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A new US operator has been approved by DEFRA for the carriage of dogs and cats from the United States and Canada to Biggin Hill, UK.

The Pet Travel Scheme has enabled dogs and cats from the U.S. and Canada to enter the UK since December 11, 2002. Only certain carriers are approved and this is one of the few private jet companies that have an agreement with the ‘PET’s Program to do this.

The process requires several detailed steps without any stress for owner and beloved pets. With the proper paperwork in hand, and a final treatment required shortly before travel, client’s pets can enter the U.K. together without a quarantine requirement!

US airports are considering a new way of clearing snow — heating pavement. – Could this be the way for UK airports in the furture?

Workers have traditionally relied on chemicals, plows and sweepers to clear snow on runways and taxiways. But some in the industry are pitching the Federal Aviation Administration to make the new methods — passing electric current under the pavement or circulating warm liquids through pipes or tubes — eligible for the federal funding that airports receive for capital-improvement projects.

In a report that outlines the specifications needed for its grants, the FAA says the heating systems could enhance safety for equipment operators, minimize disruptions caused by heavy snow, provide a greener option or reduce snow-removal time.

Disadvantages include high initial costs and complex installation procedures, the FAA says.

The FAA also advised that heated-pavement systems be limited to locations at the airport where manual and chemical treatments are difficult and operational safety is a factor.

It’s being tested on a limited basis at a few airports, says Chris Oswald of Airports Council International-North America. But airports are generally reluctant to install the systems because they’re concerned about ongoing energy costs, he says. “There isn’t a compelling need for these systems in the industry,” Oswald says. “We don’t believe the case has been demonstrated for the need, and that’s what we want to see.”

The council says the FAA has to be more discriminating on selecting new technology eligible for federal subsidies, given the limited pool of money.

A US private air charter operator located in Santa Barbara, California has added another brand new Phenom 100 to its air charter fleet. This new aircraft addition is based in the Santa Ana/San Diego area, complimenting the operator’s existing fleet of light jets based in California.

This new aircraft has a range of 1,000 nautical miles, four leather seats, 120V power outlets, and a fully enclosed lavatory. The fuel efficiency gives the aircraft a very attractive charter rate.

The Embraer Phenom 100 is a great charter airplane, and by adding a second Phenom 100 down in Southern California this will expand the service area.

A new Learjet 45 to the private air charter network is now online.  

The Lear 45 is a meticulously maintained 2002, which has had one Part 91 corporate owner. The combination of non-stop range to the east coast, eight captain chairs, an enclosed toilet and a large exterior baggage compartment makes the Lear 45 the perfect aircraft for today’s discerning client. 

The new hangar features all the comfort and amenities that business jet customers expect and need in today’s competitive environment.  Clients will be able to pull through a private gate directly to the aircraft door. Their car will be washed and stored in the private hangar, awaiting their return. 

Learjet 45 Information -

The Lear 45/45XR, a light charter jet, is produced by Learjet, Bombardier Aerospace Company, and is currently in production under the name Lear 45XR. With its two powerful Honeywell TFE731-20-BR engines, the Lear 45 has a tremendous range for private air charter of 1,969 nautical miles and reaches maximum speeds in excess of 460 mph. The Lear 45 can soar at an altitude of 51,000 feet, well over any inclement weather, and climb at a rate of 2,800 feet per minute. Dominating the super light category, the Lear 45XR has the longest range and the power to fly at faster speeds with more passengers than any other aircraft in its class. The super light Lear 45 and Lear 45XR offer private jet charter passengers a luxurious, spacious and comfortable cabin of almost 500 cubic feet of space, to maximize time and functionality.

Embraer has certified a new Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and a Traffic Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) for its entry level Phenom 100 executive jet. These systems are now standard options for Phenom 100 customers. TCAS II will be supplied by Aviation Communications and Surveillance Systems (ACSS), and TAWS A by Garmin.

TCAS is an airborne system that operates independently from ground-based Air Traffic Control (ATC). It was designed to increase cockpit awareness of approaching aircraft, and to serve as a “last line of defense” to prevent mid-air collisions. TCAS I was developed to accommodate the needs of the general aviation community and regional airlines. This system issues Traffic Advisories (TA) to assist pilots in the visual acquisition of intruder aircraft. TCAS II is a more sophisticated system that provides all of the information of TCAS I, analyzes the projected flight path of approaching aircraft, and issues Resolution Advisories (RA) to the pilot to resolve potential mid-air collisions.

TAWS aims to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents and displays terrain and obstructions relative to the altitude of the airplane. TAWS A is an enhancement to the TAWS B, which was originally available to Phenom 100 customers. TAWS A includes all of the requirements of TAWS B, and adds three alerts – closure rate to terrain, flight into terrain (when not in landing configuration), and downward deviation from an ILS (Instrument Landing System) glide slope – increasing flight safety for aircraft operators.