DASSAULT Falcon 7X airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0760; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-086-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to reinforce the rear fuel tank by bonding a titanium shield plate on the tank structure above the Light Sensor System (LSS) antenna connector, per the instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin 7X-104 (dated Oct. 30, 2009).
Hawker Beechcraft has developed a package of upgrades, including Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), for Beechcraft Baron and Bonanza aircraft. The upgrades will be available this month both for production aircraft and as a retrofit for Barons and Bonanzas equipped with Garmin G1000 flight management systems that include Wide Area Augmentation System capabilities. The retrofits will be installed through Hawker Beechcraft’s factory-owned service center network.
Duncan Aviation and Greenwich AeroGroup have joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. The new additions have increased the association’s membership to 69 companies. Lincoln, Neb.-based Duncan Aviation provides completions, maintenance and modification services for general aviation aircraft through a network of more than 20 facilities across the U.S. Greenwich AeroGroup manufactures parts and provides avionics installation and repair, completions and aircraft interior refurbishment at 10 locations.
Aircell has received a contract to equip more than 250 NetJets midsize and large-cabin business aircraft with Aircell High Speed Internet service. The NetJets contract is the largest order that Aircell has received for the service. In addition, Aircell expects to equip all future NetJets aircraft, including light-cabin models, with the service.
Aug. 10-13—Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International & Flight International: Unmanned Systems North America 2009, Washington, (703) 845-9671, www.auvsi.org/events Aug. 14-17—2010 Air Carriers Purchasing Conference, www.acpc.com Aug. 16-20—Terrapinn’s Aviation Outlook Africa, BMW Pavilion Convention Center, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 (11) 463-6001, www.terrapinn.com/2010/aviationza Aug. 17-18—NATA Commercial Operators Tax Seminar, Indianapolis, www.nata.aero/Event.aspx?page=1354§ionid=553
The White House is undertaking an initiative to help boost American jobs, including considering options to help prevent them from going overseas, according to The Washington Post. The Post reported last week that President Obama released a memo to House Democrats that outlines potential means—including raising the taxes of multinational firms that ship jobs out of the U.S.—to help encourage creation of more jobs in the U.S.
Concorde Battery Corporation has developed a new battery, the RG-12LSA, designed specifically for light-sport aircraft (LSA). The small, lightweight sealed lead-acid battery will permit “hazmat-exempt” shipping and will not spill at any altitude. The RG-12LSA also is designed to meet the heavy loads required while starting an LSA.
FAYE GOODYEAR was appointed marketing communications manager, Europe, Middle East and Asia, for Hawker Beechcraft. Goodyear will coordinate marketing efforts within those regions, including advertising, direct mail, promotions and exhibitions. She formerly provided international sales support for the company.
JOHN (JAY) GIBSON II has joined Hawker Beechcraft as vice president, U.S. and international government business and administration. Gibson is responsible for the finance organization of the government business unit and is a member of the business development team. He formerly was assistant secretary for financial management and comptroller for the U.S. Air Force. He also has served as a deputy undersecretary of defense.
VIKING AIR LIMITED (BOMBARDIER) DHC-7 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0699; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-236-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to revise the “Airworthiness Limitations” section of the “Instructions for Continued Airworthiness” to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems.
The business aviation manufacturing segment continues to limp along toward a tepid recovery in the latest round of earnings releases and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s most recent shipment report. GAMA reported last week that deliveries were down by about 6% in the second quarter and almost 10% in the first half. Billings actually increased by $20 million to $9.4 billion in the first half, but general aviation deliveries fell under the 1,000 mark in the first half of the year with 937 shipments.
Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research has developed an Aging General Aviation Education & Training website designed to provide a single access point for type-specific aging GA aircraft maintenance information. The site is intended to provide the general aviation community with information needed to maintain older aircraft. Users can access articles and resources on most makes and models of aging aircraft to determine whether a problem is common with a particular airplane.
The Westchester Aviation Association (WAA) is planning a General Aviation Expo Sept. 25 with two fixed-base operations, part of a continuing effort to reach out to the community and combat efforts to curtail operations at Westchester County Airport (HPN) in New York.
EMBRAER EMB-135, -145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP and -145EP airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2009-0716; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-212-AD; Amendment 39-16378; AD 2010-16-02] – Conduct an external detailed inspection for corrosion of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) auxiliary and center mounting rods and rod ends. If corrosion is found, remove it and apply an anti-corrosive treatment to the mounting rods, or replace them, as necessary, per the instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 145-49-0034, Rev. 01 or 145LEG-49-0008, Rev. 02 (both dated Sept.
EMBRAER EMB-500 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0754; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-039-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to rework the elevator, elevator trim tab and aileron surfaces by drilling additional drain holes in them, per the instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 500-57-0001 (dated April 28, 2010).
Fractional ownership pioneer Richard Santulli and former NetJets Europe CEO William Kelly have resurfaced in the aviation industry with a newly established helicopter and business jet leasing firm, Milestone Aviation Group. The company last week announced it has secured $500 million in equity capital commitments to formally launch the business. The Jordan Company, a middle-market private equity firm, is the leading investor with equity firm Nautic Partners.
Neff Capital Management, a Miami-based private equity firm that focuses on aviation, has acquired Complete Turbine Services (CTS), a provider of low-cost engine performance restoration services for commercial aircraft. CTS, which holds FAA and EASA repair station certificates, operates out of a 37,000-sq.-ft. facility at Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. CTS founder Konrad Walter will remain president of the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
SHANNON TAYLOR IWANSKI was promoted to director, international phase procurement, for Gulfstream Aerospace. Iwanski previously was senior manager of advanced procurement for the Gulfstream G650. Before that, she was senior manager, G450/G550 powerplant, avionics and major structures. Before joining Gulfstream in 1997, she was a sales and marketing representative at New Sulzer Diesel in Savannah, Ga.
Chris O’Callaghan, vice president of eMedia for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, died Aug. 4 in a midair collision in Uvalde, Texas, the association reports. O’Callaghan’s Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2bx sailplane collided with another sailplane as he was returning from an aerial contest circuit. The other plane, while damaged, landed safely.
RUSS BARTLETT was appointed director, U.S. and international business development, for Hawker Beechcraft. Bartlett will direct the government business domestic and international development teams. Previously, he was the government business development regional executive for Europe and India.
Cessna Aircraft is working with Fargo, N.D.-based Spectrum Aeromed to develop a medical transport version of the Citation Mustang. Spectrum Aeromed is seeking a supplemental type certificate for a medical interior and patient loading system that the company designed for the Mustang. Spectrum based the medical configuration on its 2200 series advanced life support system and includes storage provisions and a customized manual loading system.
BOMBARDIER Regional Jet 100, 440, 700, 701, 702, 705 and 900 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0703; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-040-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to modify the Air-Driven Generator (ADG) by replacing the existing power feeder wires with tin-plated electrical wires, replacing the backshell and reorienting the ADG cannon plug to reduce bending stress on the harness assembly.
Pinehurst, N.C.-based EmptyLegMarket LLC, an online clearinghouse for empty-leg flights, has expanded its service outside of the U.S. Customers can now search for empty-leg charter flights throughout Canada, Europe, the Middle East, South America and the Caribbean.
Falcon 7X airplanes equipped with an Enhanced Flight Visibility System (EFVS) are subject to special certification conditions recently issued by the FAA. The agency said the EFVS’s head-up display, which has been modified to show forward-looking infrared imagery, is a “novel or unusual design feature” for which the applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards.
