PPG Aerospace recently introduced two new products designed to take weight out of sealing and coating systems and improve aircraft fuel efficiency. The company’s new lightweight fuel tank sealant and its basecoat/clearcoat system also should reduce drying times and add durability for additional costs savings.
Lufthansa Technik confirmed that it has discussed MRO cooperation with the Nigerian government but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the talks and that nothing has been decided. Reports in February said LHT and the Nigerian government had signed a memorandum of understanding to build an MRO facility in the country. LHT currently does line maintenance in Nigeria and has about 25-30 employees in the country, a spokesman said.
The Royal Australian Air Force awarded a C-130J Hercules deep maintenance and support contract on March 11 to a team comprising Australian Aerospace (a subsidiary of Eurocopter), Lockheed Martin and StandardAero. The Team Aero members will maintain and support 12 C-130Js via a $292 million five-year rolling contract with the Defense Materiel Organization.
U.S. Naval Air Systems Command’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications program office (PMA-271) reported formal acceptance of the first upgraded Boeing E-6B Mercury from Rockwell Collins and L-3 Integrated Systems Group at the latter’s Waco, Texas, facility. Navy E-6B aircraft are used to conduct both the “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) and U.S. Strategic Command Airborne Command Post missions, providing reliable and survivable communications between the president, secretary of defense and U.S. strategic forces.
AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, reissued STC to install a landing gear warning system for amphibian aircraft on various American Champion, Cessna, Maule, Piper, Revo, Sky International and Viking model aircraft, STC SA00194BO
Northrop Grumman named Jay Shiba VP of supply chain management for its Electronic Systems sector. Shiba joined the company in 1978, and most recently served as business manager of the Surface Combatant business area.
Atlantic Fasteners received Lockheed Martin-Electronic Systems’ STAR Supplier Award, one of 36 of Lockheed’s 4,625 suppliers to gain recognition for its quality, delivery and business achievements over a 12-month period.
Flightstar Aircraft Services redelivered a converted Boeing 757-200 freighter for Precision Conversions to new owner Cargo Aircraft Management. The full 15 pallet converted freighter is the 15th 757-200PCF Flightstar has completed for Precision Conversions.
HydroSwing Doors and Moveable Walls entered the sub-20 ft. door market with its LiD light industrial door. The LiD is designed to replace roller, slider and shutter access doors, which can be weaker in terms of high wind failure, etc., and cumbersome, according to HydroSwing.
Following extensive modernization of its four Boeing E-3F AWACS aircraft toward Block 40/45 capability, the French Air Force (AdlA) is undertaking further upgrades of its Boeing 707-based fleet, delivered from 1962-64. These concern its 11 C-135FR and three KC-135 tanker/transports, from a recent €37 million ($47 million) contract. Air France Industries is leading a mainly French commercial team that will install new ICAO-standard digital avionics and related advanced systems for operation in civil and military air space.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, reissued STC to install a Honeywell/Racal aeronautical satellite communication system on Boeing 747-400, Airbus A300 and A310, and McDonnell Douglas DC-8-72 series aircraft, STCs ST00071LA, SA7060NM and SA5828NM
Boeing conducted successful functional check flights of two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 737-700 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft modified in Australia for the RAAF’s Project Wedgetail program. During each of the 2.5-hour flights on Jan. 21 and 28, Boeing crews performed functional tests that verified the airworthiness of the aircraft’s systems and structures.
Man Lift Engineering offers two new lifts for oil, gas and petrochemical equipment. Its model A80EX boom lift (see top photograph, above) has been designed in accordance with NFPA 70 Class 1, Div. 1, Group D standards for hazardous environments. The lift is equipped with an 80 ft. high platform, with an up-and-over height of 51 ft. 10 in. Available options include three-way bump protection, a movement alarm, a fall arrest anchorage system, and a 48 VDC, 750 amp-hour battery with charger.
Document Original Projected Publication Date Last Projected Publication Date Current Projected Publication Date Latest Action Aging aircraft widespread fatigue damage FINAL RULE 9/28/07 6/30/09 6/30/09 None reported Post-employment restrictions for FAA inspectors NPRM 7/31/09
Boeing carried out the first test flight of the third U.S. Air Force C-130 Avionics Modernization Program aircraft three weeks ahead of schedule, completing the major modifications and upgrade package on H3 about 13% faster than the upgrade to H2.5. Aircraft H3 flew Jan. 13, accomplishing both functional check flight and acceptance check flight tests. This third AMP aircraft soon will join aircraft H2 and H2.5 in the flight test program, which Boeing says is 81% complete. Boeing also transferred a third KC-767J tanker to Japanese partner Itochu Corp. on Feb.
ARMSTRONG AEROSPACE, amended STC to install a Honeywell RESCU 406AF emergency locator transmitter system on Boeing 747-400, -400D and -400F series aircraft, STC ST01742CH
Aircraft component suppliers are urging the Department of Commerce to scuttle a proposal that they fear could vastly restrict the shipment of U.S.-built avionics and navigation components. The Aviation Suppliers Association said the proposal “would unnecessarily punish distributors and manufacturers, and cripple trade in avionics commodities without providing any correlative benefit to the U.S.”
Pratt & Whitney Canada signed a fleet management program agreement with Air Methods Corp. to provide engine support for its fleet of emergency air medical transportation services helicopters. The Turboshaft Flex FMP agreement covers around 125 PW200 series engines, plus spares, installed on Air Methods’ fleet of Eurocopter EC135, Agusta A109 Power and Bell 429 helicopters for an approximate period of two full overhaul events.
