PRESS RELEASE

October 8, 2004

West Star Announces Program to Develop an STC to Meet Dynamic Test Requirements on Seats for Citation Model 525 Aircraft

GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO -- West Star Aviation, Inc. announced that it has initiated a program to develop cockpit, cabin and lavatory seats for the Cessna CitationJet family of aircraft that meet the emergency landing dynamic test requirements of FAR 23.562 (commonly referred to as “16g seats”). This FAA regulation requires that the aircraft seat/restraint systems protect the occupants during emergency landings under specific testing conditions. If an aircraft was originally type certificated with an interior configuration meeting the dynamic test requirements of FAR 23.562, any alterations to that configuration including basic re-upholstering must also meet these criteria. Interior refurbishments on these aircraft may only be performed by the manufacturer or at a facility holding Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) demonstrating that the alterations comply with FAR 23.562 dynamic test standards.

“ We’re developing the STC at the request of a number of our customers”, said Colleen Back, West Star’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “Many operators are not aware that these standards apply to the foam and covering on the seats not just the seat framework. Even changing out the upholstery on a seat requires compliance with dynamic test criteria”, she added. “We recommend that all operators check their aircraft’s OEM type certification to determine if the interior was designed with dynamic test compliant seats. If an operator has a seat refurbishment done at a facility that doesn’t have the necessary STCs, it could be a costly mistake.”

West Star has contracted with Aviation Consulting and Engineering Solutions, Inc. (ACES, Inc.) of Wichita, Kansas to complete the engineering and certification phase of the CitationJet seat design. The STC is expected to be granted by the end of October 2004.

Visit West Star Aviation at Booth #1007 for more information.West Star Aviation is a full-service repair, maintenance, and modification facility specializing in Learjets, Hawkers, Falcons, and Cessna Conquests and Citations. Located adjacent to the 10,500 foot runway at Walker Field in Grand Junction, Colorado, West Star also provides avionics installation and repair, and paint and interior refurbishment for aircraft up to Challenger and Falcon 2000 in size. The company employs over 330 skilled technicians and support staff and is recognized industry-wide for its technical expertise and commitment to superior customer service.

Aviation Consulting and Engineering Solutions, Inc. provides engineering design and DER services, as well as flammability and structural testing to the aviation industry.

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