Key documents laying out the path to integration of unmanned aircraft in national airspace have been released by the U.S. government, but achieving the goals will require “predictable and reliable” funding for the NextGen airspace modernization program, cautions FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.
Lisa Piccione, who has served as senior vice president of government affairs for the National Business Aviation Association over the past nine years, is stepping down at the end of the year to move to Brussels. “NBAA is a better organization, and business aviation is a better industry, because of the leadership Lisa has provided during some very challenging times,” says NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
Gulfstream Aerospace recently named Prestige Jet as a commercial sales representative in France. The recognition builds on Gulfstream’s relationship with Swiss-based Prestige Jet, which also handles Gulfstream’s transactions in Italy and Switzerland. The firm has representatives in Geneva, Milan and Paris.
Duncan Aviation continues to expand its international authorizations for its maintenance services, with the latest approvals from the Mexican Civil Aviation Authority for its Provo, Utah location and from Bermuda for the Battle Creek, Mich., base. Duncan Aviation’s facilities in Lincoln, Neb., Battle Creek and Provo hold certificates for 10 additional civil aviation authorities around the world, along with FAA approval.
Cessna sold two Citation Mustangs to Yunnan Ruffing General Aviation Company, which plans to become the first to operate the entry-level jet in charter service in China. Yunnan will use the aircraft to connect customers to high-altitude airports, including those around 13,000 ft. above sea level. Cessna plans to deliver the first Mustang to the company in December and the second next year. Founded in 2011, Yunnan operates a Grand Caravan for sightseeing flights in southwest China.
JERRY TINDEL was appointed maintenance supervisor of Business Jet Access. Tindel will oversee operations at BJA’s maintenance facility at Dallas Love Field. He began his aviation career with the U.S. Air Force and since has held roles as field maintenance and lead technician for Falcon and Gulfstream aircraft.
BOMBARDIER Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; and Model DHC-8-200, -300, and -400 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1311; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-204-AD; Amendment 39-17636; AD 2013-22-04] – requires measuring the bellcrank clevis holes, inspecting for cracking of the bellcrank, and reworking the clevis holes with steel bushings, or replacing the bellcrank. This AD was prompted by reports of excessive wear found in the clevis (bolt) hole where the rod assembly attaches to the rudder/brake pedal bellcrank, due to prolonged fretting.
Piper Aircraft is continuing to post improving quarterly deliveries and revenue, as its trainer sales further strengthen. Piper’s third-quarter deliveries were up slightly: it delivered 41 aircraft valued at $37.2 million, up from 40 aircraft valued at $35.2 million a year ago. But through three quarters, deliveries have improved 9% to 127 aircraft, compared with 116 during the same period last year. Revenue during the period grew 6.5% from $106.9 million in 2012 to $113.9 million this year.
StarPort completed a B/E Aerospace E-Z LED lighting retrofit on a Dassault Falcon 900 business jet. The Orlando, Fla.-based company says the installation, the first of its kind, produces a 30% weight savings and 33% power savings. The lighting also reduces cabin heat and ultraviolet radiation typically found in the original fluorescent system. As a result of the installation, StarPort was able to remove more than 50 supplies, reducing overall weight by 20 lb. Replacement costs are also improved. Fluorescent tubes last about 1,000 hr.
EMIL IANNONE was named director of operations for Meridian Air Charter. Iannone rejoins the Teterboro, N.J.-based operator, where he formerly spent 10 years as a pilot and chief pilot. In 1994 he became director of operations for Million Air Charter and has also flown for a private flight department. He has also served as senior vice president of a New York investment banking firm.
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0446; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-007-AD; Amendment 39-17629; AD 2013-21-05] – requires inspecting each linear transducer bearing for freedom of movement and replacing the bearing if there is binding or rough turning or if there is chafing or damage on the lower side of the floor. This AD also requires modifying and reidentifying a certain rod. This AD was prompted by an incident involving limited control of a tail rotor because of the binding of a bearing.
AGUSTA Model A109A, A109AII, and A109C helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0518; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-021-AD; Amendment 39-17607; AD 2013-20-01] – requires, for affected helicopters with a certain third stage turbine wheel installed, installing a placard on the instrument panel and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations.
Lawmakers are continuing to put pressure on Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to detail and justify stops and searches of general aviation aircraft that are flying within U.S. borders. Eight Senate Republicans wrote Homeland Security acting Secretary Rand Beers seeking a report by Nov. 15 on every stop and search since 2009 and the reasons behind the searches. “The abrupt increase in the number of stops and searches of personnel aboard general aviation aircraft raises concerns that CBP may be violating our citizens’ Fourth Amendment rights,” says the letter, led by Sen.
FAA has formally approved a rulemaking to rewrite Part 23, a key step toward what is expected to be a dramatic change in how the agency approaches small aircraft certification. The authorization to begin the rulemaking comes as Congress nears final passage of a bill that would require FAA to complete the Part 23 rewrite by the end of 2015.
Inefficient certification processes are delaying hundreds of new applications for aircraft operations and repair stations, says Jeffrey Guzzetti, assistant inspector general for aviation audits for the Department of Transportation.
Xojet, which last winter sold its recently acquired Hawker 800XP fleet to partner Travel Management Company (TMC), plans to hold its fleet at a little more than 40 aircraft, a move that is helping the company strengthen its balance sheet to its strongest position in years.
Bombardier missed its third-quarter revenue and earnings forecasts on lower aircraft deliveries and orders the third quarter of 2013. Aerospace revenues for Bombardier fell from $2.3 billion to $2 billion due to a lower level of deliveries, partly because of the transition to the Learjet 70 and 75 programs. The aerospace division achieved a $86 million operating profit, compared with $118 million a year earlier.
RON LADNIER was promoted to vice president of FlightSafety Services Corp., the division of FlightSafety International that provides military training, advanced technology devices and support. Ladnier has served with FlightSafety since 2011 as director of military development. He formerly served in the U.S. Air Force, reaching the rank of major general.
Wilson Air Center is significantly expanding its facilities at Houston Hobby Airport with a new hangar and terminal. The multi-phase project will include a hangar that can accommodate aircraft the size of a Gulfstream G650 and a new 10,000-sq.-ft. executive terminal. The project will be designed for future expansion. Phase I involved a renovation of the existing facilities. Phase II, which is kicking off, includes a new 25,000-sq.-ft. hangar and office complex.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP [Docket No. FAA-2013-0878; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-033-AD; Amendment 39-17625; AD 2013-21-01] – requires certain inspections of each tail rotor pitch horn assembly for a crack, and if there is a crack, before further flight, replacing the pitch horn with an airworthy pitch horn. This AD is prompted by a report of a crack in the yoke of a pitch horn.
The City of Santa Monica is turning to the courts to gain control over the future of Santa Monica Airport (SMO), a step that would allow the city to close the airport.
