The National Transportation Safety Board’s release of two safety alerts covering the importance of helicopter maintenance and simulator training continues a multi-pronged effort by the agency, industry and FAA to spotlight what the safety board believes to be among the most pressing of transportation safety issues. NTSB released the two safety alerts last week as the Helicopter Association International unveiled its “Land & LIVE” campaign to focus operators on decision-making before a flight turns into an emergency.
Erickson is planning to begin flight tests of a new composite main rotor blade for its S-64 Aircrane heavy-lift helicopter. The company, previously known as Erickson Aircrane, is working with Newport News-based Advanced Technologies Inc. on the design of the blades, which Erickson believes could deliver as much as a 10-15% improvement in payload lift capability at altitude, and a 3-5% reduction in fuel burn. The company is also expecting a considerable reduction in maintenance and repair costs.
TURBOMECA Arrius 2B1, 2B1A, 2B2, and 2K1 turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2013-0381; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-16-AD; Amendment 39-17764; AD 2014-04-06] – requires initial and repetitive inspections of the hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU) high pressure pump drive gear shaft splines, cleaning and inspections of the sleeve assembly splines, and replacement of the HMU if it fails inspection. This AD was prompted by inflight shutdowns caused by interrupted fuel supply at the HMU. FAA is issuing this AD to prevent inflight shutdown and damage to the engine.
PACIFIC AEROSPACE Model 750XL airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2014-0090; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-003-AD; Amendment 39-17761; AD 2014-04-03] – issues an emergency AD that requires replacement of certain control column attachment bolts, washers and nuts over the next 10 hr. time-in-service. This AD was prompted by reports of finding broken control column attachment bolts on two 750 XL aircraft. Investigation revealed the bolt failures may be due to possible overtightening of the control column attachment bolt to reduce control column play in the pivot fork (socket).
Jet Aviation is planning to temporarily move its Dubai business operations to Dubai World Central while runway construction is ongoing at Dubai International Airport. Both runways at Dubai International Airport are slated to undergo resurfacing work with construction scheduled for May 1-July 21. Once complete, Jet Aviation plans to resume full maintenance and fixed-base operations at Dubai International Airport.
B-N GROUP Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 airplanes. [Docket No. FAA-2013-0924; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-032-AD; Amendment 39-17755; AD 2014-03-18] – requires a one-time inspection and functional test of the engine control cables and depending on findings, replacement of the cables. This AD was prompted by reports where failure of engine control cable assemblies has caused engine control difficulties.
BARNARD RATSIRA was appointed director of fixed-base operation client relations for Jet Aviation. In that role, Ratsira will develop client relations and promote customer service quality in the European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia regions. He formerly managed Jet Aviation’s Geneva FBO.
Cessna, which kicked off the flight test program for its new Citation Latitude last month, has achieved the full envelope performance for maximum speed (440 KTAS), Mach speed (0.80) and altitude (45,000 ft.). The aircraft has also been cleared for a direct climb to 45,000 ft. with a gross takeoff weight of 29,000 lb. Cessna next plans to conduct a series of tests for low-speed performance of the Latitude. The Latitude program remains on track for certification in the second quarter of 2015, Cessna says.
AgustaWestland has begun the certification test phase for its AW609 commercial tiltrotor. The two AW609 prototypes, AC1 in the U.S. and AC2 in Italy, have flown almost 1,000 hr. between them, a third of which were flown in the last two years since AgustaWestland took full control of the program from Bell Helicopter, which was a partner until 2011. Test pilots completed flight envelope expansion trials in December 2013, and the company plans to increase the flying rate further in 2014.
Cessna hit another key milestone in its busy development schedule with the first flight of its new Citation Latitude midsize business jet. The aircraft, which was recently rolled out quietly before employees, flew a little more than three years after Cessna unveiled its first all-new Latitude during the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention, keeping it on schedule for a 2015 certification.
Bombardier Aerospace received the first flight test permit from FAA for its Learjet 85 aircraft Flight Test Vehicle, clearing the way for the manufacturer to begin the long-awaited flight test program. The company is finalizing configuration of the aircraft and conducting further engine runs and high-speed taxi tests in preparation for the first flight, now expected within the next couple of weeks. The company reported earlier this month that the airplane had completed initial auxiliary power unit and engine runs, along with low-speed taxiing tests.
GROB-WERKE Models G115EG and G120A airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2014-0092; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-002-AD] – proposes to require repetitive inspections of both elevator flanges on an airplane to detect any crack, and, depending on findings, replacement of the affected part. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information from the European Aviation Safety Agency, which cites reports of cracks found in the left hand elevator flange. FAA estimates that this AD will affect six aircraft on the U.S.
JASON MILLER has joined Sierra Industries as president. Miller will lead the company’s growing aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul organization. Miller formerly served with StandardAero as vice president/general manager of StandardAero’s Houston business unit. He also served as finance manager for StandardAero. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he led and flew more than 70 air combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning six Air Medals. He retired with the rank of major.
In a move designed to stem a spike in helicopter accidents that occurred over the past couple of decades, FAA on Feb. 20 released a comprehensive final rule that imposes a series of equipment, training and operational requirements on helicopters flown in Part 135 generally and in air ambulance missions specifically.
Landmark Aviation added a significant anchor in the Northwest with its acquisition of Galvin Flying Services, one of the oldest fixed-base operations in the region.
BELL Model 204B helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0735; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-014-AD; Amendment 39-17748; AD 2014-03-11] – requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) cable assembly for an incorrectly machined body. This AD is prompted by a report from Bell that a defective body on the cable prevents the barrel assembly from fully engaging in the body cavity. These actions are intended to prevent disengagement of the cable from the barrel, failure of the T/R pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Duncan Aviation was recently named an authorized service center for Bombardier Learjet 70 and 75 aircraft. The agreement expands Duncan’s existing authorized service center status with Bombardier. With the latest authorization, Duncan Aviation’s full-service facilities in Battle Creek, Mich., Lincoln, Neb., and Provo, Utah, are authorized centers for the Learjet 40, 45, 60, 70 and 75.
Quest Aircraft received FAA approval for a 565-lb. increase in the Kodiak’s maximum landing weight to 7,255 lb. – the same as the single-turboprop aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight. The increase is standard on new Kodiaks and available as an option to existing Kodiaks, the company says. The company has issued a service notice on the increase, saying no structural upgrade is required.
TREG MANNING was named vice president of sales and marketing for Airbus Helicopters. In this role, Manning is responsible for U.S. sales and marketing efforts for both the commercial and military markets, including sales of aftermarket services and products. Manning, who has been vice president of commercial sales since 2011, has more than 20 years of aviation industry experience.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-1A11 (CL-600), CL-600-2A12 (CL-601), and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2014-0054; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-001-AD; Amendment 39-17754; AD 2014-03-17] – requires repetitive inspections for fractured or incorrectly oriented fasteners on the inboard flap hinge-box forward fittings on both wings, and fastener replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by two reports of fractured fastener heads found on the inboard flap hinge-box forward fitting.
Beechcraft recently received an order for the Hawker 400XPR upgrade from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. Delivery of the aircraft is expected in the first half of this year. Truex recently purchased the Beehchjet 400A, which will be upgraded to include the Hawker winglets and Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines, along with a refurbished interior and new exterior paint. The aircraft will be among the early deliveries of the 400XPR program.
Nextant, eying the Asia-Pacific region, placed its first 400XTi on the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority registry. Nextant Pacific Pty, Nextant’s agent for the Asia-Pacific region, will demonstrate the aircraft, which is fitted with Nextant’s quick-change air ambulance configuration. With the configuration, the aircraft can be converted from VIP to air ambulance in less than 45 min. Nextant Pacific Managing Director John Oppenheim notes Australia is home to some of the largest air medical organizations, and demand for air ambulance configurations is strong.
