Aircraft Technical Publishers has introduced ATP Maintenance Director Level 1, an electronic maintenance logbook system that enables the user torecord maintenance and generate maintenance schedules. This PC-based, networkable maintenance tool also will track ADs and Service Bulletins, record times and cycles of engines and airframes, and track life-limited parts. The software runs on Microsoft Windows 3.1 and 95 and works with up to 50 aircraft.
David Dittemore was appointed as president of the company's Commercial Avionics Systems unit, a supplier of equipment and systems for general aviation, commercial and regional aircraft.
Thirty-six U.S. airports in the lower 48 states are in danger of losing all local air service. Another 110 airports have a ``high potential'' of losing local air service, according to a study by Aviation Systems Research Corp. (ASRC) of Golden, Colo.
The first Internet site from a major U.S. aviation fuel supplier. Pilots can access information on all Phillips 66 branded dealers, news releases and event announcements. Users can also apply for a Phillips 66 credit card.
It now looks like 1996 couldn't quite keep the new-plane pace of its prior-year page on the calendar, even after the small backlog of previously unrecorded November new-plane shipments came to light.
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group (BCAG) added its contribution to Seattle's 1996 holiday festivities when on December 8 it rolled out a Christmas present to the local economy-the first variant of its modernized 737 series, the -700.
Brazilian manufacturer Embraer is looking to stretch the range of its new EMB-145 regional jet to 1,600 nm, even as the first four airplanes were being delivered to Continental Express. The company also is looking at a smaller regional jet in the 35- to 37-seat range.
Garrett Aviation signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to be a Spey and Tay engine-service center. The service center will be located at Garrett's Van Nuys, Calif. facility
The latest active noise-canceling headset from the David Clark Company is the Model H20-10X for fixed-wing and helicopter pilots. The 20-ounce unit features electronic noise-canceling technology, state-of-the-art composite materials, a patented custom-comfort system and stereo compatibility. Several models are available: The H20-10XL ($715) with a portable battery power pack and standard aviation dual plugs, and the H20-10XP ($770) with a panel-mount module. For helicopter pilots, Model H20-10HXL ($730) is the battery-pack version and H20-HXP ($785) is for panel-mount.
Cessna is developing a modification to the stall warning system on Citation 560s (Citation Vs and Ultras) that will increase the speed at which a stall warning is activated. The FAA says the system may not compensate for increased stall speeds that result from ice accumulation. An AD issued in December 1996 requires using increased approach and landing speeds in icing conditions, as well as applying performance corrections for landing weight and distance.
With a stated purpose to ``improve customer follow-up'' as well as to consolidate its U.S. presence, French manufacturer Socata Aircraft recently set up shop at Florida's North Perry Airport. By midyear, the company says, it will have its own repair station, increase its spares inventory and eliminate delays in updating technical publications and the processing of warranty claims. Socata builds the TBM-700 turboprop and piston-engine aircraft. A TBM operators conference is scheduled for the second quarter.
Disparities regarding display symbology requirements of the FAA and the JAA have put off U.S. certification of a Flight Dynamics head-up display in Falcon 2000s until the second quarter, said a Falcon Jet spokesman. JAA certification was received on September 5, 1996, and FAA approval was expected shortly thereafter (B/CA, October 1996, page 20).
Well, here we go again. Following on the heels of his 49 percent ``mandate'' from the voters, President Bill Clinton surveyed the nation in search of candidates for his second-term Cabinet. Knowing he never has to face another election, Clinton could have opted for the best and the brightest the nation had to offer, without worrying about quotas and attempting to please particular constituencies.
Executive Aircraft Corporation recently completed the purchase of the former Air Capital Modification Center adjacent to EAC at Mid-Continent Airport. The acquisition expands EAC's services to include painting and refurbishing of corporate jets up to the size of Challengers. Phone: (316) 946-4990; fax: (316) 946-4955.
The JAA set March 31 as the deadline for comments on its proposal to set a 120-minute extended range, twin-engine operation (ETOPS) limit for JAA-registered business jets on commercial flights. (See page 48.) Opponents of the proposal feel that the 120-minute requirement is unjustified because no ETOPS-related accidents have involved business aircraft. Operators say a 180-minute ETOPS threshold is more flexible.
Mercury Aviation recently acquired the former Wofford Flying Service, an FBO at California's Fresno-Yosemite International Airport. The acquisition brings to 12 the number of FBOs operated by the Los Angeles-based company. Six of Mercury's FBOs were former Raytheon-owned facilities and were acquired in just the last few months (B/CA, October 1996, page 18).
Sportsman's Aviation Jet Center planned to start limited FBO services early this month at Santa Fe County Municipal Airport. By mid-month, the company is scheduled to break ground on a hangar and terminal facility. When construction is completed (expected by the end of March), the company will offer full line service as well as maintenance. In addition to office space, crew and passenger lounges, and a conference room, Sportsman's Aviation will have a computerized weather-briefing room, swimming pool, sauna, snooze rooms and even a daycare center.
The Air Group, a 16-year-old Van Nuys, Calif.-based company that manages about 30 aircraft in FAR Part 91 and 135 operations, recently set up a satellite facility in the eastern United States. The firm's new office, located at Teterboro Airport, is staffed by veterans from Atlantic Aviation and the former charter unit of K-C Aviation. Aircraft based at Teterboro full-time or part-time initially include a Gulfstream G-II and G-III, according to Scott Galdi, regional vice president and general manager at The Air Group's Teterboro location.
The French government plans to follow up the scheduled merger of airliner builder Aerospatiale and Falcon Jet manufacturer Dassault Aviation by privatizing the merged company. However, the government still plans to retain majority ownership of the new entity (B/CA, November 1996, page 20). The merger, targeted for later this year, will not include Dassault Systems, a unit that specializes in computer-assisted design and manufacturing programs. A name for the merged companies has not been selected.
