FIRST GULFSTREAM G450 TO BE OPERATED IN ASIA

SAVANNAH, Ga., August 9, 2005 - When the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 business jet is delivered next month to its owner, Speed Jet Chartered, Ltd., it will have the distinction of being the first G450 to be operated in Asia. Based in Hong Kong, the G450 will be available for charters and used jointly by the company’s shareholders. It will be managed and operated by Metrojet, Asia’s leading provider of corporate aircraft charter services.
“The principals at Speed Jet Chartered Ltd. chose the G450 because of its reliability, range capability and high-speed performance, which are ideal for private and charter flights in and around the Asia/Pacific region,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “With a range of 4,350 nautical miles, the G450 can fly nonstop between cities like Hong Kong to Melbourne, Dubai or Anchorage; and Beijing to Moscow.”

Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), introduced the G450 at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention in October 2003 – six months after it took its first flight.

With its unique performance and price point, the G450 was developed for customers whose travel requirements include long-range capability, a state-of-the-art cockpit, and the unsurpassed cabin comfort that is synonymous with the Gulfstream name.

The G450 cabin, which can accommodate up to 16 passengers, was designed for comfort. It features a maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet when flying at 45,000 feet; 100 percent fresh air; and 12 large oval windows that allow for a generous stream of natural light to fill the cabin. The combined effect of these features leaves passengers feeling rested and relaxed even following long, transoceanic flights.

The aerodynamic characteristics of the G450 fuselage, along with the aircraft’s two upgraded Rolls-Royce Tay MK611-8C engines – each of which provide 13,850 pounds of thrust – enable the G450 to reach speeds of up to Mach 0.88.

On May 17, just a week after entering service, the G450 business jet established its first intercontinental city-pair speed record, flying 3,550 nautical miles from Chicago to London in just 7 hours and 19 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.85.

Both the G450 and its sister ship, the ultra-long-range G550, feature as standard equipment the award-winning Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System. Additionally, the G450 and G550, as well as the mid-range G350 and the ultra-long-range G500, feature the PlaneView™ flight deck – the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation. As a result, all four aircraft share the same pilot type rating as that of the Gulfstream V (GV), with minimal differences in training. Customers who operate fleets with two or more of these Gulfstream aircraft will appreciate the cost savings that can be generated in terms of pilot, crew and maintenance training as well as reduced parts inventory.

And like all Gulfstream aircraft, the G450 includes competitive warranty, training and maintenance programs and is supported by Gulfstream’s award-winning worldwide product support network.

GULFSTREAM DELIVERS FIRST G200 IN CANADA

Canadian Business Jet Management Company, Partner Jet, To Operate the Large-Cabin, Mid-Range Jet

SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug. 24, 2005 - Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), delivered its first G200 business jet in Canada last week. Partner Jet, a Toronto-based aviation management company, will manage and maintain the aircraft, as well as arrange charter flights.
“With the G200’s range, passengers can fly nonstop from Halifax to Vancouver, from Toronto to London, England, or anywhere in the continental United States,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “Partner Jet customers who fly on the G200 will appreciate its spacious cabin, which is the largest in its class of business jets. The cabin height allows most people to easily walk through the cabin.”

Currently, 108 aircraft comprise the G200 in-service fleet, which have flown more than 112,000 flight hours and completed some 70,000 landings.

Partner Jet Takes Delivery of First Gulfstream G200 Business Jet in Canada

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Aug. 24, 2005) - Partner Jet Corp. (TSX VENTURE:PJT) is pleased to announce that it has taken delivery from Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), of the first Gulfstream G200 business jet to be delivered in Canada. Partner Jet, a Toronto-based aviation management company, will manage and maintain the aircraft, as well as arrange charter flights.

With the G200's range capability, passengers can fly non-stop from Halifax to Vancouver or from Toronto to London, England, or anywhere in the continental United States. Partner Jet customers who fly on the G200 will appreciate its spacious cabin, which is the largest in its class of business jets. At 6 foot, 3 inches, most people can easily walk through the cabin.

Currently, 108 aircraft comprise the G200 in-service fleet, which have flown more than 112,000 flight hours and completed some 70,000 landings.

GULFSTREAM G550 FLIES FROM NEWARK TO TEL AVIV, ESTABLISHING ITS 15TH CITY-PAIR SPEED RECORD

/noticias.info/ SAVANNAH , Ga. , Aug. 29, 2005 – The ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 has set another city-pair speed record – this time between Newark , N.J. , and Tel Aviv, Israel . The G550 flew the 5,031-nautical-mile route in 9 hours and 52 minutes, thereby establishing its 15 th city-pair speed record since it first entered service nearly two years ago. Gulfstream is awaiting official recognition of this city-pair speed record by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).

The G550 took off from Newark International Airport at 8:16 p.m. local time on Aug. 28. It flew 5,031 nautical miles at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.86, landing 9 hours, 52 minutes later at 1:08 p.m. local time on Aug. 29 at Ben Gurion Airport .

“This new speed record demonstrates the G550’s exceptional range and performance, which have become the hallmark of this outstanding business jet,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “But there’s even more to this plane than reliability and performance. While the pilots were flying for a new city-pair speed record, the passengers remained productive, conducting business as they would at their place of business.”

In addition to face-to-face and telephone communication, in-flight G550 passengers also can send and receive e-mail, monitor the stock market , surf the Internet or perform any other Web-based task, at the same speed found in most corporate offices through Gulfstream’s ultra-high-speed Broad Band Multi-Link™ (BBML) service. Gulfstream is the only manufacturer that exclusively builds business jets to offer this service, which is 10 times faster than the most widely used in-flight, high-speed data service. While the service is not available over the North Atlantic region until the first quarter of next year, the BBML system is fully operational over North America and will become fully operational over Europe and the Middle East before the end of this year.

Gulfstream Senior International Captain Hank Gibson served as pilot-in-command and International Captain Tony Briotta served as second-in-command. Also onboard were Carl Schomberg, production test pilot, who served as first officer, Gulfstream Chief Flight Attendant Sally Greer and five passengers.

Today, there are 59 aircraft that comprise the in-service G550 fleet, which collectively have flown more than 25,000 flight hours and completed some 10,000 takeoffs and landings.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Flying farther than any other business-jet aircraft in its class, the G550 can accommodate up to 19 passengers, fly at a maximum speed of 0.885 Mach and cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. With a 100 percent fresh air system, maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet and 14 signature oval windows that allow for ample natural lighting, the G550 cabin maximizes passenger comfort while decreasing the effects of travel fatigue and jet lag.

The Gulfstream G550 features the PlaneView™ cockpit - the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation. With its unique blending of state-of-the-art technology and simplicity in presentation, PlaneView ensures pilots can access all flight-essential information from a single source. With PlaneView, functions including, navigation, communication and aircraft system status can be accessed easily via Gulfstream's signature Cursor Control Device.

The G550 also includes the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS), which enables flight crews to see runway markings, taxiways, adjacent roads and surrounding areas in conditions of limited visibility. The system also helps crews avoid runway incursion and hazards that would otherwise not be easily visible. By incorporating the most advanced computer software, hardware and display technologies available and marrying them with the latest in infrared camera technology, the G550 PlaneView cockpit reduces pilot workload while increasing safety.

The G550 was developed concurrently with its sister ship, the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G500. With their unique performance and price points, the two aircraft meet different air transportation needs. Both G550 and G500 aircraft, as well as the long-range G450 and the mid-range G350, feature the PlaneView flight deck. As a result, all four aircraft share the same pilot type rating as that of the Gulfstream V (GV), with minimal differences in training. Customers who operate fleets with two or more of these Gulfstream aircraft will appreciate the cost savings that can be generated in terms of pilot, crew and maintenance training as well as reduced parts inventory.

In early 2004, the National Aeronautic Association selected the G550 development team as the 2003 recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy for its work on the G550 business jet. The trophy citation reads, "The development of the G550 reflects Gulfstream's ongoing commitment to designing, testing and building innovative aircraft that offer measurable safety enhancements and practical, applicable and useful advances in aerospace technology."

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation , a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,500 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100 ™; the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 ™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 ™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350 ™; the large-cabin, long-range G450 ™; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500 ™ and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 ™. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales ®. The company employs more than 7,200 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church , Virginia , employs approximately 70,800 people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.

U.S. military to assist relief effort with aircraft, logistical support

WASHINGTON - (KRT) - The Pentagon's U.S. Northern Command plans to set up a task force to help federal disaster authorities bring relief by military aircraft and amphibious vehicles to communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

The task force plans to have its headquarters at Camp Shelby, Miss., said Michael Kucharek, a spokesman for U.S. Northern Command. It has established Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., as a staging area for supplies and personnel.

The task force will assist federal disaster-relief authorities primarily with aircraft and other logistical support. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requested it, Kucharek said.

"We have some unique capabilities such as airlift and amphibious vehicles that FEMA doesn't have," he said. "I think there's a realization that the devastation is so widespread that they are going to need more support than they can provide on their own."

U.S. Northern Command was set up in 2002 primarily to coordinate military efforts in support of homeland security. Similar task forces were used during this year's G-8 summit at Sapelo Island, Ga., the presidential inauguration last January and in relief efforts after four hurricanes struck Florida last year. The command is based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The command already has sent two helicopters and crews that will enable federal disaster experts to assess the extent of the damage in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

More than 9,000 National Guardsmen have been called to duty for hurricane relief work in those three states, Kucharek said.

More than 3,800 Guardsmen in Louisiana were assisting with debris removal, water and food distribution, medical treatment and local law enforcement, said Jack Harrison, a spokesman for the National Guard Bureau in Washington.

Though the Louisiana Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Task Force has been deployed to Iraq, more than 65 percent, or about 6,500 Guardsmen, were still available for state duty, Harrison said.

In Mississippi, nearly 2,000 Army and Air National Guardsmen had been called to duty, basing their operations out of Camp Shelby, Harrison said.

Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters on a training mission at Camp Shelby from the Georgia National Guard have remained there to support relief operations, said Lt. Col. Jim Driscoll, a spokesman for the Georgia National Guard.

In Alabama, 1,600 National Guardsmen were on duty, carrying out search and rescue missions and working with Alabama Emergency Management Agency authorities to provide food, water, medical treatment and other humanitarian assistance, said Lt. Col. Bob Horton, a spokesman for the Alabama National Guard.

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley approved sending 300 military police and 500 engineers from the Alabama National Guard to assist with relief efforts in neighboring Mississippi, Horton said. More than 450 infantrymen have been sent to Mobile, Ala., to help local police maintain order, but they'll play only a supporting role, he said.

In Florida, 700 part-time troops from the Army and Air National Guard were distributing ice and water in areas Katrina had hit in the southern part of the state. The Guardsmen were prepared to provide logistical support for Louisiana and Mississippi if necessary, said Harrison, of the National Guard Bureau.

In Arkansas, more than 350 combat engineers, military police, medics and truck drivers from the Arkansas National Guard were preparing to leave Wednesday to assist with relief efforts in Mississippi, said Capt. Christine Munn, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas National Guard.

The Arkansas National Guard dispatched two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters Tuesday to carry out search and rescue operations from Gulfport, Miss., Munn said.

More than 98,000 National Guardsmen from 17 other states were prepared to provide further assistance if required, Harrison said.

Bombardier Delivers 150th Global Aircraft Into Service

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(CCNMatthews - Aug. 30, 2005) - Bombardier today announced a significant milestone in its highly successful Global program - the delivery into service of its 150th Global aircraft. The Bombardier Global 5000 business jet was delivered on August 26 to Dwight Management of St Paul, Minnesota. It was the third Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft to be delivered into service.

"The aircraft's spacious, wide and comfortable cabin combined with its outstanding speed and impressive range made it the right choice to meet our corporate travel requirements," said Dwight Opperman, chairman, Dwight Management, a long-standing Bombardier customer. "The Global 5000 is truly far superior to any other aircraft in its category."

This important delivery highlights the continued strength of Bombardier's Global aircraft program and momentum is continuing to build. The company has achieved a seamless transition from the Global Express business jet to the next generation Global Express XRS aircraft, which is set to enter service in January 2006.

"The delivery into service of our 150th Global aircraft is a landmark occasion for this leading family of aircraft, and the promise of more great things to come," stated Duncan Koerbel, vice-president and general manager, Global product line. "We have more than 15 Global aircraft currently in completion, and strong worldwide market interest in both the Bombardier Global 5000 and the Global Express XRS business jets. Our assembly operations in Downsview, Ontario are ramping up along with our partner completion centers to meet this demand."

The Bombardier Global aircraft family has earned high praise from customers since the first ultra long-range Global Express business jet entered service. The Global platform - with its superior power-generation capabilities and significantly larger cabin - has demonstrated its capabilities through 16 world records, several of which were established by customers.

Launched in February 2002, the high-speed Bombardier Global 5000 business jet combines superior comfort, speed and the most technologically advanced cabin in the super large segment. The aircraft is capable of executing transcontinental missions at speeds up to Mach 0.89 - faster than any other aircraft in its class. The aircraft features the first-ever Ethernet-based Airshow 21 Cabin Electronic System application, including a host of entertainment options and baseline high-speed data connectivity. The first Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft entered customer service in April 2005.

Launched in October 2003, the Global Express XRS ultra long-range business jet takes the superior performance of the revolutionary Global Express aircraft even further, offering the ultimate level of cabin comfort, refinement and technology, with even more range and at higher speed. Green aircraft deliveries began in 2005.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2005, were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).

News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

China Southern Inks Pact to Purchase 10 New 787 Aircraft from Boeing

GUANGZHOU, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2005--China Southern Airlines (NYSE:ZNH)(SEHK:1055)(SHH:600029) -- www.cs-air.com/en -- with the largest and most technically advanced airline fleet in The People's Republic of China, is pleased to announce that it has made a firm purchase of 10 Boeing 787 aircraft.

The pact was signed at a formal signing ceremony at The China Hotel, a Marriott Hotel, in Guangzhou.

"The 787 is the latest aircraft design concept to be manufactured by Boeing and will be the most state-of-the-art aircraft in the world," said Mr. Liu Ming Qi, Vice Chairman, China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd., who signed the purchase agreement on behalf of China's largest airline.

Commenting on the aircraft purchase, Mr. Liu said, "It is an important strategy of China Southern Airlines to purchase the 787 aircraft in an effort to enhance its competitiveness in the international marketplace. The signing of this 787 Purchase Agreement also marks one step forward in the cooperative relationship between our two companies. It is not only conducive to improving the operation of China Southern Airlines but also enables us to provide better services to our growing passenger base throughout the globe."

He added, "In doing this, we can make a greater contribution to promoting economic cooperation and trade benefits between China and the rest of the world."

Also signing the contract were Mr. Si Xian Min, President of China Southern Airlines; Mr. Robert K. Laird, Vice President, China Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Mr. Zhu Hai Ping, Vice President, China Aviation Supplies Import & Export Group.

The first 787 aircraft is slated to be delivered to China Southern in July 2008, one month prior to the start of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

The balance of the delivery order is expected to be delivered to China Southern through the remainder of the decade, ending in 2010.

China Southern's configured 787 will have seating for 223 passengers, with a maximum range of 15,700 kilometers (8,500 nautical miles), and will offer outstanding flight effectiveness.

The airline plans to use the 787 on medium- and long-range routes, including international routes, partly replacing current 757 aircraft.

China Southern Airlines was the first mainland carrier to introduce the Boeing 777, 757 and 737, and it is expected that the further introduction of the 787 series will accordingly reduce the airline's reserve cost in its spare parts and engines.

The largest airline in The People's Republic of China for the past 26 years, China Southern Airlines -- www.cs-air.com/en -- connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan, as well as international service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

For China Southern Airlines reservations and information, please contact your local travel agent.

Silent aircraft causes scramble

Just 16 days after the Helios crash, a Czech charter flight which did not respond to air-traffic controllers when it entered Greek air space yesterday briefly put authorities on alert and led to fighter jets being scrambled.

The plane flew into Greek air space south of Crete at 12.23 p.m. on its way from Cairo to Bratislava. As is customary, flight controllers attempted to contact the pilot to tell him what path to follow but received no response.

After repeated failed efforts over a 12-minute period to achieve communication, including on the Cairo and emergency frequencies, the Greek Civil Aviation Authority gave the order for two air force planes to take off and approach the aircraft. This was the same procedure that was followed with the doomed Helios flight after it had been classified as a “renegade” aircraft. In the Helios case, the authority was criticized because controllers took more than an hour before attempting to contact the plane after it entered Greek air space.

However, before the fighters took off yesterday, the pilot of the Czech plane contacted air-traffic control and said he had experienced a problem with his headset.

CHENNAI: A Malaysian Airlines aircraft made an emergency landing at the airport here in the wee hours of the day after a lady passenger complained of labour pains, airport sources said.

One Kalavani (28), a passenger of the Kuala Lumpur-London flight developed labour pains following which the aircraft landed here at 2:51 a.m., they said.

The Airports Authority of India duty managers immediately informed the duty doctor and made arrangements for the woman to be taken to a private hospital in the city.

The flight left for London at around 4:00 a.m., the sources said. - PTI

Eventdock

Would you go to the airport for any reason but to get on a plane? The folks behind Zurich’s Eventdock hope people will go to the airport for meetings and exhibitions. The Eventdock was formerly used to prcess departing and arriving passengers but was closed after a fall in passenger numbers. After a $7.56 million refit it will now host a seven week program of events including an auction of Swissair memorabilia, the AIRWORLD exhibition and a teddy bear auction. The Eventdock can be rented for $25,00 per day. The hope is that the funds will help raise money tor recoup the cost of the refit and at some point, if travel increases, it may someday be returned to its orginal use...

Jeffersons Private Jet Holidays

The London Sunday Times had an interesting piece on private jet travel that led me to Jeffersons Private Jet Holidays, a company that specializes in brief jaunts by private jet. If you’ve ever had the urge to suddenly jet off to France and drink champagne in the Champagne region, they can make it happen.
Their one-day trip takes off from the south of England and drops you in Reims France where you can enjoy a meal at Les Crayères, restaurant in a château surrounded by 14 acres of rambling parklands and tour the surrounding vineyards. If champagne isn’t your thing (hard to imagine) there is also a one day trip to Paris and two, three or four day trips to various European hot spots including the Bulgari hotel in Milan and Hotel Cipriani in Venice. The planes used range from a four-seater Citation to an eight-seater LearJet and prices start at just under $2,000.

Air Bungalow

Fashion Week Daily reports that nightlife diva Amy Sacco is taking the chic of Bungalow 8 and making it airborne. She has partnered up with V1 Jets to create Air Bungalow, a new service that promises to make private jet travel feel more like visiting a club. The first flight will take Sacco’s guests to Miami this weekend for the MTV Video Music Awards. The first flight will include lunch catered by Cipriani, music selected by Sacco and a gift bag. Sacco plans to have flights for other celeb meccas like the Oscars. If you’re not in Sacco’s rolodex, fear not clients of V1 Jets can buy special flight packages that will include Sacco-customized details, right down to the gift bags and tips on hot spots in your destination of choice.

Air ambulance services - what types of service exist?

Most air ambulance companies provide a series of basic, clearly defined and seperate services. These services are not all private air ambulance flights, though the large majority are. Since the basic service of a private air ambulance is not cheap, and often the patient does not require critical care or advanced life support during transportation the air ambulance service providers do offer other services related to air transport and medical care.

American Express Announces Private Jet Rewards

American Express has announced a new part of their Membership Rewards program designed to
get card members into private jets. The program called Private Jet Rewards lets cardmembers redeem points for private jet travel through Bombardier Skyjet and Flexjet. Now through the end of the year they are offering a program where cardmembers only need half the usual amount of points required for each level of flight, for example, a $15,000 credit toward flight costs 585,000 points instead of 1,152,000. The program is for both the Skyjet private charter service and the Flexjet fractional membership program.

Logan Airport Expands Private Jet Area

The Boston Globe reports that Logan Airport is breaking ground today on $8 million expansion of a facility serving private jets. The 12,000-square-foot terminal will be private jet travelers and will also have a conference rooms and secure, private street entrances for celebrities and dignitaries. There will also be an 8,800-square-foot jet repair and maintenance facility. The new facility will open in July 2006.

The Next Concorde ?

If you think the skies have gotten a bit slow since the Concorde was retired there may be good news on the horizon, the far distant horizon. Aero-News Network reports on a Japanese project, the “next-generation” SST, designed to fly at over than Mach 2. It’s sponsored by the Japanese Space Agency but the same people behind the Airbus are involved. The new plane will be tested over the Australian Outback as soon as next month. The project has been around for a while, an earlier prototype crashed in the desert. There are also still the hurdles of high fuel consumption and noise levels to be surmounted. Don’t go planning your flight anytime soon, if all goes well the new 300-passenger Concorde replacement will be ready for general flight in 2020.

Egg and Dart Takes on the Airbus 380

Egg and Dart has created a new model of the interior of the Airbus A380 that puts all that space to good use. The Egg and Dart concept includes a “Flaniermeile” or a “Promenade Deck” over the clouds. On the upper deck there is a washroom, on-board library, shopping area and a bar. The upper deck is reached by climbing illuminated stairs next to a waterfall. There are also “virtual windows” which are designed to make the space seem more full of light and connected to the exterior world.

Epic Jet

Epic is another entry into the Very Light Jet Market. The relatively new company makes one other plane, the Epic LT turboprop which is now being produced for customers. Epic’s new plane is in the prototype stage and they plan to fly to the National Business Aviation Association convention in November and to the next air show at Dubai. Certification is scheduled for the third quarter of 2006. Epic sells planes both as already built and as “kit” planes. The to-be-certified Epic Jet is priced at $2 million but a “kit” version will be available for $1.6 million to customers who share in the building at Epic’s plant at Bend, Oregon or at the Tbilisi Aviation Machine in the Republic of Georgia (the former Soviet Union), Epic’s partner. The little carbon fiber jet can cover 1,600 nautical miles at 426 knots. The jet holds six passengers.

Learjet 60 Special Edition

As if it could get any better, Bombardier’s Learjets are all, I think it’s fair to say, luxurious. The Learjet 60 Special Edition performs like a rocket, and the cabin is well-equipped and very roomy, with acres of stand-up and width space. Submersed in wood and leather, the cabin is perfectly designed for long flights. Although its modern componentry significantly reduces maintenance, Bombardier includes a whole host of warranty and finance options.

Private Jet World Tour

If you’ve got a month free and $22,498 (CAD) you can see the entire world. Travel Guild Inc. Canada is offering a trip around the globe by private jet. In 28 days you will see 11 countries and some of the world’s most famous sights including the pyramids and the Taj Mahal while being chartered around on a Boeing 757 Jetliner. Travellers will sleep at four- and five-star hotels. The plane seats 110 (there are 16 club seats available for a little extra) so it’s definitely only for those who like to travel with a large crowd.

Million Air

Million Air, an owner of general aviation services at 30 American airports recently took over operations of the general aviation arm of the Albany, N.Y., International Airport. The move was made to help the airport tap into the potential for use by private jets used by corporations and individuals. Million Air is a chain of fixed-base operations providing refueling and other services for private jets. They also offer charter services from select locations.

Museum Of Aviation Earns National Accreditation

The Museum of Aviation of Warner Robins, GA, has been awarded national accreditation by the American Association of Museums.

The recognition places the museum in a group of only nine aviation museums in the nation that have met the AAM standards of achievement. Accreditation signifies excellence within the museum community, according to museum officials here.

“To say that I’m excited about achieving accreditation would be a gross understatement,” said Paul Hibbitts, museum director.

“This accreditation is the culmination of over two years of hard work by the museum staff. Accreditation is not just something that we set our sights on achieving, but it is a culmination of how our employees operate on a daily basis.”

Mr. Hibbitts said it was a goal of the museum staff to voluntarily seek accreditation.

“We wanted AAM accreditation because we knew it would expand the museum’s professional practices, and we believe that when Air Force field museum certification becomes a reality, we can pass the inspection by simply continuing to keep our present procedures current,” Mr. Hibbitts said.

Situated on a 51-acre site, the museum is the largest Air Force field museum, displaying more than 100 aircraft and missiles. The education-based museum has grown into a significant exhibit, education and cultural center drawing more than 500,000 visitors annually.

Exhibits are designed to take visitors back in time to places like a “Flying Tigers” airfield in China in 1942, to India where C-47 transports flew over “the Hump” in the 1940s and to Italy in a replica of a B-17 on a bombing mission during World War II.

Other exhibits salute the Tuskegee Airmen and World War II ace Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott Jr., author of “God is My Co-Pilot.” The Museum of Aviation is located adjacent to Robins Air Force Base.

Air Traffic Control Chief Sees The GA Side Of Things At AOPA HQ

Russ Chew Gets The Grand Tour

It was a first for the head of the FAA's air traffic control organization - spending a good part of the day visiting AOPA's headquarters and speaking with Phil Boyer, members of the AOPA management team, and seeing some of the new technology in light general aviation aircraft.

Russ Chew, chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization, flew a GPS-WAAS approach in a typical general aviation aircraft at Frederick Municipal Airport (AOPA headquarters) Thursday, and he was very impressed with the technology now making its way into general aviation aircraft.

He experienced some of that technology at the controls of AOPA President Phil Boyer's Cessna 172. "I think he was amazed at how much more stable the WAAS needle is compared to an ILS," said Boyer. "A WAAS approach is even easier to fly than an ILS."

During his AOPA headquarters tour Mr. Chew was particularly impressed with the toll-free Pilot Assistance Hotline (1-800-USA-AOPA) and AOPA's dedication to a high-level of member service.

Chew also experienced an AOPA-supported technology - Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) - on his flight with Boyer. With ADS-B, the aircraft transmits its GPS coordinates and motion vectors to ground receivers and other aircraft. Every ADS-B equipped aircraft can "see" every other equipped aircraft in the area, and air traffic control can see all equipped aircraft without the usual line-of-sight and false return limitations of radar. Plus, updates are every second, compared to 2 or 3 sweeps of radar over several seconds to see an aircraft track.

But the system can do so much more. Not only will the GA pilot have traffic information in the cockpit, independent of air traffic control (Chew was quite impressed with the self-separation aspects at FDK, a non-towered airport), but the pilot can also receive real-time weather information, including graphics. A pilot will be able to see NEXRAD radar images in the cockpit, to help make decisions on the best route to avoid weather.

As the FAA considers the huge expense of replacing the aging radar infrastructure by 2015, ADS-B may assume a significant role in aircraft surveillance.

"Russ Chew has the heart of a pilot and the head of businessman," said Boyer. "He understands and loves aviation at all levels, and he knows what it takes to run an organization like a business. But as someone who started in GA, and worked for a cost-constrained air carrier, Russ is sensitive to mandatory equipage for both the air transport category aircraft and the very cost sensitive general aviation fleet. The technology will evolve, but you won't be forced to buy new equipment tomorrow."

Before taking the FAA job, Chew was head of American Airlines flight operations. He'd come up through the pilot ranks, starting in 1984. But before flying the heavy iron, he flew general aviation for more than a decade. He started with a "Discovery Flight" in a Cessna 150, and worked his way up to flying charters in Lear Jets.

Reflecting on the visit of the C.O.O. of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization Boyer concluded the day a success. "While AOPA will not agree with Russ on everything FAA proposes, it was certainly refreshing to enjoy half a day as the former airline captain relived his GA roots."

AD: Gulfstream

AD NUMBER: 2005-16-13
MANUFACTURER: Gulfstream
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2005-16-13
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection for any damaged wiring, splice, connector, and pins for the fuel standby feed pumpsand replacement of any damaged wiring, splice, connector, or pin. This AD also requires replacement of the power and ground wires for the fuel standby feed pumps. This AD results from reports of evidence of overheating found on the feeder wires of the left and right fuel standby feed pumps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged wiring for the fuel standby feed pumps, which could result in an ignition source in an area where fuel vapor may be present, and a consequent fire or explosion.

Last Flying Connie Doesn't Fly Now

Engine Blow Out May Be Too Expensive To Fix

One of the last flying Lockheed Constellations -- if not the last -- may be mothballed after a major engine blow out in Kansas City last month.

Painstakingly restored at the Airline History Museum, the "Connie" was scheduled to appear at air shows in Rockford, IL and St. Louis, MO. But the July 20th ramp incident changed all that.

Museum President Foe Geldersma told the Kansas City Star the plane's Number Two engine failed during a routine maintenance check on the ground. oil and gallons of burning fuel spewed from three failed cylinders. Some of the burning fuel was sprayed onto the skin of the aircraft, disfiguring it.

"It was a black, black day," he told the paper.

Maintenance crews had just adjusted the pitch on one of the props and pulled the Connie out of its hangar for a run-up. "We switched the engines on and they started fine, no problem," Geldersma, who was in the cockpit, said. "We waited for them to warm up, and then we ran them up to do the first check at 1,700 rpm, and that checked out okay. Then we took the two outboard engines up to a higher power setting, and they checked okay."

But when he ran up Number Two, the engine gushed oil and flaming fuel. Geldersma said he got a fire warning light in the cockpit. He frantically shut everything down, then ran out onto the ramp and doused the engine with a fire extinguisher.

It was also an expensive day. Museum executives figure it'll take $120,000 to repair the Wright R3350 and the Connie's exterior after the blow-out. That kind of lay-out would deplete the museum's reserves, Geldersma said.

"If this plane doesn't fly again, we're out of business," museum spokesman Cliff Hall told the Star.

What's left to do but raise the money? Hall said the museum is now contemplating fundraisers, as well as the possibility of finding a backer for the Connie.

SALE: Supersonic Jet Fighters, $100

Of Course, There's A Catch; Isn't There Always A Catch?

Can you really buy a supersonic jet fighter for $100? Well, no. Not YOU. Or me. But someone can. Or rather, some nations can.

South Korea is retiring its last 50 F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighters (also called Tigers) this month, after 40 years of service. You'd never know they were that old to look at them; Korean mechanics have kept them clean enough to serve bulgogi on (probably by not serving bulgogi on them, in part).

The Koreans have their own name for the venerable, but still potent, little fighter: Chegoong-ho, which means "Skymaster."

The Koreans are building their own plane in the F-5 class but, of course, more modern, the T-50. So they don't need the F-5s, their lead-in fighter trainer and supersonic trainer, any more. But they certainly hope to turn the bargain-basement F-5 sales of today into sales of new airplanes tomorrow. The KT-1 turboprop trainer (which replaced the T-41 and T-37 in Korean service) and T-50 are good deals, but substantially more than $100 a pop.

About half of Korea's 50 remaining early F-5s will be sold. The other half will be used for static training airframes, or donated to museums. The F-5 was very important in South Korean military history -- it was the first Korean supersonic fighter, and it put the brakes on North Korean clandestine flights dropping saboteurs and spies in the 1960s and 70s.

This isn't the first time the Koreans have sold off some F-5s. In 1972, they sold a number of them to the ill-fated Republic of Vietnam. It's not even the only time they've sold them for small change. The Phillipines now operates a fleet of F-5s which cost them, you got it, $100 each. But this is the last batch of the 120 F-5As and Bs: get them while you can.

South Korea still operates newer F-5E and F-5F jets as second line fighters (Korea also has F-15 and F-16s). Many of the E and F model F-5s were made by Hanjin Corporation in Korea, with engines built by Samsung. (The aviation parts of both conglomerates are now part of Korean Aerospace Industries).

Interest in the current group of jets comes from as far away as Poland, which would like to replace its Soviet-era planes with something more economical, and Mexico, which is always looking for a bargain. The low-cost export of the planes would have to be approved by the originator -- the USA -- under arms control protocols. That is not expected to be a problem with any of the likely customers.

But, unless you are a nation, you're probably not going to get the same deal.

Don't despair, though, if you simply must have an F-5. You'll pay a lot more for it (maybe $3.5 million, and remember you burn 450 gallons of Jet A an hour, and the thing was designed to be maintained by the money-no-object US Government, with all that entails for a private owner), but Thornton Aircraft can hook you up.

Evektor Cobra Plane

Another plane that made its U.S. debut at AirVenture was the Evektor Cobra. The Cobra, which is from the Czech Republic, is a four-to-five seater that is all metal, and has a retractable gear. The benefits of the metal frame are that it is safe and durable and that the plane can be kept outside. There are two planes in the series, the entry level VUT100-120i Cobra and the VUT100-131i Super Cobra which will have a little more power and a longer range. Both engines will have three bladed, composite, constant speed MT propellers and will carry 90 gallons of fuel. The Cobra has a Sagem glass cockpit and a roomy cabin with gull-wing doors for the front occupants and a third door for the rear bench seat. FAA certification and certification is hoped to be done by June 2007 and then the planes will be ready for delivery. The Cobra should sell for $260,000 and the Super Cobra will sell for $320,000.

Helicopter Charter

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Why private jet charter ?

Don't wait in line at the airport. Now you have total control of where you go, when you get there and who you fly with. Spread out, relax and enjoy your private flight. Our services allow you to fly to and from countries all across the globe. By chartering a private jet, you also have access to over 3,000 additional airport locations, allowing you to arrive at your destination faster and more efficiently. Once you charter a jet, you'll never want to go back. Impress your clients, family and friends. Your Destination is Waiting!

Recent crashes of small or new carriers

WASHINGTON -- The crash of a West Caribbean Airways flight was the second accident in the past six months for the young, low-cost regional carrier.

In March, a twin-engine plane it operated crashed during takeoff from the Colombian island of Old Providence, killing eight people and injuring the other six passengers.

Aviation experts say air travelers can have confidence in major airlines in the U.S., Canada, Europe and parts of Asia. But they should be cautious about flying on small, regional or new carriers outside of those places.

Just last month, all 60 people aboard an Ecuatair flight died when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. The airline had only two planes, both aging Soviet-era transport carriers.

On Feb. 3, an Afghan Kam Air plane crashed in the mountains due to bad weather, killing 104. Afghanistan's only private airline, Kam Air was established in 1994.

In January 2004, an Egyptian-based Flash Airlines charter jet crashed into the Red Sea, killing at least 148 people. Flash and its predecessor, Heliopolis Airlines, had been in existence for only about a decade.

Excel Air offers on-demand commercial charter service

The Louisville-based company recently earned a Part 135 Commercial Air Carrier Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a news release.

Part 135 on-demand air charter companies use smaller aircraft, which allows greater flexibility in scheduling and access to most airports in the country, according to the National Air Transportation Association.

"We want to present a convenient alternative to commercial air travelers that need to set their own schedules," said Clyde Ensor Sr., president of Excel Air Charter, in the release.

Excel currently operates a Cessna Citation Excel, a nine-passenger, mid-size jet with a 2,175-mile range. Excel will add aircraft as demand warrants, the release said.

Louisville International Airport also offers scheduled charter flights through TransMeridian Airlines.

Air charter service will be available at airport this month

North Star Aviation Specialists, LLC, an Atlanta-based company, is beginning air charter service to and from Troy this month.

North Star Aviation will provide direct, private charter service to virtually any destination on the East Coast and the Bahamas.

Darren Callahan, spokesperson for North Star, said Troy's business travelers will benefit from exceptional convenience and enhanced time-management when utilizing North Star aircraft, often for half the cost of other charter operators.

Callahan said North Star also offers fractional ownership in the company's aircraft.

Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford said it is always proud to see more activity at the Troy Airport.

"Studies show that Troy Airport is one of the most active in south Alabama," he said.

"Our airport is the only one that has ILS, Instrument Landing Systems, which allow pilots to land their aircraft using instruments during bad weather.

"This is a big plus for Troy Airport, which continues to grow and we are pleased with that growth."

Bombardier Plans Russian Jet Center

As we’ve seen recently, the private jet industry in Russia is set to boom. Jet Aviation is planning to set up shop there and NetJets is already there. Bombardier wants in on the action and has planned a new maintenance center to service Bombardier jets in Russia. The center will offer support to the many private and corporate jets in the country. The center will be at one of Moscow’s airports and they are planning to partner with a Russian business. The article in the Moscow Times states that the number of flights on booked on business jets in Russia is growing by an eye-popping 40 to 50 percent per year.

Motorhomes America .com

A great new Motorhome Community just opened. Mobilehome owners in America and around the globe are asked to contribute on this new Camping Page. If you got a Story, Picture, Advice or Articel you want to share go ahead. Still in the development now Motorhomes America is going to become THE plattform for Mobile homes information. A Forum , blog and picture site are soon ahead.

FIRST GULFSTREAM G450 TO BE OPERATED IN ASIA

Gulfstream to Deliver G450 to Speed Jet Chartered Ltd. in 3rd Quarter, Metrojet to Manage Business Jet in Hong Kong

When the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 business jet is delivered next month to its owner, Speed Jet Chartered, Ltd., it will have the distinction of being the first G450 to be operated in Asia. Based in Hong Kong, the G450 will be available for charters and used jointly by the company’s shareholders...

Houston Will Get A New Private Airport

Houston is about to get a new private airport. The FAA has approved opening up the South Waller County Airport for public use. The airport is the pet project of Houston businessman and pilot Ron Henricksen. The airport will be in a rural area thirty miles from Houston metroplex and is designed for private light aircraft and corporate jet traffic. Henricksen bought the land in Brookshire, Texas and is paying for the project with his own money. The airport will have a green space conservation program between runways and taxiways and be designed in a traditional Texas style. With a definite rise in private jet clubs and hangars, is a rash of smaller airports designed for private jet travel far behind?

The HondaJet new Jet from Honda

Hondajet

Given its size and performance, the HondaJet represents an interesting airplane that can perhaps play in both the emerging very light jet (VLJ) market and the maturing light jet market. With a maximum takeoff weight of 9,200 pounds, it is 3,500 pounds heavier than the Eclipse 500 and 1,600 pounds lighter than the CJ1+; Cessna and Adam Aircraft have not yet released weights for their Mustang and A700 VLJs, respectively. While it is certainly a larger airplane than the Eclipse, the HondaJet's....

NASA Really Wants A Flying Car

It turns out that we aren’t the only ones with a serious flying car jones. NASA has announced the Personal Air Vehicle Challenge. They are offering $250,000 in prizes for a variety of steps on the way to the ultimate driving machine. The contest, which was announced at AirVenture will pay $25,000 for advances in noise control and handling qualities and $150,000 for a “vehicle with two to six seats that can fly at least 130 mph for a 300-mile range while being fuel-efficient and making good time door-to-door.” It’s a nice idea but it seems like pigeon feed considering what an innovation like this would truly be worth. Branson’s busy with space tourism so maybe Larry Ellison, Paul Allen or some other big spender needs to step in and put some serious money up as an incentive.

V1 Jet Card

We’ve talked about the JetCharter before, a company that is much like a Priceline for private jet travel. Newsday has an article today about the company and the growing private jet market. One of the things they have done to set themselves apart from the pack this summer is a seaplane that takes off to the Hamptons, or other vacation spots, from an East River pier off 23rd Street. The business is growing by leaps and bounds and now like other private jet companies, they offer jet cards. The V1 Jet Card Program is comprised of four tiers of membership; Blue $100,000, Gold $250,000, Platinum $500,000, and Black $1,000,000. Membership perks include 24/7 access to V1 Concierge, guaranteed availability and standard catering.

FIRST GULFSTREAM IV IN CHINA LOGS 450 CHARTER FLIGHT HOURS IN A SINGLE YEAR

SAVANNAH, Ga., August 9, 2005 - The first large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream IV (GIV) business jet to operate in The People’s Republic of China logged 450 flight hours between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. Air China Business Jet, which operates the GIV, entered the business jet into service in October 2003.

“With the GIV, we have been able to provide our clients the best-quality charter jet available in our region,” said Chang Quisheng, Deputy General Manager of Air China Business Jet. “Additionally, Gulfstream has demonstrated its commitment to our charter business through strong product support, exceptional spare parts availability and a useful information sharing system. Gulfstream’s high level of responsiveness has helped us build a reputation for quality and reliability.”

Gulfstream’s worldwide product support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on six continents through company-owned service centers as well as authorized line service and warranty facilities. Additionally, Gulfstream’s service center in Long Beach, Calif., is approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China to provide support for Chinese-registered GIV and GIV-SP aircraft.

“We remain committed to providing Asian companies like Air China Business Jet appropriately sized aircraft that best suit the needs of their customers,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “Gulfstream business jets are affordable alternatives to commercial-size aircraft. They also suit most charter flight requirements, while providing passengers a well-appointed cabin that lends to a very comfortable flight.”

A subsidiary of Air China Ltd., Air China Business Jet uses the GIV for international and regional charter flights to neighboring countries such as Japan and Russia and countries in South and Middle Asia. While 40 percent of the company’s passengers are international business people, nearly a third are government officials and the other third are business people based in China.

Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), delivered its first GIV business jet in 1987. Since then, more than 500 GIV aircraft have been produced, making it the best-selling business jet in its class. Predecessor to today’s new long-range Gulfstream G450 and mid-range G350 business jets, the GIV can fly up to 4,220 nautical miles, at speeds up to 0.88 Mach and at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet. The GIV/GIV-SP fleet has accumulated some 2.4 million flight hours and more than 1.2 million takeoffs. In service for 18 years, the GIV/GIV-SP fleet maintains a 99.86 percent dispatch reliability rate.

In addition to providing air transportation for international corporations and air charter companies, governments throughout the world use the GIV to transport high-ranking officials, including presidents and heads of state, and to conduct airborne research, reconnaissance and medical evacuations.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation , a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,500 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100 ™; the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 ™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 ™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350 ™; the large-cabin, long-range G450 ™; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500 ™ and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 ™. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales ®. The company employs more than 7,200 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church , Virginia , employs approximately 70,800 people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.

The Style Group’s Top 10 Luxury Travel – Jets

Number 9
• Beech Jet 400A

The BeechJet 400A is a superb example of traditional Beech leadership in quality, reliability, and support. It is clearly superior to its major competitor in speed, cabin comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Its supercritical type swept-wing and powerful turbofan engines allow a
fully loaded 400A to climb directly to 43,000 feet and to cruise at 449knots with incredible fuel efficiency.