AvBuyer Magazine, March 2015

by Ken Elliott

Download a PDF of the article.

Helping you to familiarize with avionics advances and related mandates for equipage, Ken Elliott reviews aviation technologies within NextGen, this month focusing on Part 2 of Data Comm, covering FANS 1/A+ and ATN-B2.

Last month we addressed the first of Data Comm’s two main areas; ATN-B1 (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications, or CPDLC). This month we look at the second part, FANS 1/A+ (including ATN-B2). We covered the Data Comm history reaching the point in time when FANS 1/A + was introduced.

FANS Historical Recap

In 1983 ICAO began an effort to establish a DataLink architecture under its Future Air Navigation System (FANS) structure. This advance became the architecture and protocol standard of an oceanic communications network where heretofore HF and early Satcom ruled. Boeing, a long time user of the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), developed FANS-1 to...

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2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Davos, Switzerland’s first winter guests. Drawn to the mountain air, two German visitors pioneered the quintessential alpine vacation in this rejuvenating locale. Conceived as a health resort, Davos attracted tuberculosis patients from around the world in search of a cure theoretically enabled by the relatively high altitude (1560m). Its most notable visitors at that time included Robert Louis Stevenson, followed by Thomas Mann, who logged an extended visit in 1911 during his wife’s convalescence there.

Twenty years later, skiing entered the scene. Since then, Davos, along with its neighbor Klosters, has become the European ski destination. Today, people seek rejuvenation and fresh air not in sanatoriums but on the slopes. Prince William, for example, has chosen to continue the Royal Family tradition to winter here. Don’t be surprised, too, if leaders in town for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum each January stic...

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Overview including differentiating features from other aircraft in its category

The Legacy family is available in two versions: Legacy 600 Executive and Legacy Corporate Shuttle. The Legacy Shuttle, which is an ERJ 135 with a 19-seat passenger cabin configuration as standard (and a shorter range than the Legacy 600 Executive), offers seating for 16 passengers in three partitioned sections, or seating for 19–37 in airline-style seats.

As of February 2014, the Legacy 600 market is comprised of 48% pre-owned. The percentage for sale is 11.4% with 70% under an exclusive broker agreement and average days on the market are 352 days.

Brief History

The Embraer Legacy 600 is a business jet derivative of the Embraer ERJ 145 family of commercial regional jet aircraft. The Legacy was first introduced in 2000 and the first flight was in 2001. JAA certification came in August 2002, and FAA certification followed soon after.

Worldwide Appeal

Of the 175 Legacy 600 aircraft in opera...

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Since 2012, Jetcraft has been a proud member of the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA). A professional trade association comprised of select business aviation professionals, NARA members adhere to the highest professional standards that promote the growth and public understanding of the aircraft resale industry. All of the nearly 80 NARA members abide by a strict 14-point “Code of Ethics” that provides guidelines for industry conduct regarding aircraft transactions.

The organization’s members represent every phase of aircraft acquisition and ownership. Businesses and individuals aiming to increase productivity, accelerate business, enhance customer relationships and streamline company infrastructure through pre-owned aircraft ownership regularly turn to NARA members for assistance, not only in the sale or purchase of an aircraft but also for a multitude of advisory and support issues.

To become NARA certified, candidates must pass a rigorous application process that assu...

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Chester Cheung, former Sales Engineer, Jetcraft

Location: Hong Kong

How long have you been at Jetcraft?

I have been with Jetcraft for seven months, since July 2014.

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

As a Sales Engineer, my number one responsibility is to provide accurate sales support for my assigned sales team members. The majority of my value to the team are aircraft value assessments, building/updating specifications, coordinating market broadcasts, aircraft viewing and inspections, etc.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

Between the Asia sales team I tend to stay in the office more often, not only due to the fact that the majority of my tasks are clerical work, but I also have to support my Sales VPs when they go out meeting with people. They might ask for a number or an e-brochure, expecting an answer within minutes. But really there is no one typical day in our industry, when something urgent comes up you just have to res...

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AvBuyer Magazine, February 2015

by Ken Elliott

Download a PDF of the article.

Helping you to familiarize with avionics advances and related mandates for equipage, Ken Elliott unpacks Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) within NextGen, this month focusing on ATN-B1.

Data Comm encompasses two main areas:  ATN-B1 (or CPDLC) and FANS 1/A+ (including ATN-B2). It can be confusing when confronted by a string of unfamiliar letters. The reader requires either an avionics glossary to crack the code or a degree in aviation technology (possibly both) to understand the alphabet soup. Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) is one of those codes, and it is best understood by an introduction of its history.

Like most technologies, CPDLC began with a need to solve a problem and progressed through a series of gradual piece-meal steps toward a seemingly eternal resolution in an environment where goalposts are constantly shifting. Historically, signs of frequency congest...

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With average February temperatures in the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C), Palm Beach, Florida, is a winter dream destination. Although mornings might start closer to 60°F (15°C), the days typically promise temperate and tropical highs.

This delightful weather places outdoor activities at the top of any Palm Beach visitor’s list. The most luxurious options include polo and golf, while shopping along the Worth Avenue vias is not to be overlooked as another compelling option.

Stomp the divots

Spending a Sunday afternoon at the International Polo Club (pictured above) in Wellington is a must. Start with a 2:00 veranda brunch before the 3:00 match, and plan to stay for the relaxing, fun after-party where the carefree afternoon is heightened by the beautiful weather.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the polo experience occurs at halftime (after the third chukker), when spectators are allowed—and, in fact, encouraged—to step on the field and stomp the chunky divots back into pl...

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Overview including differentiating features from other aircraft in its category

The Learjet 45XR is the upgraded version of the Learjet 45 super-light sized business jet. It offers higher takeoff weights, a faster cruise speed, and a faster time to climb rate compared to its predecessor.

As of August 2014, the Learjet 45XR market is comprised of 41% pre-owned. The percentage for sale is 8% with 88% under an exclusive broker agreement and average days on the market are 260 days.

Brief History

The Learjet 45XR was first introduced in 2003 and ended production in 2012. During that time a total of 208 Learjet 45XR jets have been produced with all but 1 remaining in production.

Worldwide Appeal

Of the 208 Learjet 45XR jets in operation by continent, North America has the largest percentage at 71%, followed by South America at 10% for a combined total of 81%. Also, 30% of the 208 Learjet 45XR jets in operation today are in fleet ownership with the largest fleet operator (Pe...

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The FAA defines a maintenance program as "the performance of tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft, including any one or combination of overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification, and the embodiment of an alteration or repair."

So each of these items must be addressed by all aircraft owners and operators.

Maintenance is part of ownership and one of the biggest factors to consider when buying or even selling an aircraft. This is especially true in the pre-owned sector – which is why Jetcraft recommends that all customers take advantage of a maintenance program to service their investment.

Proper maintenance tracking and planning is the key to operating an aircraft safely and efficiently. Maintenance programs take one of the most important and time-consuming elements of private ownership out of the hands of the operator and into the care of a trusted expert. These service providers keep track of inspections, component replacements and new FAA...

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