ROCKWELL COLLINS realigned its leadership in a move that Chairman, President and CEO Clay Jones said would further integrate the company’s operations. Rockwell Collins formed a new International and Service Solutions organization that combines elements of the former Services and International businesses. Greg Churchill, who had been executive vice president and chief executive officer for the company, will head the new organization as executive vice president.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT Model 390 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0158; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-006-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to inspect the essential bus lightning-strike protection for proper installation of metal oxide varistor (MOV) and spark gap wiring. This proposal also would require operators to rework the wiring as necessary to achieve the required lightning strike/surge protection, per the instructions of Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 24-3995 (issued September 2009).
CAE is launching a new family of affordable helicopter-mission simulators for the civil helicopter market. The first CAE 3000 Series simulator will be available for training by the summer. The series will provide training for various missions, such as offshore, emergency medical services law enforcement, long line, high-altitude and corporate, among others. The 3000 Series is designed to provide a simulator training option in a market that typically trains in aircraft, CAE noted.
CESSNA completed its acquisition of the remaining 8 percent interest in fractional and charter operation CitationAir. Originally called CitationShares, the operator was founded in 2000 as a 50-50 joint venture between Cessna and TAG Aviation Holding. Cessna has over time increased its stake in the company. The acquisition comes just months after CitationShares changed its name to CitationAir by Cessna to reflect the integration of its various business lines, as well as a closer relationship with parent company Cessna (BA, Oct. 12/159).
Reps. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) and Chris Carney (D-Pa.) last week began the process to jump-start a measure to extend the bonus depreciation incentive that expired at the end of December. The lawmakers sent a letter to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) and ranking member Dave Camp (R-Mich.) Feb. 23 requesting support for the extension specifically for aircraft purchases.
Deliveries of turbine-powered civil helicopters declined 16 percent in 2009 and should continue to contract through 2011 as weak order intake, high inventories and tight credit conditions keep an industry recovery at bay, according to Honeywell Aerospace’s latest helicopter forecast. When adding in the military market, Rolls-Royce predicted more upside for long-term growth.
March 2-3 – 2010 Air Charter Safety Foundation Symposium, Marriott Westfields, Chantilly, Va., www.acfs.aero March 2-4 – Airports Council International-NA and American Association of Airport Executives Spring Washington Conference, Washington, D.C., www.aci-na.org, www.aaae.org March 9-10 – 35th Annual FAA Aviation Forecast Conference, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C., http://www.faa.gov/news/conferences_events/aviation_forecast_2010/
SENTIENT JET has been named the official private jet partner of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Under the deal, Sentient will sponsor two events: the 1.45m Show Jumping Series and the Children’s Hunter Horse Division. Sentient also will offer its Sentient Jet Membership Plus card services to attendees and participants.
NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. NATA began in 1940 as the National Air Training Association by general aviation advocates concerned about potential plans of the U.S. Army to ground private flying activity. In 1944 the association became National Aviation Trades Association, and, two years later, established a permanent office in Washington, D.C.
EMBRAER ERJ 190-100 LR, -100 IGW, -100 STD, -200 STD, -200 LR and -200 IGW airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2009-0418; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-020-AD; Amendment 39-16201; AD 2010-04-08] – Perform a detailed inspection of the left and right wing rib and spars I, II and III flanges to detect cracking or deformation, per the instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 190-57-0023 (dated June 9, 2008). If any cracking or deformation is detected, send the inspection results and a request for repair instructions to the aviation authority of Brazil and Embraer.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT in Virginia has become the latest Avfuel-branded dealer. Under the deal, the airport now offers both the AVTRIP rewards program and the Avfuel Contract Fuel program for jet fuel savings. Recently remodeled, the general aviation facility provides a range of amenities, including flight planning with WSI, phone/data lines, a pilot lounge and sleep room, a pilot kitchen, and conference room.
LARRY ALEXANDRE was appointed chief executive of Sagem Avionics, Inc., the U.S.-based sales and marketing arm of Sagem. Alexandre joined Sagem parent Safran in 2005 as chief operating officer for Turbomeca USA. In 2008 he became COO for Turbomeca, which included Turbomeca do Brasil and Turbomeca Canada. He also has held operations, sales and marketing positions with Teleflex Aerospace.
Canada-based Viking Air recently began flight testing the first new Twin Otter to be produced since de Havilland Canada ended production in 1988. First flight came shortly before Canadian supplemental type certification is expected and just weeks after Viking Air opened its new 84,000-square-foot facility in Victoria, British Columbia, to support production of the DHC-6 Series Twin Otter, along with ongoing customer support of de Havilland legacy aircraft (BA, Feb. 8/61).
AGUSTAWESTLAND signed a contract with Italy’s Esperia Aviation Services S.p.A. to provide four helicopters – two AW119Ke single-engine rotorcraft, one Grand light twin and one AW139 medium twin. The helicopters will be used for passenger transport.
LEE BOWES was named Southwest regional manager for Duncan Aviation. He will work with operators in Nevada, Arizona and Southern California. Bowes has served with Duncan Aviation since 1999, beginning as a marketing specialist. He later joined the company’s Component Solutions team and organized the Duncan Aviation Straight Talk Live tour.
PREMIAIR plans to open a redeveloped heliport facility this spring at Battersea, near London’s West End. Builders Weston Home formally handed over the site Feb. 11, paving the way for PremiAir to transfer operations to the new passenger terminal over the next few weeks. Once completed, the old terminal will be demolished to provide additional apron space. The terminal is directly linked to the new Hotel Verta, which is owned by PremiAir parent company Essen Hotels. The hotel will formally open this summer.
MIKE MARCUM was appointed field technical representative and Falcon 900 Series model specialist for Dassault Falcon. Marcum will be based in St. Louis and work with Falcon customers in the Midwest, including North and South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. A 30-year aviation veteran, he spent 24 years with a large corporate flight department, most recently as a flight engineer overseeing the maintenance of a fleet of 11 aircraft that included seven Falcons.
PIPER PA-32R-301T and PA-46-350P airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0122; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-067-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to replace any spot-welded V-band exhaust coupling with a riveted V-band exhaust coupling. This proposed AD, which resulted from reports that spot-welded V-band exhaust couplings are failing, is intended to prevent the exhaust pipe from detaching from the turbocharger, which could result in the release of high-temperature gases inside the engine compartment and a possible in-flight fire.
THE SENATE may take up the long-term reauthorization bill by the end of the week, aviation lobbyists believe. Several Senate leaders, including Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), have promised to take action by the end of March (BA, Feb. 22/81). But since the latest temporary reauthorization extension expires at the end of the month, key senators are believed to be pushing for consideration sooner to provide the House and Senate time to work out the remaining differences between their bills.
THIELERT TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 engines [Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD] – This proposal would require operators to replace the existing Proportional pressure reducing valve (PPRV) with a new PPRV and install a vibration isolator in the gearbox assembly. This proposed AD, which resulted from an MCAI issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency, was prompted by inflight engine shutdowns involving Diamond DA 42 airplanes equipped with TAE 125 engines.
FAA will delve into the latest research on civil supersonic aircraft at a meeting scheduled April 21 in Baltimore. The meeting, which will include presentations of various current research programs, is designed to “raise public awareness of the continuing technological advances in supersonic aircraft technology aimed at reducing the intensity of sonic boom.” Supersonic flight over land has been banned in the U.S., primarily out of concern over the noise from the sonic boom.
DELTA AIRELITE BUSINESS JETS added a Citation Ultra to its charter fleet. Based in Columbia, Mo., the nine-passenger Citation Ultra joins the Delta AirElite fleet through an aircraft management agreement. The addition continues the growth of the charter and management company. Delta AirElite last month doubled its size with the acquisition of Kinston, N.C.-based Segrave Aviation (BA, Jan. 25/38). That acquisition also provided Delta AirElite with online booking and flight management technology expertise.
GENERAL AVIATION received support from an Austin, Texas lawmaker who was reacting to the Feb. 18 crash of a Piper PA-28 into an Internal Revenue Service building in Austin. The fiery crash, said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), “reminds us that we are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks.” McCaul, however, noted that the pilot was a troubled individual who was not connected with any terrorist networks.
SICLI Halon 1211 portable fire extinguishers [Docket No. FAA-2010-0126; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-015-AD; Amendment 39-16209; AD 2010-04-16] – Replace certain SICLI-manufactured portable fire extinguishers with serviceable fire extinguishers. This AD, which resulted from an MCAI originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency, was prompted by the discovery that significant quantities of Halon 1211 gas used in these fire extinguishers do not meet specifications, could have reduced fire-suppression qualities and might emit toxic fumes.
