FLIGHTWORKS, an Atlanta-based charter and management company, added a second Falcon 2000 to its charter fleet. FlightWorks operates a fleet that includes heavy, mid-sized and light jets, helicopters and turboprops.
Model TBM 700 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-25637; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-43-AD] - Proposes to require inspecting the pilot door locking stop-fittings for correct length and, if any incorrect length pilot door locking stop-fittings are found, replacing them. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information issued by the airworthiness authority for France. FAA is proposing this AD to detect and replace incorrect length pilot door locking stop-fittings. This condition, if not corrected, could result in depressurization of the airplane.
CF34-10E series turbofan engines [Docket No. FAA-2006-25896; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-33-AD; Amendment 39-14775; AD 2006-20-06] - Requires removing the main fuel pump (MFP) inlet strainer from certain MFPs, installing a certain replacement flange as an interim repair, and performing initial and repetitive visual inspections of the main fuel filter. This AD results from three reports of release of the tripod support legs on the MFP inlet strainer, leading to engine in-flight shutdown.
The Department of Transportation last week outlined the parameters under which Washington-area aviation businesses can seek reparations for lost income stemming from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent security restrictions. DOT released the proposal a year after Congress called for the department to provide a fund for aviation businesses that have suffered both direct and indirect losses since 9/11.
Raytheon Aircraft Company officials broke ground Tuesday for a major expansion of the company's business jet completion facilities in Little Rock, Ark.
CHC HELICOPTER CORP. said Friday that Craig L. Dobbin, the company's executive chairman, will take a leave of absence for health reasons beginning immediately. Mark Dobbin, who was elected to the CHC board as deputy chairman less than two weeks ago, will assume the duties of chairman on an interim basis. CHC is a major provider of helicopter services for offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling companies.
Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-24710; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-29-AD; Amendment 39-14779; AD 2006-20-10] - Requires repetitive inspections of the attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf for damage and/or cracks and replacement of damaged and/or cracked attach angles with steel attach angles. Replacing the attach angles with steel attach angles terminates the repetitive inspection requirement.
JET SOURCE completed the first of four American Eurocopter AS350B-3 helicopters for the San Diego Police Department. The contract calls for installation of a law enforcement package that includes night vision capability, a thermal imaging system, Avalex moving map and radio command suite. Jet Source designed and installed a custom panel, console and racks. Other equipment includes a Garmin GNS430 Com/NAV/GPS and SL30 COM/Nav, Garmin GTX330 transponder, Wulfsberg RT5000 multi-band transceiver, Motorola 800 HHz transceivers, N.A.T.
NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION is working with Spill Center, a Hudson, Mass.-based hazmat support and environmental claims management company, to provide hazardous spill reporting and support to NATA members. Through its partnership with Spill Center, NATA will provide members access to free online resources that include a state-by-state spill-reporting database listing current regulatory requirements and agency contact information. Members can access this data and other information through the Spill Center link on NATA's Web site, www.nata.aero.
Quest Aircraft Company won Type Inspection Authorization approval from FAA last week for the manufacturer's single-turboprop utility aircraft, one of the last steps required before the start of FAA certification flight tests. Issuance of the TIA certificate means Quest and FAA can now conduct final inspections to ensure that the aircraft conforms to specifications. Following those inspections, Quest and FAA test pilots will begin a detailed schedule of required flight tests designed to lead to type certification of the airplane.
Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-24867; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-064-AD; Amendment 39-14773; AD 2006-20-04] - Requires performing a one-time general visual inspection for non-conforming chain links of chain assemblies on the elevator trim system and gust lock system, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires temporary revisions to the Airplane Flight Manuals of the affected airplanes to include descriptions of procedures for elevator trim checks.
Model S-61L, N, R, and NM helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2006-25824; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-23-AD] - Proposes to require, within a specified time, that operators create a component history card or equivalent record. The AD would also require recording the hours time-in-service (TIS) and the external lift cycles for each main gearbox input left and right freewheel unit (IFWU) assembly. Also, the AD would require calculating a moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS at specified intervals on each IFWU assembly.
FAA late last month announced formation of a new Age 60 Aviation Rulemaking Committee to look at the International Civil Aviation Organization revised standard for boosting pilot retirement age to 65. The ARC will recommend whether the U.S. should adopt such a standard. Air Transport Association President and CEO James May and Air Line Pilots Association President Duane Woerth are co-chairing the ARC.
Wwas appointed to manage accounts in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia for VISTAGY. Watson has 30 years of sales and engineering experience. He has served with Cenit, Desktop Engineering, British Federal and GKN Hardy Spicer.
HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY confirmed that it would begin selling the 6/7-place HondaJet at the National Business Aviation Association annual meeting and convention next week in Orlando. Honda took the wraps off the HondaJet during the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh in July (BA, July 31/43), and formally established Honda Aircraft company in August to oversee sales, type certification and production certification (BA, Aug. 14/68). Also during the convention, HondaJet is slated to detail its plans for the jet that is 20 years in the making.
A FEDERAL JUDGE has upheld his earlier ruling in favor of Camp Systems International, Inc. in a lawsuit brought by Gulfstream Aerospace. The business jet manufacturer had charged the maintenance tracking provider with copyright and trademark infringement for using Gulfstream maintenance manuals. Judge B. Avant Edenfield ruled in June that Camp's use of the Gulfstream manuals was permissible, citing the "fair use doctrine" in a 1994 Supreme Court ruling (BA, June 19/273).
Models 250-C30, 250-C40, and 250-C47 series turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2005-23392; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-47-AD; Amendment 39-14776; AD 2006-20-07] - For models with a third-stage turbine wheel, Part Number 6898663 or P/N 23065843 installed, or a fourth-stage turbine wheel, P/N 6892764 or P/N 23066744, installed, the AD adds a life limit for third- and fourth-stage turbine wheels. This AD results from analysis by the engine manufacturer of failures of third-stage turbine wheels.
MEMBERS of the aviation community who support the racing industry are being invited to a NASCAR Aviation Safety Management Systems Summit Oct. 20 at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. Sponsors include the Race Team Aviation Association, the North Carolina DOT Division of Aviation and FAA's Safety Team (FAASTeam).
Was named director of sales and marketing for AOG, Inc., a Dallas, Texas firm that services and repairs integral fuel tanks and systems for corporate, commercial, general aviation and military aircraft. Scullion, 44, has more than 20 years of aviation experience and is a licensed FAA technician. Before joining AOG, he was vice president of the Direct Hire division of Strom Aviation. He previously served as director of recruiting for TIMCO.
The pilots of an Embraer Legacy business jet, which officials believe collided with a GOL Airlines 737 over the Amazon jungle a week ago, remained in Brazil late last week at the request of Brazilian authorities. The apparent collision between the two airplanes took place at an altitude of 37,000 feet. The Legacy, with seven people aboard, landed at a military airport, and none aboard were injured, but the airliner plunged into the jungle, killing all 155 passengers and six crewmembers.
NATIONAL BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATION sold all exhibit space for its upcoming convention, the first time the association has achieved a complete sellout prior to the convention. NBAA said 1,150 exhibitors have signed up for all 5,233 10-foot by 10-foot booth spaces at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., about a nine percent increase in booth space over the 2005 show that was held in the same facility. Manufacturers plan to display 11 fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopters on the convention floor.
