IMC News Service

Garmin Announces FAA Certification, Availability of GTX 330 ES and GTX 33 ES For ADS-B NextGen Compliance

Olathe, KS - Garmin has received an Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certification (AML STC) that allows GTX 330 ES and GTX 33 ES transponders to be installed in hundreds of makes and models of fixed-wing aircraft. This certification qualifies these products for ADS-B NextGen compliance (with accompanying WAAS position source), and are an ideal solution for aircraft that fly at any altitude in the U.S. or outside of the U.S. where it will be required to broadcast on the 1090 frequency band. Customers that already own a GTX 330/33 transponder can purchase an ES upgrade from a Garmin Authorized dealer for $1,200. For aircraft owners that already have a GTX 330 ES, GTX 33 ES or a GTX 23 ES, a free update is now available through Garmin Authorized Dealers.

Earlier this year, the FAA granted an AML STC for the GDL 88, a simple, ADS-B rule-compliant solution for aircraft operating in the U.S. and below 18,000 feet. The innovative dual-link capability allows the GDL 88 to receive both the 978 MHz UAT and 1090 MHz frequency bands to provide the most comprehensive level of traffic situational awareness. Advanced traffic awareness features include TargetTrend™ relative motion technology, which helps the pilot visualize the trend of the traffic threats as it relates to their aircraft, and SURF technology, which detects other aircraft or ground vehicles on runways and taxiways that may pose a threat while taxiing or on approach.

Bombardier Launches Challenger 350 Jet

Geneva, Switzerland - Bombardier Aerospace announced today that it has expanded its leading Challenger family of business jets with the addition of the new Challenger 350 aircraft. The Challenger 350 jet was launched, with NetJets® as the worldwide launch partner, at a special event at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to begin in 2014.

“The Challenger 350 jet will take our existing Challenger family to new heights,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This aircraft further enhances our leading business aircraft portfolio and will provide our customers with redefined design standards. Passengers will experience new comfort levels as they relax in the completely new cabin, enjoy a purpose-built and intuitive cabin management system and increase their efficiency with superior performance, and all at best-in-class operating costs. There is simply no substitute for a Challenger jet.”

Jordan B. Hansell, NetJets Chairman and Chief-Executive-Officer, said: “We are excited about the addition of our exclusive NetJets Signature Series Challenger 350 aircraft to our fleet and the tremendous value this aircraft will bring to our unmatched global capabilities and most importantly, to our customers. This super midsize aircraft will deliver an experience that meets both our customers’ travel and comfort requirements. The inflight experience is exceptional and unlike any other. The aircraft has an exceptionally quiet cabin, allowing both serenity and conversation, soft, hand-crafted leathers, meticulously designed wood finishes, an in-flight entertainment system offering choices for every taste, and a single-service beverage maker, all designed specifically by NetJets.”

Massachusetts Boy Gets A Chance To Soar, Thanks To "Above The Clouds"

By Marc Larocque (Taunton Gazette Staff Reporter)

Taunton, MA - A Taunton boy who has spent more of his share of time in the hospital was given a “breath of fresh air” last weekend by a newly formed nonprofit that brings seriously ill children to the clouds.

The Norwood-based “Above the Clouds” organization brought 12-year-old Anthony Garcia on an aerial tour of Massachusetts, taking him over his Taunton home, Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium.

“It was fun,” Garcia said. “I got to pick where I wanted to go. I could see my house from up there.”

Garcia was the inaugural “Dream Flyer” for Above the Clouds and its founder/pilot Gary Olberstein, who is also a Boston-area lawyer. After the trip, which lasted precisely 43 minutes and 40 seconds, Garcia said, the 12-year-old was given a custom-made flight jacket with his name on it.

“Above the Clouds is excited about continuing our first flying season, but we will always have special memories of our first Dream Flight with Anthony,” the nonprofit said in a statement about its first flight.

Garcia is a patient of Tufts Medical Center who being treated for a rare autoimmune disease called Goodpasture’s syndrome. Because of that, he had to have a kidney transplant last September.

Garcia said while it wasn’t his first flight undefined he flew in a plane “a long time ago” undefined he felt a bit of anxiety during the ascent. But it was short-lived, he said.

“I was scared at first, but once we got up, it was okay,” Garcia said. “I thought it was good. The pilot had me set some things up and helped me inspect the plane. It was really nice.”

Garcia’s family joined him on the flight, out of Norwood Memorial Airport, in the Above the Clouds six-seat Piper Saratoga aircraft.

“He loved it,” said mother Lisa Garcia. “We actually all went on it. He, his siblings and me.”

Lisa Garcia said the child life center at the hospital called the family about the opportunity, and Anthony said he was interested.

“It was really amazing,” said Lisa Garcia. “My thing was, after him being in the hospital so long, just that little time away was kind of a really good thing. It takes your mind off the hospital setting. It was really interesting. It was a breath of fresh air.”

For more information about Above the Clouds, go to www.abovethecloudskids.org.

FAA Administrator Huerta Calls for More Action on GA Safety

Washington, DC - As the busy summer flying season approaches, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta today met with leaders from the general aviation community to agree on actions to enhance safety and reduce accidents. The general aviation fatal accident rate has remained flat over the past five years and 149 fatal accidents already have occurred so far this fiscal year, killing 262 people.

“We cannot become complacent about safety,” Huerta said. “Together, we must improve the safety culture to drive the GA fatal accident rate lower.” 

In the short term, the group agreed to raise awareness on the importance of basic airmanship and to promote a positive safety culture. The following organizations attended the meeting and are partnering with the FAA to reach out to the many diverse facets of the general aviation community: Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. Parachute Association (USPA).

For the long term, Administrator Huerta called on the aviation community to install life-saving equipment (angle of attack indicators, inflatable restraints, two-axis autopilots) in older airplanes, to improve general aviation data, and to improve airman certification testing and training.

To meet these goals, participating organizations and the FAA agreed to work together to move forward as quickly as possible on three key initiatives: participate and invest in the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC), support the overhaul of airmen testing and training standards and expedite the Part 23 certification process to reduce costs and install new technology in airplanes.

Court Filing Cites Safety, Cost Concerns

Frederick, MD - The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in a court filing this week called the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to close 149 contract control towers nationwide, “arbitrary, capricious, and fundamentally flawed, leaving the safety and efficiency consequences largely unknown.”

In an amicus curiae brief filed as part of a federal lawsuit against the FAA by municipalities where control towers at airports are slated to be closed, AOPA argued that the FAA ignored its own safety guidelines.

The decision to close certain towers, AOPA stated, was, “based solely on the number of operations conducted at the airport and how that number affects the traveling public. The FAA’s application of this singular standard fails to take into account the many considerations given to establishing and maintaining each of these towers.”

In its court brief, AOPA argued that while not every contract tower may be necessary in today’s airspace environment, the FAA, in its decision to close certain control towers, failed to consider important safety factors.

Specifically, AOPA said that the FAA failed to consider, “the management of (aircraft) approaching, landing, and departing the airport, the access to the airport, any accident and incident avoidance measures on and in the vicinity of the airport, the local and national impact on traffic diverted to other airports, the public’s health and welfare, the public interests, and environmental impact changes.”

The AOPA brief also states that the FAA “appears totally unmindful” of the National Transportation Safety Board’s recent decision to make general aviation safety a top priority.

In April the FAA announced that it would close 149 of its 251 contract control towers. Contract towers generally serve general aviation airports, and federal audits have shown that they are among the FAA’s most efficient programs when measured by cost and safety. It remains unclear why the FAA, in choosing to make its sequestration cuts, elected to cut 60 percent of its most cost-effective program.

There are about 500 control towers in the nation’s air traffic control system. In addition to 251 contract towers, which are operated for the FAA by private companies, the FAA itself operates more than 250 control towers and air traffic control facilities.

The FAA recently announced that it would furlough air traffic controllers in its facilities as part of sequestration.

But when it did so, the resulting airline delays - and passenger complaints - prompted Congress to quickly pass legislation that gave the FAA funding flexibility to keep the towers and control facilities fully staffed.

It is not yet clear how the FAA will use that new flexibility, or whether it will also prevent the closing of contract towers.

Furthermore, that funding relief is only available until Sept. 30 - the end of federal fiscal year 2013. By law the sequestration spending cuts are set to continue for 10 years.

Sporty’s Offers Easy Approval Service for iPad/ForeFlight Cockpit Use

Batavia, OH - Pilots flying large turbine-powered airplanes governed by Part 91F or flying as a fractional on-demand or Part 135 operation may need formal FAA approval to use an iPad in pursuit of a paperless cockpit. Now these pilots have some help.

“Gaining approval for your iPad as an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) can be a time-consuming and complicated process,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “In short, let Sporty’s do the work for you.”

Sporty’s Easy Approval is a complete, hassle-free solution for FAA approval of your iPad as an EFB and paper chart replacement, using the ForeFlight Mobile app. Sporty’s Easy Approval system includes required documentation, comprehensive training and testing and unique operational guidance gained from its experienced team of pilots.

Sporty’s Easy Approval includes a detailed description of the approval process and plan for execution including templates for required documents, checklists, operational procedures, a training program, and procedures for flight line evaluation.

Sporty’s comprehensive training program for use of your iPad with ForeFlight includes Sporty’s brand-new Flying with ForeFlight training video, which covers every detail of operation.

A standard application for approval includes up to four aircraft and training for 20 pilots.  Unlimited General Operations Manual updates are included as well as one custom update if necessary for approval.  Additional customization is available upon request.

Sporty’s Easy iPad Approval is available for $799 and may be ordered from the Sporty’s website.

GAMA Welcomes Legislation To Improve General Aviation

Washington, DC - The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) welcomed the introduction of the Small Aircraft Revitalization Act of 2013 by U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo and a bipartisan group of U.S. House members.  The bill, H.R. 1848, would establish a date certain for implementing the FAA’s Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommendations, with the goalundefinedas stated by FAA Administrator Michael Huertaundefinedof doubling safety and cutting certification costs in half for small general aviation (GA) airplanes.

In a report filed with the FAA last week, the ARC recommended setting performance-based design requirements, rather than prescriptive, technology-dependent requirements that rely on assumptions based on weight and propulsion type.  Adopting the new regulations would simplify the current process and give manufacturers needed flexibility by allowing them to achieve compliance through consensus-based standards.  The current rulesundefinedwhich are overly prescriptive, rigid, and outdatedundefinedhave hindered new safety-enhancing products from coming to market and hurt the lighter segments of the GA market.

“GAMA is very pleased that Representative Pompeo and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize the need to embrace the ARC’s recommendations and adopt new certification rules so that manufacturers can invest in new designs and put critical lifesaving safety equipment into existing airplanes,” GAMA President & CEO Pete Bunce said.  “We hope the bill will spur the FAA to move quickly in adopting the ARC’s recommendations to improve safety and help to revitalize the lighter end of the aircraft market.”

The ARC, composed of 150 government and aviation industry representatives from around the world, spent 18 months developing the recommendations.  Greg Bowles, GAMA Director of Engineering & Manufacturing, served as industry co-chair of the ARC.

SpaceShipTwo Marks it's Final Phase of Flight Testing

Mojave, CA - Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's aabar Investments PJC, completed the first rocket-powered flight of its space vehicle, SpaceShipTwo (SS2). The test, conducted by teams from Scaled Composites (Scaled) and Virgin Galactic, officially marks Virgin Galactic's entrance into the final phase of vehicle testing prior to commercial service from Spaceport America in New Mexico.

"The first powered flight of Virgin Spaceship Enterprise was without any doubt, our single most important flight test to date," said Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson, who was on the ground in Mojave to witness the occasion. "For the first time, we were able to prove the key components of the system, fully integrated and in flight. Today's supersonic success opens the way for a rapid expansion of the spaceship's powered flight envelope, with a very realistic goal of full space flight by the year's end. We saw history in the making today and I couldn't be more proud of everyone involved."

The test began at 7:02 a.m. local time when SS2 took off from Mojave Air and Space Port mated to WhiteKnightTwo (WK2), Virgin Galactic's carrier aircraft. Upon reaching 47,000 feet altitude, SS2 was released from WK2. After crosschecking data and verifying stable control, the pilots triggered ignition of the rocket motor. During this time, SS2 went supersonic, achieving Mach 1.2.

In the coming months, the Virgin Galactic and Scaled test team will expand the spaceship's powered flight envelope culminating in full space flight, which the companies anticipate will take place before the end of 2013.

European GA Organizations Pledge Cooperation

Friedrichshafen, Germany – Organizations representing a broad spectrum of the European general aviation (GA) community met at the AERO Friedrichshafen GA show.

The organizations agreed to collaborate more closely on regulatory and political issues affecting GA.  In particular, the meeting focused on the European General Aviation Safety Strategy, and the groups’ expectations for the forthcoming GA Sub-Committee of the Safety Standards Consultative Committee (SSCC).  The SSCC advises the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on regulatory issues.

The groups committed to work closely together to use this opportunity to support and promote a sustainable environment for all GA stakeholders.

The following groups were present:

• ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support)
  
• EAS (Europe Air Sports)
  
• AOPA (International Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)
  
• GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association)
  
• LAMA Europe (Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association Europe)
  
• ASD/EGAMA (GA Membership of Aerospace Space & Defence Industries Association)
  
• ERAC (European Regional Aerodromes Community)
  

NORAD, Russian Federation Air Force Prepare For Joint Exercise

Peterson Air Force Base, CO – Members of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and their Russian Federation Air Force counterparts met to prepare for the live-fly exercise.

The exercise is scheduled to take place in August in Anchorage, Alaska and Anadyr, Russia.

Working in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration and its Russian counterpart, this exercise will focus on national procedures for monitoring the situation and the cooperative hand-off of a hijacked aircraft from one nation to the other while exchanging air tracking information.

Both nations will focus on coordinating their response to the incident. The basic scenario involves a foreign flagged carrier on an international flight that is hijacked.

“The VIGILANT EAGLE exercise series has been an extraordinary and historic opportunity for NORAD and the Russian Federation to coordinate on the response to a mutually acknowledged hijacking threat,” said Joe Bonnet, Director of Joint Training and Exercises for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. “From a participant’s perspective, it is more than a military exercise; it is creating lasting bonds and partnerships extremely valuable for the security of our nations.”

The final planning conference will take place this June in Ottawa. The U.S.-Russian Federation Armed Forces Military Cooperation Work Plan is the basis that allows the Russian Federation and NORAD personnel to conduct VE conferences and execution.