Last year, Las Vegas hosted its first Formula 1 Grand Prix race, an event that drew thousands of spectators to Sin City along with hundreds of private aircraft. With the organizers set for its second edition this November, aircraft operators can expect to once again pay special event fees at the local airports, which will all have slot and prior permission required (PPR) systems in effect.

While the event will take place on November 24, the special event period and its associated extra fees will be in play from November 19 through 26 at the city’s three airports: Harry Reid International (KLAS), Henderson (KHND), and North Las Vegas (KVGT).

At the two FBOs at KLAS, operators landing ultra-long-range business jets at Signature Aviation or Atlantic Aviation during the peak days can expect to pay at least $20,000, with some fees waived with minimum fuel purchase.

According to Clark County, which operates the FBOs at KHND and KVGT, slots and PPR will be granted on a “first come, first served” basis. Special event fees at the two airports will range from $200 for the smallest sized aircraft up to $3,000 for “Group III” aircraft (those with a length times wingspan that exceeds 3,500 sq ft).

Due to the heightened traffic during that period, aircraft operators are advised to carry extra fuel in case of delays in landing by ATC.

Honeywell has received an FAA technical standard order for its Aspire 350 Hybrid satcom terminal, marking the first such approval for a dual unit that combines legacy and next-generation Iridium safety and Iridium Certus services in one system.

Aspire 350 Hybrid will enable business aircraft owners, airliners, and helicopter operators to have secure cockpit voice and data services as well as access to cabin voice and data over the Iridium satellite network for L-band with speeds of up to 704 kbps. The hybrid satcom system replaces legacy safety and cabin terminals, providing global coverage.

“Aspire 350 Hybrid is the first FAA-certified satcom system with both legacy modems to support essential safety services and an Iridium Certus broadband modem to enable the fastest speeds available over the Iridium network,” said Steve Hadden, v-p and general manager of services and connectivity for Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Operators now have access to fast, flexible, affordable, and reliable high-speed aircraft connectivity with global coverage, including the remote polar regions. Additionally, depending on the solution offering, owners and operators can do everything they currently do on the ground—from providing critical safety communications to supporting an ’office in the sky’ up to multiple devices.”

Aspire 350 Hybrid supports Future Air Navigation System-over-Iridium for oceanic airspace, reducing the flight path and saving fuel and time. Further, operators can access real-time weather updates and other safety and non-safety data securely.

The European Union has again delayed introducing its widely publicized Entry/Exit System (EES), a biometric fingerprint and facial scan check system for non-EU citizens at all EU borders. It was due to be rolled out on November 10 but has been pushed back yet again after Germany, France, and the Netherlands said their systems were not ready. EU authorities say there is no longer a specific new timetable for EES implementation, but that it would be introduced in phases.

This pre-travel and pre-boarding requirement, originally scheduled to start in 2022, is intended to apply to visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to European states. EES information will be submitted via an online application ahead of arrival at borders, enabling pre-travel assessment for irregular migration risks, security, or public health risk checks.

However, since October 6, all visitors to the EU who do not need a visa for the trip are required to obtain travel approval through the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This authorization grants a visa waiver for a stay of up to 90 days.

Currently, ETIAS applies to all commercial operators, including charters. Universal Weather & Aviation and other international flight planning services, such as OpsGroup, have been seeking clarification of if and when ETIAS will apply to private operators. In the meantime, Universal recommends that private aircraft operators register with EU-LISA (an EU security agency) in anticipation of possible trips to the EU.

Gogo Business Aviation is reporting a surge in demand for its Gogo Galileo HDX global broadband satellite service, prompting the company to double production ahead of its commercial launch. It also announced a $25,000 rebate for current customers transitioning from legacy air-to-ground systems.

Sergio Aguirre, Gogo’s president and COO, described the response as a “tidal wave of demand” for the aviation-grade low-earth-orbit (LEO) connectivity solution.

Set to launch later this year, Galileo HDX will leverage Eutelsat OneWeb’s enterprise-grade LEO network, promising consistent performance across global routes. Gogo's Galileo service is expected to deliver peak speeds of 60 Mbps, along with average speeds close to 57 Mbps.

Last month, Gogo made a significant strategic move by announcing it is acquiring Satcom Direct for $375 million to enhance its capabilities in satellite communications and expanding its product offerings. This acquisition will not only incorporate Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple antenna and hardware for geostationary networks but also complements the Galileo system, allowing for a comprehensive range of connectivity solutions.

Gogo’s dealer network is on track to secure 27 supplemental type certificates (STCs), unlocking a potential market of more than 18,000 aircraft that have lacked broadband in-flight services. Recent flight tests on a Challenger 300 have confirmed the system’s reliability, with more STC contracts expected soon. Gogo is accepting purchase orders for HDX, which integrates seamlessly with existing Avance systems.

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The U.S. Army has selected Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) to provide its ThrustSense autothrottle system for the Army’s C-12 (King Air B200) twin turboprops equipped with Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The retrofit includes an IS&S Integrated Standby Unit (ISU) that also incorporates the autothrottle control software and interface.

ThrustSense autothrottles not only compute and adjust power levels but also prevent exceedance of engine limitations, including overtorque and overtemperature. They help pilots by preventing overspeed or underspeed conditions, as well as maintaining optimal descent speeds and assisting with stabilized approaches. In the King Air, ThrustSense autothrottles automatically reduce power during an engine-out situation to help the pilot maintain directional control.

Installation of the IS&S autothrottle includes the ISU, which is also a standby instrument, and the upgraded throttle quadrant, which requires no structural modifications.

“With the King Air’s versatility across a broad range of missions, operators are increasingly focused on improving operational efficiency and reducing crew workload,” said Larry Riddle, IS&S v-p of sales and marketing. “ThrustSense is a perfect example of how IS&S is leading the way in cockpit automation, enhancing both safety and performance.”

ThrustSense autothrottles are also available for the Pilatus PC-12, and they are standard equipment on new Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 models.

Textron eAviation will conduct flight testing of the full-scale technology demonstrator for its Nexus eVTOL aircraft at Salina Regional Airport in Kansas. The manufacturer announced last week that this part of the planned flight test program will follow initial flight testing due to begin in 2025 at the National Institute of Aviation Research in Wichita.

Construction of the first Nexus airframe is now advancing at one of Textron’s facilities in Wichita, about 90 miles south of Salina. The company is aiming to have the four-passenger piloted eVTOL model ready to enter service in the 2030s.

Salina Regional Airport is home to extensive testing of various uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and recently hosted beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations as part of the FAA’s Integration Pilot Program and Beyond projects. It is also the headquarters for Kansas State University’s Applied Aviation Research Center, which is active in UAS research and operations.

In remotely piloted flight tests with the Nexus at Salina, the Textron eAviation team will evaluate the aircraft’s performance in multiple conditions, simulating anticipated eVTOL operational scenarios.

Jet Access Maintenance at Music City Executive Airport (KXNX) in Gallatin, Tennessee, has received official recognition as an Embraer-authorized service center. The authorized service center designation allows Jet Access to provide comprehensive maintenance services for Embraer’s full range of executive jets, including the Phenom and Legacy series.

Equipped with FAA Part 145 certification, the facility offers services including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, avionics repair, and engine servicing. Embraer-trained technicians and direct access to genuine parts are part of the designation.

“This designation is a testament to our commitment to Embraer owners and operators,” said Jet Access president of maintenance Scott Dillon, noting the company’s nearly two decades of experience servicing the Brazilian OEM's aircraft. "We have a longstanding relationship with Embraer dating back to the design phase of the Phenom, and we look forward to expanding our services and continuing to build on our legacy of quality and reliability at Music City Executive Airport."

This expansion complements Jet Access' existing service centers, which include locations in Indianapolis and West Palm Beach. Its facility at KXNX also serves as a Cirrus-authorized service center. The airport, built in 1962, serves a region northeast of Nashville.

The FAA has issued a Part 145 repair station certificate to Meridian Helicopters, which is based in Broussard, Louisiana, and specializes in Bell 206 and 407 maintenance. The Part 145 approval will enable Meridian to expand its MRO and testing services and provide more comprehensive maintenance services.

Meridian’s capabilities include sheet metal and composite repairs, component overhauls, inspection and maintenance of Rolls-Royce M250-C20, -C28, -C30 and -C47 engines, avionics and instrument testing and installation, and pitot-static and transponder testing. Its sister company, Cadorath Aerospace, is a Rolls-Royce-authorized MRO facility for M250 and RR300 series engines, and this helps Meridian enhance “its service offering, providing clients with seamless and efficient support.” Meridian was established in 2010.

“This next chapter in the growth of Meridian Helicopters is a testament to the entire team at Meridian and their hard work,” said Michael Bashlor, managing partner. “The certification will further enhance our ability to provide a complete in-house customer experience for our partners. This milestone reflects our commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.”

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