Interchangeable pressure modules can be attached to the calibrator via a carrier, and this assembly can be attached to the system’s pressure generation station to form an integrated high-performance pressure calibrator. Three different pressure stations are available to generate pneumatic pressure from 95% vacuum to 20 bar or up to 100 bar while hydraulic pressure capability is 0 to 1000 bar; each also can be used alone to replace hand-pumps and comparators. GE Sensing Worldwide Headquarters, The Boston Center, 1100 Technology Park Drive, Billerica, MA 01821-4111
Airweld , reissued STCs to install airstairs on various McDonnell Douglas DC-8, Boeing 757-200, 737-200 707 and 727 and Lockheed 1329 and L-1011 series aircraft, Several STCs
Caribbean Airlines opted into Boeing’s 737 Component Services Program (CSP) for materials and supply chain management. The Trinidad and Tobago-based carrier already uses Boeing’s Maintenance Performance Toolbox, Jeppesen Class 2 electronic flight bag and Business Process Reengineering services to support its fleet of seven 737-800 aircraft. Under CSP, which it offers with partner KLM E&M, Boeing maintains spare parts and components for customers until they need them and guarantees to have working replacements for failed parts within 24 hours.
L2 Consulting Services , to install electrical provisions for a Class 2B Teledyne Controls triple electronic flight bag system, Wingspeed XLLink/Iridium communication system with telephone handset and network server unit on Boeing 747-200B, -200C and -200F, STC ST10679SC
Lockheed Martin won an initial $89 million information convergence contract from the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to merge DLA’s Integrated Data Environment distribution system with USTRANSCOM’s Global Transportation Network, to create a unified system called IDE/GTN Convergence. Lockheed built and maintains GTN, and its team will synchronize both systems with other information systems to enable the military to improve end-to-end visibility, responsiveness, decision-making service and logistics processes.
Argosy International’s Shanghai facility received new certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China for the custom-blending of Akzo-Nobel aerospace coatings to meet airline, AOG and maintenance requirements. Atlas Air completed the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), meeting globally recognized safety and quality standards for operations, including maintenance and engineering.
Marshall Aerospace, Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce two years ago began a 24-year partnership with the U.K. Royal Air Force on the Hercules Integrated Operational Support (HIOS) program. John Sneller, Marshall’s head of RAF airlift business, describes his firm as a “thin prime” on HIOS, with active collaboration and communication among the RAF and industry partners, all having incentives to make the program work.
Embraer launched FlyEmbraer , the third generation of its web portals for aftermarket and customer support. The IT system gives clients access to parts information, e-Commerce, order tracking capabilities, engineering/technical documents and other specialized tools. Users also can access Embraer’s Aircraft Health Analysis and Diagnosis (AHEAD) system, which continuously monitors fleet health to provide timely information for maintenance programming procedures, and its Support Center, which features digital communication and discussion forums.
The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft, plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Boeing modified the first aircraft at its Seattle facilities. TAI is modifying the remaining three aircraft in Turkey, for early summer functional check flights. The 737-700 features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight-deck features. Because of its advanced technology and world-wide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment, the aircraft requires minimal maintenance downtime.
Boeing Australia Ltd. received certification as the company’s first FAA approved repair station outside the U.S. The FAA Part 145 repair certificate authorizes Boeing’s facilities at Amberley and Eagle Farm in Queensland to carry out maintenance and airframe or engine repairs on Boeing 737NG aircraft and military derivatives, including 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control modifications carried out under Project Wedgetail.
US Airways picked Rockwell Collins’ WXR-2100 MultiScan Hazard Detection System and other equipment, including the DME-900 distance measuring system, HFS-900D high frequency system and VOR-900 VHF omnidirectional radio, for its Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
AeroStrategy predicts CO2 emissions will grow at 4% per year, given current fleet performance and traffic growth projections. It notes that air transport fuel consumption is around 51 billion gallons (60% used by old and mature aircraft) and that air transport emits about 500 million tons of CO2 each year; next-generation aircraft will account for 15% of fuel consumption by 2017, so the firm says the greatest gains for fuel efficiency in the short to medium term lie in improving the existing fleet’s performance.
GE Aviation named David Joyce president and CEO. Joyce had been VP of commercial engines since 2003, responsible for all commercial jet engine products and global support, and is a 28-year veteran of the company. Joyce succeeds Scott C. Donnelly, who becomes EVP and COO at Textron.
Eurocopter Deutschland signed an agreement on May 26 to acquire Motorflug Baden-Baden GmbH. The German specialist for helicopter MRO with bases in Baden-Baden, Rheinmünster, and Schönhagen, near Berlin, will become part of Eurocopter’s service and support business. It also will complement Eurocopter’s MRO capabilities in civil helicopter markets. Motorflug’s acquisition will enable Eurocopter to offer even more comprehensive services to its customers while assuring required flexibility and reactivity, the company said.
U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., announced Lt. Col. Paul M. Riegert assumed command of the H-46 Program Office (PMA226) in early July. Riegert will lead a team of 150 acquisition professionals and oversee the life cycle management of 198 helicopters deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
The Federal Aviation Administration has made strides in its effort to overhaul the agency’s air carrier oversight procedures, but the Department of Transportation Inspector General believes that the agency still must do more.
Flight Deck Resources introduced the SkyTab 1500 electronic flight bag, a rugged and compact computing platform designed to occupy minimal space in the cockpit. It is meant to be used as a Class 1 (portable) EFB to provide common applications such as electronic navigation charts, checklists and satellite weather at high speeds. The SkyTab 1500’s screen should allow users to view content in direct sunlight or dim its brightness for extended nighttime use.
LONDON—The benefits of composite construction look set to bring a plethora of benefits to airline operators and aircraft maintainers alike. And, as airlines benefit from stronger, lighter airframes that potentially need less maintenance, new opportunities are arising for MROs to move into new repairs and repair technologies.
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai named Holger Sindemann president and CEO, succeeding Walter Strakosch , who became SVP business development MRO at MTU. Sindermann had served MTU Aero Engines as SVP corporate development since 2006.
