BOMBARDIER DHC-8-400 series airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0151; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-205-AD] – This proposed AD, which would supersede an existing directive (AD 2007-22-09), would retain the requirements of the earlier AD, but require operators to inspect the main landing gear using updated service information. The new proposal also would alter compliance times and the list of affected aircraft.
The first helicopter installation of a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Integrated Display System has been made in a Sikorsky S-61 by the avionics company and Vector Aerospace of Toronto. The glass cockpit features two 10- x 8-in. liquid crystal primary flight displays, solid-state TWR-850 weather radar with turbulence detection, AHS-3000A Attitude Heading Reference System, and TDR-94D Mode S Transponder with ADS-B Out capability. Options include an Integrated Flight Information System with electronic charting, XM graphical weather and enhanced maps.
The Chicago Department of Aviation is seeking a Projects Administrator – Environmental Management to plan, initiate and manage environmental management and sustainability programs to ensure compliance with applicable regulations for O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. The City of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For full details and to apply go to: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/100/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has increased its membership to 70 with the additions of Continental DataGraphics (CDG) and Thales Canada. Based in Cypress, Calif., CDG is a Boeing subsidiary that provides support services to component and general aviation aircraft manufacturers, including engineering and technical documentation services, training and e-learning options, process consulting and software. Thales Canada designs integrated systems for cockpit and flight controls for regional and business jet aircraft.
Comprehensive FAA reauthorization legislation is expected to reach the House floor during the last week of March after the House Ways and Means Committee clears the taxes portion of the legislation. The committee is expected to approve increases in taxes on jet fuel and aviation gasoline, similar to the increases included in last year’s reauthorization package. As work continues on the bill, though, Congress is widely expected to approve an 18th short-term extension of FAA’s authorization, since the current short-term extension expires at the end of March.
Sandpoint, Idaho-based Quest Aircraft received a cash infusion from private investors, providing the utility turboprop manufacturer with financial stability, the company says. The company did not detail terms of the transaction, saying only that the recapitalization is part of a long-term corporate strategy. The funding will enable Quest to move forward on product and service improvements, the company says.
Kurt Sutterer, the former head of Midcoast Aviation, has joined West Star Aviation’s board of directors. “Kurt brings a deep, broad and respected knowledge of the aviation industry to our board of directors and will help shape the growth of West Star Aviation,” says West Star CEO Robert Rasberry. Sutterer, a former chairman of the National Air Transportation Association, recently retired as president of St. Louis-based Midcoast and Jet Aviation’s MRO and Completions business in North America, following a 29-year career with the company.
Satcom Direct, a satellite communications specialist, has partnered with AirCare Solutions Group (ASG), a provider of business aviation medical, safety and emergency training and services. Under the partnership, Satcom Direct will offer ASG’s Access Assistance tele-medical and travel support services to its customers. Access Assistance provides access to medical assistance, along with emergency medical equipment training and medical kit management.
Embraer has received certification for the Phenom 300’s inflight cabin management system. The new system enables passengers to control cabin lighting, temperature and speaker volume, as well as to select audio and video sources, like XM radio stations, flight information data and other digital media, all through a liquid crystal display screen interface.
Flight Options provided more evidence of an improving market, announcing last week plans to recall eight furloughed pilots. Flight Options says the recall is a sign of growing demand for its services. “Their return to our team reflects our confidence in the company’s continued growth, as well as the strong partnership we have forged with our pilots,” says Flight Options CEO Michael J. Silvestro.
Eurocopter’s next helicopter, the X4 replacement for the Dauphin and EC155 light twins, will dispense with having a cockpit, said President and CEO Lutz Bertling at last week’s Heli-Expo in Orlando, Fla. “The X4 will not have a cockpit as you know it,” he says. “The way of flying this helicopter will be completely different from any other aircraft you’ve ever seen.” Eurocopter is working with avionics companies on the new concept, which might not be fully implemented by the time the X4 is formally launched late in the first half of this year.
Pratt & Whitney Canada has delivered its first PT6C-67E production engine for the Eurocopter EC175, a medium-size utility helicopter for multirole civilian and parapublic applications. The PT6C-67E engine uses a reverse-flow combustor and features a proven high-efficiency compressor and the latest material and hot-section design technologies while maintaining an uncooled CT stage.
SCARLETT CONNOR has joined Professional Aviation Associates to support its new Global Helicopter Support Parts Group. Connor has more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, including 10 years as an aircraft engine mechanic and naval air crewman with the U.S. Navy.
ROSEMARY LEONE was promoted to director, programs development – general aviation for ConocoPhillips. Leone previously was business improver for General Aviation. She is responsible for managing and developing marketing support programs for Phillips 66 Aviation fuels. Before joining the Phillips 66 Aviation in 2003, she spent 19 years at IBM.
House lawmakers introduced a bill last week that would make the research and development (R&D) tax credit permanent. The bill, the American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2011 (H.R. 942), was introduced by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and co-sponsored by John Larson (D-Conn.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas). The bill would increase the “alternative simplified credit” for research and development from 14% to 20% and make it permanent.
Eclipse Aerospace last week called new altitude limits on the EA500 very light jet too restrictive and unsupported by the data, but says it is in the final stages of working on a fix with engine-maker Pratt & Whitney to end the limits. On March 10, FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) that limits the EA500’s operating altitude to 30,000 ft. The AD, which was released without prior comment and which takes effect March 21, supersedes an existing emergency directive (AD 2008-24-07) limiting the aircraft to 37,000 ft.
The inaugural China Helicopter Exposition 2011 will be held Sept. 15-18 in Tianjin, where Avicopter, a unit of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, has invested more than $800 million in a research center and helicopter production facility that will have an initial capacity of some 240 aircraft per year. “This is a revolutionary development for a country of 1.4 billion people that currently has only 200 civil rotor aircraft at its disposal,” organizers note, pointing to “numerous opportunities” for foreign companies.
Business aviation services company Jet Aviation expects to begin managing aircraft in China in 2012, relying on its experience, reputation and a wide global network to set it apart from local competitors. The expansion of Jet Aviation into China is part of a larger Asia-Pacific push by parent General Dynamics, says David Paddock, senior vice president for business development and strategic planning at the aviation services company.
Bombardier Aerospace is laying the groundwork for expanding its presence in the emerging Chinese market with a new financing agreement and increased support. Bombardier signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the leading leasing company in China, ICBC Financial Leasing Co., to secure up to $8 billion in financing for Bombardier customers, as well as for maintenance, service and production initiatives. The financing covers advanced payment, delivery and leasing options for both Bombardier business and commercial aircraft customers.
A Dassault Falcon 900LX recently became the first aircraft to fly approaches using the new European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) satellite navigation system. The approaches were flown into Pau Pyrénées Airport in France (LFBP) on an airplane equipped with the EASy II flight deck. Dassault pilots flew seven approaches during the mission, confirming the accuracy and precision of the new signal, which on the runway was close to one ft.
Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support has appointed Air Works at India’s Mumbai International Airport as an authorized service center to support its line of King Air turboprops and Premier light jets in the region. Air Works is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation under Civil Air Regulations CAR-145 and is a Continuous Airworthiness Management Organization entity for maintenance and management of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
Bombardier Aerospace has delivered its first Challenger 605 aircraft to be based in Mexico to an undisclosed customer. The Bombardier Business Aircraft Market Forecast, published in July 2010, predicts deliveries of 775 business aircraft of all types in Latin America for the 10-year period covering 2010-2019.
DASSAULT Falcon 7X airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0152; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-079-AD] – This proposed AD, which resulted from an MCAI originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency, would require operators to conduct a general visual inspection for damage to certain wiring bundles and feeders because of low clearance between the electrical wiring, hydraulic pipe and nearby structure. Interference or contact with structure could lead to electrical short circuits or fluid leakage, potentially resulting in loss of several functions essential for safe flight.
