Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. (HAECO) reported that in the first half of 2004 its airframe maintenance and modifications facility sold 0.74 million man-hours, which is 95% of the maximum man-hours available. The work came from a mix of Hong Kong-based carriers and third-party customers.
Akzo Nobel introduced a new generation of Aviox paint systems that are designed to reduce process time and lower cycle costs. The Aviox Advanced Series, which is approved to Airbus specifications, includes Primer 37098, Finish 77702, Advanced Mica and Clearcoat UVR. Akzo Nobel said the new paint systems have been formulated to provide a low dry film density and minimize the paint weight, which should help lower fuel costs during aircraft operation. Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings, E. Water St., Waukegan IL 60085 Circle 504 on Reader Service Card
Lufthansa Technik Malta completed its 100th C check in September, just 20 months after it began maintenance, repair and overhaul services. Since the start of operations in January 2003, the Air Malta-Lufthansa Technik joint venture has handled Airbus A320 family aircraft as well as Boeing 737-300 and -500 for Air Malta and StarAlliance members.
The Force/Torque Division of PCB Piezotronics introduced maintenance-free rotating torque transducers that eliminate worn brush replacements. The transducers employ non-contact, rotary transformers for sending excitation voltage to, and receiving measurement signals from, the rotating strain gage sensor. Meant for use in dynamometers, the transducers also can be used in torque studies on fuel pumps, hydraulic motors and pumps, combustion engines, drive shafts, transmissions fans and electric motors.
Sikorsky selected Goodrich to provide integrated vehicle health management systems for the U.S. Army's UH-60M Black Hawk program. The deal is worth about $100 million. Goodrich will deliver the initial systems in 2006.
After 40 years in commercial aviation, the last 10 at Delta, Ray Valeika, one of the most accomplished and respected executives in the MRO world, was to retire at the beginning of October. To say he will be missed sounds trite, but it's true. In fact, Valeika's the type of person you name stuff after.
United Airlines plans to repaint 71 aircraft this year as part of its new livery paint program, which doesn't have a completion date due to its financial situation. ``We have to be cognizant of controlling costs while balancing customer perception and paint needed to protect the aircraft skin,'' said a spokeswoman. United launched the new paint design on Feb. 18 and is having Leading Edge Aviation Services (primary) and AV-EX (secondary vendor) complete the work.
Unbeknownst to them, Mr. Murphy had invited himself to work as a team of Delta Air Lines mechanics removed an engine in a Dallas hangar earlier this summer. The removal was going swell: The three chains that make up the sling went from limp to taut under the watchful eye of the maintenance lead who'd done the procedure many times. It was just about then that Mr. Murphy (the guy who likes to say, ``If anything can go wrong, it will.'') decided to do his thing. No sooner had the 7,000-lb.
Dunlop Aerospace Equipment developed a low-noise bleed valve for Rolls-Royce to replace an earlier design in the V2500 engine. The valve is designed to reduce engine torque when starting and idling.
EADS Sogerma Services began converting the first of two Airbus A319s to premium-class, 44-passenger aircraft for Saudi Arabia's National Air Services. In addition, EADS Sogerma Services delivered the second of two A321-200s modified for Air Mediterranee for charter services with tour operator FRAM, and it is upgrading Virgin Atlantic's new Upper Class Suite on A340-300s and -600s.
Dassault Falcon Jet broke ground for a new 46,000-sq.-ft. paint facility in Little Rock, Ark., and opened a 40,000-sq.-ft. paint hangar at its Wilmington, Del., facility.
Editor's Note: Don Collier recently retired from ATA as vice president for engineering, maintenance and materiel. This spring at the MRO conference in Atlanta, Purdue University researchers presented findings from a study of NTSB records of events in which aircraft maintenance was found to be a causal factor. The study covered air carrier accidents and incidents from 1984 to 2002. Among its conclusions were: -- As a whole, the air carrier industry is experiencing a slight trend toward becoming less safe;
Spiralock Corp. has created a thread fastener attempting to solve the self-loosening rotational movement problem that the traditional 60-degree ``vee'' thread design suffers from during high load and vibration aerospace applications. Using a 30-degree ``wedge'' ramp cut at the root of the female thread, this thread features crests that draw tightly against the wedge ramp when under pressure, eliminating sideways motion and evenly distributing the joint's load. It also minimizes assembly, maintenance and service costs. Madison Tech Center, P.O.
Lockheed Martin named Tom Burbage and Bob Elrod to the positions of F-35 JSF executive vice president and general manager. Burbage will be responsible for program integration and Elrod will be responsible for contract execution.
Alaska Airlines signed a $15 million contract with InterContinental Aircraft Services to retrofit five Boeing 737-400s. Four aircraft will carry 70 passengers and four pallets, while ICAS will retrofit one to a full-cargo configuration. The 737-400s will replace the airline's retiring 737-200 fleet used to service the state of Alaska. Flight Structures, a B/E Aerospace subsidiary, will partner with ICAS to design, certify and provide continued airworthiness for the project.
American Airlines will install AirWorks' laptop power systems in an additional 103 MD-80 aircraft. The system allows users to plug their computers directly into their seat, so they don't have to use battery power.
