Purveyors of electronic flight bag (EFB) tablet computers are introducing new models and capabilities for the new year, with three notable models worthy of consideration for business jet operators in the market for the latest technology.
Chicago-based navAero has developed the t•BagC22 EFB as a class-2 device using a commercial off-the-shelf remote computer and a separate display.
Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) announced last month it has received FAA TSO approval for a new integrated air-data display system (IADDS), a product that could open the door to RVSM approvals for some older business aircraft. The Exton, Pa.-based company said the air-data product is designed to support “easier installation and certification of legacy business jets” for RVSM compliance, at a lower purchase price.
In the wake of an NTSB recommendation that urges the use of terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) in aeromedical helicopter operations, the technology appears to be getting a closer look from the rotorcraft community.
Following in the steps of XM Satellite Radio, rival Sirius plans to offer a competing “always-on” weather service for aircraft through an agreement with data provider WSI. Plans are in place to launch a Sirius line of WSI’s InFlight avionics, which the companies say will be compatible with the current list of approved InFlight multifunction displays.
About a week after the January 22 first flight of the Challenger 605, Bombardier relocated the test airplane to Wichita to begin the approximately 200 flight hours needed to achieve certification in the fourth quarter.
Spirit Wing Aviation of Guthrie, Okla., has begun the final phase of flight-testing the Spirit-Lear, a re-engined and modified Learjet 24/25. Extensive testing of all SpiritLear systems was ongoing at press time, with STC approval now expected by the end of this summer–a delay from previous estimates of the first quarter.
The Socata TBM 850, a faster, more powerful derivative of the TBM 700 turboprop single, received FAA approval on January 23, six weeks after the EASA certified the airplane. On the same day, the first production TBM 850 made its maiden flight with EADS Socata chief pilot Christian Briand at the controls accompanied by flight-test engineer Alain Arnaud.
The family of flight attendant Kristi Dunn, killed in the Nov. 22, 2004, crash of a Gulf-stream III en route to pick up former president George H.W. Bush, filed a wrongful-death suit last month against (among others) Dallas charter operator Business Jet Services and the estates of the two pilots killed in the accident. The family is seeking a “multimillion-dollar award” for actual and punitive damages.
“Chunks of slush” slid off the taxiing Bombardier Challenger 600 just before
it crashed on takeoff from Montrose Regional Airport in Montrose, Colo., on Nov. 28, 2004, reported NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol, who survived the crash of the Air Castle chartered jet.
Despite a widely acclaimed business idea–scheduled per-seat service with executive jets for its members–Geneva-based Club Airways filed for bankruptcy protection early last year and ceased operations. However, a new group of investors, headed by Eric Kohn from the UK, acquired the name, license and membership lists of Club Airways in the middle of last year.
AINonline is a publication of The Convention News Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from The Convention News Co., Inc., is strictly prohibited. The Convention News Co., Inc., publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, AIN Defense Perspective, AIN Air Transport Perspective, AINmxReports, Business Jet Traveler, BJTwaypoints, Dubai Airshow News, EBACE Convention News, Farnborough Airshow News, HAI Convention News, MEBA Convention News, NBAA Convention News, Paris Airshow News, Singapore Airshow News, iPhone Apps: AINonline · BJTonline Log In
