Models 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X propellers [Docket No. FAA-2005-22898; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-10-AD; Amendment 39-15021; AD 2007-08-04] - Requires adding an operational revolutions per minute (RPM) restriction on McCauley 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X (C406 and C409) propellers installed on Teledyne Continental Motors IO-520, TSIO-520 or IO-550 reciprocating engines. The AD also requires installing an RPM restriction placard in the cockpit and adds a 10,000-hour total time-in-service (TIS) life limit for these propellers.
(LAVIA) S.A. (Type Certificate Data Sheets No. 2A8 and No. 2A10 previously held by The New Piper Aircraft) Models PA-25, PA-25-235, and PA-25-260 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27109; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-005-AD; Amendment 39-15024; AD 2007-08-07] - Requires repetitive inspections for corrosion or cracks in the rear and forward horizontal stabilizer supports and modification of the horizontal stabilizers. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority for Argentina.
The European Commission has OK'd the proposed takeover of Smiths Aerospace by General Electric. When first announced, the deal raised some eyebrows among European aerospace prime contractors about potential ramifications for them as GE gained increasing power to bundle products. But the EC says "the proposed transaction would not significantly impede competition" in its area.
ATR secured an order from Swiftair for three ATR 72-500s valued at $55 million. Swiftair, based in Madrid, currently operates 16 ATR aircraft and has plans to increase its ATR fleet to 30 aircraft by 2010. The 68-seat ATR 72s just ordered will be delivered beginning in December.
The Meisinger family, which has been in the fixed-base operation business for nearly 70 years, signed a definitive agreement to sell its Executive Beechcraft network of four Midwest FBOs to BBA Aviation, the British firm that is the parent company of Signature Flight Support.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y., its airport and County Executive Andy Spano were recognized by the Corporate Angel Network last week for their support of CAN, which arranges free transportation on corporate aircraft for cancer patients traveling to and from treatment centers. Since its founding 25 years ago, CAN has been headquartered in rent-free space at the airport.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT named two men to chief pilot posts with the company. Dan Weatherford is chief pilot for Hawker sales demonstration, and Peter Kennedy holds the same title for Beechcraft sales demonstration. Weatherford has been a training captain for the Hawker 800 and 4000 business jets and was extensively involved in the Hawker 4000 flight test program. Weatherford joined predecessor company Raytheon Aircraft in 1997 after heading the flight department for another Wichita, Kan.-based company.
The National Business Aviation Association Thursday said it is switching the venue of its 2008 convention from New Orleans, La. to Orlando, Fla. because of concerns about inadequate airport facilities to display aircraft in New Orleans.
Increased his responsibilities with The NORDAM Group as vice president, general aviation and OEM sales. In his new role, he will broaden his responsibility from general aviation OEM sales to all OEMs.
YET ANOTHER INDICATOR of the continuing strength of the business jet market: Gulfstream Aerospace received nearly twice as many orders for new aircraft in the first quarter as it produced, according to Nicholas Chabraja, chairman of General Dynamics, the parent company of Gulfstream.
BRAZILIAN AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER EMBRAER said Frederico Fleury Curado took over as president and chief executive officer last week. He replaces Mauricio Botelho, who will stay on as chairman of the company's board of directors. Curado, 45, was born in Rio de Janeiro and received his undergraduate degree in mechanical-aeronautical engineering from Brazil's Aeronautics Technological Institute.
Model DA 42 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27708; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-027-AD] - Proposes to require a check for proper operation of the auxiliary fuel tank venting system and for damage in the fuel tank structure. The AD also would require installation of ventilation holes in the filler caps' fitting and introduction of a temporary revision into the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from European Aviation Safety Agency.
Model DA 42 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27533; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-022-AD] - Proposes to require installation of a steel bracket in accordance to following Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-42-024/3, dated Sept. 19, 2006. This proposal results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Jet Source of Carlsbad, Calif. added a Challenger 300 business jet to its fleet. The company, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, also announced plans to open a second facility in Henderson, Nev. The new location will include two new 35,000-square-foot hangars and an executive terminal.
Promoted to manager of dispatch for Axis Jet, the Sacramento, Calif.-based aircraft charter, sales and management company. Villalobos, who joined Axis Jet a year ago, "helped develop and refine a customer service dispatch system that has been instrumental in our success," said Matt Bosco, a co-founder of the company. "Clients and pilots alike have frequently commented on her skills and professionalism," he added. Villalobos, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, will manage day-to-day operations of the company's dispatch center in Sacramento.
The Federal Aviation Administration last week warned owners of certain V-tail Beech Bonanza single-engine aircraft to check them for possible use of unapproved parts in the carburetor.
P-180 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27532; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-021-AD] - Proposes to require repetitive inspection of the fuselage drain holes and the passenger evaporator drain line, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from the European Aviation Safety Agency. The MCAI cites a report that a P-180 aircraft experienced a jamming of its longitudinal flight control cables. Investigations revealed that its fuselage drain holes were plugged, and water was trapped in the lower fuselage.
Flight Display Systems received Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from FAA for the company's 20-inch LCD monitor. The FD201CV-LP has a list price of $8,200 and is targeted for use in Bombardier and Gulfstream business jets.
Operators of Brantly International Inc. B-2B helicopters were warned last week to inspect their aircraft on a daily basis for possible cracks in the main rotor blades.
Promoted to director of learning and organizational development for The NORDAM Group. He formerly was manager, training and leadership development, in NORDAM's human resources department. Dougherty has 12 years of executive coaching and leadership development experience.
Another article, published by the political insider newspaper The Hill, disputed FAA figures used to make the case that major airlines are supporting the system and that business aviation is not paying its fair share. FAA in recent months has emphasized the need for equity in its push for creating user fees and tripling the taxes on general aviation. The Hill cited FAA statements that major U.S.
The newly formed Hawker Beechcraft Corporation last week held one of its first celebrations to honor the 75-year heritage of its predecessor companies. Walter and Olive Ann Beech founded Beech Aircraft Corp. April 19, 1932 in Wichita, Kan. The company, which occupied the Travel Air manufacturing facilities, first produced the Model 17 Staggerwing, which was designed for business travelers. Beechcraft and its successor companies have since produced more than 45,000 airplanes, 36,000 of which are still in service.
