DOWTY R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers [Docket No. FAA-2009-0776; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-32-AD] – proposes to revise an AD that requires initial applications of sealant between the bus bar assembly and the backplate assembly of certain line-replaceable units (LRUs), and repetitive applications of sealant on all R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers. Since FAA issued that AD, Dowty has introduced an optional terminating action to the applications of sealant. This proposed AD would add the optional terminating action.
Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Center, which in 2011 became the first dedicated business aviation maintenance facility to receive Chinese approval, has also become the first to obtain FAA Part 145 certification.
A Finmeccanica bribery scandal has prompted the Indian government to defer a decision on the much-awaited $1.5 billion purchase of 197 light utility helicopters for its military. The defense acquisition council, headed by Defense Minister A.K. Antony, decided to delay a deal for the reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) hours after the Indian government ordered a federal probe into alleged corruption in the sale of 12 AW101 VVIP helicopters to the Indian air force (IAF) by AgustaWestland, the helicopter company owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica.
FAA is revising a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) covering air conditioning (A/C) systems on nearly 2,000 Cessna Citations to incorporate new procedures developed by the Wichita airframer, but the agency rejected requests to extend the compliance times. The proposal, initially released in September, would require an inspection to determine if certain A/C compressor motors are installed. The proposal also calls for a repetitive replacement of the drive motor brushes or, as an option to brush replacement, deactivation of the A/C system.
Xojet, already one of the fastest-growing operators, is partnering with Travel Management Company (TMC) in a move that will effectively double its available fleet and add a fourth type to its portfolio of offerings. Under the partnership, Xojet will be able to offer flights aboard TMC’s fleet of Hawker 400XP and Hawker 800XP aircraft. The aircraft will continue to be operated by TMC under the TMC brand, but will be available for Xojet programs, including its Fixed-Price Charter and Preferred Access.
NELSON GARCIA has joined FirstFlight’s scheduling and dispatch group. Garcia has nearly 15 yr. of customer support experience and spent the past five years involved in Latin American aviation operations from his base in Mexico City. He most recently served as director of sales and government affairs for Pegasus Flight Support. He also has served as a liaison manager and customer service representative, air export customer service representative, flight operations supervisor and operations manager.
Daher-Socata’s TBM700/850 single-turboprop fleet has amassed more than 1 million flight hours, a milestone accumulated during 20 years of operation. More than 620 TBMs have been produced, and the fleet now averages more than 120,000 flight hours annually.
A partnership between Signature Flight Support and a company representing the personal aircraft of Google executives is emerging as the winning bidder for what could be one of the largest fixed-base operation (FBO) developments undertaken. The city of San Jose last week announced its intent to award a potential long-term lease and operating permit for the Signature/Blue City Holdings partnership to operate an FBO at Norman Mineta San Jose International Airport. The $82 million proposal, which is expected to be refined, initially calls for more than 120,000 sq. ft.
A U.K. helicopter operator has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval to begin flying air ambulance operations using night vision goggles (NVG).
FAA agreed to a two-year extension of Exemption 6002, which permits properly trained medical evacuation pilots to remove and reinstall liquid oxygen system containers under certain conditions, the Helicopter Association International says. The exemption, granted at the request of HAI, was originally scheduled to expire Jan. 31, but was extended until Jan. 31, 2015.
NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman has risen to the top of the list of contenders to replace Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Hersman has an important source of support in Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. She served as a staff member on the panel from 1999 to 2004, and before that worked for West Virginia Democrat Rep. Bob Wise. Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa), chairman of the House Appropriations aviation subcommittee, says, “All I’ve heard are good things about her.”
Rockwell Collins has found a new home for its 1964 Sabreliner 50 flight test aircraft – the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Ore. The museum houses a number of historic commercial and military aircraft, including the Howard Hughes H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose.” Rockwell Collins acquired the Sabreliner, N50CR, in 1976 and used it to test some of its most significant commercial and military avionics development programs. The aircraft was flown about 8,000 hr. with more than 5,000 landings.
Used business aircraft transactions reached record levels in 2012, but at depressed prices that are unlikely to change in the next couple of years, industry analysts agree. The number of business aircraft transactions reached a record 2,240 in 2012 industry analyst Jetnet had reported (BA, Feb. 4, pg. 4). This bested the previous record of 2,181, set in 2007. Used market transactions had plunged after the 2007 record, reaching a low point of 1,539 in 2009.
TED FARID was appointed vice president of sales for the Asia-Pacific region for Hawker Beechcraft. Farid will oversee sales activity in North and South Asia and India. He has served with the company since 1996, most recently as senior vice president of international sales and new business development. He has also held international sales and marketing positions with Bombardier Learjet and Cessna.
PEG BILLSON was appointed president and CEO of Aftermarket Services for BBA Aviation. Billson joined BBA Aviation in September 2009 as president, Legacy Support. She has more than 25 years of aerospace experience, previously serving as COO for Eclipse Aviation. She also has held senior roles with Honeywell.
Gulfstream has obtained its next major approval for G280 – European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validation – clearing the way for the super midsized business jet to be registered in an EU country. EASA clearance, awarded Feb. 7 follows U.S. FAA and Civil Aviation Authority of Israel type certification on Aug. 30. Gulfstream delivered the first G280 to a U.S.-based customer Nov. 13. Gulfstream and its affiliate Jet Aviation have prepped both the London Luton and Basel, Switzerland centers to support the G280.
EUROCOPTER Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0794; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-04-AD; Amendment 39-17319; AD 2013-01-05] – requires revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amps and installing a placard in the instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. This AD was prompted by the determination that the manufacturer-installed Aircraft Parts Corporation starter generator has exceeded the shaft horse power extractions allowed for Turbomeca engines.
PIPER PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, and PA-44 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0731; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-020-AD; Amendment 39-17334; AD 2013-02-13] – requires inspections of the stabilator control system and replacement of parts as necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of control cable assembly failures that may lead to failure of the horizontal stabilator control system and could result in loss of pitch control. FAA estimates the AD will affect 34,103 aircraft on the U.S.
Key Democrats are supporting an effort to lengthen business aircraft depreciation schedules, but Republicans in the House and Senate are resisting, with one calling the push a “poll-tested gimmick.”
Gulfstream’s G280 set 15 new city-pair speed records while it completed a 250-hr. reliability demonstration program. The program encompassed pilot check rides, maintenance on auxiliary power units, engine run qualifications, technical operations, publication validations and basic servicing and handling at fixed-base operations. The 15 speed records set during the trials have been certified by the National Aeronautic Association. The speed records include a 3 hr. and 21 min. flight between Aspen, Colo., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and an 8 hr. and 19 min.
Cobham Commercial Systems in Mineral Wells, Texas, has received Civilian Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) supplemental type certification for the HeliSAS stability augmentation system and autopilot on the Bell 407 helicopter. Cobham says the CAAC approval clears the way for installation of the system on hundreds of 407s in the country. The system has been installed on more than 100 helicopters in the U.S., Australia and South America.
DASSAULT Mystere Falcon 900 and Falcon 900EX airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1322; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-155-AD] – require modifying the tail strobe power supply wire routing. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of chafing between the tail strobe power supply and a hydraulic line. FAA is proposing this AD to prevent chafing between the tail strobe power supply and a hydraulic line, which could result in hydraulic fluid leakage and possible fire due to arcing, and consequent loss of control of the airplane due to structural failure of the tail.
TURBOMECA Arriel 2D turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2012-0940; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-26-AD; Amendment 39-17321; AD 2013-01-07] – requires replacing the hydromechanical metering unit (HMU) at a reduced life. This AD was prompted by a low fuel pressure event caused by deterioration and a loss of the low-pressure drive function within the HMU. FAA is issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded inflight shutdown of the engine and possible loss of the helicopter.
Pres Henne, who led the design of the Collier Trophy-winning Gulfstream V and G550 and oversaw development of the new G650, is set to retire from the business-jet manufacturer on March 31. Henne joined Gulfstream in 1994 from McDonnell Douglas (MDC), where he began his career in 1969. At MDC, Henne was responsible for the aerodynamic design of the C-17 wing, and was later vice president and general manager of the MD-90 program. At Gulfstream, he has overseen the introduction of six products and advances such as enhanced and synthetic vision displays.
