Auto Throttle System Reduces Pilot Workload

Premier Aircraft, LLC and Safe Flight Instrument Corporation have signed an agreement to certify Safe Flight's AutoPower auto throttle systems on Falcon 50 series and CitationJet series business jets.

The AutoPower system provides accurate airspeed control, precise engine target setting, increased situational awareness, reduced crew workload, greater passenger comfort, quieter cabin environment, and increased payload/range.

In addition to the proven benefits of the AutoPower System on two-pilot aircraft, Premier and Safe Flight are confident that the system will bolster safety by reducing the crew workload during the most critical phases of flight for the single pilot operators of the CitationJet series.

Safe Flight AutoPower systems are standard equipment on the Gulfstream G200, and Bombardier Challenger 604, 605, 850 and CRJ 200 and have been installed on over 9000 civil and military aircraft.

Ken Goldsmith, managing director of Yankee Pacific Aerospace, Inc., a co-owner of Premier Aircraft, said he believes the market is strong for an affordable, low-weight auto throttle system. "Reducing pilot workload, reducing fuel consumption and precise speed control in high density control zones are the main drivers here," he said. "We are excited about this program", he added. "In today's environment , where air space, flight operations and costs have to be continuously optimized, having an AutoPower system on board is a real asset".

AutoPower estimated installed pricing is $245,000 for the Falcon 50 series, and $149,000 for the CJ series airplanes. Company officials are booking orders with deposits at the National Business Aviation Associations's Atlanta convention, Safe Flight booth 2239 and West Star booth 7039, with final pricing to be established at the time of certification.

The development, testing and certification of the initial AutoPower system for the Falcon 50, 50 Dash4 and 50EX has begun and is expected to be completed in 12 months. Development work on the AutoPower system for the CJ through CJ4 series has begun at a slower pace, but will accelerate in the first quarter of 2008 and will be completed in the first quarter of 2009.

The certification of the AutoPower system on the Falcon and CJ aircraft will be managed by Premier Aircraft, LLC, a company jointly owned by Yankee Pacific Aerospace, Inc. Rye, NH and West Star Aviation, Inc.

Installation of the AutoPower system for both the Falcon 50 and CJ will initially be performed at West Star's East Alton, IL facility.

After sufficient experience is gained on the installation, the STC's will be made available by Premier to qualified repair stations. Premier anticipates applying for European EASA certification once the FAA STC is granted.

FMI: www.50dash4.com, www.safeflight.com