HONEYWELL TFE731-20R, -20AR, -20BR, -40, -40AR, -40R, -50R, and -60 turbofan engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0945; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-18-AD; Amendment 39-17161; AD 2012-16-14] – requires removing and inspecting certain LPT2 rotor blades. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape of about 8,000 2nd stage low-pressure turbine (LPT2) rotor blades, manufactured by Honeywell Chihuahua Manufacturing Operation since 2009. FAA estimates the AD will affect 3,000 engines installed on U.S.-registered aircraft at a cost of $1.43 million for the fleet.
Thrush Aircraft received FAA type inspection authorization (TIA) for its new Thrush 510G aircraft, clearing the way for final FAA flight testing to begin. TIA typically is a final primary step before full aircraft certification. The FAA flight tests are expected to occur this month. The 510G is the first production aircraft to use the new GE H80 turbine engine, which Thrush says will increase cruise speeds, improve hot and high performance and provide better fuel efficiency.
Hawthorne Global Aviation Services is moving operations of its newly acquired facility at New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW) into temporary quarters while the fixed-base operation begins another cleanup and renovation from damage caused by last month’s Hurricane Isaac. But the facility is remaining operational during this period.
CESSNA Models 172R and 172S airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0846; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-021-AD] – proposes to inspect the fuel return line assembly for chafing; replace the fuel return line assembly if chafing is found; inspect the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane structure; and adjustment as necessary.
Flyht Aerospace received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval to activate its Automated Flight Information Reporting System (AFIRS) 228 on Hawker Beechcraft “987 series” aircraft (750/800XP/850XP/900XP variants). The supplemental type certificate, the company’s first from EASA for the AFIRS 228, was developed for a contract the company received from NetJets Europe in March. Flyht has installed AFIRS 228 provisions – including the tray, wiring and antenna – on 10 of the Hawker fleet and delivered 13 of 30 kits on contract.
The used aircraft market is continuing to strengthen as the numbers of available aircraft shrink across the board, according to JetNet’s latest report. The percentage of the business jet fleet for sale dropped to 13.5% in July, a near low since the market plummeted in 2008. This is welcome news for business aircraft makers who have been waiting for the oversupply of used aircraft to dry up and spur demand for new aircraft.
Embraer is adding the second Phenom model – the 300 – to the assembly line at its Melbourne, Fla., plant, while the Brazilian manufacturer continues to expand its footprint at the U.S. site. Phenom 300 assembly is set to launch with many of the major components, including the fuselage and wing, already on site in Melbourne, Embraer executives tell Aviation Week. The first aircraft is expected to be completed and delivered in early 2013.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 440) aircraft [Docket No. FAA-2012-0328; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-259-AD; Amendment 39-17162; AD 2012-16-15] – requires modifying the left-hand engine upper core-cowl. This AD was prompted by reports of jamming/malfunctioning of the left-hand engine thrust control mechanism. FAA is issuing this AD to prevent jamming/malfunctioning of the left-hand engine thrust control mechanism, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane. FAA estimates the AD will affect 601 aircraft on the U.S.
Bombardier is progressing toward a 2013 entry into service of its Learjet 45 XR replacement with the recent powering on of the electrical systems of the first production Learjet 75. The manufacturer tested power, including the new Bombardier Vision flight deck, on the aircraft, which will join the flight testing program.
Aviation job postings have jumped 61% for the online job network JSfirm.com, the company reports. The increase, reported for April-June, marked the busiest second quarter in JSfirm.com’s 13-year history, says Business Development Manager Jeff Richards.
CESSNA Model 402C and 414A airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-1084; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-056-AD] – revises an earlier proposal for Model 402C airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model 414A airplanes modified by STC SA892NW. That proposal would require a complete inspection of the flap system and modification of the flap control system.
Aviation user fees will come under scrutiny this week at a Small Business Committee hearing. Participants in the Sept. 12 hearing, “User Fees in the Aviation Industry: Turbulence Ahead,” will discuss the financial and regulatory ramifications of user fees such as the White House’s proposal for a $100-per-flight air traffic control charge. The hearing also will look at the potential effect on private sector job creation.
Sept. 9-12—22nd Airports Council International World-North America Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition, Calgary, Canada, www.aci-na.org/conferences/ Sept. 10-11—National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Events: Fall Committee Meetings, Wyndham Dallas Love Field, Dallas, Tex.(703) 845-8176, [email protected], www.nata.aero/Event.aspx?page=2075§ionid=1449 Sept. 11-13—Airline Engineering & Maintenance: Asia Pacific Conference, Crowne Plaza Mutiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysa, www.airlineengineering-asiapacific.com/
ADAM SMITH was named senior vice president for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) new Center to Advance the Pilot Community. The center will focus on stopping the steady decline in the number of U.S. pilots. He previously was vice president of membership for the Experimental Aircraft Association and oversaw the AirVenture air show. He also served as vice president of outreach for the EAA Aviation Foundation.
Boeing delivered the first Boeing Business Jet 747-8 with an Aeroloft installed. Installed by Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems and designed and built by Greenpoint Technologies of Kirkland, Wash., the Aeroloft provides 393 sq. ft. of additional cabin space, bringing the total cabin space of the VIP-configured 747-8 to 5,179 sq. ft. Developed specifically for the BBJ 747-8, the Aeroloft is located above the main cabin between the upper deck and airplane tail, providing eight private sleeping berths and a changing room.
Beijing and Shanghai are likely to get dedicated airports for business aviation, boosting growth prospects for the industry while relieving commercial airports of the accompanying airspace congestion. The director-general of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Li Jiaxiang, says building the two airports will be part of a set of policies that the agency is working on for the promotion of business aviation.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT Model G58 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0829; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-024-AD] – proposes to require replacement of the incorrect gauge wiring with the correct wiring required by type design and the aircraft’s circuit protection. This proposed AD was prompted by notification from Hawker Beechcraft that certain affected aircraft were produced with the incorrect gauge wiring installed. FAA estimates the proposal affects 40 aircraft on the U.S. Registry at a cost of $56,400, or $1,360 per aircraft.
Sept. 9-12—22nd Airports Council International World-North America Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition, Calgary, Canada, www.aci-na.org/conferences/ Sept. 10-11—National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Events: Fall Committee Meetings, Wyndham Dallas Love Field, Dallas, Tex.(703) 845-8176, [email protected], www.nata.aero/Event.aspx?page=2075§ionid=1449 Sept. 11-13—Airline Engineering & Maintenance: Asia Pacific Conference, Crowne Plaza Mutiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysa, www.airlineengineering-asiapacific.com/
SIKORSKY S-76A helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2010-0517; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-73-AD; Amendment 39-17137; AD 2012-15-08]—requires modifying the electric rotor brake (ERB) and inserting changes into the ``Normal Procedures’’ and ``Emergency Procedures’’ sections of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual. This AD was prompted by a fire in the main gearbox area as a result of a hot electric rotor brake (ERB).
The deadline for the FAA to start a pilot project to build six UAV test sites around the U.S. has passed, putting bidders around the country on hold. That includes places like Ohio, which is investing $1.5 million in hopes of capitalizing on the military and industrial resources of the state’s southwest corner. The Ohio Aircraft Systems Center and Test Complex will use a “military operating area” managed by the Air National Guard. The site is close to Wright Patterson AFB, where the Air Force Research Lab and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center are located.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT Model C90GTi (King Air) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0830; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-026-AD] – proposes to require replacing incorrect gauge wires in certain electrical power wiring bundles, inspecting associated wiring bundles and components for heat damage, and taking all necessary corrective actions. Model C90GTi (King Air) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of incorrect gauge wires used in certain wiring bundles for the cockpit electrical power for backlighting and instrument panel components.
Piedmont Aircraft has signed a deal to take over the operational control of the aircraft maintenance operation at Moore County Airport (SOP) at Pinehurst/Southern Pines, N.C.
