Sikorsky's S-92 helicopter underwent extreme temperature testing at Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle this summer. In the course of three and one-half weeks of tests, engineers subjected the medium-lift helicopter to temperatures ranging from -40F to +122F to examine engine and system reliability. The tests simulated such weather extremes as blizzards, spending a full day on the ramp in Saudi Arabia, and being left outside overnight in Alaska.
Barring any last minute hitches, New Piper expected to receive FAA certification for the Malibu Meridian as B/CA went to press in late September. Customer deliveries were expected to begin immediately with Sales and Marketing Vice President Larry Bardon saying that at least four aircraft would be in customer hands by the start of the NBAA convention this month. A now-resolved software problem with the Meggitt avionics system delayed Meridian certification in its final stages. New Piper plans to deliver 35 aircraft this year and produce 103 Meridians in 2001.
Tamworth Air Services has created Aeroskills, a CASR Part 147 maintenance training program at its base at Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. Founded on a two-year, full-time, FAA/JAA-approved mechanical and avionics training curriculum, Aeroskills was created to prepare technicians to work on the entire aircraft, not just on individual systems.
Kaman Aerospace will continue to supply structural components for Boeing's 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 aircraft under the terms of a three-year follow-on contract. The extension is worth up to $98 million to the Bloomfield, Conn., parts and aircraft manufacturer.
The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has asked turbine engine suppliers to submit proposals for the next generation of supersonic-capable powerplants. DARPA says its goal is to create the ``multiple breakthrough technologies'' needed to power future long-range supersonic aircraft, while also addressing concerns over sonic booms and emissions.
Gulfstream Aerospace has eliminated about 200 management, administrative and support jobs, or 10 percent of its work force in those areas, in what the manufacturer calls ``the second phase of an initiative to become a more-efficient company.'' The latest reductions follow an initial wave of staff and overtime reductions completed this summer. Saying the General Dynamics subsidiary is ``strong and financially healthy,'' Gulfstream President and CEO Bill Boisture said the layoffs resulted from its need to remain competitive.
Air Partner in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is offering an aircraft matching service for air charter customers. The Air Partner database uses a network of contacts that matches available aircraft, using customers' location and budget criteria.
While the champagne is flowing in Vero Beach, Raytheon Aircraft is still awaiting FAA certification of the Premier I. The manufacturer now says that certification is expected in the fourth quarter of this year. The Premier I took its first flight in November 1998 and began FAA flight tests in November 1999. Raytheon also has pushed back the timetable for Hawker Horizon first flight and certification. First flight of the Horizon is now expected in first quarter 2001 with certification anticipated in 2002.
Mesa Air Group is returning 20 Beech 1900Ds and refinancing 36 additional aircraft under the terms of a new deal with Raytheon. According to Mesa, the carrier will save almost $6 million annually as a result of the agreement, which also allows it to return as many as 11 additional aircraft in the next two years. With 32 Canadair Regional Jets (CRJ) in operation, and options and orders for 100 Embraer ERJ-145s, Mesa is focusing on expanding jet service and reducing 19-seat turboprop operations.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has created an awards program honoring individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace. The first Pinnacle Awards were presented in mid-September to the Flight Safety Foundation, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. and Frank S. Del Gandio, who manages the Recommendation and Analysis Division of the FAA's Office of Accident Investigation. Members of the school's Center for Aerospace Safety Education chose the recipients. ERAU says it will bestow Pinnacle awards every two years.
LOBO Systems is now offering freestanding or mobile-access Stairman platforms in the United States. By utilizing a patented LOBAND clamp, the product can be configured as a trestle system, a workbench, a personnel barrier or a raised floor. Options include wheels to mobilize the structure and OSHA/EC-approved handrails. The system packs away when not in use and can be hand carried. Price: $507 to $975 for kits Lobo Systems Ltd. 29 The Parker Centre Mansfield Road, Derby DE21 4SZ England Phone: +44-1332-299069
One of the most significant concerns facing aircraft maintenance technicians today is the threat of civil or criminal prosecution in the wake of an aircraft accident. Robert Warren, vice president of the Air Transport Association, said technicians have a reason to be concerned because society expects the judicial system to punish someone when an air accident occurs: ``This places substantial pressure on prosecutors to conduct criminal investigations, find a solution and punish the wrongdoers.''
United Services, a division of United Airlines' parent UAL, will provide basic warranty and other optional maintenance and technical services to Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) operators. Optional services include heavy maintenance and AOG ground support. The manufacturer also said it is offering optional aircraft completion center consulting, engineering assistance and a $1.5 million ``gray definition'' package including airstairs, HF and satcom, brake fans, APU and wind-shear detection weather radar, plus insulation, cabin side walls and overhead bins.
Recent appointments include Helen Tirone as group vice president of sales and Keith Wright to the position of senior account executive for the Windsor division.
The Galaxy's five-tube Pro Line 4 avionics package is adapted from the Astra SPX, with the addition of a fifth EICAS display in the center panel. The standard package includes a dual-channel, fail passive autopilot, dual AHS-3000 AHRS, dual digital air data computers, dual UNS-1C FMS with integral GPS receivers, Collins Pro Line 4 comm/nav/DME/transponder boxers, dual radio tuning units and a Collins TWR-850 Doppler turbulence detection radio.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is seeking nominees for the most needed -- and most threatened -- airports in the United States. Saying there's a need to ``strengthen the most vulnerable parts of our national transportation network,'' NATA President Jim Coyne hopes to focus attention and financial resources on preserving vital airports.
When evaluating the METAR information provided by an automated system, several clues can help put the data in context. First is a designation identifying the automated system configuration. ``A01'' indicates an automated station without a precipitation-type identification sensor, whereas ``A02'' indicates the station has a precipitation-type identification sensor. Current ASOSes can discriminate between rain, snow, freezing rain and blowing snow.
The NBAA says efforts by the city of Naples, Fla., to ban the operations of noisier aircraft are incomplete, flawed and violate federal law. The fracas erupted around a government-mandated study the city conducted in its bid to restrict Stage 2 access to Naples Municipal Airport (APF), which borders a noise-sensitive residential area.
A high priority on the FAA's wish list is improved forecasting of inflight icing conditions. Forecasting models under development at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the National Weather Service (NWS) rely heavily on observations of icing at the surface, and freezing drizzle is a particularly important indicator. Research projects aimed at identifying freezing drizzle and measuring ice accretion using ASOS technology was completed in 1999 and may help pave the way for improved forecasting of icing conditions.
The Australian Government has ordered three Bombardier Challenger 604s to transport senior government officials in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region. The aircraft will be maintained and crewed by Qantas Defence Services, a subsidiary of Qantas Airways Ltd.
The FAA and other aviation industry judges have named AVMATS President and CEO A.C. ``Butch'' Giessman AMT of the Year. Geissman began his career at Rockwell International as an A&P and moved to Midcoast Aviation before founding Aviation Material and Technical Support (AVMATS) in 1982. St. Louis-based AVMATS specializes in corporate aircraft service, sales and charter.
Three aviation trade groups and five local businesses have filed a lawsuit in the federal district court in Los Angeles challenging the legality of the recently adopted ``non-addition rule'' for Stage 2 aircraft at California's Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
