Garmin Announces GFC 500 Autopilot Certifications for Select Commander and Cessna Aircraft

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Garmin Announces GFC 500 Autopilot Certifications for Select Commander and Cessna Aircraft

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC™ 500 autopilot in additional aircraft to include the Commander 112, 112A models as well as Cessna 172A, 172B, 172C, 175A, 175B and 175C models. The GFC 500 autopilot is intended for light piston aircraft while delivering superior in-flight characteristics, self-monitoring capabilities and minimal maintenance requirements when compared to older-generation autopilot systems.

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Hill Aircraft (KFTY) Fits Full-Service Bill

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Hill Aircraft at KFTY in Atlanta has received the top rating among Georgia FBOs for four of the past six years.

Truly a full-service FBO, Hill Aircraft at KFTY in Atlanta has been named the No. 1 FBO in Georgia for four of the past six years.

Founded as an aircraft sales and maintenance facility in 1955 by Navy aviator Guy Hill Sr., Hill Aircraft has grown to provide FBO and fuel services and aircraft parts.

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Used Aircraft Market Shows Signs of Better Days Ahead

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Finally, the pre-owned aircraft market moved in a positive direction in the first quarter of 2010. Late-model, large-cabin, long-range aircraft were selling at or better than values published in the Aircraft Bluebook.

External factors such as increased sales, a slight decline of available inventory and world market competition could all be considered causes for the improvement. Although this early indication of a slow recovery is in progress, it is too early to celebrate. Any positive sign going forward is far better than where the used aircraft market has been.

With the exception of the late-model, large-cabin class, most of the other business aircraft are not yet recovering in value. The good news is that values are showing more stability. Market activity is on the rise leaving a more optimistic perception that values are not exposed to the risks experienced in the last twenty months.

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Pre-Owned Aircraft Market Distracted by Bottom Feeders

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In the pre-owned aircraft market, bottom feeders are like red herrings. Bottom feeders — corporate aircraft that have no significant issues with their history, maintenance or condition and are marketed below Bluebook wholesale values — continue to be great opportunities for the fortunate few who buy without a blink of an eye. They also lead buyers into a false perception of value that only competition in the market can correct.
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Aircraft Values Neutralize After Descent

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Aircraft values reported in the previous quarter were in a spiral dive, but the economy’s pilot now appears to have neutralized the rapid descent. For the most part, values have arrived at ground level. Inventories have shown signs of stability with little or no growth in units for sale. Other market indicators show signs of neutralization as well. Aircraft dealers and brokers report that interest has increased. Phones are ringing more with potential buyers on the line. Compared to the 2005 baseline real gross domestic product, GDP declined 1.0 percent in the second quarter of 2009 after declining 6.4 percent in the first quarter. These indicators support the signs of neutralization in the marketplace, though the used aircraft market has no reason to rally.
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