When the Transportation Security Administration released its long-awaited security proposal for repair stations last November, industry groups appreciated the balance the agency tried to strike between meeting a congressional mandate and providing flexibility. The initial reaction was that TSA appeared to be headed in the right direction with its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Gol opened a new, third hangar at its maintenance base at Confins International Airport in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to accommodate its expanding fleet of Boeing 737NG aircraft. The new hangar, which measures 262 ft. by 262 ft., is part of a doubling of Gol’s sprawling maintenance base at Confins. The just-completed first phase of the overall $32.2 million development includes an expansion of the apron, storage area and shops. The larger maintenance base will allow Gol to support a fleet of 120 aircraft, up from its current fleet of 108.
Rockwell Collins Aerospace and Electronics Flight Dynamics Division, amended STC to install a Rockwell Collins Model 6605 head-up display and enhanced vision system CMA-2600i infrared sensor system on Bombardier CL-600-2B16 (CL-604) aircraft, STC ST02177LA
Poor airline revenue last year didn’t overpower airlines’ needs for new aircraft, as evidenced by the world commercial jet fleet’s growth of 1.8% to 19,675 aircraft. Of the 1,128 deliveries in 2009, 55% were direct replacements, according to Ascend and TeamSAI, so the fleet only increased by 505 aircraft. Keep in mind that about 2,000 aircraft are parked, and 80% of them realistically won’t return to service, according to Chris Seymour, Ascend’s head of market analysis.
Aeronautical Engineers Inc. finalized an agreement with Boeing to license engineering data to develop MD-80 passenger-to-freighter conversions. This applies to MD-81, MD-82, MD-83 and MD-88 conversions. Boeing will host AEI’s conversion drawings and data on its MyBoeingFleet.com web portal.
Computer Sciences Corp. , which has been the prime contractor for NASA’s Aircraft Maintenance and Modification Program for several years, received another one-year option. For $58 million, Computer Sciences Corp. will provide maintenance support for the flight line, intermediate and depot maintenance, repairs, and modification and engineering support for a variety of research and mission support aircraft at NASA.
Jetpower acquired the Snohomish, Wash.-based Soundair Aftermarket Group in February. It relocated the business, which will operate moving forward as Soundair AMG, to Everett, Wash. Facilities
StandardAero named Melissa Maddox VP operations for its business aviation sector, in addition to her current position as VP global security and risk assurance. Airframes
Ruggedized Tablet Computer Panasonic debuted a tablet version of its Toughbook mobile computer that is capable of withstanding a 6-ft. drop and meets Mil-Std-810G and IP65 ratings. The Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field features a 500 nit, 10.4-in. display with both tablet and touchscreen functionality. Because of its circular polarizer and anti-glare and anti-reflective treatments, it should be highly readable in direct sunlight.
Onboard Systems to fabricate the Onboard Systems cargo hook kits for various Eurocopter France AS355 and Robinson R44 helicopters, STCs SR02035SE and SR00578SE
What is Aeroman’s interaction with parent company Aveos? Ruiz: Aeroman is affiliated with Aveos, so we serve with them and develop best practices together, so we can offer related solutions for our customers’ fleet management needs. That would include not only heavy maintenance but also engines and components.
HYDERABAD—Air Works Engineering, India’s only EASA-approved MRO facility with approvals for Boeing 737, ATR42/72 and soon Airbus A320, has picked up a 85% stake in Air Livery, UK. The two companies had announced a 50-50 joint venture in 2008, which this year was boosted to 85% when Air Works decided to provide dedicated aircraft painting services at Hosur Airport in Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore, with a view to serve the entire Asia-Pacific region.
The 402nd Maintenance Wing, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center has transformed the way it handles C-17 heavy maintenance and modifications. It embedded program management and materiel support into production activities, shifting the focus on material from supply to aircraft delivery due-date performance. This new process, it says, makes work stoppages due to shortages a rarity. The 402nd MXW has adopted industry best practices, including AS9100 registration, and it has improved its work scope by grouping personnel into multi-skilled teams.
Six Eurocopter EC135s operated by UK police air support units will be managed and maintained by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Customer Service Center Europe. The fleet management agreement covers full maintenance support for the helicopters, which are powered by PW206B2 engines. A Pratt & Whitney Canada spokeswoman says the company does not disclose the terms of its agreement, but she adds that the repair services that will be provided are comprehensive.
DUBAI—Temperatures as hot as 50 degrees C and sand as fine as talcum powder wreak havoc on aircraft in the Middle East, making operational efficiency a challenge for commercial operators here. These conditions translate into engine removals and system maintenance that come well before manufacturer-mandated repair cycles—as well as higher operational costs. To combat these conditions, maintenance managers at Saudi Aramco and Oman Air have worked with OEMs to correct problems and find ways to stop them before they begin.
GAMECO is preparing to maintain China Southern’s Airbus A380s. That work comes to it almost by right, since the airline is a major shareholder, but it may be hard for the company to attract more A380 business given the small numbers of the type in service and on order. Singapore Airlines, another A380 operator, is a competitor. GAMECO has not yet begun marketing for A380 work but it will soon, says Norman. One concern must be getting adequate service from the costly A380 hangar that the company has built in anticipation of receiving China Southern’s A380s.
HYDERABAD—The opening of the CFM56 Customer Training Center at the strategically located GMR Aerospace Park, occupying space on either side of the runway at Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi Airport, has led the way to more companies entering an arena that until now has failed to attract companies. The Aerospace Park plans to focus on attracting services such as MRO and manufacturing to realize offsets emanating from defense projects and logistics.
Boeing Defense Australia has added two contracts to programs it is working on for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF): One is a $1.5-million, 30-month project to upgrade the RAAF’s fleet of F/A-18A/B Hornet fighters, and the other is a $600-million, five-year performance-based logistics contract covering six 737 airborne early warning and control (AEWC) aircraft.
Pratt & Whitney has formed a five-year partnership with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to offer executive leadership training programs for up to 30 leaders annually at Chinese airlines, MRO organizations and CAAC. Participants will receive nearly four months of training at the Civil Aviation Management Institute of China, Pratt & Whitney’s Huapu Aviation Engine Training Center in China, and Pratt & Whitney’s Customer Training Center headquarters in East Hartford, Conn.
Human factors has long been a training staple in maintenance organizations. Now, it’s beginning to catch the eye of other departments as well—with some significant implications for maintenance.
Kenmore Air Harbor amended STC to install JASCO Model 7555-1 alternator kits on P&W R-985 series engines on Viking Air DHC-2 Mk.I aircraft, STC SA348NW
