BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Model 4101 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0188; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-120-AD] – proposes to require a one-time [detailed] inspection [for cracks, corrosion, and other defects] of the rear face of the wing rear spar and the accomplishment of the associated corrective actions. This proposal was prompted by reports of cracking found in the wing rear spar. This proposed AD would require a one-time detailed inspection for cracks, corrosion, and other defects of the rear face of the wing rear spar, and repair if necessary.
BOMBARDIER Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes and Model DHC-8-200, -300, and -400 series airplanes Docket No. FAA-2011-1230; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-141-AD; Amendment 39-16964; AD 2012-04-08] – requires modifying the mounting adapters of the power control unit (PCU). This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the DHC-8 Series 100 rudder actuator mounting bracket. FAA is issuing this AD to prevent loss of both rudder PCU actuators, which could result in free play of the rudder control surface and loss of controllability of the airplane.
GARY DOLSKI was appointed vice president and general manager of Jet Aviation’s maintenance, repair and overhaul/fixed-base operation at Seletar airport in Singapore. Dolski also will have responsibility for Jet Aviation’s Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur facilities. Dolski is a 30-year aerospace veteran, most recently serving as vice president of customer support for MD Helicopters in Mesa, Ariz. He spent nearly 20 years with Bombardier Aerospace and also has served with Bristol Aerospace.
While the comment period doesn’t close until the end of April, the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) is seeking an extension on the FAA pilots qualification proposal, saying it could have substantial costs and “downstream” effects on the industry. “This is an exceptionally complex notice, whose effects could reverberate through all levels of commercial aviation in this country,” says RACCA President Stanley Bernstein. “Its possible cost impacts are immense, with the potential to put many companies out of business.”
ExecuJet Australasia’s operation based at Sydney Airport recently was approved by the Bermuda aviation authority as a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO). ExecuJet Australasia already had secured Approved Maintenance Organization authorization from Bermuda, but says the CAMO adds range of service offerings to its clients. ExecuJet Australasia manages a Bermudan-registered aircraft based in Singapore, but expects more to follow.
Piaggio America is climbing out of its sales doldrums with a 27% increase in deliveries, and President and CEO John Bingham anticipates an even larger gain in 2012. The Italian manufacturer delivered 14 P180 Avanti II turboprops in 2011 versus 11 the previous year, and Bingham says it should up that to 18-20 aircraft in 2012.
DASSAULT Falcon 50 airplanes. [Docket No. FAA-2011-1166; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-169-AD; Amendment 39-16941; AD 2012-02-18] – This AD requires revising the maintenance program to include revised airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flap tracks. FAA is issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the flap tracks, which could lead to flap asymmetry and loss of control of the airplane. FAA estimates the AD will affect 250 aircraft on the U.S. Registry at a cost of $21,250, or $85 per aircraft. The AD takes effect April 4.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model EC155B and EC155B1 helicopters with a VIP four-seat bench [Docket No. FAA-2012-0177; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-59-AD] – proposes to require, before further flight, revision of the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual to limit the VIP four-seat bench to three passenger, and then convert the bench into a three-seat configuration within the next 15 hr. time in service. The proposal contains an optional terminating action of installing shims.
Rockwell Collins is entering the piston electronic control unit (ECU) business with a new dual-channel ECU that will be on the BRP Powertrain’s new Rotax 912 iS piston engine. The Austrian engine maker celebrated the launch of the new four-cylinder, 100-hp engine at the BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) Powertrain factory in Gunskirchen, Austria.
RAYMOND BENJAMIN was appointed to a second three-year term as secretary general of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). His new term runs through July 31, 2015. Benjamin was first appointed to the position in August 2009. He has a 30-year career in civil aviation, including 13 years as executive secretary of the European Civil Aviation Conference.
The International Civil Aviation Organization has published a manual, Flight Safety and Volcanic Ash (Doc 9974), providing guidance on the handling of aircraft operations when there is forecasted volcanic ash contamination. The manual was developed by the ICAO International Volcanic Ash Task Force (IVATF) that was established following the 2010 eruptions of the Eyjafjallajökul volcano in Iceland. “The impact on air travel of the Eyjafjallajökul eruption was unprecedented,” says ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin.
James Coyne, the former congressman who has led the National Air Transportation Association for 18 years, is leaving the association at the end of this year. Coyne issued a notice to NATA members last week, saying the “board of directors and I have decided that 2012 will be my last year as president of NATA.” Coyne tells Aviation Week that he and the board decided on the departure date shortly before the announcement was issued to members.
MATTHEW SANDIDGE was appointed senior regional sales manager for international sales in Russia for Gulfstream Aerospace. Sandidge most recently had been a business development specialist for Gulfstream’s international sales activities, and before that was a sales engineer. He also has served as a munitions test engineer for the U.S. Air Force.
The European Commission has given the green light for France and Italy to financially support the Eurocopter X-4 and AgustaWestland AW169 development programs.
BASIL BARIMO was promoted to executive vice president for Nordam’s Repair Divisions. Barimo will be responsible for Nordam’s Repair units both in Europe and the Americas. He formerly was vice president and general manager for the Tulsa, Okla.-based Repair division. He joined Nordam two years ago after serving as vice president of operations and safety for Nordam. He also has held positions in operations, engineering and quality with Avborne, US Airways, and McDonnell Douglas.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 and 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-1227; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-100-AD; Amendment 39-16957; AD 2012-04-02] – requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate the discard task for outboard wing aileron pulleys. The AD was prompted by reports of aileron control stiffness.
Rockwell Collins discontinued its negotiations with Inmarsat regarding development, production and distribution of Ka-band Global Xpress broadband connectivity avionics for the Inmarsat 5 constellation that is due to enter service in 2014. Rockwell Collins says that it is “evaluating alternative broadband solutions.” Company spokespersons declined to elaborate on the cause of the breakdown in negotiations with Inmarsat or to discuss what future broadband solutions the company may offer.
Bombardier is adding a new line maintenance facility (LMF) in Qatar as part of an effort to strengthen its customer support in the Middle East. Qatar Airways’ Corporate Jet Division, Qatar Executive, based at Doha International Airport, was named an LMF for Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Challenger 605 jets and Global business jets. Established in 2009, Qatar Executive provides maintenance and charter services, operating both Challenger and Global aircraft. The company operates a 67,800-sq.-ft. maintenance facility and employs 13 maintenance technicians.
The business aviation market is showing early signs that the momentum at the end of last year is carrying into 2012 with key indicators improving in January, according to initial analyst reports. Used aircraft sales continued to strengthen and prices jumped dramatically for the first time in months in January, according to Jetnet’s latest report. Business aircraft flights, meanwhile, marked the highest increase in nearly seven months, according to FAA and Morgan Stanley data.
SAAB Model 2000 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0184; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-118-AD] – proposes to require performing in certain locations a detailed inspection for corrosion of the electrical and electronics installation, and if corrosion is found, repairing each affected harness braid or replacing each affected component and/or wiring harness. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that environmentally friendly deicing agents used on certain electrical connectors and braids could cause corrosion damage.
FOKKER Model F.27 Mark 050 and F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. [Docket No. FAA-2011-1067; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-034-AD; Amendment 39-16944; AD 2012-03-03] – requires a detailed inspection of tritium exit signs and emergency lighting strips, and replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports that the brightness of the tritium exit signs and lighting strips deteriorated below accepted levels.
MOONEY Models M20R and M20TN airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0182; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-005-AD; Amendment 39-16958; AD 2012-03-52] – publishes an emergency AD that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the tail pitch trim assembly for correct positioning and proper attachment and inspecting the Huck Bolt fasteners for proper security with repair as necessary. The AD also requires sending the inspection results to FAA and Mooney.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) declared March as General Aviation Appreciation Month. The Indiana Department of Transportation estimates general aviation contributes more than $4.9 billion in economic activity to the state, supporting more than 18,000 jobs.
John Sheehan, secretary general of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), is retiring, effective May 1. Sheehan has more than 40 years of experience in military, commercial and general aviation and has served as IAOPA secretary general since 1997. Craig Spence, vice president of operations and international affairs for AOPA, will serve as acting secretary general.
