The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published a proposal to the European Commission for a harmonised regulation on Flight Crew Licensing (Part-FCL) in the form of an ‘Opinion’. This new regulation will ensure that the same pilot licensing requirements and related high safety levels apply in all Member States.
This ‘Opinion’ covers requirements for pilot licensing for aeroplanes, helicopters, airships, powered-lift aircraft, sailplanes and balloons. Measures to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules are also provided. As requested by the European Parliament in its Agenda for Sustainable General and Business Aviation, the newly developed Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, which is part of the new regulation, will facilitate the access to aviation for a broader public while maintaining a high level of safety.
EASA’s proposal was initially open to public consultation from June 2008 to February 2009. Over 8,000 comments were received from a wide range of stakeholders and this feedback was taken into account and integrated in this ‘Opinion’.
The new regulation on Flight Crew Licensing will be adopted by the European Commission and enter info force as Community law by April 2012.
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The FAA recommended Swift Enterprises proceed with further testing of its unleaded aviation gasoline this week after endurance tests produced some encouraging results and identified areas for further research.
Researchers at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center fuels facility tested Swift’s fuel to determine if there were “any initial major engine performance-related findings that would prevent further research into the use of a Swift binary blend of these components.” After 150 hours of testing in a six-cylinder Lycoming engine, the FAA reported that the engine experienced normal levels of engine wear and that combustion, oil, and fuel deposits were light.
Swift met the anti-knock parameters of current avgas specifications in a previous FAA test, one important measure of a fuel. In the most recent research, the blend met many current aviation gasoline specifications for 100LL and had more energy per gallon than leaded avgas, but had slightly reduced energy per pound (because it weighs a pound more per gallon) and did not meet certain other performance parameters. The FAA tested the fuel in a Lycoming IO540-K, 300-horsepower, piston engine. When the engine was warm, it started immediately, but it was difficult to start the engine the mornings after it was left to sit overnight.
The FAA research facility works closely with FAA certification officials, the Coordinating Research Council, ASTM International (which sets industry consensus standards), and the coalition of avgas stakeholders. This testing is an important step in the evaluation of a potential future unleaded avgas, but the FAA was careful to note that it does not approve fuels. Further testing may address how a biomass blend would differ from the petroleum-based blend, how residual lead in engines that have been burning 100LL would affect performance, and more.
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Desert Jet, a privately owned aircraft charter company based in the Palm Springs area of California, recently launched the air charter industry’s first quoting program accessible from a social media platform, enabling requests for flights directly from the company’s Facebook page.
This quoting tool provides quick and easy access via Facebook to instant charter quotes for Desert Jet’s entire charter fleet, as well as the ability to request a reservation with a click of the mouse. The online quoting tool integrates the popular Google maps API, allowing charter clients the ability to visually select the best departure and arrival airports. After the routing is entering into the quoting tool, a full graphical map display of the proposed trip routing is shown, along with details of the trip and estimated costs.
“Time is very important to our clients,” said Denise Wilson, President of Desert Jet. “They want to be able to plan their trips and make a reservation on their schedule, and want the option to use online technology when feasible. This new feature provides yet another way for our clients to connect with us in the way they prefer, around the clock, every day of the year.”
Just last month, Yankee Group Research released a report showing that most consumers want to interact with businesses over social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. The problem is that only 30% of businesses are prepared to do so. Desert Jet is expanding its use of social media through sites such as Twitter, Facebook and its blog, www.palmspringsjetcharter.com, to keep in touch with its clients.
Desert Jet also offers a toll-free phone number that connects directly to the charter and dispatch departments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for clients that prefer to reserve their flights by phone.
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West Coast Charters recently named Mr. Pete Hudes as Chief Pilot, overseeing flight operations from the company headquarters at John Wayne/Orange County Airport in Santa Ana, California.
Pete’s 40-plus years in aviation reveal a diverse history including flying for the Department of Commerce, employment as a training captain and check airman for Continental Airlines, time with the FAA as a flight inspector and POI for the Flying Tigers, and extensive experience in FAR Part 135 operations as both Chief Pilot and Director of Operations.
In business since 1987, West Coast Charters is an active Part 135 and fractional share provider maintaining a fleet of 23 aircraft including turboprops, light and midsize jets based throughout southern California as well as Little Rock, Arkansas. Company offices are conveniently located at airports in Santa Ana (KSNA), Long Beach (KLGB) and Carlsbad (KCRQ), California.
The company welcomes Pete with confidence that he will be a great asset to the team at West Coast Charters. He can be reached at +1 (949) 852.8340 or via e-mail at phudes@westcoastcharters.com.
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The Philippines' government and civil aviation sectors are preparing for the visit in October by an official team of the European Union (EU) to conduct an audit on progress in improving safety standards and procedures, the chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.
Alfonso G. Cusi, CAAP director general, said in a telephone interview that his office has asked the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to provide a detailed agenda for the visit on Oct.18-22.
"We’re hoping to get the union’s reply as soon as possible to prepare for the visit," he said. "The visit has been scheduled in October because the European Union Air Safety Conference is scheduled in November. We’re hoping to get positive feedback from them so that the representatives could relay that to other union members in the conference."
The outcome of the visit will be discussed and reviewed by EU members in the conference that will be held in Brussels, Belgium.
Mr. Cusi said the visit is a "perfect opportunity for the country to convince the union that it has improved the security and safety standards of its aviation industry" after the EU banned Philippine carriers last April from flying to the organization’s 27 member states.
The move was after the announcement by the International Civil Aviation Organization in October last year of a "Significant Safety Concern" relating to poor government oversight of safety in the industry and the earlier downgrading of the Philippines’ safety rating by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
EASA is the civilian aviation regulator of the EU based in Cologne, Germany that enforces safety standards and authorizes non-EU flag carriers to service the region.
"We are also hoping to get clearance for the two major carriers of the Philippines which are Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific," Mr. Cusi said.
"Actually, Cebu Pacific never had flights to any EU country," he clarified. "But as one of the major airlines here, we have to get it cleared, according to the union’s standards."
PAL President Jaime J. Bautista told reporters at the sidelines of the company’s stockholders’ meeting yesterday that the flag carrier has been always prepared for the inspection. "We hope to have the ban lifted as soon as possible," he said.
PAL and Cebu Pacific representatives met EU aviation officials last June to update them on the two carriers’ upgraded security and safety procedures after getting new operating certificates from CAAP. However, the airlines were unable to convince the body to drop the Philippines from its black list.
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In its just-released world commercial helicopter market report, research firm Frost & Sullivan expects the segment to expand from 24,625 helicopters in 2009 to 36,946 in 2015.
According to Frost & Sullivan Aerospace Analyst Nathan Smith, about 50 percent of the 12,321 helicopters will be light piston and turbine singles, while light and intermediate twins will each account for about 22 percent and heavy multi-engine helicopters will make up the remainder.
“The civilian rotorcraft market is expected to remain diverse, with the bulk of all new deliveries arriving from mature production lines,” Frost & Sullivan said. Worldwide civil helicopter fleet growth declined from double digits in 2007 to 7 percent in 2008 and 5.7 percent last year.
Lower demand and production levels are expected to persist into 2011 or 2012 before returning to double digits, the research firm noted. The financial crisis had an uneven impact on each geographic region, it said.
“The markets in the United States felt the heat more than those in Western Europe and Asia, which had remained comparatively stable,” Smith said. “Over the next five years, it is estimated that up to 22 percent of total world new rotorcraft sales will be to customers in Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.”
Click here to read the original article in AIN Online. E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
Ever wished you could tell the FAA that some regulation is outdated or doesn’t make sense? You can, and the agency has a little-known means to do it.
According to an FAA spokesman, FAR Part 11, Section 11.61 provides a system whereby technicians can suggest the agency adopt, amend or repeal a regulation or grant relief from the requirements of a current regulation: “Using a petition for rulemaking, you may ask the FAA to add a new regulation or amend or repeal a current regulation.”
“Additionally, using a petition for exemption, you may ask the FAA to grant you relief from a current regulation,” he said.
According to the FAA, the agency has reached out specifically to the aircraft maintenance community because the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) has found there’s a need to create awareness of the issues AMTs encounter every day.
“During many of our educational awareness safety events around the country our FAASTeam program managers are often asked how the individual AMT makes a difference,” he said. “When questioned further, we have found they are concerned about being able to understand a regulation; they want them changed so that they can understand them.”
Click here to read the original article in AIN Online. E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
U.S.-based private jet charter company ElJet has been named to the influential Inc.500|5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. ElJet ranked number 399 out of 5,000 companies on the list.
Inc. Magazine creates the Inc.500|5000 list by evaluating the prior four years sales results (2006 - 2009) of all companies that apply for this honor. ElJet had a stunning 1,200 percent increase in sales during the past four years.
This accomplishment can be attributed to two simple factors; an increase in customer referrals and overall customer satisfaction (over 90 percent of ElJet's business is from repeat clientele). In addition, the company continues to benefit from the growing migration of clients of competitors who hold jet cards, and fractional shares seeking value and cost savings for their private jet travel needs.
Customer Service
"If I had to pinpoint the root of our success I would say it is our commitment to customer service," said Ben Schusterman, Founder of ElJet and Vice President of Operations. "As clients of the big fractional and jet card providers have realized that they can get the identical product, any aircraft, on their own schedule, with the same level - if not higher - of customer service, they continue to refer their friends and colleagues which is why we have seen such incredible growth even through these recessionary times. Not to mention savings of 50 percent or more and no risk of monthly fees, rapidly depreciating aircraft and the shock of unexpected charges."
Value
ElJet focuses on providing customers with top-notch customer service and incredible value for their money. That value is provided by utilizing empty leg (or "deadhead") flights whenever possible. Its traditional charter business is also one of the largest in the industry. Empty legs are flights that are booked only one way and return to the starting point empty. This typically means a loss for the aircraft owner, who will often charter the empty leg portion of the flight at a significant discount. Sometimes a client paid for a full round trip but only utilized one way; here is an opportunity for the aircraft owners to recoup some of their expenses. Empty legs have been an industry headache since the creation of the aircraft charter industry - ElJet has been relieving some of that pain, much to the delight of businesses and individuals requiring private jet service at a discount.
One-ways
ElJet provides additional value by offering one-way pricing on 90 percent of flights flown. If an ElJet client requires more than one or two days on the ground it is often less expensive to charter an aircraft twice, rather than paying to keep the aircraft stationary in one location. Utilizing its vast network of empty legs and its close relationship with one-way operators the company can typically provide one-way pricing for each portion of an extended-stay trip.
Safety
Every ElJet flight is accompanied by a Wyvern Pass Report. This report checks the history of the aircraft; the operator's insurance coverage; and the pilot's experience in the specific class of aircraft chartered. If the report does not pass on all counts, the flight does not depart.
Furthermore, ElJet maintains membership to the esteemed Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA). ACANA members are internationally recognized by customers and charter operators alike as meeting the highest standards of ethics and the utmost level of commitment to customer safety, quality and service. Companies that are part of ACANA must demonstrate that they meet these requirements.
Streamlined Booking
The company's booking process is one of the simplest in the jet charter industry. The company offers quotes in 60 seconds or less and can often get clients on their way within two hours of finalizing booking (compared to ten hours or more for many of its competitors).
ElJet goes a step further for qualified clientele. These clients (members of the ElJet Charter Select Your Trip Program) can book a flight by simply sending a one-word e-mail.
"Our busy clientele have repeatedly told us that this convenience alone is a good reason for them to keep coming back," said Roberta Latham, Senior Charter Portfolio Manager at ElJet. "We appreciate and value each and every client, and make it our business to be familiar with their specific needs, from aircraft requirements to specifics like food allergies, catering preferences and more."
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Gama Aviation, headquartered in Stratford, CT, is a leading provider of aircraft management and charter services. The company's global reach, exceptional quality, record of safety and security, and high-quality client base makes them one of the premier employers in the business aviation industry today. They are seeking a Charter Services Representative to join their team.
Position title: Charter Services Representative
Reports to: Director, Charter Services Group
General overview: The Charter Services Representative provides exceptional service to Gama’s end-user and charter broker clientele from the first phone call through the post-flight follow up. In addition, you will provide support to the outside sales team with business development, marketing, and sales campaign activities.
General Responsibilities iInclude:
- Charter Services Role includes developing comprehensive charter quotes, booking trips, working with dispatch to arrange crew transportation, flight following with the charter client
- Interface with flight operations and flight crews in all aspects of charter to assure that opportunities for charter are realized
- Receive inbound phone activity
- Maintain and enhance client and broker relationships
- On-call rotation as required
- Prepare and review invoices for completed aircraft charter trips
- Prepare activity reporting on a daily and weekly basis
Required knowledge, skills, and attributes:
- A strong focus on providing exceptional customer service
- An entrepreneurial, high energy attitude to ability to approach new tasks with creativity and energy
- Knowledge of CTA-FOS is required
- Knowledge of JetNet, Salesforce.com, and other industry software is helpful
- Careful attention to detail and accuracy
- Exceptional Microsoft Word and Excel, and other computer skills
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team
- Ability to communicate effectively, confidently, and concisely with C-Level executives and their staff in both written and verbal communications
- Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality
- College degree and/or 2 years applicable aviation experience equivalent is desirable.
Gama Aviation offers competitive salaries, with a generous benefits package. Interested candidates can please submit a resume and a cover letter to careers.usa@gamagroup.com. No phone calls please. Gama Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that Nigeria has achieved a Category 1 rating under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, which means that Nigeria complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation which establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance.
The IASA Category 1 rating is based on the results of a July FAA review of Nigeria’s civil aviation authority. With the IASA Category 1 rating, Nigerian air carriers may now apply to operate to the United States with their own aircraft.
An IASA Category 1 rating means a country has the laws and regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, and that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters – meets international standards for technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping and inspection procedures.
As part of the FAA’s IASA program, the agency assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries with air carriers that operate or might be authorized to fly to the United States and makes that information available to the public. The assessments determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards, not FAA regulations.
IASA information is available at http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/iasa/.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.