Brazilian aircraft-maker Embraer may eventually gain access to U.S. Export-Import Bank export credit support for aircraft coming off the company’s Melbourne, Fla., production line. “I think it is something we would be willing to consider,” says Bob Morin, vice president of Ex-Im’s transport division.
BELL Model 412 and 412EP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0082; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-036-AD] – proposes to require creating a component history card or equivalent record and begin counting and recording the number of accumulated landings for each high aft crosstube assembly. Also, this proposal would require installing “caution’’ decals regarding towing of a helicopter at or above 8,900 lb., confirming the crosstube is within the horizontal deflection limits and replacing it if it is not.
FLOYD RONEY has joined Becker Avionics as a sales account manager. Roney will be responsible for expanding Becker’s business in the fixed-wing market, as well as strengthening existing relationships. He has more than 30 years of aviation experience, most recently as channel sales manager for EMS Aviation. He also has served with EDMO Distributors and Kannad Aviation.
A corporate turnaround specialist appointed to the top job at Hawker Beechcraft says his top priority is to revive – not sell – the struggling manufacturer of business jets, general aviation turboprops and military trainers. Robert S. “Steve” Miller was appointed CEO on Feb. 7, replacing longtime chief executive Bill Boisture, who will remain as chairman of the company’s operating subsidiary. Miller, the chairman of AIG, has more than three decades of experience as a senior executive at Chrysler, Ford, Delphi, Bethlehem Steel and Waste Management.
BELL Model 427 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0084; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-089-AD] – proposes to require, within 150 hr. time-in-service (TIS) or 90 days, removal of the left upper bolt, washers and nut and installation of new parts. The proposal further would require checks of the torque of each nut until torque stabilizes at each attachment location.
PTC was selected as a strategic partner for developing a reliability and maintainability management program for Mitsubishi Aircraft’s Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) aircraft program. PTC will furnish its Windchill Quality Solutions (formerly called Relex) and Arbortext Service Information Solutions to centrally manage product improvements and enhancements (including a detailed product history), gather and analyze field data, and communicate necessary improvements to internal organizations and external partners.
Landmark Aviation recently added three aircraft to its managed charter fleet: a Hawker 800XP based at Landmark’s Washington-Dulles location, an Embraer Phenom 100 based in Scottsdale, Ariz., and a King Air C90 based in Sioux Falls, S.D. Landmark has a combined managed fleet of 71 aircraft throughout its network. Headquartered in Houston, Landmark operates a chain of fixed-base operations and provides charter, management and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
General aviation groups are urging U.S. regulators to withdraw LightSquared’s conditional waiver for a broadband wireless network, saying the GPS system must be protected from all sources of interference. Their comments are in response to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) request for input on LightSquared’s December petition for a ruling that commercial GPS receivers are not entitled to protection from interference caused by a broadband wireless network operating within technical parameters set by the government.
Feb. 13-15—The Trinity Forum, Organized by The Moodie Report and Airports Council International, Seoul, Korea, http://www.aci.aero/cda/aci_common/display/main/aci_content07_banners.j…^45095_725_2 Feb. 13-16—Practical Aeronautics Short Course: “Introduction to Jet Engines—A Practical Perspective,” The Aero Institute, Palmdale, Calif., (970) 887-3155, www.practicalaero.com Feb. 14-15—JDA Aviation Technology Solutions Regulatory Affairs Training, American Airlines Training and Conference Center, Ft. Worth, Texas
FAA is requesting comments on a notice of intent to release from federal obligations 12.4 acres of airport property at Orlando Executive Airport in Florida. Currently designated for nonaeronautical use, the property is located on the south-southwest portion of the airport, adjacent to State Road 408. FAA estimates fair market value at $2.24 million. Comments are due by Feb. 27 to Rebecca Henry, program manager, Orlando Airports District Office, 5950 Hazeltine National Drive, Suite 400, Orlando, Fla. 32822-5024.
The International Civil Aviation Organization’s Continuous Monitoring and Oversight (CMO) section was recertified to the ISO 9001:2008 standard for quality management systems. It is the first section within ICAO, and one of the few within the United Nations, to receive such compliance. The CMO manages the development, implementation and quality of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program and its transition to the Continuous Monitoring Approach.
Eurocopter and Bell Helicopter are both claiming victory in a Canadian patent infringement lawsuit, but the long-running battle is expected to continue in U.S. and French courts. Canada’s Federal Court has ruled that Bell Helicopter “intentionally infringed” on a Eurocopter patent by copying the “sleigh-type” skid gear of the European’s manufacturer’s EC120 when designing the landing gear for its Bell 429 light twin.
THIELERT AIRCRAFT ENGINES TAE 125-02-99 and TAE 125-02-114 [Docket No. FAA-2011-0956; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-23-AD; Amendment 39-16928; AD 2012-02-05] – requires removal of the friction disk. This AD was prompted by inflight engine shutdown incidents reported on airplanes equipped with TAE 125 engines. FAA is issuing this AD to prevent inflight engine shutdown, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. FAA estimates the AD will affect 206 engines on U.S.-registered airplanes at a cost of $362,530. The AD takes effect March 2.
TURBOMECA Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2012-0010; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-03-AD] – proposes to require removing certain power-turbine (PT) blades from service before reaching a new reduced life limit. This proposed AD was prompted by the discovery of nonconformities of certain PT blade fir-tree roots. FAA is proposing this AD to prevent PT blade rupture, which could result in an uncommanded inflight engine shutdown, forced autorotation landing, or accident.
Cessna Aircraft has boosted the range of its new midsize Citation Latitude to a maximum of 2,300 nm. The range increase, up from the original announced range of 2,000 nm, was driven by customer requests, the company says. “The increased range will give the aircraft more flexibility to fly a wider variety of missions and meet our customer requirements for comfort and performance,” says Trevor Esling, vice president, sales – Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. The company also secured a launch customer in Europe for the aircraft – EFO Aviation GmbH & Co.
Pilatus Aircraft PC-6 aircraft [Docket No. FAA-2012-0018; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-042-AD] – corrects a proposed AD that applies to Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, PC- 6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2 and PC-6/C1-H2 airplanes. The Docket Number in the heading, in the Supplementary Information section, and in the Part 39 – Airworthiness Directive section is incorrect. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.
A long-term FAA reauthorization bill is poised for final passage this week after House and Senate negotiators reached an agreement Jan. 31 on a four-year package and the full House approved the legislation Feb. 3. Senate action on the bill, H.R. 658, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, could come as early as today. The agreement breaks a nearly five-year stalemate over long-term FAA reauthorization that has resulted in 23 temporary extensions of FAA’s operating authority.
Flight Options recently donated 10 hr. of fractional jet flight time to the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), which arranges free flights to treatment for cancer patients using the empty seats on corporate jets. Founded 30 years ago, CAN has 5,380 participating corporations, which have flown nearly 40,000 cancer patients to and from treatment. The organization flies about 250 patients monthly.
RANDALL GROOM has renewed his aerospace consulting firm, Groom Aviation, and is representing Raisbeck Engineering. Groom previously served as executive vice president of Piper Aircraft, and before that, president of Beechcraft and president of global customer support for Raytheon Aircraft. He also worked with Piedmont Aviation. In his new role, he will represent Raisbeck to all of its dealers in the U.S., with an emphasis on Hawker Beechcraft Corp. and Hawker Beechcraft Services.
FAA is setting an Oct. 1 deadline for all pilots to use the agency’s MedXpress electronic system for filing applications for an airman medical or airman medical and student pilot certificate. Future plans also call for the transition of air traffic control specialists to MedXPress.
FAA last week issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD 2012-02-51) calling for replacement of certain Bell Model 206L (and -1, -3 and -4) main rotor blades that exceed a new shortened life limit. Originally 3,600 hr. time in service, the new life limit is 1,400 hr. The AD stems from a Transport Canada report of two accidents involving failure of the main rotor blade because of fatigue cracking. Transport Canada advises that there is no reliable inspection method to detect the cracks on these blades before such failure.
A bill in South Carolina to prohibit fixed-base operators (FBOs) from charging ramp fees would harm small businesses or cause other costs to increase, the National Air Transportation Association says. The association last week wrote state Sen. Phil Leventis (D), who is a pilot and aviation and management services consultant, urging him to shelve the bill, saying, “It is not in the best interest of any business to have government control their pricing policies and procedures.” The bill, introduced Jan.
GREY KINSELLA has joined Key Air as vice president of business development. Kinsella has more than 20 years of aviation experience, holding positions with airframe and engine manufacturers – including British Aerospace/BAE Systems, Saab and Rolls-Royce – along with financial institutions, charter providers and private and commercial business aircraft operators. Most recently, he was chief operating officer for an aircraft management company.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has incorporated the Softtech Flight & Duty TrackerT system into its operations at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, along with Las Vegas/Boulder City. Flight & Duty TrackerT provides Part 135 flight and duty tracking for small or large flight operations, including training events.
