Month: September 2023

New Samaritan’s Purse Airlift Response Center Dedicated in Greensboro

Kim Stevens
Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard attended the dedication to offer words of gratitude and encouragement for the work of Samaritan’s Purse.

On Tuesday, the Samaritan’s Purse Airlift Response Center at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina was dedicated. The facility was built to support the organization’s two largest cargo aircraft—a Douglas DC-8 and a newly acquired Boeing 757. The more than 62,000-square-foot response center includes a 55,000-square-foot hangar, office space, and the capacity to facilitate a wide range of aircraft maintenance activities. It is staffed by 21 people, including pilots, flight engineers, load masters, maintenance personnel, and additional flight support staff.

Samaritan’s Purse recently expanded its fleet of aircraft by adding a 757 freighter. The cargo hold is equivalent to the space of three tractor-trailers, and it can carry a maximum load of 67,000 pounds of cargo—increasing the N.C.-based organization’s ability to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice. The 757 completed its first relief mission on Sept. 1, airlifting 24 tons of cargo to Maui, Hawaii, where volunteers are helping wildfire victims begin to recover.

Franklin Graham

“Disasters and crises are happening more and more frequently around the world. Things aren’t getting better, they seem to be getting worse, and we want to help those who are suffering when their needs are greatest. As a pilot, I know the value of aviation. It allows us to respond quickly when disasters strike—we couldn’t do it without these tools and this team,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “We thank God for the new Greensboro Airlift Response Center and our two cargo planes that give us the ability to meet needs in Jesus’ Name.”

I’m grateful for everyone who joined us including city officials, law enforcement, the airport authority, local church representatives, and many more. And I want to say a special thank you to Tulsi Gabbard and Greta Van Susteren for coming and sharing their experiences with Samaritan’s Purse and how this facility enables us to help hurting people around the world in Jesus’ Name.

A newly acquired Boeing 757 sits outside the Samaritan’s Purse Airlift Response Center at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. | Photos Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse

Textron Aviation Proudly Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence at the Greensboro Service Center

Kim Stevens

Textron Aviation is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its factory-owned service center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Located at Piedmont Triad International Airport, this facility supports customers in the mid-Atlantic region and provides quality maintenance and modification services from a dedicated team of experts. Employees marked the milestone anniversary with a celebration event earlier this month.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, through its global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.

“During the past three decades, we have developed strong relationships with customers in Greensboro and throughout the southeastern region, and they count on our skilled team to provide factory-direct service and support to their aircraft,” said Jeff Dowden, general manager, Textron Aviation Greensboro Service Center. “They know they can trust us to support them wherever they are.”

“What better place than a company service center to take care of my Cessna?” said Robert Fiscella, long-time Cessna Citation customer. “The team in Greensboro takes great interest in my aircraft and in their workmanship — every time my airplane leaves the service center, it looks like new.”

The Greensboro facility opened in 1993 as a company-owned Cessna Citation Service Center. Over the years the facility has grown and expanded its services to include scheduled maintenance, overhauls and modifications, AOG support, paint, interior refurbishments, and avionics for a number of current and legacy Textron Aviation customers and products, including Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft.

“Our team is dedicated to providing superior customer service and support to customers 24/7,” said Tracy Leopold, vice president, North American Service Centers. “This 30th anniversary milestone would not have been possible if not for their passion and knowledge.”

Textron Aviation’s support organization includes 20 company-owned full-service centers located around the world with expert service engineers dedicated to keeping customers moving and aircraft performing at the highest possible level.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Camera Aircraft, Other Show-Debut Airplanes to be Part of NBAA-BACE Aircraft Displays

Kim Stevens

With less than a month to go before the 2023 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) comes to Las Vegas, organizers are finalizing plans for aircraft displays – both at Henderson Executive Airport (HND), and inside the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) – each of which will include aircraft new to the show and offer an unmatched opportunity to view and compare the latest models available.

“This year’s convention has something special at both the indoor and outdoor displays, including aircraft making their first appearances at NBAA-BACE,” said Joe Hart, NBAA senior director of aircraft displays.

This year’s lineup includes the convention debuts of the Airbus ACJ220 and Textron Aviation Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop. Inside the LVCC, attendees will be able to check out the Daher TBM960 turboprop, along with Robinson R-66 and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. Hart noted several additional OEM announcements are expected throughout the convention week. For the first time at NBAA-BACE, the outdoor aircraft display will also feature a dedicated, raised viewing platform, offering an impressive view of the entire showcase.

Also displayed on the exhibit floor will be the Aero L-39 “Cinejet,” Embraer Phenom 300 Camera Jet, and Airbus H125 Camera Helicopter that were used during the filming of the blockbuster film “Top Gun: Maverick.” Kevin LaRosa II – the renowned motion picture stunt and aerial coordinator behind the thrilling flight scenes for the movie, and a keynote speaker at last year’s NBAA-BACE – has coordinated the presence of the aircraft at this year’s show and will be on hand to discuss their use in the film during this year’s convention.

“Flying these aircraft on “Top Gun: Maverick” was the thrill of a lifetime and I look forward to sharing this exclusive insight with the attendees of NBAA-BACE,” LaRosa said.

Taking place Oct. 17-19 in Las Vegas, NV, NBAA-BACE is the largest international showcase of the latest developments in business aviation, as well as leading-edge technologies and innovations powering the industry’s exciting and sustainable future.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame Presents Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award to NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Team

Kim Stevens

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced that the prestigious Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award was presented to NASA’s Mars Helicopter Team in recognition of their groundbreaking achievements in aerospace innovation and exploration.

The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award is bestowed upon individuals or groups who have displayed exceptional dedication, creativity, and achievement in the field of aviation and aerospace. The NASA Mars Helicopter Team has demonstrated unparalleled ingenuity, contributing to a historic milestone in the exploration of our solar system.

The Mars Helicopter, or Ingenuity, successfully completed its first powered, controlled flight on another planet on April 19, 2021. This remarkable accomplishment marked the first powered flight of an aircraft on Mars and opened new horizons for planetary exploration. Ingenuity has gone on to far exceed expectations for performance and useful life. As of this month, the aircraft has logged nearly 60 flights. The team behind this groundbreaking achievement pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in planetary aviation.

The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award recognizes not only the scientific and engineering excellence of the Mars Helicopter Team but also their ability to inspire future generations to reach for the stars. The team’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of flight and exploration aligns perfectly with the values embodied by the award’s namesake, Milton Caniff, a renowned aviation artist and storyteller.

The NAHF Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award was created in 1981 to acknowledge significant contributions to aviation made by a group or organization. It is named in honor of noted artist and aviation enthusiast the late Milton Caniff, a longtime NAHF supporter. Among previous recipients of the “Spirit of Flight” Award have been the Doolittle Raiders, Apollo Crewmen, Tuskegee Airmen, and Women Airforce Service Pilots.

The award was formally presented during The President’s Reception on September 21, 2023, as part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s 59th Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony. The President’s Reception, presented by sponsors Whelen Aerospace Technologies and Williams International, also featured the presentation of the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Teacher of the Year Award, the Congressional Leadership Award, and the Armstrong Aerospace Award.

Textron Aviation Announces Confirmed Order for First 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EX Aircraft from Surf Air Mobility

Kim Stevens

Textron Aviation has announced that Surf Air Mobility Inc. has confirmed its order and paid the deposit for the first 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to be purchased under its previously announced initial fleet order of up to 100 aircraft with options for 50 additional aircraft. Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to begin in the first half of 2024. The anticipated initial fleet delivery demonstrates progress in the exclusive relationship between the two companies supporting Surf Air Mobility’s development of an electrified Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft.

Surf Air Mobility has announced its intention that the Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprops will be upgraded to Surf Air Mobility’s proprietary electric or hybrid-electric powertrain technology. Surf Air Mobility is targeting FAA supplemental type certification in 2026.

“We are excited to see Surf Air’s progress in expanding their fleet with deliveries expected to begin early next year,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The Cessna Caravan’s adaptability for passenger and cargo operations makes it an ideal platform for hybrid electric and electric propulsion innovations. This exclusive relationship demonstrates Textron Aviation’s commitment to the future of sustainable flight.”

Surf Air Mobility anticipates that the hybrid electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft will be utilized by Surf Air Mobility across its own network, connecting more airports with short-haul direct service across the U.S. on a path to creating a regional mass transport platform to sustainably connect communities. Surf Air Mobility will also be the exclusive provider to Textron Aviation of certain battery electric and hybrid electric powertrain technology for the Cessna Grand Caravan.

“Our relationship with Textron Aviation is paramount in our mission to revolutionize air travel,” said Shahani, co-founder of Surf Air Mobility. “This initial fleet delivery solidifies our commitment to bringing advanced electric aircraft to market to reduce fuel emissions and the cost of air travel.”

Second Tecnam P2012 Lands in Hawaii

Kim Stevens

Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM has announced the delivery of the first two P2012 Traveller aircraft to Pacific Air Charter Inc. in Hawaii. Following the delivery of the first aircraft in August 2023, this second aircraft took off from Santa Maria (SMX) California and arrived in Honolulu (HNL) after a 14h 57m flight over the sea.

With a third P2012 aircraft currently being assembled at Tecnam’s facility in Capua, Italy, and 24 additional Travellers on option, Pacific Air Charters Inc.’s fleet is growing rapidly to serve the Pacific market.

Known for offering its customers the ultimate in luxury and safety, Pacific Air Charters, Inc. is the premium provider of air charter services in the Hawaiian Islands.

Multi-engine operations over water provide a significant safety advantage for the company’s market area. The P2012 Traveller will also offer very competitive operating costs due to its FADEC piston Lycoming engines. Passenger comfort was a key factor in the operator’s decision: All single seats with generous pitch, dedicated window and in-seat amenities, USB port, cup holder, seat pocket, armrest; plus overhead stowage and dual air conditioning (which can also be operated on the ground via a DC power connection to “pre-cool” the aircraft prior to boarding) offer limousine level comfort and convenience.

The first P2012 Traveller delivered to Hawaii demonstrated its versatility when a series of wildfires broke out in the US state of Hawaii in early August 2023, mainly on the island of Maui. The aircraft, operated by Pacific Air Charter Inc, had only been in Hawaii for 10 days when it was used to transport and deliver thousands of pounds of desperately needed food, medicine and other supplies to Maui and, on return flights, to evacuate those who needed medical attention in Honolulu.

Pat McNamee, Pacific Air Charters, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and 135 Director of Operations, said, “The P2012 Traveller confirmed that this is the perfect platform for this area. We are focused on premium services, but the aircraft has many capabilities and expands our options.”

“After one of the world’s most demanding ferry flights between the US West Coast and Hawai’i, our P2012 Traveller immediately demonstrated its versatility, being able to be configured for any mission required to serve a community. And with this last 15-hour ferry flight, we have set a new record for Tecnam!” Said Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 – Special Mission Platforms Sales & Business Development Manager.

Learn more about the P2012 Traveller:

NATA’s New Brand Reinforces Mission as Aviation Business Advocates

Kim Stevens
New logo with Air Charter Services.

Since its founding in 1940, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has stood for professionalism, action, and partnership in aviation with its mission to provide a voice for aviation business, advocate for the unique needs of its members, and protect an essential industry. Incorporating these principles, the organization has updated its branding and shortened its name to reinforce its mission and reflect industry growth and advancement.

NATA, pronounced as one word with a long A, is committed to empowering the safety and success of aviation businesses. The new bold, unique lettering, along with its trademark blue and orange, represents an industry that goes well beyond the United States.

With its expertise and deep connections, NATA proactively advocates for its members’ interests, delivering progressive, effective, competitive business advantages wherever they are located.

“Throughout our 83-year history, NATA has witnessed and celebrated our industry’s resilient, innovative, forward-thinking, customer-first, and mission-focused nature,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “Our new look demonstrates the forever-forward movement of the industry and our members, rising from the foundation of our rich history. We are excited to highlight our contributions to our members’ success and role as industry connector through our new brand.”

The NATA brand evolution will be carried throughout its family of services, including the industry-leading Safety 1st, Sustainability Standard, NATA Insurance Programs and others. Each mark signifies unity, progress, and continuous improvement. The main NATA wordmark is now directly incorporated with each product, expanding its primary color palette from black, white, orange and blue, to include green on the Sustainability Standard sub-brand.

The tagline “On the Ground, In the Air, At the Hill,” describes its commitment to advocacy in all phases of aviation from safety training to governmental affairs, policies, and regulations. NATA allows members to tap into leading resources and a far-reaching pool of experts, creating relationships and partnerships that build businesses and secure success.

“We look forward to continuing to serve as a strong reflection of our industry and a catalyst for progress and safety for decades to come as we foster connections and help our members grow and succeed,” Castagna said.

PASSUR Completes Migration to AWS, Will Benefit Airports and Airlines

Kim Stevens

PASSUR Aerospace (PASSUR) has announced the completion of its systems migration onto Amazon Web Services (AWS), allowing PASSUR to continually expand its aviation data services and collaborative decision-making tools for airports and airlines. PASSUR will now join the AWS Partner Network (APN) as an independent services vendor (ISV).

“The migration to AWS provides numerous benefits to PASSUR and our customers,” said Brian Cook, Chief Executive Officer of PASSUR Aerospace. “Leveraging AWS’s services and infrastructure brings key advantages in deploying and managing our data services and software applications, such as the scalability, security, and reliability of AWS. With AWS, we can enhance our responsiveness to the fast evolution and application of artificial intelligence (AI) and business learning (BL) processes and extend our network of critical aviation industry data sources.”

PASSUR is a market leader in flight data tracking services, airport collaborative-decision-making, noise operations management and landing fee management solutions that address the needs of airports, airlines, and air traffic control organizations globally.

As an APN member, PASSUR joins a global network of 100,000 AWS Partners from more than 150 countries working with AWS to provide innovative solutions, solve technical challenges, win deals, and deliver value to mutual customers.

“Through the APN, we can expand our business development channels and spread our reputation,” Cook added. “We can take advantage of AWS’s global reach and expertise in the air travel industry to broaden our customer base, identify new opportunities and increase value to customers.”

“Our achievements with AWS are one of many critical steps we are taking to modernize our technology platform and empower customers by delivering a comprehensive source of critical data as well as collaborative decision-making tools,” said Cook. 

“AWS’s proven experience in the travel industry, coupled with our portfolio of aviation data solutions, intelligence analysis and decision-making tools, empowers PASSUR to increase operational resiliency, drive cost efficiency, and deliver exceptional solutions for our customers.  Our extensive experience and leveraging the power of AWS will allow us to innovate new data services that address customer needs in airport operations, billing, and revenue, as well as in airline operations centers, flight dispatch and air traffic control centers, helping aviation enterprises to improve business performance, lower emissions and enhance the passenger experience, keeping air travel smooth and safe,” added Cook.

IDOT Announces Airport of the Year Awards

Kim Stevens

Reflecting the importance and vitality of the state’s aviation system, six airports have received Airport of the Year awards from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The awards were presented today during the Illinois Public Airports Association Fall Conference in Galena.

“Illinois serves as the nexus of North America’s transportation network, with aviation playing a key role in moving passengers and freight around the state, country and world,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Our aviation partners, from massive international airports to smaller regional facilities to a single grass landing strip, are vital to our state’s economy and mobility. These awards represent our thanks for the services they provide.”

The facilities were selected because of their accomplishments, including an outstanding partnership with IDOT and a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. Among the award considerations are cooperation and coordination with the state, safety record, maintenance of the facility, and promotion of aviation and educational events.

The 2023 recipients are:

  • Willard Airport, Champaign: Primary Airport of the Year
  • Lewis University Airport, Romeoville: Reliever Airport of the Year
  • Mount Vernon Outland Airport: Large General Aviation Airport of the Year
  • Salem-Leckrone Field: Small General Aviation Airport of the Year
  • Tri-County Airport, Yates City: Private Airport of the Year
  • Vertiport Chicago: Heliport of the Year                             

Illinois is home to 100 public-use airports and heliports, with nearly 3,000 aircraft registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. The system of airports supports more than 492,000 jobs, with a combined payroll of $21.9 billion and a total economic impact of $95.4 billion. Across the state, there are over 700 aviation facilities, including heliports, balloon, glider and ultra-light landing facilities, and grass landing strips. 

Through Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, IDOT is investing a total of $150 million in aviation. In 2021, the governor announced a $94 million commitment to airports throughout the state, unlocking $11.5 million in local contributions for a combined investment of $105 million. The funding was the largest statewide capital investment for airports in state history.

To learn more about aviation in Illinois and the Illinois Aviation System Plan, visit www.ilaviation.com.

Cirrus Aircraft Celebrates its Innovation Center Grand Opening in Duluth

Kim Stevens

Cirrus Aircraft announced the grand opening of its Innovation Center located at its headquarters at the Duluth International Airport (KDLH) in Minnesota. The Innovation Center is dedicated to the development of the next-generation innovation that supports Cirrus Aircraft’s products and services while preserving the mission they serve and making personal aviation more approachable.

Cirrus Aircraft has provided significant investment to transform the 189,000-square-foot building on 39 acres into a state-of-the-art Innovation Center. Innovation Center capabilities include a larger and more capable Material and Processes Lab, a new Integration Test Lab, an upgraded Advanced Design & Development Lab, and new environmental equipment and testing capabilities as well as significant floor space increase for development and testing. Additionally, the Innovation Center features flexible and collaborative workspaces and amenities to provide an optimal team environment.

“These new facilities and capabilities enable our engineers, technicians and researchers to more rapidly design, develop and certify our next generation of Cirrus products in a connected, synergetic environment,” said Ken Harness, Senior Vice President of Product Development of Cirrus Aircraft. 

“The Innovation Center is an incredible company milestone that supports the future development and endeavors of Cirrus Aircraft product development,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are continuing to invest in the company and the City of Duluth with the Innovation Center opening. We have worked closely with our partners to renovate the building and hire more engineers and technicians to join the new facility in Duluth.”

Over thirty engineers and technicians have been added since 2022, now exceeding 300 people at the Innovation Center.

Join the Cirrus Aircraft Innovation Center team today cirrusaircraft.com/careers.