NEW CERTIFIED LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT ALTERNATOR
Plane Power, Ltd., of Granbury, Texas, has received FAA PMA certification for a brand new line of lightweight, high-output, belt-driven alternators for general aviation piston aircraft. The announcement marks a new milestone for general aviation: Plane Power, Ltd. is the first company in years to come to market with an advanced alternator design that exceeds the FAA’s rigorous certification criteria for piston engine alternators. The complete line of Plane-Power aircraft alternators was designed, tested, and certified specifically for aircraft applications.
As a result of Plane Power’s commitment to using advanced technologies and materials throughout development and testing, the new alternators not only weigh less than traditional aircraft alternators, but also surpass OEM alternators in nearly every engineering category.
These advances are made possible through the use of improved materials, tighter assembly tolerances, advanced internal blowers, semiconductor technology, and an advanced brush material specially compounded for high altitude aircraft operation. The result is a smoother running, high performance alternator with unsurpassed TBO. Because Plane-Power alternators are certified under FAA-PMA, no STC paperwork is required for installation.
Plane-Power alternators are available immediately from Plane Power, Ltd. and approved dealers. Approved aircraft applications include most Cessna, Piper, and Grumman aircraft as well as nearly every other belt-driven alternator equipped, piston-powered, certified aircraft. A model-specific application guide and other information are available at plane-power.com. Plane-Power also offers alternators for experimental aircraft applications in both internally regulated as well as externally regulated models.
FALCON EXECUTIVE OFFERS SPORT PILOT TRAINING
Falcon Executive Aviation in Mesa, Arizona, is offering training for the Sport Pilot rating in a factory-built Allegro 2000 S-LSA aircraft. Falcon is an Allegro dealer for Arizona and Las Vegas and have their aircraft available for rental and instruction for $73 per hour.
Visit falconaviation.com, or call 800-237-2359 for more information.
FAR PART 23 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS MET FOR AVIAT HUSKY
A-1B160
Aviat Aircraft has introduced their second new model variation of the popular Husky A-1B. Following completion of certification for the A-1B200, they have now introduced the A-1B160, which utilizes a Lycoming O-320 engine that develops 160 horsepower. The A-1B160 features new, high performance, dynamically balanced ailerons (sans spades) and has the option of including extended flaps. The flaps total 60 percent of the wing span.
The aircraft has a 1,000-mile range on full tanks, a 74” Sensenich fixed pitch propeller, a 750-lb useful load (equipped) and a speed range of 45 mph to 145 mph.
Featuring all the outside dimensions and fight characteristics of the standard 180 hp A-1B Husky, the 160 offers similar STOL performance, but at a much lower purchase price and with lower operating costs. It represents an economical way to get into the extremely versatile world of Husky flight. Flight tests will begin soon to certify the A-1B160 for large tundra tires, floats and skis.
“There’s no question that some people are perfectly satisfied with the lower horsepower and lower operating costs of a 160 hp Husky,” said Aviat President Stu Horn. “Basically, the owner gets the same quality, similar performance and the same factory warranty. It’s still a Husky. There have been a number of STOL aircraft that performed very well on less than half the horsepower of the A-1B160, and we’re responding to that segment of the market with this model.”
For further information on the Husky A-1B160 visit AviatAircraft.com or call the factory at 307-885-3151.
JAVELIN PROTOTYPE BEGINS FLIGHT TESTS
Aviation Technology Group, Inc. reported the continuing progress of the Javelin prototype flight test program following the completion of the third flight.
“We are very pleased with the progress of our test program,” said George Bye, Founder and Chairman of ATG. “The Javelin prototype is proving itself in an impressive manner.”
Like the first flight, the second and third flights were conducted at Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado. The Javelin prototype’s landing gear remained down and flaps were deployed at ten degrees. During the last two 35 minute flights, speeds varied from 135 knots to 185 knots within a test altitude block of 10,000 feet to 14,000 feet. Bank angles have progressively increased to 45 degrees. The test pilots continue to carry out successful assessment of the handling qualities of the aircraft which included longitudinal and lateral stability, roll performance, and trim effectiveness. Tests were also conducted to determine how changes in thrust affect the aircraft pitch axis. Side slip tests were conducted to verify and expand take off and landing cross-wind limitations. Flight testing is scheduled to continue throughout the rest of the year.
“Flight testing is progressing very well and according to plan. The test team has been able to put together three nearly flawless flights,” said Rob Fuschino, VP of Operations and Chief Test Pilot for ATG. “I am very proud of the entire team.”
Incorporated in 2000, ATG is dedicated to the design, development, and production of the Javelin Executive Jet and the Javelin Mk-20 military jet trainer. Initial customer deliveries of the FAA-certified Javelin are slated for 2008. For photographs and additional information go to avtechgroup.com.
Moab, Utah, Spring Air Show
Canyonlands Airport, in Utah’s spectacular "Color Country," will be the site of the Moab Air Affair 2000 on Saturday, May 6. The show will include aerobatics performances, static displays, and a pancake breakfast. Camping will be allowed on the field, and there will be continuous shuttles to and from town. Bring your own tie-downs for the dirt parking area. The airport will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The FAA will sponsor a Wings program, presented by aerobatics performer and Master CFI Bill Cornick on Friday night for early arrivals at the Moab Valley Inn (435) 259-4419. For more information call (435) 259-7421, or on the web at www.lasal.net/~peanut/airshow.htm.
New EAA Chapter in Las Vegas
Local aviation enthusiasts are invited to join others who share their interest at the next general meeting of the newly formed EAA Chapter 1300 of the Experimental Aircraft Association. This new Chapter provides invaluable local aviation opportunities to the Las Vegas/Henderson area. Monthly meetings alternate between the North Las Vegas Airport terminal and the Henderson Convention Center. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., April 19, at North Las Vegas. For more information contact Chapter President Brian Banks, at (702) 645-2453 or 658-9946.
FIRST US DELIVERY OF DIAMOND TWIN STAR
Diamond’s first U.S. delivery of its exciting new DA42 Twin Star was made at the AOPA Expo, to Mr. Henry Van Kesteren of St. Petersburg, Florida.
The aircraft was delivered by Mike Bain of Mid Atlantic Diamond and Art Spengler of Premier Aircraft Sales.
“I wanted the aircraft for its cutting edge technology,” said Mr. Van Kesteren, who has accumulated over 38,000 hours flying since joining the US Army Air Corps in 1942.
“This really changes everything,” said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft. “The Twin Star represents an absolute quantum leap, with its modern all carbon airframe, Garmin G1000 and TAE 1.7 Centurion turbo diesel engines. With twin engines, known ice certification, and single lever throttles, the DA42 sets new standards with regard to safety and ease of operation.”
The Twin Star's delivery comes on the heals of news that Diamond Aircraft delivered its 1000th North American built airplane, a DA40-180 Diamond Star, to Premier Aircraft Sales.
With 261 DA20 and DA40 aircraft delivered in 2005 alone, Diamond was the number one producer of airplanes in the up to 200 hp class.
For more information on Diamond Aircraft visit diamondaircraft.com, or call 888-359-3220.
TRAJEN FBO NETWORK ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF ASPEN BASE OPERATIONS
Trajen FBO Network has purchased Aspen Base Operations at the Aspen-Pitkin County/Sardy Field Airport.
Trajen CEO & President Dan Bucaro said, “We are pleased to expand Trajen service to our customers at Aspen, bringing the same commitment to a high standard of customer service that we provide at all our locations. We look forward to joining the Aspen community and learning from the quality people that ABO has assembled.”
Trajen FBO Network is headquartered in Bryan, Texas and operates 18 fixed base operations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Wyoming, California, Colorado, New York, and Alaska. Trajen is a portfolio company of The CapStreet Group of Houston, a private equity firm. For more information visit trajen.com.
EAA SPORT PILOT TOUR’S LATE FALL STOPS SET THE STAGE FOR FUN FLYING
The new, exciting way to get involved in flying with lower cost and time barriers is coming to two more metropolitan areas late this year! The Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Sport Pilot Tour” rolls into to Texas and California late this year, ready to introduce people to the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft revolution.
EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour arrives with the information and tools needed to seize and enjoy this recreational-aviation opportunity, for both experienced pilots and new fliers. That includes some of the brand-new, ready-to-fly light-sport aircraft and informative talk sessions to help people get started in this new facet of personal flight.
The Tour’s fall/winter 2005-06 leg includes stops at McKinney, Texas, on Nov. 12 and Camarillo, California, on Dec. 3. Other stops will be added for early 2006. In addition, EAA will bring many of the tour’s informational and demonstration elements to the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring, Florida, on Jan. 12-15. Detailed information is available at EAA’s sportpilot.org website.
Air Routing Intl. RECEIVES APPROVAL for Direct Flight Planning Input
With offices and agents around the world, Air Routing International® (ARI) and its associate companies have been providing one of the most comprehensive and all inclusive service solutions to support the travel needs of corporate aviation. This past August, ARI wasadvised by the FAA that approval has been granted to their flight planning and support group that will allow them flight planning data access, directly into FAA’s host ATC system. Traditionally such access has only been available to scheduled airlines.
In announcing the FAA decision to the Air Routing team and clients, ARI VP Tim Maystrick advised that this will allow the firm to better support clients and reduce their work load through the use of proven, established and highly accurate technology. “Not only will this increase our client’s efficiency” he said, “it will also put their flight operations planning and scheduling capability into the safest and most accurate ops model currently available. Improved safety and efficiency are benchmarks we always strive for. The FAA has recognized this in us and allowed us to work together in that common goal.”
For additional information, operators are encouraged to contact the ARI 24/7 service and support team at 800-987-5680 or 713-430-7200.
EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS AND NEW HANGAR FOR GRAND JUNCTION LOCATION UNDERWAY
Premier/West Star is pleased to announce that it has begun an extensive interior and exterior renovation of its FBO lobby facilities and is set to break ground on a new 40,000 sq. ft hangar facility at Walker Field (GJT) in Grand Junction, Colorado.
The lobby project began in July 2005 and will update not only the exterior of the main FBO terminal building, but also include major interior renovations modeled after an “Aspen Ski Lodge.” Along with the updated look, a host of new amenities for crews and passengers are planned for the facility.
Visitors and crews will find new, private internet-access areas, multiple conference rooms, exercise facilities, a crew rest area and an all-new pilot’s lounge. Passengers arriving or departing from the Grand Junction facility will be sure to enjoy the new gourmet coffee/espresso bar, children’s play area and newly remodeled passenger lobby. The entire project is expected to be complete by December 2005 with a grand opening planned for the same month.
“West Star has always been a popular destination during the ski season due to its proximity to Aspen, Telluride, and Vail ski areas. It’s our goal to make West Star’s FBO facilities the most passenger and crew friendly our customers have ever experienced,” said Rick Brainard, General Manager.
The addition of the new hangar facility will add an additional 40,000 sq. ft of hangar, office and shop space along with 30,000 sq. ft. of additional ramp space. This newest hangar will be utilized specifically for Challenger and Hawker maintenance services. The facility will also feature shop space that will house the company’s interior and avionics departments along with additional space for administration and flight department offices. The hangar will be completed in the 4th quarter 2006.
West Star Aviation, located in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a full service FBO specializing in airframe maintenance, engine repair, interior, paint and avionics upgrades for a wide variety of today’s corporate and general aviation aircraft including Lear, Conquest, Citation, Hawker, Challenger, and Falcon aircraft. The company also holds an STC for an RVSM solution for the Learjet 31, 35, 35A, 36, and 36A and is currently pursuing an RVSM solution for Conquest II aircraft. West Star Avionics specializes in the acquisition and sales of surplus avionics through their Hiawatha, Iowa facility. For more information, please visitpremierair.com or weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.
American Legend Aircraft Company Delivers Legend Cub Light-Sport Aircraft Equipped With Advanced Avionics Suite
American Legend Aircraft Company announced today the delivery of a Legend Cub light-sport aircraft to Roy Stephens of La Quinta, California. The delivery marks the third production aircraft completed to a customer’s specification since Legend received its S-LSA certification on the type this past July.
Roy Stephens is a highly experienced pilot who owns and flies numerous aircraft. He selected the Legend Cub for its ability to be customized direct from the factory. Stephens opted to equip his Legend Cub with an advanced avionics suite that included the TIS-capable Garmin GNC 420 GPS/Comm with Garmin 330 Transponder. This avionics package allows the pilot to receive FAA Traffic Information Services (TIS) data. In addition to the Garmin package, Stephens chose a Dynon Avionics EFIS-D100 with a 7-inch diagonal display. According to Dynon, this is the first production aircraft to be equipped with the new D100.
For further information on the development and availability of this exciting new aircraft, call 903-885-7000, or log on to LegendAircraftCompany.com.