Bombardier Aerospace has announced that Horizon Air Q400 aircraft equipped with the Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamic's Head-up Guidance System (HGS) have received operational approval for single-engine approaches to Category III (Cat. III) weather minima – a first for a commercial regional airline aircraft.
The Seattle, Washington-based carrier operates 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft on routes throughout the U.S. northwest, and between Los Angeles, California and Sun Valley, Idaho.
An added benefit to the single-engine Cat. III approval is that it leads to lower weather minima at alternate airports when widespread low weather conditions exist – a common occurrence in Horizon’s operating area during the winter months. If equipped for Cat. III, an airport may be used as a legal alternate if the ceiling is 200 feet (61 m) and visibility is 1,800 feet (550 m) Runway Visual Range (RVR).
“This is a major advantage because we will be able to use our hub airports as alternates more often during foggy weather,” said Gene Hahn, vice president Flight Operations, Horizon Air.
“Approval for single-engine approaches down to Cat. III limits adds yet another capability to the impressive list of Bombardier Q400 achievements,” said Steven A. Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aviation products and provides services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet* and Bombardier Skyjet* business aircraft programs, technical services, and aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some 75,000 people and manufacturing facilities in 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 stood at $23.7 billion Cdn. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Information:
Bert Cruickshank
Bombardier Aerospace
Toronto: (416) 375-3030