PIPER Models PA-31T and PA-31T1 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0251; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-002-AD; Amendment 39-17058; AD 2012-10-09] – supersedes an AD that currently requires correcting a model identification error on the aircraft data plate. Since FAA issued that AD, the agency became aware that some owner/operators of the affected airplanes modified the aircraft data plate in error because of confusion in the serial number applicability. Because of the confusion, the manufacturer has issued new service information to clarify affected airplane serial numbers.
TURBOMECA Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0115; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-40-AD] –- proposes to supersede an existing AD that requirements accomplishment of a TU166 modification. Since FAA issued that AD, the agency became aware of an accident involving an engine inflight shutdown on a twin-engine helicopter powered by two Arriel 2S2 engines. This proposed AD would add the Arriel 2S2 engine to the applicability of engines requiring the TU166 modification with a different compliance time.
Edward King, an avionics pioneer and founder of King Radio, passed away June 3 at the age of 90. National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen calls King “one of the most important figures in the development of modern avionics. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped establish and advance the state of the art for onboard electronics.”
The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) GA Desk was renamed NBAA Air Traffic Services, a change designed to emphasize its role in helping members with air traffic issues, NBAA says. The desk, established in August 2001, is based at FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center to represent general aviation interests. NBAA also launched a Twitter feed, www.twitter.com/NBAA_ATS, to share airspace alerts and other information.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0496; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-263-AD] – proposes to supersede an existing AD that currently requires revising the airworthiness limitations section of the instructions for continued airworthiness of the Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance Requirements Manual by incorporating new procedures for repetitive detailed and special detailed inspections for cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead.
Eclipse is starting production of its Eclipse 550 very light jet model with initial deliveries in 2013. On June 1, Eclipse dealers representing more than 30 countries attended the first international Eclipse dealer sales conference at Eclipse headquarters in Albuquerque, N.M., and signed agreements to purchase new Eclipse 550 Jets for delivery in 2014 and early 2015.
Signature Flight Support has added ATP Jet Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., to its Signature Select affiliate fixed-base operation program. Under the program, independent FBOs participate in Signature’s systems, training, sales and marketing processes and must meet certain standards. The FBOs keep their independent brand but also carry the Signature Select badge.
Industry profit-to-earnings ratios are up 86% over May 2009, notes industry analyst Rollie Vincent, who heads Rolland Vincent Associates, LLC. The P/E ratio, currently 25.1, is up from 13.5 in May 2009. The dividend yield, meanwhile, is up 30% over that of a year ago. But the five-year sales growth rate is still 26% below that of May 2009 and 19% below that of May 2011, Vincent says.
GULFSTREAM Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0495; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-236-AD] – proposes to require determining the lengths of the wear indicating pins of all brake assemblies, shortening the pin if the wear indicating pin is too long, inspecting for normal brake wear, and replacing brakes with new brakes if necessary. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of degraded brake performance during landing due to improperly-sized wear indicating pins.
While the number of fixed-wing aircraft in government use has remained stable, the number of helicopters used by federal, state and local governments has doubled over the past five years in a variety of safety, disaster relief, surveillance and other roles, according to a new study released by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). The study, “Government Use of Aircraft, A Taxpayer Value Perspective,” underscores the importance of using both fixed-wing and rotorcraft in government roles.
DWIGHT PULLEN was appointed aviation director of CH2M Hill, a global consulting, design, construction and operations firm. Pullen has experience in managing capital and expansion programs at Denver International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport and New Orleans International Airport.
Following the fall elections, the White House – whether with the return of the existing administration or the arrival of a new administration – must focus on filling key leadership slots at FAA and “make it permanent,” says Gerald Dillingham, director of U.S. civil aviation issues for the Government Accountability Office. He stresses that the leadership at FAA should be addressed early on so FAA can move on key NextGen and other initiatives.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and aviation industry advocates last week equally denounced the EU’s emissions trading scheme (EU-ETS), but the Obama administration stops short of backing congressional action to ban participation in the system.
June 14–16—National Business Aviation Association 17th Annual Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference, Chicago, (202) 783-9000, www.nbaa.org July 15-17—Large Hub Winter Operations and Deicing Conference, Dulles, Va., www.necaaae.org July 23-29—Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wis., www.airventure.org Aug. 18-22—54th NEC/AAAE Annual Conference, Providence, Rhode Island, www.necconference.org
MICHAEL WARD was named senior general manager of the Hawker Beechcraft Services aircraft maintenance facility at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. Ward will be responsible for all customer services, including aircraft maintenance, avionics and modifications at the Houston facility. He has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, project management, modifications, sales and service.
Brazilian operator Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras is planning to operate an Embraer 195 with its General Electric CF34-10E engines burning a renewable fuel produced by biotechnology company Amyris that is based on sugarcane. Pending authorization from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, the flight is planned for June 19, to coincide with the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro. Amyris is working with petroleum producer Total to develop the jet fuel, which is produced via a “direct sugar to hydrocarbon” (DSHC) fermentation.
XN Air in Spokane, Wash., has joined the Avfuel network of branded fixed-base operations. The move follows its acquisition by Ross Aviation earlier this year, becoming the fifth Ross aviation FBO to join the Avfuel network.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and aviation industry advocates last week equally denounced the EU’s emissions trading scheme (EU-ETS), but the Obama administration stops short of backing congressional action to ban participation in the system.
Jet Edge International added a Florida-based Gulfstream 200 to its fleet. Jet Edge operates a fleet of super midsize and large cabin aircraft, including Gulfstream II, IV, IVSP, 450 and V aircraft. In addition, the Los Angeles-based carrier operates Hawker 800XP, Citation X and Challenger aircraft under its Platinum Partner arrangement with San Francisco-based charter operator Xojet.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702); CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705); CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900); and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. [Docket No. FAA-2011-1416; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-156-AD; Amendment 39-17056; AD 2012-10-07] – requires an inspection to determine if certain oxygen pressure regulators are installed, and replacement of oxygen cylinder and regulator assemblies containing pressure regulators that do not meet required material properties.
Bombardier Aerospace’s Northern Ireland subsidiary Short Brothers has been selected by Pratt & Whitney and Irkut to supply the nacelle for the PW1400 engine on the Russian manufacturer’s planned MC-21 narrowbody airliner. The deal is a breakthrough for Shorts, which in recent years has seen its market share in nacelle work eroded by growing competition from the U.S. and France.
Japan intends to buy two ScanEagle UAVs for its army, a further sign that the government recognizes the growing importance of unmanned aircraft. The funds for the purchase are part of the country’s third supplemental budget for post-tsunami disaster relief, according to a Boeing spokeswoman in Japan. Boeing subsidiary Insitu makes ScanEagle, which is launched via catapult. This is the first time Japan has ordered ScanEagle, the spokeswoman says, adding that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is Insitu’s partner in the deal.
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared aviation appreciation months in May, joining the growing alliance of states to officially recognize the importance of aviation. General aviation is estimated to have an annual economic impact of $723 million in Nebraska with 86 airports and more than 2,700 pilots. The air transportation industry as a whole supports more than 5,000 jobs in the state, officials estimate.
RYAN SANDERS has joined Aero Charter, a charter, fixed-base operation and support company based at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Chesterfield, Mo. Sanders will be a captain in the company Baron and first officer on the Sabreliner and Cessna Citation CJ2 and Excel airplanes. He also will help steer the company’s safety program. He received a master’s degree in aviation safety from the University of Central Missouri, where he served on the Aviation Safety Committee and helped draft the airport emergency plan for Skyhaven Airport in Warrensburg, Mo.
