Aircraft of the 21st century — it’s time for really big changes

Hypersonic business jet aircraft, operating between Mach 4 and Mach 10, will one day become a reality. This illustration represents a hypersonic business jet design by Richard Tracy, president of Reno Aeronautical and a leader in supersonic aircraft design.

Aviation Partners Winglets Debut on Hawker 800

Blended winglets show promise of increased range and improved climb performance. I’d never seen a better-looking Hawker than the airplane that was parked outside my window at Clay Lacy Aviation VNY (Van Nuys CA) one Friday morning in late Sep. While it was your basic Hawker 800, this particular aircraft was outfitted with a pair of Aviation Partners blended winglets and the wing fences were removed. Standing 44 in tall, with an elegant wide- sweep transition, these winglets really added to the aesthetic appeal, size and perception of the Hawker 800. And they looked so natural that you’d think they’d always been there.

Clay receives prestigious NBAA award

Clay Lacy receives the Meritorious Service to Aviation award by the National Business Aviation Association. The Meritorious Service to Aviation Award is NBAA’s most distinguished honor, presented annually to an individual who, by virtue of a lifetime of personal dedication, has made significant, identifiable contributions that have materially advanced aviation interests.