AvBuyer Magazine, February 2015

by Ken Elliott

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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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Cara VanDell, Transaction Manager, Jetcraft

Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

[email protected]       +1 919 941 8400

How long have you been at Jetcraft?

I have been with Jetcraft Corporation as the Transaction Manger for nearly four years already.  You know what they say…time flies when you are having fun!

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

As Transaction Manager, I am responsible for ensuring everything is in place for a successful aircraft closing.  My involvement in a transaction begins when a listing agreement or letter of intent is signed, and continues throughout the contracting process and subsequent closing.  It is very detail-oriented work, anything from making sure the proper number of original documents are in place, down to ensuring what color ink was used to sign them!  In addition, I am responsible for figuring out the financial breakdown of the sale proceeds for the seller’s benefit.

In dealing with regist...

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Overview including differentiating features from other aircraft in its category

The Citation brand encompasses six distinct families of aircraft. The Bravo came from the Citation II family. As the successor to the Citation II, the Bravo features more powerful and more fuel-efficient PW530A engines, resulting in a higher MGTOW, a faster cruise speed and longer range.

As of February 2014, the Citation Bravo market is comprised of 100% pre-owned. The percentage for sale is 12.3% with 54% under an exclusive broker agreement and average days on the market are 334 days.

Brief History

The first flight of the Citation Bravo took place on April 25, 1995. The last Citation Bravo rolled off the production line over a decade later in late 2006. During that time, a total 336 Citation Bravo aircraft were built from 1997 to 2006 with 333 in operation today.

Worldwide Appeal

Of the 333 Citation Bravo aircraft in operation by continent, North America has the largest percentage at 66%,...

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Industry Veteran Raphael Haddad to Lead Jetcraft Commercial

January 16, 2015 (Raleigh, NC) – Jetcraft, a global leader in business aircraft sales, acquisitions and trades, today announced the launch of a new commercial aircraft sales and leasing division.

Jetcraft Commercial will capitalize upon Jetcraft’s existing worldwide presence and network to offer  clients a nimble and dedicated partner within the commercial aircraft sales and leasing community. The new division is focused on procurement and placement of commercial aircraft globally and development of current and new relationships with commercial aircraft leasing organizations.

Jetcraft Commercial will be led by industry veteran Raphael Haddad as President, Jetcraft Commercial. Mr. Haddad joins Jetcraft after a long tenure with Bombardier, where he most recently held the position of Vice President of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. Mr. Haddad brings a track record of multi-billion dollar sales achievements ...

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There are many reasons why early in the year is the ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s low-key, easy-going sibling. At that top of the list is weather. This capital city of the United Arab Emirates promises much more manageable temperatures (around the low 20s Celsius/high 60sF) in the new year than during the sweltering seasons. After all, just beyond the city and its gorgeous setting along the Persian Gulf is pure desert.

Plan to take advantage of Abu Dhabi's diverse, appealing offerings regardless of when you go:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

A vacation to Abu Dhabi is not complete without seeing the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (pictured). The largest mosque outside Mecca or Medina, it is a stunning and reverent architectural center. The Mosque is closed for tourism during worship on Friday morning to 5:00 pm, but general visiting hours are available Saturday through Thursday from 9am and 10pm.

Heritage Village

For a true glimpse of pre-oil, historical...

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AvBuyer Magazine, January 2015 by Ken Elliott

Download a PDF of the article.

For the next 12 months Ken Elliott will be navigating the complex world of avionic mandates, offering a comprehensive, clear, 360 degree view of NextGen and all that comes with it...

While we will be using the term ‘mandate’ within the following series, the context first needs to be explained. In this series the terms ‘mandates’, ‘requirements’, ‘recommendations’, ‘rules’ or ‘operational guidance’ may be used interchangeably because in reality, they are interpreted much the same by transport authorities.

Mandates from an operator’s perspective are requirements to be complied with in order to complete mission profiles. For a light jet operator domestically-based and flying regionally there will be less compliance needs than for an intercontinental large cabin operator flying across different controlled airspaces.

Even when not mandated to equip, though, an operator desiring additional ...

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