas Knechtl explained that the kit concept makes the product compliant with FAA AC 120-80B, which recommends against the use of a bag
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on its own. The procedure involves opening the bag, putting on the gloves, extinguishing the fire, placing the extinguished device into the bag, cooling the device by spraying it while in the bag, and, finally, closing the bag. The bag itself withstands temperatures as high as 600 deg C, said Knechtl. Customers include Polish low-fare airline Wizz Air and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. Several U.S. business jet operators have also purchased the kits, as has urban air mobility developer Wisk, Knechtl added. XBag also offers training for the bag’s use at facilities in Amsterdam and Dubai for a cost of $3,500. G.P.
Moviemakers their owners for camera work and fitted with XBrand’s gimbal systems. It takes a few hours to reconfigure the platform with cameras, including replacing the nose sections of the fixed-wing types. The L-39 operates under an experimental certificate, but the Phenom gimbal installation is covered by an STC. The gimbals can mount a variety of cameras depending on the requirements of the job, including high-definition stills cameras, and are operated by the director of photography from the cabin or back seat via an advanced controller with cable connections to the camera. According to XBrand’s owner and director of photography, Michael FitzMaurice, the workhorse of the fleet is the AStar, which is used for a wide variety of sequences, including air-to-ground and air-to-air. The ability of the helicopter to hover in a designated spot is of great value—combined with detailed mission
MARIANO ROSALES
continued from page 1
The Embraer Phenom 300, equipped with an aerial camera, is particularly useful for shoots with airliners or business jets. planning and briefing—for capturing airto-air sequences. The Phenom is also widely used, especially for airliner and business jet shoots. It has the ability to carry a second gimbal under the rear fuselage,
enabling the capture of a sequence from two angles. Its long range can also be an advantage. For instance, some of the “Top Gun” sequences around the aircraft carrier were filmed some 150 miles out to sea. The certified twin-engine Phenom was deemed a much safer option than the experimental single-engine L-39. However, the L-39—branded XCinejet—is the most capable platform for air-to-air work due to its high performance. For the most part, XBrand uses composite Shotover gimbals, which are rated for 350 knots and 3 gs. However, the L-39 at NBAA-BACE is being shown for the first time with the new aluminum Immortal Phoenix gimbal, which significantly expands the shooting envelope for the L-39 platform. XBrand’s work has graced numerous TV, movie, and documentary productions. Recently, the company completed shooting on an IMAX-compatible documentary about the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels aerobatic display team. The company is shortly to begin shooting a documentary on the Air Force’s Thunderbirds team. z
a i n o n l i n e . c o m • October 19, 202 3 • N B A A Convention News 21
Revamped Wheels Up aims high with new CEO By Mark Huber Barely three weeks on the job, Wheels Up’s new CEO, George Mattson, has a message for customers. “We’re going to be very much of a ‘show me’ and not a ‘tell me’ company,” he told AIN this week at NBAA-BACE. “We’re just going to go get it done and then tell people what we did. We’re going to deliver operational excellence and consistency,” he added. “Our state goal is to become the best-run private aviation company and we are delivering tangible, measurable progress every week, every month.” Mattson inherits the helm at the membership and charter private aviation provider that has been rocked by performance problems. It has had nearly $1 billion in
losses in recent years and is now six months into a reorganization plan. That plan concentrates on implementing primary service areas, reducing deadhead legs, improving operational performance, rebalancing its client base to focus more on business clientele, and leveraging its relationship with Delta Air Lines to provide seamless solutions to its customers that integrate premium airline and private aircraft travel.
A Potential $50M Investment Wheels Up has shed membership in the process but already has seen a financial benefit from the reforms. It has been aided by a half-billion dollars in loans and a credit line from Delta, Certares Management,
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22 NBAA Convention News • October 19, 2 0 2 3 • a i n o n l i n e . c o m
Knighthead Capital Management, and Cox Enterprises received in September in exchange for a stock position that has grown to 95 percent ownership of the company. CFO Todd Smith said the company is looking at adding another $50 million from an as-of-yet-to-be-determined investor. The Delta-Wheels Up connection has grown in recent months with the addition of Mattson, a Delta director; Dan Janki, Delta’s CFO, as Wheels Up chairman; and Dave Holtz, Delta’s former chief of operations. Holtz is serving as president of operations at Wheels Up and will run its new 35,000-sqft consolidated operations control center in Atlanta, which opened in May. Mattson credits Holtz with transforming Delta over the course of a decade from an airline tarred with a reputation of “operational mediocrity” to one known for “operational exceptionalism and excellence.” “[FAR] Part 121 and Part 135 aren’t exactly the same, but they’re more similar than different in many respects and we’re taking a lot of those same disciplines, processes, procedures, and focus on execution to the operation,” Mattson said. Wheels Up’s owned and leased fleet stands at approximately 180 aircraft, according to Todd, including 60 King Airs. At one time, Wheels Up operated nearly 76 of the turboprops. The company also has access to another 1,200 vetted aircraft from its partner providers. z
Engine Assurance Program (EAP) has added 10 Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce engine models to its roster of nearly 275 engines and APUs enrolled in its hourly maintenance plan, extending its coverage to “numerous” Cessna Citations, the Gulfstream G200 and GV, and the Bombardier Global Express/XRS. The company said its program overcomes supply-chain disruptions by owning its spare parts inventory and rental engines and APUs. EAP continuously buys engines to support the fleet, which, it said, has become increasingly important as engine shop visits now typically last between four and eight months.
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