According to Russ Niles of AVWeb, Art Nalls, a civilian, took what is “likely the first civilian Harrier jump jet…in private hands†on its inaugural flight in Maryland.
The jet was purchased from the British Royal Navy. Nalls, a former Marine test pilot, has spent most of his career in the American version.
Nalls’ biography offers details of a fascinating life, including this bit about his experience as a flight test pilot in the engine airstart program:
“Art accumulated over 6 hours of flight time in single-engine jet aircraft WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING. Other than the space shuttle, that’s probably the fastest glider training available.”
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DUBAI TO GET SEVEN STAR PRIVATE JET FACILITY
US COMPANY TO INVEST $35 MILLION IN FBO SERVICES
Release date: 21 June 2008
XJet World, an exclusive US-based private aviation service provider has signed a deal with Dubai World Central Aviation City, home to the largest maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in the world, to set up a fixed base operations (FBO) facility for business and private aircraft.
With an initial investment of US$ 35 million, this will be XJet’s first such facility in the Middle East.
The contract was signed at the recently concluded Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) 2008 show at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre between Abdulla Al Qurashi, CEO, DWC Aviation City and Josh Stewart, President & CEO, XJet World.
The 158,444 square feet facility within Dubai World Central, the 140 square kilometre urban aviation project centred around the world’s largest international airport, will offer unparalleled levels of luxury and exclusivity, a personalized seven star service, and the finest facilities in the industry.
Commenting on the deal, Al Qurashi said: “XJet selected Dubai as it first Middle East base as DWC Aviation City has just the right infrastructure for the business aviation industry. No other region in the world has seen such high air transportation growth as the Middle East – 9% in 2006 and with more than 80 MRO hangar plots at Dubai World Central, regional business aviation growth is expected to more than double.”
XJet’s DWC FBO will have 60 dedicated employees and will be targeting selected clientele during its first year of operations.
“XJet is revolutionizing the world of private aviation and generating a buzz within the business aviation industry,” explained Stewart. “XJet will offer its seven star customer services topped with transparent economics and an unparalleled experience. XJet will provide comprehensive and seamless solution to its clients.”
DWC Aviation City is offering a platform to attract the best of aviation suppliers and MRO providers from around the world, complementing the region’s tremendous executive and business aviation growth. The first phase of the project is expected to be operational in 2009.