Eau Claire, Wis.-based Delta Technology (www.flightplan.com) has rolled out version 4.0 of its Destination Direct flight planning package. The new 32-bit, Windows 95-compatible software has expanded features, such as SIDs and STARs, and a weight and balance module that suggests fuel adjustments when passengers and baggage exceed c.g. limits.

Vancouver, B.C.-based Mercury Scheduling Systems, Inc. has developed a new entry-level crew planning package for Windows 95 and NT. The new NOVA-Lite builds on Mercury's DOS predecessor, Northstar. The new package features multiple Windows user interface and online help. NOVA-Lite is designed to meet the needs of smaller airlines with 250 flightcrews or less. It provides crew planners with tools to maintain flight plans, construct pairings and publish rosters.

The economy is doing fine and flight hours are up significantly. Therefore, business aircraft operators that are planning on major maintenance, interior and paint work should schedule their appointments now for work to be performed three to five months from now. That's the word from shops we contacted.