MILLER AVIATION developed new Job Costing/Workorder software specifically designed for general aviation businesses in writing and processing shop work orders.
MITSUBISHI Model YS-11 and -11A series airplanes (Docket No. 94-NM-167-AD; Amdt. 39-9297; AD 94-14-05) - requires implementation of a corrosion prevention and control program. This action is prompted by incidents involving corrosion and fatigue cracking in transport category airplanes that are approaching or have exceeded their economic design goal. The actions specified by the AD are intended to prevent corrosion from degrading the structural capabilities of the airplane.
BRITISH AEROSPACE Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 airplanes (Doc-ket No. 94-NM- 186-AD; Amdt. 39-9296; AD 95-14-04) - supersedes an existing AD that requires incorporation of certain structural modifications. That AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking and corrosion in transport category airplanes that are approaching or have exceeded their economic design goal. The actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane. This amendment requires incorporation of additional structural modifications.
Avcon Industries, Inc., of Newton, Kan., is flight testing an aerodynamic stabilization modification for Learjets that it hopes to certificate on Model 25, 35 and 36 aircraft. Avcon, a subsidiary of Butler National Corp., Olathe, Kan., said its Avcon Fins were developed as the first step in a project to extend the range of the Model 36 Learjet. The fins are mounted on the rear of the aircraft and provide additional lift and stability at lower airspeeds and improved aircraft control during approach and landing as well as other low-speed maneuvers.
MORE ENCOURAGING to opponents of 95-5 was Broderick's response when asked if FAA plans to make changes in the proposal as a result of the criticism and concern it has generated. "Of course there will be changes," Broderick said, adding that FAA officials have been impressed by "the superb quality and thought" that went into many of the technical comments submitted to the rulemaking docket on 95-5.
IF YOU THINK RELOCATING YOUR BUSINESS would be a challenge, consider what the folks at AeroThrust Corp. of Miami are planning. AeroThrust was scheduled to move intact an 800-ton, reinforced concrete building more than two miles across Miami International Airport (MIA) on Saturday. The building, used for jet engine testing, is 111 feet long, 28 feet wide and 36 feet tall at its highest point and the concrete walls vary from one to three feet thick. The test cell was being moved to accommodate expansion at MIA. James E.
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT said the Canadian Department of Transport and the FAA have certified the Diamond Katana DA20 for night VFR flight, a move that Diamond President Christian Dries said "will greatly enhance the operational flexibility of the Katana, which can now totally fulfill its role as a primary trainer."
AERO CORPORATION, Lake City, Fla., said it won a contract to perform a scheduled "C" check on Donald Trump's executive 727-100 aircraft. Aero Corp. President Mark Owen said his firm has established a team of experienced aircraft interior technicians that has refurbished more than 25 commercial airline cabins with new interiors and is actively pursuing the VIP Boeing maintenance market.
Atlantic Southeast Airlines is expected to acquire up to 20 BAe 146 regional aircraft from British Aerospace's Asset Management Organization, officials announced last week. The Delta Connection carrier plans to acquire five 88-seat BAe 146-200s for immediate delivery with options on up to 15 more. AMO officials noted that the deal carries a potential value of up to $160 million and said that if all options are exercised, the transaction would be the largest for the organization since it was formed in January 1993.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION has published a guide to using global positioning system and Loran equipment. GPS/Loran - A Guide to Modern Navigation explains how the systems work and provides tips on usage, including strategies for filing direct off-airways IFR routes across air traffic control center boundaries. For a free copy of the guide, write GPS/Loran - A Guide to Modern Navigation, AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Md. 21701. Enclose a large, self-addressed envelope with 55 cents postage affixed.
ALLISON ENGINE COMPANY and officials from the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs signed a "strategic alliance agreement" that provides for "strengthening business relationships, enhancing research and technology cooperation and furthering the development of aerospace and power generation markets in the Asia-Pacific Region," according to Allison. The engine manufacturer, which is based in Indianapolis, Ind., and which was purchased this spring by Rolls-Royce, Inc.
SOUTHERN JET MANAGEMENT, INC., the fixed-base operator at the Greenville, S.C. Downtown Airport, will host "General Aviation Appreciation Day" July 22 to recognize "the backbone of our business, the single-engine aircraft operator," according to General Manager Dick Kimm. The FBO will be selling Phillips avgas for $1.49 per gallon plus tax, in addition to offering free maintenance advice and prizes and discounts from other local business establishments. For more information, call Southern Jet at (803) 232-7100.
British Defense Secretary Michael Portillo last week confirmed the selection of Westland-built McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Apache attack helicopters for the army air corps in a 67-aircraft program valued at 2.5 billion pounds ($4 billion). The program award calls for 24 fewer helicopters than initially planned, but at a cost 500 million pounds higher than originally proposed. Some analysts attribute the rise in cost to the new engines.
MENASCO AEROSPACE, a Coltec Industries unit, was selected to provide the main and nose landing gear systems for the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 400 regional aircraft. Menasco will build the systems at its Oakville, Ontario facility. The 70-seat, 350-knot Series 400 is scheduled for first flight in late 1997 with certification in late 1998.
Parker Hannifin Corp. signed an agreement for the acquisition of approximately 30 acres in Mayfield Heights, in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, where it plans to build a new corporate headquarters. Duane E. Collins, president and chief executive, said the 125,000-square- foot building is expected to be completed within two years. Design plans for the structure have not been completed.
NORMAN LEVY ASSOCIATES was retained by Northrop Grumman to handle the sale of machinery and equipment no longer needed in the aerospace company's manufacturing operations. Levy will hold multi-day auctions through this fall at Northrop Grumman facilities in Bethpage and Calverton, N.Y. In addition, certain items will be liquidated immediately through privately negotiated sales.
Raytheon Aircraft Co. and newly acquired E-Systems helped Raytheon report record second-quarter sales and earnings this month, underscoring the success of the company's diversification strategy.
RAYTHEON, which was selected by the Pentagon last month to provide more than 700 Air Force and Navy trainers under a $7 billion contract (BA, June 26/271), is slated to receive nearly $900 million from FAA over the next seven years under a contract announced last week. See article below.
Wayfarer Ketch Corp. completed its search for a key executive, hiring Vincent J. Lombardi as manager-customer service, with responsibility for day-to-day operations of the company's customer service, scheduling, dispatch and charter sales functions. He will report directly to James Christiansen, president of the White Plains, N.Y. aircraft charter, management and maintenance company.
A voluntary program under which distributors and dealers of civil aircraft parts can obtain accreditation of quality control systems is outlined in a proposed advisory circular developed by FAA. The agency is seeking comments from the aviation community before formally adopting and publishing the AC. Use of the voluntary programs would assure that the approval status of a distributor's or dealer's parts is properly documented, FAA said.
CRAIG CARFAGNA has joined the charter sales staff of Atlantic Aviation Flight Services. Carfagna has several years charter experience with a New Jersey-based charter operator.
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are reportedly close to an agreement under which ERAU would provide a building on its Daytona Beach, Fla. campus for a new simulator training center and FSI would install two new Level D aircraft simulators, said to be a Boeing 737-300 and a Beech 1900.In addition to being available for training ERAU students who met certain prerequisites, FSI also would use the simulators for training commercial customers.
SUZANNE FINNEY joined BFGoodrich Aerospace Avionics Systems as aftermarket sales representative for the Western region of the U.S. Finney previously served as a test and ferry pilot for Top Gun Aviation, which is a service center for Mooney and Commander aircraft.
CRAIG KINGERY was promoted to systems designer for Duncan Aviation. Kingery, a 14-year Duncan veteran who most recently was modifications coordinator, will be responsible for the design and certification of various general aviation avionics and electronic systems.
THE CLEVELAND, OHIO Police Department Aviation Unit recently took delivery of its third Schweizer 300 helicopter. The aviation unit received its first two helicopters in late 1989 and began operations in early 1990.
