Vista Blends XOJet, JetSmarter into XO

Vista Global (VG) today unveiled XO, a “digital jet marketplace” that combines and replaces XOJet and JetSmarter, the respective charter fleet owner/operator and mobile booking app developer the Dubai-based group purchased in its bid to create a global charter offering. XO “addresses the shift toward digital solutions in the industry,” VG said in its announcement, creating a one-stop offering where “customers will be able to choose the best digital membership option, request a flight, or book a seat—instantly.”

VG—formed in August by Thomas Flohr, founder and CEO of luxury charter fleet owner/operator VistaJet—said XO will deliver “elevated services” by leveraging the “customer-centric expertise of XOJet with the speed and convenience of technology originally developed by JetSmarter.”

California-based XOJet ranked as the third-largest Part 135 charter provider by flight hours in 2018, according to Argus International. Florida-based brokerage JetSmarter’s technological prowess was often overshadowed by controversy surrounding its high-profile membership plans, which promised benefits such as free seats on shuttle flights, while legal issues predating its purchase by VG remain.

Garmin Adds Turbine Engine Monitoring on TXi Displays

Garmin G500 and G600 TXi touchscreen displays can now be used for engine indication system (EIS) information for turboprops singles with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines. The TXi displays’ EIS capability is compatible with the Cessna 208 series, Daher TBM 700 through 850, and Piper PA-46s modified by JetProp. Prices for a standalone EIS TXi for these airplanes start at $14,800.

In addition to standard turboprop engine indications such as torque, prop rpm, gas generator rpm, ITT, and oil pressure and temperature, fuel flow, and electrical system status, the EIS TXi can be configured for dynamic indications, for example, limitation markings that change depending on pressure altitude, OAT, and other factors. 

All normal and exceedance information is stored on an SD card in the TXi, including aircraft performance, engine data logging, and engine and flight cycles. The data can be downloaded from the SD card or wirelessly sent to the Garmin Pilot app on a tablet computer. 

The TXi displays are available in a 10.6-inch version, which can show primary flight display, multifunction display, and EIS information, as well as on a dedicated EIS on a 7-inch display in portrait format. The displays include an integrated fuel computer for monitoring fuel burn and using GPS to calculate fuel range, endurance, and fuel-at-destination. 

FAA Administrator Nominee Dickson Defends Disclosures

FAA Administrator nominee Steve Dickson defended his decision against disclosing a whistleblower complaint during the congressional vetting process, saying he was not named as a party to the complaint. Dickson further said that, given the information at the time, he believes certain moves made by his former employer, Delta Air Lines, were appropriate.

The White House in March announced its intention to nominate Dickson, but that nomination hit a stumbling block when information came to light that a whistleblower had filed a complaint against Delta, alleging that, after raising safety questions to airline leadership, she was subsequently ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation that ultimately led to the loss of pilot privileges. The complaint was filed against Delta, but it mentions Dickson’s involvement in receiving the safety concerns.

A Senate Commerce questionnaire for administrative nominees calls for disclosures of legal actions. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), the ranking Democrat on the Commerce Committee, had asked Dickson for an explanation. “Your failure to disclose this matter to the Committee is of major concern,” Cantwell told the nominee.

Dickson responded, “I interpreted the Committee questionnaire, as well as the pre-hearing interview with staff, to pertain to my personal conduct, my behavior both in general and as an officer of a large public company, or any instance in which I was a named party to a proceeding.”

NTSB: Non-IFR Rated NYC Helicopter Crash Pilot Was Lost

The non-instrumented-rated commercial pilot of the AW109E who died after it crashed atop a New York high-rise on June 10 radioed that he “did not know where he was” and flew erratically in and out of clouds reported as low as 500 feet, reversed course, and radically changed pitch angle and altitude, according to an NTSB preliminary report issued this week. Pilot Timothy McCormack was the only one aboard when the helicopter crashed onto the roof of the 54-story Axa Equitable Center on 7th Avenue at an altitude of 765 msl, caught fire, and sent a minor amount of debris onto the 50th floor and into the street.

A Central Park weather station one mile from the crash site reported 500 feet overcast and visibility of 1.086 nm in rain and mist. The 10-minute flight departed New York’s East 34th Street Heliport (6N5) and was bound for New Jersey's Linden Airport (LDJ). Five to seven minutes after departure the pilot requested a return to 6N5 and at that time reported he “did not know where he was.” 

After preliminary wreckage inspection, the NTSB reported that all three landing gear actuators were in the down position and that the throttle levers were in the max position, but their position at impact could not be confirmed. The wreckage was partially consumed in a post-impact fire.

NATA’s Dempsey Calls For Grassroots Outreach in Keynote

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) president Gary Dempsey introduced himself and his organization to members of the Wichita Aero Club yesterday and touched on a range of issues affecting business aviation in a nearly 40-minute-long presentation. It was Dempsey’s first visit to Wichita as NATA president.

“The aviation industry has really blessed me, and this is my turn to give back,” said Dempsey, who was named NATA’s top executive in September after retiring from a 50-year career in the industry as Jet Aviation’s senior v-p of sales for the Americas.

Airport closures, illegal charters, workforce development challenges, availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and the effects of urban air mobility regulation were among the topics Dempsey briefly touched upon. Key to increasing business aviation’s impact and voice in those issues is grassroots outreach at the federal level. He said there are 100 new members of Congress who haven’t yet voted on aviation-related legislation. 

“I’m asking you in this room for your help in reaching out to your congressmen,” he explained. “Reaching out and talking to your congressmen about your needs in running your business, whatever level you are, is certainly critical.”

Pilatus PC-24 Gets Transport Canada Nod

Pilatus Aircraft has received Transport Canada certification for its PC-24 light jet, Levaero Aviation, which has served as the manufacturer’s exclusive Canadian distributor since 1997, announced today. With this approval in hand, Levaero said the delivery of the first Canada-registered PC-24 will take place this summer.

The Swiss-made twinjet, which offers good short-field performance coupled with the ability to operate from unpaved surfaces, received FAA and EASA approval in December 2017 and entered service early last year. Since then, more than 30 of the twinjets have been delivered and have exceeded 6,000 hours of flight time globally in roles ranging from corporate transport to aeromedical critical care flights.

“The PC-24 is going to be a game-changer within the Canadian aviation landscape, especially given its unique varied mission capabilities,” said Stan Kuliavas, vice president of sales and business development for the Ontario-based distributor. “With its off-road capabilities and versatility, this aircraft will allow travelers to complete their individualized missions more efficiently than with any other jet.”

FAA Issues STC with More Options for Part 25 ADS-B

FreeFlight Systems has received FAA approved for a new ADS-B Out-compliant upgrade for Part 25 jets that include Hawkers, Challengers, Falcons, Gulfstreams, Learjets, and Citations equipped with the Honeywell MST 67A transponder. The STC, which was developed in partnership with Becker Avionics and Peregrine, can also include ADS-B In capability.

For ADS-B Out, the STC replaces dual MST 67As with Becker’s BXT6533 Mode-S transponder paired to FreeFlight’s 1203C SBAS/GNSS sensor. To add ADS-B In capability, the FreeFlight Rangr RX ADS-B receiver is also installed.

The Becker BXT6533 is “designed specifically for complete interoperability with existing TCAS II systems,” according to FreeFlight, “and provides a much-needed alternative to traditional Mode-S suppliers in regional airline TCAS II operations, as well as turbine and air transport operations, both civil and military.”

The STC’d ADS-B upgrade can be installed in aircraft with TCAS I and II and is diversity-capable (a requirement for Canada’s upcoming ADS-B mandate). The system is available in single or dual configurations.

Gama Aviation Signature Teams Up with Windsor Jet

Aircraft charter and management company Gama Aviation Signature is extending further into the global heavy jet market through a strategic alliance with Windsor Jet Management. Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Windsor Jet operates a fleet that ranges from midsize to large-cabin business jets, including several Gulfstreams.

The relationship will provide Gama Aviation Signature with “another competitive advantage for rapid growth and expansion,” while enabling Windsor Jet to leverage its sales and operating capabilities, Gama Aviation Signature said.

“Combining Gama’s quality control standards and level of service with Windsor’s heavy-jet fleet will further enhance our success in delivering the bespoke concierge service all of our clients expect and deserve,” said Gama Aviation Signature president and CEO Tom Connelly. “We anticipate the Windsor aircraft to be in high demand generally, as well as materially contributing to Gama Aviation Signature’s expanding international and coast-to-coast charter operations.”

Windsor Jet CEO Ignacio Martinez added that having access to Gama Aviation Signature’s resources, expertise, and infrastructure will benefit its clientele. “This alliance will enable Windsor to deliver a higher level of service and mutually benefit from new synergies,” he said.

Count on AIN for Full Coverage of LABACE

As ever, you can count on AIN for full coverage of LABACE 2019. Our team will publish three of our award-winning daily LABACE Convention News editions at the show on August 13, 14, and 15. We will also have comprehensive real-time reporting of all the top news at AINonline.com and in our daily e-newsletters. If you are an exhibiting company that wants to share news or propose pre-show interviews and briefings please contact show editor Ian Sheppard.