Raisbeck Engineering Improving aircraft performance, productivity, safety and comfort

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Back issues of RADAR - Raisbeck King Air Newsletter


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June 2008 EBACE 2008 proves the strength of the international aviation market, and the smart money is capitalizing on new opportunities. Beechcraft Augsburg posted the top sales figures for May. Commuter Air Technology enjoys its third month in a row at the top of the annual sales chart.

May 2008 Raisbeck's High Flotation Gear Doors restore lost King Air performance, and May's lead article explains how and why they work so well. Hawker Beechcraft Services of Tampa Bay outsold all other Raisbeck Authorized Dealers in April. Commuter Air Technology retains the year-to-date crown.

April 2008 Raisbeck sales support comes in many forms, from product cards and pocket references to system summaries and Web site. Commuter Air Technology leads the pack for March sales and moves into the lead spot for annual sales totals.

March 2008 First 2008 dealer meeting draws global interest from Raisbeck Authorized Dealers based three continents. Duncan Aviation outsold all other dealers in February; Atlantic Aero continues to hold the year-to-date sales lead.

February 2008 Four ways the Raisbeck sales team will encourage customers to visit your dealership recognizes the value of a strong, active dealer network. The new year brings new names to the Top Dealers lists, with Atlantic Aero taking a strong lead in January.

January 2008 Top 2007 Dealers are announced, with Jennifer Amundsen of Commuter Air Technology winning the Think EPIC contest and a trip for two to either the Bahamas or Hawaii. Raisbeck posts record sales for the year and introduces new pricing. Hawker Beechcraft Services of Wichita captured the Top Dealer of 2007 spot; American Aviation closes out December with the most sales for the month.

December 2007 First Dealer Seminar of 2008 date is announced, along with reminders that Top Dealer and Think EPIC prizes will be awarded in January. New price lists and new GT pocket references are also forthcoming. ScanTech of Denmark captured first place for November sales, while HBS Wichita hangs onto the number one year-to-date position.

November 2007 EPIC benefits newest King Airs: B200GT and C90GTi, which should be no surprise insofar as the airframes have remained virtually unchanged since those models were first introduced. Hawker Beechcraft Services in Wichita tops both the year-to-date sales and October sales charts.

October 2007 EPIC takeoff performance amplifies the King Air's greatest strength, whether flying out of a high altitude airport such as Sun Valley or a sea level runway like Key West's. Atlantic Aero far outsold the other top dealers in September. Hawker Beechcraft Services in Wichita holds its position as the year's top dealer to date.

September 2007 It's NBAA time again. Raisbeck Dealer Seminars help increase sales. Raisbeck products are now on nearly 60% of King Airs. The EPIC promotional programs are heading into the home stretch. Duncan Aviation places first on the August sales chart, while Hawker Beechcraft Services in Wichita holds firmly onto first place for annual sales.

August 2007 Raisbeck EPIC promotional programs benefit owners and operators as well as dealers, and there's lots of marketing support available from Raisbeck. Mathers Aviation takes the summit on the July sales chart, while Hawker Beechcraft Services in Wichita continues in first place for annual sales.

July 2007 The Summer Dealer Seminar and Incentive Programs are just two of the methods Raisbeck uses to support dealer sales activities. Hawker Beechcraft Services commands the Number One position on both sales charts, June 2007 and Year-to-Date with continued emphasis on EPIC sales.

June 2007 Raisbeck is strengthening relationships with dealers and customers with a tour of Brazil, participation in EBACE, a dealer seminar and training for the new 'Retro Crown Door' installation, and new additions to the marketing and sales team. Hawker Pacific earned the Top Dealer position for May with sales totals over twice that of the runner-up. Hawker Beechcraft Services retained the number one spot for year-to-date sales.

May 2007 Historic promotions are reviewed, and the benefits of Raisbeck Enhanced Performance Leading Edges are explained. With three major sales in April, the newly renamed Hawker Beechcraft Services in Wichita, Kan., took the Top Dealer position for the month and for year-to-date sales in one swift move.

April 2007 "The Leading Edge" promotion offers $2500 bonus to Authorized Dealers who install Enhanced Peformance Leading Edges in 2007. Spitfire Aviation in North Carolina completes an EPIC Platinum to take the Top Dealer spot for March sales; Raytheon Aircraft Services of San Antonio moves into first place on the annual sales chart.

March 2007 "Just think EPIC!" is the theme of the 2007 dealer program, which this year guarantees that one Raisbeck Dealer Representative will win a five-day, four-night trip for two to Hawaii or the Bahamas. Mongomery Aviation in Alabama captured the top dealer spot for February; Executive Turbine hangs on to first on the year-to-date sales chart.

February 2007 The 2007 Raisbeck Sales and Marketing Team gears up for another successful year for the worldwide Raisbeck Authorized Dealer Network. Executive Turbine in Lanseria, South Africa, placed first for sales in January 2007, which also puts them at the top of the 2007 annual sales chart.

January 2007 The top Raisbeck Dealers of 2006 are announced. Stevens Aviation in Nashville, Tenn., placed first for sales in December 2006; Blackhawk closes the year in the Top Dealer of 2006 position.

December 2006 Near the end of Raisbeck Engineering's best year ever, dealers and customers can still take advantage of "AMAZING" deals. The "Think 20" program is only four sales away from its goal. Bromma Air Maintenance in Sweden took the top dealer position for November. And, talk about amazing: Blackhawk holds the Top Dealer of 2006 spot for the seventh month running!

November 2006 NBAA 2006 in Orlando was deemed a huge success for Raisbeck Engineering and most other companies in the business aviation industry, in this recap of the event. Executive Turbine in Johannesburh, South Africa, topped the October dealer sales chart, while Blackhawk, for the sixth month in a row, maintains its grip on the top position on the 2006 sales chart.

October 2006 This NBAA preview issue cites the successful introduction of several new and improved systems and a redesigned Web site for a three-fold increase in sales since January 2006. Elliott Aviation in Moline, Ill., claimed the top dealer spot for September; Blackhawk maintains its five-month-long lock on Top Dealer of 2006.

September 2006 "Think 20!" notes the success of EPIC sales for C90, E90 and 100/A100 series King Airs, and refocuses attention on EPIC Platinum and Gold. National Airways Corporation in Lanseria, South Africa, claimed the top dealer spot for September; Blackhawk maintains its lock on Top Dealer of 2006 for the fourth consecutive month.

August 2006 The Raisbeck EPIC makes an already great aircraft even better, says a pleased customer in this review of the improvements Raisbeck EPIC brings to the King Air. Atlanta Jet in Lawrenceville, Ga., topped the June dealer sales chart, while Blackhawk continues to hold the top slot for 2006 sales to date.

July 2006 Introducing the new Crown Nacelle Wing Locker, redesigned to increase centerline height to allow room for oversize luggage and full size golf bags. National Airways Corporation in Lanseria, South Africa, finished in first place on the June dealer sales chart, while Blackhawk maintained its position in the top slot for 2006 sales to date.

June 2006 Raisbeck announces the new EPIC for the C90GT and explains how it improves the operational flexibility and performance of the new King Air model. Field Aviation in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, topped the May dealer sales chart, while Blackhawk moved into the top slot for 2006 sales totals.

May 2006 Hartzell/Raisbeck Quiet Turbofan Propellers are the fourth key component of Raisbeck EPICs. This month's lead article points out the unique aspects of the Raisbeck-engineered propeller that makes it the best choice. Commuter Air Technology in Scottsdale, Ariz., earned the top position in both monthly and year-to-date sales charts.

April 2006 Raisbeck Dual Aft Body Strakes are the third key component of Raisbeck EPICs. This month's lead article explains the way they work synergistically with the Quiet Turbofan Propellers and Enhanced Performance Leading Edges. Field Aviation in Canada took top honors for both monthly and year-to-date sales!

March 2006 Raisbeck Enhanced Performance Leading Edges are the second key component of the King Air 200/B200 EPIC. This month's lead article explains the benefits as well as the rationale for their design. Stevens Aviation in Nashville, Tenn. was February's top dealer; Landmark Aviation in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, remains in first place among Top Dealers of 2006.

February 2006 This issue of RADAR begins a new series of articles exploring the individual Raisbeck Performance Systems that are elements of Raisbeck EPICs, starting with Hartzell/Raisbeck Quiet Turbofan Propellers. Landmark Aviation in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, earned first place for January sales and simultaneously captured the Top Year-to-Date honors!

January 2006 "Great strides in 2005" sums up the year in review for our dealers. Once again, National Airways Corporation in South Africa took the top slot on the monthly sales chart; and Raytheon Aircraft Services, Wichita, moved back into first place for Year-to-Date sales.

December 2005 Raisbeck's new C90 EPIC announced at NBAA along with other news and observations about the future of turboprops in business aviation. Blackhawk in Waco, Texas, soared into first place for November sales, and Commuter Air Technology jumped back to the top of the annual sales chart.

November 2005 The EPIC Story - Part 6 announces the newly improved Raisbeck C90 EPIC with an increased takeoff gross weight of 10,350 lbs Executive Turbine in South Africa earned top honors for sales in October, while Raytheon Aircraft Services, Wichita, Kansas, held its position atop the Year-to-Date list.

October 2005 The EPIC Story - Part5 restates the definition of EPIC and examines the "heart" of the Raisbeck EPIC, the Hartzell/Raisbeck Quiet Turbofan Propellers. The September sales leader was National Airways Corporation in South Africa; Raytheon Aircraft Services, Wichita, Kansas, regained the Top Dealer position on the Year-to-Date chart.

September 2005 The EPIC Story - Part 4 addresses EPICs for the King Air 100 and A100 models. Top Dealer in August was North Texas Aircraft in Addison; Top Year-to-Date Dealer was Commuter Air Technology in Scottsdale, Ariz.

August 2005 The EPIC Story - Part 3 introduces new nomenclature for the 200/B200 EPIC, EPIC Platinum and EPIC Gold. Top Dealer for July was National Airways Corporation in South Africa; Raytheon Aircraft Services in Wichita, Kansas, topped the Year-to-Date chart.

July 2005 The EPIC Story - Part 2 focuses on the Raisbeck 200/B200 EPIC benefits. Top Dealer for June 2005 was Piedmont in Greensboro, North Carolina. Raytheon Aircraft Services in Tampa, Florida, holds on to the Year-to-Date top slot.

June 2005 The EPIC Story: Part 1 of a series about the special Raisbeck System combinations that deliver "EPIC" benefits. Blackhawk in Waco, Texas, takes first position for May sales, while Raytheon Aircraft Services in Tampa, Florida, moves to the top of the Year-to-Date list.

May 2005 The inaugural issue of RADAR launches a forum for better communication. Monthly and year-to-date Top Dealers are recognized for their sales achievements: Executive Beechcraft in Kansas City, Missouri, was in first place for April 2005 sales, and Raytheon Aircraft Services in Wichita, Kansas, takes top Year-to-Date honors.


Back issues of RADIAL - Raisbeck Learjet Newsletter


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June 2008 Fuel costs are out of control; ZR LITE is a real solution. EBACE 2008 was the best yet, with the Raisbeck booth visited by more people than ever. This month's Hawaii Points of Interest focuses on Kealakekua Bay on the big island.

May 2008 The 75th ZR LITE Performance System is installed on a MaCair Jet S.A. Learjet. Líder Aviação in Brazil is appointed Raisbeck's newest Authorized Learjet Performance Products dealer. Pearl Harbor is a tantalizing point of interest for Raisbeck dealers who qualify for the Hawaii dealer meeting.

April 2008 April's RADIAL answers three more frequently asked questions about ZR LITE. West Star Aviation is the first dealer to qualify for the first annual Learjet Dealer Conference in Hawaii. Raisbeck representatives will be at several conferences and conventions in May, including ITIJ, EBACE, and Air Med.

March 2008 This month we address some commonly asked questions about ZR LITE, along with a table showing the system's amazing return on investment. The first annual Learjet Dealer Conference in Hawaii is announced. A Lear 35 Flight Planning Guide is also in the works.

February 2008 The Raisbeck Learjet Aft Fuselage Locker stands the test of time and not only adds significant utility but also enhances the aircraft's performance and handling. A new Raisbeck Authorized Dealer banner and Lear 31 ZR LITE Fuel Savings Calculator are coming your way soon. Wal-Mart completes its 7th ZR LITE installation.

January 2008 Reducing drag is the tip of the ZR LITE benefits iceberg, with the new flaps 14º position providing better takeoff performance and Vortilons improving the Learjet's stall characteristics. Raisbeck congratulates its dealers for a stellar sales performance in 2007, which resulted in a decision not to increase kit prices in 2008. Phoenix Air Group of Cartersville, Ga., will install ZR LITE on three Lear 35s and 36s.

December 2007 A report from the aero-med conference in Venice indicates Raisbeck's ZR LITE and Aft Fuselage Locker are quickly becoming standard equipment for the air ambulance industry. Aviation manager and pilot, Jerry Frey, explains why Tashi Corporation relies on the ZR LITE/Aft Fuselage Locker combination.

November 2007 Computational Fluid Dynamics identified the high drag region at the Learjet's nacelle/pylon; Raisbeck's aerodynamicists found the solution: ZR LITE. Raisbeck partnered with Atlantic Aero, Pratt & Whitney and Limo Link in a presentation at Atlanta Motor Speedway to over 50 pilots who fly for NASCAR teams.

October 2007 Forerunners of the ZR LITE System date back to 1975 with the Mark II wing. In the NBAA 2007 Report: Skyservice completes third ZR LITE installation; Raisbeck receives EASA certification for the Lear 31 ZR LITE System, and Wal-Mart contracts for 14 more ZR LITE installations on its fleet.

September 2007 ZR LITE sales continue to be "outstanding." Wal-Mart Aviation reports cost savings on their three Lear 31s equipped with ZR LITE. ZR LITE for Lear 31/31A aircraft earns CAA and Brazilian certifications, with EASA certification in the works. In an exclusive interview, Patrick Renaud,Chief Pilot for Skyservice Business Aviation, has nothing but good things to say about the ZR LITE/Aft Fuselage Locker combination.

August 2007 There are now a total of 11 ZR LITE installations on the Lear 31. Wal-Mart Aviation reports excellent cost savings. Paul Garret, line pilot for Wal-Mart Aviation, says that ZR LITE has made it possible for the company's Lear 31A to eliminate some fuel stops, among other significant benefits. August also marks the 50th ZR LITE installation since certification.

July 2007 The Raisbeck Learjet Aft Fuselage Locker provides performance benefits in addition to extra cargo space, and in combination with ZR LITE, creates additional, synergistic performance benefits. Sanderson Farms' Aviation Department Manager, Zane Lambert, gives ZR LITE a glowing review.

June 2007 ZR LITE offers abundant benefits for 31/31A model Learjets, from higher initial cruise altitudes to strong returns on investment. The 31 ZR LITE flight test program confirmed the Raisbeck engineering team's ingenuity and revealed strong secondary benefits such as improved handling qualities.

February 2007 This month's article, "The Remarkable Raisbeck Re-Contoured Trailing Edge Flap System," illustrates how the system enables 31/35/36 series Learjets to perform significantly better than their basic counterparts. Scholten Roofing's chief pilot Sanjeev Sharma flies 35A-358 equipped with both the ZR LITE Performance System and the Raisbeck Aft Fuselage Locker. He reports greatly increased operational flexibility and "an almost unbelieveable return on our investment!"

December 2006 "The Mighty Raisbeck Batwings" are discussed in depth. Kyle Williams recounts 18 months of flying Montana Waste System's ZR LITE equipped Learjet 36A-026 and the benefits that he and the company have realized.

October 2006 Big news at NBAA: Raisbeck announces the launch of FAA certification flight testing of the ZR LITE Performance System for the Learjet 31 family. Skyservice Lifeguard's pilot and fleet supervisor Jason Hivey, reports average fuel savings of 7% on flights longer than two hours in the company's ZR LITE equipped Learjet 35A. Hovey also recounts a number of additional benefits.

September 2006 "Forward thinkers" install first 20 ZR LITE systems, leading the way in aviation and flying their aircraft higher, faster and farther than any standard Learjet model 35/36 in the world. Speedbird's chief pilot Pedro Aguilera, summarizes three months of experience in the company's ZR LITE equipped Learjet 35A-473: "Not only does [ZR LITE] make the airplane look cool, it really does perform a whole lot better!"

August 2006 Vortilons, an element of ZR LITE, improves the Leajet's stall characteristics. See how small changes can lead to big results. Prits Tailor, chief pilot of Learjet 35A-318, has been logging 90 hours per month on his ZR LITE equipped aircraft. In his story, Tailor says, "I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it myself."

July 2006 Why is flaps 14º takeoff position preferred by ZR LITE pilots? This issue of RADIAL gives you the inside scoop. Larry Henderson, chief pilot of Learjet 35A-287 based in Eagle, Colo. loves the ZR LITE Performance System for improved hot/high takeoff capability as well as fuel savings.

June 2006 Get the full story of the development of the ZR LITE Performance System from Raisbeck's first contributions to Learjet wing design to the latest technological masterpiece. Rod Worthington, chief pilot of Learjet 35A-116, tells how he takes advantage of higher initial cruise altitudes and faster cruise speeds in his ZR LITE equipped Lear to achieve fuel savings and eliminate the "pucker factor" often associated with long missions. An accompanying chart provides examples of the return on investment a ZR LITE owner can expect.

May 2006 The inaugural issue of RADIAL launches a forum for better communication throughout the Raisbeck network of authorized dealers and installation centers for Learjet Performance Systems. An overview of the ZR LITE Performance System explains some of the key benefits for owners and operators. Jason Muehr, chief pilot for Capitol Wings in Austin, Texas, talks about his experience flying Learjet 35A-500 with ZR LITE.

Back issues of The Raisbeck Wing


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Spring 2008 New B200GT owners opt for Raisbeck Systems prior to delivery. Macair Jet S.A. acquires the 75th ZR LITE Performance System, installed by Duncan Aviation in May. Tech Tips answers a question about the Ram Air Recovery System. West Star Aviation is profiled. EPIC GOLD is certified on new B200GTs. (376 KB PDF)

Winter 2008 2007 sales surpassed all pre-existing Raisbeck sales records, thanks to you. Raisbeck Performance Systems are certified on the newest King Airs, the B200GT and C90GTi.Tech Tips explains the difference between Hartzell and Raisbeck propellers. TRW reports on the ITIC conference in Venice. Nate Lachendro, Raisbeck's Chief Aeronautical Engineer and Program Manager, is profiled. (401 KB PDF)

Fall 2007 "Legendary Engineering" combines classical engineering tools with a good deal of practical experience.Tech Tips provides three solutions for slipping Wing Locker seals. Raisbeck celebrates NBAA's 60th anniversary with a number of important announcements. This issue's featured dealer is Quick Aviação of Brazil. (312 KB PDF)

Summer 2007 Vice President and General Manager Sam Jantzen, Jr., leads with a homage to the venerable Beechcraft King Air Family. This issue also includes a report on the Summer Dealer Seminar and Crown Wing Locker Installation Class, a Tech Tip about max power performance checks, and a discussion of the various EPIC performance packages for King Airs. You'll also meet the Raisbeck Sales & Service Team. (288 KB PDF)

Winter 2006 CEO James Raisbeck reports on visit to South Africa dealers. C90 EPIC gross weight increase to 10,350 lbs. Tech Tips: C90 EPIC and retrofit pitot cowl issues. Featured EPIC element: Ram Air Recovery System. Meet the 2006 Raisbeck Sales & Service Team. (256 KB PDF)

Summer 2005 This issue spotlights EPIC, the new name for a complete set of Raisbeck Performance Enhancement Systems for King Airs, plus a special message from the CEO: "The King Air will be with us forever!" Tech Tips, featured owner John McKittrick, and the Summer Dealer Seminar report. (164 KB PDF)

Spring 2005 ZR LITE for 35/36 Learjets is announced. "Tech Tips" explains the best method for rigging low-pitch propeller stop settings. Air Greenland is profiled in depth. February Raisbeck Dealer meeting draws 15 representatives. A new column simply called "Page 4..." debuts with brief news items about Raisbeck Systems around the world.

Fall/Winter 2004 "The Zeroth Thing" in marketing: the product has to work! Nacelle Wing Lockers standardized on Super King Air 350 production line. JNS Aircraft Sales is Featured Dealer. Ram Air Recovery System benefits and technology explained. How to troubleshoot your Beechcraft 200/B200 Ram Air Recovery System. Edwin Black named Director of Marketing & Sales.

Fall/Winter 2003 Welcome back to Learjet Country! ZR Technology for 30-Series Learjets is introduced. "Talking Tech" addresses PT6A overhaul prep. Northrup Grumman takes Raisbeck on historic test of the Global Hawk. Phoenix Air Group boosts Learjet 35/36 fleet capability with Raisbeck Aft Fuselage Lockers.

Summer 2002 CEO James Raisbeck celebrates 48 years in aeronautical engineering. Ram Air Recovery System improves the performance envelope. Spring Dealer Meeting coverage. Patrick O'Dell of Excel Aviation is named Outstanding Operator. Marilyn Monroe ad touts Raisbeck Quiet Turbofan Propellers. Woodland Aviation identified as Extraordinary Raisbeck Dealer.

Spring 2002 Raisbeck Hardened Cockpit Security System for Boeing 737s announced. Raisbeck Commercial Air Group introduces Enlarged Overhead Bin Kits for Airbus A320. Regent Air in Lake Tahoe, Calif., is Outstanding Operator. Meet Nate Lachendro, Design, Project and Flight Test Engineer. Raytheon Aircraft Services in Tampa, Fla., is recognized as Extraordinary Raisbeck Dealer.

Summer 2001 NBAA Special Raisbeck Raiders is newest Raisbeck endeavor. Enhanced Performance Leading Edges benefits and technology. Raisbeck continues media tour, visits Twin & Turbine and Aircraft Maintenance Technology editors. Outstanding Operator is Trakair in Burlington, Vermont. Spring Dealer Meeting report. Executive Aircraft in Wichita, Kan., is Featured Dealer.

Summer 2001 Dale Earnhardt mourned in CEO's Message. Nacelle Wing Lockers soon to be offered as optional OEM equipment. Raisbeck meets with Flying, B&CA and Aviation Maintenance on media tour. Outstanding Operator is Andrew Button, Valley Air Services. Tom Halvorson retires after two decades at Raisbeck. Heritage Flight "won't leave home without Raisbeck." Winner Aviation in Youngstown, Ohio, is the Featured Dealer.

Winter 2000 Aft Fuselage Locker for Challenger 601/604 operator survey. Business Jet Solutions standardizes on Learjet Locker. Pan American Airways purchases Raisbeck Stage 3 kits for its Boeing 727s. Pro Pilot names James Raisbeck "Entrepreneur of the Year." Featured operator is Glenn Bjorkman. Report on Challenger Aft Fuselage Locker R&D. Featured Dealer is West Star Aviation in Grand Junction, Colo.

Fall 2000 Raisbeck Dual Aft Body Strakes are OEM on the Super King Air 350. Gulfstream G-IV Aft Fuselage Locker research progresses to flight testing. Featured Operator is Lufttransport AS in Tromso, Norway. Technical Corner: Air worthiness directive for Hartzell steel hub propellers. Featured Dealer is Currey Aviation Services in Georgetown, Tex.

Summer 2000 Raisbeck names new President. Robert Steinback retires after 23 years with Raisbeck Engineering. New Enhanced Performance Package for 200/B200s enables owners to retain factory-installed Hartzell/Beech four-bladed props. April 2000 Dealer Seminar recap with quotes from participants. Featured Dealer is Woodland Aviation.

Spring 1999 CEO announces new Web site. Update on 727 Stage 3 noise reduction system. Featured operator: The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Raisbeck visits Brazil dealer of King Air Performance Systems. February 20 Dealer Meeting recap. Raisbeck Scholars Summer intern program.

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