A procedural change aims to expedite the FAA response time to petitions for rule changes or exemptions. To the office that has jurisdiction over the parts of the FARs for which a petition is submitted, the FAA administrator delegated authority to deny a petition. However, the administrator will continue to review petitions that agency offices have approved. Formerly, the administrator would also review petitions in which subordinate agency officials recommended denial.
In 1990, when the DUATS weather-briefing system was launched, Flight Data, Incorporated (formerly Flight Data Centers) was one of the first aviation software firms to develop an automated DOS-based DUATS briefing program. The program wasn't particularly innovative, but it did introduce a lot of pilots to the concept of self-briefing with a personal computer.
Avcon Industries, holder of 92 Learjet STCs, expected certification in July for its empennage-mounted Avcon Fins on Learjet 35s and 36s. The fins, designed to improve low-speed stability and handling, are virtually identical to Learjet's Delta Fins on the Model 31 series. The Avcon Fins are being introduced at a price of $77,000 installed. Avcon Industries, based in Newton, Kansas, plans to display a fin-equipped aircraft at the NBAA convention in September.
The Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 will be the first air-transport aircraft to be equipped with Collins' new AVSAT 900 series flight management system, a satellite-based product set for certification in mid 1996. The AVSAT 900 can be used as a primary means for terminal, en route and non-precision approach segments and will eventually support precision approaches. The AVSAT 900 replaces a Honeywell FMS, and Collins officials said the company is working on an AVSAT 900 retrofit program for existing F70s and F100s.
Aircraft Technical Publishers' latest addition to its ATP Navigator CD-ROM product line is the U.S. Aviation Regulatory Library for Small Aircraft and Rotorcraft. The PC-based reference work is tailored to aircraft owners and maintenance facilities who require small-aircraft regulatory information. On a single disc, the library contains ADs, manufacturer service bulletins, TC datasheets, and selected advisory circulars and STC listings. Price: $1,295 for a one-year subscription, with biweekly revision services included. ATP, 101 South Hill Dr., Brisbane, CA 94005.
The Astra, since it was certificated in 1985, has earned a position as a performance star in the mid-size business-jet class (although sales have not been stellar). Indeed, it set 22 world records, clearly demonstrating Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) engineering prowess. IAI now has an even higher performance Astra, the SPX, that is slated for certification in late September, less than 14 months after its first flight in August 1994. (The current Astra SP will remain in production.)
AlliedSignal Engines has recently introduced an auxiliary power unit designed for small- to medium-size business airplanes and helicopters. The Phoenix-based company says its RE100 APU weighs less than 75 pounds, is rated at 135 (equivalent) shp, and is capable of starting and operating in excess of 35,000 feet. The APU's first customer installation remained undisclosed at press time.
There is a decreasing availability of slots for Kai Tak Airport (VHHH). Increased charter activity this fall promises to further restrict access for corporate operators. New Hong Kong airport Chek Lap Kok is under construction, but its opening is delayed until 1998.
A key witness in the case of TPI International Airways suffered a near total lack of recollection when confronted with questions concerning his review of the FAA's shutdown of the small cargo carrier in August 1990.
Some operators attending the NBAA International Operators Conference earlier this year were surprised to learn that frequent visitors to remote corners of Russia were finding the addition of a Russian ``navigator'' extremely useful. While use of such a navigator is now mandatory only in rare instances, operators have found the pro-tem Russian crewmember can greatly facilitate direct routings as well as approach/ departure shortcuts when readbacks and requests are made in the local accent.
U.S. Customs Service dropped its 41 felony charges against Wag-Aero, a Lyons, Wisconsin-based supplier of parts. Customs had indicted Wag-Aero officials for allegedly importing certain Japanese- and Chinese-made avionics and-to avoid paying customs duties-falsely claiming they were FAA-approved. The indictment charged that the instruments did not meet FAA certification standards. Apparently, the government was unable to prove its allegations. Wag-Aero officials have maintained that the government's allegations are without merit.
One of B/CA's editors was invited to fly on a Canadair Challenger 604 for a 4,242-nm, nonstop record-attempting flight to Le Bourget Airport from Wichita during the Paris Air Show in June. Engineering test pilot E. Bruce Robinson and production test pilot W. Craig Kennedy were at the controls of the aircraft for the Paris flight, assisted by flight-test engineer James W. Brown. Our editor occupied the jump seat to chronicle the event.
Early in 1998, if all goes according to plan, the FAA's Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) will be operational. WAAS, which is the FAA's official term for Wide Area Differential GPS (WADGPS), will enhance navigational signals from the global positioning system (GPS) in three ways: improve its accuracy, monitor signal integrity and assure critical-level signal reliability.
This month, Jett Aire is scheduled to open a new and expanded FBO at Central Florida Regional Airport in Sanford. The new facilities comprise 54,000 square feet of hangar space and 12,000 square feet of office space. Amenities include crew lounge and snooze rooms, conference and flight-planning areas, and courtesy cars. Rental cars, limousines and catering are available. Jett Aire also plans to build new facilities at Daytona Beach International Airport.
Awhile back, Hersch, a German corporate pilot wrote to B/CA pointing out that he enjoyed this column, but certain words or expressions employed in it were not to be found in his personal Funk&Wagnall's. Hence, for purposes of illumination, I proffer a partial list of a few of the terms more frequently used: -- Muckets: Instruments, switches and levers usually located on the control panel. -- Maypop: A smooth tire. -- Redeye: Storm-avoidance radar. -- Training wheel: The one up front on a tri-gear Beech 18.
One of the latest ``limited-time only'' incentive programs to help sell aircraft comes from Raytheon. Until September 30, a new Beechjet 400A comes with five years (or 1,000 hours) of free maintenance, fixed monthly payments of $49,950 for 36 months (after a five-percent down payment), a 6.9-percent fixed interest rate for 36 months (followed by the balance at prime rate plus 0.5 percent), and 10-year amortization. The B/CA-equipped price for a Beechjet 400A is $5.7 million.
The most commonly used aircraft-security equipment consists of electronic alerts or warning devices that are installed inside the airplane and trigger an alarm when someone with unapproved access tries to enter. Other equipment includes special locks on avionics and throttles or specially designed tie-downs.
For fast wipe-downs of the aircraft exterior/interior or for longer cleaning sessions, Powerfoam from Jet Stream Aviation Products promises ``no rub, no mess, no rinse.'' This all-purpose cleaning product was designed for scouring aircraft carbon exhaust stains, engine cowlings, oil and bugs, and for complete detail wiping of the aircraft exterior. Powerfoam can be applied to leather, plastic and vinyl to remove fingerprints, food or nicotine stains and smudges. The spray can also tackle grime and dirt on sinks, tabletops, stainless steel, glass and varnished surfaces.
Exceptional performance is what you expect from an SPX, especially considering the Astra heritage. We were just as impressed with its straightforward systems design, control harmony and excellent stability. Engine start is accomplished by pressing a switch on the overhead panel. But watch out where you put your fingers. There are plenty of switches on the overhead with similar shape and tactile feel. A blindfolded pilot attempting a cockpit checkout in the SPX would need plenty of practice.
The FAA's Wide Area Augmentation System initially will consist of a network of 24 global positioning system (GPS) reference stations placed at precisely surveyed locations. The reference stations will monitor and compute the differences between their surveyed positions and their GPS-derived positions, using the network of Department of Defense Navstar GPS satellites and the GPS signal transmitters piggy-backed on-board geostationary communications satellites. They also will generate signal integrity warnings, if necessary.
A rule setting minimum experience levels for two pilots flying together under FAR Part 121 takes effect August 25. The rule increases the flight time pilots need in order to meet ``initial operating experience.'' Also, pilots will no longer earn experience credit for observing another pilot who is training. And, the PIC must perform takeoffs and landings during certain weather conditions and at particular airports if the copilot has less than 100 hours in type.
North Weald Airfield in Essex, England is the site for the biennial Business and General Aviation Exhibition set for September 5-8. This year's event offers more than 200 exhibitors and a seminar on worldwide business and regional aviation. Tied in with the agenda is an international meteorology exhibition and a related seminar program. For more information, contact MTM International of London. Phone: +44 (0) 181 906 8375; fax: +44 (0) 181 201 1721.
Elliott Aviation of Moline, Illinois and Ultra Electronics of Middlesex, England are projecting certification this month of an active noise-control and vibration-control system for Beech King Air C90s and 200s. The ``UltraQuiet'' system is a spinoff from one that Ultra Electronics is building for Saab and ATR regional airliners. Elliott claims the system ``virtually eliminates'' propeller noise. Installed price is $24,995 for the C90, $29,995 for the 200.
Williams International and Rolls-Royce are developing a more powerful variant of their joint-venture FJ44 series turbofan. Designated the FJ44-2, the new engine is rated at 2,300 pounds thrust, a 400-pound increase over both the FJ44-1A that powers the Cessna CitationJet and the FJ44 in the Swearingen SJ-30 prototype. Williams International and Rolls-Royce plan to officially announce the new powerplant at the NBAA Convention in September in Las Vegas. At press time, Williams and R-R would not comment on a launch customer for the FJ44-2.
TAB/Aero's version of a book containing the latest FARs as well as the most current Aeronautical Information Manual is contained in the 600-page, fully-indexed AIM/FAR 1995. The volume also includes an ASOS/AWOS update, a ``Flight Forum'' feature on government interpretation of the FARs, page headings to assist the user in finding data, a table of contents for each FAR part and shading on text revisions since the last issue. Price: $24.95 for hardcover; $12.95 for paperback. TAB/Aero, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294. (717) 794-2191.
