Bell 407 direct operating costs have been lowered as a result of the manufacturer removing 14 life-limited parts from the rotorcraft’s maintenance manual. The removal of these items, plus an adjustment to the on-condition section, will result in a reduction of more than 12% per flight hour to the published direct maintenance cost estimate, according to Bell. Danny Maldonado, senior vice president and chief service officer, says, “We recognize the importance of direct maintenance costs to ensuring a profitable mission for our customers.
Business aircraft activity in August continues the recent trend with a modest increase over the previous month, according to the latest Argus TRAQPak report. August business aircraft activity was up 1.3% over July, and for the first time in months, the Part 91 sector had the strongest results with a 3.2% increase over the previous month. Mid-size cabin and large-cabin jets were up over July at 3.4% and 3.1%, respectively, while the fractional market for August generally broke even with July, posting a modest increase of 2.8% in the mid-size-cabin jet segment.
SIKORSKY S-76A, B and C helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2008-0609; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-24-AD; Amendment 39-16408 AD 2010-17-16] – Conduct recurring inspections of the tail-rotor vertical stabilizer aft-spar assembly for cracks, loose fasteners and corrosion. If any such discrepancies are found, inspect the vertical stabilizer forward-spar assembly, repairing or replacing any unairworthy parts before further flight. In addition, track and balance the tail rotor.
AgustaWestland has delivered the first of four AW119Ke single-engine helicopters to the Finnish Border Guard. The helicopters will be used to perform various tasks, including border patrol, special operations and firefighting.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2010-0825; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-072-AD; Amendment 39-16410; AD 2010-16-51] – Using a feeler gauge attached to a rigid rod, inspect for a gap between the main gearbox oil-cooling fan assembly rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and the housing, replace the two fan-rotor shaft bearings with two airworthy bearings. This AD was prompted by the separation of a fan-rotor blade, which punctured the transmission deck.
BOMBARDIER DHC-8-200 and -300 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0432; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-001-AD; Amendment 39-16430; AD 2010-19-02] – Conduct a one-time inspection of each of the fuel system’s six flapper valves, removing the valve spring, if installed, and applying an identification mark to signify that each valve has been inspected, per the instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-28-54 (dated April 22, 2009).
The National Business Aviation Association is planning an event during its 2010 annual Meeting & Convention to honor the business aviation community’s response to the earthquake that ravaged Haiti earlier this year. “As the world began to understand the magnitude of the tragedy, our industry mobilized,” says NBAA President Ed Bolen. “Almost immediately, airplanes and aviation expertise were volunteered, supplies were donated, ramp and hangar space was made available, fuel discounts were offered, and charts were provided.
MIKE HAENGGI was appointed director of product marketing for Hawker Beechcraft. Haenggi will be responsible for overall product positioning, messaging and other marketing efforts. He formerly was vice president of marketing for Pilatus Business Aircraft. Before that, he was manager for marketing programs and a marketing research analyst for Pilatus.
Sept. 15—The Wings Club Luncheon featuring Alan Mulally, President & CEO, Ford Motor Company, The Yale Club, New York, (212) 867-1770, e-mail: [email protected] Sept. 15—European Aviation Club Luncheon, Hotel Bristol Stephanie, Brussels, e-mail: [email protected] Sept. 20-22—Speednews’ 11th Annual Aviation Industry Suppliers Conference, Hotel Palladia, Toulouse, France, www.speednews.com
Eclipse Aerospace is confident it has the funding and resources in place to resume production of the Eclipse EA-500 very light jet (VLJ), but company co-founder Mason Holland says the slow economy remains the final obstacle. Holland tells BA that his company receives requests every day about when the company will renew production of the VLJ that many believed would reshape the landscape of air taxi service.
NetJets Europe expects to exceed its target for cost reductions in 2010, helping the business to deliver what is expected to be a full-year operating profit for the year. But difficult times are still ahead, and management believes the gradual market rebound, initially expected to start in 2011/2012, may be weaker than first thought or delayed around a year. A clear picture has yet to emerge, though.
Sentient Jet has begun using Wyvern as a core provider of data on operators, aircraft and pilots in Sentient’s “Certified Operator” network. The data will be used for Sentient’s reviews for selecting air charter vendors, aircraft and crew when the company charters with third-party vendors, Sentient says, noting that Wyvern has developed an Aviation Safety Intelligence data collection and analysis system that tracks information not readily available elsewhere.
Daher-Socata is planning to use the Monaco Yacht Show as a platform to promote its TBM 850 turboprop aircraft. The show, to be held Sept. 22-25 in the principality of Monaco, is expected to attract more than 500 companies in the yachting sector and from complementary arenas, including business aircraft manufacturers. The show draws nearly 30,000 participants from around the world.
Air China will greatly expand its business aircraft operation at Beijing with support from the city government, a strong sign of official confidence in the prospects for Chinese general aviation. The expanded operation will compete with a similar set-up owned by Hainan Airlines. Separately, the northeastern city of Dalian is negotiating with Air China for the creation of an airline at its local airport, but in that case the new company will offer normal scheduled services, not business aircraft flights.
The total fractional aircraft fleet increased by one unit to 880 aircraft in July, the first increase in the last 15 months, says a new JP Morgan report. “The fractional fleet is still down by 80 aircraft from the peak of 960 in January 2009, about 8%,” the report says. “Initial July numbers point to a modest decrease in the fractional fleet.” More details from the report are on Page 2.
The first Embraer Lineage 1000 to be delivered in the Americas was accepted recently by Mexico’s Grupo Omnilife, a producer of nutritional supplements. The twin-engine airplane features a five-zone interior, including a master suite featuring a queen-size bed and a stand-up shower, a conference area and three living room areas with five divans. The aircraft will be operated through Omnilife’s air taxi subsidiary, Omniflys.
Conroe, Texas-based Galaxy FBO has signed a deal with JDA for its 135Pro certification support program. 135Pro is designed to simplify the process and lower costs associated with obtaining a Part 135 Certificate.
West Star Aviation donated a Learjet Model 35A to Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely, Colo., for use in maintenance technician training. Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) students will be able to use the aircraft to develop their skills.
Sen. Brownback (R-Kan.) is planning to ask the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to investigate whether foreign subsidies have hindered the U.S. business aircraft industry. The senator, whose home state hosts Cessna Aircraft, Hawker Beechcraft and Learjet, released a statement recently saying he intends to work with his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee to seek the investigation.
Palm Springs, Calif.-based jet charter company Desert Jet has announced that Rob Wilson, its director of operations, has passed the National Business Aviation Association’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) exam. Out of the 8,000-plus companies represented by NBAA, only 142 individuals have passed the CAM exam.
A Smithfield, R.I., company has produced eyewear to protect pilots from flash blindness caused by laser attacks on the cockpit. Sperian Protection is introducing Laser-Gard Eyewear with patented lenses that also protect against glare and provide nearly total ultraviolet protection, the company says. Sperian produced laser visors for the U.S. Air Force starting in 1968. The lenses come in a bronze tint for daytime sunglasses use or a salmon tint for nighttime use.
The demand outlook for business jets is little changed, although heavy jet demand might be a bit better, says the Business Jet Monthly report from JP Morgan.
KEITH LOCKWOOD has joined Aerosonic Corp. as director of business development. He previously was a consultant with L-3 Display Systems/Aviation Recorders/Avionic Systems. He has more than 30 years of experience as a sales and marketing executive with aerospace companies that include Flight Deck Resources, Teledyne Controls SBU, Teledyne Technologies, Rockwell Collins, Miltope Corp. and Grumman Aerospace.
