Embraer Model EMB-120, -120ER, -120FC, -120QC, and -120RT airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-23674; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-234-AD] - proposes to require a one-time inspection of the interior of the internal elevator torque tube of each elevator control surface for oxidation and corrosion, and corrective actions. This proposed AD results from corrosion in torque tubes of the elevators found during scheduled maintenance.
Volcanic eruptions in the Aleutian Islands spurred the Air Line Pilots Association to issue a Safety Alert last week warning aircraft on North Pacific routes to avoid the area of the Mount Augustine volcano, 65 miles southwest of the Homer VORTAC. The volcano erupted Jan. 11, 14 and 17. "The volcano remains seismically active, another eruption could occur with little or no warning, and crews transiting North Pacific routes should exercise caution and avail themselves of frequent updates," the pilots union said.
Aerospatiale Model ATR 42 airplanes and Model ATR 72 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-23635; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-245-AD] - proposes to require installing protective ramps on trim panel 110VU and inspecting the protective guard of the standby pitch trim switch to determine if it is missing, damaged or ineffective, and taking the corrective action, if necessary. This proposed AD results from a finding that the protective guard of the standby pitch trim switch, which is installed on the center pedestal, could be damaged or missing.
The Federal Aviation Administration is calling for a new training regimen for MU-2B operators that the agency hopes will stem the growing number of pilot-related accidents involving the high-speed twin-turboprop. The agency last week wrapped up its third safety evaluation of the airplane in three decades with a report outlining plans to develop new training standards and to issue a series of airworthiness directives.
Bombardier sold three 90-seat CRJ900 regional jets to Atlasjet of Istanbul, Turkey. The order, valued at $107 million (U.S.), includes options for two more CRJs. Atlasjet currently operates two used 70-passenger CRJ700 aircraft on domestic Turkish routes. The airline will use the new CRJ900s to grow those routes. Founded in 2001 with two Boeing 757 jets, the airline operates six Boeing 757s and nine Airbus A320s in addition to the Bombardier aircraft.
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the Bush Administration is "in the final stages" of developing a new proposal for funding the Federal Aviation Administration, "a cost-based plan that creates a more direct relationship between revenue collected and services provided, which will ultimately make it more responsive to the user."
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-23578; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-01-AD] - proposes to require the following: removing and visually inspecting the wing attach barrel nuts, bolts, and retainers for cracks, corrosion, and fractures; replacing any cracked, corroded, or fractured parts; inspecting reusable barrel nuts and bolts for deformation and irregularities in the threads; replacing any deformed or irregular parts; and installing new or reusable parts and torquing to the correct value.
Executive Jet Management promoted Jeff Cryder to executive vice president/chief financial officer. Cryder has been with the Cincinnati, Ohio-based aircraft management and charter firm since 1999 and most recently was senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer. EJM President and CEO Albert C. Pod said Cryder "will have an increased role in the company's strategic decisions along with Executive Vice President Richard Williams." Cryder will continue to oversee all financial, human resources and information technology functions.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association is alarmed because it appears that FAA plans to divert agency funds that Congress intended for supporting aircraft certification projects to other agency programs. FAA is grappling with a government-wide one percent funding cut, and is apparently eyeing the $4 million that Congress set aside for increased aircraft certification staffing to help cover the costs of other activities (BA, Nov. 21/237).
Sentient Jet, the business aviation services company that works with charter companies to offer membership programs, was named the "official private aviation/jet provider of the PGA Tour" under a four-year marketing agreement with the professional golfers' tour. Under the agreement, Sentient will craft a program that includes incentives for tour members to join, flexible billing options and guaranteed jet availability on short notice on tournament cut days.
National Business Aviation Association established a new Web-based tool, Forum for Enhanced Reliability and Maintainability Standards (FERMS), designed to provide business aircraft maintenance and performance information. NBAA described FERMS as a "central information clearinghouse" that compiles data on individual aircraft along with aircraft fleet information. Users can enter maintenance information that includes date of maintenance, flight hours, landings and downtime. Users also review performance data for other aircraft in the FERMS database.
Aerospace Industries Association board of governors elected Northrop Grumman Chairman Ronald Sugar chairman of the association for 2006. Sugar succeeds Robert Johnson of Honeywell Aerospace. Raytheon Chairman and CEO William Swanson was elected vice chairman.
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta didn't use the words "user fees" during his speech to the Aero Club of Washington, but he left little doubt that's where the Bush Administration is heading in its search for new sources of revenue to fund FAA. His remarks drew quick criticism from the Experimental Aircraft Association. See article below.
Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2005-22873; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-197-AD; Amendment 39-14457; AD 2006-02-05] - requires replacing the Camloc fasteners on the sidewall of the center pedestal. This AD results from reports of the Camloc fasteners on the sidewall of the center pedestal disengaging and interfering with an inboard rudder pedal.
Honeywell T5309, T5311, T5313B, T5317A, T5317A-1, and T5317B Series, and T53-L-9, T53-L-11, T53-L-13B, T53-L-13BA, T53-L-13B S/SA, T53-L-13B S/SB, T53-L-13B/D, and T53-L-703 series turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2004-18038; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-01-AD; Amendment 39-14444; AD 2006-01-05] - requires implementing reduced life limits for certain parts, using cycle counting methods, and using draw-down schedules to replace components that exceed the new limits.
Rockwell Collins earned technical standard order approval for installation of its Pro Line 21 Integrated Display System on aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins AP-105 and APS-65 autopilot systems. The TSO will enable operators of certain King Air, Falcon 20 and 50 and Piaggio 180 aircraft to upgrade their flight decks. The Pro Line 21 IDS also interfaces with APS-85, APS-80 and SPZ autopilots.
Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association is warning its members about what may be one of the largest and most persistent Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) areas ever designated. The TFR, 17 miles wide in most places, stretches 300 nautical miles along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona and New Mexico. The TFR is in effect from 12,000 to 14,000 feet and is active from 1700 to 0700 daily. The area was designated to permit overnight operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol without risk of collision with other aircraft.
All four people aboard a Cessna Citation 560 were killed Jan. 24 when the aircraft ran off the end of a 4,600-foot runway at McClellan-Palomar Airport near Carlsbad, Calif. Witnesses said the aircraft landed long and apparently well above normal approach speed. After departing the runway, the airplane slid down a bluff and hit a self-storage building before bursting into flames. Weather is not believed to be a factor.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association last week urged FAA Administrator Marion Blakey to restore staffing in the Aircraft Certification Service to 2004 levels. In a letter signed by GAMA President Pete Bunce and Jack Pelton, Cessna president and chief executive and GAMA chairman, the association expressed concern that FAA is considering diverting funds that Congress gave to the agency to add scores of inspectors to its staff.
Fractional aircraft operators hired 68 pilots in December, bringing the total for the year to 816, up 69 percent from the new-hire total of 482 during 2004.
Doug Schwartz, the director of aviation for AT&T, expects to resign his seat on the National Business Aviation Association's board of directors in a few weeks when he is laid off by his employer.
Doug Oliver, the veteran public relations executive who most recently had handled communications in the U.S. for Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, was named director of communications for Cessna Aircraft, effective Feb. 6. Oliver, who will be based in Wichita, will report to Bob Stangarone, vice president of communications. In his new role, Oliver will have day-to-day responsibility for internal communications and media relations.
Embraer Model EMB-120, -120ER, -120FC, -120QC, and -120RT airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2005-22871; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-191-AD; Amendment 39-14454; AD 2006-02-02] - requires installing a rivet and washer in the hole of the upper frame of the auxiliary power unit (APU) firewall. This AD results from a report indicating that, during production, a pinhole was left open at the upper frame of the APU firewall. FAA is issuing this AD to ensure that the APU compartment is isolated from the rest of the airplane in the event of an APU fire.
