The heads of 18 aviation industry associations last week urged President Bush to avoid using a recess appointment to replace Marion Blakey as the next FAA Administrator.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is funding aviation projects in several African countries in an effort to strengthen regional ATM and communications structure, a USTDA official said.
Model F.28 Mark 0070, 0100, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-29030; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-284-AD] - This proposal, which resulted from an MCAI from the European Aviation Safety Agency, would require repetitive inspections of the fuel tanks. The FAA has proposed this AD to reduce the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. The FAA estimates that this proposed directive would affect 18 aircraft on the U.S.
Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-28923; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-133-AD] - Replace the main landing gear wheels' axle-nut and spacer with an integrated axle-nut/spacer assembly. Also, amend the Aircraft Maintenance Manual and Illustrated Parts Catalog to prevent installation of a separate axle-nut and spacer during future wheel changes.
An uncontained engine failure in a Bell 407 forced a Petroleum Helicopters Inc. pilot to ditch his aircraft in 6-to 10-foot waves in the Gulf of Mexico this month, but both the pilot and his passenger were able to escape the aircraft without injury.
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM'S Noise Compatibility Program is under review by FAA, which formally received the proposal Aug. 14. Public comments on the plan are due Oct 13. The agency previously approved the FAR Part 150 noise-exposure maps submitted by the city of Austin, Texas. The proposed noise program is to be approved or disapproved by Feb. 10, 2008. Comments and questions should be submitted to FAA's Paul Blackford, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5607.
SOLOY AVIATION SOLUTIONS delivered a portable heliport to the U.S. Coast Guard in Seward, Alaska. The heliport will provide access to Rugged Island for emergency crews and periodic antenna maintenance. The heliport was part of the USCG's program to overhaul its national distress communication systems. The heliport is designed with adjustable legs that allow it to be used in a variety of applications and terrain. Soloy offers three sizes to accommodate most light and medium helicopters.
S92-A helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2007-28971; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-32-AD; Amendment 39-15163; AD 2007-17-05] - Conduct borescope inspections of the tail-rotor pitch-change shaft and bearing assembly. This directive -- which was prompted by an incident in which the shaft and bearing assembly and servo clevis shaft failed and loss of tail rotor control occurred -- is intended to prevent possible loss of control of a helicopter. The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 34 helicopters on the U.S.
The National Business Aviation Association has begun to prepare its members for new security protocols and proposed requirements that the Transportation Security Administration is expected to release this fall. TSA director Kip Hawley told Congress in January that the agency was working on a "more robust" plan to ensure increased security for large general aviation aircraft (BA, Jan. 22/35), and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said earlier this summer that the department was working with general aviation groups to improve security (BA, June 25/284).
Flightline Group, Inc. began work on a new 26,000-square-foot regional service facility that is part of a four-year, $20 million expansion plan at the Tallahassee, Fla. Regional Airport (TLH). The facility, which Flightline said would be the largest general aviation construction project to be undertaken at the airport, will be used for servicing general aviation aircraft and the emerging new generation of light jets. The new center will be equipped with the latest-technology communication and management tools and include a technical library and parts sales.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer signed a contract Tuesday with Brazilian carrier BRA Transportes Aereos that could result in the sale of up to 75 aircraft.
Was named managing director, mergers and acquisitions advisory for CIT Group's Aerospace and Defense Finance unit. Phillips has 25 years of experience in the banking, aerospace and defense industries. He previously held positions with Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin, Hughes Electronics and TRW Space and Technology.
FAA has completed work on the first of its Beech 300 flight inspection aircraft to receive an avionics upgrade, with 17 others to follow. The aircraft - which are used to test navigation signals - will receive a new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics package. The remainder of the fleet will be upgraded over the next three years. As well as the improved avionics, the aircraft's lifespan will be extended.
Air taxi startup DayJet late last week was in the final stages of proving runs with its small fleet of Eclipse 500 Very Light Jets in preparation for the launch of commercial operations by the end of the month, founder, President and CEO Ed Iacobucci said last week. Completing the proving runs and adding the Eclipse aircraft to DayJet's Part 135 certificate are the final steps remaining for DayJet to begin its "per-seat" air taxi service, Iacobucci told BA in a telephone interview Thursday.
Model ERJ 170 airplanes and Model ERJ 190 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-28094; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-258-AD; Amendment 39-15148; AD 2007-16-09] - Supersedes an existing AD that applies to all Embraer Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, and -100 SU airplanes. The AD currently requires repetitively replacing the low-stage check valve and associated seals of the right-hand engine bleed system. This new AD adds airplanes to that existing requirement.
NORTH AMERICAN JET CHARTER GROUP, LLC, based at Chicago Executive Airport, Wheeling, Ill., received FAA clearance to launch Part 135 operations using the Eclipse 500. The company is marketing its "Q" (Quintessential Traveler) service, which officials claim is priced at half the traditional charter rate. North American expects to have a fleet of more than six Eclipse 500 Very Light Jets by the end of the year, expanding to more than 20 of the VLJs by the end of 2008.
CAE said it signed an agreement to buy Flightscape, a company that analyzes aircraft flight data seeking safety improvements. CAE will pay $18 million (C) for Flightscape, whose "core product and product service offerings are based on the gathering and analysis of aircraft flight data to deliver improved flight safety," CAE said. Flightscape offers a range of products and services related to flight operations quality assurance, flight data management, incident investigation and accident prevention.
A MODEL 35A LEARJET was substantially damaged when it ran off a runway after landing Aug. 11 on the island of Dominica in the southern Leeward Islands. The 1980 model aircraft, N500ND, was registered to World Jet of Delaware, Inc. and operated by World Jet II as a Part 135 charter flight. The aircraft had departed Saint John's Antigua Island for the 35-minute flight. The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board said the co-pilot was making the landing. On touchdown, he requested spoilers and noticed poor braking.
THE SALINA, KAN. AIRPORT AUTHORITY received an Aa3 rating from Moody's Investor Service, clearing the way for financing of a new hangar complex at the airport (SLN). The airport authority said it will use a portion of taxable general obligation notes to build the 69,000-square-foot hangar and office complex, part of the continuing expansion of facilities at SLN (BA, June 25/283). The new hangar will be able to accommodate aircraft with a wingspan of up to 100 feet and a tail height of up to 28 feet.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer reported sharply reduced net income for the second quarter, even though revenues were up over the same period a year ago. Embraer said net income was $67.3 million, compared with $139.1 million during the same period a year ago. Revenues rose from just under $1 billion in the second quarter of 2006 to $1.11 billion in the three months ended June 30. Monetary figures are expressed in U.S. dollars.
Named vice president, FBO operations, for Landmark Aviation. A 21-year business aviation veteran, Hopkins will be responsible for Landmark's network of 33 FBOs. He previously managed the FBO division's sales and marketing, fractional and airline relationships. He also managed five FBOs in the mid-Atlantic region. Hopkins is a commercial pilot with more than 3,500 hours. Hopkins is one of three senior level managers named to new posts with Landmark's network of FBOs, which were recently acquired by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE). See below.
ELLIOTT AVIATION is reaching outside the Elliot family for a new president for the first time in the company's 71-year history. Mick Harrison, who had a 27-year career with Bombardier, is assuming the roles of president and chief operating officer of Elliott, which operates FBOs and service centers in Moline, Ill., Des Moines, Iowa, Minneapolis, Minn. and Omaha, Neb. Wynn Elliott, son of company founders Herb and Arlene Elliott, remains chairman and chief executive. Harrison, a U.S.
THE LONG RUMORED pilot shortage has arrived, at least according to some Part 135 scheduled package carriers, who say they are seeing high rates of attrition in their pilot ranks and finding it difficult to hire replacements. Reports of senior company officials leaving their desks to fly the line are becoming more common as companies struggle to find ways to meet their schedule commitments.
