EUROCOPTER FRANCE SA330F, G and J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2010-0891; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-055-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to perform a one-time functional test and modification (Mod 330A779820.00) of the pedal unit adjustment system, per the instructions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.18 (dated Aug. 3, 2009). This proposal, which resulted from an MCAI originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency, is designed to prevent separation of the pedal adjustment system, which could result in the loss of control.
Vector Aerospace Corporation has opened a new service center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The facility will specialize in field service and engine repairs on the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and PW100 engine series. The facility further will distribute parts for PT6A and JT15D engines in Western Canada.
SIMON ROADS was appointed director of completion sales for Hawker Beechcraft. Roads will manage the coordination of completions sales and interior design activities at the company’s completions facility in Little Rock, Ark. He has more than 30 years of aviation industry experience, including as an airframe and powerplant mechanic, technical representative and programs manager. Most recently, he was a completions sales executive at Gulfstream Aerospace in Dallas.
Mayo Aviation in Denver has become the latest Part 135 operation to be added to the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. Before joining the registry, operators must undergo a detailed audit that is tailored for Part 135 and 91K and demonstrate a dedication to safety and standards that promotes and fosters best safety practices and regulatory compliance.
Panorama Flight Service, Inc. is hosting the GA Expo 2010 on Sept. 25 at its facility on Westchester County Airport in New York. Sponsored by the Westchester Aviation Association, the event is designed to promote the light general aviation sector. Representatives from Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Tecnam LSA, Remos LSA, Garmin and Avidyne are expected to attend.
FAA has received a preliminary application from Clewiston, Fla.’s Hendry County Airglades Airport to participate in the airport privatization pilot program. FAA has 30 days to review the preliminary application. The general aviation reliever airport is located 80 mi. from Miami International Airport and is owned and operated by Hendry County. It has a 5,603-ft. runway, a new general aviation terminal, eight corporate hangars and three T-hangars.
BOMBARDIER-ROTAX 912 F and 912 S series engines [Docket No. FAA-2010-0499; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-06-AD; Amendment 39-16428; AD 2010-18-14] – Remove certain fuel pumps from service. This AD, which resulted from an MCAI issued by an aviation authority of another country, is designed to prevent excessive fuel pressure, which could result in an engine malfunction or a massive fuel leak, which could lead to loss of airplane control or a fire. FAA estimates that this directive will affect 50 engines installed on airplanes on the U.S. Registry and cost U.S.
The first Model 429 order from China was logged recently by Bell Helicopter. The aircraft was sold to Ren Jianjun, a prominent industrialist from Hebei province who already operates a Bell 206B-3 JetRanger. Heliflite China, which has maintenance facilities in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, helped facilitate the purchase.
While pleased that FAA initially has separated Parts 121 and 135 in its recently released flight- and duty-time proposal, the National Air Transportation Association also says it is “deeply concerned” by FAA’s language concerning possible rules for Part 135 that could mirror those of Part 121.
While industry often seeks congressional help when attempting to convince FAA to delay a comment period, House aviation subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) makes it clear that he would not support such an effort on FAA’s recently released flight, rest and duty time proposal. “I would be extremely disappointed and see no reason why we should have to go beyond 60 days,” Costello said during a hearing on the proposal last week. He says enough time, study and thought have been put into drafting the proposal. See article on Page 3.
PILATUS PC-7 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0849; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-043-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to perform a one-time inspection to verify that the aileron outboard bearing support bolts are installed in the correct positions and that the threads of the anchor nuts are in good condition, per the instructions of Pilatus PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1 (dated July 23, 2010). Replacement of this attachment hardware is required if the anchor nut threads are damaged or a bolt is found installed in the wrong location.
Cessna Aircraft handed over its 2,000th Caravan single-turboprop aircraft last week to Air St. Kitts-Nevis. The carrier, which operates out of multiple locations in the Caribbean, will fly the Caravan for its DHL courier operations. Air St. Kitts-Nevis is expecting to take another Caravan later this year. The new Caravans will replace older models in the carrier’s fleet. The aircraft were sold through Tropical Aviation Distributors, Cessna’s authorized sales representative for the Caribbean.
STEVE LERCEL has joined West Star Aviation as California-area regional sales manager. Lercel brings 40 years of corporate aviation experience to his new position, formerly serving as western regional manager for Midcoast Aviation and regional manager for Premier Turbines. Most recently, he was project manager for Jet Asia’s Challenger and Global Express, Siebel Systems’ BBJ and the Republic of Uganda’s Gulfstream G550.
AMY TRIVETTE was named director, marketing and sales, meetings for the American Association of Airport Executives. Trivette will lead marketing and sales efforts to promote AAAE’s meetings, annual conference and webinars. She formerly was director of business development at the Brain Injury Association of America, where she formed partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and managed marketing and communications activities for the organization. Trivette also served as director of marketing and communications at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association.
Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo now offers base and line maintenance for Challenger 300 and Gulfstream G200 aircraft. In addition, the company recently received maintenance approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands. Established in November 2007, Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo has expanded its offerings since 2009 to include 24/7 line maintenance and AOG support at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport, as well as at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and other Russian airports.
Hartzell’s newest propeller is a three-blade model designed for use on Cessna 180, 185 and early-model 210 and 205 aircraft. The new 82-in.-dia. conversion features “blended airfoil” technology and scimitar blades, which results in improved ground clearance and takeoff and climb performance. The robust design also has a longer time between overhaul (2,400 hr./6 years), and the swept tips result in a significant noise reduction. The basic kit is being offered at an introductory retail price of $9,400, with a three-year/1,000-hr. warranty.
Sikorsky’s X2 Technology helicopter demonstrator last week achieved a key design goal when it reached 250 kt. true airspeed in level flight. Sikorsky calls the speed, accomplished during a 1.1-hr. flight, an unofficial speed record for a helicopter. The demonstrator also reached 260 kt. in a shallow dive during the flight. “Our primary key performance parameter has been met,” says Jim Kagdis, program manager for Sikorsky advanced programs. “The 250-kt.
Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services GmbH (LBAS) has partnered with Baltic Business Aviation Center/FBO Riga Ltd. to open a line maintenance station in Riga, Latvia. The center underwent a two-day audit by the German Airworthiness Authority and is approved for service. The facility offers support for a range of corporate aircraft, including Bombardier Challenger, Learjet and Global business jets. LBAS is providing the manpower, tools and material support, while FBO Riga is providing hangar space next to its fixed-base operation at Riga International Airport.
Flexjet will offer inflight Aircell Wi-Fi as a standard feature on its fractional aircraft at no additional charge to owners. The Gogo Biz wireless Internet service will enable passengers to use smartphones and laptops to access the Web, thus enhancing their inflight productivity. Installation of the system will begin on the 25 Challenger 300 and seven Challenger 604/605 jets in the current Flexjet fleet. Subsequently, all new Flexjet aircraft will be outfitted with the broadband equipment.
The National Transportation Safety Board is questioning the professionalism of a controller and his manager, saying a “non-pertinent” call by the controller played a central role in the Aug. 8, 2009, midair collision of a small plane and a sightseeing helicopter over the Hudson River near Hoboken, N.J.
Four BAE System Avro RJ85s have been placed with South African regional carrier Airlink, which also has extended the leases on two of the Jetstream 41 turboprops it operates. Johannesburg-based Airlink, which currently operates four RJ85s and four BAE 146-200s, plans to use the newly acquired RJ85s to replace its BAE 146s, with deliveries to take place between now and January. Airlink’s lease extension of the two Jetstream 41s means that the carrier will continue to fly a total of 14 of the twin turboprops.
The U.S. aerospace industry’s chief lobby group is calling for greater government funding and increased industry involvement in the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) in a white paper released Sept. 16.
