I know, I know … The featured image is not the newest aircraft anymore … I just thought it was nice picture of an older aircraft. Here is your picture of a newer aircraft …

Dassault Falcon 7X – Wikimedia

Dassault Says Bizav Recovery Is Deferred to 2018
Dassault Aviation has always been candid in its market assessments, and does not envision a meaningful recovery in the business aviation market until 2018. Announcing annual results at a Paris press conference on Wednesday, the French manufacturer acknowledged continued downward pressure on aircraft prices. Continue Reading at AINonline.com

Third PC-24 Prototype Makes First Flight

PC-24

Pilatus has announced the first flight of its third prototype PC-24 twinjet. The March 6 maiden voyage of “series-conforming” aircraft P03, registered HB-VSA, lasted two hours and five minutes, taking off from Buochs Airport in Switzerland. P03, the last prototype, joins its two siblings in the flight-test program, which began in May 2015 when P01 first flew. Certification is expected in the fourth quarter.
Capable of taking off and landing on short runways and unimproved strips, Pilatus says the PC-24 will combine the versatility of a turboprop with the cabin size of a medium-light jet. Its design boasts a cargo door as standard — a first for a business jet — and six color themes created in partnership with BMW Designworks.

February N. America Business Aviation Traffic Gets Boost
Business aircraft traffic in North America rose 1.3% in February, which was one day shorter than the same month a year ago.

Article Source: Polina_Medvedeva

SAVANNAH, Ga., December 21, 2012 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently received two important certifications for its new flagship aircraft, the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650.  The company received the Production Certificate (PC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Atlanta Manufacturing Inspection District Office.  Gulfstream also earned a Type Certificate for the G650 from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The PC was obtained on December 20, 2012, and confirms that Gulfstream’s production processes for the G650 are in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 21.  The FAA issued the PC after Gulfstream completed an extensive FAA Production Certificate audit conducted by the Gulfstream Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) office, which examined Gulfstream’s engineering, supplier, manufacturing and quality systems to assure the aircraft are produced in accordance with their design.

The EASA Type Certificate was awarded on December 21, 2012.  By securing EASA certification, the G650 can be registered in the 27 member states that form the European Union.

“This is quite an achievement for Gulfstream,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream.  “The G650 Production Certificate is a testament to the strength of four departments within Gulfstream — Engineering, Materials, Operations and Quality — along with the Gulfstream ODA to achieve this outcome. Their efforts and the support from the FAA are to be commended.”

“The EASA certification allows us to begin our first G650 deliveries to customers based in Europe,” Flynn added.  “We look forward to getting the G650 certified in many other countries.”

The G650 earned its FAA Type Certificate on Sept. 7, 2012.  The aircraft also has Type Certificate validations from Bermuda and the Isle of Man.

The G650 has the largest cabin and can fly farther and faster than any other purpose-built business jet. The aircraft can travel 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 km) at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. This is a 1,000-nm (1,852-km) increase over the original target of 5,000 nm (9,260 km). At its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, the G650 can fly 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km). The G650 has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.925, making it the fastest certified civilian aircraft in production.

The G650 is also environmentally efficient. Each of its two Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12 engines provides 16,900 pounds of thrust, yet the aircraft burns less fuel and produces fewer emissions than other aircraft.  It is also extremely quiet, with certified noise levels 17.2 decibels below Stage 4 noise regulations.

Gulfstream will deliver the first G280 aircraft before year-end to a U.S.-based manufacturer with a worldwide presence spanning 190 countries.

Program Milestones
Gulfstream announced the G280 on Oct. 5, 2008, as a replacement for the large-cabin, mid-range G200. The aircraft rolled out under its own power on Oct. 6, 2009, at the IAI facility near Tel Aviv before a crowd of more than 1,000 people. Its first flight, on Dec. 11, 2009, lasted 3 hours and 21 minutes and saw the aircraft fly to 32,000 feet (9,754 m) and achieve a maximum speed of 253 knots. A total of three G280 aircraft participated in the flight-test program, flying more than 2,150 hours over 794 test flights.

The aircraft received a provisional type certificate from the CAAI on Dec. 29, 2011, and the FAA on March 1, 2012.

As with all Gulfstream aircraft, the G280 was designed with considerable input from Gulfstream customers who participate in the company’s Customer Advisory Board.

“Their contributions were invaluable in creating a super mid-sized aircraft that flies so far and so fast,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “The G280, with a top speed of Mach 0.85, already has set four city-pair speed records. We anticipate it will set many, many more in the months and years to come thanks to its advanced wing design and its fuel-efficient Honeywell HTF250G engines, each of which delivers 7,445 pounds of thrust. The significant range and speed increase compared to the G200 is achieved while burning less fuel.

“In addition to the aircraft’s tremendous performance capabilities, it offers the most comfortable cabin in its class with the Gulfstream-designed cabin management and audio/video distribution systems, industry-leading sound levels, 19 super-sized windows and in-flight access to the baggage compartment. We’re extremely proud of this aircraft and know our customers will be, too,” Henne said.

Performance

The G280 has an all-new, advanced transonic wing design that has been optimized for high-speed cruise and improved takeoff field length performance. At its maximum takeoff weight of 39,600 pounds (17,963 kg), the aircraft offers a balanced field length of 4,750 feet (1,448 m), an improvement of more than 1,300 feet (396 m) over the G200 it replaces and 210 feet (64 m) less than originally announced at the program’s outset.

“The new G280 aircraft is the impressive result of an extensive development program,” said David Dagan, vice president and general manager, Commercial Aircraft Group, IAI. “The aircraft’s performance ultimately exceeds initial projections.”

The aircraft’s engine-wing combination gives the G280 tremendous climb performance, propelling it to 43,000 feet (13,107 m) in less than 23 minutes. The aircraft’s maximum cruise altitude is 45,000 feet (13,716 m).

The community noise characteristics are a cumulative 15.8 dB below FAA Stage 4 noise requirements.  This level is more than 5 dB quieter than the predecessor model and reflects Gulfstream’s continuing commitment to improved design.

The G280 includes auto braking as a standard feature. This system improves passenger comfort and reduces brake wear, resulting in lower operating costs. It also improves safety while reducing pilot workload. The brake-by-wire system features an individual, anti-skid, completely independent mechanical backup and a brake temperature monitoring system.

In the Cockpit

The G280 features the most advanced flight deck in its class, the PlaneView280^TM, based on Rockwell Collins ProLine Fusion avionics. It includes three 15-inch (36-cm) liquid crystal displays that are capable of showing multiple formats, including a navigation map with terrain; approach and airport charts; graphical flight planning, and optional enhanced vision.

The cockpit also includes a standby multi-function controller, dual Gulfstream signature cursor control devices, dual auto-throttle and two PlaneBook^TM subscriptions. It’s the only aircraft in its class to offer automatic descent mode as a standard feature. Other features include wide area augmentation system/localizer performance with vertical guidance (WAAS-LPV), future air navigation system (FANS) 1/a and controller-pilot datalink communication (CPDLC), electronic charts on cockpit displays and worldwide graphical weather.

“The PlaneView280 system is designed to improve situational awareness and safety through its highly interactive controls and interfaces as well as its advanced graphics and synoptics,” Henne said. “Optional features further enhance the capabilities of the flight deck. These include the Rockwell Collins HGS-6250 Head-Up Display (HUD II) and Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS II).”

In the Cabin

Comfort and convenience are just two highlights of the G280 cabin. The aircraft has the longest seating area in its class and a total cabin length of 25 feet, 10 inches. This additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage. Customers can select from three interior floor plans, which seat from eight to 10 and berth up to four. All of them offer significant storage capabilities, with total storage of up to 154 cubic feet (4.63 cubic meters).

The significantly larger lavatory is accented by two windows, a contemporary sink with raised ledge, a full-length closet and a vacuum toilet system with overboard venting, the only system of its kind in this class of aircraft.

The cabin contains a larger, ergonomically designed galley that features an extra-large ice drawer with gasper-cooled storage, a sink with hot and cold water, and increased storage capacity.

Further contributing to the extraordinary cabin environment is an advanced environmental control system that provides 100 percent fresh air and a low cabin altitude: 7,000 feet (2,130 m) at FL450 and 6,000 feet (1,828 m) at FL410.

“Taken together, these amenities significantly reduce fatigue, increase mental alertness and enhance productivity,” Henne said.

The aircraft has new seats, measuring 21 inches (53 cm) between the arm rests and featuring new styling details, a telescoping headrest with optional flexible wings, an articulating seat pan for full-flat berthing and an optional recliner-style leg rest.

The Gulfstream Cabin Management System serves as the backbone of the cabin experience. This Gulfstream-designed and -controlled system allows for digital control of the cabin system network, including high-definition audio and video components. The passenger control units are loaded onto an iPod Touch^® and provide the floor plan of the aircraft. Intuitive controls are provided for lighting, temperature, entertainment equipment, attendant call and other cabin functions, including the Gulfstream CabinView Passenger Flight Information System.

CabinView, a Gulfstream-designed and -controlled system, provides flight and cabin information, such as geographic boundaries, borders and points of interest. Additional content, such as stock prices and weather, can be tailored through optional high-speed Internet data.

The cabin adheres to Gulfstream’s Cabin Essential design philosophy. This means the cabin systems (lighting, power, cabin control, cabin entertainment, and the water and waste systems) are designed with redundancy that minimizes the risk of losing cabin functionality.

“This aircraft leads its class in every significant aspect of performance and comfort,” Flynn said.

Neil Armstrong dies at 82.

“That’s one small step for man … one giant leap for mankind.”

“Forty-three years ago, nearly everyone in America was glued to the TV to see a self-described “nerdy engineer” walk out of a space capsule, Apollo 11, and become the first person to step foot on the moon. There were estimates that one-fifth of the people on earth watched the moon landing and moonwalk. Armstrong’s first words on the moon will never be forgotten: “That’s one small step for man … one giant leap for mankind.”

“When Armstrong and his crew returned, there were parades in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, and then a world tour. A quiet hero in so many ways — as a Korean War combat pilot, a man who would never try to make money on his accomplishments as an astronaut, and a soft-spoken professor at the University of Cincinnati. Armstrong defined “the best and the brightest.” On Saturday, his family said this, fittingly: “Honor his example of service, accomplishment and honesty.” In a me-first world, Armstrong was a selfless American original.”

FlightGlobal says banks in business jet financing are in for a bumpy ride as a result of the abundance of cash buyers for new busines aircraft. Quoting the head of aviation finance at Credit Suisse, the trade journal says that up to 80% of new business jets are acquired through cash deals.

The article notes that low pricing is another sign banks are feeling the pressure. FlightGlobal quotes Michael Amalfitano, head of corporate aircraft finance at Banc of America Leasing, as saying, “There is increased competition in the market owing to the number of financiers returning to the market post downtown.”

To read the full text of the FlightGlobal article: click here.

By Joe Mitchell   

The waning years of WWII saw the introduction of the first jet fighter  planes. Though the popular image is that Germany was the first to develop them,  British pioneer Frank Whittle had drawing board designs of a jet plane as early  as the mid-1930s.

After the end of the war, commercial airlines quickly realized the value of  these faster planes. Everyone wants to get where they want to go sooner. Less  time in the air means less jet lag, less stress from engine and wind noise, and  more time on the ground to take care of business. For upscale business  travelers, those goals were first approached in the mid-1960s.

Alongside the development of large, commercial airlines’ use of jets – the  famous Boeing 727 and its later cousins – there grew up a cottage industry of  smaller jets designed primarily for ultra-rich customers.

Learjet, Lockheed JetStar and the Gulfstream II were the ultimate expressions  of those design goals at the time. Selling for around $1 million (a hefty price  tag forty years ago), these hand-built air limousines were heavily used by  oil-rich sheiks and the J. Paul Getty’s of the day.

For the younger crowd, J. Paul Getty was one of the richest men in the world  from the 1940s until his death in 1976. The Bill Gates of his day – only his  money came from oil not computers – he was the first individual to crack the $1  billion mark.

Gulfstream’s GII had room for twelve and the interiors were as classy as the  rooms of the most elegant hotels, with powerful motors for long range travel.  That tradition continued to the mid-1980s and beyond. In 1985, the GIV weighed  in at 74,600 lbs (33,900 kg) and had a range of 4,200 nautical miles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Mitchell

The Citation Ten prototype made its first flight today. The flight lasted more than two hours and included tests of stability and control, handling qualities, functional operations including the autopilot and autothrottle system, engine operability and avionics before landing at Wichita, Kan. Mid-Continent Airport (ICT) where Cessna’s main manufacturing facility is located.

“It took a significant amount of work by a large number of people to get us to this milestone today and I am happy to report that the aircraft performed exceptionally well and handling characteristics were excellent; just as predicted,” said Michael Voigt, Cessna’s engineering test pilot who flew the Ten prototype. “All systems functioned as expected including the Garmin G5000 avionics system. We are looking forward to a successful flight test program and FAA certification.”

Federal Aviation Administration type certification is on track for mid-2013 with first aircraft deliveries planned for the second half of 2013.

“Our first flight, today, was a great success. We have a great team working on this project and I know they will take this dominant aircraft up a notch,” said Kelly Reich, business leader for the Cessna Citation X and Ten.
The Ten is a mid-size aircraft with updated design and performance, enabling it to get to altitude faster and travel farther than the Citation X (Model 750). First announced at the 2010 NBAA convention, the Citation Ten is designed for greater fuel efficiency and increased comfort for up to nine passengers and two pilots.

Two Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 engines will take a 36,600 pound (16,601 kilogram) MTOW Citation Ten off the ground in 5,150 feet (1,569 meters) and give the aircraft a maximum cruise speed of 527 knots an hour (977 kilometers) and a certified ceiling of 51,000 feet (15,545 meters). The Ten has a maximum range of 3,242 nautical miles (6,008 kilometers), putting city pairings such as New York-London, Boston-San Francisco, London-Dubai and Miami-Seattle within convenient one-hop flights.

The Ten is 15 inches longer than the Citation X, providing extra passenger legroom in the forward club seating area. A new Ten mock-up was debuted at the 2011 NBAA convention with a fresh new interior color scheme, though customers are able to choose the interior stylings that best fit their needs and personality.

Also featuring ClairityTM, Cessna’s proprietary cabin technology solution, the Ten delivers ultimate touch-screen control to the passenger, maximizing the digital entertainment experience from web to movies to moving maps. One convenient panel at each seat provides connections for personal electronic devices.

The Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck is one of the most intuitive pilot-aircraft interfaces ever seen in a business avionics suite. The high-resolution multi-function displays have split-screen capability, allowing continuous monitoring of engine, flight control, hydraulic and electrical systems. Garmin’s SVT synthetic vision technology on the primary flight displays gives the crew a virtual reality view of runways, terrain, traffic and obstacles. Electronic charts with aircraft position overlay provide dynamic situational awareness during approach.

A video highlighting the Citation Ten’s features can be viewed on Cessna’s YouTube channel. Visit our gallery of Citation Ten images.