FAA has yet to set its timeline for regulating safety management systems (SMS) for Part 145 repair stations, but the agency has indicated that it plans to move forward on such a rulemaking and intends to use the recently released notice of proposed rulemaking requiring all Part 121 operations to implement SMS as its template.
Audio Control Panel Actuator-Valve, Single Motor Battery IFE Enhanced Passenger Control Unit IFE Monitor Passenger Interface and Supply Adapter Radio Management Panel Spoiler Elevator Computer Slat and Flap, Control Computer Wheel Assembly Main Landing Gear *Aircraft Equipped With IFE
Precision Conversions redelivered a third high-payload variant full-15 pallet configuration Boeing 757-200PCF freighter to Aerolease Aviation—the last of three 757-200PCFs converted for Aerolease under a multi-aircraft deal announced in April. The aircraft, which features a weight upgrade option that brings its total payload to 80,000 lb., will be operated by DHL Americas.
With the delivery of next-generation aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and developments in long-discussed technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) taking hold, the aviation MRO industry will see a variety of exciting and challenging developments in 2011. Here are the top 10 technologies that O&M thinks have the most potential for changing the aftermarket landscape in 2011 and beyond. Automated Identification Technology (AIT)
Snecma inked a deal with the Airbus Corporate Jet Center to provide its customers with full CFM56-5B engine service support, including engine condition monitoring, shop visits, foreign object damage protection, line replaceable unit pool access and spares. Snecma offers the service package as an EngineLife agreement. Avionics/IFE
Airbus and Boeing narrowbody aircraft log very similar reliability data, with MRO Prospector showing that the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737NGs each record flight completion rates of between 99.83-99.98%. “It’s a neck-and-neck race between the two” in terms of reliability and demand, says Rich Poutier, International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC)’s senior VP technical services. ILFC owns about 950 aircraft.
SR Technics will provide full technical training on both Boeing and Airbus aircraft types to Etihad Airlines under a new, five-year contract that extends an initial one-year contract inked in May 2009. The agreement covers basic and specialized training mainly in Abu Dhabi but also at other locations as required, and it grows the relationship between SR Technics, which is owned by Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Aerospace, and U.A.E. national carrier Etihad. IT
Lufthansa Consulting will work with Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines to monitor the carriers’ safety status under an agreement with the Libyan African Aviation Holding Co. Six consultants will work in Tripoli to suggest possible improvements and to develop a safety and quality concept to present the holding company. Lufthansa Consulting also will work with the two carriers on a three-month pilots’ upgrade program of testing to determine additional training needs.
Ameco Beijing and Jade Cargo International Co. signed a letter of intent on aircraft technical services to cover heavy maintenance for Jade Cargo’s Boeing 747-400ER freighter fleet, plus component services and technical training. Ameco has handled heavy maintenance for these Jade Cargo aircraft since 2009.
When a disgruntled JetBlue flight attendant made a dramatic exit from his job via the aircraft’s escape slide in August 2010, it momentarily focused the public’s attention on this invisible but vital life-saving component.
Pratt & Whitney ’s CFM56-3 life-limited parts now can enter Chinese revenue service, per Civil Aviation Administration of China validation of supplemental type certification on Nov. 17 in Zhuhai. Pratt plans to make the Global Material Solution life-limited parts available at its Shanghai Engine Center, which is a joint venture with China Eastern Airlines. Pratt says that China Eastern may choose to use the parts on its fleet.
PROBLEM: Virgin America’s Technical Operations at Los Angles International Airport wanted a more ecological approach to cleaning its fleet of 30 aircraft in the midst of emerging environmental standards. SOLUTION: No-water drywashing from Certified Aviation Services
Arinc Engineering Services plans to more than double its Oklahoma City service center with a 62,000-sq.-ft. hangar it will begin building this month. The company says the expansion comes in response to growing demand for avionics upgrades and scheduled depot maintenance, particularly among its government clients.
GE Commercial Aviation Services opened new offices in Accra, Ghana; and Cape Town, to serve customers in west and central Africa and southeastern Africa, respectively. Gecas’ Dubai office will continue to serve North Africa customers.
