Following development of a fully integrated avionics suite for the Textron Aviation Cessna Citation CJ2 in March 2024, the upgrade has received FAA supplemental type certificate approval for the Citation CJ1. The upgrade replaces all of the original avionics with Garmin touchscreen TXi displays, GTN Xi navigators, GFC 600 digital autopilot, and any additional optional equipment.

While the upgrade package includes 10.6-inch TXi displays, buyers can opt for Garmin’s 12.1-inch displays for the primary and multifunction displays (PFD and MFD). The standby flight instrument is a Garmin GI 275 mounted on the pilot’s side, and a second GI 275 on the copilot side is an option. Heading, altimeter, airspeed, and altitude selections are synchronized between the GI 275 and the PFD, and synthetic vision is also available for display on the GI 275.

All engine instruments are replaced with Garmin’s TXi engine indication system (EIS), which includes automatically computed N1 targets for takeoff, go-around, and max continuous thrust settings, displayed as reference bugs. The EIS display includes timers to help monitor transient engine limitations during start.

Garmin’s situational awareness features are included in the upgrade. Stabilized approach monitoring gives aural annunciations such as “speed,” “course,” “glidepath,” and “sink rate” to alert the pilot of exceedances of predetermined speed, course, or vertical descent rates. During takeoff, pilots receive aural alerting of V-speeds.

Bombardier is continuing rapid growth of its services and support network, this time turning its focus on the U.S. with a multi-phase, multi-site expansion. In announcing these plans today, the airframer did not detail specifics but said that expansion projects will roll out over the coming years to meet increasing demand for services and support in the U.S.

These projects will target regions where Bombardier operates as well as new ones, the company said, adding that it anticipates a need to recruit talent in each of the regions. This includes expanding and developing apprenticeships and other training programs with local communities.

“Bombardier’s fleet in the United States is growing at a rapid pace, and so should our American network of services and support,” said Paul Sislian, executive v-p of Bombardier aftermarket services and strategy.

The drive toward expansion comes as the company plans for the entry into service of its Global 7500 successor, the Global 8000, as well as with the steady growth of its global fleet, Bombardier said. The Canadian aircraft maker added that it is also keen to bolster U.S. capabilities in key hubs across the country to meet customers where they are.

Bombardier operates U.S. service centers in Dallas; Tucson, Arizona; Hartford, Connecticut; Wichita (its U.S. headquarters); and Miami. Alongside these are a parts distribution center in Chicago and mobile response teams at 20 locations nationwide.

Private aviation group Wheels Up is still striving to achieve profitability, with second-quarter figures reported today showing an $82.3 million net loss, albeit representing a 15% year-over-year (YOY) improvement. The company said it is implementing $50 million in cost savings as it completes the process of modernizing its fleet and optimizing its mix of products.

Revenues in the quarter fell 3% to $189.6 million, with gross flight bookings staying constant at $261.9 million. Wheels Up reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of $29 million in the three-month period, representing a 22% YOY improvement.

By October, Wheels Up aims to add three more Bombardier Challenger 300s as part of a plan to replace older, less efficient aircraft. The last of its Cessna Citation CJ3s was phased out during the second quarter, and 20% of the company fleet now consists of Challengers and Embraer Phenoms.

According to Wheels Up, corporate memberships are now the group’s fastest-selling product, rising at a rate of 25% YOY. The company is also seeing increased demand drawn from its partnership arrangements with main shareholder Delta Air Lines.

Just over two years ago, Wheels Up founder Kenny Dichter stepped down in the wake of a $555 million loss in 2022. Since then, a new leadership team led by former Delta Air Lines board member George Mattson has been focused on turning the business around.

The FAA's newly-released notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for low-level beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) missions will help UAS operators planning to serve new markets, according to NBAA. Under existing rules, drone pilots must seek a waiver or exemption for each BVLOS flight.

“NBAA and UAS operators commend the FAA for issuing this proposed rulemaking,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, “which will unlock new capabilities and commercial opportunities for many organizations. While still just a proposed rule with opportunity for public comment and modifications, the long-awaited NPRM is a crucial step in advancing safe, efficient UAS operations in the National Airspace System and offers an effective framework for providing UAS operators confidence in developing future business and operational plans.”

As proposed, Part 108 would add a BVLOS rating for people holding a remote pilot certificate. Other actions under consideration include operating rules for UAS cargo delivery for compensation or hire and a regulatory approval pathway for third-party services such as UAS traffic management service providers.

“Normalizing BVLOS flights is key to realizing drones’ societal and economic benefits,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, public safety, recreation, and flight testing are just some of the uses we expect to see as we enable these innovative technologies while maintaining the safety of our [airspace].”

In business aviation, it is essential to partner with a training provider—like FlightSafety International (FSI)—that invests in your success and supports your pilots throughout their entire career.

DuPage Flight Center, the county-owned and -operated FBO at Chicago DuPage Airport (KDPA), has expanded with the opening of another hangar. Built over the past year at a cost of $15 million, the 48,000-sq-ft facility—which, with its 29-foot-high doors, can accommodate the latest ultra-long-range business jets—includes two bays, each with 3,000 sq ft of office space.

It brings the total hangar space at the Paragon Aviation Group member FBO, located less than 30 miles from the Windy City’s downtown, to more than 170,000 sq ft. KDPA features a 7,571-foot main runway, a 24/7 control tower, more than a million sq ft of ramp, and onsite U.S. Customs. Its FBO offers a 14,000-sq-ft terminal with granite floors, crew lounges, conference rooms, and a café.

“Opening this hangar is a milestone that reflects our ongoing investment in providing exceptional infrastructure, convenience, and care to the aviation community,” said Brian DeCoudres, the Phillips 66-branded FBO’s director. “Whether you’re relocating your flight department or seeking summer storage, our new facility is built to deliver peace of mind, operational efficiency, and unmatched access to the Chicago market.”

Honeywell Aerospace Technologies has appointed Avia Solutions Group subsidiary FL Technics as a channel partner for business and general aviation. The agreement covers Honeywell’s engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) product lines.

FL Technics has 23 subsidiaries in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific and holds EASA Part 145, Part CAMO, Part 147, and Part 21, as well as FAA Part 145, certifications. The company’s hangars are located in Lithuania (Vilnius and Kaunas International airports), the UK (Prestwick International Airport), and Indonesia (Jakarta International Airport and Bali Island I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport). Services include base and line maintenance, spare parts and component support, engine repair, aircraft engineering, technical training, and aerospace logistics.

“We are delighted to be an official Honeywell partner, which empowers us to deliver Honeywell engine and APU products and certified installation services under a single umbrella,” said Arūnas Ganiprauskas, head of procurement and products unit, engine, airframe, and materials services at FL Technics. “For our customers, this means faster turnarounds and fewer handovers. And crucially, this is all OEM-backed, so our customers get peace of mind because they know everything has been delivered in accordance with Honeywell’s official documentation and training.”

The UK’s Birmingham Airport (EGBB) was closed for more than six hours yesterday after a Beechcraft King Air B200 made an emergency landing. Operated by Northern Ireland-based charter company Woodgate Aviation, the turboprop twin experienced landing gear failure soon after takeoff on a positioning flight to Belfast.

Video footage of the landing shows the King Air’s main gear collapsing as it came to a halt on the runway. Two pilots and a passenger on board were unharmed, and the UK’s Air Accident Investigation Branch has begun work to look into the incident.

Woodgate Aviation operates a pair of King Air B200s for private charter flights and emergency medical support. Its fleet also includes two Piper PA-31 Chieftains, used for aerial mapping projects. The company, which confirmed the main details of the incident, operates an FBO at Belfast International Airport (EGAA).

Join us for lunch on Wednesday, October 15, at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas to hear from a distinguished panel of leaders in business aviation to explore the future of in-flight connectivity. This event will feature key updates, highlighting innovations that are shaping the passenger experience and operational capabilities in the skies. Registration is required and seating is limited. Sponsored by Honeywell Aerospace and Viasat.