Pilots and operators who use SpiderTracks satellite monitoring devices in their aircraft can now register their device with the AFSS system to enable real-time tracking of their flights. In a news release Lockheed Martin, which operated the AFSS system, said by registering their SpiderTracks device, pilots can ensure that their flight progress is monitored from takeoff to landing and if the device stops moving, stops transmitting or sends an emergency signal, the system is instantly alerted. "As a result, the system is able to initiate search and rescue procedures with more precision and speed than previously possible," said Lockheed Martin. The service is free. The SpiderTracks system currently plots aircraft progress on a website that requires a login. The SpiderTracks partnership seems to be the test bed for a system-wide real-time monitoring system.
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Embraer will fly its prototype Legacy 500 midsize business jet to the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva next week in the first public showing of the aircraft. Corporate Jet Investor is reporting that Embraer will also bring along its 2013 model Lineage 1000. "EBACE, Europe's premier business aviation gathering, is an excellent showcase to debut the Legacy 500 and the 2013 Lineage 1000," said Ernest Edwards, president, Embraer Executive Jets. The Legacy 500 was announced at the 2008 EBACE and had its first flight last November. Meanwhile, EBACE continues to be the go-to show for business jet vendors and customers in Europe.
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A bipartisan group of U.S. House members led by Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., has introduced a bill designed to propel revisions to FAA Part 23 certification standards into law. The Small Aircraft Revitalization Act of 2013 will establish a "date certain" for implementation of FAA's Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommendations, which were sent to the agency last week. Date certain is a legal term setting a deadline for putting the measures on the books although it's not clear what date will be set. The Part 23 revisions are aimed at making certification easier and allowing easier incorporation of new technologies in certified aircraft. It would set up a system of compliance through consensus-based standards. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association cheered the bill's introduction.
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It's still a buyer's market for business aircraft of all shapes and sizes and the stubborn cycle shows no sign of relenting, although it is changing. A report prepared by JETNET says the number of transactions is on the increase, too. "As 2013 unfolds there remains a large inventory of business aircraft available at very affordable prices," the report says. While that's good news for anyone in the market for an airplane, it's bad news for manufacturers because when there are lots of cheap used aircraft on the market, it can be tough to sell new aircraft. Although more used aircraft are being bought and sold, the number on the market remains at about 2,500, up from 1,662 before the recession.
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