Business Aviation Provides Support for Fire-torn L.A.

The business aviation ecosystem has been playing a role in helping mitigate the wildfires that have raged through the Los Angeles area since January 7. With industry members among those displaced by the disaster, Universal Weather and Aviation has partnered with the Southern California Business Aviation Association to launch a GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate relief to those affected, with the global trip support provider kicking in an initial $20,000.

At Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), Signature Aviation has been fueling the quartet of Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper” water bombers sent from Canada, which have been one of the primary weapons in the battle to contain the conflagration. Officials are making progress: as of today the Eaton and Palisades fires are 65% and 31% contained, respectively.

The company noted that it has also assisted with the arrival of additional firefighting reserves at its Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) location. According to a Signature spokesperson, it is supporting local firefighters and community members through donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the California Community Foundation.

Atlantic Aviation reported that its locations at Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), KLAX, and Burbank Airport (KBUR) are providing fuel discounts to Cal Fire and other firefighting agencies, and its facility at Long Beach Airport (KLGB) hosted a donations collection site for fire victims in need of supplies.

AINsight: Two Skills That Make or Break Aviation Leaders

Have you ever left a job because the leader you worked for avoided tough decisions? Maybe they did so because they hoped problems would vanish, or they lacked the emotional insight or confidence to make tough decisions, which might have ended up creating a toxic culture. After all, both issues fuel low morale and resentment.

On that note, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “People don’t leave jobs; they leave their leaders.” So the question is, what separates good aviation leaders from great ones?

It’s not just having technical expertise; rather, it’s managerial courage and emotional intelligence. Managerial courage means taking decisive action—making tough calls, addressing conflict through constructive feedback conversations, and holding people accountable. Emotional intelligence ensures that those actions are delivered with empathy, self-awareness, and thoughtful, two-way communication.

Having worked with hundreds of aviation and maintenance directors as well as chief pilots throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how these two skills can make or break aviation leaders.

And I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve sometimes failed by not addressing small issues before they escalated to become larger ones. It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way: avoiding uncomfortable conversations and not being an effective communicator only makes problems worse.

TSA Finalizes Security Updates for Part 380 Operations

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated its security protocols for DOT Part 380 public charters, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) alerted members.

While not detailing the changes—the association noted that they are classified as “sensitive security information”—NATA said it was reviewing the updates to ensure its members clearly understand them. “We encourage FBOs and airports that support or offer public charter services to discuss potential operational adjustments with the public charter operator,” the association said.

The updates have been in the works for some time. In June, the FAA said it was coordinating with the TSA to review security requirements for passenger screening involving public charter flights, as well as other program alterations under the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program. The comment period for those changes was to have ended that month.

Part 380 security has come under scrutiny as certain airlines and pilots’ unions have sought to close operational differences between public charters and Part 121 air carriers. (Public charters often involved Part 135 operators who fly with U.S. DOT Part 380 economic authority). Proponents of such changes have argued unfair economic advantages and cited both security and safety concerns.

Citation CJ1+ Overruns Runway in Brazil, Killing Pilot

A Cessna Citation CJ1+, registered as PR-GFS, landing at Brazil's Ubatuba Gastão Madeira State Airport (SDUB) on January 9 overran Runway 9’s boundary, collided with a fence, and burst into flames. The light twinjet came to rest on a beach, as shown in videos posted to social media by bystanders.

The pilot died in the accident, while three of the four passengers onboard suffered serious injuries and one suffered minor injuries; one person on the ground received serious injuries and another suffered minor injuries, according to a preliminary report by Brazil’s CENIPA published on Wednesday.

CJ1+ data published by Textron Aviation indicates takeoff and landing distances of 3,260 feet and 2,590 feet, respectively. The runway at SDUB is 3,084 feet long (940 meters), but according to AIP data the first 1,247 feet of Runway 9 is closed, leaving only about 1,837 feet of non-displaced runway available for landing.

Textron’s landing distance figures appear to include a pilot and three passengers, and achieved under standard temperature and pressure and dry surface conditions. Videos of the accident indicate that Ubatuba’s runway was wet when PR-GFS attempted its landing. The investigation by CENIPA is ongoing and the agency stated in its preliminary report that “once the investigation is concluded, the final report will be published on the CENIPA website.”

Indiana FBO Undergoes a Bevy of Changes

Tri-State Aero, the lone FBO operator at Indiana’s Evansville Regional Airport (KEVV) for more than six decades, has just undergone a variety of changes with the arrival of its new terminal, a company rebranding, and a new fuel provider. United Companies, a long-time tenant of the FBO, purchased it in 2022 and finally changed its name to United Companies Air Center as it moved into its new complex.

Construction began on the 10,000-sq-ft general aviation terminal in early 2023. Built by the airport, the two-story, glass-sheathed building features an airy double-height passenger lobby with a refreshment bar; crew suite with lounge, two snooze rooms, and dedicated shower facilities; two conference rooms seating eight and 20, respectively; flight-planning area; crew car and onsite car rental; and hotel within walking distance.

Next week, the company will welcome a new 12,000-sq-ft hangar with 3,500 sq ft of office space capable of sheltering the latest ultra-long-range business jets. It will complement the complex’s existing 100,000 sq ft of heated hangar space, which can accommodate up to super-midsize jets.

United acquired Tri-State’s aircraft maintenance business, which specializes in Beechcraft, Cirrus, and Piper products. The location is also the newest in the Avfuel-branded dealer network, offering contract fuel and participating in the company’s Avtrip customer loyalty program.

Photo of the Week

Pardon my French. Officials at Paris Le Bourget Airport apparently aren’t shy about asking pilots to turn off their aircraft’s auxiliary power units while parked on the ramp. Using the English “buddy” also avoids the awkward decision of whether to use the feminine “copine” or masculine “copain” in French. Thanks to Textron Aviation flight operations senior pilot Peter Herr for sending in this one!

Keep them coming. If you’d like to submit an entry for Photo of the Week, email a high-resolution horizontal image (at least 2000 x 1200 pixels), along with your name, contact information, social media names, and info about it (including brief description, location, etc.) to photos@ainonline.com. Tail numbers can be removed upon request. Those submitting photos give AIN implied consent to publish them in its publications and social media channels.