Auto Throttle System Reduces Pilot Workload
Premier Aircraft, LLC and Safe Flight Instrument Corporation
have signed an agreement to certify Safe Flight's AutoPower auto
throttle systems on Falcon 50 series and CitationJet series
business jets.
The AutoPower system provides accurate airspeed control, precise
engine target setting, increased situational awareness, reduced
crew workload, greater passenger comfort, quieter cabin
environment, and increased payload/range.
In addition to the proven benefits of the AutoPower System on
two-pilot aircraft, Premier and Safe Flight are confident that the
system will bolster safety by reducing the crew workload during the
most critical phases of flight for the single pilot operators of
the CitationJet series.
Safe Flight AutoPower systems are standard equipment on the
Gulfstream G200, and Bombardier Challenger 604, 605, 850 and CRJ
200 and have been installed on over 9000 civil and military
aircraft.
Ken Goldsmith, managing director of Yankee Pacific Aerospace,
Inc., a co-owner of Premier Aircraft, said he believes the market
is strong for an affordable, low-weight auto throttle system.
"Reducing pilot workload, reducing fuel consumption and precise
speed control in high density control zones are the main drivers
here," he said. "We are excited about this program", he added. "In
today's environment , where air space, flight operations and costs
have to be continuously optimized, having an AutoPower system on
board is a real asset".
AutoPower estimated installed pricing is $245,000 for the Falcon
50 series, and $149,000 for the CJ series airplanes. Company
officials are booking orders with deposits at the National Business
Aviation Associations's Atlanta convention, Safe Flight booth 2239
and West Star booth 7039, with final pricing to be established at
the time of certification.
The development, testing and certification of the initial
AutoPower system for the Falcon 50, 50 Dash4 and 50EX has begun and
is expected to be completed in 12 months. Development work on the
AutoPower system for the CJ through CJ4 series has begun at a
slower pace, but will accelerate in the first quarter of 2008 and
will be completed in the first quarter of 2009.
The certification of the AutoPower system on the Falcon and CJ
aircraft will be managed by Premier Aircraft, LLC, a company
jointly owned by Yankee Pacific Aerospace, Inc. Rye, NH and West
Star Aviation, Inc.
Installation of the AutoPower system for both the Falcon 50 and
CJ will initially be performed at West Star's East Alton, IL
facility.
After sufficient experience is gained on the installation, the
STC's will be made available by Premier to qualified repair
stations. Premier anticipates applying for European EASA
certification once the FAA STC is granted.