FAA is proposing to require software upgrades on about 9,000 aircraft equipped with certain Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) traffic alert and collision avoidance systems (TCAS). FAA issued a proposed airworthiness directive (AD), saying the agency had received reports of anomalies with the ACSS TCAS units during flights over a high-density airport.
The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) Board of Governors has elected three new members: Paolo Pettinaroli, Cameron Ross and Antonio Victorazzo. Pettinaroli is president of Foundation October 8, which worked with FSF to host the 63rd annual International Air Safety Seminar in Milan, Italy in 2010. Ross is the manager of aviation safety at BHP Billiton, one of the founding members of FSF’s Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS program). Victorazzo is VP of product integrity at Embraer, which FSF says has long been involved in foundation activities.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the Aug. 9, 2010 de Havilland DHC-3T Otter crash that killed former Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and four others prompted the agency to call on FAA to require detailed inspections of all emergency locator transmitters (ELT) on general aviation aircraft. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), however, says that such action is unnecessary since current regulations already accommodate those inspections.
Changes in business aviation operations in China, a booming Asian economy and commitments from original equipment manufacturers make National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen optimistic that the relaunched Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) will be successful. ABACE will be held Feb. 28-March 1, 2012 in Shanghai. NBAA canceled ABACE 2009 in Hong Kong, citing the bad economy.
EMBRAER EMB-135BJ airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2008-1080; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-118-AD; Amendment 39-16554; AD 2011-01-01] – Revise the “Airworthiness Limitations” section of the “Instructions for Continued Airworthiness” to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. This AD, which resulted from an MCAI originated by the aviation authority of Brazil, was prompted by an airplane fuel tank systems review that indicated that additional maintenance and inspections are necessary to preclude the development of ignition sources within the fuel tanks.
The new House transportation chief is wasting no time in diving back into the FAA reauthorization issue. Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), the incoming chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, wants to hold two hearings on reauthorization toward the end of this month, industry and congressional sources say. Mica has vowed to make FAA reauthorization one of his top priorities.
Royal Jet in Dubai has been named the official private jet partner for the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation’s Abu Dhabi Festival. Festival events include a performance by the World Orchestra for Peace, composed of 76 artists from 63 internationally acclaimed orchestras from 31 countries.
AIR TRACTOR AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0827; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-029-AD; Amendment 39-16552; AD 2010-17-18 R1] – Conduct repetitive eddy-current inspections for cracks in the two outboard fastener holes in both of the wing main-spar lower caps at the center splice joint. Repair or replace any cracked spar. This AD, which is a revision of an existing airworthiness directive (AD 2010-17-18), reduces the applicability to airplanes Serial No. 0001 through 0269.
As many as 10 U.S. airports could be privatized by the end of the decade, predicts Greg Principato, president of Airports Council International-North America. Economic pressures on cities and states will drive local authorities to accept a buyout, leasing or other forms of privatization.
Houston-based Colt International has begun offering a new service for flight departments facing the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. Colt’s Emission Reporting Program is designed to help operators comply with the March 31, 2011 deadline to submit verified 2010 emissions data. The program will record, monitor and error-check relevant flight data and then build the proper reports necessary for verification. “These regulations are a challenge for any flight department,” says Pete Bennett, Colt International’s flight operations manager.
Commercial airlines continue to cancel routes and reduce available first-class and business-class seats, leaving executive travelers in the lurch and searching for alternative options, all of which is fueling a rebound in business aviation, says a new report. The new report, published by London-based aviation service provider Air Partner, notes that beginning in 2008, major commercial airlines canceled flights to nearly 100 communities across the U.S. Mergers, such as those between Continental Airlines and United Airlines, will eliminate additional routes.
Industry leaders believe lawmakers will be able to move quickly on a long-term FAA reauthorization once the new Congress convenes. But they may face an 18th short-term extension since they have only until March 31 to draft a new long-term reauthorization bill and push the legislation through both the House and Senate. With FAA’s operating authority set to expire Dec. 31, Congress passed the 17th short-term extension, pushing the deadline to the end of March. House lawmakers first passed the three-month extension proposal as a placeholder, but wanted a longer term.
Shawn Pennnington has combined his two passions—aviation and music artist management—to create Nashville, Tenn.-based Rockstarz, a private charter broker targeting the music and sports industries.
Bell Helicopter is planning to upgrade its Model 412EP medium-twin turbine, offering uprated engines and a glass cockpit for retrofit and as an option on new production aircraft, beginning in 2012. Pratt & Whitney Canada will increase the output of its PT6T Twin Pac powerplant, now 1,800 shp., by 15% to increase single-engine and hot-and-high performance and provide for growth in payload and range. The upgrade also will introduce digital engine controls.
The industry is entering the New Year more upbeat than a year ago, as economic indicators and anecdotal evidence suggests a slowly improving environment, says National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. He believes there are numerous reasons for a more optimistic outlook, including “more solid and positive” macro-economic indicators.
China’s Minsheng Financial Leasing is in talks for 10-15 business jets, part of a plan to accumulate orders for as many as 100 by 2014. The company expects rapid growth in Chinese business aviation, and has ordered 17 aircraft since signing its first purchase contract in April 2008, says the firm’s aviation and legal consultant, David Tang. The lessor is an affiliate of China’s Minsheng Bank. It specializes in financial leases for Chinese customers.
DAVID GLASS was named manager of FlightSafety International’s center in Houston. Glass joined FlightSafety in 2004 as an instructor and training center examiner at the Airline Learning Center in St. Louis. He was promoted to director of standards in 2006, served as an FAA designated training center evaluator for the Embraer E170 training program, and served as assistant manager of the Houston center before being promoted to manager of the Detroit Metro/Toledo Learning Center in 2009.
Garmin recently secured European Aviation Safety Agency validation for installation of the G1000 in King Air 200 and B200 aircraft. FAA previously had issued supplemental type certification for the retrofit program, continuing Garmin’s expansion of its flight decks in turbine-powered business aircraft. The G1000 meets current European requirements for 8.33 kHz VHF communication, VHF com immunity from FM radio broadcasts, B-RNAV, P-RNAV, RVSM, SSR Mode S Elementary Surveillance, SSR Mode S Enhanced Surveillance, Automatic Dependant Surveillance-Broadcast and TAWS Class B.
Montreal-based CAE is to acquire CHC Helicopter’s flight training operations and take over pilot and maintenance training for the offshore oil and gas operator under a long-term agreement. The transaction includes a training center in Stavanger, Norway, which is equipped with Eurocopter AS332L/L1 Super Puma and Sikorsky S-61 simulators; another training center in Aberdeen, Scotland, which has an AS332L2 machine; and a Sikorsky S-76 simulator located in Vancouver, Canada.
DASSAULT Falcon 10, Fan Jet Falcon, Fan Jet Falcon C, D, E, F and G; Falcon 200; Falcon 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5 and 20-F5; Falcon 2000; Falcon 2000EX; Falcon 50; Falcon 900 and Falcon 900EX airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2009-0864; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-202-AD; Amendment 39-16544; AD 2010-26-05] – Conduct repetitive inspections for overpressure tightness on both pressurization-regulating valves. Replace discrepant valves with serviceable units, if necessary.
HONEYWELL LTS101 and LTP101 engines [Docket No. FAA-2009-1185; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-24-AD] – This revised proposed directive would require operators to remove certain power turbine blades from service because of fatigue cracking. This proposal is intended to prevent fracture of the power turbine blade airfoil, which could result in sudden loss of engine power. FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 240 engines installed on Bell 222 and Eurocopter AS350 and BK117 helicopters, as well as on a variety of airplanes on the U.S. Registry.
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has confirmed two city-pair speed records set by a Gulfstream G200. The records involved flights connecting Savannah, Ga., to Keflavik, Iceland, and Keflavik to Vnukovo, Russia. The G200 departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Sept. 13, flew 2,915 nn. and landed 6 hr. and 28 min. later at Keflavik International Airport. The aircraft, which carried three crew and four passengers, encountered 32-kt. tailwinds and averaged a speed of Mach 0.75. Also on Sept. 13, the G200 flew 1,827 nm.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Airport Support Network (ASN) has amassed more than 2,200 volunteers, who monitor events at local airports. More than 300 volunteers joined the network in 2010. AOPA created ASN to help with outreach and increase the information flow on airports around the country. “The most effective advocacy effort is the one that prevents a problem from ever occurring,” says Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of airports and state affairs.
Honda Aircraft Co. has entered the flight-test phase of the HondaJet certification with the Dec. 20 first flight of a conforming aircraft from the company’s facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, N.C. During the 51-minute flight, the HondaJet’s flight characteristics and performance were analyzed and systems checks were conducted.
