Component Control is integrating Avtrak GlobalNet’s Web-based maintenance tracking system into its Quantum software, to allow users to monitor maintenance progress from anywhere in the world via the Avtrak program. Two-way communication and automatic updates are designed to ensure all data is up to date, Component Control says.
Goodrich’s Alabama Service Center received Boeing approval to provide overheat service bulletin inspections and modifications for Boeing 737NG aircraft. The service bulletin, SB1079, mandates inspection of the aircraft’s GE CFM56-7 engine thrust reverser inner walls and insulation blankets as well as checking for signs of heat damaged and correcting possible heat-related issues.
FlightSafety International says 40 of its full flight simulators have been qualified under the EASA flight simulator training device catch-up process, which allows European licensed flight crews under EASA to train with simulators located outside EASA member states’ jurisdiction. The 40 simulators are located at 15 FlightSafety learning centers in North America. Three new simulators at its London/Farnborough training center also received JAA Level D qualification from the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority.
The Commemorative Air Force brought James C. “Woody” Woodford on board as director of maintenance for its headquarters in Midland, Texas. Woodford, a 27-year CAF member, will report to Bob Stenevik, VP of operations and maintenance.
Government signature was announced on April 14 with Embraer of a $140 million contract to modernize a Brazilian Naval Aviation (FAMB) squadron of 12 Douglas A-4 (locally AF-1) Skyhawk light attack aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney J52-P408 turbojets as the main component of its maritime air force. The Skyhawks comprise nine single-seat AF-1s and three two-seat AF-1A trainers, from 23 FAMB A-4KUs previously operated by Kuwait.
Abrisa offers color correction filters for LED lights that allow customers to diffuse brightness instead of replacing bulbs. The dichroic LED filters are designed to be interchangeable for color variation, light diffusion or dramatic lighting purposes. The filters come with transparent or antireflective coatings and can be made with custom designs, patterns and screen prints. Sizes range from micro-optics up to 27 in. in diameter; the filters can operate between -60 degrees C and 100 degrees C. Abrisa, 200 S. Hallock Dr., Santa Paula, Calif. 93060
Lufthansa Technik Switzerland launched a new VIP cabin interior facility in Basel, adjoining its maintenance hangar there. Its extended portfolio includes technical services for Boeing Business Jets and Airbus Corporate Jets.
Miro Technologies received Frost & Sullivan’s 2009 European Defense Logistics Product Line Strategy Award for its insight into customer needs and product demands.
Air Blue in Pakistan and AJW Aviation signed a five-year, power-by-the-hour contract to support 11 additional Airbus A319 and A321 aircraft scheduled to be inducted into Air Blue’s fleet between now and 2011. The contract supplements an existing power-by-the-hour agreement between the two companies.
IFF test modes 1, 2 and TACAN now come standard on Aeroflex’s IFR 6015 ramp test set. The battery powered, portable test unit should be compact, lightweight and weatherproof to test aviation transponder modes 1,2,3A/C/S including European Elementary and Enhanced Surveillance, TCAS I, II and Military E-TCAS, TIS and DME/TACAN. New capabilities allow the 6015 test unit to emulate several different TACAN test sets, including AN/ASM-663, AN/ARM-184 and Bradley 2650 and 2655.
Implementing a big information technology project is akin to having a baby—while you eagerly await its arrival, not everything goes as perfectly as you planned, according to Ruben Arguero, VP of the MRO business unit at Mexicana. In both cases, there’s a lot to plan, before and after the birth.
This month’s Paris Air Show is shaping up as an indicator of the aerospace industry’s health and confidence. As I mentioned in this space last month, I got conflicting signals from AVIATION WEEK’s MRO Americas Conference in April. The conference discussions sounded pretty gloomy, but the mood on the exhibit floor felt upbeat. Of course, Paris draws a much broader swath of the industry, so it should paint a more telling picture of the aerospace business as whole. I’ll be interested to hear about the mood and the chatter in the exhibit halls and on the chalet line.
Software design firm Geomagic recently released the latest version of its computer-aided inspection software. Geomagic Qualify 11 features an automation designer that should reduce the time required to create new inspections. It allows users to define multiple reference models and inspections in a single file. And, the updated software’s automation design wizard lets users transfer existing inspection processes between reference models for reuse for when part designs change.
Aviation Partners, amended STC to install winglets, wing structural reinforcement and related system changes on Boeing Model 767-300 series aircraft, STC ST01920SE
GENOA—Sukhoi must create a tailored support system capable of meeting the specific requirements of a variety of regional operators—costumers who demand auxiliary support, out of the door service, competitive prices and a quality guarantee. These are, according to Alessandro Franzoni, CEO of Superjet International, the keys to crafting a successful aftermarket service for the Sukhoi Superjet 100, the 95-seat regional aircraft being developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. (SCAC), the civil arm of the Sukhoi group.
Dallas Airmotive signed a five-year engine service agreement with Avantair to repair, maintain, overhaul and provide field service on PT6A-66 engines that power the operator’s Piaggio Avanti turboprop aircraft. Dallas Airmotive has been a PT6 OEM-authorized distributor and designated overhaul facility since 1967.
StandardAero appointed Aero Management its new representative for regional airlines and business aviation in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Aero Management will represent StandardAero for business jet airframe, interior and avionics services as well as GE CF34, Rolls-Royce AE3007, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 and PT6 engines, and Honeywell auxiliary power units and TFE731 engines.
Mubadala Development Co. acquired a controlling share of SR Technics on April 21, buying out Istithmar’s 30% share, for total ownership of 70%. Dubai Aerospace Enterprise continues to hold a 30% share in the company. Facilities
The Obama administration in May unveiled a $16 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2010 that focuses on the Next Generation (NextGen) air traffic control system and controller staffing issues. The fiscal 2010 budget sidesteps the funding issue, but only for a year. The administration expects to renew its push for dramatic changes in aviation funding beginning in 2011, the administration budget documents say.
