General Dynamics chair and CEO Phebe Novakovic called the lack of a type certificate for the Gulfstream G700 jet certification among the “things that sort of surprised us” in 2023, but she maintained that its Savannah, Georgia business aviation division is on a good track for approval.

Speaking during a recent Cowen 45th Annual Aerospace & Defense Conference, Novakovic said, “We’re largely done. And we're simply waiting for the FAA to conclude its deliberation, It's just...not a process that we control.”

Gulfstream had hoped for certification by the end of last year and anticipated delivering as many as 15 before 2023 concluded, but the prolonged approval process has shifted those deliveries into this year.  As a result, Gulfstream anticipates a 44 percent bump in deliveries this year.

Going forward, she said, the order pipeline remains at a “nice solid pace,” particularly in the U.S. Along its marketing lines, Gulfstream is planning to continue its strategy, for now, of focusing on such regional events instead of the major business aviation conventions. The manufacturer confirmed it would not be exhibiting at EBACE this May in Geneva.

One challenge has been the conflict involving Israel and Hamas hampering operations at its G280 manufacturing partner, Israel Aircraft Industries. Novakovic said IAI has done a “good job replacing those who were called up to military service with retirees and management. We have factored all of that into our plan.” 

Read more

Oil pressure warnings preceded the failure of both engines and the February 9 fatal crash of a chartered Bombardier Challenger 604 on a highway. The aircraft was on approach to Naples Municipal Airport in Florida, according to NTSB's preliminary report issued today. The two pilots of the Hop-A-Jet Part 135 flight were killed in the accident. The flight attendant and two passengers escaped with minor injuries.

Flight data recorder information revealed that the first of three master warnings was recorded just before both engines flamed out. The system alerted pilots with the illumination of a “Master Warning” light, a corresponding red message on the crew alerting system, and a triple chime voice advisory, “Engine oil.”

Twenty seconds later, the crew announced, “…lost both engines…emergency…making an emergency landing.” Seven seconds later, with the aircraft at 900 feet and 115 knots, the crew replied, “We are cleared to land but we are not going to make the runway.” The twinjet came to rest about 1,000 feet past the initial touchdown point facing opposite the direction of vehicle travel. The cabin attendant found the cabin and emergency exits blocked by fire and coordinated a successful egress with the passengers through the baggage compartment door.

The airplane, N823KD, had departed from Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio, after receiving 2,345 pounds of fuel.

Bangor, Maine-based C&L Aerospace has opened an 8,500-sq-ft parts warehouse in Wichita, giving it space to store avionics and parts inventories for Cessna Citation XLS, Citation Sovereign, BeechJet, Hawker, Bombardier Challenger, and Embraer ERJ 135/145 and E170/190 aircraft. 

The move announced this week constitutes part of a larger expansion plan to position aircraft parts closer to their worldwide customer base. C&L also plans to open two additional warehouse facilities around the globe this spring.

“The new warehouse is strategically located, allowing us to better support our customers in the Midwest and West Coast,” said Chris Kilgour, CEO of C&L Aviation Group. “Inventories kept here are critical rotables and components needed on a short-term notice. It will also allow for more favorable shipping times and rates for our customers on the west side of the country.”

C&L Aviation Group maintains and supports operators in the corporate and regional aviation industry. Along with aircraft and engine sales and leasing programs, C&L offers parts support, heavy maintenance, interior refurbishment, aircraft teardown, disassembly services, and aircraft management. The company maintains offices in the U.S., Australia, Africa, Europe, Singapore, and Latin America.

Bombardier recently completed its first 7,500-landing inspection on a Challenger 300 in Europe, at Biggin Hill Airport in the UK. The project follows a Challenger 300 inspection in December at the company’s Hartford Service Center in Windsor Locks, Connecticut—the third of its kind performed by a Bombardier service facility in the U.S. The airframer completed two similar inspections at the Tucson Service Center in Arizona and a fourth Challenger 300 aircraft is undergoing the procedure in Hartford. 

According to Bombardier, the London Biggin Hill Service Center suits such detailed work because its technicians are factory-trained for heavy maintenance inspections. Eighty-eight Challenger 300s operated in Europe as of last year’s fourth quarter.

A 7,500-landing inspection involves what Bombardier calls a meticulous assessment of various components, systems, and structures. It typically includes non-destructive testing of the aircraft’s airframe and detailed checks on the airframe, landing gear, engines, avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and critical components such as the replacement of life-limited hardware and components.

“The expertise that we can bring to this inspection is that we’re part of a massive global network; being the OEM, we also know the real history of this aircraft,” said Paul Thompson, senior director of international service centers. 

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker has given Boeing's senior leaders 90 days to develop a “comprehensive action plan” to address its systemic quality-control deficiencies at the aircraft manufacturer. Whitaker made the remarks on yesterday during an all-day safety discussion at FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C., to meet the agency's non-negotiable safety standards. The meetings addressed safety lapses before the January 5 incident in which a door plug “blew out” from an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 in mid-flight.

“Boeing must commit to real and profound improvements,” Whitaker said following a meeting with Boeing CEO and president Dave Calhoun and his senior safety team. “Making foundational change will require a sustained effort from Boeing’s leadership, and we are going to hold them accountable every step of the way, with mutually understood milestones and expectations.”  

Whitaker told Boeing that he expects the company to provide the FAA a “comprehensive action plan” within 90 days that would incorporate the results of the agency’s production-line audit and the latest findings from the expert review panel report, as required by the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act of 2020. The plan must also include steps Boeing would take to “mature” its safety management system (SMS) program, to which it committed in 2019. 

Earlier this week, an FAA-led panel of experts published a report highlighting what it characterized as deficiencies in Boeing's safety culture.

Banyan Air Service has signed a dealer agreement to supply in-flight internet connectivity with StarLink’s low-earth-orbit satellite network. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based FBO said several supplemental type certificates are nearing completion to serve multiple business aircraft types.

Under the agreement with Starlink, Banyan aims to deliver reliable high-speed connectivity across U.S. skies “and beyond,” giving passengers access to the internet in flight.

The introduction of the Starlink system aboard aircraft results in what Banyan calls “unprecedented” internet speeds, global coverage with its vast constellation of satellites, low latency with the use of LEO satellites, straightforward installation on a range of business aircraft, and “competitive” pricing.

“Through this exciting collaboration, Banyan is not just enhancing the in-flight experience but is also empowering business aviation with the tools needed for success in an increasingly connected world,” the FBO said in a written statement. “The integration of Starlink technology reaffirms our commitment to innovation and excellence, setting new standards for connectivity in the skies.”

An FAA- and EASA-approved repair station, Banyan holds maintenance and avionics repair station approvals to provide heavy maintenance, interior and paint refurbishment, turbine engine service, structural repairs and modifications, avionics installation and repair services, aircraft parts, and aircraft sales and management.  

The Hartzell Propeller Service Center has doubled its warranty coverage to two years or 2,000 flight hours while increasing its propeller exchange inventory to cover a wider range of aircraft.

The Hartzell Service Center’s doubling of the warranty term on work performed at the FAA-certified repair station in Piqua, Ohio, reflects what it calls its commitment to quality, performance, and support.

“These improvements at the Hartzell Service Center give our customers extended warranty protection and additional inventory, leading to less flight downtime,” said Hartzell Service Center director Scott Foster. “We continually look for ways to add convenience and value for aircraft owners and operators.”

As the Hartzell factory-owned repair station for the overhaul and repair of Hartzell props and governors, the Hartzell Service Center offers a “sizeable” propeller exchange inventory supporting several aircraft. The Hartzell Service Center now offers propeller governor exchanges for customers requiring minimum flight downtimes. Operators also can schedule a governor exchange ahead of scheduled service.