EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model EC 120B helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2011-0448; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-51-AD; Amendment 39-16841; AD 2011-21-18] – requires modifying the pilot cyclic control friction device by replacing a certain thrust washer with two thrust washers. This AD is prompted by an incident in which the pilot encountered a sudden restriction of the cyclic control movement during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent jamming of a pilot cyclic control stick and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) is seizing on a statement by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to press for a quick resolution to the stalemate over the FAA reauthorization bill. On Dec. 19, Boehner had called on the Senate to appoint a House-Senate conference committee to come to an agreement on a long-term extension of a payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits rather than passing a two-month extension.
The Corporate Angel Network (CAN), the nonprofit organization that provides transportation for cancer patients aboard business jets, last week marked the 30th anniversary of its first flight. CAN co-founder Leonard Greene piloted the first flight on Dec. 22, 1981, transporting a 16-year-old boy from his treatment in New York to his home in Detroit for the holidays. Greene also founded Safe Flight Instrument Corp. Since its first flight, CAN has flown nearly 40,000 cancer patients using empty seats of regularly scheduled corporate flights.
DANNY ROBAYO was promoted to assistant manager of FlightSafety International’s facility in Teterboro, N.J. He has served at the center since 1991 in positions including pilot and maintenance training instructor and program manager for various Dassault Falcon aircraft. Most recently, he has been director of training for the center.
BRP-POWERTRAIN KG Rotax reciprocating engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-1299; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-40-AD; Amendment 39-16878; AD 2011-25-02] – requires inspection of the crankshaft for cracks and removal of the crankshaft, if necessary. This AD stems from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency. The MCAI notes that during a production process review, a deviation in the manufacturing process of certain part number (P/N) 888164 crankshafts has been detected, which may have resulted in a latent defect.
LEARJET Model 45 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0651; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-041-AD; Amendment 39-16879; AD 2011-25-03] – This AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate life limits for the main landing gear (MLG) actuator end cap. This AD was prompted by a report of the potential for fatigue cracking of the end cap of the MLG prior to the published life limitation.
FAA has begun accepting and implementing direct requests from aircraft owners seeking to block their registration information from near-real-time flight-tracking programs, the agency says.
Tanzanian regional operator Precision Air Services has ordered four ATR 42-600s and a single ATR 72-600 to add to its fleet of five ATR 72-500s, two ATR 42-500s and two ATR 42-300s. The 50-seat ATR 42s are scheduled for delivery from late 2012, while the larger turboprop will join the fleet in 2014.
ALBERT (JACK) Mill was appointed director and general manager of engineering services for Piper Aircraft. Mill, a 30-year aerospace veteran, has held product development and certification roles for Piper since 1985. Before that he held design positions for Cessna Aircraft, Martin Marietta and Northrop Grumman.
Embraer has received type validation from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its Legacy 650. The approval allows customers to register and operate the Legacy 650 in China. The 650 also has received approvals from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, the European Aviation Safety Agency and FAA. Embraer views CAAC validation as particularly important because orders from China have picked up considerably, including a sale to Minsheng Financial Leasing Co. for 13 of the aircraft.
QUEST Model Kodiak 100 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-1328; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-037-AD; Amendment 39-16880; AD 2011-25-04] – requires inspection of the torque of the inertial particle separator (IPS) bolts; correction of the torque, if necessary; replacement of the IPS bolts with new IPS bolts within a certain time; and installation of safety wire around the new IPS bolts. This AD was prompted by five instances where a loose IPS bolt was found on the right-hand side of the engine bypass door attachment.
40 Years Ago Dec. 13, 1971 – Cessna introduces pressurized versions of the Super Skymaster and the 310, designated the 340. 30 Years Ago Dec. 28, 1981 – A federal judge delays a lawsuit over midnight to 7 a.m. curfew at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y., while parties attempt to work out a voluntary noise reduction program. 20 Years Ago Dec. 2, 1991 – Investor group fears product liability is obstacle to a potential General Dynamics sale of Cessna Aircraft.
Congressional auditors in Washington have dismissed a bid protest by Hawker Beechcraft, which the company filed after being ruled out of consideration for a U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft program. The Government Accountability Office decision, released Dec. 23, indicates that Hawker’s protest was based on procedural issues regarding timeliness of notifications; arguments which GAO dismissed.
PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA PT6A-15AG, -27, -28, -34, -34AG, -34B, and -36 series turboprop engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-1298; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-39-AD; Amendment 39-16888; AD 2011-25-12] – requires the removal of certain affected part manufacturer approval (PMA) replacement Timken Alcor Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (TAATI) first stage reduction sun gears and/or the interacting planetary gear sets from the propeller reduction gearbox assembly. This AD was prompted by a failure report of a certain TAATI PMA sun gear, installed since Dec. 22, 2008.
Magellan Jets has developed a Private Jet Search app for the iPhone. The app enables customers to search for and book charter flights using the iPhone or the iPad. The app facilitates instant quoting, links to live market information and provides access to information on aircraft at airports worldwide. The Private Jet Search app also includes a GPS-based search to help find the nearest airport. Customers can view the trip leg through Google Maps.
The National Transportation Safety Board will delve into safety issues surrounding aviation event operations during a one-day hearing set for Jan. 10 in Washington. The air race and air show safety hearing will include representatives from government agencies, event trade associations, show organizers and air show participants. NTSB will discuss safety issues, regulations, protocols and practices at air shows and air races.
ECLIPSE AEROSPACE Model EA500 airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada. PW610F-A engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0199; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-005-AD; Amendment 39-16890; AD 2011-06-06 R1] – revises an existing AD that requires incorporating an operating limitation of a maximum operating altitude of 30,000 ft. into Section 2, Limitations, of the airplane flight manual (AFM). Since FAA issued that AD, P&WC has developed a design change for the combustion chamber liner assembly.
Iceland’s air traffic management provider Isavia plans to install a satellite-based surveillance network that is expected to be operational in the summer traffic season. Isavia took a major step in its ADS-B program with the award of a contract to install the necessary ground equipment. Iceland’s ADS-B program is important given the location of the country’s airspace on the busy North Atlantic routes.
DREW MCEWAN was promoted to head of global sales and business development for Piper Aircraft. In that role, he is responsible for the company’s worldwide dealer network, regional sales directors and global fleet sales. Most recently director of sales, Americas, McEwan joined Piper in 2010 to help expand the company’s dealer network in the Americas. Before that, he was a longtime sales executive with Hawker Beechcraft. He formerly was director of sales, Americas for the Vero Beach, Fla., manufacturer.
Correction: The pilot of a Sundance Helicopters air tour helicopter had climbed to 4,100 ft. before turning and descending in the final minute of the fatal flight. The Dec. 19 edition of BA had stated the incorrect altitude.
Because of the holiday schedule, The Weekly of Business Aviation will not publish a Jan. 2 edition. The next issue will be dated Jan. 9. Please refer to the Aviation Week Intelligence Network (subscribers only) or AviationWeek.com for additional coverage. And, please accept our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
AUBRY MAYSE was appointed director of planning and distribution for product support materials for Gulfstream Aerospace. A 23-year company veteran, Mayse is responsible for enterprise planning, distribution, asset control and warehousing for Gulfstream product support parts and inventory, encompassing more than $1.2 billion worth of parts and materials available through 16 distribution centers. He has served with Gulfstream since 1988, most recently as senior manager, planning and distribution for product support materials.
JDA Aviation Technology Solutions (JDA) has scheduled its regulatory affairs training course on Feb. 14-15 at the American Airlines Training and Conference Center in Fort Worth. Designed for certificated organizations and individuals, the course will be led by former career FAA managers, principal inspectors and legal counsel. The course will discuss the FAA Flight Standards organization, including the duties and authorities of the Flight Standards District Office and Certificate Management Office.
Signature Flight Support last week opened a new location at Frankfurt Main International Airport (FRA/EDDF). The new base operates out of the general aviation terminal and offers a range of flight support services. The facility is Signature’s second fixed-base operation (FBO) in Germany. Signature also has an FBO in Munich. Signature named Ykalo Goitom station manager, overseeing the new Frankfurt site. He previously was global accounts manager for Gate Group, and also has served with Acconia Ground Handling and Eritrean Airlines.
