FAA is revising a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) covering air conditioning (A/C) systems on nearly 2,000 Cessna Citations to incorporate new procedures developed by the Wichita airframer, but the agency rejected requests to extend the compliance times. The proposal, initially released in September, would require an inspection to determine if certain A/C compressor motors are installed. The proposal also calls for a repetitive replacement of the drive motor brushes or, as an option to brush replacement, deactivation of the A/C system.
Xojet, already one of the fastest-growing operators, is partnering with Travel Management Company (TMC) in a move that will effectively double its available fleet and add a fourth type to its portfolio of offerings. Under the partnership, Xojet will be able to offer flights aboard TMC’s fleet of Hawker 400XP and Hawker 800XP aircraft. The aircraft will continue to be operated by TMC under the TMC brand, but will be available for Xojet programs, including its Fixed-Price Charter and Preferred Access.
NELSON GARCIA has joined FirstFlight’s scheduling and dispatch group. Garcia has nearly 15 yr. of customer support experience and spent the past five years involved in Latin American aviation operations from his base in Mexico City. He most recently served as director of sales and government affairs for Pegasus Flight Support. He also has served as a liaison manager and customer service representative, air export customer service representative, flight operations supervisor and operations manager.
Daher-Socata’s TBM700/850 single-turboprop fleet has amassed more than 1 million flight hours, a milestone accumulated during 20 years of operation. More than 620 TBMs have been produced, and the fleet now averages more than 120,000 flight hours annually.
It's no secret that business aviation has been enduring hard times for too long. The gloom took hold in 2008, and since then thousands of workers have lost their jobs, companies have gone bankrupt, and flight activity has slowed. Almost no one is happy. Then there's Kenn Ricci, business aviation's not-so-minor mogul with a knack for making business happen.
Gene Autry's “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” may have helped Santa find his way, but Jackie Autry, the singing cowboy's widow, understands how unwelcome outside illumination can be for passengers trying to sleep, view computer screens or watch videos.
Performance worries over military and commercial helicopter operations in the harsh conditions of the Middle East deserts could be eased with a new distributorship deal signed today.
A global terror threat of missile attack against fixed wing aircraft or helicopters is being met head on by one exhibitor at IDEX – the defence and security event opening in Abu Dhabi today.
The supersonic business jet is getting closer. Aerodynamic technology company Aerion Corporation has announced its next round of high-speed test flights in conjunction with NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center are underway.
Jet Aviation Dubai has officially opened its new FBO facility at Dubai World Central's Al Maktoum International Airport. The company continues to provide MRO and FBO services at Dubai International Airport.
A partnership between Signature Flight Support and a company representing the personal aircraft of Google executives is emerging as the winning bidder for what could be one of the largest fixed-base operation (FBO) developments undertaken. The city of San Jose last week announced its intent to award a potential long-term lease and operating permit for the Signature/Blue City Holdings partnership to operate an FBO at Norman Mineta San Jose International Airport. The $82 million proposal, which is expected to be refined, initially calls for more than 120,000 sq. ft.
A U.K. helicopter operator has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval to begin flying air ambulance operations using night vision goggles (NVG).
FAA agreed to a two-year extension of Exemption 6002, which permits properly trained medical evacuation pilots to remove and reinstall liquid oxygen system containers under certain conditions, the Helicopter Association International says. The exemption, granted at the request of HAI, was originally scheduled to expire Jan. 31, but was extended until Jan. 31, 2015.
NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman has risen to the top of the list of contenders to replace Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Hersman has an important source of support in Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. She served as a staff member on the panel from 1999 to 2004, and before that worked for West Virginia Democrat Rep. Bob Wise. Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa), chairman of the House Appropriations aviation subcommittee, says, “All I’ve heard are good things about her.”
Rockwell Collins has found a new home for its 1964 Sabreliner 50 flight test aircraft – the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Ore. The museum houses a number of historic commercial and military aircraft, including the Howard Hughes H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose.” Rockwell Collins acquired the Sabreliner, N50CR, in 1976 and used it to test some of its most significant commercial and military avionics development programs. The aircraft was flown about 8,000 hr. with more than 5,000 landings.
Used business aircraft transactions reached record levels in 2012, but at depressed prices that are unlikely to change in the next couple of years, industry analysts agree. The number of business aircraft transactions reached a record 2,240 in 2012 industry analyst Jetnet had reported (BA, Feb. 4, pg. 4). This bested the previous record of 2,181, set in 2007. Used market transactions had plunged after the 2007 record, reaching a low point of 1,539 in 2009.
TED FARID was appointed vice president of sales for the Asia-Pacific region for Hawker Beechcraft. Farid will oversee sales activity in North and South Asia and India. He has served with the company since 1996, most recently as senior vice president of international sales and new business development. He has also held international sales and marketing positions with Bombardier Learjet and Cessna.
PEG BILLSON was appointed president and CEO of Aftermarket Services for BBA Aviation. Billson joined BBA Aviation in September 2009 as president, Legacy Support. She has more than 25 years of aerospace experience, previously serving as COO for Eclipse Aviation. She also has held senior roles with Honeywell.
Gulfstream has obtained its next major approval for G280 – European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validation – clearing the way for the super midsized business jet to be registered in an EU country. EASA clearance, awarded Feb. 7 follows U.S. FAA and Civil Aviation Authority of Israel type certification on Aug. 30. Gulfstream delivered the first G280 to a U.S.-based customer Nov. 13. Gulfstream and its affiliate Jet Aviation have prepped both the London Luton and Basel, Switzerland centers to support the G280.
EUROCOPTER Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0794; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-04-AD; Amendment 39-17319; AD 2013-01-05] – requires revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amps and installing a placard in the instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. This AD was prompted by the determination that the manufacturer-installed Aircraft Parts Corporation starter generator has exceeded the shaft horse power extractions allowed for Turbomeca engines.
PIPER PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, and PA-44 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0731; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-020-AD; Amendment 39-17334; AD 2013-02-13] – requires inspections of the stabilator control system and replacement of parts as necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of control cable assembly failures that may lead to failure of the horizontal stabilator control system and could result in loss of pitch control. FAA estimates the AD will affect 34,103 aircraft on the U.S.
Key Democrats are supporting an effort to lengthen business aircraft depreciation schedules, but Republicans in the House and Senate are resisting, with one calling the push a “poll-tested gimmick.”
Gulfstream’s G280 set 15 new city-pair speed records while it completed a 250-hr. reliability demonstration program. The program encompassed pilot check rides, maintenance on auxiliary power units, engine run qualifications, technical operations, publication validations and basic servicing and handling at fixed-base operations. The 15 speed records set during the trials have been certified by the National Aeronautic Association. The speed records include a 3 hr. and 21 min. flight between Aspen, Colo., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and an 8 hr. and 19 min.
