A three-years-and-counting ban on FAA certification of foreign repair stations is stifling U.S. jobs and international aviation expansion, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) says.
BRIAN SCHLEGEL was promoted to vice president, supply chain management for Nordam. Schlegel will be responsible for global procurement, inventory, planning, transportation and logistics across all divisions. He joined Nordam in 2009 as director of supply chain for the repair division.
Nov. 16-17—American Astronautical Society’s National Conference and Annual Meeting, “International Space Station: The Next Decade,” Radisson Resort at the Port, Cape Canaveral, www.astronautical.org Nov. 17—The Wings Club Luncheon featuring Jeff Smisek, president & CEO, United Continental Holdings, Inc., The Yale Club, New York, (212) 867-1770, [email protected] Nov. 28-30—Airports Council International Europe/Asia’s 2011 Airport Exchange, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, United Arab Emirates, www.airport-exchange.com
THIELERT TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 engines [Docket No. FAA-2010-0683; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-25-AD; Amendment 39-16852; AD 2011-23-01] – Replace certain clutch assemblies, per the instructions of Thielert Aircraft Engines Service Bulletin TM TAE 125-0021, Rev. 1 (dated Aug. 17, 2011) and TM TAE 125-1011 P1, Rev. 2 (dated Aug. 31, 2011). This AD, which supersedes an existing directive (AD 2010-18-02), requires the same actions, but covers an additional 244 clutch assemblies.
JOE GARCIA has joined Flightline Technical Services as an aviation technician. Garcia previously served with the state of Florida for nearly 10 years as an aircraft mechanic and inspector for the state’s fleet of Hawker Beechcraft King Air turboprops and Cessna Citation Bravo jets. He has more than 17 years of experience as a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic.
AGUSTA AB139 and AW139 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2011-1036; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-088-AD; Amendment 39-16819; AD 2011-20-08] – Inspect certain modules and related connectors for corrosion. If corrosion is found on a module, replace the module with an airworthy module before further flight. If corrosion is found on a connector, clean it before further flight. Also, modify the No. 2 Modular Avionic Unit (MAU) ventilation duct, per the instructions of Agusta Technical Bulletin No. 139-166 (dated April 6, 2009).
BOMBARDIER Regional Jet Series 700, 701, 702, 705 and 900 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0031; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-135-AD; Amendment 39-16860; AD 2011-23-09] – Conduct repetitive visual inspections for damage and corrosion of the protective coating of the main landing gear (MLG) piston axles and repair them, as needed. This AD, which resulted from an MCAI originated by an aviation authority of another country, is intended to prevent failure of the MLG. FAA estimates that this directive will affect 380 aircraft on the U.S. Registry and cost U.S.
It’s among the world’s largest oil companies, but ExxonMobil says it is done serving business aviation and is shuttering its Avitat system. In so doing, it’s merely following other “Big Oil” outfits. Many within the fixed-base operations and fueling business say they’ve anticipated ExxonMobil’s withdrawal for some time. Foremost among them is Craig Sincock, president and CEO of Avfuel Corp. of Ann Arbor, Mich.
The European Union (EU) is defending its decision to include international aviation in its emissions trading system (ETS) beginning Jan. 1, despite this month’s critical, but non-binding, resolution from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council. The ICAO Council accepted a working paper drafted by more than 20 countries condemning what is seen as the EU’s unilateral imposition of the ETS. The working paper stressed the need for a global approach through ICAO and urged the body to work toward that goal.
Celestica’s facility in Suzhou, China recently obtained AS9100C quality certification. AS9100 is the quality management system standard for the aerospace industry. “This is an important milestone for Celestica, as we can now extend our aerospace manufacturing and engineering services offering to our customers for the expanding market in China,” says Michael J. McGuire, vice president, aerospace and defense for Celestica. The facility is Celestica’s fifth to obtain AS9100 recognition, joining its operations in Toronto; Austin, Texas; Valencia, Spain; and Kulim, Malaysia.
FAA is launching an outreach campaign to encourage the general aviation community to report wildlife strikes. Recent studies show that general aviation accounts for only 6% of total strikes reported—out of more than 100,000 reports. “Through increased and concentrated educational outreach, the FAA hopes to close the reporting gap between the more than 2,000 GA airports and certificated airports,” the agency says. FAA has developed a “Report Wildlife Strikes” poster that depicts a caution sign with a bird inside and the message to report wildlife strikes.
Jeppesen has released a new web-based training program focusing on Garmin G1000 avionics systems. The new online program includes three Garmin G1000 training courses—visual flight rules (VFR) procedures, instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures and VFR/IFR procedures. The web-based program is interactive, with self-paced courses that provide a comprehensive overview of all operational aspects of VFR and IFR flying using G1000 avionics.
Jeppesen recently released the results of a study conducted to determine the level of effectiveness of flight- and duty-time regulations related to crew fatigue management among air carriers. In the study, Jeppesen quantified the performance of seven flight-time-limitation (FTL) regulatory approaches that were measured against 300 of the largest airline fleets in the world. Jeppesen officials say the study underscores the inadequacy of using strict FTL rules to limit crew fatigue.
Increasing demand for pilot training at FlightSafety International (FSI) and slight improvements in rates and revenue hours flown at NetJets are helping drive stronger performance of the services business for parent company Berkshire Hathaway. Both FSI and NetJets contributed to improved revenues in the third quarter, Berkshire Hathaway reports. For NetJets, the increased revenues reflect an effort to pass aircraft operating cost increases on to customers, along with the slight increases in rates and revenue hours flown.
Elliott Aviation, the diversified business aviation service provider, is celebrating the opening of the newly renovated runways at its base at Quad City International Airport (MLI) in Moline, Ill. The $34 million dollar project involved the rehabilitation of MLI’s three runways, as well as the “bull’s-eye” area where the runways intersect. The latest work was the third step in the four-step renovation project of the Quad City International Airport Authority.
A proposal for the city of Corpus Christi, Texas to take over one of the fixed-base operations at Corpus Christi International Airport is generating substantial opposition from general aviation businesses, and puts another spotlight on dissension between airports and general aviation groups over airport-run businesses competing with the private sector.
BELL 205A-1, 205B, 210 and 212 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2011-1182; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-010-AD; Amendment 39-16853; AD 2011-23-02] – Conduct repetitive inspections of certain main-rotor blades for edge voids, corrosion or cracks. This new AD supersedes an existing directive (AD 2010-03-03), retaining the same requirements but increasing the scope and frequency of the inspections and expanding the applicability to include Model 205A-1 and 210 helicopters, additional blades, and all serial numbers for the affected helicopter models.
Piper Aircraft is bucking the GA industry decline in piston and turboprop deliveries and sales reported in last week’s dismal GAMA shipment report. During the third quarter of 2011, Piper outpaced its own aircraft deliveries and already profitable revenue performance during the same period a year ago. Year-to-date revenue from new aircraft sales was $92.5 million, compared with $77.6 million during the same period in 2010, an increase of more than 19%.
Duncan Aviation has relocated its satellite avionics shops in Teterboro, N.J. (KTEB) and St. Louis. Duncan Aviation-Teterboro has moved into First Aviation’s newly constructed fixed-base operation. Duncan Aviation-St. Louis also moved into a new facility with TAC Air. Duncan operates more than 20 satellite shops and eight Rapid Response Team engine facilities throughout the U.S., in addition to its full-service facilities in Lincoln, Neb., and Battle Creek, Mich.
DANIEL HULEN has rejoined Schubach Aviation as general manager. Hulen will serve as company liaison to owners and pilots of the company’s managed aircraft operated on its Part 135 certificate and will be responsible for developing new client relationships. He has 14 years of aviation experience, most recently as director of operations for ACM Aviation Services. He also previously spent four years as director of operations for Schubach, and has held roles with Jet Source Charter and Air by Jet.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is placing a hold on two nominations for commissioner positions at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to protest a refusal by the agency to hand over documents related to its initial approval of the proposed LightSquared broadband network. The proposal has generated almost universal concern among aviation and other GPS users, and Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) wrote FCC asking it to halt approval of the LightSquared plan until all concerns are satisfied (See article on Page 4).
