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We at AC-U-KWIK feel we are pretty good at connecting pilots with FBOs. Now, we want to connect with other people in our industry more.

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Nextant Gives Beechjet 400A/XP Extreme Makeover

[Photo gallery]

Nextant Aerospace of Richmond Heights, Ohio, has an approved STC essentially to remanufacture the Beechjet 400A/XP series. Completed aircraft will be marketed as the 400NEXT.

This endeavor is a serious ground-up modernization program. It starts with the airframe stripped to the hull. Nextant replaces all wiring. A complete suite of Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics is installed.

Nextant installs a complete custom interior with all of the amenities of a 21st century work and digital entertainment environment. Window treatments are the latest technology. Zero-time landing gear, fresh inspections, winglets and custom paint are completed.

Finally, existing engines are replaced with the new Stage 4 Williams International FJ44-3AP, offering superior:

• Economy
• Range
• Speed
• Cabin comfort

Nextant is offering all of this in a value package that will catch buyers’ eyes.

The aircraft caught our eye a few days ago. Aircraft Bluebook–Price Digest and AC-U-KWIK staff members had a chance to see the 400NEXT during a stop at MKC. Check out our video tour above and photo gallery.

Nextant's photo gallery and Web site provide more details.

Follow the Trail of Cookie Crumbs to AC-U-KWIK's S&D Booth

Schedule a visit to booth No. 818 when you are at the NBAA 21st Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in San Antonio between Jan. 27 and 29.

AC-U-KWIK staff members will be there to answer questions.

Also, you can enter a drawing to win a shipment of cookies every month for a year! And don't forget to pick up a gift of loose leaf tea.

NBAA Meeting & Convention Prize Roundup

We have heard about a few giveaways at the NBAA trade show next week.

Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is giving away a Palm Pre or a Connie model in booth No. 4113.

Horizon Business Concepts, which produces TotalFBO business management software, is running a drawing for two $500 Carnival cruise gift certificates at booth No. 2653.

FuelerLinx, a fuel purchasing software company, is giving away a netbook at booth No. 4649.

Business Jet Center locations at Dallas Love Field, (ConocoPhillips booth No. 2613) and Oakland International (ExxonMobil booth No. 4621) will be giving away a total of five $1,000 Jet A Fuel Certificates and 10 Visa $50 gift cards. .

Flight Display Systems is giving away 20 pairs of noise-canceling headphones.

Air BP will hold drawings for high-end entertainment gear on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Alto Aviation, the leader in superior cabin sound systems, will be giving away iPod Nano’s at their NBAA Booth # 4838. Registration and drawings will be held at their booth.

King Aerospace, booth #3489, is giving away a sporting weekend at Texas El Lobo Ranch. Value of $5,000 and includes domestic commercial airfare for two, ground transportation, bunk house accommodations. 

See you at the show!

"Connie" Spreads Her Restored Wings at Airline History Museum

Our friends at Clymer Repair Manuals sponsored the 2009 Heart Of America Motorcycle Enthusiasts Vintage Motorcycle Show at Kansas City's Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC). Clymer shot some video of the vintage bikes as well as the museum's restored Lockheed Super G Constellation, better known as the Connie ...

History of the Term FBO

Wikipedia's entry for fixed base operator traces the origin of the term FBO from barn-stormers landing in fields through the Civil Aeronautics Board.

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My Other Car Is a Roadable Light Sport Aircraft

It's the 21st Century. Aren't we supposed to have flying cars by now?

We won't meet George Jetson or Jane, his wife, just yet. But a roadable aircraft is a step in the right direction. Check out the Terrafugia Transition and this video of a March 5 test takeoff and landing at PBG.

Here's hoping it brings us a step closer to robot maids.

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Dilbert Drawn into Politics of Corporate Jet Use

Did you see this Dilbert comic strip? Let's hope the game of political football over business executives' use of corporate jets does not come to that.