The industry is watching Boeing's 787 tests to determing the future of lithium ion battery technology in the business aviation fleet. Such batteries offer very high energy density along with low weight, but the risk of overheating and even fire must be addressed if any business aviation aircraft can be certified with the batteries. One of the Boeing's two dedicated test 787s, ZA005, made the first electrical system check flight on Feb.
Satcom Direct, a provider of satellite voice, fax, datalink and Internet communications solutions, has introduced its own Satcom Direct Router (SDR), a next-generation aircraft network router to enable business and military aviation customers to manage all cabin communications systems onboard their aircraft and simultaneously use multiple satellite connections. This allows simultaneous use of Inmarsat, SwiftBroadband, Swift 64, Ku-Band and Ka-Band satellite connections with intelligent traffic control, along with Wi-Fi access and 3G/4G cellular network connectivity.
Since Embraer began certification flight trials of its new Legacy 500 midsize business jet on Nov. 27, the first test aircraft has accrued 32 hr. in 17 flights as of the end of January. Embraer says the aircraft is “behaving well” with systems, flight qualities and performance all as expected. The company added a second aircraft to the flight program in February with a third to follow soon after.
Sandeep R. Pillay (Deputy Chief Engineer Deccan Charters Private Ltd. Juhu Aerodrome Mumbai, India )
“Drain the Tank Sumps” (Cause & Circumstance, September 2012, page 57) was well received by everyone who read it here. I also circulated a picture of an actual fuel sample from a King Air B200 tank with it on my Facebook page. Check it out at www.facebook.com/GoodAircraftMaintenancePractices where I share information of use to my industry peers. It's being followed by aircraft maintainers as well as flight crews at several companies in India.
Eurocopter's (nee Aerospatiale's) AS350C/D AStar first entered the market in 1977 powered by a comparatively anemic and chronically sick Lycoming LTS101 turboshaft engine, but the basic design elements, including its three-blade, Starflex main rotor system, wide cabin and smooth ride were there from the beginning. Less than one year after introduction, it was up–graded with the more powerful and considerably more reliable Turbomeca Arriel 1, and reborn as AS350B.
Pilots soon will be able to control many avionics and aircraft systems by touching panel and console screens in much of the same way as they use their smart phones and PDAs. Avionics and airframe makers rapidly are embracing this proven user interface because, in most instances, it's easier to touch, tap, scroll and stretch screen icons and images with your fingertips than it is to use a multifunction control display unit (MCDU) or point-and-click cursor control device (CCD).
Sherwin-William Aerospace Coatings is now providing an extensive program for the aviation maintenance repair operation industry. The company provides a hands-on training experience that includes everything from applying new chrome and lead hazard free surface treatments and primer systems, to spraying the latest in technology-driven high-quality topcoats. Training will include work with SKYscapes, the new Sherwin-Williams basecoat/clearcoat polyurethane exterior paint system.
It had all begun when the doc said, “Turn and cough,” followed long seconds later by, “Hmmmm,” something he'd never said before. The diagnosis, alas: a hernia. Normally, it's no big deal and can be monitored for years, he said. But then again, things can go bad quickly, at which point it's 911 and sirens. I chose to be proactive. A grown-up. That was before. Now with less than 24 hr. to showtime, the kid in me was worried. How much will this hurt?
International Communications Group, Inc., (ICG) has completed the testing and received the Iridium Certified Equipment (ICE) designation for its NxtLink ICS-220A Iridium Communications System. The approval acknowledges that the unit has fulfilled the requirements and functionality specified by Iridium for interfacing with its on-orbit satellite constellation. The ICS-220A is a three-transceiver device that combines dual LBTs providing two channels of global voice with a Short Burst Data (SBD) modem dedicated to data link services.
The FAA is calling for horizontal stabilator control system inspections on more than 34,000 older Piper piston aircraft. In an airworthiness directive (AD) published in the Feb. 4 Federal Register, the agency is mandating inspections and repair or replacement of damaged or corroded control cable assembly parts on Piper PA-28, PA-32, PA-34 and PA-44 (Cherokees, Warriors, Archers, Lances, Saratogas, Senecas and Seminoles) that are 15 years old or older.
Bombardier named ExecuJet Nigeria in Lagos a Line Maintenance Facility (LMF) for Challenger 300, Challenger 604,Challenger 605, Global 5000, Global 6000, Global Express and Global Express XRS business jets. Bombardier says the Lagos facility will complement ExecuJet's center in Lanseria, South Africa, which has been a Bombardier Authorized Service Facility (ASF) since 2002. The announcement brings the number of Bombardier ASFs and LMFs to more than 60 facilities worldwide. These are supported by nine Bombardier-owned service centers in North America and Europe.
Satcom Direct is taking their products for a ride across the country during June and July. The touring, regional road shows will be used to update current Satcom Direct customers on new products and features, including updates on new mobile applications, maintenance training and troubleshooting. They will also offer free training for flight departments who use Satcom Direct products and services. The training program includes about 3 hr. of classroom-type lectures with 2 hr. of hands-on troubleshooting and live testing. All hands-on work will be in their 40-ft.
FlightSafety International is adding Bombardier Challenger 605 training its Greater Philadelphia/Wilmington Learning Center beginning in April. The Wilmington Learning Center currently houses 15 full-flight simulators that provide training for the Bombardier Challenger 300, Challenger 604 and Global Express; Dassault Falcon 50 and Falcon 900; Gulfstream GIV, GV, G200 and G550; Hawker Premier 1A, 700, 800XP; as well as the IAI Astra and Westwind aircraft.
FL Technics Jets, provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services for business aviation, announced plans to triple its business with the ambitious aim of become the largest MRO center for business aviation in Europe.
Piper Aircraft Inc. ended 2012 with increased annual revenue from new aircraft sales of $148,968,967, up more than 13% from $131,263,539 in 2011. The revenue increase was a result of a 16% rise in new Piper deliveries to 158 aircraft in 2012 from 136 the previous year. “We stabilized the manufacturing and delivery of new aircraft throughout the year as our initiative to level-load factory production continued to meet with success. At the same time, our overall aircraft deliveries rose faster than the rest of the industry,” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott.
Sikorsky Global Helicopters (SGH) delivered the first of 16 completed S-92 helicopters that the Avincis Group will use to provide transportation for its customers' offshore oil and gas crews, and for search and rescue. The aircraft order announced in February 2012 is the largest single purchase of S-92 helicopters to date. SGH is the commercial aircraft business arm of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Ametek is building up its MRO base in Miami with the acquisition of Aero Components International (ACI) and Avtech Avionics. ACI expands Ametek's reach in the Miami market for repair and overhaul of hydraulic, pneumatic, power generation and heat exchanger components. Avtech provides repair capabilities for new and legacy avionics. Both are located near Ametek's MRO operation in Miami.
Tom Myers Director, Marketing Aircell Broomfield, Colo. ( )
I really enjoyed “The Alabama Bet” in December. How cool is that about your son? Congrats, Pop! Also loved the words about Al Ueltschi, the man we called A-L-U. When I was with the ad agency years ago, FlightSafety was our client.
CAE announced that its CAE-built Gulfstream G450/G550 full-flight simulator in Shanghai, China, has received Level D certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The training program will be offered at the Shanghai Eastern Flight Training Centre, in Shanghai Pudong Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone starting this year. Shanghai is CAE's tenth business aviation training location worldwide. The G450/G550 pilot training programs will feature standard CAE courseware in Mandarin as well as English.
Cessna is beginning delivery of its more powerful Grand Caravan EX following the receipt of FAA type certification. The Caravan, which sports the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, is the first of as many as six new or follow-on aircraft that Cessna expects to bring to market this year. The Caravan has long been considered a workhorse with close to 2,200 delivered, but has been criticized for being underpowered.
Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), Alexandria, Va., announced that Averitt Air of Nashville, Tenn., is the newest charter operator to join the ACSF. Averitt Air is a subsidiary of Averitt Express, a leading freight transportation and supply chain services provider. They specialize in aircraft maintenance, management, charter services, sales and acquisitions, and consulting.
Garmin has received the FAA's TSO authorization and AML STC approval for the GDL 88 series, its dual-link ADS-B solution for certified aircraft. With these certifications, the GDL 88 is approved for installation on most Part 23 fixed-wing aircraft and is available immediately. The unit provides a simple ADS-B rule-compliant solution for aircraft operating in the U.S. and below 18,000 ft. It also brings the added benefit of access to advanced traffic information and subscription-free weather for aircraft flying at any altitude, the company says.
