Chicagoland's DuPage Airport Executive Update

Industry News

Fair User Fees The debate over how the next generation of improvements to the air traffic control system boils down to what is fair. While it’s true that airlines currently pay the majority of user fees to support our airspace system and FAA programs, James May, President of ATA, said “All I am asking is for others (General Aviation) to pay their fair share.” User Fees

Solar Flares Expected to Effect GPS Signals It now appears GPS signals may be disrupted by solar flares. As early as 2011, it is expected that the currently quiet and inactive solar flares will become active again. These flares may cause GPS signals used for aircraft navigation and emergency location devices to become up to 90 percent inaccurate. This event was accidentally discovered by a grad student studying the ionosphere. Solar Flares

The New Bizjets in Development Similar to the U.S. economy, the industry for business aviation is still exceptionally strong, as reflected by the healthy number of new business aircraft in the works. Currently, there are now 31 business jets in development, in flight-test or certified within the last 12 months. New Bizjets

VLJ Market For Next Five Years Estimated to Reach $.25 Million With an estimated 1,403 VLJ’s being delivered between 2007 and 2011, the aviation industry may be about to undergo fundamental change. Estimates are the VLJ market could reach $2.52 billion. Six top contenders were identified in the study, including the Cessna Mustang, the only VLJ to have reached full certification. VLJ's

Charter Broker Acquires Charter Operator UK Executive charter operator Gold Air has been aquired by charter broker Air Partner for $8.1 million. Based at London Biggin Hill Airport, Gold Air operates six Learjet 45s and a Hawker 800 and has two Global 5000s on order for delivery in 2009. According to Air Partner managing director David Savile, Gold Air was bought to give the broker an assured supply of charter capacity for its clients, including customers for its new Jet Card block charter program. AIN Alerts Online

Age 60 Rule for Pilots Is Up For Review The Age 60 Aviation Rulemaking Committee has been tasked to complete a study over the next 60 days regarding commercial pilot mandatory retirement by age 60. Since 1959 the FAA has required all US pilots to stop flying commercial aircraft once they reach 60 years of age. Age 60 Rule

TSA Approves Advanced Registration For Registered Traveler The TSA has approved, and passengers can now start signing up for, the national Registered Traveler Program. This fall TSA will launch the national program they have been establishing rules and processes for. The full attention of the TSA is focused on ensuring the transportation sector remains secure, according to TSA Spokeswoman Amy Kudwa. TSA

Original Travel Air Factory Now Designated as Historic Site The American Institute of Aeronautices and Astronautics has designated the Travel Air Airplane Manufacturing Co. in Wichita, KS a Historic Aerospace Site. Established in Wichita in 1925, Travel Air was responsible for four aviation legends being established in Wichita – Beech, Cessna, and Stearman. Travel Air