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).
The Westchester Aviation/Aerospace Expo drew more than 850 area high school and middle school students to the two-day event, which was intended to introduce youngsters to the variety of aviation occupations. The event, hosted by Pepsico in its hangar at New York’s Westchester County Airport Oct. 21-22, involved workshops, presentations and hands-on activities ranging from a robot face-off and wind tunnel display to flight simulator flying and a space shuttle discussion. Several aircraft, including a Cessna Skycatcher, Piper Meridian and Cirrus SR22 Turbo, were displayed.
Eurocopter has started construction of a new industrial facility in the Mexican state of Querétaro. The new plant, which is being built in Aerotech Park adjacent to Querétaro International Airport, will be dedicated to the production and assembly of helicopter and aircraft components, such as tailbooms, vertical stabilizers and doors. The facility is to begin delivering parts in late 2012. Eurocopter’s initial investment in the plant is about $100 million, and the facility is expected to employ about 180 people by 2015.
Bell Helicopter has received type certification of the Model 429 from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. “This is an important milestone as Bell Helicopter continues to grow its presence within the Asia Pacific region,” says Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president for Bell Helicopter’s Commercial business. The Bell 429 — which is used in VIP, aeromedical, law enforcement, utility and oil support operations — has been certificated in more than 40 countries.
The research arm of Imperial Capital, the investment banker, is predicting that business aircraft deliveries will remain flat in 2012, compared with 2011 totals, and that a market recovery may not come before 2013. In a report published in Barron’s, the research unit also says it believes that 2011 will be down from last year’s totals. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association this week is expected to release its third-quarter shipment report for the industry.
Diamond Aircraft has received an order for a dozen DA20s from the air force of Ecuador. Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana (FAE) selected the Diamond DA20-C1 as its new primary flight training aircraft. The all-composite, two-seat, Garmin G500-equipped airplanes will be operated by FAE’s air force academy in Salinas, Ecuador. Deliveries are to start in February. The contract includes spare parts and on-site support, along with flight instructor and maintenance training.
Enstrom Helicopter Corp. has appointed Zuhai Business Aviation Center (BAC) as an Enstrom helicopter dealer in China. Based in Guandong Province, Zuhai BAC will sell, service and operate Enstrom helicopters along with operating its fixed-wing business. To inaugurate the dealership, Zuhai BAC has placed orders for a 280FX and 480B helicopter. Enstrom has had a helicopter in China for more than 15 years and already has Chinese certifications for both the 280FX and 480B.
Embraer and Boeing, along with Brazil’s Sao Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP), are conducting a study that will outline “the unique opportunities and challenges of creating a cost-effective, bio-derived, and sustainable jet-fuel production and distribution industry in Brazil.” When completed in late 2012, the report, which will include a technology and sustainability road map, will be made public.
Richmond Jet Center recently joined the Shell fixed-base operation (FBO) network. Based at Richmond International Airport in Virginia, Richmond Jet Center provides a range of FBO services, including catering and flight planning. The facility also is a Cessna service center and offers airframe, engine and propeller maintenance, avionics sales and charter. The Shell network comprises more than 400 FBOs. Eastern Aviation Fuels is the distributor of Shell-branded aviation fuels in the U.S.
King Air pilots are needed to participate in an FAA precision-approach study, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) says. The simulation study will assess the infrastructure requirements to support localizer performance with vertical guidance to a decision height of 200 ft. in approaches by Category A and B airplanes. The study is designed to lay the groundwork for increasing the number of precision approaches.
Executive Aircraft Maintenance (EAM), the authorized Twin Commander service center in Scottsdale, Ariz., has received approval from Honeywell International to overhaul TPE331 turboprop engines. The engine maker also has approved EAM to provide engine component repair services on TPE331-1 through -14 powerplants.
