L-3 Communications Canada signed an MOU with Sikorsky to provide In-Service Support for 28 Sikorksy H-92 Cyclone helicopters over 20 years. The deal's value could exceed $800 million.
MidEast Jet is becoming the first 777 operator to retrofit its aircraft with the Boeing Class 3 electronic flight bag (EFB). Three 777 operators had an EFB installed on their aircraft during production, but MidEast is the first to have Boeing retrofit it.
F110-GE-100 and F110-GE-120 engines are undergoing a series of tests, scheduled to be completed in February, as part of the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) techology package that the U.S. Air Force and GE are conducting jointly. The SLEP upgrade includes the CFM56-7 engine core, 3-D aero technology and a redesigned flowpath with changes to the combustor and high-pressure turbine. The enhancements are designed to increase time on wing by up to three times, decrease costs and eliminate special inspections.
U.S. lawmakers are urging the Department of Defense to quickly replace the 40-year-old JT3D engines on E-8C Joint STARS ground-surveillance aircraft because the engines supposedly don't meet Air Force needs, reported Aerospace Daily & Defense Report.
Aeronautical Repair Station Association's Marshall Filler, managing director and general counsel, wrote in a recent ARSA newsletter, "I'd like to ask our readers to cease and desist using the word 'outsourcing' when you really mean 'contracting.' The association believes ... that the 'O' word carries negative connotations with the public."
Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa selected a site near Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany, for its new N3 engine overhaul joint ventures. N3 is supposed to start operating in 2007 and provide engine services for Trent 500, 700 and 900 engines. The companies anticipate hiring about 500 people for N3 within three years of operational launch. Lufthansa's own fleet work will account for up to 40% of N3's volume.
SME Aviation is a new independent MRO center launched on Jan. 3 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. "The independent budget MRO center is unique in the sense that we will be fully focused on providing aircraft maintenance services to commercial aircraft operators at a markedly competitive price," said Seri Yunus Tasi, chairman of SME Aviation.
Midcoast Aviation promoted Kurt Sutterer to president and to senior vice president of business development of Sabreliner. Midcoast also promoted Tom Hilboldt to director of technical services; broadened Mike Mueller's title to director of product management, FBO services and facilities; promoted Charlie Wittman to senior manager of integrated product teams; and named Tim King manager of program and cost control.
iviation named Peter Schouwenaars director of technical services. He is responsible for oversight and development of aircraft maintenance programs, asset management, maintenance facilities and personnel.
National Business Aviation Association said nine more people passed the Certified Aviation Managers exam, including two who hold A&Ps and IAs: Alexander Lake, aircraft maintenance supervisor for Armstrong World Industries, and Chris Poupard, pilot, ConAgra Foods.
From the Editor 4 Biznet 11 People Airframes Engines Avionics/IFE Parts/Components Facilities Training IT Contracts Interview 18 Ronald Aramini, Pemco Aviation Group Safety & Regulatory News Washington in Action 23 Human Factors 26 Calendar 92 O&Marketplace 93 Advertiser Index 98
Lockheed Martin won a $35 million contract modification for logistics, engineering and spares for the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J and other U.S. C-130Js.
Aeronautical Repair Station Association's Model Training Program Workbook and Course is designed to help repair stations understand what they need to comply with FAA-approved training program manuals. Visit www.arsa.org for more information.
Bombardier received European Aviation Safety Agency approval for the Honeywell TFE731-20BR engine upgrade on its Learjet 45 XR. Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services can perform the upgrade for European operators.
Looking for a quick pop quiz to assess your maintenance facility from an aircraft operator's viewpoint? The National Air Transport Association (NATA) has created one. NATA's Aircraft Maintenance & System Technology Committee put together the 30-question checklist to help "both the service provider and the customer to know exactly what is expected when performing maintenance on an aircraft," said Jet Aviation's David Smith, the committee's chair.
SAS Group selected MIRO Technologies' (formerly Spirent Systems) AuRA engineering and maintenance management system. Scandinavian Airlines initially will implement AuRA for JAR OPS1 (M) activity. Future phases will integrate the product with Scandinavian Technical Services's JAS145 functions.
U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and FAA are jointly evaluating a new identification friend or foe (IFF) system known as Mode 5. (U.S. military and NATO forces currently use Mode 4.) The U.S. will continue testing the Mode 5 IFF system through the spring and then the Italian military will flight test it this summer. Initial operational capability is scheduled for 2007.
Northrop Grumman received a $12.5 million contract from the USAF to modify 18 C-17 aircraft with Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure capability, as well as provide spares, support and training.
Tyco Plastics & Adhesives' new tape for sealing aircraft cargo compartments is specifically designed to seal seams and repair cargo compartment liners. The Polyken 296FR is designed to cover pins and rivets where high adhesion and flame resistance is critical. The tape meets Boeing, Airbus, U.S. and European flame retardant content testing.
