In its comments to the DOT on proposed revisions to the FAA's policy on airport fees, the American Association of Airport Executives recommends: (1) that carriers be required to provide airports with written notice at least 14 days in advance of filing a complaint with the DOT about fee increases and (2) that the time allowed for a response from the airport be extended from seven to 21 days. Under the proposal, carriers have up to 60 days to make a complaint. GA interests also are critical of the revisions (B/CA, December 1994, page 26).
You won't find a copy of the EPA's proposed rule covering aerospace manufacturing and rework operations in the Federal Register, the official government record of rulemaking by agencies like the FAA and the EPA. The proposal is simply too large to make printing and distribution feasible through normal channels. Instead, copies of the proposal can be obtained directly from the EPA or from a special EPA computer bulletin board. (If you decide to go the high-tech route, you will need three floppy disks to handle the volume of information.)
Trans States Airlines of St. Louis has padded the Jetstream 41 orderbook by 25 firm plus 35 options. Total value of the deal was placed at $420 million. Initial delivery of the 30-passenger aircraft is scheduled for this month with the aircraft entering scheduled service in February. The balance of the aircraft will be delivered throughout this year and 1996. The J41 is nominally a 29-passenger aircraft; Trans States is the first U.S. carrier to opt for a 30-seat configuration, pending FAA certification.
Gulfstream Aerospace says its G-V is the launch aircraft for the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System being developed jointly by AlliedSignal and Honeywell. In addition to the required aural warnings, Gulfstream says the Enhanced GPWS will offer pilots a visual display of threatening terrain when flying in or near terminal areas. The system will be flight tested aboard a G-IVSP, with FAA certification scheduled to be completed later this year.
Learjet recently realigned its international sales positions for Michael F. Fahey and Robert C. Williams. Fahey was promoted to regional vice president of Learjet for Latin America and the Far East. A 13-year veteran of Learjet, Fahey previously served as sales director for Australia and the Far East.
The Allison AE2100 turboprop powerplant has completed 1,500 hours of testing to simulate more than two years of daily operation in regional airline operations. Chief Engineer-Large Turboprops Norman Egbert said the engine has ``performed as predicted and is in excellent condition. This represents a major accomplishment in demonstrating durability for the rugged environment of the regional airlines.'' The engine powers the 50-passenger Saab 2000, in service with Crossair of Switzerland, and is destined for the IPTN N-250 and Lockheed C-130J Hercules.
Very large water droplets--considerably larger than those used in icing certification flight tests--combined with temperatures right at freezing, have become a focus of the NTSB investigation into the crash of American Eagle 4184.
GE and Textron Lycoming have terminated their revenue-sharing agreement to develop and produce the GE38 family of engines, including the GLC38 regional turboprop. The agreement dates back to 1987. Textron Lycoming was acquired by AlliedSignal in October 1994 and will develop its own common-core turboprop/turbofan engine family for the 50- to 100-passenger aircraft market. GE, on the other hand, says it will continue the GE38 program in conjunction with remaining revenue-sharing participants AlliedSignal Controls and Accessories and European Gas Turbines Limited.
Operators can obtain a copy of the pilots guide to Large Aircraft Ground Deicing (FAA AC 120-58) from B/CA. The 40-page booklet, published by the FAA in September 1992, contains general information in addition to specific procedures concerning ground deicing operations. Single copies of the guide are available, while they last, for $1 each (to cover postage and handling) from B/CA, 4 International Dr., Ste. 260, Rye Brook, NY 10573.
