Vince Goncalves, General Manager Avionics, ExecuJet South Africa, says "The deadline for RVSM compliancy is around the corner, and the 406mhz ELT deadline is soon after that. ExecuJet's Avionics Division is fully equipped to help aircraft owners and operators meet these deadlines."

ExecuJet South Africa, who is exhibiting at the African Aerospace & Defence 2008 Exhibition will have representatives on hand to discuss any upgrades required, or Vince Goncalves can be contacted on +27 (0)83 447 8322.

Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)

The goal of RVSM is to reduce the vertical separation above flight level (FL) 290 from the current 2000-ft minimum to 1000-ft minimum. This will allow aircraft to safely fly more optimum profiles, gain fuel savings and increase airspace capacity. Only aircraft with specially certified altimeters and autopilots may fly in RVSM airspace, otherwise the aircraft must fly lower or higher than the airspace, or seek special exemption from the requirements. Additionally, aircraft operators (airlines or corporate operators) must receive specific approval from the aircraft's state of registry in order to conduct operations in RVSM airspace.

The deadline for RVSM implementation in Africa is 25 September 2008.

Traffic Collision and Avoidance Systems (TCAS)

The Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (or TCAS) is an aircraft collision avoidance system designed to reduce the danger of mid-air collisions between aircraft. The TCAS system monitors the airspace around an aircraft for other aircraft equipped with a corresponding active transponder, independent of air traffic control, and warns pilots of the presence of other transponder-equipped aircraft which may present a threat of mid-air collision (MAC). This could be a cost effective alternative to fitting RVSM for those chosing to fly below FL 290. Vince Goncalves says "Traffic between FL 270 and FL 290 will become highly congested due to the implementation of RVSM for aircraft flying above Fight Level FL290."

406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)

An Emergency Locator Transmitter, is simply a beacon installed in an aircraft, vehicle or carried by a person and used as a tracking transmitter which aids in the detection and location of aircraft, and/or persons in distress. When activated, 406 MHz beacons transmit digital signals, which can be uniquely identified instantly via satellite (GEOSAR), and the GPS position encoded into the transmitted signal (thus providing both instantaneous identification and position.) Using the initial position provided via the satellite system, the distress signals from the beacons can be homed by Search and Rescue aircraft and ground search parties. The current 121MHz ELT is unable to provide this function.

The deadline for changing your 121MHz ELT to 406 MHz ELT in Africa is February 2009.

ExecuJet South Africa is the Continent's leading provider of business aviation solutions, including new aircraft sales, executive air charter, aircraft management and maintenance as well as FBO and flight planning services.

ExecuJet Aviation Group
ExecuJet Aviation Group is a leading global business aviation organisation offering a diverse range of services including pre-owned and new aircraft sales, aircraft management, aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance, aircraft completions management and fixed base operations. Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, ExecuJet Aviation Group has operations in four regions - Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia, embracing a workforce of over 750.

ExecuJet manages over 130 business jets worldwide under the most stringent safety standards. Its commercial fleet is operated under the regulatory umbrella of eight regional civil aviation issued air operating certificates (AOCs).

ExecuJet is a sales representative and dealer across four continents for Bombardier Business Aircraft's family of Learjet, Challenger and Global Express business jets. They are the sole sales representative outside the Americas for the 8 to 12-passenger Aerion Supersonic Business Jet.

ExecuJet unveiled its new jet ownership program SimplyFly, tailored for high net worth individuals and corporations, earlier this year. SimplyFly is a one-stop shop service incorporating aircraft acquisition, management, maintenance and operations. The program offers whole aircraft availability at predictable costs, with a dedicated crew, the option to earn charter revenue and the ability to take the aircraft over completely at the end of its lease term.

www.execujet.net