BAE Systems Model 4101 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0911; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-248-AD; Amendment 39-16883; AD 2011-25-07] – requires immediate and periodic ultrasonic inspections of the door pin guides and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from the European Aviation Safety Agency that cites a report of a door failure. Subsequent investigation has shown that the passenger/crew entry door pin-guide plates can fail before the expected fatigue life.
BOMBARDIER Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-1256; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-036-AD; Amendment 39-16874; AD 2011-24-10] – requires, for affected models modified by DECA Aviation Engineering, removal of cargo conversion and abrasion systems. The AD stems from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from Transport Canada that found that the modification provides inadequate fire protection and decompression venting means. This can lead to an uncontrolled cargo fire and structural damage.
APICAL emergency float kits [Docket No. FAA-2010-1190; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-038-AD; Amendment 39-16877; AD 2011-25-01] – requires, for certain model helicopters with Apical emergency float kits installed under supplemental type certificates, adding placards on each side of the fuselage to identify the location and operation of the life raft external inflation handle. This AD also requires replacing each life raft operation placard to state that external life rafts are installed.
The past year has seen a lot of turbulence in the stock market, but there have been a few bright spots for investors in aerospace and defense companies. Shares in suppliers of aerospace components fared particularly well in 2011 as Airbus and Boeing ramped up output, and soaring order numbers added to the airframers' already bulging backlogs. Notable performers among suppliers include Hexcel (up 34%), TransDigm Group (33%), Triumph Group (31%), Sifco Industries (23%), Rolls-Royce (20%), Precision Castparts (18%), Safran (12%) and Moog (10%).
AERONAUTICS/PROPULSION •The AeroVironment Nano Air Vehicle Team developed and unveiled a tiny remotely piloted air vehicle, the Nano Hummingbird. Looking and flying like a tiny bird, it is designed to record video with an onboard camera and send color video to a hand-held controller.
The U.S. Air Force has issued a stop-work order to Sierra Nevada and partner Embraer on their recently awarded $355 million Light Air Support (LAS) contract as the team’s onetime competitor, Hawker Beechcraft, claims unfair contracting practices in federal court.
The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) is pushing FAA to set new standards on maintenance information to better define what is essential to the continued airworthiness of an aircraft or part and who is affected by the standards. In comments on FAA’s proposed draft policy on instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA), the repair station organization says FAA must first address fundamental problems with the definition of ICA before it tackles availability.
Signature Flight Support continues to cement its position as one of the most dominant fixed-base operation chains worldwide with the addition of two new locations in Mobile, Ala. The company, which now has a network of 111 bases, purchased the assets of Azalea Aviation’s Mobile Air Center at Mobile Regional Airport (KMOB) and Downtown Air Center at Mobile Downtown Airport (KBFM). Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
“Mr. President, congratulations. You're a tough adversary. No hard feelings, old pal. It's a great two-party system we have. We gave our best and you outdid us. As a matter of fact you stunned us. I never figured you could beat us that badly. I want to wish you all the success in the world.” Those words were spoken three decades ago by then-U.S. House Speaker Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill, a liberal Massachusetts Democrat, to President Ronald Reagan, a conservative Republican, after the chief executive prevailed in a tough budget battle.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reportedly plans to resign his post at the expiration of President Barack Obama's first term in office. The business aviation community will view such an exit with decided ambivalence.
During the Thanksgiving weekend, my eldest took his significant other — a delightful, super smart, 10,000-watt Michigander — into New York City to show her Manhattan in its most glittering season. The day's adventure included sightseeing, an overpriced meal, ice-skating in Wollman Rink and then, of course, a hansom cab ride through Central Park.
STEPHEN YOUNG was promoted to vice president, sales, aircraft leasing companies for Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. He formerly was senior director, sales, aircraft leasing companies. Young joined Bombardier more than 23 years ago.
Initial used aircraft market data is showing improvement in December, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Ronald Epstein. Citing initial Amstat data, Epstein notes the used aircraft inventory appears down in December, a welcome change after inventory had ticked up in the last two months. Pricing is softening further, but Epstein says this decline has helped thaw the secondary market. Prices have dipped 0.6% for light jets, 0.7% for medium jets and 1.3% for heavy jets.
