Yingling Aviation has obtained FAA organization designation authorization (ODA) for the Cessna 162 Skycatcher light-sport aircraft, clearing the Wichita, Kan.-based aviation services firm to maintain, inspect and alter the aircraft. While Cessna plans to have multiple U.S. assembly facilities for the Skycatcher, Yingling is currently the only active site. The Skycatcher is manufactured in Shenyang, China and then shipped to the U.S. for reassembly. Yingling has reassembled eight of the aircraft.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) recently celebrated its 100th rescue for Fiscal 2010, which ends Sept. 30. The milestone was achieved when a Wyoming Wing aircraft found an elderly couple, whose vehicle was stuck in the mud in rural Natrona County. “It turned out to be a very lucky find,” says Maj. George Twitchell, director of operations for the Wyoming Wing.
Bombardier Aerospace has received an order from Cairo, Egypt-based Smart Aviation Company for two Q400 turboprop aircraft and options on another three. Bombardier estimates the value of the firm order is $62 million, but says that could increase to $158 million if the options are exercised. Founded in May 2007 as a corporate jet charter operator, Smart Aviation is establishing a commercial airline subsidiary and plans to use the Q400 turboprops for scheduled and charter services throughout the Middle East.
BELL 427 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2010-0866; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-065-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to inspect both sides of the tail-rotor driveshaft hanger bracket for cracks. If no cracks were found, operators would need to rework both sides of the hanger bracket before further flight, per the instructions of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 427-09-29, Rev. A (dated Nov. 17, 2009). If cracks were found, operators would have to replace the bracket before further flight.
The Lindbergh Foundation has awarded the 2010 Lindbergh Grant to Stephanie Mixson, of North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, N.C., for her project, “Conserving Energy and Freshwater by Harnessing Novel Saltwater Algae as a Biofuel Source.” Mixson is researching a biofuel candidate that will meet the specification for Jet A-1 and JP-8 using microalga Dunaliella spp. “To continue to be viable, the aviation industry must solve the problem of carbon emissions,” says John King, co-chairman of King Schools, Inc., and board member of the Lindbergh Foundation. “The work Ms.
Indian scientists are developing an intelligent micro air vehicle (MAV) to frighten birds away from civil and military airports. The MAV project, part of the National Program for micro air vehicles (NP-MICAV), is taking shape under Dr. K. Ramachandra, the CEO of NP-MICAV. He is also the former director of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment. The MAV will perform three roles: emit loud recorded bird-distress signals; release smoke/gas, and flash high-frequency stroboscopic light.
Bombardier executives are bracing for a continued sluggish business jet market in the second half of this year, but they are encouraged that orders continue to trend upward and believe they have the right production rates for the remainder of the year.
President Barack Obama is detailing a new approach to export controls policy that ranks U.S. exports by tiers, end-uses and end-users, and which the White House claims will “end most, if not all, jurisdictional disputes and ambiguities that have come to define our current system.” The U.S. Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) will be structured as “positive lists,” using objective criteria, such as horsepower, rather than subjective, catch-all lists designed around intent-based criteria.
Sept. 8-10—ALTA Aviation Law Americas Conference, Cancun, Mexico, www.alta.aero/aviationlaw/2010/ 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
DREW MCEWEN was named director of sales, Americas for Piper Aircraft. McEwen will lead Piper’s regional office in Vero Beach, Fla., working with dealers and agents throughout the Americas. He previously spent 28 years with Hawker Beechcraft, selling more the $1 billion in aircraft.
Sept. 1—International Aviation Club’s Luncheon Featuring Martin Chalk, European Cockpit Association, and John Prater, Air Line Pilots Association, International, The City Club of Washington, (202) 508-8997, [email protected] Sept. 1-3—U.K. Civil Aviation Authority’s Dangerous Goods Inspector Initial Training, Gatwick Airport, London, +44 (129) 357-3389, www.caainternational.com Sept. 4-6—Cleveland National Airshow featuring U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Burke Lakefront Airport, (216) 781-0747, www.clevelandairshow.com
Avtrak this week will open an office in Toluca, Mexico to support its expanding business in the Mexican and Latin American markets. Located in the new EOLO Plus, S.A. de C.V. facility at Toluca Airport, the office will support Avtrak’s customer service, operations and sales. Andrew Douglas, international sales and support manager for Avtrak, will manage the new office. Founded in 1996, Avtrak is based in Littleton, Colo., and also has offices in Wichita, Kan., and Lowell, Mass.
Haverfield Aviation has achieved International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) registration. The registration recognizes the company’s adherence to industry best safety practices, hazard analysis, risk assessments and international regulations and guidance. Based in Gettysburg, Pa., Haverfield Aviation provides aerial power line inspection and maintenance services internationally.
AgustaWestland has received a contract from the government of Panama for six AW139 medium-twin-engine helicopters. The contract also includes training. The government will use four of the AW139s for a range of national and public security roles. One will be used for utility missions, and the last AW139 will transport senior government officials and other VIPs. Powered by twin PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, the AW139 has a maximum cruise speed of 167 kt. and a range of more than 1,000 km. or an endurance of more than 5 hr. with auxiliary fuel.
Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) is entering a new era with the transition to the new president and chairman, Kurt Robinson. Robinson is the son of company founder Frank Robinson, who retired as president and chairman on Aug. 10. Robinson originally had planned to retire on his 80th birthday this past January. But he postponed the retirement until the design of the company’s new R66 Turbine was completed.
Max-Viz and One Sky Aviation have begun offering discounts for their enhanced vision system equipment to members of the Alaska Air Carriers and the Alaska Airmen’s Associations. The discounts, which start at 25% off manufacturer suggested prices, cover the Max-Viz EVS sensors and supplemental type certificated installation kits. The companies say the move is in response to a recent spike in statewide accidents.
Nigeria has achieved a Category 1 rating under FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, FAA says, adding this means that the African nation complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The IASA Category 1 rating was granted after a July FAA review of Nigeria’s civil aviation authority. With the rating, Nigerian air carriers may apply to operate to the U.S. with their own aircraft.
ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND Tay 650-15 and Tay 651-54 engines [Docket No. FAA-2007-0037; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-41-AD; Amendment 39-16404; AD 2010-17-12] – Inspect the stage 2 and stage 3 low-pressure (LP) turbine disks for corrosion, per the instructions of RRD Alert Service Bulletin No. TAY-72-A1524, Rev. 3 (dated March 24, 2010). If any corrosion is found, replace the affected parts.
Nextant Aerospace is nearing first flight of its 400XT aircraft with the beginning of full power ground runs of the aircraft with the Williams International FJ44-3AP engines. The Williams turbofans are replacing Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 engines on the Beechjet 400 A/XP as part of Nextant’s 400XT program.
X Jet FBO has joined the Avfuel network of branded dealers. X Jet will participate in the AVTRIP and Avfuel Contract Fuel programs. Based at Denver’s Centennial Airport (APA), X Jet FBO provides a range of amenities, including concierge service for lodging, ground and air travel. The facility also is equipped with climate-controlled hangar space, garage parking and maintenance facilities, meeting space, a pilot lounge and a fuel farm.
ALFONSO MONTANO was appointed as an administrative law judge for the National Transportation Safety Board. Montano previously spent 15 years as an administrative law judge with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration. He also has served as a trial attorney for the Department of Justice. He is a private pilot.
Gulfstream’s new G650 has exceeded .99 Mach during certification flight testing, the company said last week, helping pave the way to its goal of being the world’s fastest civilian aircraft. There are four G650s involved in flight trials now, with a fifth to join the test fleet soon. One of those “exceeded point 99 Mach by a fraction” during scheduled tests last week, company spokesman Jeff Miller says. A formal press release on the milestone event is expected to be issued soon. “We are very pleased with the way the aircraft are performing,” Miller says.
JDA Aviation Technology Solutions was selected to provide its 135 Pro certification service for Houston-based on-demand carrier Freedom Air Charter. The service is designed as a low-cost Part 135 certification support program, which includes tailored manuals, coaching, mentoring and training. The service includes a web-based application and document manager to enable the owner/operator to store and access all Part 135 requirements. Freedom Air Charter has operated under a single-pilot Part 135 certificate since February, but is taking steps to upgrade its certificate.
Kansas airports support more than 47,000 jobs, generate $2.3 billion in payroll and produce $10.4 billion in economic activity, according to a new report from the state Department of Transportation. The Kansas Aviation Economic Impact Study, funded by an FAA grant, looked at the impact of the state’s eight commercial and 132 general aviation airports. It focused on identifying economic benefits associated with the businesses and tenants located at the airports
India’s Mahindra Group is investing $20 million in its Australian subsidiary GippsAero Pty. Ltd. to help build the G10 Airvan, a 10-seat variant of the piston-powered GA8. The manufacturer also will spend money to launch the GA18, a new 18-seat turboprop.
