Daher began deliveries of its new TBM 960 to U.S. customers last week, following FAA approval on June 24. Daher handed over the first-ever TBM 960 in late April to a German customer. The initial two TBM 960s for U.S. customers departed June 25 from the company’s aircraft division headquarters in Tarbes, France, and flew to separate TBM-authorized distributors—Elliott Jets in Minneapolis and Avex at California’s Camarillo Airport—for the handovers to their owners.
“I want to recognize the collaborative work of EASA and the FAA that resulted in the TBM 960’s certification,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the senior v-p of Daher’s aircraft division. “I also want to express my thanks to our U.S. customers for their patience during the certification process. We’ve had an exceptional response overall to the TBM 960 since its launch, with more than 60 orders now logged worldwide for this latest version.”
According to Chabbert, the long-distance delivery flights from Europe to the U.S. were a good opportunity to highlight the TBM 960’s digital systems, which include a dual-channel digital engine and propeller electronic control system. Emphasizing the importance of the U.S. market, he said more than 80 percent of nearly 1,100 TBMs delivered to date have gone to North American customers, a majority of which are in the U.S.
Luxembourg-headquartered fractional ownership and management company Jetfly has strengthened its offering within the “thriving UK market” thanks to a partnership with UK-based Pilatus aircraft operator Ravenair. The venture was created on the back of Brexit, which removed the freedom for EU-based operators to perform internal flights within the former member state after Dec. 31, 2020.
“To fly domestically within the UK following Brexit, Civil Aviation Authority rules dictate that Jetfly members be transported on a G-registered aircraft operated on a local air operator certificate [AOC],” said Jetfly sales director UK Jonathan Clough. “The arrangement with UK-based Ravenair—an experienced PC-12 operator since 2015—gives us an ideal solution for this market and now we have all our bases covered for our members—UK to EU, intra-UK, and intra-EU.”
The first Jetfly-owned and branded PC-12—registered as G-OJFA—arrived at Jetfly’s Fairoaks Airport, southern England base in late May, and services with the turboprop single began soon after. Airworthiness, registration, and AOC “formalities” included a 300-hour scheduled maintenance check undertaken at Jetfly’s Part 145 maintenance facility at Bournemouth Airport on the UK southern coast, overseen by Ravenair's Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization.
Jetfly noted four “fully trained UK pilots” are currently supporting G-OJFA, which has logged more than 30 domestic passenger flights to date. Two more Jetfly-owned PC-12s are scheduled to join the UK fleet before year-end, the companies said.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX’s application to provide satellite communications for vehicles while in motion, which include “earth stations on vessels, vehicle-mounted earth stations, and earth stations aboard aircraft.” The approval is subject to certain limitations but paves the way for SpaceX to offer Ku-band airborne satcom using its Starlink satellite network. Public charter provider JSX is the first customer for airborne Starlink and it expects to begin offering the service later this year.
According to the FCC, “Authorizing a new class of terminals for SpaceX’s satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require connectivity while on the move, whether driving an RV across the country, moving a freighter from Europe to a U.S. port, or while on a domestic or international flight.”
Although SpaceX has not responded to AIN’s questions about its airborne Starlink service and equipment, there is some related information in the FCC’s June 30 Order and Authorization. The document cites SpaceX’s plan to use “advanced phased-arrays [antennas]” that “use software to track its…satellite and platform motion.”
SpaceX has not released any information about equipment that will be offered for airborne Starlink applications, nor any performance specifications or pricing.
Boise, Idaho-based Jackson Jet has expanded its charter and management business through the acquisition of Swift Aircraft Management. Announced today, the acquisition increases Jackson Jet's presence in the Phoenix market and adds an Embraer Legacy 600 and Phenom 300 to its available charter fleet.
In addition, the deal also extends FAA authorization for worldwide charter operations to Jackson Jet, clearing the way for flights to destinations in Europe, South America, and other locations outside of its typical North American routes. “The ability to fly larger and further than ever before is a game-changer for us and our customers,” said Jackson Jet CEO Jeff Jackson. “We’re thrilled we can now serve these customers…rather than refer those requests on to industry partners.”
The acquisition furthers Jackson Jet’s investment in Swift. In January, the business aviation services firm purchased the Swift Aviation FBO at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Starspeed will assume the operations of Penzance Helicopters to provide service to the Isles of Scilly, in the southwest UK, effective this November, replacing current operator Sloane Helicopters. Penzance has transported more than 50,000 passengers to the islands of Tresco and St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly throughout the year from a purpose-built heliport on the outskirts of Penzance.
“We’re extremely proud to bring our resources, knowledge, and experience to this important route between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. Our unrivaled reputation for safety, service, and individual attention, as well as our professional and friendly culture, will help grow Penzance Helicopters to the benefit of the whole Isles of Scilly community,” said Starspeed managing director Simon Mitchell.
Luxaviation Group unit Starspeed was founded in 1978 and is the largest, privately-owned, corporate VIP helicopter company in Europe. It has operated more than 22 helicopter models, including the Enstrom F28; Bell 206, 222, 429, and 430; Airbus AS350, AS355, AS365, EC155, EC135, EC145, and H145; Leonardo AW169 and AW139; and Sikorsky S-76 and S-92, from some 65 countries and more than 10 mega-yachts.
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) is working with the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) to provide their safety management system (SMS) for aircraft maintenance at no additional cost to HAI members. “We couldn’t be happier working with AEA in providing their proven, standardized SMS maintenance program to the teams that turn the wrenches,” said HAI president and CEO James Viola. “Combined, this tool chest offers some of the most needed tools available for improving safety programs at any size business.”
Since introducing its SMS program to members last year, HAI has expanded it to include a scalable SMS program for helicopter operators, an aviation safety action program (ASAP), a flight risk assessment tool (FRAT), and, now, the SMS program for aviation maintenance. Last year, HAI announced a partnership with Air Charter Safety Foundation to make its ASAP program available to HAI members.
HAI then introduced a software-based SMS program to its members through Wyvern, the Air Charter Safety Foundation, and Baldwin Safety and Compliance. During Heli-Expo 2022, HAI announced a partnership with Switzerland-based NGFT Solutions to offer a new FRAT module to HAI members.
HAI members can register for the new maintenance SMS program.
Lygg recently launched its door-to-door transportation app and platform for travel within Europe, using per-seat charter at the solution’s core and commencing with scheduled flights on Pilatus PC-12s linking Frankfurt-Eglesbach Airport in Germany with Berlin, Paris, and Bruges, Belgium. Passengers are currently limited to employees of a pair of undisclosed major companies using Lygg on a trial basis, co-founders Roope Kekalaninen, CEO, and Jari-Jussi Viinikkala, CFO, told AIN. But discussions with additional prospects are in progress, they said.
“We're starting with corporations to get a solid customer base; then we’ll invite individual consumers to book flights next year,” Kekalaninen said.
A true door-to-door service, “customers just type in their departure address and destination address,” along with when they want to leave, and the app arranges and manages the entire trip seamlessly, with an emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. Intra-Europe flights will primarily use turboprop aircraft, with per-seat costs of transportation estimated at €525 ($550) for a one-hour flight; €630 for 1.5-hour flights; and €735 for two hours.
On the supply side, Finland-based Lygg reports operator enthusiasm for providing appropriately priced aircraft in exchange for large blocks of guaranteed charter time. As electric propulsion, eVTOLs, and other sustainable technologies come online, Lygg sees opportunities in its platform to deliver fully sustainable, net-zero transportation solutions globally.
The FAA and three leading helicopter groups are sponsoring the 2022 Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST) Global Conference from October 4 to 6 in Hurst, Texas, as an outgrowth of the FAA International Rotorcraft Safety Conferences first held in 2015. This year's theme for the conference is “The New Era of Vertical Lift—Collaboration in Safety Culture.” Sponsoring helicopter groups include VAST, Helicopter Association International, and U.S. Helicopter Safety Team.
According to organizers, the event will feature presentations and panels dealing with vertical lift safety issues and is open to in-person and virtual attendance for a nominal registration fee, discounted through August 8. Attendees can also qualify for an FAA Inspection Authorization refresher course and AMT and WINGS credits. While helicopter-focused programming will be emphasized, the conference will be expanded to include vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles.
The first day of the conference will include presentations for the entire helicopter and VTOL community. Day two will split the event into tracks focusing on specific safety elements for VTOL operations and maintenance, and day three will highlight global safety perspectives with presentations on safety, technology, vertiports, and other topics.
People in Aviation
Mike Grabbe, the maintenance quality and safety manager for Jet Access and Eagle Creek Aviation, was awarded the FAA FAASTeam's Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in recognition of his 50 years of service as an FAA-certified aircraft mechanic. More than 20 of those years were at Jet Access and Eagle Creek.
Advanced Safety and Quality Solutions (ASQS) appointed Pich Damrongmanee deputy director-general of Bangkok-based ASQS Ltd., succeeding current director of APAC business development Jonathan Frey. Damrongmanee has more than 24 years of experience in aviation and has worked for companies such as United Offshore Aviation and Thai Airways. For the past 16 years, he has held various management positions with national and international aviation organizations. Frey, who has led the Bangkok office since the beginning of 2020, will transition to a new role within the ASQS Group.
Cabin audio systems and cabin control manufacturer and supplier Alto Aviation hired Brandon Klisit as senior technical sales manager. Klisit’s previous experience includes being an avionics sales manager with StandardAero, where he worked since 1999, as well as having held roles with IFR Avionics, Ameriflight, and Gulfstream Aerospace, in addition to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Aerospace Center for Excellence and Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, hired Jana Filip as business development manager. Filip holds two degrees in education and has two decades of experience in aviation events planning. She previously served on the planning committee for the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, directed the Sebring Expo for six years, and later founded the DeLand Showcase, which also featured the sport aviation community.
Angela Martens was appointed by Skytrac Systems as v-p of finance and administration. Martens, who holds a bachelor's in commerce from Laurentian University, is a certified general accountant and chartered professional accountant with more than 15 years of experience in providing financial services and leadership to a diverse set of industries.
Aircraft brokerage and transactions firm JetHQ appointed Kyle Evans as its in-house general counsel. Additionally, Josh Tremain will become v-p of contracts and business development succeeding Nicola Pike, who is retiring after over 30 years in business aviation. Evans joins JetHQ after more than a decade of legal experience at Oklahoma City law firms, where he practiced civil law for individual and corporate clients in commercial matters specializing in contract and insurance law. Tremain previously served as manager of contracts and business development and will work alongside Evans to manage relationships with title companies, aviation attorneys, and other aircraft buyers and sellers.
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