Model EMB-135 airplanes and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-26354; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-196-AD] - Revises an earlier proposal that would have required replacing the metallic tubes enclosing the vent and pilot valve wires in the left- and right-hand wing fuel tanks with non-conductive hoses. The original proposal resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This action revises the original proposal by adding airplanes to the applicability.
International Communications Group (ICG) earned FAA parts manufacturing approval for replacement satellite communication systems on Gulfstream G150 business jets. Under an agreement with Gulfstream, ICG developed a fabrication inspection system that conforms to FAA-approved design data. The PMA covers ICG's ICS-200 unit that incorporates dual Iridium transceivers with an internal CTU. The system includes fax option, intercom calling, call transfer, conference and follow-on dialing. The system can operate over a single coax and Iridium antenna.
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2006-26721; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-28-AD; Amendment 39-14961; AD 2006-26-51] - Publishes an AD that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, marking the position of the tail rotor control lever dynamic weights, removing the split pins and the weights, and visually inspecting and replacing, if necessary, the tail rotor control lever before further flight.
Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27714; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-277-AD] - Proposes to require modification of the environmental control system (ECS) grilles. The proposal stems from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the United Kingdom. The MCAI cited reports of four incidents of the grille detaching during flight. A loose grille could interfere with rudder/brake control and reduce controllability of the airplane. FAA estimates the AD would cover 10 aircraft on the U.S.
Appointed manufacturing engineer for Shadin Avionics. Muralidaran will be responsible for the transition from engineering to the manufacturing processes, as well as for the lean manufacturing processes. He previously held manufacturing positions with Goodrich Corporation and the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering.
Model DA 40 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27348; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-015-AD] - Proposes to require repetitive inspections of the universal joint and replacement of the complete joint assembly, if damage or problems with the joint are detected. Thi s proposal stems from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency. The MCAI cites reports of abnormal manufacturing variations of the universal joints in combination with mechanical wear.
A panel of staff members from key House and Senate committees indicated Wednesday that new aviation user fees are still under consideration and predicted that legislation reauthorizing continuation of FAA programs will pass Congress this year, although they acknowledged that tough decisions on how those programs will be financed remain to be answered.
Business aviation advocates agree that the Department of Transportation should adopt rules requiring disclosure of certain information about aircraft charter operators, but industry officials stress that any such rules must recognize that on-demand air taxi operations require flexibility. Both the National Air Transportation Association and National Business Aviation Association made those comments in response to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking DOT released in January questioning whether the agency should move forward with disclosure regulations.
Joined Shadin Avionics as configuration management supervisor. Sklarow will oversee the configuration management team and help streamline and control all engineering documentation and processes for Shadin products. He also will manage the implementation of the electronic filing system that will be installed over the next several months. He has a background in configuration management with companies including United Defense, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Control Data Corporation.
Federal Aviation Administration is hoping to complete work within the next few weeks on a proposal that would outline the equipment requirements for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and send the proposal for Department of Transportation review by early May. FAA has made ADS-B - a satellite-based system that broadcasts aircraft identification, position and speed information - a cornerstone of its Next Generation Air Transportation System Integrated Plan.
Joseph T. Lombardo is set to take over today as president of Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Ga. Lombardo, 58, who has been chief operating officer since 2001, succeeds Bryan T. Moss, who will move to the newly created post of president emeritus of the business jet manufacturer. Moss has spent more than 40 years in the aviation business, most of that time in senior-level positions marketing and selling high-end business jets.
The Federal Communications Commission last week shelved a 2004 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that examined existing rules requiring cell phones be turned off once an aircraft leaves the ground. FAA regulations also restrict the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices (PEDs) onboard aircraft to prevent possible interference with aircraft navigation and communication systems. Comments on the NPRM provided insufficient technical information on whether the use of cell phones in flight may cause harmful interference to terrestrial networks, FCC said.
The Greater Washington Aviation Open (GWAO) golf tournament will be held May 7 at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Va. For more information, contact [email protected].
Appointed vice president of marketing for Pilatus Business Aircraft. Haenggi has 12 years of aerospace marketing, research and publishing experience. He spent the past five years as a marketing research analyst and marketing manager for the company. Before that, he was a senior aviation editor at a publishing company and oversaw the publications of more than 100 aviation history books. He has a master's of business administration degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is an FAA licensed pilot with commercial and flight instructor certificates.
Multi Service Aviation, an aviation credit card provider and payment processor, signed an agreement with Travel Safety Group, commonly known as GEOS, to offer current and future Multi Service card holders and their employees free GEOS Traveler basic service, along with discounts on other service packages. The Overland Park, Kan. company said the GEOS Traveler package, which includes global security and intelligence updates and mobile communications services, would otherwise cost $71.40 per year.
Air Carriers serving Washington Dulles International Airport are now using aircraft with the same seat-level capacity as when Independence Air was operating there in 2005. Jim Bennett, chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, told the Aero Club of Washington recently that cargo traffic at the airport is up 460 percent since 1986. This summer the airport will be served by 26 foreign carriers flying to 43 destinations. United Airlines just began nonstop service from Dulles to Beijing, China and Rome, Italy.
National Air Transportation Association has encouraged the Department of Transportation to work with FAA to develop a "consumer-friendly" database of licensed on-demand charter operators. NATA envisions a database that would allow a user to enter an operator name and be able to review the operator's certificate number, location and certain other details. The association believes the database will help educate consumers as well as help satisfy charter disclosure concerns. "Existing databases are almost impossible for the average consumer to locate," NATA said.
JETTECH, which specializes in developing Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) packages for aircraft, won FAA Supplemental Type Certificate approval for an RVSM installation for Cessna Citation 500 business jets. Installation of the STC package will bring the aircraft into compliance with 1,000-foot vertical separation requirements between FL 290 and FL 410, JETTECH said. The Littleton, Colo. company said its RVSM package is the only STC-approved solution for Citations with pre-275 serial numbers and equipped with factory-installed Bendix autopilots.
AE 3007A and AE 3007C series turbofan engines [Docket No. FAA-2007-26966; Directorate Identifier 99-NE-01-AD] - Proposes to supersede an existing AD that currently prohibits any flight following a ground engine start where the engine oil temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, unless certain preflight operational procedures are followed. This proposed AD also would require those actions, but add a required terminating action. This proposed AD results from design improvements to components in the accessory gearbox air turbine starter mounting pad.
(Type Certificate No. A36EU formerly held by AVIONS MUDRY et CIE) Model CAP 10B airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27531; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-020-AD] - Proposes to require inspections of the spades supports for cracks and replacement if cracks are found. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from the aviation authority of France. The MCAI stems from the discovery of cracks on aileron spades of an in-service CAP 10B aircraft. These cracks could lead to loss of roll control.
Named vice president of production for Pilatus Business Aircraft. Wiesner joined Pilatus Aircraft in Stans, Switzerland in 1996 as an engineer. He moved to Pilatus Business Aircraft five years ago and held the positions of business service/IT manager and quality manager. Before joining Pilatus, he served as a design engineer for a Swiss manufacturing company.
ARINC Engineering Services opened a new 81,000-square-foot aircraft modification and operations center at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Okla. The facility, four times the size of ARINC's previous center, is large enough to hold four C-130 aircraft and eight more on the ramp. ARINC executives said the new hangar will provide room for growth. In addition, the new center includes 30,000 square feet of offices and back shops to provide in-house fabrication, testing and inspection capabilities.
Williams International's new FJ44-4A engine flew for the first time last week on a Citation test bed. The engine was selected to power Cessna's Citation CJ4. The business jet is scheduled to begin flying in the first half of 2008 and enter service in the first half of 2010. "The first flight of the new engine went very well and exceeded our expectations during the 50-minute flight," said CJ4 Program Manager Norm Baker.
Aurora Jet Center added 82,000 square feet of hangar space to its facility at Southend Airpark in Aurora, Ore. Aurora also added 10,800 square feet of office space and upgraded the lobby and pilot lounge. An Avfuel dealer, Aurora Jet Center is a full-service fixed-base operation located 20 minutes south of Portland.
