Post by Major Destruction on Nov 11, 2005 15:37:46 GMT -5
FAA FEELS AOPA, PILOT PRESSURE, PLANS ADIZ MEETINGS
Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta promised it last Thursday at AOPA Expo in Tampa. Now the FAA has delivered the formal paperwork, reopening the comment period on the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Already more than 18,600 pilots—an unprecedented number—have spoken out against making the ADIZ permanent around Washington and against allowing ADIZs to metastasize to other Class B airspace. Pilots now have until February 6, 2006, to file their comments. And the FAA has also granted AOPA's request for public meetings on the ADIZ, saying that the meeting dates will be published in a future document. "Even with the weight of more than 18,600 comments, the public meetings are important as well," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And besides the FAA, officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Secret Service need to be front and center at these meetings. They're the ones making decisions controlling the airspace; they need to look pilots in the eye and hear firsthand what their decisions are doing to general aviation." Meanwhile, the nation's political leaders continue to speak out against the ADIZ. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) was particularly vociferous against the ADIZ during his taped address to AOPA Expo. Another 46 members of Congress also have put their opposition on record. See AOPA Online.
PROCESSING TIME CUT FOR SPECIAL-ISSUANCE MEDICALS
Pilots awaiting a special-issuance medical could see significantly reduced processing times—AOPA members have reported turnaround times as little as 14 days—but that improvement may come at the expense of more routine medicals. "Because of limited staff resources, the FAA reassigned reviewers from the general review section to work on special issuances, which has caused an increase in processing time for applications in general review," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "However, AOPA has been advocating long-term changes to speed the medical review process." AOPA's efforts include expanding AMEs' responsibilities to utilize AME-assisted special issuances (AASI) and even certify first-time special issuances for some conditions. And the FAA is starting to listen: AMEs are encouraged to issue, not defer, when possible, in order to minimize the number of cases that have to be reviewed by the Aerospace Medical Division in Oklahoma City. "But right now, there are a number of things you can do to decrease the chances that the AME will need to defer your medical," Crump said. "Start by using AOPA's TurboMedical and calling AOPA's medical certification specialists (800/USA-AOPA) so that we can get you through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible." See AOPA Online.
BEST EXPO YET IS OVER; MAKE PLANS FOR 2006 IN PALM SPRINGS
Thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts spent three glorious days in sunny Tampa, Florida, and are now back home, laden with new toys. More than 8,500 people attended the show, with some 1,200 airplanes flying in for the event. During their three days in Tampa, Expo-goers attended more than 70 hours of seminars, got up close to more than 100 aircraft on display, and purchased everything from headsets to airplanes. Highlights included an appearance by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who announced at the opening general session that he had directed the FAA to extend the comment period and hold AOPA-requested public meetings on the agency's plan to make the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) permanent. Pilots also heard from representatives of the light sport aircraft, technically advanced aircraft, and very light jet segments speak about their vision for GA's future. And Expo was the perfect opportunity for AOPA to present a number of prestigious awards and for members to socialize at evening events. With Expo 2005 a happy memory, it's time to look ahead to Expo 2006. Save the dates—November 9 through 11—and join AOPA in Palm Springs, California. Not only will you get to enjoy great weather and dramatic scenery, you'll be treated to a real spectacle on November 8, when dozens of your favorite aircraft taxi through the streets of town en route to the convention center in a "parade of planes." See AOPA Online for complete Expo coverage.
GET EXPO VIDEO ON DEMAND
Did you miss the best AOPA Expo yet? Did you attend the show but miss one of the exciting general sessions? Just want to relive some of the Expo excitement? We can help. Check out our Expo video on demand. All of the general sessions, plus some more fun things as well—including a time-lapse view of the exhibit floor—are waiting right here to be streamed to your computer. (Broadband connection and Windows Media Player 9 or 10 recommended.) And check back—we'll be adding a few more videos in the next few days. See AOPA Online.
BUILD YOUR OWN DIAMOND
Diamond Aircraft has revamped its Web site to allow prospective customers to calculate price and weights while they interactively build their aircraft. The interactive range device allows customers to pick a starting point and see how far they can fly without refueling. An "Ownersworld" section enhances the ownership experience. See the Web site.
QUEST AIRCRAFT OPENS FACTORY
Quest Aircraft in Sandpoint, Idaho, has opened its 57,000-square-foot add-on production facility in preparation for full production. The Quest Kodiak is a 10-place turboprop utility aircraft especially designed for the needs of missionary groups flying into unimproved and rugged airstrips around the world, and for regional airlines providing services to backcountry mountainous areas. It is also aimed at the individual pilot flying to vacation destinations. It will soon be tested on floats. When at maximum gross weight, it can take off in 700 feet without any extraordinary actions by the pilot. The first prototype, given that it is lighter because it lacks an interior and full panel, can take off in 300 feet or less. Look for an article on the Kodiak in an upcoming issue of AOPA Pilot.
WOLF AVIATION FUND OFFERS GA GRANTS
The Wolf Aviation Fund is now accepting applications for grants that are used to support general aviation-related projects. The grants cover a wide range of projects, including improvements to aircraft, navigation, and efforts to inform the public about the benefits of general aviation. The application deadline is December 15. To learn more about how to obtain a grant, and read details about past winners, visit the Web site. In addition, the site provides much useful information for those who work in aviation education, nonprofit group management, technological development, and other areas involving general aviation.
FLY MORE SAFELY BY LEARNING FROM HISTORY
Reviewing accident reports can help you to fly more safely. Here's your own personal list of mishaps from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's online database. Accidents that occurred during the past 30 days are displayed on the Web page according to the ePilot aircraft interest categories that you selected for personalized newsletter content, such as "piston single-engine" or "experimental." If you haven't signed up for this service, click on the link anyway to access a Web page that allows you to personalize your newsletter so that you can get more of what you want each week.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
News From NBAA
FIRST ADAM PISTON-ENGINE TWIN DELIVERED
Adam Aircraft delivered its first customer aircraft, an A500 centerline-thrust piston-engine twin, on November 7 to a Colorado Springs businessman. "Adam Aircraft has moved from a developmental startup company that makes experimental aircraft to an FAA-certified manufacturer that is delivering standard airworthiness aircraft," said Rick Adam, chairman and CEO of Adam Aircraft. The company was immediately voted a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
ELECTRONIC CHARTS NOT REPLACING PAPER CHARTS, YET
Jeppesen officials said they have seen no reduction in the use of paper charts despite the advent of all-electronic charts over the past several years. Those few pilots who have switched all come from the grass-roots end of general aviation—the pilots flying piston single-engine aircraft, the officials said. Corporate pilots apparently want redundancy, given that CEOs are in the back, one official said. "All our efforts to forecast when there might be a transition from paper were wrong," said one official. "We have just invested $7 million to $10 million in new printing presses."
BONANZA G36, BARON G58, KING AIR C90GT, AND PREMIER IA UPDATES
Raytheon's new Garmin 1000-equipped G36 Bonanza will be delivered at a rate of two aircraft per day through the end of 2005, officials said today. The order book for deliveries of the new $690,000 single is full through the third quarter of 2006. The airplane is the launch customer for Garmin's new GFC 700 autopilot. Deliveries of the similarly equipped $1.221 million G58 Baron will begin in December 2005, Raytheon said. Certification is expected "any day." Deliveries of Raytheon's new, $2.95 million King Air C90GT turboprop twin will also begin next month. The 270-knot, 550-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney-powered airplane is sold out through December 2006. Meanwhile, four of the company's newly certified (September 2005) Premier IAs have been delivered to date, and 16 more IAs should be delivered by the end of this year. Speaking of the four new airplanes, Randy Groom—president and general manager of the Beechcraft division—said that Raytheon continues to "take great existing platforms and make them better."
AN IMPROVED PC-12
Pilatus Aircraft on Wednesday announced several enhancements to its popular PC-12 single-engine turboprop. For U.S.-registered PC-12s, there will be a gross weight increase of 530 pounds; those of European registry won't be allowed this feature. New winglets, crew seats, and cabin lighting will also be offered in 2006 PC-12s. A 60-percent reduction in roll forces will be another improvement, thanks to an augmentation of the previous aileron design's hinge points and balance weights. The new Ipeco crew seats feature adjustable vertical and horizontal lumbar supports, plus headrests and thigh supports. Long-life LED nav lighting is another part of the improvement package. Look for a feature article on the PC-12 in the January issue of AOPA Pilot.
BOMBARDIER ANNOUNCES NEW LEARJET 60 XR
Bombardier Aerospace announced it will produce a new midsize member of its long-running family of Learjets—the Learjet 60 XR. Based on the Learjet 60 first introduced in 1990, the latest version will be certified to FL510 and is expected to cruise at Mach 0.81. Bombardier claims it will enjoy the lowest operating costs in its category. The Lear 60XR flight deck's standard equipment includes the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21, an advanced avionics suite that utilizes four 8-inch by 10-inch high-resolution liquid crystal displays. Priced at $12.9 million when typically equipped, the aircraft will feature transcontinental range and a stand-up cabin. Flight testing is expected to get under way by the first quarter of 2006, with FAA certification and first delivery expected to occur in the first quarter of 2007. This marks the eighth new Lear variant Bombardier has introduced in the past 15 years.
GULFSTREAM CERTIFIES G150 AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
The Gulfstream G150 was certified November 7 by both the Israeli Civil Aviation Administration and the FAA—at least eight weeks ahead of the originally anticipated first-quarter-2006 certification date. Moreover, the airplane came in with a max gross weight 100 pounds higher than expected, a maximum range of 2,950 nautical miles (250 nm better than expected), and a 10-percent reduction in balanced field length—to 5,250 feet. Gulfstream President and CEO Bryan Moss said that Gulfstream sales for the first nine months of 2005 amounted to 65 airplanes, compared to 57 airplanes for the same time frame in 2004. "I'm bullish on the long-term outlook for Gulfstream," Moss said. "But the effects of higher fuel prices haven't hit Gulfstream sales yet—but it's an issue that could be significant in the future." Moss also said that airport access, user fees, and reduced certification services are the big topics for the short run. Meanwhile, Gulfstream is coy about its rumored interest in developing a supersonic business jet. Those rumors got a boost when Moss said that Gulfstream has built a supersonic acoustic simulator designed to study how much the noise of a sonic boom can be reduced.
CESSNA INTRODUCES ENCORE+
Cessna Aircraft Company will deliver in 2007 the successor to the present Citation Encore, the Citation Encore+. It promises increased efficiency, a new integrated avionics suite, increased payload, and improved cabin lighting. The $8 million jet has a maximum payload 200 pounds greater than the Encore. It will use the integrated Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite that encompasses many of the same features found on the Citation CJ1+, CJ2+, and CJ3. Many features that were once options, like traffic collision avoidance, an enhanced ground proximity warning system, and an upgraded interior, are now standard on the Encore+.
For more coverage from NBAA, see AOPA Online.
Inside AOPA
THINKING ABOUT BUYING A LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT?
Take AOPA Pilot's latest online survey and tell us what you think about the new crop of light sport aircraft. The results will appear in the "Pilot Briefing" section of an upcoming magazine. See AOPA Online.
AOPA'S 2004 SWEEPSTAKES WINNER: WHERE IS HE NOW?
Roy Wilbanks, the 2004 winner of AOPA's better-than-new Piper Twin Comanche, has kept the airplane, earned his multiengine rating, and received specialized avionics training to use the Twin Comanche's Garmin stack. Now, he has more than 80 hours in the aircraft and is working on his commercial certificate. He already has passed the written exam. "The airplane is doing great and flying like a real dream," Wilbanks said in an update to AOPA. But you don't have to live vicariously through Wilbanks' dream come true. You could be the winner of AOPA's 2005 Sweepstakes Commander 112A. Read about the restoration online. If you join or renew your membership with AOPA before the end of the year, you automatically will be entered to win. Complete rules, eligibility requirements, and alternate methods of entry are available online.
NIGHT FLYING: SORT THROUGH THE DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF NIGHT
Because the days are getting shorter and more flights will occur at night, now is the perfect time to get all of the night flying regulations straight. FAR 1.1 defines night as "the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac, converted to local time." That definition applies to logging night flying. But if you are getting night current, follow the definition of night as described in FAR 61.57(b), which is the "period beginning one hour after sunset and ending one hour before sunrise." Aircraft position and anticollision lights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise, according to FAR 91.209. Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Web site to obtain civil twilight and sunrise/sunset information. More information about night operations is available through the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Hot Spot: Flying Night VFR.
AOPA REMINDS PILOTS TO REPORT ALCOHOL-RELATED OFFENSES
The general aviation community and the FAA strictly adhere to regulations spelled out in FAR 91.17 regarding alcohol use, which calls for eight hours between bottle and throttle, and less than .04 percent by weight of alcohol in the blood. As a result, alcohol misuse is only a factor in 1.1 percent of all accidents, according to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's 2004 Nall Report. Alcohol-related offenses are taken so seriously that even motor vehicle offenses, including warnings, that involve alcohol could jeopardize a pilot's medical and pilot certificate. According to FAR 61.15, after any DUI or alcohol-related motor vehicle action, you must submit a report to the FAA Internal Security and Investigation Division within 60 days of the date of conviction or administrative action. You also are required to report it on your next FAA medical application. "The FAA might give the benefit of the doubt on the first conviction, but if there are subsequent convictions or evidence of substance abuse or dependence, your medical certificate application is likely to be denied," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. The FAA cross-checks medical applications and driving records to catch any incidents that were not reported on the medical. See AOPA Online.
HAVE YOU UPDATED YOUR AOPA MEMBER PROFILE?
To make the most of your membership and allow us to serve you better, please visit AOPA Online and update your personal member profile.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation News
SAFETY ADVISOR TACKLES AERONAUTICAL DECISION-MAKING SKILLS
Develop proper aeronautical decision-making skills with guidance from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's new Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots Safety Advisor. The eight-page Safety Advisor complements ASF's innovative safety seminar of the same name, which made its debut at AOPA Expo in Tampa, Florida, last week. Do The Right Thing explains the process of making sound aeronautical decisions that can help prevent tough calls in the air, tells how to prioritize tasks when you encounter a problem, and guides you through the process of establishing your personal minimums
Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta promised it last Thursday at AOPA Expo in Tampa. Now the FAA has delivered the formal paperwork, reopening the comment period on the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Already more than 18,600 pilots—an unprecedented number—have spoken out against making the ADIZ permanent around Washington and against allowing ADIZs to metastasize to other Class B airspace. Pilots now have until February 6, 2006, to file their comments. And the FAA has also granted AOPA's request for public meetings on the ADIZ, saying that the meeting dates will be published in a future document. "Even with the weight of more than 18,600 comments, the public meetings are important as well," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "And besides the FAA, officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Secret Service need to be front and center at these meetings. They're the ones making decisions controlling the airspace; they need to look pilots in the eye and hear firsthand what their decisions are doing to general aviation." Meanwhile, the nation's political leaders continue to speak out against the ADIZ. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) was particularly vociferous against the ADIZ during his taped address to AOPA Expo. Another 46 members of Congress also have put their opposition on record. See AOPA Online.
PROCESSING TIME CUT FOR SPECIAL-ISSUANCE MEDICALS
Pilots awaiting a special-issuance medical could see significantly reduced processing times—AOPA members have reported turnaround times as little as 14 days—but that improvement may come at the expense of more routine medicals. "Because of limited staff resources, the FAA reassigned reviewers from the general review section to work on special issuances, which has caused an increase in processing time for applications in general review," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "However, AOPA has been advocating long-term changes to speed the medical review process." AOPA's efforts include expanding AMEs' responsibilities to utilize AME-assisted special issuances (AASI) and even certify first-time special issuances for some conditions. And the FAA is starting to listen: AMEs are encouraged to issue, not defer, when possible, in order to minimize the number of cases that have to be reviewed by the Aerospace Medical Division in Oklahoma City. "But right now, there are a number of things you can do to decrease the chances that the AME will need to defer your medical," Crump said. "Start by using AOPA's TurboMedical and calling AOPA's medical certification specialists (800/USA-AOPA) so that we can get you through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible." See AOPA Online.
BEST EXPO YET IS OVER; MAKE PLANS FOR 2006 IN PALM SPRINGS
Thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts spent three glorious days in sunny Tampa, Florida, and are now back home, laden with new toys. More than 8,500 people attended the show, with some 1,200 airplanes flying in for the event. During their three days in Tampa, Expo-goers attended more than 70 hours of seminars, got up close to more than 100 aircraft on display, and purchased everything from headsets to airplanes. Highlights included an appearance by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who announced at the opening general session that he had directed the FAA to extend the comment period and hold AOPA-requested public meetings on the agency's plan to make the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) permanent. Pilots also heard from representatives of the light sport aircraft, technically advanced aircraft, and very light jet segments speak about their vision for GA's future. And Expo was the perfect opportunity for AOPA to present a number of prestigious awards and for members to socialize at evening events. With Expo 2005 a happy memory, it's time to look ahead to Expo 2006. Save the dates—November 9 through 11—and join AOPA in Palm Springs, California. Not only will you get to enjoy great weather and dramatic scenery, you'll be treated to a real spectacle on November 8, when dozens of your favorite aircraft taxi through the streets of town en route to the convention center in a "parade of planes." See AOPA Online for complete Expo coverage.
GET EXPO VIDEO ON DEMAND
Did you miss the best AOPA Expo yet? Did you attend the show but miss one of the exciting general sessions? Just want to relive some of the Expo excitement? We can help. Check out our Expo video on demand. All of the general sessions, plus some more fun things as well—including a time-lapse view of the exhibit floor—are waiting right here to be streamed to your computer. (Broadband connection and Windows Media Player 9 or 10 recommended.) And check back—we'll be adding a few more videos in the next few days. See AOPA Online.
BUILD YOUR OWN DIAMOND
Diamond Aircraft has revamped its Web site to allow prospective customers to calculate price and weights while they interactively build their aircraft. The interactive range device allows customers to pick a starting point and see how far they can fly without refueling. An "Ownersworld" section enhances the ownership experience. See the Web site.
QUEST AIRCRAFT OPENS FACTORY
Quest Aircraft in Sandpoint, Idaho, has opened its 57,000-square-foot add-on production facility in preparation for full production. The Quest Kodiak is a 10-place turboprop utility aircraft especially designed for the needs of missionary groups flying into unimproved and rugged airstrips around the world, and for regional airlines providing services to backcountry mountainous areas. It is also aimed at the individual pilot flying to vacation destinations. It will soon be tested on floats. When at maximum gross weight, it can take off in 700 feet without any extraordinary actions by the pilot. The first prototype, given that it is lighter because it lacks an interior and full panel, can take off in 300 feet or less. Look for an article on the Kodiak in an upcoming issue of AOPA Pilot.
WOLF AVIATION FUND OFFERS GA GRANTS
The Wolf Aviation Fund is now accepting applications for grants that are used to support general aviation-related projects. The grants cover a wide range of projects, including improvements to aircraft, navigation, and efforts to inform the public about the benefits of general aviation. The application deadline is December 15. To learn more about how to obtain a grant, and read details about past winners, visit the Web site. In addition, the site provides much useful information for those who work in aviation education, nonprofit group management, technological development, and other areas involving general aviation.
FLY MORE SAFELY BY LEARNING FROM HISTORY
Reviewing accident reports can help you to fly more safely. Here's your own personal list of mishaps from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's online database. Accidents that occurred during the past 30 days are displayed on the Web page according to the ePilot aircraft interest categories that you selected for personalized newsletter content, such as "piston single-engine" or "experimental." If you haven't signed up for this service, click on the link anyway to access a Web page that allows you to personalize your newsletter so that you can get more of what you want each week.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
News From NBAA
FIRST ADAM PISTON-ENGINE TWIN DELIVERED
Adam Aircraft delivered its first customer aircraft, an A500 centerline-thrust piston-engine twin, on November 7 to a Colorado Springs businessman. "Adam Aircraft has moved from a developmental startup company that makes experimental aircraft to an FAA-certified manufacturer that is delivering standard airworthiness aircraft," said Rick Adam, chairman and CEO of Adam Aircraft. The company was immediately voted a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
ELECTRONIC CHARTS NOT REPLACING PAPER CHARTS, YET
Jeppesen officials said they have seen no reduction in the use of paper charts despite the advent of all-electronic charts over the past several years. Those few pilots who have switched all come from the grass-roots end of general aviation—the pilots flying piston single-engine aircraft, the officials said. Corporate pilots apparently want redundancy, given that CEOs are in the back, one official said. "All our efforts to forecast when there might be a transition from paper were wrong," said one official. "We have just invested $7 million to $10 million in new printing presses."
BONANZA G36, BARON G58, KING AIR C90GT, AND PREMIER IA UPDATES
Raytheon's new Garmin 1000-equipped G36 Bonanza will be delivered at a rate of two aircraft per day through the end of 2005, officials said today. The order book for deliveries of the new $690,000 single is full through the third quarter of 2006. The airplane is the launch customer for Garmin's new GFC 700 autopilot. Deliveries of the similarly equipped $1.221 million G58 Baron will begin in December 2005, Raytheon said. Certification is expected "any day." Deliveries of Raytheon's new, $2.95 million King Air C90GT turboprop twin will also begin next month. The 270-knot, 550-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney-powered airplane is sold out through December 2006. Meanwhile, four of the company's newly certified (September 2005) Premier IAs have been delivered to date, and 16 more IAs should be delivered by the end of this year. Speaking of the four new airplanes, Randy Groom—president and general manager of the Beechcraft division—said that Raytheon continues to "take great existing platforms and make them better."
AN IMPROVED PC-12
Pilatus Aircraft on Wednesday announced several enhancements to its popular PC-12 single-engine turboprop. For U.S.-registered PC-12s, there will be a gross weight increase of 530 pounds; those of European registry won't be allowed this feature. New winglets, crew seats, and cabin lighting will also be offered in 2006 PC-12s. A 60-percent reduction in roll forces will be another improvement, thanks to an augmentation of the previous aileron design's hinge points and balance weights. The new Ipeco crew seats feature adjustable vertical and horizontal lumbar supports, plus headrests and thigh supports. Long-life LED nav lighting is another part of the improvement package. Look for a feature article on the PC-12 in the January issue of AOPA Pilot.
BOMBARDIER ANNOUNCES NEW LEARJET 60 XR
Bombardier Aerospace announced it will produce a new midsize member of its long-running family of Learjets—the Learjet 60 XR. Based on the Learjet 60 first introduced in 1990, the latest version will be certified to FL510 and is expected to cruise at Mach 0.81. Bombardier claims it will enjoy the lowest operating costs in its category. The Lear 60XR flight deck's standard equipment includes the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21, an advanced avionics suite that utilizes four 8-inch by 10-inch high-resolution liquid crystal displays. Priced at $12.9 million when typically equipped, the aircraft will feature transcontinental range and a stand-up cabin. Flight testing is expected to get under way by the first quarter of 2006, with FAA certification and first delivery expected to occur in the first quarter of 2007. This marks the eighth new Lear variant Bombardier has introduced in the past 15 years.
GULFSTREAM CERTIFIES G150 AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
The Gulfstream G150 was certified November 7 by both the Israeli Civil Aviation Administration and the FAA—at least eight weeks ahead of the originally anticipated first-quarter-2006 certification date. Moreover, the airplane came in with a max gross weight 100 pounds higher than expected, a maximum range of 2,950 nautical miles (250 nm better than expected), and a 10-percent reduction in balanced field length—to 5,250 feet. Gulfstream President and CEO Bryan Moss said that Gulfstream sales for the first nine months of 2005 amounted to 65 airplanes, compared to 57 airplanes for the same time frame in 2004. "I'm bullish on the long-term outlook for Gulfstream," Moss said. "But the effects of higher fuel prices haven't hit Gulfstream sales yet—but it's an issue that could be significant in the future." Moss also said that airport access, user fees, and reduced certification services are the big topics for the short run. Meanwhile, Gulfstream is coy about its rumored interest in developing a supersonic business jet. Those rumors got a boost when Moss said that Gulfstream has built a supersonic acoustic simulator designed to study how much the noise of a sonic boom can be reduced.
CESSNA INTRODUCES ENCORE+
Cessna Aircraft Company will deliver in 2007 the successor to the present Citation Encore, the Citation Encore+. It promises increased efficiency, a new integrated avionics suite, increased payload, and improved cabin lighting. The $8 million jet has a maximum payload 200 pounds greater than the Encore. It will use the integrated Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite that encompasses many of the same features found on the Citation CJ1+, CJ2+, and CJ3. Many features that were once options, like traffic collision avoidance, an enhanced ground proximity warning system, and an upgraded interior, are now standard on the Encore+.
For more coverage from NBAA, see AOPA Online.
Inside AOPA
THINKING ABOUT BUYING A LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT?
Take AOPA Pilot's latest online survey and tell us what you think about the new crop of light sport aircraft. The results will appear in the "Pilot Briefing" section of an upcoming magazine. See AOPA Online.
AOPA'S 2004 SWEEPSTAKES WINNER: WHERE IS HE NOW?
Roy Wilbanks, the 2004 winner of AOPA's better-than-new Piper Twin Comanche, has kept the airplane, earned his multiengine rating, and received specialized avionics training to use the Twin Comanche's Garmin stack. Now, he has more than 80 hours in the aircraft and is working on his commercial certificate. He already has passed the written exam. "The airplane is doing great and flying like a real dream," Wilbanks said in an update to AOPA. But you don't have to live vicariously through Wilbanks' dream come true. You could be the winner of AOPA's 2005 Sweepstakes Commander 112A. Read about the restoration online. If you join or renew your membership with AOPA before the end of the year, you automatically will be entered to win. Complete rules, eligibility requirements, and alternate methods of entry are available online.
NIGHT FLYING: SORT THROUGH THE DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF NIGHT
Because the days are getting shorter and more flights will occur at night, now is the perfect time to get all of the night flying regulations straight. FAR 1.1 defines night as "the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac, converted to local time." That definition applies to logging night flying. But if you are getting night current, follow the definition of night as described in FAR 61.57(b), which is the "period beginning one hour after sunset and ending one hour before sunrise." Aircraft position and anticollision lights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise, according to FAR 91.209. Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Web site to obtain civil twilight and sunrise/sunset information. More information about night operations is available through the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Hot Spot: Flying Night VFR.
AOPA REMINDS PILOTS TO REPORT ALCOHOL-RELATED OFFENSES
The general aviation community and the FAA strictly adhere to regulations spelled out in FAR 91.17 regarding alcohol use, which calls for eight hours between bottle and throttle, and less than .04 percent by weight of alcohol in the blood. As a result, alcohol misuse is only a factor in 1.1 percent of all accidents, according to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's 2004 Nall Report. Alcohol-related offenses are taken so seriously that even motor vehicle offenses, including warnings, that involve alcohol could jeopardize a pilot's medical and pilot certificate. According to FAR 61.15, after any DUI or alcohol-related motor vehicle action, you must submit a report to the FAA Internal Security and Investigation Division within 60 days of the date of conviction or administrative action. You also are required to report it on your next FAA medical application. "The FAA might give the benefit of the doubt on the first conviction, but if there are subsequent convictions or evidence of substance abuse or dependence, your medical certificate application is likely to be denied," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. The FAA cross-checks medical applications and driving records to catch any incidents that were not reported on the medical. See AOPA Online.
HAVE YOU UPDATED YOUR AOPA MEMBER PROFILE?
To make the most of your membership and allow us to serve you better, please visit AOPA Online and update your personal member profile.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation News
SAFETY ADVISOR TACKLES AERONAUTICAL DECISION-MAKING SKILLS
Develop proper aeronautical decision-making skills with guidance from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's new Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots Safety Advisor. The eight-page Safety Advisor complements ASF's innovative safety seminar of the same name, which made its debut at AOPA Expo in Tampa, Florida, last week. Do The Right Thing explains the process of making sound aeronautical decisions that can help prevent tough calls in the air, tells how to prioritize tasks when you encounter a problem, and guides you through the process of establishing your personal minimums