Focus on FOQA at Citation Jet Pilots Convention

Members of the Citation Jet Pilots (CJP) association gathered in Nashville in early October to celebrate their safety record and continue learning how to improve and share CJP safety information with the Citation pilot community.

For the third year in a row, CJP members have not had any incidents or accidents, a remarkable record for the 1,358 members who fly 954 Citations. “We have very good fliers,” said Charlie Precourt, former Space Shuttle commander, chairman of the CJP safety committee, and owner of a CJ1+.

BJT: Gulfstream G650 Is a Ramp King

During its first decade in service, Gulfstream Aerospace’s G650 and even longer-range G650ER set more than 120 speed records and logged more than 500 deliveries worth an estimated $32 billion. The Rolls-Royce BR725-powered jet, which first flew in 2009, received FAA certification in September 2012 and EASA validation three months later. It also won the National Aeronautic Association’s 2014 Robert J. Collier Trophy.

With a top cruising speed of Mach 0.925, the G650 has a range of 7,000 nm while the G650ER can fly 7,500nm (both at Mach 0.85 with eight passengers and NBAA reserves). Most users fly faster—generally Mach 0.90—which drops the range of the G650 to 6,400 nm.

From the Archives: Gulfstream, IAI Mark G250 First Flight

Gulfstream Aerospace and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) flew the super-midsize G250 (later renamed the G280) for the first time on Dec. 11, 2009, and were expecting the new airplane to fly again, weather permitting. This second flight could see the Honeywell HTF7250G-powered twinjet reach 40,000 feet and Mach 0.80, according to IAI chief test pilot Ronen Shapira.

During the first flight, which lasted three hours and 21 minutes, Shapira and his copilot took the airplane to 253 knots and 32,000 feet, part of a detailed flight-test card that the flight crew completed more quickly than expected.

Dubai Still in Pole Position as Gulf's Core Bizav Hub

Strong revenues from elevated oil prices and its position as a magnet for personal and corporate wealth continue to make Dubai the Middle East region’s preeminent hub for business aviation activity. That fact is quite apparent with new facilities opening at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Al Maktoum International Airport, most notably the new ExecuJet FBO adjacent to the existing VIP terminal.

“They are putting the final touches to the FBO facility and lounges,” airport CEO Tahnoon Saif told AIN. “The [Dassault ExecuJet MRO] hangars are ready and will add capacity to the area. It’s an important element that will increase the number of movements.”

BJT: 10 of New York City's Best Int'l Restaurants

You don't have to fly around the globe to enjoy the world’s best ethnic cuisine. Just come to Manhattan.

New York has some of the world's best international restaurants. Here are 10 we love, featuring such cuisines as Dominican, Israeli, and Greek.

Embraer Sees Progress on E-Freighter Project

Embraer is progressing in its E-Jet freighter conversion program that was launched last year, the Brazilian airframer noted during a recent media day presentation in New York. Intended to breathe new life into aging E190 and E195 regional jets as they come off lease, as well as provide the OEM with a niche entry into the growing passenger-to-freighter market, the manufacturer expects the conversions to add more than a decade of additional use.

The program recently reached a milestone, with the fitting of a cargo door to an E190 for the first time. Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer’s commercial aircraft division, stated that the program will start with the E190: “We believe that’s the biggest feedstock that is out there in the market; there were many more 190s built than 195s.”

FutureFlight: Air New Zealand To Operate Beta eCTOLs

Air New Zealand will introduce up to 23 Beta Technologies Alia electric aircraft to its fleet, based on a deal announced on Tuesday with the manufacturer of the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) model. The agreement covers a firm order for one, options for two more, and rights covering an additional 20 aircraft.

The airline intends to use the Alia for cargo service for the New Zealand postal service and plans to announce in early 2024 which two airports will be served in the first phase of operations in 2026. The move is part of Air New Zealand’s wider Mission Next Gen Aircraft decarbonization program.

A Look Inside the Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty

Up to 19 people can ride in comfort on the Airbus ACJ220 aircraft, which is a VIP version of the latest member of the manufacturer’s A220 airliner family. The aircraft can comfortably operate out of 5,000-foot-long runways at mtow and still fly nonstop from L.A. to London or Beijing to Melbourne. While the Mach 0.82 cruising speed is slower compared with other ultra-long-range business jets, the TwoTwenty’s spacious VIP interior and 25 percent lower fuel burn are a plus.

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