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East West Aircraft Latest News http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/news 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z East West Aircraft Sales FAA Reauthorizartion Bill

User Fees kept out of bill.

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="590"><TBODY> <tr> <td> <div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 9pt; font-family: verdana; line-height: normal;"> <div style=" margin-left: 20px;"> The Senate will likely vote on Monday or Tuesday on an FAA Reauthorization bill that does not contain user fees for general aviation. The breakthrough came late Friday with an agreement between Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W. Va.), chairman of the aviation subcommittee, which supported user fees, and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) chairman of the finance committee, which opposed them. Under the deal, the tax on jet fuel for general aviation will rise 65 percent to 36 cents a gallon from the current 21.8 cents, increasing the contribution toward the FAA budget by corporate aviation by two percent to five percent. "This agreement is a good down payment toward ending the growing inequities that exist between airline passengers and corporate jet users," Rockefeller said in the statement. But in a podcast interview with AVweb that will run on Monday, Eric Byer of the National Air Transportation Association said the deal had more to do with political expediency than any softening of Rockefeller's stance on user fees. Byer said the user fee issue has been eclipsed politically by escalating controversies involving the FAA's oversight of airline maintenance and ongoing issues with its air traffic controllers and allegations that control facilities are dangerously understaffed. Byer said the high profile of those issues in the mainstream media made the agency's funding structure an expendable distraction. But Byer also said he expects the user fee issue to come back and said aviation groups will have to remain vigilant to prevent that. "If we let our guard down we could be caught with our pants down," he said. The House passed its version of the reauthorization last fall and, assuming the Senate passes the current version of its bill, the two will be very close and reconciliation should be straightforward. President Bush had threatened to veto a combined bill that doesn't contain user fees but the change in the political climate concerning the FAA could change that stance. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </TBODY></table>  <table width="590" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" height="20" id="spacer"><TBODY> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> </TBODY></table>   http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/FAA_Reauthorizartion_Bill.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z First Sound Barrier Break by Airliner

April 1962: During a brief dive, a Philippine Airlines Douglas DC-8-53 became the first commercial airliner to exceed the speed of sound. Philippine Airlines is the first and longest operating commercial airline in Asia

http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/First_Sound_Barrier_Break_by_Airliner.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z First Free-Fall Parachute Jump

April 28, 1919: Leslie L. Irvin (founder of the Irvin Parachute Company, which is today Irvin Aerospace) made the first free-fall parachute jump at McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio, thereby proving that such jumps do not induce unconsciousness (as otherwise predicted by some experts). April 27, 1920: Ormer Locklear was fined $25 for "reckless aerial driving" over Los Angeles.

http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/First_Free_Fall_Parachute_Jump.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Cessna Parent is Bullish on Bizav

Fist Quarter Earnings Up

<div style=" font-weight: bold; color: #000066; font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif';">Textron chairman, president and CEO Lewis Campbell reported first-quarter earnings up to $3.5 billion from $3 billion for the same period last year. He cited performance of the company's aviation manufacturers—Cessna and Bell Helicopters—as evidence that the market for business aircraft remains strong. Cessna took orders for 225 aircraft in the time period and announced earnings $278 million higher than those of first quarter 2006. This was due, in part, to the company delivering 95 aircraft in the first three months of this year compared with 67 last year. a $28 million increase in profits, despite a $6 million reduction in revenues.</div>   http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Cessna_Parent_is_Bullish_on_Bizav.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z First Movie from an Airplane

April 24, 1909 & April 21, 1914 On this same week, in two different years, marked the first motion pictures (1909) and first news movie (1914) filmed from the air while on board an aircraft.

http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/First_Movie_from_an_Airplane.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Mustang Orders Top 500

Cessna expects to deliver 100 this year.

While the big news out of Sun 'n Fun for Cessna's jet line was the integration of synthetic vision in the Garmin G1000 suite, company officials were also celebrating a sales milestone. According to spokeswoman Pia Bergqvist, firm orders for the "entry-level" jet have topped 500 and there are more than 60 in service. The fleet, which marked its first delivery almost exactly a year ago, has now racked up 10,500 hours. Cessna calls it "the only fully operational entry-level business jet available," and says it's ready to ramp up production. The company built 47 Mustangs at the Independence, Kan. plant by the end of 2007, expects to finish 100 this year and deliver 150 in 2009. The first synthetic vision Mustangs will be delivered later this year. Mustang is the launch business jet customer for the Garmin system. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Mustang_Orders_Top_500.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z New Cessnas Make Debut

Cessna 350 and 400 models introduced.

Cessna 350 and Cessna 400 models made their air show debut at Sun 'n Fun last week and company officials say there's been overwhelming response to the aircraft. Cessna was the winning bidder at a bankruptcy auction for the former Columbia Aircraft late last year and began building the speedy composite singles in Cessna colors in December. The aircraft have been integrated into the company's sales and support systems and Cessna continues to hire more staff at the Bend, Ore. plant. In fact, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080412/NEWS0107/804120380/1006&nav_category=">the Bend Bulletin</a> the Oregon community is pinching itself over Cessna's move to Bend. While the company made headlines over its request for a $25 million subsidy from Kansas last week to build its Columbus large business jet there, Cessna hasn't asked for anything (except for a tower at the airport by 2009) from Bend officials. That's perhaps a good thing since Bend doesn't have any budget for business incentives. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/New_Cessnas_Make_Debut.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Caravan Gets Glass Cockpit

WAAS Certified

Introducing the perfect union of brains and brawn. With more than 10 million fleet hours under its heavy-lifting wings, the Cessna Caravan now has brains to match. The standard Garmin G1000® glass cockpit combined with the WAAS-certified GFC700 automated flight control system integrates all primary flight, engine and sensor data to provide intuitive, at-a-glance situational awareness and precise flight guidance and control. For complete information, go online - www.caravan.cessna.com. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Caravan_Gets_Glass_Cockpit.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Synthetic Vision Has Arrived

Garmin SVT Coming to Cessna Airplanes

<div style=" font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; color: #000066; font-family: 'Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif';"> </div> <div style=" font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif';">The FAA has granted supplemental type certification for Garmin's three-dimensional Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT). The system displays high-resolution, 3D graphic depictions of terrain, runways, obstacles and even traffic on the primary flight display (PFD). The graphics replace Garmin's previous blue-over-brown PFD depiction. The user-customizable system also incorporates highway-in-the-sky guidance with rectangular boxes depicted on the PFD, and a flight path marker-which clearly indicates where the aircraft's flight path is taking it. Garmin said SVT should be available in July for aircraft equipped with its G1000 and G900X (experimental only) systems, and G1000-retrofitted King Air C90s some time next year. No hardware changes are needed for the SVT upgrade, but the software changeover will have to be made at a Garmin dealer. <div style=" font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif';">Cessna will also offer Garmin's synthetic vision as an option, starting later this year with its Mustang jet. Cessna's Mustang will be among the first aircraft models to enter service with SVT. The Caravan and piston singles equipped with G1000s will be available with SVT following that.</div> </div>   http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Synthetic_Vision_Has_Arrived.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Synthetic Vision Has Arrived

Garmin SVT Coming to Cessna Airplanes

<div style=" font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; color: #000066; font-family: 'Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif';"> </div> <div style=" font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif';">The FAA has granted supplemental type certification for Garmin's three-dimensional Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT). The system displays high-resolution, 3D graphic depictions of terrain, runways, obstacles and even traffic on the primary flight display (PFD). The graphics replace Garmin's previous blue-over-brown PFD depiction. The user-customizable system also incorporates highway-in-the-sky guidance with rectangular boxes depicted on the PFD, and a flight path marker-which clearly indicates where the aircraft's flight path is taking it. Garmin said SVT should be available in July for aircraft equipped with its G1000 and G900X (experimental only) systems, and G1000-retrofitted King Air C90s some time next year. No hardware changes are needed for the SVT upgrade, but the software changeover will have to be made at a Garmin dealer. <div style=" font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif';">Cessna will also offer Garmin's synthetic vision as an option, starting later this year with its Mustang jet. Cessna's Mustang will be among the first aircraft models to enter service with SVT. The Caravan and piston singles equipped with G1000s will be available with SVT following that.</div> </div>   http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Synthetic_Vision_Has_Arrived1.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Skycatcher Nears Production

First Production Serial Number to be at Oshkosh

The second <a href="http://se.cessna.com/skycatcher/" title="http://se.cessna.com/skycatcher/">Cessna SkyCatcher</a> light sport aircraft (LSA), designated as the first production serial number, will be completed in time for display at Oshkosh this summer. It will be the first to have a full interior. Cessna officials also said <a href="http://www.trutrakflightsystems.com/" title="http://www.trutrakflightsystems.com/">TruTrak Flight Systems</a>, a tiny company in Arkansas started by autopilot pioneer Jim Younkin, will build an optional two-axis autopilot, available as a dealer-installed item. TruTrak was used by the late Steve Fossett in his record-setting solo trip around the world in 2005. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Skycatcher_Nears_Production.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z GA Sets Records in 2007

Both billings and shipments highest in 25 years.

Record numbers of GA aircraft were sold and shipped in 2007, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s annual industry review and forecast, which GAMA released this month. Industry billings in 2007 totaled $21.9 billion, up 16.5 percent from 2006. Worldwide shipments of GA aircraft totaled 4,272 units at year-end, up 5.4 percent from 2006. This is the highest shipment figure reported in more than 25 years. For the second consecutive year, business jet shipments hit an all-time high of 1,138 units, up 28.4 percent from 2006. The turboprop market, also used by business travelers, grew significantly. In 2007, shipments totaled 459 units, a 11.4 percent increase from 412 units in 2006. According to the report, the piston airplane segment was down 2.9 percent in 2007 yet posted its second best year in more than two decades. Total units decreased from 2,755 in 2006 to 2,675 in 2007. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/GA_Sets_Records_in_2007.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Cessna Largest GA Manufacturer

More than 190,000 airplanes delivered.

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2007, Cessna delivered 1,272 aircraft, including 387 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5 billion. Cessna has a current backlog of $12.6 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,100 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world.  http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Cessna_Largest_GA_Manufacturer.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Skycatcher is Cessna New LSA

More details revealed at AirVenture

At the 2007 EAA AirVenture, Cessna Aircraft revealed more details about its light sport aircraft (LSA), which is now known as the Model 162 SkyCatcher. "For the past year, we have been soliciting feedback from the market on our proof-of-concept aircraft, and the result is an airplane that we believe is the most advanced and innovative in its class," said Cessna President, Chairman and CEO Jack Pelton. The $109,500, aluminum Cessna LSA will sport the Continental O-200D engine, single-screen Garmin G300 avionics, two-blade composite prop, caster nosewheel, adjustable rudder peddles, painted metal interior and gull-wing doors. A significant change from the POC airplane is a constant chord wing, which makes it easier to manufacture. It is expected to cruise at up to 118 knots and have a max range of 470 nm and 15,500-foot service ceiling. Preliminary specifications of the day/night VFR-capable airplane include a 1,320-pound mtow, 490-pound useful load and 24-gallon useful fuel load. A conforming prototype is expected to be flying by next summer, with ASTM certification planned by the end of 2008 and first deliveries in the second half of 2009. Cessna is taking $10,000 deposits at the show, and Pelton expects many orders from Cessna Pilot Centers (CPCs) since the airplane is targeted toward the training market. EAA is the launch customer for the new Cessna model, with the first production airplane going to the association's Young Eagles program and the second airplane to the EAA Flight Academy. Cessna is working on an FITS-approved SkyCatcher flight-training program for both sport and private-pilot courses. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Skycatcher_is_Cessna_New_LSA__.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Cessna's LSA Program

Cessna Aircraft on Tuesday greenlighted its light sport aircraft (LSA) program and said it plans to unveil a full-scale mock-up and program details at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

On July 10, 2007, Cessna Aircraft greenlighted its light sport aircraft (LSA) program and said it plans to unveil a full-scale mock-up and program details at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The move to commit to the project comes just shy of a year after Cessna publicly announced it was working on an LSA concept airplane at AirVenture 2006. "After conducting extensive market research, it is clear to us there is a great need for this aircraft as we strive to drive down the cost of flying and learning to fly," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. "We believe this aircraft will make a major contribution to stimulating new pilot starts and will encourage already-licensed pilots to continue to fly because it will be more affordable." In making the announcement, the Cessna chief noted: "We have developed a business case that makes sense; we have incorporated several innovative features into the design; and we believe we can deliver the finest aircraft in the category, combined with our extensive customer service, flight training and distribution networks, at an attractive price." http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Cessna_s_LSA_Program.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Cessna to offer Diesel engines

Cessna is teaming up with Thielert to explore the use of dielsel engines in single engine products.

<a title="http://www.cessna.com/" href="http://www.cessna.com">Cessna Aircraft</a> has inked an agreement with <a title="http://www.centurion-engines.com/" href="http://www.centurion-engines.com">Germany's Thielert Aircraft Engines</a> to explore future programs centered around diesel engine technology.  There is already a supplemental type certificate for making the aftermarket Thielert installation in Cessna 172s.  "We think the Thielert engine may provide a very worthwhile power option for many of our customers since it runs on jet fuel or diesel," said John Doman, Cessna vice president of worldwide propeller aircraft sales.  "We have had discussions with Frank Thielert and his group for some time, and we think the time is right to move forward."  Cessna spokesman Doug Oliver said his customers have expressed interest in diesel engines, particularly in Europe.  He also said that because the two companies are publicly traded, they are legally required to release information about such deals. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Cessna_to_offer_Diesel_engines.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z FAQ's on TAWS from AOPA

How do I determine if I need to equip with TAWS? In accordance with §91.223, if you own or operate a U.S.-registered turbine-powered airplane configured with six or more passenger seats (exclusive of pilot and copilot seating), you must install a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) that as a minimum meets Class B TSO-C151 standards. The rule is applicable to airplanes "configured" with six or more passenger seats, not to airplanes "type certificated" for six or more passenger seats, so regardless of what the type certificate says, compliance with TAWS is determined by the actual number of passenger seats in the airplane. When must I comply with TAWS? No person may operate a turbine-powered U.S.-registered airplane configured with six or more passenger seats, excluding any pilot seat, after March 29, 2005, unless the airplane is equipped with an approved TAWS. Exceptions:     * Parachuting operations when conducted entirely within a 50-nautical-mile radius of the departure airport.     * Firefighting operations.     * Flight operations when incident to the aerial application of chemicals and other substances. How do I determine if the seats in my airplane meet the definition of "passenger seat"? The FAA, through the Handbook Bulletin for Airworthiness (HBAW) 04-06B, provides guidance to its FSDO inspectors on how to properly evaluate aircraft passenger seating configurations. While the bulletin contains guidance specific to §135.411, the FAA says that the agency will use the criteria contained in paragraphs 6-11 when evaluating aircraft passenger seating configurations for the purpose of determining compliance with TAWS requirements under §91.223. What if the interior configuration only limits the passenger seating capacity without physically removing seats? Certain interior configurations have limited the seating capacity so the aircraft will meet certain operational rules regarding crew rest requirements. AFM supplements or other approved data may list multiple seating capacities that can be changed by designating certain areas as crew use only, by blocking seats with placards preventing passengers from occupying them, or by removing seat belts. These types of arrangements are not acceptable. Installation of bulkheads and doors to separate or restrict access to cabin areas where seats are located will not reduce the seating configuration. What if the aircraft has a forward observer seat (jump seat) installed? Certain aircraft may have been delivered with, or an STC has been issued to install, a dynamic forward observer seat (jump seats that fold down and are stowed when not in use) or a static jump seat in or near the flight deck area. If these seats are limited in the TC or STC and placarded for "crew use only," then they will not be counted in the passenger configuration of the aircraft. If these jump seats are TC'd or STC'd for crew or passenger use, then they must be counted in the total passenger seating configuration. Refer to the STC to determine the intent of the seat use. What if a passenger seat is designated a forward observer seat? If a normal passenger seat has been placarded or designated as a forward observer seat for the purposes of crew use or en route inspection, then it must be counted as a passenger seat in the configuration of the aircraft. What if a lavatory has been altered to include a seat belt and is approved for takeoff and landing? These approved seatbelt installations will be counted in the total passenger seating configuration if certified to be occupied during takeoff and landing. What if the operator uses a single-pilot aircraft and allows a passenger to occupy a pilot seat? Pilot and copilot seats are specifically excluded from the TAWS requirements of §91.223. Accordingly, the passenger use of a pilot seat will not be considered as part of the six seats physically installed in the cabin and will not be counted in the total passenger seating configuration. What if the aircraft has a seat, bench, or divan that is side-facing and not certified for use during takeoff and landing? If the seat, bench, or divan is side-facing and is not certified for use during takeoff and landing, regardless of how many are installed, it is not counted in the total passenger-seating configuration. Even though these side-facing seats, benches, or divans may not be certified for takeoff and landing, they may still have a seatbelt (gust belt) installed to protect passengers from turbulence. This is the only acceptable situation in which a placard must be installed through a STC or TC stating that the seat is not to be occupied during takeoff and landing for the purposes of this bulletin. Note: A review of the STC must be made to determine if the seats do not meet the rule requirements to be certified for takeoff and landing or does the STC merely placard a certified seat for the purposes of reducing capacity. This information should be found in the limitations section of the STC. Contact the appropriate Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) if necessary to help make this determination.   http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/FAQ_s_on_TAWS_from_AOPA.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Handheld GPS Not a Good Idea for IFR Approach!

Personal handheld computers (PDAs) with GPS capability have become a staple in many flight bags in recent years. Although it is tempting for pilots to use these as their primary navigation source, it is NOT legal nor the safest way to fly. An instrument rated private pilot flying a Cessna 172 proved this point on October 22, 2002 when he was killed during an attempted GPS approach to Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Airport in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. The evening before the accident, the pilot completed a checkout in the same Cessna 172. According to the instructor, during the checkout the pilot completed multiple IFR tasks successfully, even describing the pilot as "very competent." During part of the checkout, the pilot started to use a PDA with a GPS antenna, but turned it off at the request of the instructor. The Cessna 172 they were flying was certified for IFR flight, but did not have a GPS receiver installed. On the day of the accident, as the pilot approached Mount Sterling he requested the GPS approach to runway 21 (the aircraft didn't have an approved IFR GPS). The approach was approved, and he was advised of the local altimeter setting, but did not acknowledge the transmission. The GPS approach to runway 21 at Mount Sterling consists of four fixes: FELPO, the intermediate approach fix; ISFUR, the final approach fix; an unnamed step down fix located 2.3 nautical miles from the missed approach point; and runway 21, the missed approach point. Radar data indicated that the airplane passed abeam FELPO 1 nautical mile right of course, at an altitude of 2,700 feet. Abeam ISFUR (the final approach fix) the airplane was 1/2 mile right of course at 2,300 feet. The charted minimum descent altitude between FELPO and ISFUR was 2,600 feet msl (1,800 feet agl). The airplane impacted a tower left of the approach course centerline, at an elevation of 1,350 feet. Weather at the time of the accident included overcast ceilings at 500 feet agl, 3 statute miles visibility, temperature 58 degrees, and dew point 54 degrees. The pilot had over 478 hours of total time, with 106 hours of instrument experience. The NTSB determined the cause of this accident to be the failure of the pilot to follow the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into an antenna tower. The maker of the software on the PDA had posted a warning on its website which stated "The system is not tested or approved by the FAA or any governmental agency and should not be used as a primary flight instrument." Handheld GPS units are a wonderful resource to have in a cockpit. Having a moving map display will significantly improve a pilots' situational awareness. However, currently none of the handheld units on the market can be used for primary navigation in IFR conditions. If you own a handheld GPS unit, it is imperative that you use it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.     http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Handheld_GPS_Not_a_Good_Idea_for_IFR_Approach_.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Caravan Operation Draws Interest of Newspaper

In the U.S., mainstream media continue to look for holes in aviation security and The Arizona Republic recently discovered the 12-5 rule, which exempts aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds gross from security checks. It seems a couple of local operators have started scheduled service using Cessna Caravans (8,210 pounds) and that had the Republic reporter busily hunting down local experts, like retired FAA director and now aviation consultant George Williams. "You don't have to have a 737 to make a big bang," he said. But the operators themselves have taken steps to try and ensure security. Bruce Tully, of Dynasty Air, said that passengers are put through metal detectors at destinations that have them and staff have been trained to help them recognize suspicious behavior or baggage. But Williams said voluntary compliance isn't enough and suggested airports require use of security devices by all passenger-carrying companies as part of their leases. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Caravan_Operation_Draws_Interest_of_Newspaper.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Caravan Amphib to a Citation CJ2

Chris in the Bahamas bought a new Caravan Amphib in 1998 to fly around the islands in the Caribbean.  However, soon after he bought the airplane his schedule changed and so did his aircraft needs.  He called on EastWest Aircraft Sales to help him sell the Amphib, and the airplane was soon on its way to a new home in Thailand. With the Amphib gone, Chris could concentrate on getting the best airplane for his new travel requirements.  He determined the Citation CJ2 would do all the things he wanted an airplane to do.  He again called on EastWest to help him find his new airplane while he went off to Flight Safety for CJ2 training.  By the time he was finished training, we had found a low time CJ2 equipped the way Chris wanted.  He flew out to see the airplane and determined it was indeed the airplane for him. EastWest negotiated the price, had the airplane flown to the Wichita Citation Service Center for the pre-purchase inspection, and supervised not only the inspection, but also the completion of the transaction. Chris has already put the airplane to good use, flying it more than 25 hours in his first couple of months with the airplane. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Caravan_Amphib_to_a_Citation_CJ2.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Caravan Amphib Goes to Work in Thailand

Caravan Amphib, S/N 20800278 has left its life of leisure in the Bahamas to go to work in the islands of Thailand.  The aircraft was owned by a private individual in the Bahamas who bought it new in 1998 to fly among the Bahamian and other Caribbean islands.  However, his needs changed and the airplane was not getting much use.  He had put less than 500 hours on it and had not made a water landing in a couple of years. He asked EastWest to help him sell the airplane.  The domestic amphibian market was rather soft at the time, so we promoted it on the international market. Blue Water Air in Thailand was operating piston powered amphibian aircraft to carry tourists on sightseeing trips in the islands off the south coast of Thailand.  The company wanted to move up to the safety and comfort of the Caravan.  The owner saw our ad and gave us a call. We sent him all the information he needed to make sure the airplane would fit his needs.  The seller brought the airplane to Fort Lauderdale and left on a trip.  We met the Blue Water representatives in Fort Lauderdale for the pre-purchase inspection.  Working on the seller's behalf, we supervised the inspection, determined which discrepancies were his responsibility, and closed the transaction.  By the time the seller returned from his trip, the aircraft had been sold, paperwork filed and money transferred. After the sale, we worked with the buyer to put together a spare parts list for the operation in Thailand, purchase the spares, and make arrangements with an aircraft ferry service to fly the airplane to Thailand. A recent conversation with Blue Water Air found the airplane to be hard at work and doing a great job.  Blue Water Air will be looking for another Caravan Amphib very soon, and the owner said he will call EastWest Aircraft Sales to ensure the second purchase will go as smooth as the first.  http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Caravan_Amphib_Goes_to_Work_in_Thailand.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Grand Caravan, S/N 208B0561, Moves to Canada from Sweden

Ulf Darenius owns Nord-Flyg in Sweden which operates several Caravans among other aircraft.  When a friend of his asked him to help sell the friend's Caravan, Ulf called EastWest, since he had dealt with Jerry and Larry in the past selling a Caravan, Cessna Conquest II, and a Citation. Working through our network of Caravan owners, operators, and dealers, we talked to Kathy Wrobel, of Prairie Aircraft Sales in Saskatchewan, Canada.  She had an operator who was looking for a Caravan he could put to work in Northern Canada.  Obviously, one from Sweden would definitely have the necessary equipment installed for the similarly harsh climate in Canada. Jerry flew to Sweden, where he met the prospective buyer's mechanic, to do the pre-purchase inspection.  After negotiating the repairs of the discrepancies found in the inspection, we made arrangements with the aircraft ferry service to have the airplane flown to Canada.  Meanwhile, Jerry, working with the Swedish authorities, and Larry, working with the Canadian authorities, took care of removing the aircraft form the Swedish Aircraft Registry and putting it on the Canadian Registry. Shortly thereafter, the airplane went to work hauling people, equipment, and supplies to the remote villages of Northern Canada.   http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Grand_Caravan__S_N_208B0561__Moves_to_Canada_from_Sweden.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Caravan Sale Allows Change to Pilatus

Scott Fank of JA Aero in Chicago had a customer looking for an executive configured Grand Caravan and had not had much luck finding one.  There were just no good executive airplanes on the market. Jerry and Larry had sold a new Grand Caravan to a gentleman named Chris in Fort Lauderdale about a year ago.  He had taken the airplane to Southstar in Uvalde, Texas, and had one of the nicest interiors we have ever seen installed.  At the time, he had indicated that he was going to use the Caravan to get training and build time in a turbine airplane so he could move up to a bigger turbo-prop or jet.  Coincidentally, we knew of a Caravan pilot that was also a certified flight instructor as well as licensed A&P mechanic, who had been flying another executive Caravan.  We put the two of them together and the pilot is still there managing the Caravan and training the owner and his associates. We gave Chris a call to see if he was ready to sell his Caravan.  He had just been talking to the folks at Pilatus and was seriously considering making the move.  We worked with the Pilatus salesman and were able to give him what he needed to make his deal. We flew the airplane to Chicago and sold it to Scott's customer, who happens to have a place in Naples, Florida.  The next time he came to Naples, he called Jerry.  They got together for dinner and had a great evening talking about what a great airplane he had. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Caravan_Sale_Allows_Change_to_Pilatus.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z EastWest Moves S/N 208B0856 from Mexico to South Africa

A gentleman in South Africa was looking for an executive configured Grand Caravan.  He contacted EastWest Aircraft Sales.  Larry and Jerry searched the world market and found an airplane in Mexico we though would fit the gentleman's needs.  We sent him the specs and pictures.  He agreed, and we proceeded to negotiate an acceptable price for both the buyer and the seller.  Since he was unable to come to the U.S.or Mexico himself, he left it in our hands to complete the transaction and get the airplane to South Africa. Jerry flew to El Paso, Texas, where the seller agreed to bring the airplane for the pre-purchase inspection.  After the inspection, we oversaw the repair of the few squawks that were found, brought the logbooks and paperwork up to U.S. requirements, and closed the sale. The airplane did not have a cargo pod, which the buyer wanted.  We found a pod and made arrangements to have it installed.  We then lined up a competent, experienced, and well know ferry service to fly the airplane to South Africa. The gentleman was delighted with the airplane when it arrived, and it is now flying his family, friends, and business associates above the beautiful scenery of South Africa. http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/EastWest_Moves_S_N_208B0856_from_Mexico_to_South_Africa.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z Jimmy Buffet's Caravan Amphib Gets a New Home.

Jimmy Buffet bought a Caravan Amphib in 1998 to fly around the islands in the Caribbean and elsewhere and enjoyed flying it so much that late in 2003 he decided to buy a new one.  Larry and Jerry had sold him both of the new Caravans, so he naturally turned to EastWest Aircraft Sales to help him market the 1998 model. It was a great airplane with low time (just over 1,000 hours), well equipped, and impeccably maintained.  We included it in our marketing efforts, and it did not take long to find it a new home. Working with Mark Schmokel, of Fleming Aircraft Sales, in Minnesota, we made Mark Baker, also of Minnesota, the proud owner of his first Caravan Amphib.  He will be using the airplane to go to his favorite fishing holes in the many lakes in Minnesota and Canada, as well as fun trips with his family and friends.   http://www.eastwestaircraft.com/Jimmy_Buffet_s_Caravan_Amphib_Gets_a_New_Home_.html 2008-11-21T19:19:50Z