Raisbeck Engineering has obtained an STC for its EPIC drag reduction system for the Cessna 208B Caravan. 

Epic allows those operating a Caravan equipped with an underbelly cargo pod to reduce drag and increase cruise speeds, while reducing fuel burn. The 208B, for all its wonderful backcountry capability, is not a sleek bird, especially with its underslung locker being carried around, adding significant drag, wasting fuel and decreasing top speed. Raisbeck's drag reduction is done by using a composite Forward Cargo Pod Fairing and metal Dual Aft Body Strakes, leading to a more tapered nose section that flows smoothly into the cargo compartment. The suite only weighs 38 lbs in total, yet adds more than 5 knots to the plane's top speed. Th

Aircraft Outfitter Highlights its Custom, Rejuvenated Aircraft Interiors

Duncan Aviation has shown off their newest overhaul, a full interior/exterior revamp of a Falcon 2000EX. The aircraft made its way into Duncan’s hands at their Battle Creek, Michigan facility with an out-of-vogue beige interior, gold accents, and dated paint scheme. The current owner wanted an aircraft that presented better to passengers, one that looked convincingly new and modern, so Duncan put their lead designer, Heather Pridemore, on the case. While showing off the company’s handiwork, Pridemore said the owner gravitated towards a black and gray color scheme for the interior, something more fashion-forward as business aviation interiors are trending

Improved Datasets, Enhanced Navigation Allows Operators to Track Service Provider Adherence to Safety Programs

NATA has officially launched an online directory to gauge the participation of FBOs and airports in "leading industry safety programs." The National Air Transportation Association launched the Safety 1st Verify in order to give interested customers an easy, one-stop spot to see who participated and maintains standards as a part of "Safety 1st, IS-BAH, Safety 1st Clean, and Fuel QC Management System." The Safety 1st directory is a continuation of an older dataset from the NATA, the FBO Status Map, that offers improved search and filtering actions as well as more robust operational and facility information.