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COPA FLIGHT MAGAZINE FOR JUNE 2022 IS OUT!
WATERLOO WARBIRDS OPEN DOORS
by Gustavo Corujo
The Waterloo Warbirds hosted their first open house of the year.
The fighter plane tour operator opened its doors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in its the new home base at Hangar 9 at the Region of Waterloo International Airport on May 21.
Participants had an opportunity to get up close and personal with the organization’s vintage aircraft.
There was merchandise for sale and the friendly staff were on hand to assist with all the questions.
Entry to the event was by donations at the door.
The Warbirds displayed their T33 Mako Shark, De Havilland Vampire, Aero L-29 Viper, Mig 15 and the North American Harvard MK.2.
Two special visitors took part on the ground display, the Hawker Sea Fury FB.10 and the North American P51D Double Trouble Two. 
Despite the storm and power outage, Waterloo Warbirds had a great turnout for the first open house of the year.
FLYING COLOURS LANDS ANOTHER REGIONAL JET CONVERSION
Flying Colours, an international maintenance, repair and overhaul business, has confirmed signing an agreement for a CRJ 200 regional airliner conversion. The new client, a charter operator customer, anticipates using the aircraft to satisfy rising charter demand from corporate customers, sports teams and music group tours, and to strengthen its fleet portfolio at a time when business aircraft are in high demand. The corporate shuttle interior will feature 29 seats, with six business jet seats and a divan at the front of the cabin, and a further 20 seats configured airline style at the aft of the cabin. Gogo Avance connectivity will power passenger connectivity keeping travellers productive and entertained in flight. Further cabin comforts include storage at the fore and aft of the cabin for small suitcases and other carry-on items, as well as additional storage for small items including briefcases, purses, and laptops in the side ledges. A forward galley and aft lavatory also feature. Externally, a new fuselage paint scheme will be applied at the Flying Colours state-of-the-art paint shop in Peterborough. Each conversion made by Flying Colours is delivered with a two-year warranty and maintenance performed by Flying Colours as required. The CRJ conversion work will be performed at Flying Colours’ St. Louis, Mo. and Peterborough, Ont. facilities.
With airline routes reduced owing to COVID-19 impacts, many regional jets are now hangered by airlines, of which a number are willing to discuss sales for conversion purposes. “Business aviation needs an influx of available aircraft and the airlines are looking to sell. The regional jet conversion provides an excellent choice for owners seeking a fully customized aircraft and we have seen more inquiries in the last six months than the last few years. We can adapt the design to specific budgets, while delivering an as-new aircraft, inside and out, for a competitive fee. In a market where good aircraft are hard to find, and new production aircraft waiting times are long, conversions provide an excellent solution for operators who want to quickly access aircraft,” says Eric Gillespie, Flying Colours executive vice-president.
Flying Colours has extensive experience in the field having already performed more than 30 regional jet conversions, along with some 15 green CRJ 200 VIP completions. Efficient re-entry into service is supported by numerous supplemental type certificates Flying Colours holds for this type. As a leader in CRJ conversions, Flying Colours has delivered aircraft in every possible configuration: corporate shuttle, VIP, medevac, special mission, multi-purpose and in Flying Colours own VVIP ExecLiner format. Featuring a 14-seat, highly customized interior, the finished ExecLiner airframe is comparable in size with a large cabin jet and has the performance characteristics of a super mid-size jet, delivering customers a spacious, mid-range aircraft for a lower cost. Flying Colours has also design engineered optional auxiliary tanks which extend range from to 2,000 up to 3,100 nautical miles.
AIRBUS CHOOSES HONEYWELL
Honeywell’s flight management system has been selected by Airbus to meet the air traffic management needs of the future A320, A330 and A350 aircraft. With the new FMS, airline customers will achieve enhanced operational efficiency, reliability, and safety. Additionally, the new FMS also incorporates connectivity with the outside world, including electronic flight bags to ease pilot workload and enhance fuel savings with the use of real-time data.
“This win for Honeywell is a testament to Airbus’ confidence in our avionics systems,” said Jim Currier, president of electronic solutions for Honeywell Aerospace. “The new FMS combines multiple current FMS offerings for Airbus into one single solution for their A320, A330 and A350 platforms. Importantly, the new FMS hardware is 15 times more capable than current hardware and enables a path to future enhancements without hardware changes. Honeywell has been supplying flight management systems since Airbus’ first A300 went into service, and this win will extend our 35-year partnership well into the future.”
Honeywell’s FMS family has already been deployed by Airbus on the A320, A330, A350 and A380 platforms. The new FMS is being developed to build upon millions of hours of Honeywell’s FMS legacy, with enhanced modularity, advanced functionality, and a multi-core processing platform. At the completion of development, the new FMS will be a standalone federated system, making it easier for operators to support the fleet.
The FMS will be offered as a single standardized hardware and software platform that can be used across the Airbus A320, A330 and A350 aircraft fleet with expected entry into service by end of 2026. A retrofit solution based on the same core hardware and common software is also planned for the A320 and A330 fleet of aircraft. An FMS provides the primary navigation, flight planning, and optimized route determination and enroute guidance for an aircraft.
GAMA REPORTS MORE UNITS DELIVERED
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has published its first-quarter 2022 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The aircraft manufacturing industry’s results for the first three months of 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, point to increasing aircraft unit deliveries across each aircraft segment while the overall value of the aircraft shipments was slightly lower.
“It is reassuring to see aircraft deliveries continue to show strong progress as we emerge from impacts of the pandemic,” said GAMA president and CEO, Pete Bunce. “It is especially encouraging to see piston airplane deliveries continue their positive trajectory and exceed last year’s numbers as well as the first-quarter numbers of 2020 and 2019. This report shows increasing light airplane deliveries from a number of companies that have leveraged the new CS/Part 23 airworthiness standards for both new aircraft models and upgrades. The upward trajectory in light airplane segment is attributable to the regulatory reforms undertaken by several regulatory bodies that enable new technology and new aircraft and entrants. We are optimistic that further implementation of these standards across global regulators will continue to advance safety while bringing new and exciting aircraft to the general aviation market.”
Turboprop airplane deliveries saw the largest percentage year-over-year increase at 31 percent with 110 units during the first quarter. When compared to the first quarter of 2021, piston airplane shipments increased 13.9 percent with 263 units while business jet shipments increased 4.4 percent with 118 units.
Helicopter shipments continued to provide solid results when compared to the first quarter of 2021. Turbine helicopter deliveries increased 6.5 percentwith 98 units and piston increased 8.3 percent with 39 units.
First Quarter Aircraft Shipments and Billings
| Aircraft Type | 2021 | 2022 | % Change |
| Piston Airplane | 231 | 263 | 13.9% |
| Turboprops | 84 | 110 | 31.0% |
| Business Jets | 113 | 118 | 4.4% |
| Total Airplanes | 428 | 491 | 14.7% |
| Total Airplane Billings | $4.0B | $3.7B | -5.9% |
| Piston Helicopters | 36 | 39 | 8.3% |
| Turbine Helicopters | 92 | 98 | 6.5% |
| Total Helicopters | 128 | 137 | 7.0% |
| Total Helicopter Billings | $0.6B | $0.5B | -17.3% |
GAMA’s complete 2022 first quarter report can be found at gama.aero.
BOMBARDIER LAUNCHES NEW JET
Bombardier has unveiled the the Global 8000 aircraft, a fast and long-range purpose-built business jet, designed with a healthy cabin for safety, comfort and performance. With an extended range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.94, the Global 8000 aircraft offers customers a blend of outstanding performance, a smooth ride and an uncompromising passenger experience.
“Today, Bombardier solidifies once more its position as the leader in business aviation with the newest member of the industry-leading Global family,” said Eric Martel, Bombardier’s president and CEO. “The Global 8000 aircraft leverages the outstanding attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft, providing our customers with a flagship aircraft of a new era. We remain unmatched, which for an innovation-focused team like us, is great.”
Some of the performance capabilities of the new aircraft were witnessed as early as May 2021, following a demonstration flight with a Global 7500 flight test vehicle. The aircraft, accompanied by a NASA F/A-18 chase plane, repeatably achieved speeds in excess of Mach 1.015, a key step in enabling a maximum Mach operating speed of M0.94. Bopmbardier says this makes it the fastest business jet in the world and the fastest in civil aviation since the Concorde. During the demonstration flight, the aircraft also set a milestone as a Transport Category airplane able to fly supersonic with sustainable aviation fuel.
The Global 8000 business jet also features a healthy cabin, with a low cabin altitude of 2,900 feet when flying at 41,000 feet. It is also equipped with Bombardier’s Pur Air and advanced HEPA filter technology for clean cabin air and the fast fresh air replacement.
The Global 8000 aircraft stands out as a four-zone cabin business jet with a range of 8,000 nautical miles. With its spacious four personalized suites ergonomically designed to maximize space and freedom of movement, it also incorporates the features introduced on the Global 7500 aircraft that dramatically improve passenger comfort, including the Soleil circadian lighting system to help combat jet lag. Coupled with the innovative Nuage seat with a zero-gravity position, passengers will arrive at their destinations revitalized and refreshed. Also included is an available principal suite with a full-size bed and a stand-up shower in the en-suite. Enhanced cabin entertainment control and connectivity comes from the intuitive Nice Touch CMS and OLED touch dial, Bombardier’s l’Opera directional audio sound system and an available 4K monitor.
In the cockpit, the Global 8000 aircraft features the Bombardier Vision flight deck with its next-generation fly-by-wire technology and blend of cutting-edge avionics with superior ergonomics and esthetics for added comfort and control.
Performance-wise, the new Global 8000 aircraft can efficiently transport customers to a wide variety of destinations both faster and farther than ever before. And with its exceptional range and short-field performance, even more exclusive city pairs are now achievable, including Dubai-Houston, Singapore-Los Angeles, London-Perth and many others.
Expected to enter service in 2025, the Global 8000 aircraft development is ongoing and the program is progressing to plan. And for current Global 7500 operators, the performance enhancements on the Global 8000 will be retrofittable when the aircraft enters into service in 2025.
The introduction of the new Global 8000 aircraft has been a carefully planned investment that further strengthens Bombardier’s portfolio of business jets. Development to date has been included in previously disclosed investment figures. All further development costs will be included in Bombardier’s capex, which remains in line with its 2025 objectives.
NINETY-NINES TO CELEBRATE WOMEN IN AVIATION
The Ninety-Nines will again bring together women pilots from around the world this July in Charleston, S.C. Since 1930, The Ninety-Nines have held an annual conference which is much more than just a business meeting but is the annual get-together of women pilots from around the world. The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honouring their unique history and sharing their passion for flight. Members span the globe, representing 44 countries. This year’s conference will be held in Charleston on July 6 through 10 and will feature world-class speakers, a merchandise Fly Mart, educational seminars and an aviation career panel, providing the opportunity to connect and network with other members and peers in aviation.
“This year, we have a great combination of speakers that I know will be both entertaining and memorable,” says the international board of directors secretary, Cathy Prudhomme. “With Ninety-Nines members in general aviation, all segments of the aviation and aerospace industry and in all phases of life and career, we provided speakers and seminars that will resonate with the female pilots.”
Speakers at the 2022 conference include:
- Brian Schiff, airline captain, FAA-DE – Keynote Address
- Mary Build – “Once a Pilot, Always a Pilot”
- Susan Ying – “The Third Revolution in Aviation: Electrification”
- Kathy Yodice, FAA Investigations – “What Every Lawyer Wants You to Know”
- Heidi Hammerstein – “An Affair with Flying, Aircraft, Engineering, Science] and Space Operations: Training with Project PoSSUM”
- Judy Phelps – “Keeping the Sunny Side Up and My Journey from Waitress to DPE”
“This group of speakers will appeal to both members and guests. The conference also provides seminars to support leadership at the chapter and section level,” adds Prudhomme. “We know our members will be inspired, informed and energized going forward.”
On Thursday evening the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Foundation (AEMSF) hosts its yearly banquet. Since 1941, the AEMSF awards has exceeded $12 million, with over 800 scholarships plus more than 300 awards to student pilots earning their first flight certificate.
The conference concludes on Saturday evening, July 9, with the International Awards Banquet recognizing contributions to aviation, contributions to The Ninety-Nines, an award for humanitarian efforts, the Award of Inspiration, the Award of Merit, the President’s Award and the George Palmer Putnam Award.
Although there are other female pilot organizations in various states and nations, virtually all women of achievement in aviation have been or are members of The Ninety-Nines. The Ninety-Nines own two museums, the 99s Museum of Women Pilots in Oklahoma City, Okla., and the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kan. The Ninety-Nines is a non-profit, charitable membership corporation holding 501(c)(3) U.S. tax status with headquarters located in Oklahoma City.
Untrained passenger lands Caravan after pilot collapse
– CBS News
A Florida man with no flying experience who kept his cool while landing a small plane last week says “the hand of God” was with him after the pilot collapsed at the controls. Meanwhile, a doctor told NBC’s “Today” show that the pilot has been released from the hospital, calling his recovery a “miracle.”
Darren Harrison told “Today” that he was relaxing with his feet up in the back of the single-engine Cessna after a fishing trip in the Bahamas when the pilot told him and another passenger: “Guys, I gotta tell you I don’t feel good.”
JetHQ adds new executives
As Kansas City, Mo.,-based aircraft broker JetHQ marks its 10th anniversary, it has announced a series of promotions and additions to its sales and support teams, including the return of Nathan de Kock becoming its vice-president of operations.
“Establishing this position at JetHQ is an integral part of our growth from 50 transactions in 2021 to the sales levels we anticipate over the next few years,” said founder Garett Jerde. “Nathan began his career with JetHQ shortly after our founding, before branching out to other global sales positions, developing significant relationships and connections. His market insight, technical and operational experience will be critical to coordinate with and assist our other sales professionals.”
De Kock comes from serving as vice-president of worldwide sales at a leading aviation company based in Dubai, and having previously served the South Africa market. At JetHQ, de Kock will oversee all inbound aircraft under brokerage agreements and manage the company’s inventory aircraft. He and his team play a critical role in closing sales transactions and handling pre-buys. He will work out of JetHQ’s Tampa, Fla., office.
Steven Pinkerton has been promoted to director of operations. Formerly JetHQ’s technical manager, Pinkerton will manage all facets of operations, including aircraft pre-purchase inspections, aircraft inventory, program transference, acquisition strategy and execution and maintenance and refurbishment. He has worked at its Kansas City headquarters since 2019, coming from a background as a FAA-licensed aircraft engineer.
Amelia Schaefer has been promoted to sales manager, having previously served as market research manager. She has worked with aircraft market research companies in the past, developing expertise in real-time market analysis and aircraft sales trends.
Joining Schaefer in JetHQ’s Holmdel, N.J., office is Jennifer Steakin who comes to the company as a market analyst, having previously served as a research analyst at AMSTAT for five years. Steakin has extensive experience researching and reviewing aircraft documentations and sales data.
“JetHQ has grown in every way over the past 10 years,” Jerde said. “The team is larger than it has ever been with more than 20 employees, and we’re seeing significant areas of development in our Latin American and Asian markets. It is a pleasure to promote these leaders from within as well as bring in outstanding and talented individuals with the experience needed to serve our clients.”
Pincher Creek council pumps the brakes on airport commitment
– Sean Oliver, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Located a few kilometres northwest of town, the Pincher Creek Airport is comprised of a paved 6,600-by-100-foot runway that mostly serves water bombers fighting forest fires in the summer.
Over the past year, the MD of Pincher Creek, Municipality of Crowsnest Pass and Town of Pincher Creek have collaborated on a master plan that would develop the airport for more commercial travel, which would contribute to the tourism and industrial potential of the region.
The Village of Cowley has joined Crowsnest Pass and the MD of Pincher Creek in forming a Regional Airport Committee to develop potential services at the airport, which would operate as a non-profit municipal corporation.
Although the other municipalities are ready to proceed with the project, town council members have been hesitant to commit due to a lack of information. The town requested the committee’s terms of reference be created before making a decision, which was reviewed during the May 4 committee of the whole meeting.
Going over the document generated more concerns for council members.
One major problem town council had centred on the definition of quorum, or the minimum number of committee members needed to hold a meeting and make decisions.
Though the terms of reference stated the committee would have seven members — one from each municipality and three citizen representatives — it did not stipulate that representatives from a given municipality had to be present in order to make decisions. In cases where the town representative was unable to attend, decisions could theoretically be made without the town’s input.
The other major issue town council had with committing to the committee was that little information existed about the airport’s business model and what its operational costs would entail.
While the town has been willing to collaborate with municipal partners to get the idea of an improved airport off the ground, Mayor Don Anderberg said agreeing to contribute as an operating partner was premature.
“I haven’t seen a formal budget or estimated cost for what it’s going to look like to work with our partners. We got to see that,” he said. “That in my mind will determine if we want to be a part of this or not.”
An actual business plan including anticipated costs for hiring employees, operations and improving infrastructure needed to be addressed, he added.
“Really there’s not that many pieces, but the money piece is a big one.”
Coun. Sahra Nodge agreed, noting that many of the suggestions from the airport master plan included items that came with large price tags.
“I think it really just is coming down to do we want to be part of a regional organization that we know will be expensive,” Nodge said. “We don’t know what the numbers are, but I can’t imagine that an airport in any sort of operation is cheap.”
Given the highly regulated nature of the industry, she continued, operating the airport will require specialized knowledge and will constantly be growth-oriented in regard to capital expenses.
“It actually does make sense for us to go into a regional piece with it, but I’m not OK with going into what seems to be incomplete governance structures that open up the town to risk and liability,” she said.
Council decided to discuss the matter further with its MD of Pincher Creek partners as an additional item during its May 10 meeting, which was scheduled to go over plans for the new curling rink.
The next Pincher Creek town council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 24, 6 p.m. at council chambers.