Dassault Confirms Two Falcon 10X Prototypes Now Flying, Duncan Aviation Adds Global Landing Gear to Inventory, Iran War Continues... ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ | October 7, 2026 Wednesday Dassault Confirms Two Falcon 10X Prototypes Now Flying A second Falcon 10X prototype has been involved in flight testing since making its first flight from Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac site near Bordeaux on September 24. The company confirmed that the aircraft (S/N 2) has joined the first prototype of the long-range business jet, which is flying three sorties per week from Istres in southern France. Each flight lasts around four hours to expand the flight envelope with higher speeds, angles of attack, and altitudes, Dassault told AIN. The inaugural 10X prototype made its first flight on June 19. A month later, Dassault announced that the service entry target date for the new Falcon slipped by two years to 2029, with chairman and CEO Éric Trappier explaining that additional time is needed due to the more stringent regulatory environment after the Boeing Max debacle. In the latest edition of its Falcon FlightLine newsletter, Dassault also marked the 10th anniversary of its service center located next to the main assembly line at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (LFBD). Since 2016, the six-bay facility, which employs 70 people, has managed 600 maintenance projects, including 66 C-checks for Falcon 7X and 8X jets. Duncan Aviation Adds Global Landing Gear to Inventory Duncan Aviation is boosting its Bombardier Global support with the addition of a nose landing gear (NLG) for these jets to its parts inventory. The NLG, P/N 22175-109, is available for rental on the Global 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, Express, and XRS. This addition will reduce downtime while a Global customer’s own landing gear is removed for inspection, Duncan Aviation said. The rental gear is designed to assist owners and operators in aircraft-on-ground circumstances such as an over-tow condition, hard landing, excessive steering play, or another maintenance issue requiring NLG removal. Duncan Aviation’s Airframe Rapid Response Team assists customers with landing gear services and can help facilitate removal of the existing gear and installation of the rental. This enables aircraft to return to service more quickly. “Having a rental gear available gives customers another option when their aircraft needs landing gear maintenance,” said Sasha Orth, Duncan Aviation landing gear sales representative. “They can continue flying while our team focuses on returning their gear to service.” Duncan technicians can then provide a comprehensive teardown and inspection of the landing gear and detail available maintenance options. The Lincoln, Nebraska-headquartered MRO has the parts, equipment, and experienced technicians to complete most of the work in-house. It offers a three-year/1,000-cycle warranty covering workmanship and a two-year/1,000-cycle warranty for materials on repaired gear. Iran War Continues To Weigh on Gulf Bizjet Traffic Business aviation flying in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states dipped by as much as 69% between late March and early May, in the immediate aftermath of the launch of U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. Data from WingX released to AIN shows traffic at the region's airports subsequently regaining some ground, before falling again by 30% in August after the ceasefire terms of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in June stalled. Market uncertainty spiked again last month with the launch of Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian energy infrastructure, major airports, and military bases. Subsequently, business aircraft within Saudi Arabia moved away from the capital, with movements at the main Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (OERK) falling 32%, while Jeddah (OEJN) and Dammam (OEDF) rose 90% and 71%, respectively, WingX reported. Compared with the same months in 2025, April was the most affected, with GCC movements falling 62%, followed by March and May at -56% each. Thanks to optimism about the MoU providing an off-ramp to end the war, June was the month least affected, with movements in the region down just 5% year over year. Notably, no month since hostilities began in February has seen growth in the region. Since the war started, WingX said jets registered in GCC states flew less domestically but more internationally. Read more Gogo Galileo Solves In-flight Mx Problem over Atlantic During a transatlantic flight, the crew flying a Gulfstream G280 equipped with a Gogo Galileo HDX satcom system was able to solve an issue with the jet’s jump seat by calling the operator’s director of maintenance (DOM). Galileo operates on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-Earth-orbit satellite network. The Galileo installation was completed in 10 days by Pro Star Aviation, a Gogo dealer and MRO provider based at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (KMHT) in New Hampshire. Pro Star also coordinated Part 135 documentation and testing—and activation of the Galileo system—to deliver the project on time. During the recent transatlantic flight, the flight attendant contacted the operator’s DOM via a FaceTime video call over the Galileo network. The flight attendant showed the DOM the problem, which involved a seatbelt obstruction. “The live video allowed the DOM to identify a seatbelt obstruction and guide the crew through a solution before landing,” according to Pro Star. “It used to be that if they had an issue, they could call me, but the service was not very dependable,” the DOM said. “Now they can call me, FaceTime me, and send high-definition pictures from their devices, which gives me more information.” Sponsor Content: Wilson Air Center Wilson Air Center Celebrates 30 Years of Exceptional Service What began in Memphis in 1996 with a vision to bring genuine hospitality to aviation has grown into a 30-year legacy. Across Memphis, Houston, and Chattanooga, Wilson Air Center continues to combine exceptional customer service, comfortable facilities, and a personal touch—creating an FBO experience that keeps customers coming back. Read more Jet Access Opens New Hangar Complex in Nashville Aviation services provider Jet Access has opened a new private hangar at John C. Tune Airport (KJWN) in Tennessee, expanding its footprint in the Nashville area. The company has long operated a full-service FBO at nearby Music City Executive Airport (KXNX) in Gallatin. In addition to Tennessee, Jet Access operates facilities in Indiana, Illinois, and Texas. Construction on the complex at KJWN began last year. It features a 3,500-sq-ft terminal for the company’s clients and aircraft owners, offering an executive lounge, private offices, conference room, and refreshment bar, along with 33,500 sq ft of ramp and a 22,500-sq-ft hangar capable of sheltering ultra-long-range business jets. Jet Access will also operate a Titan Fuel-supplied fuel farm to support its based customers. The company will offer onsite maintenance with 24/7 AOG support. “Opening our private terminal at John C. Tune Airport reflects our long-term commitment to this community and our confidence in the future of Middle Tennessee,” said Jet Access CEO Quinn Ricker, adding that the new development marks the start of a new chapter for the company. “Nashville has become a hub for business, innovation, and investment, and our goal is to deliver an aviation experience that meets or exceeds the caliber of this market.” Watchdog Warns of Lack of FAA Purchase Card Oversight The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) is faulting the FAA’s and DOT’s oversight of their purchase card programs, estimating that about one-third of spending through those programs has lacked proper controls. Under the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act, the DOT OIG must audit the DOT’s and FAA’s purchase card programs to guard against any illegal, improper, or erroneous use. The agencies use purchase cards for “micro-purchases” ($10,000 or below). In the latest audit, the DOT OIG found the agencies did not consistently meet management requirements; neither the DOT nor the FAA could provide evidence that program participants completed the required training on time; some cardholders lacked delegation of procurement authority (DPA), or their DPA spending limits did not match their purchase card limits; the agencies did not continually reassess accounts; and the programs lacked sufficient controls. The DOT OIG looked at a sample of 107 transactions totaling $778,977 and found 45 not in compliance with one or more required controls. In all, DOT and FAA employees made 384,527 purchase card transactions totaling about $364.9 million during fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The DOT OIG estimates that $123 million in purchases over the two years were made without following all controls, representing “funds that DOT and FAA could have put to better use.” The watchdog made 11 recommendations to improve oversight of these programs. Read more IQ Worldwide To Debut New Hangar at Tampa Airport Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport (KBKV) in Florida will receive an additional 12,000-sq-ft hangar next month as part of a $3 million development by aviation services provider IQ Worldwide. Construction on the project—begun several years ago on the ACS ramp on the north side of the field—has been interrupted by severe weather on several occasions, according to company president Victor Rosales. Finished last year, the first 12,000-sq-ft hangar with a 24-foot-high door can accommodate up to a super-midsize jet. Meanwhile, the soon-to-be-completed hangar will have a 28-foot-high door, enabling it to shelter ultra-long-range business jets. Both are equipped with offices and restrooms. While KBKV has a years-long waiting list for hangar space, Rosales hopes to attract an MRO provider as a tenant for the new structure. He is now in the permitting phase to increase the size of the complex with an additional 20,000-sq-ft hangar including an even higher door height. The airport has a 7,000-foot main runway—soon to be expanded to 8,000 feet—as well as a secondary 5,000-foot runway and a control tower. Rosales foresees the development as spurring growth at KBKV, similar to that experienced recently at nearby Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), midway between Tampa and Orlando. “Eight to 10 years ago, Lakeland was a ghost town,” he told AIN. “Right now, Brooksville is looking the same way.” Little Hawk TBM 910 Joining 45 North Charter Fleet A Daher TBM 910 turboprop single owned by Little Hawk Logistics is being placed at Scottsdale Airport (KSDL) to be operated by charter provider 45 North Flight. This is Little Hawk’s third TBM, and the company brokers flights on these aircraft, which are operated by 45 North. Little Hawk is based at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (KCHO) in Virginia. “We see a strong fit between the TBM and the way people travel throughout the Southwest,” said Eric Walden, founder and president of Little Hawk Logistics. “Scottsdale gives us the opportunity to introduce more customers to an aircraft that can reach many of the region’s most popular destinations quickly and efficiently. We are entering the market carefully, and we will allow customer demand to guide what comes next.” Walden, the grandson of FlightSafety International founder Al Ueltschi, flew as a captain at Atlantic Coast Airlines and then for 11 years at NetJets. He founded Little Hawk in 2014, focusing on TBM ownership and charter brokering. “Look at what is available within two hours of Scottsdale,” Walden said. “Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Carlsbad, Santa Barbara, Aspen, Denver, and Pebble Beach are all within reach. These are places Scottsdale travelers already visit. The TBM makes it possible to use the airport that is most convenient for the customer’s actual destination.” RECENT AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES AD NUMBER: EASA 2026-0192 MFTR: Leonardo Helicopters MODEL(S): AW189 Requires a one-time inspection of the tailbox gear fitting for fatigue and/or corrosion and, depending on findings, contacting Leonardo for corrective action instructions, as well as reporting the findings to EASA. Prompted by a report of a cracked fitting found during routine maintenance inspection of the adjacent area. A subsequent investigation attributed the crack to mechanical damage of the anti-corrosion coating, which then allowed local corrosion and the fatigue crack initiation and propagation. According to EASA, the coating damage likely occurred during previous maintenance work. PUBLISHED: October 6, 2026 EFFECTIVE: October 20, 2026 AD NUMBER: FAA 2026-20-07 MFTR: Leonardo Helicopters MODEL(S): AB139 and AW139 Requires repetitively inspecting certain nozzle exhaust duct clamp assemblies and, depending on inspection results, replacing parts. AD also prohibits the installation of an affected clamp assembly unless certain requirements are met. Prompted by a report of a clamp separating from the engine nozzle duct and coming to rest on the tail rotor driveshaft. PUBLISHED: October 1, 2026 EFFECTIVE: October 16, 2026 AD NUMBER: FAA 2026-20-03 MFTR: Airbus Helicopters MODEL(S): AS350B/B1/B2/B3/BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F/F1/F2, AS355N/NP, and EC130B/B4 Requires installing additional safety labels or replacing existing safety labels regarding the instructions on how to open the sliding door emergency exit. PUBLISHED: October 1, 2026 EFFECTIVE: November 5, 2026 AD NUMBER: FAA 2026-20-08 MFTR: Airbus Helicopters MODEL(S): AS355E, AS355F/F1/F2, and AS355N Requires verifying the serial number and amendment of the log cards of the tail rotor drive fan wheels and the impeller second stage and, depending on the findings, performing a one-time borescope inspection to verify consistency between the log cards and the affected parts. Depending on inspection results, this AD requires replacing or re-identifying certain parts, and also prohibits installation of certain fan wheels and impeller second stages on any helicopter. Prompted by the determination that the tail rotor drive fan wheels and the impeller second stage have been incorrectly identified during production. PUBLISHED: October 1, 2026 EFFECTIVE: November 5, 2026 AINalerts News Tips/Feedback: News tips may be sent anonymously, but feedback must include name and contact info (we will withhold name on request). We reserve the right to edit correspondence for length, clarity, and grammar. Send feedback or news tips to AINalerts editor Chad Trautvetter. View email in browser. Advertise Manage subscription preferences Add as a preferred source AINalerts is a publication of AIN Media Group, 214 Franklin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. | | --- |