Eclipse Receives Production Certificate from FAA for the Eclipse 550
Albuquerque, NM, April 25, 2012 — Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., manufacturer of the world's first very-light jet (VLJ), today announced that it has received Production Certificate #550 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), paving the way for production of the new Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet. Representatives from the FAA presented the production certificate to Cary Winter, Senior Vice President of Eclipse Aerospace, earlier today at a ceremony held at Eclipse's Albuquerque headquarters.
Eclipse Jet
A production certificate allows a company to manufacture aircraft and parts in conformance with FAA-approved type design, and is only granted when the FAA has determined that the organization's manufacturing processes and quality systems comply with all federal regulations.
"Armed now with a fully certified aircraft, a certified production process, and an established supply chain, Eclipse is well positioned to re-introduce the Eclipse Jet to new production. Earning our FAA production certificate means we have successfully built a reliable, high-quality manufacturing process, and are well positioned to expedite aircraft deliveries," said Winter.
Falcon Field improvements near completion
Construction is in the final stages on the Falcon Field improvement project that includes reconfiguration of Taxiway B and installation of runway guard lights. Paving of the new taxiway intersections has been completed, and tasks currently underway include final grading of the runway safety area; installation of new airfield lights, guidance signs & runway guard lights; and re-striping of airfield markings.
Falcon Field Taxiway B Reconfiguration Construction on January 11, 2012.
Final inspections for both project phases are expected to be completed during the week of May 1, followed by final testing of the lighting system. Once approvals are obtained from the City of Mesa, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), both Airport runways will be open for normal operations.
Construction began in January. The $1.65 million project is funded with a $1.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the City is paying the remainder with assistance from a $41,250 grant from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Through public bids, Dibble Engineering was selected to design the project, and Visus Engineering Construction, Inc. is performing the construction.
For more information about the Falcon Field construction project, contact Jeff Tripp, Airport Projects Supervisor, at (480) 644-4230 or jeffrey.tripp@mesaaz.gov. Project information also is available at http://mesaaz.gov/falcon_field/ Click on News & Events and see Capital Improvement Program Updates.
FAA offers pilot seminar on navigating reconfigured taxiways at Falcon Field
The FAA Safety Team will conduct a pilot seminar on navigating the reconfigured Falcon Field Airport taxiways from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 5 at CAE Global Academy, 5010 E. Falcon Drive at the Mesa airport. For details or to register, visit http://bit.ly/ICTOEk For questions, contact Dr. H.C. ‘Mac’ McClure at (480) 586-0762 or faasteam.mac@gmail.com
Angel MedFlight Scholarship Now Open to Arizona Aviation Students
Angel MedFlight's Scholarship for Excellence in Aviation is now open to students pursuing a degree in an aviation program at an Arizona college or university. Applications are being accepted through June 4, 2012.
For the third consecutive year, Arizona's aviation students will have the chance to apply for a $3,000 scholarship courtesy of Angel MedFlight's Scholarship for Excellence in Aviation.
The award, established in 2010 by air medical transportation leader Angel MedFlight in partnership with the Arizona Business Aviation Association (AZBAA), is available to students pursuing an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in an aviation-related program at a two- or four-year Arizona college or university.
"As an international air medical transport provider, we have the unique opportunity to impact the aviation industry not only globally and nationally, but also on community and individual levels," says Angel MedFlight President and CEO Jeremy Freer. "This scholarship gives students a chance to be resourceful, share ideas and take an active role in shaping their educational experience and ultimately their careers."
The annual Scholarship for Excellence in Aviation was created to support innovation and leadership in Arizona's aviation students. Andrew Cochran, the 2010 recipient, is an Aeronautical Science senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz. The 2011 scholarship winner, Matthew Grega, is a first-year Aeronautical Engineering student, also at Embry-Riddle.
New assistant manager at Tucson’s FlightSafety International Learning Center
FlightSafety International has appointed Jeremy Pisell as assistant manager of the company’s Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Jeremy Pisell
Pisell, who joined FlightSafety in 2006, has a BSc in aeronautical science and minor in aviation safety, holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, and is a certified flight instructor. He has a Commercial Pilot ASEL, type rating in Boeing and Gulfstream aircraft and has over 2,000 hours of flight experience. Prior to joining FlightSafety Jeremy worked for Delta Airlines for six years as an instructor for the Boeing 737 series of aircraft.
“Our Customers and Teammates who train and work at the Tucson Learning Center will appreciate and benefit from Jeremy’s aviation experience, thorough understanding of FlightSafety’s training programs, focus on service, and ability to manage and communicate effectively,” said Greg McGowan, vice president of operations.
FlightSafety’s Tucson Learning Center provides comprehensive training using a fleet of ten full flight simulators and an advanced FAA Level 7 qualified flight training device. The Center offers training for the Bombardier Learjet 25, Learjet 31A, Learjet 35, Learjet 45, Learjet 60; Challenger 601 3A, Challenger 604; and the Eurocopter AS350.
‘Wings of Freedom’ Makes Yuma Stop
B-17 "Nine O Nine" on the ramp at Yuma International Airport. Photo by Gen Grosse.
The 'Wings of Freedom Tour' consisting of a B-17, B-24 and P-51, arrived at Yuma International Airport on Monday of this week and will stay through Wednesday before departing for San Diego.
On hand to view the vintage WWII aircraft were local veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and local Yuma media - KYMA and KSWT to get those close up shots and great interviews.
Local media covers all the angles. Photo by Gen Grosse.
Cadets from local Civil Air Patrol Squadron 508 will get a special tour of the aircraft. The tour is sponsored by the Collings Foundation. For more information visit: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_schedule-wof.htm
AOPA Enhances Member Benefits with Launch of FlyQ Mobile App
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) released a new mobile application for the iPhone today that provides detailed airport information, aviation weather, and flight planning capability, free to AOPA members. The new app, AOPA FlyQ, replaces the popular AOPA Airports app and is now available for download through Apple’s App Store.
“AOPA Airports has been extremely popular with our members, with more than 60,000 users since its launch in 2009,” said Chris Ward, AOPA vice president, eMedia. “AOPA FlyQ brings even more value to the AOPA member by incorporating a fast and elegant user experience, aviation weather, and intelligent flight planning capabilities that will make flight planning smarter and more convenient.”
Developed in partnership with Seattle Avionics, AOPA FlyQ dramatically improves the airport directory function in the previous app and extends it with robust and easy-to-use flight planning capabilities, enhanced by local and national weather information.
Cirrus Aircraft Announces ‘Full Speed Ahead’ for Revolutionary Vision SF50 Jet Program
Cirrus Aircraft has announced that its Cirrus Vision SF50 personal jet program is fully funded through certification and initial production and projects first customer delivery to take place in 2015.
Vision SF50
The Cirrus Vision creates a new category in personal aviation - it is the first aircraft of its kind to fill the gap between high performance pistons and traditional turboprop twins and light business jets. The Vision will offer the same class-leading innovation, technology and style hallmarks that Cirrus is known for in its best-selling SR20, SR22 and SR22T family of single engine piston aircraft. Seating up to five adults and two children in an expansive cabin that sets a new standard in luxury and flexibility for pilots and passengers, the Vision is designed for performance, affordability and safety.
Dale Klapmeier, CEO and Co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft said that this is simply a tremendous milestone for Cirrus. Kapmeier said they revolutionized general aviation with the introduction of the SR20 just over a decade ago. More than 5,100 SR-series aircraft delivered to date.
American Bonanza Society To Hold Annual Convention During AOPA Aviation Summit In Palm Springs
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) and the American Bonanza Society (ABS) have partnered to hold each group’s annual convention together with the common goal to create more value for attendees by offering relevant content. The ABS annual convention will be held in conjunction with the AOPA Aviation Summit in Palm Springs, Calif., Oct. 11-13.
Beechcraft Bonanza G36
"I'm excited ABS has partnered with the AOPA Aviation Summit to deliver enhanced value to our attendees. Co-locating the events brings the convenience of being able to attend two conventions at once allowing pilots to get even more content while saving time," said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “We think this will set a standard for other groups looking to provide specific content to their members while reaping the benefits of attending our Summit, which is general aviation’s premier trade show and convention.”
Gateway Airport Reports Passenger Traffic Up 51%
Passenger volume at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) for the first quarter of 2012 posted a 51 percent gain in comparison to last year.
After a January that increased 30 percent over last year, February and March increased by 60%. March was a record month with 167,550 departing and arriving passengers. Looking at the quarter as a whole, AZA served 378,144 travelers in comparison to 250,557 in the first quarter of 2011.
The increase is attributed to additional destinations and frequencies of service by Allegiant Travel Group, and new service by Spirit Airlines.
In calendar year 2011, AZA served a total of 956,665 total passengers, and Airport staff forecast 1.2 million will use the Airport in 2012.
State Aviation Journal Headlines
- Nebraska Governor Proclaims May General Aviation Appreciation Month May 17, 2012
- FAA Releases New GA Airports Study May 15, 2012
- U.S. Students Do Well in International Aviation Art Contest May 15, 2012
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