Mark Phelps

Latest from Mark Phelps

Charter & Fractional

Flight Time’s fall gives wings to a new venture

Two former charter representatives from now-defunct Flight Time have risen from the ashes of their former jobs to found a new charter-brokering business.
Safety

Controller or TCAS RA: which would you obey?

After the tragic collision between a Russian Tu-154 and a DHL cargo Boeing 757 at 35,400 ft over southern Germany on July 1, AIN questioned whether
Airports

Midway Atoll ops cut to the bone

At the 60th anniversary of the pivotal naval battle that saved it from Japanese occupation, Midway Island is again fighting for its life–at least its econo
FBOs

Atlantic concierges add a touch of class

When Atlantic Aviation v-p Sue Sommers checked into her hotel in Cancun, Mexico, on vacation last year, she was greeted with a cold drink by a friendly, kn
Aircraft

Embraer’s Legacy road show in full swing

After a long wait, Embraer’s Legacy business jet received European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) certification on July 5.
Charter & Fractional

Flight Time failure stiffs charter ops

As the financial community has been shaken by the downfall of Enron and Worldcom, so has the aviation charter industry been rattled by the demise of one of
Aircraft

Learjet derives 2 new jets from its 45

At last month’s Farnborough Air Show, Bombardier Business Aircraft confirmed plans for two Learjet 45 follow-on models.
FBOs

Marathon flight goes the distance at ISM

Family-owned Marathon Flight Services recently completed a $1.6 million construction project at Kissimmee (Fla.) Gateway Airport (ISM).
Airports

Customs now has new digs in Louisville

The former Delta Air Lines terminal at Louisville (Ky.), International Airport is now home to a dedicated U.S.
Airports

Boca Raton will get a noisebuster web site

Sometime this month, homeowners surrounding the Boca Raton (Fla.) Airport (BCT) should be able to go to a Web site if they have a complaint about a noisy a
FBOs

Signature unveils plans for European expansion

At the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in late May, Signature Flight Support announced plans for a new $2 million FBO at South
Airports

Palwaukee tends to its noisefighting needs

With a noise study and plans for a Stage 2 aircraft nighttime ban approved by the Palwaukee Municipal Airport commission, Palwaukee (Ill.) Airport (PWK) ha
Aircraft

Toyota mum on plans for GA aircraft

So far, Toyota is downplaying the significance of its TAA (Toyota Advanced Aircraft) proof-of-concept airplane.
Engines

Honda turbofan flies; bizjet design to follow

On June 10 Honda flew its latest jet engine design for the first time.
FBOs

Jet Aviation confirms it’s on the block

The direct reports from Jet Aviation concerning its “for sale” status do not reveal much in the way of hard news.
Regulations and Government

NASAO Lauds Washington State

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) has named Washington the “Most Innovative State” this year for developing an online pilot-regi
FBOs

Super Wing Ding planned at Texas FBO

It may not be the closest FBO to next year’s Super Bowl in Houston, but it might be the most fun.
FBOs

Jet Aviation honors American heroes

Pilots and other crewmembers visiting Jet Aviation’s four U.S.
FBOs

Avitat HPN improves it's 'Galley Direct' plan

For all pilots and other crewmembers who have ever struggled across a windswept ramp loaded down with cabin supplies, Jet Systems/Avitat at Westchester Cou
Regulations and Government

Expect costlier custom charges

Starting last month, operators clearing customs at so-called “user fee” airports began to see as much as a 10-percent increase in clearance charges.
FBOs

Banyon building new, larger facility at FXE

“We’ve outgrown our current facility and need more room for our guests,” said Banyan Air Service president Don Campion.
Airports

NBAA renews request for FAA to probe fees

On October 2 NBAA filed a revised Part 16 complaint with the FAA asking the agency to investigate the new landing fees at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (S

Atlantic moves in on the Big Easy

Atlantic Aviation has signed letters of intent to acquire FBOs at two New Orleans airports–Lakefront (NEW) and Louis Armstrong International (MSY), formerl
Rotorcraft

Bell CEO is optimistic despite many challenges

Mike Redenbaugh took over the CEO’s office at Bell Helicopter’s Fort Worth, Texas headquarters in May and now faces some formidable challenges–including ge
ATC

Steeper approaches lower noise, furl burn

Last October and November, a procession of UPS Boeing 767s experimented with a new type of approach to their home base at Louisville International Airport
FBOs

A dome home for the corporate jet

Would you feel more comfortable about your hangar knowing that buildings from which it was derived are used as community disaster shelters? Monolithic Cons
FBOs

Easter Bunny, watch your back in Miami

Black-tail jackrabbits used to have a cushy home on the expansive grounds of Miami International Airport (MIA).
FBOs

Silverhawk targets transient jet market

Don Allen, owner of Silverhawk Aviation, would like pilots to be thinking of Lincoln Municipal Airport (LNK), Neb., as a mid-continent refueling stop.
FBOs

Kit developed to test for bio-contaminants

ECHA Microbiology, based in Cardiff, Wales, has developed a test kit that can provide a numerical indication of microbial contamination in aircraft fuel ta