A new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rule covering flight-crew licensing has the potential of grounding hundreds, if not thousands, of general aviation pilots in certain European countries, such as the U.K. The rule, which took effect on April 8, enacts EASA requirements for pilot training and the issuance of European pilot licenses, ratings and certificates.
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON Model 407 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0337; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-090-AD] – proposes to require replacement of the tailboom-attachment hardware and perform initial and recurring determinations of the torque on the nuts of the tailboom-attachment bolts at all four attachment locations.
FOKKER Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0300; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-276-AD] – proposes to require, for all airplanes, applying sealant below the FQIS probes in the wing tanks; and for certain airplanes, applying sealant below the FQIS probes in the integral center wing tank (ICWT). This proposed AD would also require revising the aircraft maintenance program by revising the fuel airworthiness limitations and incorporating critical design configuration control limitations.
As military procurements go, the U.S. Air Force’s competition to supply 20 turboprop light-attack/advanced training aircraft to the Afghan air force is hardly on the cutting edge of technology. Yet a battle for the modest contract has become a political hot potato between the U.S. and one of the world’s rising economic powers, Brazil. Last week, it served as a backdrop to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s visit to the White House.
Constant Aviation in Cleveland was appointed as an authorized service center for the Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engine. The appointment enables Constant Aviation to offer in-house engine maintenance, on-site parts and warranty claim processing for Legacy 600/650 operators.
FAA officials estimate that they will select six sites for integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the national airspace by December. Since early May, the agency has been accepting public comments that will help it shape the test sites. The comment period runs through May 8, officials said in a web-based conference April 10.
GEORGE G.C. PARKER has joined the board of directors for XOJet. Parker is a former senior associate dean for academic affairs at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and is a Dean Witter distinguished professor of finance (emeritus). He has a background in teaching in research focusing on corporate finance, financial institutions management and corporate governance. He has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including Continental Airlines.
Bombardier recently handed over the first Global 6000 aircraft equipped with the Vision Flight Deck. The aircraft, to be operated by Wideworld Services, was delivered just weeks after the first Vision Flight Deck-equipped aircraft, a Global 5000, entered service with Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda. Bombardier also has handed over a Vision Flight Deck-equipped Global 5000 to Arab Wings of Amman, Jordan. The avionics package, which incorporates synthetic vision imagery on a head-up display as part of the Pro Line Fusion system, received FAA certification on Feb.
The Aviation Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition, which returned last month after a five-year hiatus, underscores the rapid growth of business aviation in the region. The most recent event drew 6,375 attendees, nearly triple the 2,200 who attended the 2007 ABACE in Hong Kong, NBAA says.
KEVIN SHEEHAN has joined the board of directors for XOJet. Sheehan is president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. He has international business experience, helping found Telmundo, the second-largest Spanish-language television network. He also has served as chairman and CEO of Cendant Corp.’s Vehicle Services Division, where he was responsible for brands including Avis, Budget, PPH Vehicle Management, First Fleet and Wright Express.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s South Runway 9R/27L will close this week as part of the airport’s expansion plan. General aviation and commuter aircraft will be the most affected by the closure; most of this traffic from April 18 will be diverted to the North Runway and during heavy demand to the airport’s Crosswind Runway. The upgraded South Runway is expected to reopen in late 2014. The $791 million project will extend 9R/27L to 8,000 ft.
Daher-Socata handed over the first of 37 retrofitted TB 20 Trinidad single-engine aircraft to France’s Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC). The aircraft are fitted with an integrated Garmin G500 integrated avionics suite, two GNS 430W combined communication-navigation systems, a Garmin GAD 43 digital autopilot and a number of other optional features. The G500 avionics suite incorporates a 6.5-in. primary flight display and multifunction display, along with an attitude/heading reference system, Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology software, and Jeppesen Chartview.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model SA341G helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0338; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-51-AD] – proposes to require establishing a retirement life of 12,000 hr. time-in-service (TIS) for the rotating star. This proposed AD is prompted by an analysis and tests performed by the manufacturer that indicate that the life limit of the rotating star should be 12,000 hr. TIS. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the rotating star and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. FAA estimates the AD would affect 21 helicopters on the U.S.
EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0191; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-035-AD; Amendment 39-16980; AD 2012-05-08] – requires repetitive inspections for fuel leakage and cracks on the wing spar II, close to the rib 10 area, and repair, if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of fuel seepage at the left-hand wing, close to the rib 10 area in two airplanes. FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking on the wing spar II, which could result in a fuel leak, consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and possible fire.
Terrafugia is beginning the flight test program of its first production prototype of its Transition roadable aircraft. The aircraft made its 8-min. first flight from Plattsburgh, N.Y., on March 23, after completing initial drive testing. The prototype has also accomplished initial testing of the conversion between aircraft and automobile mode. Conversion is performed without exiting the vehicle, the wings folding up against the body and power switching from the pusher propeller to the road wheels.
An increase in Part 135 commuter/air taxi business jet accidents is driving a significant jump in business jet accidents through the first three months of the year. But an improving turboprop record has kept down the overall number of U.S.-registered business turbine accidents, according to the latest information released by safety expert Robert E. Breiling Associates.
FlightSafety International is renewing its 2012 Proficiency Protection Program that is designed to help pilots and maintenance technicians who have lost their jobs to maintain proficiency. The program provides free recurrent training to qualified pilots and technicians who became unemployed this year.
ANDY RICHARDS was named vice president of completions and modifications for Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Mich., facility. Richards will oversee the Battle Creek avionics line, avionics installations and interior completions teams. He will also provide on-site support for OEM completions, materials and engineering in Battle Creek. Richards joined Duncan Aviation in 1997 as a cabinet builder in the Kal-Aero Interior shop. Kal-Aero was acquired by Duncan Aviation in 1998.
FAA is strengthening expectations for manufacturers and other type certificate holders to provide Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). The agency recently issued a policy statement that is designed to address what FAA views as efforts by some design approval holders (DAHs) to “inappropriately restrict the availability, distribution, or use” of ICA through restrictive language, use or access agreements.
Austrian plane-maker Diamond Aircraft is beginning flight tests on a new twin diesel-powered airplane that the will incorporate one of the largest cabins in the product line. A prototype DA52, powered by two Austro Engine 180-hp turbo-diesel engines, AE300E, completed its first flight with Diamond Chairman Christian Dries and head of flight test Ingmar Mayerbuch at the controls, the company said April 3.
TIMOTHY PUGLIELLI was appointed chief financial officer for PAS Technologies. He will be responsible for all financial activities of reporting, budgeting, accounting and treasury management, including overseeing all financial aspects for the business, as well as investor relations. Puglielli has more than 32 years of financial/operational management experience, including a background in the aircraft engine industry. Before joining PAS Technologies, he was general manager, Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners.
MIKE SAPANARA has joined West Star Aviation to lead avionics technical sales. Sapanara previously spent 22 years with Rockwell Collins, holding positions including senior field service engineer and regional sales manager. He also has gained avionics experience during his career with the U.S. Coast Guard, and recently retired from the Air Force Reserve.
Business aviation advocates are becoming increasingly concerned over an apparent effort by the Internal Revenue Service to expand the applicability of the 7.5% passenger ticket tax.
Used business jet metrics continued to improve in February with the number of sales transactions increasing 7.6% and the average time on the market declining by 82 days to 346 days, according to business jet market analyst JetNet. Business jet asking price also inched up 3% (to $4.053 million) and the overall number of business jets for sale as a percentage of the fleet dropped 0.5% to 13.9%.
