The administrator overseeing the affairs of Thielert Aircraft Engines (T.A.E.) since it went into insolvency in April expressed confidence last week that strategic investors will be found to keep the company operating, even as T.A.E.’s parent firm also filed for insolvency.
BOMBARDIER FLEXJET is adding new Challenger 605s to its Flexjet fractional fleet. Flexjet plans to add 24 new aircraft this year as part of an effort to keep down the average age of the overall fleet. In addition to 605s, Flexjet is adding Challenger 300s and Learjet 60 XRs. Flexjet said the average age of the aircraft in the Flexjet fleet is 3.4 years.
ONCE THE SENATE irons out ongoing disputes over certain provisions included in an FAA reauthorization compromise agreement, it then will have to deal with dozens of amendments to the bill. Well over 60 amendments were filed for consideration, although many of them may be withdrawn before they reach the floor. The amendments cover a host of issues, ranging from alcohol testing to airport grants and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
The Senate Tuesday is scheduled to hold a second vote to limit debate on long-term FAA reauthorization in an attempt to save the legislation that has become entangled in a partisan battle over a few last-minute amendments that were attached to the bill. A promising revival for the long-awaited compromise on FAA reauthorization evaporated last week after the White House threatened a veto and Senate Republicans vowed to block progress on the bill to protest new measures that Senate Democrats attached to the agreement.
SAAB/SAAB-FAIRCHILD SF340A and 340B airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-29248; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-155-AD; Amendment 39-15487; AD 2008-09-06] – Requires revising the “Airworthiness Limitations” section of the “Instructions for Continued Airworthiness” to incorporate new limitations on the fuel tank systems. This AD resulted from an MCAI issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency. The FAA estimates that this directive will affect 144 airplanes on the U.S. Registry and cost U.S. operators a total of $11,520, or $80 per airplane. This AD goes into effect June 2.
BRIAN SEAGRAVE was named vice president of homeland security for Raytheon Company. Seagrave joined Raytheon from Unisys Federal Systems, where he most recently was partner-general manager of border security. He also served as vice president of Homeland Security for Unisys, and with Computer Sciences Corporation and DynMcDermott Petroleum Operations Company.
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BEVERLY GASKIN joined the CAPS Research Board of Trustees. Gaskin is executive vice president of supply management at Rolls-Royce North America, where she develops supply chain strategies and policies with suppliers and is responsible for optimizing supply chain value across several Rolls-Royce businesses in the U.S. CAPS Research is a supply management research organization affiliated with the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
DASSAULT Falcon 2000 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2008-0116; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-257-AD; Amendment 39-15474; AD 2008-08-20] – This AD requires removal and modification of the wing anti-ice telescopic tubes in accordance with the instructions of Zodiac Service Bulletins 5035-30-001 and 5035-30-002 (both dated April 15, 2002). This AD was prompted by the discovery of temperature-induced cracking of these rings.
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA Model 230 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2008-0450; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-39-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to adjust the rigging of the tail-rotor pitch change mechanism in accordance with the instructions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 230-07-36 (dated Jan. 9, 2007).
AVIATION’S IMPACT on the environment will continue as a key issue on Capitol Hill as the House aviation subcommittee Tuesday holds a hearing on aviation emissions. The hearing has been scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building. Dan Elwell, FAA’s assistant administrator for policy, planning and environment, is among those scheduled to testify.
JOHN SCHNEIDER was appointed director of finance for Aero Precision Industries. Schneider formerly served as the senior financial executive for Barbosa Cabinets. He has a background in finance, accounting and management consulting.
DORNIER LUFTFAHRT Model 228-100, -101, -200, -201, -202 and -212 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2008-0197 Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-005-AD; Amendment 39-15467; AD 2008-08-15] – Requires a visual inspection of the inner structure of the rudder and elevator for signs of corrosion, de-bonded primer or any other surface-protection deviation. Discovery of corrosion beyond an acceptable level or areas with de-bonded primer must be reported to the manufacturer.
JIM GALLAGHER , a veteran of more than 20 years with Gulfstream Aerospace, was named to lead the Gulfstream G650 entry-into-service (EIS) program. The G650 will be the newest and most expensive model in the company’s business jet lineup. It is scheduled to enter service in 2012 (BA, March 17/118). As EIS program director, Gallagher will coordinate with Gulfstream departments and suppliers to establish the processes and support systems to ensure a smooth market delivery for the G650.
MICHAEL P. GAFFNEY was selected by FirstFlight, Inc. of Emira/Corning, N.Y. to head a new division focusing on aircraft financial services. The new unit, called JetEquity Solutions, will provide services such as lease vs. buy analysis, identification and negotiation of optimal financing structure, securing credit approval and ensuring acceptable terms, conditions and documentation to FirstFlight clients and others in the corporate aviation marketplace.
JET AVIATION formed a strategic partnership with Elite Jets in Dubai, UAE to offer aircraft management and charter services in the Middle East. Elite Jets was established in 2004 and has worked with Jet Aviation for some time, but the new agreement strengthens those cooperative efforts and expands the range of the services between the two companies.
BARBARA KNOX was named controller for Executive Beechcraft in Kansas City, Mo., with responsibility for all aspects of financial management for the company’s four Midwest fixed-base locations. She holds a degree from the University of Texas Dallas and previously served a controller/director of finance for Trabon Printing of Kansas City. Executive Beechcraft was acquired last year by BBA Aviation.
SANTA MONICA city officials last week charged that FAA was displaying a “tombstone mentality” in trying to set aside the city’s ordinance banning Class C and D business jets at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO). The city argued that its actions to implement the ordinance are legal. “The law does not require Santa Monica to suffer a catastrophe in order to qualify to meet FAA runway standards.” See article on Page 194.
MARK KARLS was appointed director of the Dallas Service Center for Bombardier Aerospace. The 100,000-square-foot facility at Love Field offers full maintenance and repair capabilities for Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets and also provides interior refurbishment of aircraft cabins. Karls is a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic who holds a degree in aviation maintenance technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He previously worked for Gulfstream Aerospace and Savannah Air Center.
Business aviation groups warned large business jet operators late last week that they could face up to a $1,000 fine for operating at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) in California even though the Federal Aviation Administration has ordered the City of Santa Monica to halt enforcement of a partial jet ban there. FAA on Wednesday issued an interim “Cease and Desist” order calling on Santa Monica city officials to set aside an ordinance that prohibits Class C and D business jets – those with approach speeds greater than 121 knots – from operating at the airport.
MAJESTIC JET, INC., a jet charter and aircraft management firm based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., received its Part 135 air carrier certificate from FAA. The company, founded by a team of veteran charter pilots last year, operates Gulfstream Astra G100s and Bombardier Model 55 Learjets.
The abrupt removal of Frank Thielert from the diesel engine company he founded, and the company’s filing for insolvency last week, left a number of manufacturers wondering where they will get diesel powerplants for their aircraft.
A group of former JetBlue and other airline executives are laying the groundwork to launch a new charter and private ownership company that will operate Embraer Phenoms (BA, April 21/175). The founders of the new company, JetSuite, ordered 50 Phenom 100s and placed options for up to 50 more aircraft from the Phenom family. JetSuite executives said the order will make the company the largest operator of Phenoms in the U.S. and the first fleet operator on the West Coast.
Although the new Mitsubishi MRJ70/90 aircraft family has a launch customer in ANA, the technology being offered may not be enough to differentiate it in the marketplace, Embraer CEO Fred Curado said.
