Stage III Technologies of La Jolla, California, has successfully completed the FAA testing to receive an STC certifying stage 3 compliance for its Gulfstream G II and G III Hushkit. Final reports will be filed this week, and Stage III expects to receive formal FAA approval later this month.

Stage 3 acoustical compliance has been achieved with minimal performance sacrifice. There is no takeoff thrust penalty, climb penalty or weight penalty. We expect the cruise penalty to be less than 5%.

Stage III Technologies is demonstrating its Hushkit this week at NBAA from Showalter Flying Service's main ramp at Orlando's Executive Airport. The demonstration includes back-to-back takeoffs and maneuvers by Stage III's test plane, a straight wing G II, and another similar, but stage 2, G II.

The installed cost will be $2.0 M once production commences in February 2004. Until then, the pre-production installed selling price will be $1.795 M. Stage III Technologies will begin taking orders immediately. First installations will be accomplished in Van Nuys, California at Aeroshear Aviation Services and Western Jet Aviation, with future sites to be announced. Recent federal tax legislation permits an owner to depreciate 60% of the purchase price for any Hushkit put into service by the end of 2004.

FMI: www.stageIII.com