EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105LS A-1, BO-105LS A-3, and BO-105S helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2011-1285; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-073-AD] – revises an earlier proposal which called for inspecting for debonding of the erosion protective shell (abrasion strip) on the leading edge of each main rotor blade. This supplemental proposed AD proposes to revise those inspection requirements by identifying specific dates of replacement of the applicable parts and identifying a specific inspection method for debonding of an abrasion strip.
BOMBARDIER Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes [Docket No.FAA-2012-1226; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-122-AD] – proposes to require replacing the handle shaft with a new single-piece machined handle shaft on the aft entry and service doors, and require revising the maintenance program by incorporating a new airworthiness limitation task. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a translating door handle jamming during opening of an aft door.
General aviation groups believe 2013 is shaping up to be a pivotal year on the environmental front as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) tackles aviation emissions curbs and the general aviation industry works with FAA to replace leaded aviation gasoline. Environmental initiatives join a full plate of issues confronting the industry this year, ranging from NextGen and helicopter routes to the overhaul of Part 23 and FAA standardization.
Maxcraft Avionics, based near Vancouver, secured Transport Canada supplemental type certification for installation of the Sandel ST3400 Class A terrain awareness warning system (TAWS) on Hawker Beechcraft 1900C and 1900D aircraft. The TAWs unit meets new Transport Canada requirements for Enhanced Altitude Accuracy. Under the Maxcraft installation, the Sandel unit is integrated with existing compatible GPS receivers such as the Garmin GNS400/500 and GTN6XX/7XX series navigators, or can provide a new dedicated WAAS/GPS Sensor, if required.
DAVE NIEUWSMA was appointed vice president of Government Systems strategy and business development for Rockwell Collins. Nieuwsma, who has 20 years of experience, previously led the Government Systems Airborne Solutions unit for two years. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the company’s marketing and sales organization.
Gulfstream Aerospace promoted Steve Cass to vice president of communications. Cass, formerly director of sales support, will be responsible for internal and external communications at Gulfstream. He reports to Scott Neal, senior vice president of sales and marketing. Cass joined Gulfstream in 1992 and most recently coordinated activities at Gulfstream’s Savannah, Ga., sales and design center, as well as the sales development and sales engineering groups.
EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 and ERU 190 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1230; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-107-AD] – supersedes an existing AD that requires repetitive replacements of the low-stage check valve and associated seals of the right hand (RH) engine’s engine bleed system with a new check valve and new seals, replacing the low pressure check valves (LPCV), and revising the maintenance program. For certain other airplanes, the existing AD requires replacing a certain low-stage check valve with an improved low-stage check valve.
Airlines for America (A4A) has named Dan Elwell senior vice president for safety, security and operations. The position is a liaison with the Transportation and Homeland Security Departments, the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration. Elwell joins A4A from the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), where he was VP-civil aviation. Prior to AIA, Elwell was FAA assistant administrator for aviation policy, planning and environment. Elwell will join A4A on Feb. 1.
Bell Helicopter is expanding its completion and customer delivery facility in Piney Flats, Tenn. The expansion, which Bell says represents a $10.1 million investment, is expected to accommodate up to 125 new workers. “We continue to see a growing demand for commercial helicopters, and Bell Helicopter’s anticipated production requirements are outpacing the size of our current facility in Piney Flats,” says Eric Cardinal, executive vice president, Customer Support and Services for Bell Helicopter. The expansion includes the purchase of a 150,000-sq.-ft.
TROY BRUNK was named vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. Brunk, who joined Rockwell Collins in 1992, previously was senior director of Airborne Communications Products. In his new role, he oversees the company’s business that provides avionics and flight deck products for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The organization also includes the company’s unmanned airborne systems business.
GIPPSAERO GA200 and GA200C airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0946; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-037-AD; Amendment 39-17294; AD 2012-18-10 R1] – revises an existing AD that requires inspection of the inboard (upper) wing strut fitting. That AD stemmed from mandatory continuing airworthiness information issued by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority that cites reports of failure of the wing strut bolt through the main spar. The AD extends the repetitive inspection compliance time from 100 to 500 hr.
CESSNA (previously Columbia or Lancair) Models LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1330; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-006-AD] – proposes to require insertions into the pilot’s operating handbook (POH) and the airplane maintenance manuals (AMM) regarding proper use of the brakes and inspection of the aft fuselage.
Bombardier’s business aircraft programs are entering this year with momentum, with plans for three new aircraft to enter service and orders growing for both its larger and light jets. Bombardier capped last year with announced orders for six of its new Learjet 75s, valued at $81 million, and five Global 6000s valued at $293 million. The latest order brought the total firm Global family orders announced last year alone to 93 aircraft valued at $5.3 billion. The Global 6000 accounts for 52 of last year’s announced firm orders.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 440) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0496; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-263-AD; Amendment 39-17283; AD 2012-25-02] – supersedes an existing AD that currently requires revising the airworthiness limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance Requirements, manually incorporating new procedures for repetitive detailed and special detailed inspections for cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead.
Corporate Air Parts was selected to provide training for charter operator JetSuite. Corporate Air Parts and its CAPS Flight Crew Training provide emergency crew training, including hypoxia recognition, first aid and cabin training services.
Ametek is solidifying its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base in Miami with the acquisition of Aero Components International (ACI) and Avtech Avionics. ACI expands Ametek’s reach in the Miami market for the repairs and overhaul of hydraulic, pneumatic, power generation and heat exchanger components. Avtech provides repair capabilities for both new and legacy avionics. Both are located near Ametek’s High Standard Aviation MRO operation in Miami, which also specializes in electrical/electromechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic repair services.
French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation has named Eric Trappier to replace outgoing Chairman and Chief Executive Charles Edelstenne, who will step down Jan. 8.
Asset Insight has developed an aircraft grading system to help buyers, sellers and financial services companies evaluate an aircraft’s maintenance condition. The Asset Grading System Process provides an index to evaluate and compare technical conditions of different aircraft. The process analyzes age, hours, cycles on airframe, engines, propellers, auxiliary power unit, paint and interior, along with cost to repair or replace parts with no defined life.
New FAA rules are simplifying the process of obtaining certification for significant changes to products that are already type certified. A final rule published this month narrows the scope of the certification requirements to require that only areas affected by changes meet the latest airworthiness standards. This revises regulations adopted in 2000 that requires a certification applicant demonstrates that the entire “changed product” comply with “applicable” airworthiness standards.
Sen. Barbara Mikulski ( D-Md.) will lead the Senate Appropriations Committee, replacing Sen. Daniel Inouye, a Hawaii Democrat who died earlier last week of respiratory complications. She picks up the gavel after Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who was next in line in terms of seniority, opted to remain the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Garmin has expanded its international charting options with the release European VFR and IFR charts for the aera 795/796 aviation portable GPS. The VFR data is sourced directly from Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS). “Pilots have flown behind DFS paper charts for years, but the ability to display the charts electronically is something our European customers have been asking for,” says Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. Garmin earlier this year introduced European VFR terminal charts, or Bottlang charts, from Jeppesen for the aera 795/796.
The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) high-level working group on climate change, which met this month in Montreal, will reconvene in January, several months earlier than previously expected. At the first round of meetings, the high-level group established an agenda to combat aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
