Model EMB-135, -145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP and -145EP airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-26354; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-196-AD; Amendment 39-15095; AD 2007-12-17] - This new AD requires replacing the metallic tubes enclosing the vent and pilot valve wires in the left- and right-hand wing fuel tanks with nonconductive hoses. The FAA issued this AD to prevent having an ignition source inside the fuel tank that could ignite fuel vapor and cause a fuel tank explosion and loss of the airplane. This AD affects about 623 airplanes on the U.S.
ARINC DIRECT added Flight Explorer's graphical aircraft situation display (ASD) to its portfolio of flight operations services. ARINC will resell Flight Explorer's FE Professional flight tracking ASD to its business jet customer base. FE Professional incorporates multiple data feeds, dynamic weather overlays, situational alerts, and predictive weather and air traffic tools to make it an essential flight operations management tool. ARINC Direct also offers cabin and cockpit communications, flight planning, weather and NOTAM information and runway analysis services.
CAE reached a 20-year agreement with Bombardier to serve as the authorized training provider for Bombardier Global 5000, Global Express XRS and Challenger 300 aircraft. Bombardier and CAE will work together to provide pilot and maintenance training that includes Bombardier's Original Equipment Manufacturer courseware and CAE simulation trainers. Both CAE and Bombardier will provide the programs. CAE will install a Global Express simulator in its United Kingdom training center at Burgess Hill near London.
Viking Air Ltd., the company that recently launched a program to produce new models of the DHC-6 Twin Otter utility aircraft, said its orderbook has grown to 40 with receipt of a contract from a Middle Eastern operator.
ROCKWELL COLLINS won certification for its cabin management system (CMS) on current production Falcon business jets. The all-digital CMS is standard equipment on the 7X and F900EX/DX and offered as an option on the F2000EX/DX/LX.
Was promoted to vice president of Tampa International Jet Center in Tampa, Fla. Peterson joined the TIJC start-up team in 2004 as accounting manager. President Phil Botana said Peterson used her strong accounting background and accounting skills to establish the company's administrative systems, human resource processes and internal controls. "Judi's incredible dedication and long hours during our early days of operation make her very worthy of this promotion," Botana said.
Models C90A, B200, B200C, B300 and B300C airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27071; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-004-AD; Amendment 39-15084; AD 2007-12-06] - This AD supersedes an existing one that requires operators to inspect the flight controls for improper assembly or damage and take appropriate corrective actions. This new AD adds airplane serial numbers that were not previously included in the applicability.
Dassault Falcon is planning to further expand its facilities in Little Rock, Ark. to keep up with its growing orderbook for Falcon business jets. The $20 million expansion includes another 116,000 square feet of production, design and warehouse space at Little Rock, which already encompasses 711,000 square feet.
The Federal Aviation Administration last week released its concept of operations for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), while government and industry leaders urged Congress to find funding before the agency's authorization runs out Sept. 30. "We've got 109 days, guys, to get it done, so let's get at it," FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told a packed gathering of Capitol Hill lawmakers, staff and industry representatives.
Was promoted to senior director - asset valuation for Avitas, Inc. of Chantilly, Va. De Jounge joined the aviation consulting and asset appraisal firm in July 2005 as director of asset valuation after 17 years with Boeing and Douglas Aircraft Co.
EPIC AIRCRAFT made a successful first flight of its Elite twin-engine Very Light Jet this month. The aircraft, which is powered by two William FJ33-4 engines, flew June 7, taking off from the manufacturer's facilities in Bend, Ore. Company officials say the carbon-fiber aircraft will have a range of more than 1,600 miles at economy cruise.
Was named managing director, airport affairs, for the Air Transport Association. McKee will oversee the association's airport relationships and act as a liaison between airlines and airports. McKee is joining ATA from Centerplate, Inc., where she was responsible for the company's risk-management programs, including insurance, safety and security.
CAE won a contract to provide an Embraer 145 full-flight simulator for Hainan Airlines of China. The simulator is scheduled for delivery in 2008 to the carrier's training center in Sanya, the southernmost city in Hainan province. CAE also will provide a Simfinity integrated procedures trainer and virtual simulators.
Model 390 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-28068; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-043-AD] - The proposed AD would require inspecting the starter-generators to determine the serial number and suffix letter (which indicates if the part is defective) of each and replacing any defective starter-generator with one of a new design. This proposal results from reports of a manufacturing error where certain starter-generators may have been improperly shimmed.
Joined Flight Display Systems (FDS) as Southeast sales manager. His territory includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia. Hala, who was formerly a flight instructor at PDK Flight Academy in Atlanta, is a veteran of the Army National Guard. He holds commercial and military ratings and is a graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich.
PRESIDENT BUSH met Friday in Wichita with Russ Meyer, chairman emeritus of Cessna Aircraft, but airplanes were not the primary reason for Bush's visit to the Air Capital of the World. Meyer invited Bush to visit a new $8 million Boys & Girls Club facility in one of Wichita's poorer neighborhoods, a neighborhood where Cessna and Meyer have been active in trying to make things better for nearly 20 years. The Boys & Girls Club is part of a planned $30 million complex that will include a childhood learning center, an elementary and middle school, and a clinic.
Model DA 42 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27708; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-027-AD; Amendment 39-15083; AD 2007-12-05] - Check for proper operation of the auxiliary fuel tank venting system, check for damage to the fuel tanks' structure, install ventilation holes in the filler caps' fitting, and make a temporary revision to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
SULLIVAN HIGDON & SINK (SHS), the veteran Wichita advertising and public relations agency, won the first-ever Pro-Comm Silver Sledgehammer Creative Team of the Year award at the Business Marketing Association's annual convention last week in Las Vegas. BMA officials cited the creative work SHS has done for Cessna Aircraft and praised the firm's ability to make visual and verbal elements of advertising work together in a way that goes beyond the borders of the aviation industry.
French aircraft manufacturer Dassault selected Rolls-Royce to provide the engines for a new "super mid-size business jet" that the French manufacturer plans to build.
Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-28353; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-065-AD] - This proposed AD would require replacement of the pressurization safety valve. This proposal stems from an MCAI from the aviation authority of Israel. During the manufacturing process for the poppet covers of the pressurization safety valves, burrs that could damage the valve diaphragms were not removed. Damage caused by these burrs could eventually cause failure of the safety relief valves, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.
EMBRAER recently delivered an ERJ 145 to the government of Bauchi State, Nigeria. The Bauchi government also placed an option for a second ERJ 145, in September. The aircraft will be operated on domestic routes. Embraer in 2005 delivered a Legacy 600 executive jet to the Rivers State government, also in Nigeria, for transport of government officials.
EADS United Astrium Services was named a value-added reseller (VAR) of Iridium satellite communication equipment and services. Astrium is authorized to package Iridium-based satellite voice and data products for commercial and military customers.
