BRET SAWYER was promoted to director, military programs for FlightSafety’s simulation facility. Sawyer joined FlightSafety in 1990 and has worked with the training company’s military programs, strategic planning and business development. He formerly served in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in electronic warfare systems.
ALPHA AVIATION Model R2160 Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0798; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-023-AD] – proposes to require an inspection of air filters with P/N 57.34.00.010 to determine if a metallic mesh is fitted. The proposal is prompted by a report from the European Aviation Safety Agency that a nonconforming air filter was founded on an overseas aircraft during maintenance. Investigation revealed that certain air filters with P/N 57.34.00.010 supplied between June 2009 and April 2012 may not have the metallic mesh inside the filter.
FAA does not expect further extensions of the comment period for proposed repair station certification and classification requirements beyond the additional 90 days the agency has allotted for trade associations to review and address concerns with the proposed overhaul of Part 145 rules.
Jettech obtained FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for installation of Garmin’s touchscreen GTN 650/750 GPS/NAV/COM on Cessna Citation 500 series aircraft. The STC covers Models 500, 501, 550, 551, S550 and 560 business jets and includes the installation of Garmin GTX 33’s transponders, remote GMA35 audio panels, and GA35/37 antennas. In addition, the STC facilitates WAAS approvals.
FAA plans to seek public input on the weight limitations for helicopters under Part 27, but rejected a request by Bell Helicopter to boost the gross weight of the 429 helo beyond the 7,000-lb. threshold.
Business jet makers, still searching for global economic stability, are finding more solid footing in the Latin American market and have taken efforts to expand their presence in the region. The Latin American business jet fleet has grown by 10% in the past year, outpacing most regions worldwide, except Asia, analyst Brian Foley notes, citing JetNet data.
The University of North Dakota (UND) is getting ready to launch an unusual joint program with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Department that it hopes will establish a template for law enforcement use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Planned to begin in early October, pending FAA approvals, the program will see UND Department of Aviation personnel operating up to four small fixed- and rotary-wing UAS in support of the police anywhere within 16 counties in northeast North Dakota.
The Pentagon recently agreed to a broad U.S. Navy plan to develop and buy presidential replacement helicopters, but some defense analysts say the program is still dragging. The U.S. Navy in May proposed a conceptual acquisition strategy to the Pentagon “that would use mature technology to satisfy user requirements,” says Navy Capt. Catherine Mueller.
Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) has begun offering Blackhawk engine upgrades on Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21-equipped King Air 200 aircraft. The upgrade replaces the original Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 or -42 engines with new PT6A-52 engines, along with a new-engine warranty (2,500 hr./5 years coverage on primary parts).
While industry groups push the Department of Homeland Security to release the long-awaited repair station security rule (see article on Page 3), the Transportation Trades Department (AFL-CIO) is asking that the proposal be strengthened before it is released. “We are concerned that the industry groups asking for swift completion of a final rule are not motivated by the need to enhance the security of contract repair stations, but rather by the desire to remove the current moratorium on the U.S.
Sino Jet Management Limited, the Hong Kong-based jet services provider that formed a marketing alliance with U.S.-based TWC Aviation earlier this year, has added a second aircraft to be operated under the alliance. Sino Jet is operating a 10-passenger Gulfstream G200 super midsize jet, which joins a Global Express already operated under the marketing alliance.
General Electric ’s decision to assume responsibility for the engine, nacelle and thrust reverser—rather than just the engine—for its Passport business jet engine project has worked so well that it hopes to replicate the approach in future programs, a GE Aviation executive tells Aviation Week.
Embraer Executive Jets has milled the first part for its mid-light Legacy 450 executive jet, marking the beginning of fabrication for the new aircraft. Embraer Executive Jets President Ernest Edwards calls the first metal cut a significant milestone that brings the second of the company’s two new business jets “to reality.”
With the prospect of unmanned aircraft owned by one country flying through airspace controlled by another, as manned aircraft routinely do today, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is working to develop global standards for their certification and operation. The first package of standards for what ICAO calls remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) will become applicable on Nov. 15. “This is the tip of a complete regulatory framework,” says Leslie Cary, secretary of ICAO’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) study group.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model EC155B1 helicopters with a certain automated flight control system installed [Docket No. FAA-2012-0766; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-056-AD; Amendment 39-17133; AD 2012-15-04] – requires changing the minimum required crew for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations from one pilot to two. This AD is prompted by a report that an EC155B1 helicopter experienced significant intermittent roll oscillations while coupled to the autopilot.
SCOTT FERA was appointed senior vice president, marketing for FlightSafety International. Fera has held sales and marketing roles with FlightSafety since 1979. He most recently has been vice president, marketing, but also has served as regional marketing manager; regional marketing director; national sales manager; managing director, worldwide sales and vice president, sales.
Xojet, the San Francisco-based “closed fleet” on-demand carrier, reports 55% year-over-year growth in flight hours in the first half of 2012. The second quarter marked the 10th consecutive quarter of growth that exceeded industry averages. The company provides a range of charter services, from membership programs to walk-up, coast-to-coast, fixed-price operations. The company recently added an Elite Access program providing guaranteed access with 12 hr. notice and pay-as-you-go pricing.
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0773; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-71-AD] – proposes to require, within 100 hr. time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the long tail rotor drive shaft assembly for blind rivets. If there are one or more blind rivets installed on the shaft assembly, this AD would require replacing the shaft assembly of the long tail rotor drive shaft with an airworthy shaft assembly before further flight.
FAA is developing a plan to improve its certification process after a government/industry aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) found increasing industry activity and inefficient processes are delaying projects and increasing industry costs.
Superior Aviation Beijing, which would face a number of legal and regulatory hurdles to acquire the civil aviation side of Hawker Beechcraft, is stepping up its presence in Washington, retaining the lobbying firm Locke Lord Strategies to represent it. Locke Lorde, which filed the lobby registration form for Superior on Aug. 10, says it will be representing Superior’s aviation interests.
Universal Avionics is opening a new office next month in London to support growing sales activity in Europe. Universal’s European sales currently are solely overseen by its office in Basel, Switzerland. “The extension of our presence in Europe will allow us to better support our customers,” says Robert Clare, director of sales. “As our European customers encounter the increased EASA regulatory requirements and congested airspace, our on-site knowledge and experience will help support them.”
GULFSTREAM Model G150 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0675; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-120-AD; Amendment 39-17131; AD 2012-13-51] – publishes an emergency AD sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires a one-time detailed or borescope inspection of the left- and right-hand inboard vent holes for debris or obstructions, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that an inboard vent tube hole was completely covered with sealant, which blocked airflow through the vent.
Hawker Beechcraft is beginning the avionics installation of its first customer-bound Hawker 400XPR, jump-starting the upgrade program that had slowed by the company’s ongoing financial struggles. Hawker Beechcraft, which recently received an initial $25 million payment from would-be Chinese buyer Superior Aviation Beijing to help fund operations, says the program to re-engine and update the Beechjet/Hawker 400 series is “full speed ahead and flight test and full supplemental type certification is the focus right now.”
