EASA published its Annual Safety Review for the year 2008. The number of fatal accidents involving aircraft registered in Member States of EASA* and performing commercial air transport operations remained at the level of 2007 (three). This number is one of the lowest in the decade and well below the average of six fatal accidents per year. In 2008, 5.5% of all fatal accidents in commercial air transport worldwide occurred with airplanes registered in an EASA Member State.
Garmin AT to install Garmin Model 400W/500W Series GPS-WAAS navigation systems on various Agusta, Bell, Enstrom, Eurocopter, MD Helicopter and Robinson model helicopters, STC SR02232LA
The leadership of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unveiled an expansive cost-cutting program aimed at saving around $8 billion (30 billion sheckel) in military spending. The IDF has now turned to international consulting firm McKinsey & Co. to help figure out where to save money. It is the first time the IDF has opted for this kind of assistance.
Rockwell Collins received an STC for its Wide Area Augmentation System Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance upgrade for Hawker 800XP aircraft equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics system, following the completion of its flight test program at the end of June. The STC now is available through Rockwell Collins authorized dealers and Hawker Beechcraft Services. Parts/Components
Blackhawk Modifications amended STC to install a wing-mounted auxiliary fuel transfer tank on various Hawker Beechcraft 65 and 90 models, STC SA10560SC
Elbit Systems subsidiary, Elbit Systems Electro-optics El-Op Ltd. will supply the Israeli Ministry of Transportation with $76 million worth of its commercial multi-spectral infrared countermeasure (C-MUSIC) system, for installation aboard a variety of aircraft owned by Israeli commercial airlines. The system will installed aboard a variety of commercial aircraft owned by Israeli commercial airlines. C-MUSIC is based on Elbit’s MUSIC system for military aircraft, which disrupts missiles fired at aircraft and causes them to veer off course by transmitting a laser beam.
Swiss International Airlines subsidiary Edelweiss Air extended its contract with SR Technics for Airbus A320 maintenance for an additional three years and three months. The renewal agreement, which extends to March 2012, includes line, light and base maintenance; maintenance operations control; engineering services; component support; engine maintenance and logistics management.OM
Armstrong Aerospace amended STC to install a Honeywell RESCU 406AF/AFN emergency locator transmitter system on Lockheed Martin 382G aircraft, STC ST02109CH
Cirrus Parts by API launched on July 27. API now provides Cirrus customer service centers and owner/operators with supply chain, logistics and spare parts services per a new, exclusive, multi-year services agreement. The contract’s terms provide API support for Cirrus’ 213 authorized services centers and 5,000 in-service aircraft. The arrangement also covers support for the in-development Cirrus Vision SJ50 (formerly known as The-jet), currently expected to enter service in 2012.
AAR Corp. signed a letter of intent with SuperJet International to become a service center for the Sukhoi Superjet 100. As part of SuperJet’s MRO network, AAR will provide heavy airframe maintenance, modifications, interior and exterior refurbishments, unscheduled maintenance services, line and overnight maintenance, as well as field teams for off-site support.
Mxi Technologies added a strategic long range planning feature to its Maintenix software. This feature is designed to allow organizations to develop long-term maintenance plans optimized for aircraft availability, check yield and hangar and resource utilization. Contracts Commercial
Gulfstream’s second generation enhanced vision system (EVS II) is available for new and in-service G150 aircraft, following its July 1 FAA certification on the type. The EVS II system, developed in cooperation with Kollsman, consists of a nose-mounted infrared camera that sends images to a 12 in.-by-10 in. LCD multi-function display.
The Air Force’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Center on July 23, 2008, selected 12 companies to compete for a maximum $6.9 billion under the 10-year F2AST acquisition program.
LONDON—The big issue on EASA’s agenda this year is the introduction of implementing rules for Operations & Licensing, which cover commercial air transport operations for aeroplanes and helicopters. Why? Because the existing EU-Ops regulation (EASA regulation 216/2008) passed by the European Parliament on July 16, 2008, only covers fixed-wing types.
Interaction is key to effective human factors education, according to some in the technical training business. While computer-based training, or CBT, can reduce costs and make coursework accessible to larger groups of employees, online courses cannot quite replicate the impact of a classroom course with an experienced instructor, says Wolfgang Hobelsberger, training manager for Nayak Aviation Service.
Nov. 4–5 ➤ AVIATION WEEK: Lean Six Sigma for MRO, Atlanta, Ga., Registration Info: Anita Joyce Wright, 800-240-7645 in the U.S. or +1 212-904-6344; fax +1 212-904-3334
