AGUSTA Model A119 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2005-20291; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-25-AD] - proposes to require visually inspecting each main transmission support fitting attachment bolt for a fracture, a crack, or looseness, and verifying the torque on each fitting bolt. This proposal is prompted by two incidents of fatigue failure of the bolts that secure the transmission rear support fittings to the helicopter.
American Society For Quality is holding the 17th Annual Quality Management Conference Feb. 24-25 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The conference will provide management expertise and quality practices to raise standards of performance. The conference is designed for a cross-section of industries, from healthcare to aerospace and automotive. For more information, or to register, visit http://asq.qmd.org
AIRLINES, TRAVEL INDUSTRY COMBINE TO FIGHT HIGHER SECURITY TAX - The Air Transport Association, which represents the nation's largest scheduled carriers, has formed a coalition with 14 other travel industry organizations to combat a proposed increase in the security tax on air travelers from the current $2.50 per segment to $5.50 per segment.
Marquis Jet, which packages and sells time in NetJets aircraft, is offering customers a new 25-hour combination card that provides 12.5 hours in each of two different aircraft types in the NetJets fleet. The company is offering cards for either a Citation Excel/Hawker 800XP or Citation X/Citation Excel combination. Marquis Jet said it developed the new offering after customers said they needed more flexibility to meet differing travel needs.
AFTER HEATED BRIEFING, CONNECTICUT LAWMAKERS VOW TO CHALLENGE NAVY OVER VXX - After a tense Feb. 9 briefing with the U.S. Navy that only raised their tempers, at least four Democratic Connecticut lawmakers - including both U.S. senators - will try to overturn or change the Navy's recent award of the next fleet of presidential helicopters to an international team led by Lockheed Martin Corp. Lawmakers and their staffs told reporters that the Connecticut legislators, including Reps.
GAMA wasn't surprised by the agency's move to develop criteria for prioritizing certification applications, said interim President Ron Swanda. "We saw this coming. We had the feeling that this could turn out to be a nightmare." GAMA was particularly concerned since FAA's regulation and certification budget was held down in 2005 and the Administration's proposal for 2006 contains further cuts. The new FAA criteria are likely to affect not only new type certificates but parts manufacturing approvals and supplemental type certificates. See article below.
National Business Aviation Association last week released training guidance for the next generation of very light jets. The guidance, Training Guidelines for Single Pilot Operations of Very Light Jets and Technically Advanced Aircraft, recommends a minimum curriculum for a VLJ transition and recurrent training program. "The introduction of the very light jet into the general aviation community marks the beginning of a new era in business travel," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
BURNS TAKES OVER SENATE AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE - The Senate Commerce Committee last week officially tapped general aviation enthusiast Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) to chair the aviation subcommittee. Burns takes over for Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.), who has chaired the subcommittee since 2003. The announcement of Burns' appointment won widespread approval from Washington-based general aviation groups, which often have relied on the senator for help on critical issues.
Aerospatiale Model ATR 42-200, -300, and -320 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2005-20220; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-152-AD] - proposes to require doing repetitive inspections of the upper arms of the MLG side braces for missing or inadequately bonded identification plates; replacing the upper arm if necessary; and replacing the side brace assembly with a modified part. This proposed AD is prompted by an operator who reported experiencing an unlock warning for the MLG on the right side of the airplane.
Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2005-20222; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-230-AD] - proposes to require revising the airplane flight manual to include applicable procedures to follow when the flightcrew receives abnormal indications of airspeed, altitude, or vertical airspeed. This proposed AD also would require modifying the static system.
Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) was named the ranking Democrat on the House aviation subcommittee, filling the slot vacated by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who took the ranking position on the House highways, transit and pipelines subcommittee. Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) remains chairman of the aviation panel.
Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) has scheduled a series of regional maintenance and operations seminars for Beechcraft and Hawker owners. The seminars will provide information on available services, including technical support, spares, warranty and technical publications. They also will provide Raytheon Aircraft an opportunity to listen and respond to customer concerns. The seminars are part of RAC's effort to significantly improve its customer support programs. The seminars include stops in Tarrytown, N.Y.
EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2005-20223; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-193-AD] - proposes to require repetitive detailed inspections for surface bruising of the main landing gear (MLG) trailing arms and integrity of the MLG pivot axle sealant, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also would provide for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a fractured axle of the trailing arm of the MLG due to corrosion of the axle.
Former Transportation Deputy Secretary Kirk Van Tine is returning to the Washington, D.C. law firm of Baker Botts to lead a new transportation and homeland security government relations practice. Van Tine spent 23 years with Baker Botts before joining the Bush Administration in 2001. He resigned his DOT post at the end of 2004.
GAMA BOARD SELECTS CAREER AIR FORCE OFFICER AS NEW PRESIDENT - The General Aviation Manufacturers Association board of directors selected Col. Peter Bunce, a career Air Force officer, as the association's next president and chief executive officer, effective April 1 (BA, Jan. 31/47). Bunce fills the role formerly held by Ed Bolen, who became president of the National Business Aviation Association in September (BA, Sept. 6/101). Ron Swanda, the senior vice president of operations for the association, has been serving as acting president in the interim.
Bombardier delivered a Special Edition Bombardier Learjet 60 business jet to the Government of Macedonia to provide transport for senior government personnel. The aircraft will be based in Skopje, the nation's capital.
The Greater Washington Business Aviation Association, which recently formed to provide a forum for the business aviation community in the greater Washington, D.C. area (BA, Jan. 17/30), will hold its first general membership meeting at noon Feb. 25 at the Signature Flight Support fixed-base operation at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen will update attendees on aviation interests. GWBAA also will discuss formation of Membership, Operations, Communications and Events committees.
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to turn over operation of the nation's Flight Service Station network by October to a team headed by Lockheed Martin, a move the agency claims will save $2.2 billion over the next decade.
Chris Gress was named accessory service sales and customer service manager for Duncan Aviation. Gress has a 20-year career at Duncan Aviation, beginning in the propeller shop in 1984. He was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility, including overseeing the U.S. Air Force/Duncan Aviation Repair Contract and becoming sales and marketing representative.
ATR posted a 31 percent increase in revenues to $543 million in 2004 as the market for its regional turboprop line appeared to recover, the company reported last week. ATR sold 11 ATR 72-500 turboprops and one ATR 42-500 aircraft last year, and delivered a total of 13 new aircraft. ATR CEO Filippo Bangato said the market was "progressively" increasing for new aircraft. The aircraft manufacturer also reported strong used activity, selling 51 used ATRs in 2004, compared with 43 in 2003.
National Business Aviation Association has been concerned about a congressional report that recommends expanding certain tax limitations involving personal use of business aircraft. Congress late last year limited deductions involving a senior employee's use of a company aircraft for entertainment or recreational purposes.
Stephen Penley was appointed chief financial officer for M7 Aerospace. Penley has 20 years of executive financial management experience with aerospace and automotive industry suppliers.
Peter Wendt was promoted to vice president of business development for Aircraft Services Group, the Teterboro-based charter and management company. Wendt joined Aircraft Services Group in 1998 as a chief pilot and was subsequently promoted to director of operations. He has more than 30 years of industry experience.
