Private Jet Operator Continues to Build Momentum in a Post-Covid Market
Bombardier lifted the cover on a deal from last December, showing that NetJets bought 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft with an option to one day purchase an eye-popping 232 more. The deal for the firm order sees Bombardier snag about $326.4 million for its troubles, though that would swell to an impressive $6 billion with a couple hundred aircraft added to the ticket. Bombardier is pretty happy to see its 'super midsize' platform find footing in the market, being the newest addition to the corporate family. The first shipments of Challenger 3500s is slated to make its way into customer hands in the second half of 2025.
From Avionics Installations to 7X Initials, NBAA Partners Offer it All
The National Business Aviation Association announced the lucky batch of scholarship recipients in its 2024 maintenance offerings, granting a variety of courses, classes, and certifications to young members on the upswing. Drawing from a variety of NBAA company members, the scholarships provide useful, accessible education in things that make a direct, easily apparent impact for students breaking into their lifelong career. FlightSafety International handed out a course on line maintenance for the PT6 turboprop, as well as a 5-day class on avionics and a handful of initials for Dassault Falcon maintenance. Gogo Business Aviation gave out a 3-day master tech and install course...
After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to discontinue the manufacture of the Bushcat, the Knoll family (AeroSport) has come up with a heck of a second act... and it should be a strong one. Advanced Powerplant Solutions, LLC (APS), under the new ownership of Jeremy and Daniela Knoll has acquired Leading Edge Air Foils, LLC (LEAF). Better yet, effective immediately, APS will serve as the ROTAX independent Service Centre for the Central United States. The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out for help in rebuilding their private runway in Mentone, IN -- the home of the PRA, itself. "We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help. We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting
Helicopter Express Took On Its First S-64 Air Crane From Erickson In September 2022
Helicopter Express has acquired the aerial firefighting operations business unit and aircraft of Erickson -- best known for being the manufacturer/operator of the monster heavy-lift S-64 Air Crane helicopters. Some of Erickson’s remaining businesses will stay alive as standalone entities. Further; Erickson will stay on as an independent manufacturer and service provider for the S-64 Air Crane helicopter fleet. “The acquisition of Erickson’s firefighting operations and fleet furthers our growth plan into new aerial markets and makes us the premier heavy-lift operator globally,” said Scott Runyan, CEO of Helicopter Express.
Lots of the Little Guys Will Have to Institute an SMS, if They Haven't Already
The Aircraft Electronics Association reminded members about the upcoming changes to SMS procedures, since the upcoming change will add them to the laundry list of things a number of smaller operations will have to contend with. In the end, the changes to 14 CFR Part 5, Safety Management Systems, will ensure all certificate holders operating under the rules for commuter and on-demand operations under Part 135, commercial air tour operators under section 91.147, production certificate holders that are holders or licensees of a type certificate for the same product, and holders of a type certificate that license out that type certificate for production under Part 21.
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview
Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (now in production with Pitman Air), has been lost in an aircraft test accident. Shortly after his appearance at SUN n FUN 2024, Bailey reportedly was asked to test fly a customer-built Dragonfly out of the Groveland airport in Florida... Recent investigations and a great deal of data has resulted in ANN’s SportPlane Resource Guide’s report card system having to deal with new and worrisome reports on a number of companies. Evidence and data received from customers of the Czech-based Orlican sportplane operation has resulted in a ‘Not Recommended’ rating for the troubles documented by at least one one owner who has been trying to get his aircraft for nearly two years... The US Parachute Association tell
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