Category: BizJet

Duncan Aviation shared that they have recently completed a one-of-a-kind Global Express XRS. Duncan says the moment you walk into the newly refurbished aircraft, you are taken aback by the incredible use of colors and materials. The owner wanted the aircraft to have texture and to feature bold patterns and non-conventional colors.

You are first greeted by custom, dark, rich brown wood flooring in the entryway. The carpet features half leather and half wool, which is a rare and luxurious combination. The seat design is reminiscent of seats in an Aston Martin supercar, with details stitched throughout in brown leather. The headrest also has similar details, but in black leather.

The aircraft’s galley was given a face lift as well with an eccentric metal design, beautiful black and white Quartz countertop, and a faucet that looks like a beer tap. In the lavatory, the sidewalls have bright striping in blue, white, and black, and the countertops feature a blue and white marble.

In addition to the interior completion, the aircraft received a custom paint scheme that incorporated the owner’s brand in a bold yet distinct way, a 120-month inspection, a Collins Aerospace Venue Cabin Management System upgrade, and new LED lighting.

KNIPEX Tools introduced two Pipe Cutters, one for plastic composite pipes (90 25 185) and one for multilayer and pneumatic hoses (90 10 185).

The Pipe Cutter for plastic composite pipe cleanly cuts both aluminum composite and plastic pipes 1/2″ to 1″ in diameter. The blade of the Pipe Cutter is designed to produce clean, smooth and burr-free cut surfaces.

The Pipe Cutter for multilayer and pneumatic hoses is ideal for all liquid, multilayer and pneumatic hoses 3/16″ to 3/4″ in diameter. A wide hose support base keeps the hose at a perfect right angle in relation to the blade for clean and even cuts.

Both Pipe Cutters are 7 1/4″ in length and feature an opening spring and locking device for repetitive cutting, as well as handles made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The blades of the Pipe Cutters are easily replaceable and made from high-strength special grade steel that is oil-hardened and tempered to provide clean and smooth cuts with each use.

“KNIPEX’s cutting tools have earned a strong reputation over the years for their ability to make clean easy cuts, job after job,” said Peter A. Grable, product manager, KNIPEX Tools. “We are excited to bring that exceptional cutting technology to an even broader range of materials with the release of these new Pipe Cutters.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making it easier to research aviation safety guidance material from the Office of Aviation Safety (AVS).

The Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) (linked here) combines more than 65 document types from more than a dozen different repositories into a single searchable application. The comprehensive knowledge center centralizes the FAA’s aviation safety guidance material from the Flight Standards Information System (FSIMS) and the agency’s Regulatory Guidance System (RGL).

Each guidance document includes a link to the Code of Federal Regulations provision on which the document is based. DRS contains more than 2 million regulatory guidance documents, which can be browsed or searched. A search engine allows for basic or advanced searches and different ways to sort and view the results. The system includes pending and current versions of all documents along with their revision history. Information in the DRS is updated every 24 hours.

FAA says the DRS exceeds the requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254), to establish a centralized safety database. DRS is constantly evolving, and in the future will provide even more features, functionality and document types. It will allow the agency to eventually sunset legacy systems such as FSIMS and RGL. FAA says subject matter experts across the global aviation community collaborated on this project.

“The tool represents a giant step forward in providing consistency and standardization of regulatory interpretation by expediting research of aviation regulations and related documents,” an announcement from the FAA says.

Steve Williams, owner of Acme Cub, reports that he will have no problems meeting the April 15 deadline for completion of the Supercub he is building for the Alaska Airmen’s Annual Raffle. The project, that was started with a new steel tube fuselage frame and rebuilt wings, has been covered with new, black Oratex fabric. Windows have been installed along with a large, form-shaped Lexan skylight. The firewall and engine mount have been hung, and the fuselage has been transferred from a rotisserie to a temporary gear. The main gear in this Supercub will be three inches longer than standard, to accommodate tundra tires and permit sufficient clearance for 82” propeller when the plane is on skis. Steve expected to have the main gear and instrument panel in place by the end of January.

Among the dozens of non-structural modifications, Steve has developed carbon fiber floorboards, leather door seals that prevent any air leaks, and a clear lexan cover for the lower door to enhance visibility. He has installed an extra heater for the benefit of the passenger. The seats are custom made and the rear seat is a unique “sling” seat that permits the removal of the back support, the leather cushions along with the folding of the sling, thereby considerably increasing the storage area behind the pilot’s seat.

Under the category of “minor alterations,” Steve has introduced a cargo access door, an aft fuselage access door, an extra landing light in the left wing, and an extra lift handle on the left side at the back end of the fuselage. Utilizing an STC, he installed double slotted fowler flaps and has reinforced the flap brackets to take the load caused by the pitching down moment of the nose when deployed on final approach. The arrangement is similar to the flaps on a 737 and Twin Otter. The spars have been beefed up to allow for an STCd 250-pound gross weight increase. To provide extra braking strength as required with large tundra tires, high pressure master brake cylinders have been installed.

Fuel pump wiring and fuselage fittings have also been added to permit the installation of a belly fuel tank. Utilizing another STC, Steve has moved the battery from its original location in the aft fuselage to a forward location between the rudder pedals. When completed the Alaskan Airmen’s Raffle Supercub will look like it just came out of the showroom.

Raffle tickets are still on sale, but are going fast. Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for the raffle can call the Alaska Airmen’s Association at (907) 245-1251.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking applications for two Aviation Workforce Development Grant programs aimed at developing and inspiring a more inclusive pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians to join the next generation of aviation professionals.

The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants provide money to expand the pilot workforce and educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants will help prepare a more inclusive talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians. Applicants from academia and the aviation community can submit applications through www.grants.gov through March 22.

Eligible organizations may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 for any single grant per fiscal year.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant provides detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, evaluation criteria and application procedures. To ensure fair and open competition for the grants, answers to public questions will be posted on the FAA website at www.faa.gov/go/awd. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the site to review answers to frequently asked questions, eligibility requirements and guidelines that may assist them to complete their grant application.