Signature Aviation debuted its newly-renovated FBO terminal at Alabama’s Huntsville International Airport (KHSV) yesterday with a grand reopening celebration. The project took 18 months to complete. With a nod to Huntsville’s “Rocket City” nickname, the facility features modern design inside and out, with a centerpiece mural by a local artist honoring the area’s aerospace heritage.

Supporting its clients in one of the fastest-growing Southern U.S. cities, the company added more than 2,500 sq ft of space to the terminal—bringing it to 6,000 sq ft—and also a new entrance and ramp expansion. Due to the concentrated military presence in the area, the refurbished terminal features a dedicated lounge for service members.

“We are excited to unveil our facility in Huntsville, a city renowned for its legacy as a cornerstone of aerospace, defense, and technology,” said Signature CEO Tony Lefebvre. “From the thoughtfully designed spaces drawing inspiration from the city itself to the curated amenities specific to the needs of Huntsville visitors and residents, every element…has been crafted to make every second of the guest’s experience exceptional.”

KHSV was just the first in the chain’s renovated FBO unveilings on tap, with Savannah, Georgia (KSAV); Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (KRDU); and Palm Beach, Florida (KPBI) coming later this year. Signature will also open a new location at Francis S. Gabreski Airport (KFOK) at New York's Long Island by year-end.

AINsight: Recent Bizav Accidents Are Head-scratchers

Two recently published accident reports have left me scratching my head. In both cases, the pilots of business jets attempted to troubleshoot maintenance issues “on the fly.” One was literally on the takeoff roll without consulting approved aircraft quick reference handbooks or manuals or seeking guidance from maintenance personnel.

The first accident led to an in-flight upset that killed a passenger, while the second resulted in a serious runway incursion where two aircraft collided at a runway intersection.

As a pilot and safety investigator, “Monday morning quarterbacking” is not my forte (I hate it!). But in this case, after digging through the two NTSB reports, I’m a bit perplexed as to why these professional pilots would attempt to take off and go fly with cockpit alerts related to flight control issues. All I can say, at this point, is, “C’mon Man!”

Unlike ESPN’s widely popular “C’mon Man”—a humorous segment on Monday Night Countdown featuring bloopers from professional football players—these two accidents were much more serious. The outcome of these events was tragic: one passenger was killed, three aircraft were damaged, and there was a potential to cause harm to many others.

Below are excerpts from the applicable NTSB reports.

Farnborough Airport Launches Operations Training Program

One of the UK’s leading business aviation hubs has started a program to develop specific skills needed to support the recruitment of airport operations staff. Farnborough Airport and the Farnborough College of Technology yesterday launched the eight-week Airport Operations course with the intention of expanding the local skills base.

Graduates of the course will receive a professional certificate in airport operations. The curriculum covers topics such as customer service, health and safety procedures, security, and ground handling.

According to the privately-owned airport, the course establishes that students have received “the foundational knowledge and grounding needed to be able to apply for a position in the aviation industry…at Farnborough Airport or elsewhere.” Applicants of all ages should have any Level 3 educational qualifications in the UK (roughly equivalent to high school graduation) and can seek a place on the course via the College of Technology, which is not far from the airport.

Farnborough Airport said its operations support around 3,000 jobs in the southeast London area. “As an employer of choice and responsibility, we aim to attract, train, and retain talent from all backgrounds and experiences,” said airport CEO Simon Geere. “In doing so, we hope to support local people into the workplace and into the aviation industry, which in turn supports and contributes to Rushmoor Borough Council’s Delivery Plan for Skills, Economy and Business.”

Empire Aviation Expands AOG Network in California

Nationwide AOG services provider Empire Aviation has established a new mobile team based out of the Skyservice FBO at Napa County Airport (KAPC) in California. The New Jersey-based company’s capabilities at Napa feature 24/7 regional AOG support including troubleshooting and repairs, as well as routine and emergency maintenance. It will also offer part sales, inspections, and technical support out of its KAPC location.

“We’re excited to expand our AOG capabilities to [KAPC] with Skyservice,” said Empire president Mark Reyes. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to minimizing aircraft downtime by providing responsive troubleshooting and repair services.”

In addition to another California-based team at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), Empire also provides service out of Teterboro Airport (KTEB) in New Jersey; Boston Hanscom Field (KBED); Scottsdale Airport in Arizona (KSDL); Dallas Love Field (KDAL); Nashville International Airport (KBNA); Colorado’s Rifle Garfield County Airport (KRIL); Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS); and Florida's Orlando Executive (KORL), Miami–Opa Locka Executive (KOPF), and Palm Beach International (KPBI) airports.

“We are delighted to welcome Empire Aviation to Napa County Airport,” said Ty Dubay, Skyservice’s president of FBO operations. “Their trusted maintenance solutions will enhance the overall experience for our tenants and transient customers, providing a critical resource to keep aircraft in service.”

Embraer Hopes for Bright Skies Ahead with Solar Installation

Embraer has announced a collaboration with Florida Power & Light (FPL) to install its first onsite solar energy system at the company’s Melbourne, Florida campus. This initiative represents the aerospace firm’s largest solar energy project to date, aligning with its commitment to use 100% renewable energy at all global sites by 2030.

“This project marks a significant milestone for our company. It signifies our commitment to the future of sustainable aviation and our dedication to sustainable growth…we understand the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The need to adapt our industry to this new context presents a significant opportunity for growth and innovation,” said Embraer president and CEO Francisco Gomes Neto.

Comprising more than 1,900 panels, the solar installation is expected to generate up to 1,800 MWh annually, offsetting most of the energy needed to power Embraer’s customer center. The project, scheduled to begin operations by year-end, is part of Embraer’s broader environmental efforts, which include increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel in its operations.

FPL’s SolarVantage program, which facilitates custom onsite solar solutions, will design, install, and maintain the solar system without upfront costs to Embraer. Tim Oliver, FPL’s v-p of development, said, “We are excited to welcome Embraer to our FPL SolarVantage program with an onsite solar installation designed to help them get one step closer to their sustainability goals.”

Photo of the Week

Welcome to sunny Florida. Christopher Adamson, the general manager at Pensacola Aviation Center in the Florida panhandle, sent us several photos of the record eight-inch snow accumulation at the FBO this week, so we’re highlighting this one that we didn’t use in the story about Florida airport weather closures on Wednesday. The airport has since reopened and while it’s a bit sunnier now, temperatures are still far from being more temperate. Thanks for sharing, Christopher!

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.