USAir Express carrier CCAir has posted operating and net profits for the first time in seven consecutive quarters, following a major financial restructuring. The Charlotte-based regional reported an operating profit of $395,807 and a net profit of $196,625 for the three-month period ended December 31, 1994. Operating costs during the quarter dropped by $1.9 million, or 11.3 percent, compared to the same 1993 period. Operating revenue, on the other hand, decreased $1.1 million, or only 6.6 percent.
Regional airline officials are welcoming the FAA's proposed ``Commuter Safety Rule'' as much for what it does not do as for what it does. The massive proposal--called by Administrator David Hinson the broadest FAA rulemaking ever--would essentially bring FAR Part 135 regulations into line with Part 121. According to FAA estimates, the new regulations would impact some 65 airlines and 1,100 aircraft, costing regional carriers some $275 million over the next 10 years.
SimCom International said it will break ground soon for a training center in Scottsdale, Arizona. The new facility will be the first remote operation for the five-year-old, Orlando-based company. Slated for opening in November, the Scottsdale center initially will provide training for pilots of the Cessna 300/400 series and the King Air 90/100/200 series in SimCom-built flight-training devices featuring wide screens and visual-motion technology.
On April 1, the U.S. Navy transferred authority to use the Naval Air Station (NAS) Agana in Guam to Ted Ybarra, Executive Manager, Guam Airport Authority, P.O. Box 8770, Tamuning, Guam 96931. Phone: (671) 646-0300. On June 1, the Navy is scheduled to transfer authority to use the NAS in Bermuda to the Government of Bermuda, c/o Airport General Manager, Bermuda Air Terminal Bldg., 2 Kindley Field Rd., Saint George's CE CX, Bermuda. Phone: (809) 293-1640.
Comm frequencies--The FCC proposed that aviation services be permitted to use additional VHF comm frequencies (September 1989, page 30). Loran and Omega--A proposal would permit use of Loran-C, Omega and other area nav systems for VFR use in TCAs (August 1989, page 21).
ARINC (Aeronautical Radio Incorporated) is bringing remote radio access technology to general aviation. Originally developed several years ago for the airlines, the system provides the interface of a VHF radio with the public telephone network. Thus, a pilot requesting issuance of an IFR clearance at an outlying airport can be in direct communication with ATC without leaving the cockpit or needing to use a phone. Recently tested at Virginia's Warrenton-Fauquier Airport, the system is expected to be implemented statewide.
Aviall, Incorporated completed the sale (announced in summer 1994) of its business aviation engine overhaul business and its Dallas' Love Field FBO to Dallas Airmotive (B/CA, August 1994, page 28). The sale includes the business-airplane-repair and helicopter-engine-repair facilities located south of Love Field, plus six turbine-engine repair shops located throughout North America.
The text of the latest edition of the FAA's Airman's Information Manual, dated March 30, now is gender neutral. For example, former references to ``airman'' have been changed to ``pilot.'' In 1996, the AIM will be titled the Aeronautical Information Manual. Taking the initiative with the FAA on the revisions was an 11-member FAR/AIM committee, with Cheryl Mackie from AMSI, an aviation training company in Merrimac, Wisconsin, and both Cammie Schreck and Keith Gerard, from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, leading the effort.
Welcome to B/CA's 1995 Planning and Purchasing Handbook. As always, preparing the Handbook gives our staff an opportunity to take stock of our three primary constituencies-- the professionals who operate business aircraft and regional transports, the dedicated workers in the support services keeping these aircraft flying, and the technical wizards who design and build the airframes, engines, avionics and systems that make it all possible.
A team led by Wilcox Electric received the lucrative FAA contract to develop the Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS), a network of ground reference stations and communications satellites designed to enhance the accuracy of GPS satellite navigation signals (B/CA, August 1994, page 42). Development of WAAS could be deferred, however, if any of the competing teams' leaders--Harris Corporation, Loral Corporation, Raytheon Company and Rockwell International--officially protest the awarding of the $500-million contract to Wilcox.
Gust loads--The FAA proposes to revise the gust-load design standards for transport category airplanes as follows: by adding a new requirement for a discrete tuned gust; modifying the method of establishing the airspeed for maximum gust intensity; and providing for a rough-air airspeed (November 1994, page 26). Turbochargers--The FAA seeks to determine if circumstances surrounding accidents and incidents involving turbocharger failures warrant extensive AD or other actions (September 1994, page 18).
United Kingdom's Rolls-Royce finalized its acquisition of Indianapolis-based Allison Engine Company late in March. Mike Hudson, Allison's former executive vice president of engineering, was promoted to president and COO of Allison; and Colin Green, former managing director of Rolls-Royce Military Aero Engines in the United Kingdom, is Allison's new executive vice president of business operations. F. Blake Wallace, long-time CEO of Allison, left the company.
At press time, Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) was negotiating with General Electric for the Japan-based company to be a revenue-sharing partner in the GE CF34-8C turbofan engine program. Canadair chose the powerplant for its 70-seat Regional Jet, the CRJ-X (see ``Emerging Aircraft''). The two companies already have signed a memorandum of agreement and if the negotiations are fruitful, IHI could have a 25-percent stake in the engine program.
GPS receivers from Trimble Navigation Limited of Sunnyvale, California now are FAA approved to TSO C129 (A1) specifications, allowing them to be used for stand-alone, non-precision approaches. Certification is standard to Trimble's new panel-mount 2000 Approach and 2101 Approach receivers. For a fee, older Trimble GPS receivers can be upgraded to C129 (A1) certification. The Trimble 2000 series is compatible with the FAA's Wide-Area Augmentation System.
One aspect of the proposed commuter safety rule that was of great concern to regional airlines was the mandatory Part 139 certification of all airports served by aircraft of more than nine passengers. The FAA relented on the issue, in part because such a move would require congressional action.
Max Bleck, who started his career in general aviation with Stanley Aviation in 1951 and who, served, variously, as president of Beech, Cessna and Piper aircraft companies, retired to his home in Wichita on May 1. Bleck, 68, was most recently president and a member of the board of directors of Raytheon Company, the parent firm of Beech Aircraft and Raytheon Aircraft.
New airports open and under construction in the region promise substantial improvement in access, parking and ground services for corporate operators. Major handlers report Osaka's Kansai International Airport (RJBB), opened in September 1994, has taken some traffic pressure off Tokyo's Narita (RJAA) and Nagoya/Komaki (RJNN). RJBB provides fast response on slot time requests, and excellent ground handling and parking, according to major handlers.
Raytheon Aircraft is flight testing a higher performance version of the Hawker 800 that will be available this fall. The 800XP (Extended Performance) will be powered by two 4,660-pounds-thrust AlliedSignal TFE731-5BR engines, which enable a 14-knot gain in cruise speed, shorter field performance and longer range. Also, design weights have been increased, the interior enhanced, and various systems improved. The price, however, stays the same: $9.95 million.
FAA's recent approval of new, larger deicing boots for ATR aircraft did not negate several operating restrictions previously imposed on the twin-turboprop commuter. Installation of the boots is expected to be completed by June 1. A new AD ``will be issued as soon as possible that will address the operational and flightcrew procedures that are to be used in conjunction with the newly modified deicing boots,'' the FAA said.
Although normally closed to corporate aircraft, Wake Air Force Base (PWAK) can accept aircraft in emergencies on a 24-hour basis. Emergency crews will be available, and VORTAC transmission will be turned on when emergency notification is received (Air Routing).
Barken International, a Utah-based maintenance, management and charter company, is one of the latest firms to introduce a fractional ownership program (B/CA, January, page 60). Called Interjets, the program offers buyers a 25-percent interest in Learjet 35s. Interjets is similar to other fractional ownership programs in that there is a monthly management fee, a discount rate for a minimum number of charter hours and a guarantee of aircraft availability. For more information, contact Interjets of Salt Lake City at (801) 539-7700.
Microfin Corporation of Providence, Rhode Island recently received European Joint Airworthiness Authority approval to perform maintenance on European-registered aircraft. The company specializes in metal-finishing services. JAA approval applies to aircraft registered in these European nations: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Proposed noise abatement programs under FAR Part 150 have been submitted for approval to the FAA for San Diego's Lindbergh Field and Fort Worth Spinks Airport. An agency decision on both programs is expected in August. Under FAR Part 150, interested parties have the right to comment on the proposals. For more information, contact the district FAA airport or flight standards offices.
Piedmont Aviation Services recently relocated its Winston-Salem, North Carolina FBO to the company's remodeled corporate headquarters building. The new location offers a ``state-of-the-art'' weather and flight planning center, crew snooze rooms, a kitchen and vending area, and a passenger lounge three times the size of the previous one. Rental and courtesy cars still are available.
The future manufacturing site for Lycoming LTS 101 aircraft engines may not be the U.S Army-owned, AlliedSignal-operated plant in Stratford, Connecticut. The facility, which also builds Army tank engines, is on the Pentagon's military installation shutdown list. AlliedSignal, which purchased the Lycoming Turbine Engine Division in late 1994, has laid off hundreds of workers since then and disagrees with the closure decision. AlliedSignal said it wants to remain in Stratford as long as staying ``makes good business sense.''
