Jeppesen is expanding its availability, along with subscription services, for its digital JeppView navigation data, as the company prepares to release Jeppesen Mobile FlightDeck version 2.0. The new version will be available within two months, providing additional functionality. The Mobile FlightDeck has been approved for the Apple iPad, and Jeppesen is adding availability for Samsung Galaxy tablets using the Android operating system.
Bombardier is planning an expanded Safety Standdown Latin America in conjunction with the ninth annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition Aug. 13-14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The third year in Latin America, the Safety Standdown will include a half day of workshops in addition to the single-day general session.
PILATUS Models PC 12, PC 12/45, PC 12/47, and PC 12/47E [Docket No. FAA-2012-0732; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-022-AD] – proposes to supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from the European Aviation Safety Agency that calls for new revisions into the limitations section approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). The limitations were revised to include an inspection of the wing main spar fastener holes at rib 6 for cracks.
The Chinese continue on their acquisitive path to rapidly expand their aerospace base with their latest buy – kit aircraft maker Glasair Aviation. Fang Tieji, chairman of Jilin Hanxing Group, acquired the kit maker, promising to invest substantially in the company to grow its product base and expand offerings in China.
SIKORSKY Model S-92A helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0715; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-039-AD; Amendment 39-17122; AD 2012-14-08] – requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) for a crack. This AD is prompted by a crack discovered in the cored passage of the MGB housing, which may be indicated by oil on the housing. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the MGB housing, which could result in loss of oil, failure of the MGB, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. FAA estimates the AD will affect 16 helicopters on the U.S.
Aug. 13-16—Airports Council International-North America, 2012 Public Safety & Security Fall Conference, Arlington, Va., www.aci-na.org/event/1753 Aug. 16—4th Annual BALA Summit, Business Aviation in Latin America, LABACE, Sao Paulo, Brazil, www.aeropodium.com/cp/bala.html Aug. 18-22—54th NEC/AAAE Annual Conference, Providence, Rhode Island, www.necconference.org Sept. 9-12—22nd Airports Council International World-North America Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition, Calgary, Canada, www.aci-na.org/conferences/
Embraer is prepping the first of its Legacy 500 jets for first flight in upcoming weeks – not quite a year after originally hoped – as the Brazilian manufacturer continues to target 2013 certification for the midsize business jet. Embraer rolled out the initial Legacy jet late last year and began ground tests in January.
Valair Aviation at Wiley Post Airport (KPWA) in Oklahoma City has joined the Phillips 66 Aviation network. Formerly called The ServiCenter, the fixed-base operation provides a range of services including maintenance and modifications and offers off-site service. A 24-hr. facility, Valair participates in the Phillips 66 WingPoints Reward Card program. Valair began as a service division for Aero Commander aircraft.
Cessna Aircraft is developing a diesel version of its Model 182 Skylane that, when available in the second quarter of 2013, will replace the Lycoming-powered Model 182 Skylane that burns leaded aviation gasoline.
Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) is hoping for a quick resolution of a lawsuit it filed last spring seeking reinstatement of its $355 million U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) contract, according to Taco Gilbert, the company’s vice president of ISR business development. SNC filed the lawsuit after the Air Force set aside the original award for 20 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft after the losing bidder, Hawker Beechcraft, filed its own lawsuit in protest.
Sabreliner Corporation recently finished major engine and airframe inspection work on a Sabreliner 60 operated by the Bolivian government. The government uses the aircraft for VIP transport, including the Bolivian president, vice president and ministers. Sabreliner completed the inspections at its Perryville, Mo. maintenance facility. During the hot section inspection, Sabreliner found extensive foreign object damage on the aircraft stators and blades from an engine ingestion event, requiring the use of exchange engines.
Eclipse Aerospace secured Brazilian type validation for its Total Eclipse upgraded EA500. The approval culminates 15 months of work with the Brazilian Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) for approval of the EA500 and the Eclipse Avio integrated flight management system. In addition to the Avio system, the aircraft is certified for flight into known icing.
ROBERT PLATTEN was appointed as an outside sales executive for Meridian. Platten will focus on air charter sales, along with sales of the company’s services. He has 23 year of accounting and aviation experience, most recently as director of business development for TWC/ACM Aviation. He also has served as vice president-Northeast sales for New World Aviation, vice president of charter management for Atlantic Aviation and director of client relations for Jet Aviation.
Hawthorne Global Aviation Services recently acquired a controlling interest of the recently reopened New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW)-based fixed-base operation Aeropremier. The FBO, a former National Guard facility, underwent substantial renovations following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and opened for business in February. The facilities include more than 50,000 sq. ft. of hangar space, which can accommodate an aircraft the size of a Gulfstream G550. The facility will take on the Hawthorne brand.
Engine maker Continental Motors Inc. (CMI) is expanding its foray into the flight training market with the establishment of Zulu Flight Training – a flight school designed to attract a new potential customer base away from airports. Under Zulu, the training will be brought to accessible locations within population centers, such as malls, but use a structured curriculum that relies on full motion aviation trainers. The training will be supported by aircraft at nearby airports.
Both government and industry leaders attending last week’s EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wis., strongly backed the effort to rewrite Part 23 rules governing the design of general aviation piston and light jet aircraft. A government/industry aviation rulemaking committee is expected to present recommendations next summer for the rewrite, and Peggy Gilligan, FAA associate administrator for aviation safety, says those recommendations will influence the timing of the rule. Gilligan holds the rulemaking as one means to make certification more efficient.
TERRY WATKINS joined Sabreliner Corp. as paint operations manager for the recently opened $7 million aircraft painting hangar at Perryville Municipal Airport (KO2) in Missouri. Watkins formerly spent 13 years with Midcoast/Jet Aviation.
Helicopter Association International President Matt Zuccaro is vowing to fight FAA’s recent rule mandating helicopter traffic routes along Long Island, saying the action is part of a “very disturbing trend” of political attempts to curb airspace access. Zuccaro notes the rule, released earlier this month, underwent just a two-day Office of Management and Budget review after Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) appealed to the White House to expedite it.
GE Aviation is launching two derivative of its recently certified H80 turboprop engine, the H75 and H85 turboprops. The H75 engine will be rated at 750 (shp) for both takeoff and maximum continuous operation, and the H85 engine will be rated at 850 shp. Like the H80, the H75 and H85 engines will be manufactured at GE Aviation’s facility in the Czech Republic and aimed at the agricultural, commuter, utility and business turboprop aircraft segments. Type certifications from EASA and FAA are anticipated early next year, GE says.
Continental Motors Inc. (CMI), working with its Chinese parent AVIC International, is planning to invest in a line of diesel engines ranging from 160 hp to 350 hp or more. At the same time, CMI is pursuing the supplemental type certificate market, recently obtaining the first for a diesel option on the Cirrus S22 and turning its attention next to the Cessna 182.
Cessna, which last fall unveiled two new jets, is turning its attention to turboprops, gathering market feedback on a potential 6-7 place single turboprop and developing a new version of its venerable Grand Caravan. Separately, the company is looking to certify its light-sport aircraft, the Skycatcher, in Europe.
Chesapeake Sport Pilot, one of the largest light-sport flight schools in the country, received a letter of deviation authority (LODA) from the FAA to provide transition training for the Searey amphibious kit aircraft. The LODA was the first in the U.S. that is specific to the Searey. Chesapeake partnered with Searey manufacturer Progressive Aerodyne to provide the training. The light-sport, two-place aircraft can land on water with the landing gear retracted and using the man aircraft hull essentially as a boat hull.
ROLLS-ROYCE 250-C20, -C20B, and -C20R/2 turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0961; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-22-AD; Amendment 39-17120; AD 2012-14-06] – requires a one-time visual inspection and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) on certain 3rd and 4th stage turbine wheels for cracks in the turbine blades. This AD was prompted by seven cases reported of released turbine blades and shrouds, which led to loss of power and engine inflight shutdowns.
JOHN HINTON has joined Aircell’s aftermarket sales team as regional sales manager. Hinton will work with business aircraft operators and aftermarket installation facilities in the Northeast. He formerly was principal sales manager with Rockwell Collins. He also has held positions with Airshow and served as a guidance and control technician in the U.S. Air Force.
