One Aviation Requests Court Approval for Asset Sale

A motion filed Monday evening in the ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy case of Albuquerque, New Mexico-based One Aviation requests court approval on procedures for the direct sale of the company's assets either to debtor-in-possession (DIP) Citiking International or a higher bidder.

The June 17 filing establishes Citiking as the “stalking horse” bidder—selected to establish a minimum price for the company and dissuade lower bids—for One Aviation's assets in a proposed Section 363 sale. This development comes one week after the U.S. Trustee in the Chapter 11 case moved to dismiss the company's prepackaged reorganization plan, which could have ultimately forced One Aviation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500/550 light jet, into Chapter 7 liquidation.

A 363 sale would stave off outright liquidation, and also allows for higher bids than Citiking's to be submitted for consideration in an auction for the company's assets. The court filing establishes an initial price of $17 million, an amount equal to Citiking’s DIP obligations to date, for that entity to purchase One Aviation’s assets. Other bidders would be required to offer at least $18.1 million, with an additional $50,000 “wind-down” fee paid to Citiking by the winner.

ADS-B Maker Appareo Acquires EFB Developer Aerovie

Appareo Aviation is acquiring electronic flight bag (EFB) developer Aerovie in a move that will give the manufacturer of the Stratus range of portable ADS-B receivers the ability to offer a complete hardware and software package, North Dakota-based Appareo announced yesterday.

“All of us at Appareo Aviation are excited to work with Bryan Heitman and the Aerovie team to incorporate their exceptional EFB into the Appareo family, and offer a complete hardware and software solution,” Appareo president Kris Garberg said. “We plan to build on the success of Aerovie by adding many new features that will increase safety in the cockpit.”

The first generations of Appareo’s Stratus were integrated with ForeFlight Mobile. In its fifth iteration, Stratus 3, it was designed with open ADS-B mode, allowing integration with any EFB app using GDL 90 protocol. That’s when Appareo became acquainted with Aerovie. “I started flying with the Aerovie app and Stratus 3 last year, and I was so impressed with the features and user experience that it became my ‘go to’ EFB,” Garberg added.

Planned enhancements to the Aerovie EFB include support for earlier generations of Appareo’s receivers: Stratus 2, 1S, 2S and 2i. Current features of its EFB include attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) and synthetic vision, VFR sectional, IFR low/high, and geo-referenced approach charts.

FDoT: GA Airports Generated $18.5 Billion in 2017

According to a recent economic impact study by the Florida Department of Transportation, the state’s 129 public airports accounted for nearly $175 billion in economic activity in 2017.

Of that amount, $91 billion was generated through commercial and general-aviation visitor spending, with more than half of the 110 million out-of-state visitors arriving in Florida by air. General-aviation passengers accounted for 5 percent of the passenger spending. Overall on-airport activity, including FBOs and other airport tenants and businesses totaling nearly 400,000 employees, accounted for $72 billion in economic output, with a payroll of $22 billion.

The study showed that the state’s general aviation airports alone were estimated to generate a total economic impact of nearly $18.5 billion. Among the highest were Page Field in Fort Myers, Lakeland Linder International, Naples Municipal, Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Lake City Gateway, Bob Sykes Airport in Crestview, Boca Raton Airport, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Treasure Coast International in Fort Pierce, Witham Field in Stuart, Vero Beach Regional Airport, Deland Municipal-Sidney H. Taylor Field, Orlando Executive, Miami Opa-Locka Executive, and Pilot Country Airport in Brooksville.

Qatar Executive Adds Two Gulfstreams

Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group, confirmed delivery of two new Gulfstreams, adding one G650ER and one G500 to its fleet earlier this month, to bring the total number of aircraft in the fleet to 18.

“These truly advanced jets enable us to offer an unparalleled flying experience to our global clientele,” said executive vice-president Ettore Rodaro. “We are proud of the strong relationship we have with [Gulfstream] and we look forward to receiving further jets from them in the future.”

In the run-up to EBACE last month, Rodaro told AIN that all 30 Gulfstream aircraft from an order the company made in 2015 will be added to the fleet by 2022, implying the addition of 17 more Gulfstreams in the two financial years ending March 2022.

Today, Qatar Executive’s 18-jet fleet includes six Gulfstream G650ERs, four G500s, three Bombardier Challenger 605s, four Global 5000s, and one Global XRS. The company expects to add three more G500s this year to bring total fleet size to 21 aircraft, including 13 Gulfstreams, if the other non-Gulfstream aircraft remain in the fleet.

“With new deliveries, the 2022 fleet will be roughly 30 long-range airplanes, and will be amongst the biggest players in the segment of ultra-long-range charter,” Rodaro told AIN in May.

TBM 940 Makes World Debut at Paris Air Show

French manufacturer Daher’s recently announced TBM 940, the latest in its line of turboprop singles, made its world debut at the Paris Air Show this week. The new model features increased automation, including an automated throttle and automated icing detection system, both installed for the first time on a standard-production turboprop weighting less than 12,500 pounds (5.7 tonnes).

Other enhancements—including cabin upgrades for style, ergonomics, and comfort—will also be incorporated into Daher’s entry-level TBM 910, along with the automated icing detection system. 

The first TBM 940 was delivered to a British customer the week before the Le Bourget gathering.

Around that time, Daher also announced its intended purchase of Idaho-based Quest Aircraft, which is expected to close in the third quarter of the year, subject to approval by authorities in the U.S. and France. That will give the TBM line a new stablemate in the rugged utility turboprop Kodiak 100. The family-owned Daher Group ultimately plans to develop synergies between the two aircraft product lines, introducing technologies and functionalities for the Kodiak aircraft that have contributed to the successes achieved by the TBM.

Mexico Approves Butler ADS-B STC for Older Learjets

Butler Avionics has received Mexican Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) approval of its ADS-B STC for a range of out-of-production Learjet models, the Olathe, Kansas-based company announced yesterday. The FAA-approved STC also covers the ADS-B Out equipment mandate in Mexico that takes effect January 1, 2020.

Under DGAC’s approval, Butler’s ADS-B Out solution is available for Learjet models 31, 31A, 35, 35A, 36, 36A, and 60 that have TCAS II installed. Its solution includes two Garmin GTX 3000 transponders, the GDL 88 (Dual Band UAT/1090 Receiver with WAAS GPS Sensor) and the Flight Stream 210 Bluetooth Transmitter. Butler’s modification easily interfaces with existing TCAS II equipment and offers access to ADS-B In information on a portable electronic device such as a tablet or iPad, according to the company.

“With the significant number of Learjets in Mexico, it is important to provide these reasonably priced ADS-B solutions,” Butler director of avionics Guy Morris said. 

Airbus Helicopters, Safran To Team On VTOL Technologies

Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopter Engines are teaming to demonstrate technologies that reduce CO₂ and sound emissions for future vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The two companies signed a letter of intent at this week’s Paris Air Show to jointly investigate a variety of technologies including electrification, higher-efficiency gas turbines, alternative fuels, and advanced engine architectures that reduce the acoustic footprint of turbines as part of the EU-funded Horizon Europe program.

Airbus and Safran have previously worked on propulsion systems, including the electric power “eco mode” for turbine twin-engine helicopters that enables engine pausing and restarting in flight. The technology generates fuel savings and increased range and will be tested on the Airbus Racer high-speed compound helicopter demonstrator. Safran has the “widest gas turbine power range and a complete range of electric systems for hybrid electric propulsive solutions, in addition to strong testing, qualification, and certification expertise.” “We are very pleased to partner with Airbus Helicopters in this journey for a lower environmental footprint of air transport,” said Franck Saudo, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines.

“The Horizon Europe program is the ideal solution to pull skills and know-how from across Europe, and I strongly believe in its ability to drive long-lasting change in our industry,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even. 

GAMA Names Stimpson Scholarship Winner

GAMA is presenting its 2019 Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award to Ericka Hardin, who is planning to attend Moody Aviation Technology in Spokane, Washington, in the fall.

Named after the long-time head of GAMA, the $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating U.S. high school senior who is enrolling in an aviation degree program at a college or university. Hardin plans to earn a bachelor of science degree in missionary aviation technology-flight. An active member of the Civil Air Patrol, she has received numerous recognitions, including the Mary Feik Achievement, the Wright Brothers Award, and the Lindbergh Achievement.

In discussing her plans as a missionary pilot, Hardin said, “Growing up in a rural ranching community I have learned…how connections with bigger communities are vital, not only for basic supplies but also for medical services, news, education, and life. In our world today there are still people out there who don’t have those connections or access to the basic services that we do.”

She added she hopes to use pilot skills to provide those people with the same opportunities that others have. “We are excited to support Ms. Hardin as she begins her studies this fall and seeks to fulfill her general aviation career dream of being a missionary pilot,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce.

AIN’s Tales from the Flight Deck: Otto’s Pilots Part 2

Unable to discern the fate of the small American delegation trying to win the freedom of an injured American college student from North Korea, a Phoenix Air flight crew decides to launch on its own. Says the pilot, “I’m an old Marine and Marines don’t leave our people behind.”