Aviation information provider Jetnet reports double-digit growth in used business jet retail sales transactions in the first five months of 2011, but notes a continued decline in average asking prices. The consultancy finds that during the first five months of this year, the used market showed early-stage recovery signs, giving hope that 2011 would be “a year of correction.”
FAA has extended until July 14 the deadline for corporations to file security threat verification paperwork that will be necessary to keep their tail numbers from being shown by real-time flight tracking programs beginning Aug. 2.
ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND BR700-710 engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0684; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-27-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to change the life-cycle counting method for the effect of touch-and-goes and overshoots on the low-pressure compressor blades and all critical parts. This proposed AD, which resulted from an MCAI issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency, is intended to prevent failure of high-energy, life-limited parts, uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
FAA is taking a top-down look at the current general aviation airport system in the U.S. to better describe and explain the many roles and functions these airports serve in their respective communities. The review, slated for completion early next year, is focusing on infrastructure needs, based on the roles and functions of the airports.
The Airports Council International-North America (ACI) has asked FAA to withdraw and rework its proposed safety management systems (SMS) regulation for certified airports, contending that the current version raises “serious analytical, procedural and technical concerns.” ACI says a second proposed regulation, for safety enhancements at Part 139 airports, contains no evidence that safety would be improved.
Mid-Continent Instruments broke ground last week on a new 6,200-sq.-ft. addition to its Wichita headquarters. The addition will accommodate growth in Mid-Continent’s True Blue Power division and engineering department. The space will be used for the development of new products for aircraft power management, Mid-Continent says. The company plans to add 24 jobs over the next five years, including mechanical, electrical design and certification engineers and bench technicians. Mid-Continent has allocated $2.7 million for the addition and new machinery and equipment.
LEARJET 45 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0651; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-041-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to revise the maintenance program to incorporate amended life limits for the main landing gear (MLG) actuator end cap.
The first Phenom 100 to be assembled at Embraer’s new plant in Melbourne, Fla., is taking shape. The Melbourne facility took delivery of the entry-level jet’s fuselage and wing parts last month, and the company says the first U.S.-assembled aircraft is slated for customer delivery by the end of this year. Ernest Edwards, president of Embraer Executive Jets, calls the delivery of the first Phenom components “a milestone that reiterates our commitment to our U.S.
BRIAN SPITTLER was named government affairs assistant for Helicopter Association International. Spittler joins HAI with a political background, serving as communications director for the Utah State Democratic Party and as a communications intern for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).
Cello Aviation has been awarded a U.K. Civil Aviation Authority Class A operating license. The company, which started flying in July 2010, operates a 46-seat Avro Business Jet and specializes in flying football teams, royalty, EU Parliament members, golfers, WWE superstars, film stars and pop stars.
BOMBARDIER Regional Jet Series 100 and 440 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0648; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-276-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to remove the No. 3 hydraulic system accumulator and replace the No. 1 hydraulic system inboard brake and outboard brake accumulators, per the instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-29-035, Rev. A and Service Bulletin 601R-32-107, Rev. B (both dated December 8, 2010).
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and Hawker Beechcraft Corp. (HBC), which are engaged in contract negotiations, stand in agreement on at least one major issue – the Obama administration’s stance on corporate jets. IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger notes that negotiations are beginning “amid a fresh assault” on the industry.
EADS has completed the purchase of Toronto, Ontario-based Vector Aerospace to strengthen the services portfolio of Eurocopter. The purchase of Vector Aerospace partly supports the effort to grow U.S. activities since the company has a substantial presence there. Vector Aerospace also generates a large portion of its revenue in the U.K. EADS paid CA$13 per share to acquire 98.32% of Vector (or around 48 million shares). The remaining shares are still to be acquired. Vector Aerospace will retain its name within the Eurocopter organization.
Hawker Beechcraft Corp. and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) kicked off another round of negotiations on a new contract last week, nearly nine months after union members rejected an early proposal that called for cuts in pay and benefits. The current contract, covering 2,800 workers, expires Aug. 7.
Aircraft penetrating a super-cooled cloud can produce ice crystals, and wake turbulence caused by an aircraft can punch holes or establish canals inside cloud formations, a study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has found. As a result, airports may get more precipitation.
BRAD BRUCE was named general manager of charter operations for Landmark Aviation. Bruce, who will be based in Waukegan, Ill., will be responsible for day-to-day operation of Landmark’s Aircraft Charter and Management division. He has 12 years of industry experience, previously serving as vice president of flight for Aerodynamics in Waterford, Mich.
Alliance Airlines has acquired four jets – two 100-seat Fokker F100s and two 70-seat Fokker F70s. The aircraft will be used to help with the company’s expanding natural resources transport business.
CHRISTOPHER CARMODY has joined Executive AirShare as sales director for Missouri and northeast Kansas. Carmody has more than 10 years of business aviation experience, beginning as a flight operations representative with the Anheuser-Busch flight department. He later worked for Southwest Airlines and Kansas Air Center, and most recently as regional sales director for Kansas City Aviation Center in Olathe, Kan.
The Transportation Security Administration has tapped Kerwin Wilson to serve as acting general manager for general aviation. Wilson steps in for Brian Delauter, who left the agency in May to accept a corporate security position with Nissan in Nashville, Tenn. Wilson had been assistant general manager of general aviation for the agency.
A coalition of fixed-base operators (FBO) has been holding negotiations with airport officials to find ways to remove barriers that the FBOs believe have held up approximately $1 billion in airport investments. The General Aviation Infrastructure and Investment Coalition (GAIIC) formed late last fall from a core group of FBO executives concerned about the ability to obtain long-term financing or favorable financing terms for new and expanded facilities, says Michael Scheeringa, a member of the coalition and president of Signature Flight Support.
Sandel Avionics was awarded an FAA supplemental type certificate for installation of its ST3400H HeliTAWS wire and terrain safety system on a Bell 412EP helicopter. The system incorporates the Sandel’s WireWatch wire-strike avoidance technology, which warns of known wires, guy lines and transmission lines. HeliTAWS also includes Sandel’s TrueAlert technology, which is designed to eliminate nuisance alerts.
President Obama and chief lawmakers continued budget negotiations and appeared close to a deal going into the weekend. Unclear, however, was whether changes in taxes on corporate aircraft – something specified six separate times during Obama’s press conference late last month – remain on the table. One of the changes under discussion is altering the corporate aircraft depreciation schedule from five years to seven years – the same schedule used for commercial aircraft.
Eurocopter recently received orders for nine of its AS350 helicopters from Papillion Helicopters and Corporate Helicopters. Papillion Helicopters ordered five Eurocopter AS350 B3e helicopters, with options for three more. The aircraft will be used to expand the Las Vegas-based air tour provider’s fleet and will begin a replacement program for some of the company’s older helicopters. Corporate Helicopters in San Diego has ordered two Eurocopter AS350 B2s and two AS350 B3es.
PATS Aircraft Systems in Georgetown, Del., was recognized with FAA’s Diamond Award of Excellence for its commitment to aviation safety through maintenance technician training. To receive the Diamond Award, a company must have 100% participation from all eligible employees. PATS operates a Part 145 repair station at its Georgetown facility and is a Boeing-authorized BBJ service center that provides completion, maintenance, modification and auxiliary fuel tank installation services.
