Supply chain software systems are designed to manage processes, people and assets. Service lifecycle management is a different kind of software system. Sitting at the junction of ERP, MRO and content management solutions, it is designed to put a comprehensive maintenance library of technical information in the hands of maintenance technicians, engineers and parts managers as they are performing their jobs.
Honeywell International, reissued STCs to install a Honeywell/Racal Aeronautical satellite communications systems on Boeing 767-300 and on various 747 series aircraft, STCs SA6086NM, SA5549NM and SA5473NM
Shedding, integrating and consolidating should be major themes of aircraft maintenance in the next few years. Some airlines want to shed technical tasks and management burdens that others can do more economically. Maintenance providers will need to integrate repairs, materials, logistics and management to take over these tasks. And because there are so many parts suppliers, efficient support will require some consolidation of the supply chain to make it all workable.
KenJer Industries, maker of BoltBite tools, recently delivered a second phase of multiple customized tool kits to Keystone Helicopter for use on the maintenance and production lines of Sikorsky S-76 and S-92 helicopters. Its BoltBite tools are designed to make it easy to keep track of hardware and fasteners during installation or reinstallation.
Aviation maintenance is a high-pressure business, focused on turnaround times and throughput. Time is of the essence. To use time wisely and make work environments as safe as possible, it’s important to focus on communication.
Honeywell International, reissued STC to install a Sperry Model GH14B gyro horizon on a specific Cessna 421B and a Sperry SP-40 gyropilot on a Gulfstream G-159, STCs SA4410NM and SA2-931
The Boeing Co. in Ottawa completed its Industrial and Regional Benefits program for Phase 1 of the Canadian Forces’ CF-18 Fighter Avionics Modernization Program a year ahead of schedule. Boeing has successfully implemented industrial participation (IP) programs totaling more than $29 billion in 35 countries over the past 30 years.
Honeywell International, reissued STCs to install various performance management systems on Boeing 737-200, Boeing 737-200, and Boeing 727-200 (Air Canada configuration) series aircraft, STCs SA2407NM, SA2018NM, SA2001NM, and SA1984NM
Boeing Defence U.K. announced the establishment of a new operation focused on British helicopter technical support. The resulting Boeing U.K. Rotorcraft Support company is part of the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems business unit, involving the Chinook Through-Life Customer Support program and the AH-64 Apache Integrated Operational Support program.
More than 40 years ago, in 300-ft. ceiling fog on the morning of Nov. 22, 1968, a Japan Air Lines DC-8-62, s/n 45954, landed short of SFO runway 28L in San Francisco Bay following an otherwise routine flight from Tokyo-Haneda. According to the National Transportation Safety Board report of Dec. 31, 1969, “The captain reported that his speed at the time of water contact was 137 kts.” The report also indicates that Capt. Kohei Asoh, who had nearly 10,000 hrs.
Bird Air Services, a subsidiary of New Delhi-based Bird Group, signed a marketing agreement with Pacific Propeller International (PPI), a repair and overhaul services provider for several regional airline and military aircraft types, to facilitate MRO services for propeller engines for aircraft in India. A recent report by Ernst and Young on the Indian aviation sector says the country’s airlines spending on MRO will increase to $1.2 billion in 2017 from $440 million in 2007, an annual growth rate of 11.8%. ◗
CORRECTION: Delta AirElite won a contest held by PPG Industries' aerospace transparencies business to promote PPG's new glass-faced heated acrylic replacement windshield for Bombardier Challenger 600, 601, 604 and 605 aircraft. Terry Bowling is director of maintenance for Delta AirElite.
Bell Helicopter closed out 2008 with delivery of the ninth OH-58D armed reconnaissance aircraft to be modified under the current Kiowa Warrior Safety Enhancement Program contract. “[The] nine OH-58s we delivered in 2008 were six more than required by the contract schedule,” said Amy Tedford, director of Bell Helicopter Military Fielded Systems.
The French Defense Procurement Agency (Délégation Générale pour l’Armement, or DGA) has confirmed initial deliveries of production Dassault Rafale F3s to the French air force (AdlA`) and navy (Aéronavale) from early 2009. Qualification of the full standard F3 multi-role version of Rafale combat aircraft was announced on July 1, 2008. Earlier Rafale F2s, operated by AdlA since June 2006 and Aéronavale since May 2008, also are being upgraded to similar standards.
One of the first lessons I learned at O&M is that it’s tough, if not impossible, for a monthly magazine to report the news. We’ve tried a few times without success. Between the time the magazine goes to press and the time you receive your copy something will happen—a new development or significant turn of events—that will render our “news” story out of date or, in the worst case, just plain wrong.
KaiserAir, reissued STC to install a Universal Avionics terrain awareness and warning system on Gulfstream G-1159, G1159A and G-1159B aircraft, STC ST01127LA
Seaton Engineering Corp., amended STC to build, install new and/or replace instrument panel lights dimmer control on a variety of general aviation and business aircraft, STC SA01800SE
BURBANK, Calif.—Imagine walking into a white-walled hangar with floors resembling polished grey granite. The shiny floor reflects sunlight cascading through rooftop windows/panels, obviating the need for fluorescent lights. More than 95% of regularly occupied spaces, even center offices, are daylit—connecting the indoors and outdoors.
DUBAI—Middle Eastern carriers will spend about $2.2 billion on airframe, engine and component maintenance, repair and overhaul this year, which represents about 5% of expected global demand, according to forecasts presented at AVIATION WEEK’s MRO Middle East Conference & Exhibition in January.
Late last year, Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aerospace), received a $51 million (about S$75 million) contract to perform maintenance and modifications, and to return to service four Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) Lockheed C-130B transports. The program was due to start immediately for scheduled completion over 30 months, involving work performed by ST Aerospace subsidiary, ST Aerospace Engineering (STA Engineering).
Recently, a congressional hearing contained discussions surrounding the topic of voluntary safety reporting programs that are used in collaboration between the aviation industry and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Basically, there are three major programs: Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Programs, Aviation Safety Action Programs and Flight Operations Quality Assurance Programs. However the focus of late has been on Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAPs).
