BLINK OFFER
UK air taxi operator Blink has launched a frequent flyer programme that rewards customers who purchase full-fare tickets on its growing Cessna Citation Mustang fleet with 10% of the value of each flight. The credit is added to their Blink Focus accounts and act as part payment for any future Blink flights. "A Blink customer flying as few as five full-fare day returns between London and Cannes or Milan will earn a free return trip to any destination within an hour's flight of London," says the Farnborough-based operator.
CITATION CRASH
Investigators are seeking to identify the cause of a fatal accident on 7 February of a Cessna Citation III that crashed shortly after take-off from Italy's Rome Ciampino airport, killing the two crew members. The aircraft, registration I-FEEV and operated by Air One Executive, was en route to Bologna, where it was due to pick up a medical team. According to preliminary reports the aircraft encountered a bad thunderstorm during the initial climb. Witnesses saw lightning before hearing an explosion caused by the impact of the Citation hitting the ground, spreading the wreckage across a wide area. The Citation III underwent a routine inspection the day before the accident and was declared airworthy.
EVS APPROVAL
Bombardier has received approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency for lower enhanced vision system approaches. The validation paves the way for operators of Global business jets equipped with Bombardier's EVS to obtain operational credit for continuing approaches to 100ft (30m). EU-Ops rule 1.430(h) requires pilots using instrument approach procedures to be able to see the approach lights and runway environment from a predetermined height to proceed with landing. With BEVS, that distance has been reduced, says the Canadian airframer.
AIRVAN APPROVAL
Australian general aviation manufacturer Gippsland Aeronautics has clinched Civil Aviation Safety Authority certification for its new turbocharged version of the GA8 Airvan single-engined turboprop. Deliveries of the utility aircraft, dubbed the GA8TC 320, have begun. The aircraft is powered by the Textron Lycoming TIO-540-AH1A turbocharged, fuel-injected engine, and features Hartzell's HC-C3YR-1RF/F8068 three-blade constant speed propeller.
Source: Flight International
