North American business aviation activity rose 0.9% year over year last month, according to TraqPak data from Argus International, which had forecast a decline in September. Global activity increased 1.5%, and Europe returned to growth with a 0.7% gain.

“Fortunately, that forecast didn’t turn out to be correct, and activity was positive,” said Argus senior v-p of software Travis Kuhn. “This continues to point to the strength and resiliency of the business jet market in North America and abroad. We do have concern areas, but overall, demand has held firm heading into what is usually a busy quarter-four season for activity.”

Fractional operations led North America, up 7.2%, followed by Part 135 activity at 3%. Part 91 flying fell 3.4%, as midsize and large-cabin jets in this category posted consecutive monthly double-digit declines. By aircraft category in the region, turboprops posted the largest gain at 4.8%, followed by light jets at 3.6%. Midsize and large-cabin jet activity in North America slipped 1.1% and 7%, respectively. But large-cabin fractional flying led individual segments, climbing by 13.9%.

In Europe, every aircraft category gained except large-cabin jets, which fell 6.7%. Turboprops led at 11.4%. Activity in the rest of the world rose 9.6%, with all four aircraft categories up.

TraqPak analysts project October activity will rise 1.1% in North America and 1.4% in Europe.

Honeywell Aerospace is adding flight management system (FMS) guided visual departure procedures to its add-on database of FMS-guided visual approaches. Like the approaches, the departure procedures are visual-only and available in the aircraft’s Honeywell FMS. Pilots can hand fly them, but they are designed to be flown with autopilot to deliver a smoother passenger experience.

The first such departure procedures were released for Singapore Seletar Airport on October 1, offering pilots two options. However, these are being redesigned to comply with recent airspace changes and the airport’s Transit Corridor Trial program, according to Honeywell Flight Technical Services technical pilot Erik Tobler.

Singapore issues prescribed tracks for pilots to fly when departing Seletar, and these include applicable waypoint information. Using the Honeywell procedures is simpler because they are coded into the FMS nav database, and there is no need to input waypoints.

When flying on autopilot, the airplane “should be able to maintain the desired path/ground track even during any RF-leg maneuver, curved track segments, at recommended maximum speeds,” Tobler said. “For example, for Seletar, which in the current design will remain a slightly tighter turn radius, and if/when making the 180-degree turn to the downwind departure leg, we are recommending that the aircraft maintain a maximum speed of 150 knots and that pilots consider the extended use of takeoff flap configuration until done with the turn.”

Under an agreement announced this morning, Eclipse Aerospace will acquire aftermarket parts and components manufacturer Resurgent Aviation Solutions (RAS), which specializes in supporting the approximately 260 in-service Eclipse 500/550 very light jets built by the Albuquerque, New Mexico OEM. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close tomorrow, were not disclosed.

While Eclipse Aerospace has told owners it keeps plenty of stock to support their aircraft, RAS supported many of these aircraft with FAA parts manufacturer approval parts, component repairs, and supplemental type certificate (STC) modifications.

“Ten years ago,” said RAS founder and principal Cary Winter, “we started RAS at a time when the Eclipse community urgently needed support and help in maintaining their aircraft. Thanks to a very dedicated and hard-working team, we were successful in our efforts. Today, it’s highly unlikely that an Eclipse 500 exists that doesn’t have a RAS STC or repaired part on it.

“Over the years, we have developed a mutually beneficial working relationship with Eclipse Aerospace. Today’s announcement is the culmination of our joint efforts to maintain the value and economics of the aircraft.”

“We are pleased to have been able to construct a deal with RAS for the purchase of the business that Cary has built and nurtured over the past 10 years,” said Eclipse Aerospace COO Ed Lundeen.

Aircraft charter, management, and sales provider Aircraft Services Group (ASG) has unveiled its new $25 million headquarters facility at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida.

Intended as a private FBO for ASG’s clients, the facility features a 30,000-sq-ft hangar capable of sheltering the latest ultra-long-range business jets and a 5,000-sq-ft terminal that includes a luxury private lounge, kitchen, and offices. An onsite 20,000-gallon fuel farm complements full aviation services such as fueling, GPUs, lav service, potable water service, and onsite U.S. Customs.

While the company leases hangar space around the country, this is ASG’s first dedicated facility. Customers “will experience a private hangarage that is spacious, climate-controlled, and fully secured; an upscale private lobby with no crowds or distractions; white-glove, personalized service; and the ability to pull their car directly up to the waiting aircraft,” the company noted.

ASG was founded in 1990 by a local Sarasota resident, George Reenstra, a Vietnam veteran who later served as the personal pilot to President Ronald Reagan. With offices in Teterboro, New Jersey; Westchester County and Farmingdale, New York; and Burbank, California, ASG expects its Sarasota headquarters to serve as a hub for the company’s expanding operations.

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Aviation training provider FlightSafety International's (FSI) new level-D simulator at its Long Beach, California learning center is the first Gulfstream G600/G700 convertible device approved by the FAA for training in the U.S., according to the company. The simulator will increase domestic training capacity for operators.

FlightSafety also has a G600/G700 simulator in Singapore, which received FAA certification for the G600 in August. Training there is underway for regional customers.

Engineered and built by FSI in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the simulator supports pilot training for the GVII-G600 and GVIII-G700 type ratings. The simulator uses the company’s Vital 1150 image generator, which can update environments rapidly, and has a 42-inch electric motion base. It is also equipped for G600 steep approach training.

“By enabling multiple aircraft configurations within a single device, we are helping customers optimize training access while maintaining the highest standards of fidelity and safety,” said FSI executive v-p of learning center operations Ben Carter.

Separately, FlightSafety said 10 of its specialty training courses are now eligible for credit toward the NBAA Certified Aviation Manager credential. Its initial international procedures course carries two credits, while its recurrent counterpart and general emergency training are worth one each. The other seven—including corporate aviation security, crew resource management, and minimum equipment list—count for one-quarter credit each. FlightSafety offers the courses through LiveLearning, self-paced eLearning, and in-center instruction.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has approved Falcon Executive Aviation for commercial rotorcraft flights from the Dubai Helipark at Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW). According to the Dubai-based charter operator, it has been able to offer customers connections via helicopters since October 1 at the airport, where its Falcon Elite sister company provides FBO services.

The Dubai Helipark, part of the Dubai South site that includes the airport, is open for flights around the clock and can receive helicopters with rotor dimensions of up to 19 meters (about 62 feet) and an mtow up to 8.3 tonnes (about 18,300 pounds). This includes helicopters such as the Leonardo AW139, AW169, and AW189; Bell 412, 429, and 505; and Airbus H125 and H130.

Falcon Executive Aviation is part of Alex Group Investment, which also includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider Falcon Technic. The group, which provides aircraft charter and management services through its Falcon Luxe subsidiary, last year announced plans to develop a VIP terminal and private aircraft hangar at the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (OMRK).

“Dubai Helipark gives our clients more choice in how they travel,” Alex Group Investment chairman Rashit Al Shene commented. “Its location at Dubai World Central allows us to connect helicopter operations with both commercial and business aviation, while providing faster access to Dubai and destinations across the UAE.”

Nimbl clients will have exclusive access to more than 1,000 airport briefings in the library of airfield information platform SelfBrief under a new partnership. Business aviation manuals and safety management system provider Nimbl said the briefings help flight crews quickly understand conditions and potential risks at both departure and destination airports when planning a flight.

Nimbl announced the partnership this week as an expansion of its operational support services and platform capabilities. According to the company, SelfBrief lets operators ask for airfield information and then search and organize it through a briefing library and notes specific to their own operations.

SelfBrief also integrates with aviation management and planning systems to streamline workflows and improve operational readiness. Nimbl noted that the platform incorporates pilot feedback and current regulatory information. Subscribers can request access to SelfBrief and its resources through their Nimbl representative.

“At Nimbl, we’re always looking for ways to make it easier for operators to access the tools and information they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Nimbl v-p of strategic partnerships Clément Meersseman. “Our partnership with SelfBrief brings together capabilities that operators rely on every day, helping them streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden, and stay focused on safe and efficient operations.”

Textron Aviation is offering paid apprenticeships in airframe and powerplant (A&P), avionics, and engine buildup to high school students starting at age 16. The manufacturer said it is the first aviation company in Kansas to offer state-registered youth apprenticeships through the Kansas Office of Apprenticeships.

Apprentices pair classroom instruction with structured on-the-job training at Textron facilities. On completion, participants earn a credential through the Kansas Office of Apprenticeships, and A&P apprentices earn airframe and powerplant certification.

Textron is working with WSU Tech in Wichita on the A&P and avionics programs. Engine buildup is offered in collaboration with Tri County Tech, which is based in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and that apprenticeship is based in Independence, Kansas. The first cohorts have started, and the programs run up to three years.

“The youth apprenticeship program is about opening the door earlier for students who can see themselves building a future in aviation,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of human resources and communications Maggie Topping. WSU Tech president Sheree Utash added, “Students are gaining real skills, earning while they learn, and building a direct path into high-demand aviation careers.”

Collaborators include Wichita Public Schools, Haysville Public Schools, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Dewey High School in Oklahoma, and Tri County Tech.

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