When humans are heavily tasked with little time to accomplish the tasks, the chance for error increases. This is routinely referred to as ``pilot error'' in aviation, but it is actually just ``human error.'' When we are rushed we are prone to mistakes, and confusion can easily occur. In this environment, tasks may be done incorrectly or not at all. Therefore, when possible it makes sense to move complex tasks from high workload periods to times when workload is lower.
Owners of older David Clark headsets can update their microphones with a new retrofit kit from the manufacturer. The M-7DC kit enables installation of a flex boom amplified electret microphone on veteran headsets like the H10-30 and H10-40. It's an excellent solution for pilots who want to combine the comfort of their existing equipment with the advanced technology of David Clark's improved microphone technology. Price: $89.75 David Clark Co. 360 Franklin St., Box 15054 Worcester, Mass. 01615-0054
The FAA is reviewing its newly crafted rules regarding fractional ownership operations, and expects to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) before the end of the year. ``We've received the draft NPRM and it's quite a good product that represents a lot of consensus-building,'' said Margaret Gilligan, the FAA's deputy associate administrator for regulation and certification.
The General Accounting Office (GAO) has called Department of Defense justification of 391 support aircraft ``inadequate'' and recommended that the DOD reevaluate its requirements. The aircraft are intended to transport passengers and cargo in wartime when other commercial and military flights are unavailable. In peacetime, however, the aircraft -- most of them military versions of corporate aircraft -- are being used for non-critical missions such as crew training and passenger transport. Almost half the aircraft in question are military versions of the Beech King Air.
A new airline has launched service between Finland and Estonia using Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters. Copterline, a subsidiary of Finland's Copter Action, operates the 18-minute flights once hourly in each direction. According to Sikorsky, there are now five airlines operating scheduled service with S-76 variants, including Sweden's Helikopter Service AB, Alidaunia of Italy, East Asia Airlines of Macau and Canada's Helijet Airways.
Prolonged sitting, whether in the cockpit or passenger cabin, can strain back muscles, cause lower back pain and restrict movement of your spine. A Vermont physician has created a device to prevent or limit lower back problems. BackCycler relies on an inflatable airbag to keep your lower back in motion using ``continuous passive motion.'' The subtle movements created by the BackCycler help exercise the back and reduce fatigue. BackCycler is available for virtually all business and general aviation aircraft. Price: $350 to $550 per seat
Sikorsky plans to incorporate a number of significant design changes into its new S-92 helicopter, in a bid to improve the aircraft's handling characteristics and utility. According to Tommy Thomason, Sikorsky's civil programs chief, search and rescue operators' need for a larger door drove the redesign, which will delay FAA certification from its original December 2001 timeframe until spring 2002.
Atlantic Aviation has opened the doors of its new $22.5 million relocated FBO at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The new facility consists of an 8,800-square-foot executive terminal, two tenant hangars and 18 acres of ramp space. The terminal offers a passenger and pilot's lounge, office cubicles with data ports, WSI weather, general business services and conference rooms. The two, 22,599-square-foot hangars are equipped with infrared heating and 28-foot hangar doors capable of accommodating an aircraft up to G-V size.
European pilot groups say helicopter firefighting operations in Spain are being conducted with ``complete disregard to the normal standards for aviation.'' According to the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA), such operations rely on Russian-made military helicopters that lack airworthiness certificates and maintenance records. IFALPA also cited what it calls the ``outrageous use of foreign, quasi-military personnel operating without any regulation of their working hours.''
OnMoney.com, an internet bill-paying and financial services site, is offering a year of business jet travel as a sweepstakes prize. The Grand Prize winner in the ``Escape the Frustration Sweepstakes'' will receive a $100,000 charge card from eBizJet.com, valid for up to a year. Service only is available in the continental United States and is subject to one-hour per flight and two-hour per day minimums, federal excise tax and other restrictions. The prize also includes a $50,000 cash award. Visit www.onmoney.com for further information.
Windsor Airmotive has added robotic technology to its Plasma Spray Department. Windsor, a division of Barnes Aerospace, develops high-tech repairs for turbine engine components.
Standard&Poor's is widely recognized as a leading provider of equity indices for investors. S&P indices are used by investors around the globe for investment performance measurement and as the basis for a wide range of financial instruments.
The FAA has deployed its 44th and final installation of the Air Route Surveillance Radar in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Known as ARSR-4, the new system is designed to provide three-dimensional aircraft position and weather information with more accuracy than the earlier generation long-range radar systems it is replacing. Other planned uses include providing weather data to the National Weather Service and aircraft position data to the U.S. Air Force, Navy and U.S. Customs service. The ARSR-4 radar is a joint FAA/Department of Defense initiative.
Reliance Aviation has opened a full-service FBO at Florida's Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport (FLL), on a site previously occupied by Maxy Aviation. The eight-acre facility, located at the airport's northeast corner off Runway 9L, provides maintenance, refurbishment, charter services, sales, management, fuel services and exterior painting.
A funny thing happened in Washing-ton recently. Somebody actually came up with an idea to advance the science and art of aviation instead of a scheme to restrict flying. Specifically, NASA Administrator Dan Goldin asked Congress to give the agency $69 million over the next five years to fund a research initiative called the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS), an effort to inspire a combination of high-tech and low cost in a new generation of flying machines. NASA, the White House and Congress have been justifiably criticized for
JetOne, a start-up fractional operator of two used Cessna Citation IIs, has contracted with DaimlerChrysler Aviation (DCA) to manage its entire flight operation. The deal calls for DCA to provide complete aircraft management, including crews, maintenance and scheduling. Waterford, Mich.-based JetOne also has relocated its offices to DCA's headquarters at Oakland County International Airport (PTK) and says the Citations may be added to Automotive Air Charter's FAR Part 135 certificate at a later date.
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive affecting Pilatus PC-12 aircraft equipped with pneumatic deicing boots. The AD requires crews to activate wing and tail deicing boots at the first sign of ice accumulation. The PC-12 is the latest in a series of aircraft -- most are twin turboprops and older business aircraft -- affected by a similar AD. The action stems from the fatal 1997 crash of a Comair Embraer Brasilia near Monroe, Mich., and other icing-related incidents.
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has placed firm orders for 150 regional jets with options for 300 more, deals that could be worth nearly $12 billion if all options are exercised. The RJ purchase -- the largest ever by an aircraft lessor -- provides a vote of confidence for the bigger regional jets now under development, while giving short shrift to the airline labor concerns that had appeared to place the future of such aircraft in doubt, at least in the United States.
From rags to riches, riches to rags. Marion Harper was president of McCann-Erickson advertising agency and flew around the globe in an executive DC-7C. But let's start from the beginning. I never could figure out why some parents bestowed girl's names on their sons -- like, for instance, Florence or Shirley. But, in 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Harper in downtown Indiana named their newborn son Marion.
With your TFE731 engine in computer mode, you cycle the engine computer off. The engine starts a runaway acceleration. You cycle the computer on and the engine returns to normal. The fuel control P3 drain must be checked for obstructions or engine cowls blocking the drain. P3 pressure is vented from this drain when the computer is off. If blocked, it will increase bellows pressure and cause the engine to accelerate. If no blockage is observed, replace the fuel control. Courtesy of Duncan Aviation.
Fairchild Aerospace says it has changed its name to Fairchild Dornier Corp. in order to ``better reflect the rich heritages'' of the two companies. The change comes in the wake of Fairchild's acquisition by Clayton, Dubilier&Rice, a New York-based leveraged buyout firm. The transaction included the injection of $400 million in growth capital, plus nearly $800 million in debt financing from a consortium of German banks and institutional investors.
Superior Air Parts, Inc. named Don Decker as its sales representative for Latin America. Decker will be located at the regional distribution office in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which also will serve as the headquarters for Latin American operations. Superior Air Parts, Inc. provides FAA/PMA-approved replacement parts for Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines.
