Chicagoland's DuPage Airport Executive Update

Industry News

Cessna Mustang First VLJ to be Fully FAA Certified. It's official - the Cessna Mustang is now the first VLJ (Very Light Jet) to be fully certified. Certification includes single-pilot operations, day/night operations, VFR/IFR, and operations in reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace. Mustang Certified.

FAA to Hire Nearly 12,000 New Air Traffic Controllers. Over the next 10 years the FAA plans to add nearly 12,000 air traffic controllers. The need to hire is being driven largely due to updated traffic forecasts, experience with productivity increases, and actual retirements. Details can be found in the newly updated Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan.

GA Billings For First Half of Year Set Industry Record. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports 1,843 general aviation aircraft shipments for the first half of this year. This is an increase of 19.1% over the same time period last year and the highest total since 1982. With current manufacturer backlogs, GAMA is confident this trend will continue through the rest of 2006. 2006 GA Billings.

The New Turboprops. Even with the introduction of VLJ's this year, turboprop-powered aircraft will continue to be an effective business tool in the marketplace. Some potential owners view them as vintage aircraft, while many of these aircraft actually have the same advanced avionics and design features that are being integrated into the latest business jet designs. Turboprops.

NTSB Wants Ice Detectors On All Jet Engines. Inspired by several Beechjet engine flameouts, the NTSB is making recommendations to prevent any further occurrences. Of these recommendations, one being classified as urgent, it is expected a requirement will be issued that an ice detector be developed and installed on new production turbofan engines and be retrofitted to existing turbofan engines. Ice Detectors.

NetJet Mechanics Start Picketing. The fractional company’s mechanics and other support personnel began “informal picketing” on Friday at NetJets headquarters. Accusations have been made by leaders of Teamsters’ Union 284 of the company outsourcing mechanical jobs. Other issues up for negotiation are agreements on wages, miscellaneous working conditions and health insurance. NetJets Picketing.

Get Current Flight Data on Your Cell Phone! You can now find out the current status of our largest airports and delay information straight from the FAA via your pager, phone, PDA, wireless device, or e-mail in real-time, as it happens. To register, you need to have a valid email account - this will allow you to manage your airport preferences. How to Register.

FAA Approves New Child Safety Device For Car Seats in Aircraft. The Amsafe CARES device is a new option for parents to protect children traveling by air and weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. This FAA approved device utilizes an additional belt and shoulder harness that goes around the seat back and attaches to the passenger lap belt. This method provides restraint for the upper part of the body and is NOT approved for use in motor vehicles.
Child Seat.