F1, foreground, and F2 in formation flight

On 20 December — just in time for Christmas and on the one-year anniversary of flight testing of its first FAA design-conforming HondaJet aircraft — Honda Aircraft Company announced that its third conforming aircraft, referred to as F2, joined flight test and has been conducting extensive flight testing since its first flight on November 18, 2011. This milestone marks important progress toward the HondaJet’s certification.

The F2 aircraft’s first flight test began with engine startup at 2:04pm Eastern Time and lift-off at 2:21, on 18 November 2011, from Honda Aircraft’s world headquarters at Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport.

The team completed a variety of checks in this first flight, including: takeoff and climb; landing gear operation; flap operations; aircraft handling; air data system checks with instrumentation; and an Instrument Landing System approach using the flight director. Overall, the aircraft performed quite well, according to the pilots and telemetry teams. Since this first flight, Honda Aircraft has expanded F2’s performance envelope as the aircraft has begun its test mission work in earnest.

“The first flight of a flight test aircraft is an important milestone for an aircraft certification program, and the fact that we achieved F2’s first flight shortly after receiving its engines illustrates our team’s preparation and readiness,” said Michimasa Fujino, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. “F2’s first flight was the result of extensive planning, hard work and execution by many teams and individuals across our organization and our supply chain partner network. The aircraft’s performance is as expected and flying in the aircraft is exhilarating.”

The first FAA-conforming HondaJet, F1, which flew for the first time on December 20, 2010, has already achieved key benchmarks that meet or exceed the aircraft’s designed performance goals. In March, Honda Aircraft reported the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 425 KTAS (489 mph) at 30,000 feet, surpassing the company’s performance commitment of 420 KTAS. The aircraft has since achieved a climb rate of 4,000 feet per minute, beating its target of 3,990 FPM, and a maximum operating altitude of 43,000 feet.

First landing for F2

“While the flight test aircraft are highly visible and vital to our certification program, our structural test aircraft also are just as essential to Honda Aircraft’s certification program, “ continued Mr. Fujino. “In 2011, we made major progress on FAA structural component tests and entire aircraft structural tests with the second conforming aircraft, ST1, and we successfully completed all limit load tests for the aircraft structure.”

Honda Aircraft plans to begin flying two additional flight test aircraft, F3 and F4, in 2012. The company also plans to begin structural testing with additional structural test aircraft in 2012.

Joby Energy says its design for a multi-wing 2 MW airborne wind turbine (shown above) operating at an altitude of 2,000 feet, would produce the energy equivalent of two 2 MW conventional mast-mounted wind turbines, and require approximately one-twentieth the materials.

But Joby has it sights on higher ground—much higher. By boosting its airborne wind turbine to the flight levels—where jet aircraft are happiest and wind speeds are usually twenty times greater than at 2,000 feet—Joby says it could easily and efficiently tap into the more than 870 terrawatts of energy scientists estimate is produced each year by global winds. Current total global demand is just 17 terrawatts.

The Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS) from Magenn Power, Inc.

Another company, Magenn Power, Inc., is currently testing a balloon like airborne wind turbine. Dubbed the MARS (Magenn Air Rotor System), the device is filled with helium and operates at altitudes up to 1,000 feet AGL.

Anticipating the proliferation of these new technologies, the FAA today announced new rules for testing experimental airborne wind-energy systems. Previously treated as moored balloons, the new airborne systems must now comply with rules governing structures exceeding 200 feet AGL.

Each deployment must be approved by the FAA on a case-by-case basis, after thorough evaluation of the system’s characteristics and potential impact on navigable airspace, and may not exceed 499 feet AGL. The new rules apply to experimental systems only. Proposals for permanent, fully operational systems will be addressed in the future, the FAA said.

Screen grab from flightaware.com shows tracking information for a Piaggio P.180 Avanti on a flight being conducted by fractional provider Avantair. Aircraft owners and operators complained that the ability to track the movements of their aircraft violated their right to privacy and also created security concerns.

BARR prevents IFR flight information from being displayed online and until now aircraft operators were forced to show valid security concerns before being allowed to enroll its aircraft in the program. Unless an aircraft is enrolled in BARR, anyone who knows its registration number can track its movements anytime it is flying on an IFR flight plan, using online resources such as flightaware.com.

Aircraft owners and operators may now simply request that their aircraft be enrolled in the program, for the sake of privacy alone.

The National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) all fought for the change and their respective presidents each welcomed the FAA’s decision.

“NBAA and its members thank the leaders in congress for taking action to address our industry’s long-standing concern that curtailment of the BARR program represents an invasion of privacy, a competitive threat to businesses, and a potential security risk,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We commend the Administration for working with our industry to implement this change.”

“On behalf of our AOPA members, we thank those in congress and the Administration who recognize the importance of assuring a measure of privacy protection to individuals operating their own aircraft,” said AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller. “We are pleased to have the BARR program back in operation.”

“We appreciate the efforts of those in congress who acted to preserve the privacy rights of aviators within the BARR program,” said EAA President and CEO Rod Hightower. “We also applaud the efforts of those within the aviation community who worked together on this important issue.”

Earlier this year, NBAA and AOPA filed a court challenge to the government’s curtailment of the program, and the EAA filed a friend of the court brief supporting the suit. It now appears, following a hearing this morning in which a government attorney conceded that the FAA would no longer defend its August policy, that the case will conclude to the satisfaction of the three associations.

“Our associations will keep members advised as we learn further details of these developments,” Bolen said. “In the meantime, we want to thank those in the industry who have supported our efforts.”

During the month of December, Wild Blue will donate $1 to Angel Flight Central for each new social media contact WildBlue receives during December.

Angel Flight Central (AFC) is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to removing the burdens of arranging long-distance transportation at times of personal and community crisis.

AFC volunteers and supporters throughout the Midwest have made possible over 15,000 “free of charge” flights in privately owned aircraft covering 7 million miles. They help thousands of families access specialized health care, special needs camps, and other destinations for disaster response efforts and compassionate reasons.

In announcing the program, Chris Kirk, owner of WildBlue, said, “Angel Flight is a phenomenal charity that we’re proud to support this Christmas season. The free travel they provide demonstrates the compassion the general aviation community has for patients—and their family members – who have a definite and critical travel need.

“Lending a hand to organizations like Angel Flight is one of our core values and we think the season of giving is a perfect time to help them out,” said Kirk.

WildBlue will donate $1 for every LinkedIn, Twitter, or Constant Contact connection and every FaceBook “like.” To secure the donation go to www.WildBlueLLC.com and click a social media icon at the bottom of the page or enter your e-mail address in the NewBlue box.

The Falcon 7X offers a unique bundle of technology in addition to exceptional range and comfort. It was the first (and is still the only) business jet equipped with a fully-digital flight control system. Falcon 7X sales in the Middle East are especially strong and Saudia Private Aviation, which already owns three Falcon 7X aircraft, will soon take delivery of its fourth 7X.

Mr Wajdi Abdullah Al-Idrissi, the Vice President Royal & VIP Affairs & Head of Saudia Private Aviation.

Speaking at the Dubai Air Show last month, Mr Wajdi Abdullah Al-Idrissi, the Vice President Royal & VIP Affairs & Head of Saudia Private Aviation, explained that, “The Falcon 7X is a great addition to our fleet of business jets and is in great demand for charter flights worldwide. The Falcon 7X has received high marks from our customers,” he said, “in regard to its advanced technology and its exceptional cabin comfort.”

Al-Idrissi continued, “Combined with the highest standards in terms of finishing and onboard equipment, the cabin meets the most demanding requirements of passengers for high levels of comfort, especially on very long non stop flights, up to 13 hours.”

Like all the Falcons, the Falcon 7X is well-suited to the demands of regional owners and operators, sharing a number of common features including flexible range, large and comfortable cabin interiors, efficient and economical performance and advanced technology based on Dassault military heritage. Incorporating such technology has greatly increased flight precision, safety and comfort. The Falcon 7X is a comfortable aircraft for passengers, featuring an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin and a long range of 5,950 nm, which makes it capable of meeting the demands of more than 90 percent of city trips done by the typical business aviation traveler.

The airplane can connect New York to Riyadh, Riyadh to Perth or Dubai to Tokyo. It can land on short airfields and access challenging airports such as London City Airport in the heart of the City (the only business jets in their category to meet the demanding requirements of the airport, with its steep approach and noise restrictions).

Increasingly important to aircraft owners and operators is easy access to local service and advanced technical support, and spares. Dassault has invested in local infrastructure and support in Saudi Arabia and as approved Saudi Arabian Airline as an Authorized Service Centre in Jeddah. Dassault Falcon has also continued to invest in regional infrastructure and operates another Authorized Service Centers, as well as a spares distribution center in Dubai, and a technical office in Jeddah. The company regional sales office is based in Dubai.

John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon Jet, added, “The Falcon 7X has achieved impressive sales worldwide and demand in the Middle East has been especially strong, with several aircraft now operating from the region. We are delighted to be working with Saudia Private Aviation in Saudi Arabia and congratulate them on becoming the world’s largest single owner of the aircraft. The 7X is well suited to the demands of charter clients in Saudi Arabia where they are flying intensively, supported effectively by our ASC and Technical Centres in the Kingdom.”

For more information about the Falcon 7X and the entire lineup of Dassault Falcon business jets, visit Dassault Falcon Aircraft online.

But man shall not fly by wings alone.

And if one must leave the jet behind and move upon the earth as most mere mortals do, rather than above it, then the 2013 Hennessy Venom GT Spyder is one helluva way to go.

While the fixed-head Venom GT coupé has been creating mayhem for the last year or so, Hennessey Performance (HPE) has just upped the ante for those who enjoy a stiff breeze with their sunshine. Starting with its 2013 models, HPE will offer it’s ultra lightweight supercar with a removable roof. Dubbed the Venom GT Spyder, Hennessey’s 1200 horsepower, 1200 kilo, mid-engine monster will offer an extra dose of wind and sound when driven without the top.

“With the hardtop in place, the Venom GT offers a very visceral, raw, driving experience”, says company CEO, Don Goldman. “With the hardtop removed, the wind and the growl of the twin turbo V8 will offer our clients an even greater driving sensation.”

HPE will build just five Venom GTs for the 2013 model year, two of which have already been ordered. Deliveries will begin in the summer of 2012. Clients can purchase either model: the Venom GT—with a fixed hardtop roof, or the Venom GT Spyder—with the new removable top. Base pricing for the Venom GT is $950,000. The pop-top Venom GT Spyder is priced at $1.1 million.

“We are excited to be able to offer an open-air American supercar, built in Texas, that provides the best power to weight ratio available on the market,” says company founder, John Hennessey. “Simply put, the Venom GT Spyder is defined by its simplicity, elegance, performance and—for a lucky few—a driving experience like nothing else on Earth.”

For more info on this earthbound superfighter, jet on over to HPE’s Venom GT website. For a full review of the 2011 Venom GT by über gearhead Jay Leno, check out the video below.

With space for a crew of two plus up to eight passengers, the Citation Latitude features Garmin G5000 avionics and an 84-inch fuselage for a 6-foot high, flat floor passenger cabin.

Speaking recently at the Dubai Airshow, Mark Paolucci, Cessna’s senior vice president for sales, said: “The Citation Latitude is a game-changer for the mid-size segment in the Middle East and North Africa, offering the payload, speed and range the market requires with an unmatched cabin experience at this price point.” The aircraft is priced at $14.9 million in 2011 USD.

Paolucci said the spacious Citation Latitude cabin will particularly appeal to Middle East customers. From just behind the cockpit through the rear lavatory, a flat floor provides stand-up access throughout the 16-plus foot cabin. The main passenger cabin — Cessna’s widest in history — is 77 inches wide (1.95 meters) with a height of 72 inches (1.83 meters).

Positioned between the Citation XLS+ and Citation Sovereign in Cessna’s product line, the Citation Latitude offers a full fuel payload of 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms), a maximum cruise speed of 442 knots true airspeed (819 kilometers per hour) and a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometers).

Paolucci continued: “The Middle East market will welcome the excellent capability of the Citation Latitude. The Citation Latitude can, for example, fly Dubai-Cairo nonstop against the wind, whilst continuing to offer the strong ‘hot and high’ capabilities one associates with mid-size Citation jets like the Sovereign.”

Preliminary specifications project the aircraft will operate at airports with runways as short as 3,900 feet (1,189 meters), will have a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and will climb direct to 43,000 feet (13,106 meters) in 23 minutes. First flight of the Citation Latitude prototype is expected to be mid-year 2014, with entry into service expected in 2015.

The standard Citation Latitude cabin seating arrangement accommodates passengers in a single-club with a forward, dual side-facing couch. Six pedestal seats track forward and aft 7 inches (.18 m) and laterally 4 inches (.10 m) on the seat base with 180 degree swiveling capability and infinite recline positions. Cabin-length indirect LED lighting is provided overhead in the passenger service units with variable adjustment for direct reading lights and more.

Gaining Clarity

Expanding on the virtues of the Citation Latitude cabin, Paolucci said: “The requirements for business travel have evolved to more than comfort and convenience; the use of innovative technology is key to providing a more efficient and productive aircraft cabin, which is critical to meeting expectations of a fully functioning work environment. Through our new ClairityTM cabin technology system, we have an intuitive user interface to offer customers a ‘smart’ airplane for the ultimate connectivity experience.”

Developed by Cessna in partnership with Dallas-based Heads Up Technologies, Clairity is an intelligent cabin technology solution that ties into the aircraft avionics systems and can integrate cabin electrical systems and data and communication sharing through a fiber optic backbone controlled through either an intuitive touch-screen user interface at each seat or the customer’s personal electronic device.

The Citation Latitude’s cockpit is anchored by the new, fully integrated Garmin G5000 system that centers on three 14-inch LCD primary and multifunction displays and four touch-screen control panels. It includes an integrated Flight Director/Autopilot and Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS). Among the standard features of the new system are a pilot-vehicle touch-screen interface, TCAS II with Change 7.1, Synthetic Vision Technology, electronic charts, Garmin’s SafeTaxi, a dual flight management system with WAAS LPV and RNP, solid-state weather radar with turbulence detection and vertical scan capability, integrated terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), ADS-B Out and Link 2000+ data link. Options include satellite weather and an ICAO Type 1A flight data recorder.

For further information about the Citation Latitude visit www.cessna.com.

“We are pursuing a two-step certification approach to keep us on track for our planned deliveries in the second quarter of 2012,” said Gulfstream’s president, Larry Flynn. “With the PTC in hand, our plan is to move production aircraft into final phase manufacturing to ensure customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012.”

PTCs have been common in general aviation programs over the past 15 years. Both the Gulfstream V and the Gulfstream G550 were issued PTCs before receiving full certification.

The four aircraft in the flight-test program have flown more than 2,225 hours during more than 675 flights. One of those aircraft has a fully outfitted interior, allowing the company to confirm weight projections and test new features, including its Cabin Essential™ design for redundant cabin systems. Seven production aircraft have flown in preparation for their induction into final phase manufacturing. More than 20 Gulfstream G650 aircraft are in various stages of initial or final phase production.

Among its achievements, the Gulfstream G650 has flown for more than 14 consecutive hours, with flight test data confirming its ability to achieve 7,000 nm (12,964 km) at Mach 0.85. The aircraft has also demonstrated 5,000 nm (9,260 km) at Mach 0.90. With a top speed of Mach 0.925, the Gulfstream G650 is presently the world’s fastest civilian jet.

“The G650 will exceed the capabilities of anything on the market, flying faster and farther, with industry-leading fuel efficiency and reduced emissions,” Flynn said.

For more information, visit http://www.gulfstream.com/products/g650.

The Breitling brand has also graced the countenance of many restored classic aircraft, such as the gorgeous Breitling Super Constellation. The watchmaker is also the name sponsor for the Reno Air Races.

Recently, Breitling commissioned a brief film that presents an exciting overview of its involvement in aviation. Called This is Breitling, it is a visual treat for any aviation enthusiast.

Enjoy!

The Bloomberg News reports that NetJets, a unit of Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., has this week sued the Internal Revenue Service over what it characterizes as an “illegal” tax assessment of $643 million. The dispute is over a determination by the IRS that NetJets failed to collect the “ticket tax” that is paid by every passenger of commercial airlines. The suit, filed this week in Federal court in Ohio, complains that the IRS has assessed NetJets for the unpaid ticket tax on both the hours when the planes were in use, and also for management fees and fuel surcharges that NetJets collects from its customers.

In its pleadings, NetJets argues that the ticket tax was only meant to be paid by commercial airline passengers and customers of FAR Part 135 charter operations. In contrast, NetJets claims its customers are wealthy flyers who own or lease shares of the aircraft in which they fly.

The company said in its suit that, “The IRS’s assessments in this case improperly extend application of the ticket tax beyond commercial airline and charter passengers, to persons who own the aircraft on which they fly.”

NetJets also complained that the IRS has failed to assess the ticket tax on rival fractional-shares companies, thereby placing NetJets at an unfair disadvantage.

The IRS has not commented on the suit.