Aviation International News
July 2016
PUBLICATIONS Vol. 48 No. 7 $9.00
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Special Report Completions and Refurbishment Owners of business aircraft always want newer and better, even if that means refreshing an existing aircraft. Completion centers are more than happy to oblige, using new tech to streamline projects for aircraft of all sizes. page 20
Unmanned Aircraft Commercial Operation of Drones An analysis of the exemptions requested to allow commercial operation of small unmanned aircraft in the NAS hints at the largest sector for growth– precision agriculture–followed by more conventional uses. page 34
AIN Flies the HondaJet Now that the HondaJet has received FAA and EASA certification and deliveries have begun ramping up, AIN traveled to Honda Aircraft headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., to fly the new jet (see page 44). Our overall impression after flying both the full-flight simulator and the new jet is that the HondaJet is a strong performer with excellent handling characteristics and an intense focus on single-pilot ergonomics and safety. The cockpit and the Garmin G3000 flight deck are well thought out for both highly experienced jet pilots and pilots who are transitioning into the HondaJet from smaller airplanes. Cockpit procedures follow an ideal logical flow, with comprehensive yet simplified checklists helping pilots manage their flying efficiently and safely. The HondaJet feels like a larger jet: its firm and positive handling characteristics are not too light but well harmonized and just right for this size airplane. Performance is better than originally projected by Honda Aircraft, and we saw a maximum cruise speed of 423 ktas at FL330, three knots above the previously published 420-knot max cruise number (and the number that gave the HondaJet its HA-420 model designation). The GE Honda Aero HF120 engines deliver smooth and rapid acceleration on takeoff and a climb rate of nearly 4,000 fpm through 4,000 feet. We climbed to the maximum altitude of FL430, although not directly, and fuel flow was just 610 pph and speed settled at 332 ktas. During landing, the HondaJet again felt like a larger airplane, with little tendency to float and a firm touchdown and smooth rollout, with no need to engage the anti-skid braking. –M.T.
Safety Phenom crash sheds light on ice In addition to calling for an automatic system to warn pilots when icing protection should be activated, the NTSB shined a light on the fact that the pilot did not follow established written procedures. page 6
Regulations Changes coming for overtime rules
ICAO emissions scheme likely coming later this year by Kerry Lynch With a general agreement hashed out earlier this year on a basic CO2 emissions standard for aircraft, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is now turning to one of the most politically difficult issues surrounding the implementation of such a standard: the use of market-based measures. In February ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) formally recommended the emissions standard, paving the way for adoption by the full ICAO Governing Council and General Assembly later this year. The standard itself has captured mostly support from aviation groups, which said it underscores the industry’s commitment to addressing climate change. But debate surrounding market-based measures (MBMs), or levies on emissions output, largely remained quiet during the development of the CO2 standard. With a standard on the cusp of being finalized, ICAO recently assembled a “High Level Meeting”
to begin the dialog on how to use MBMs to implement the CO2 standard. The meeting, held just before EBACE, did not result in a specific solution; working groups are expected to hash out details over the summer in time for a fall meeting, said NBAA COO Steve Brown. During the meeting, Europe’s controversial EU-ETS plan continued to draw support from European representatives. But individual states within Europe also acknowledged the need for a global approach. Numerous other nation participants also backed a global approach, as did the aviation community. On the eve of the meeting, industry groups gathered for a Global Sustainable Aviation Forum where they collectively agreed to a statement on the global approach. “The minimization of market distortion is a key issue for operators and states and, as such, any offsetting mechanism must have a globally agreed set of Continues on page 74 u
The new U.S. labor law essentially doubles the minimum salary for employees exempt from overtime pay. The changes will affect nearly everyone in the industry and the time to prepare is now. page 16