Model DHC-6 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27192; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-008-AD] - This proposed AD would require operators to incorporate into their aircraft's maintenance program the inspections, modifications or component retirement schedules specified in Bombardier Inc. (formerly de Havilland) DHC-6 Twin Otter Product Support Manual 1-6-11, Revision 6 (dated March 28, 2007).
Model 222, 222B and 222U helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2007-0178; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-20-AD] - This proposed AD would require operators to adjust the rigging of the tail-rotor pitch-change mechanism in accordance with the instructions of either Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 222-07-104 or 222U-07-75 (both dated January 9, 2007).
THE NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION warned the Federal Aviation Administration that a possible requirement for a certified mechanic to clear every Extended Operations (ETOPS) flight would prevent most Part 135 operators from flying the longer routes. NATA and other GA groups appealed to FAA to provide more time and make changes before implementing ETOPS requirements. See article below.
Responding to requests by a variety of aviation associations, the FAA has decided to extend by 60 days the comment period for its proposed rule regarding the performance requirements for Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) avionics. Groups requesting extension of the deadline to March 3 ranged from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to various air carrier organizations, including the Regional Airline Association (RAA) and the Air Transport Association (ATA).
DASSAULT this month handed over the 400th Falcon 900 - a Falcon 900DX - to CITIC, China's largest state-owned financial services holding company. The aircraft was delivered Nov. 12 in Beijing. The Falcon 900 was unveiled during the Paris Air Show in 1983 and the first aircraft flew in September 1984. The three-engine Model 900 aircraft was designed to provide transatlantic range and a larger cabin than most business jets then offered for the business traveler.
Named senior vice president and chief operating officer of Jeppesen, where he will have overall responsibility for operating Jeppesen's service units, including those charged with developing and delivering navigational data, technology, human resources, quality and business operations and training services. Thomann had been serving both as senior vice president of training for Jeppesen and chief operating officer for Alteon, which like Jeppesen is a subsidiary of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.
Eclipse Aviation made its first sale in the ab initio flight training market with a contract for 12 Eclipse 500 jets to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Flight Academy (DAEFA). The contract calls for Eclipse to deliver the aircraft beginning in 2008.
EMIRATES-CAE FLIGHT TRAINING (ECFT) received a contract from Abu Dhabi-based Prestige Jet for Hawker and Gulfstream business jet training. The agreement calls for ECFT to provide classroom and simulator training in Hawker 800/800XP and Gulfstream full-flight simulators. ECFT also will provide crew resource management and safety and emergency procedures training.
Named general manager of TAC Air's fixed-base operation at the Eppley Airfield Airport in Omaha, Neb. Wilwerding has served with TAC Air since 1993, beginning as a mechanic. He most recently was assistant manager of TAC Air - Omaha. He also has worked in the automotive industry.
THE ISSUE of lead emissions from aviation gasoline-powered aircraft "has been blown out of proportion to the actual scale of the problem," the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association told the Environmental Protection Agency. In comments to a Friends of the Earth petition seeking a study and/or curbs on avgas use (BA, Nov. 19/231), RACCA noted that current and proposed solutions are not practicable for phasing out 100LL avgas, adding that market conditions will not support the modification of the older reciprocating engine aircraft.
Makila 1A and 1A1 turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2007-0157; Directorate Identifier 2001-NE-23-AD] - This proposed AD would require replacement of the selector-comparator board in the electronic control unit (ECU) with a board incorporating Turbomeca modification TU 250. This proposal was issued in response to several recent unexplained reversions of the ECU to the 65% N1 back-up mode. The FAA has proposed this AD to prevent dual-engine reversion of the ECU to the 65% N1 back-up mode, which could lead to the inability of the pilots to continue safe flight.
Joined the executive management team of RTI International Metals, Inc. as senior vice president - strategic planning and finance. Strome, 52, will be responsible for strategic planning and business development, treasury, and investor relations. He will report to Dawne S. Hickton, vice chairman and chief executive officer of RTI, which is headquartered in Niles, Ohio. Strome was previously a principal at Laurel Mountain Partners, L.L.C., a private equity firm.
Model 430 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2007-0177; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-19-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 430-07-39 (dated January 9, 2007). Also, if either at full-left pedal position or full-right pedal position a gap were discovered between the tail-rotor yoke and the flapping stop, operators would have to replace the tail-rotor yoke with an airworthy one.
The Macquarie Group plans to extend its reach into the aviation services business with a deal between two of its investment groups to buy a 45 percent financial interest in Universal Weather and Aviation. A consortium comprising Macquarie Capital Alliance Group and Macquarie Global Opportunities Partners signed a "strategic partnership" agreement with Houston-based Universal. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close within 60 days, were not disclosed.
CONGRESS appears poised to pass yet another extension of aviation excise taxes and FAA reauthorization since little progress has been made on a long-term FAA reauthorization bill. Congress earlier this month passed a measure extending the current authorization and existing aviation taxes through Dec. 14 (BA, Nov. 12/215). That followed the earlier extension passed in late September (BA, Oct. 8/162). Congressional leaders are said to be preparing the third extension, which would carry the authorization into 2008.
British engine maker Rolls-Royce will build a new plant in Virginia to manufacture the new RB282 engine for Dassault Falcon's new super midsize jet, and a plant in Singapore to assemble and test the manufacturer's large airliner powerplants, the company said Tuesday. The company said it expects to make a total investment of some $300 million over the next five years to build the new plants and bring them into full operation.
CRAIG AIR CENTER (CAC) joined the Avfuel network of branded dealers. Based at Craig Municipal Airport in Jacksonville, Fla., CAC is participating in Avfuel's AVTRIP and Contract Fuel programs. Avfuel will provide marketing support and other business tools to CAC. CAC is a full service center with hangar space to accommodate Gulfstreams and Falcons. The facility includes lounge areas, a pilot's lounge, flight-planning areas, on-site car rentals, a range of line services, maintenance staff, an on-site parts department, plus aircraft sales, management and charter.
Joined Gulfstream Aerospace as director of initial phase procurement, managing the acquisition of materials used in the initial phase of manufacturing. Jefferson previously spent 21 years with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich., most recently as director of purchasing information management and systems for all global Ford operations and brands. She also was director of vehicle procurement operations for Ford's European operations and director of body and exterior commodity management.
Both pilots and eight passengers onboard a new Bombardier Global 5000 business jet escaped serious injury last week after the aircraft touched down short of the runway. The aircraft, which was carrying Ron Joyce, the co-founder of Tim Hortons, the Canadian doughnut shop chain, was attempting to land at the Fox Harb'r Resort at Fox Harbor, Nova Scotia after a flight from Hamilton, Ontario on the afternoon of Nov. 11.
GARMIN INTERNATIONAL won Supplemental Type Certificate approval from FAA for use of the G1000 avionics suite in the King Air C90A/GT. The Olathe, Kan. avionics manufacturer said the STC is its first for a G1000 retrofit, paving the way for future G1000 retrofits installations in aircraft such as the King Air 200 and B200. The G1000 suite integrates all primary flight information, navigation data, communications, terrain awareness, traffic, weather and engine instruments and two 10.4-inch primary flight displays.
EMIRATES-CAE FLIGHT TRAINING (ECFT) entered an agreement to provide flight training for the UAE's Empire Aviation Group (EAG). EAG was established this year to manage the regional aviation interests of Emirates Investment Group and provide business aviation services. The company was named a regional distributor for Hawker Beechcraft. ECFT will provide training using its Hawker 800/800XP full-flight simulator as well as classroom instruction.
Was recently appointed vice president of government relations and corporate responsibility for NetJets, Inc., the nation's largest fractional aircraft operator. Powell has a background in economic development and the law. Most recently he was a principal in SZD Whiteboard, a subsidiary of the Schottenstein Zox & Dunn law firm. Powell previously served as president and chief executive officer of Complete Columbus, a regional economic development organization.
