SAAB 2000 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0476; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-247-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to conduct a detailed visual inspection for corrosion of the aft pressure bulkhead at the bottom outboard flange. Also, operators would need to determine if there is a drain hole on the left-hand side inboard of the ventral fin and take any necessary corrective actions, per the instructions of Saab Aerosystems Service Bulletin 2000-53-048, Rev. 01 (dated Sept. 3, 2009).
Citing government transparency initiatives, FAA published a notice on Friday that will strip away privacy protections for business jet operators beginning Aug. 2. Publication of the notice follows the Department of Transportation’s quiet announcement at 5 p.m. May 27, just before the start of the Memorial Day weekend, that it was moving ahead on plans to strictly limit the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program, which permits aircraft owners to request that their tail numbers be withheld from flight-tracking programs.
CLAUDE CHIDIAC was named VP of customer support and strategic development for Esterline CMC Electronics, effective June 15. He previously served with StandardAero, where he was VP of business development and business aviation.
Gulfstream Aerospace has received Ukraine State Aviation Administration type certificate validation for its G150 aircraft. The approval enables operators to register the midsize G150 business jet in the Eastern European country. In addition to Ukraine, the G150 has received type certification validation from Israel, the United States, Chile, the European Union, the Philippines and Canada.
The California Assembly is considering a bill that would provide relief from looming flight-training regulations. The regulations, which are to take effect July 1, include a $5,000 registration fee, an annual fee equal to 0.75% of gross revenue, requirements for facilities to maintain a 1:1 current liabilities to current assets ratio, and numerous other administrative and recordkeeping requirements, according to the National Air Transportation Association.
June 6-8—National Air Transportation Association Air Charter Summit, Dulles, Va., www.nata.aero/events/acs June 8—National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Regional Forum, White Plains, N.Y., (202) 783-9000, www.nbaa.org June 9-10—Business Aircraft Transactions Conference, New York, (202) 783-9000, www.nbaa.org June 9-11—Fifth Annual Cannes International General Aviation Air Show, Cannes-Mandelieu International Airport, France, +33 (49) 308-0177, www.cannesairshow.com
The percentage of used jets for sale has dropped to September 2008 levels, J.P.Morgan says in its latest Business Jet Monthly report, but used aircraft prices, “which historically have been a better coincident indicator of improving demand for new aircraft,” continue to slide. J.P.Morgan believed that a 3% increase in prices between December and March had been encouraging, but prices fell more than 3% over the next two months.
Potential buyers are showing an increasing likelihood of purchasing used business aircraft in the next 12 months, according to a new JetNet survey. Twelve percent of operators surveyed in the May JetNet iQ report indicate a purchase probability of more than 60% in the next 12 months, up from 11% in the December 2010 survey.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company signed a lease with Jet Aviation enabling it to provide aviation services from Al Bateen Executive Airport later this year. Under the deal, Jet Aviation becomes Al Bateen’s first independent maintenance, repair and overhaul provider, offering line maintenance.
ROTAX 912A series engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0504; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-014-AD; Amendment 39-16702; AD 2011-11-03] – Replace certain washers and associated gasket rings with serviceable parts, per the instructions of Rotax Aircraft Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-912-058 and SB-914-041 (dated April 15, 2011).
DAVID MITTLEMAN has joined Avfuel Corporation as district sales manager for the U.S. North Central region, including Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. Mittleman will work with fixed-base operations and corporate flight departments. He formerly was VP of sales and marketing for Garsite/Progress.
The ATR 72-600 has received European Aviation Safety Agency type certification approval. Royal Air Maroc is due to be the first operator of the latest upgrade of the twin-turboprop airliner and has ordered four ATR 72-600s and two ATR 42-600s. The manufacturer expects to deliver 11 -600s this year. The EADS/Finmeccanica joint venture is still working on receiving type approval for the ATR 42-600. Flight trials of that type began in March 2010.
Dixie Aerospace acquired AAR Corp.’s line of PMA (parts manufacturer approval) parts to complement its own landing gear, engine and interior systems replacement parts. AAR says the PMA parts line was a noncore element of its business and represents less than 0.5% of its annual sales, which in 2010 were $1.35 billion. Selling this piece enables AAR to “sharpen our focus on our core business,” which includes MRO, supply chain, aerostructures, and government and defense services, says a company spokesman.
All facets of the aviation industry need to impress upon members of Congress that the industry would be devastated if FAA funding goes back to 2008 levels, as proposed in the House version of the reauthorization bill, says Steve Alterman, president of the Cargo Airline Association. Alterman says the biggest challenge facing everyone is “the U.S. government.” Speaking at a cargo forum sponsored by the Airports Council International-North America last Thursday, Alterman said: “The government is now on its 19th short-term extension of the FAA reauthorization bill.
FAA is addressing the chronic problem of laser pointing at aircraft cockpits with a new interpretation of regulations that enables the agency to impose a fine of up to $11,000 on violators for each incident. The interpretation finds that directing a laser into a cockpit goes against Federal Aviation Regulations because it could interfere with a pilot’s vision and obstruct the crew’s ability to perform its duties. FAA has used the regulation against passengers who attempt to interfere with crewmembers during flight.
Twelve aviation organizations have stepped forward to support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) latest safety initiative – reducing the number of aircraft runway excursions.
L’HOTELLIER portable Halon 1211 fire extinguishers [Docket No. FAA-2011-0506; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-020-AD; Amendment 39-16703; AD 2011-11-04] – Replace each unairworthy portable fire extinguisher with an airworthy one, per the instructions of L’Hotellier Service Bulletin 863520-26-001 (dated Dec. 21, 2009). This AD, which was prompted by the discovery that unapproved Halon 1211 had been used to fill certain fire extinguishers, is designed to prevent use of the contaminated gas, which may have reduced fire-suppression properties and could release toxic fumes.
Charter flights have jumped considerably in 2011, particularly in the large-jet segment, says charter broker New Flight Charters of Jackson Hole, Wyo. The company’s flight activity in the first quarter rose 37% over the same quarter in 2010. The large-jet segment alone increased 278% over 2010 and represented 14% of total charter flights for the quarter. Charters involving other sizes of aircraft were up 20.1%, the company says.
PIAGGIO P-180 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0468; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-013-AD; Amendment 39-16697; AD 2011-10-16] – In order to improve the efficiency of the fuselage drainage system, cut off the rubber flap of the two flapper valves near Frame 36, inspect the flapper valves, and conduct a functional test of the valves and fuselage drainage holes, per Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0330 (dated April 21, 2011). If the valves and drainage holes do not drain properly, take corrective actions before further flight.
FOKKER F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0472; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-005-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to install a fuse packed in a “jiffy junction” (a crimped wire in-line junction device) in the collector tank level float switch wiring. Also, operators would need to revise the aircraft maintenance program by incorporating critical design configuration control limitations on the system, per the instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-049 (dated June 23, 2010).
A chartered air ambulance crashed in a densely populated area on the outskirts of India’s national capital late May 25, which, combined with other recent accidents, has spurred India to create an accident investigation committee.
BELL 206A, 206B and 206B3 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2011-0449; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-021-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to add an operating limitation when a litter kit is installed. This proposal, which was prompted by the need to prohibit flight when the litter doorpost is removed, is intended to prevent loss of structural integrity of the fuselage. FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 1,463 helicopters on the U.S. Registry, but have a negligible cost impact on operators.
Eclipse Aerospace recently wrapped up its second annual customer meeting in Albuquerque, N.M. The event drew more than 200 customers and included presentations from Eclipse Chairman and CEO Mason Holland and Sikorsky Aircraft President Jeff Pino. They discussed future plans for the recently formed partnership between Eclipse and Sikorsky. The event also included informational sessions by Pratt & Whitney Canada, Innovative Solutions & Support, Simcom Training Centers and members of the Eclipse 500 Owners Club, which co-sponsored the event.
A supersonic civil aircraft panel discussion has been scheduled by FAA for Thursday, July 14 at DOT headquarters in Washington, D.C. The two-hour-long afternoon event is the fourth in a series of meetings designed “to raise public awareness of the continuing technological advancements in supersonic aircraft technology aimed at reducing the intensity of sonic boom” and provide FAA, NASA and industry feedback. Since 1973, civil supersonic flight over land in the U.S.
