As Textron stitches together Cessna and Beechcraft under the newly created Textron Aviation, company executives still have a number of decisions left to make, from which facilities to merge to potential employee layoffs.
Hawthorne Global Aviation Services added a third fixed-base operation to its chain, a newly built facility at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK). The facility includes 30,000 sq. ft. of hangar space and a 10,000-sq.-ft. terminal that includes pilot lounges and conference facilities. The KPWK facility is a full-service Shell fueling station. The FBO opened this month after construction began in May 2013. Along with Chicago, Hawthorne operates FBOs at MacArthur Airport in Islip, N.Y. (KISP) and Lakefront Airport in New Orleans (KNEW).
A new European rule covering instrument ratings is receiving strong support from general aviation leaders, who call it an important first step to simplifying regulations for general aviation pilot licensing in Europe. The European Commission on March 14 published the update to its instrument rating requirements, providing a risked-based approach and easier path for general aviation pilots. The changes to the requirements take effect April 3.
GREG HART was named manager-general aviation for Phillips 66. Hart has 25 years of experience, most recently as manager, sales force excellence, planning and optimization for Phillips 66. He has also served as sales manager in both the mid-continent and Gulf Coast for Phillips 66 branded fuels business. He further was managing director for ConocoPhillips in Prague, Czech Republic, and has served with Shell Oil Company and Tosco Marketing Co.
Delays to the CSeries narrowbody airliner have not yet had a major impact on Bombardier’s business jet programs, from flight testing of the Learjet 85 to development of the Global 7000/8000. Entry into service for the CSeries has slipped to the second half of 2015, from mid-2014, increasing the overlap within the company’s engineering organization, which is also developing the Global 7000 and 8000 for service entry in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0826; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD; Amendment 39-17788; AD 2014-05-15] – prohibits use of the hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This AD was prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea.
The Experimental Aircraft Association settled its dispute with FAA over air traffic control (ATC) charges assessed for services during last year’s annual AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, Wis., signing a “reimbursable agreement” under which the association will continue to reimburse FAA for the services at actual costs.
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0554; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-009-AD; Amendment 39-17774; AD 2014-05-01] – requires analyzing the main gearbox (MGB) oil for indications of metal chips or pieces, reviewing the MGB log or equivalent record, and inspecting certain teeth in the MGB after two chip indications. This AD was prompted by a partial tooth rupture found in an MGB that was returned to the manufacturer for repairs.
Satcom Direct received European Aviation Safety Agency approval, along with FAA and Transport Canada validation for its Satcom Direct Router (SDR) aboard Global 5000 and Global XRS aircraft. The SDR is part of a package that upgrades the Rockwell Collins SAT-6100/-2100 single-channel Satcom Swift64 to single channel Swift Broadband with the Satcom Direct SDR Wi-Fi Router. The SDR is Satcom Direct’s first certified hardware and enables multiple systems to operate on aircraft without additional wireless access points. The company is shipping the units to dealers in the U.S.
Initial indications of first-quarter results are spurring confidence that the business jet market is finally improving, says analyst RBC Europe Limited. Textron shares are up as it closed on its acquisition of Beechcraft. But other business aviation manufacturers, including Gulfstream and Rockwell Collins, have also enjoyed share gains recently. “Having been buoyed by some improved commentary in 1Q earnings, investors appear to have crossed an invisible threshold between being skeptical and now believing that we are finally seeing a business jet recovery,” RBC says.
Aircell has developed a new inflight communications system for business aircraft that combines voice, narrowband data and cockpit data link services into a single unit. The ST 4300, which provides global coverage, is available with one, two or three Iridium voice/narrowband data channels, plus one dedicated Iridium data channel. It enables business aircraft to tailor the cabin and flight deck communications to their specific needs. Aircell expects the ST 4300 will be eligible for Future Air Navigation System (FANS) certification. Shipments are slated to begin in June.
BRIAN MOORE was promoted to assistant manager of FlightSafety International’s Cessna learning center in Wichita. Moore has 24 years of experience with FlightSafety, joining the company in 1990 as an instructor at the Hawker Beechcraft Learning Center. He has since held positions of increasing responsibility and most recently was FlightSafety’s relationship manager with Beechcraft.
KEITH BENNETT has rejoined PAS Technologies as director of business development. Based in Kansas City, Mo., Bennett will steer business development strategies in the commercial aerospace and oil and gas segments. He first joined PAS Technologies in 1995, holding sales and operational management positions. He later served with Firth Rixson and most recently oversaw business development for OEM aviation and energy markets for Southwest United Industries. He began his career in 1987 as a senior design engineer for Pratt & Whitney.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0872; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-012-AD; Amendment 39-17784; AD 2014-05-11] – requires inspecting the turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack, and depending on the results, either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle for corrosion. This AD was prompted by a report that a turnbuckle had failed because of corrosion.
The market for business and general aviation avionics grew by single digits in 2013, with sales topping $2.4 billion, according to the Aircraft Electronics Association’s (AEA) year-end avionics market report. Sales for the year reached $2.429 billion, compared with $2.229 billion in 2012. In addition to a slight improvement in the market, the 9% increase reflects more companies participating in the AEA survey, which was first reported for 2012. Comparing the same participating companies, sales grew 6.9% from 2012 to 2013.
Dassault Falcon rolled out a revamped Regional Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Seminars program that will encompass nine cities on three continents. The seminar series has grown over the years as the Falcon fleet has surpassed the 2,000 aircraft mark with more than 1,200 operators. The format was expanded to a two-day event that will provide access to Dassault specialists, engineering teams, pilots, authorized service center representatives and suppliers. The seminars will cover both operational and technical issues. The series begins in Paris April 1-2.
Landmark Aviation is entering the Atlantic City, N.J., market with the acquisition of Midlantic Jet Aviation. The agreement, the latest in a string of acquisitions, includes both the Midlantic Jet Aviation fixed-base operation and the Midlantic Jet Charters, based at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey.
BRIAN ANDREWS has joined Duncan Aviation’s airframe service sales team, focusing on providing technical sales support for Embraer clients. He joined Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Mich., facility in 1998 as an airframe technician and in 2007 became a project manager, working with customers and service areas to ensure aircraft projects remained on time and on budget.
In 1966, shortly after the death of his wife's father, Laurent Beaudoin became president of the family business, a Canadian snowmobile company. Just 28 years old, he had to fill the big shoes left by the visionary Joseph-Armand Bombardier. Beaudoin would prove up to the task—and then some.
“USAF Prepares Industry for Cutbacks,” warned an Aviation Week & Space Technology headline, followed by a story that discussed the death of aircraft companies, shuttering of facilities, a Pentagon briefing to industry leaders with “a blunt warning of things to come” and a diminished role for manned aircraft in national defense. That article didn't appear recently, however. It was written in 1957—the first time the Laureate awards were presented.
Even as the Obama administration pushes to have the FAA fund itself with the traveler-paid Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the White House predicts the fund's balance will grow steadily over the next decade. White House budget documents lay out a road map to wean FAA from general-fund contributions. As of 2015, the FAA budget request would have the trust fund cover 93% of FAA's operations, as well as its Airport Improvement Program, facilities and equipment, and research, engineering and development accounts.
SpaceX delayed its third commercial cargo flight to the international space station (ISS) because of “payload contamination” problems in the unpressurized “trunk” of its Dragon spacecraft, but don't try to find out what those problems are. “We've had some issues with payload contamination that we will be addressing,” says Sam Scimemi, ISS program director at NASA headquarters, during a March 14 Space Transportation Association presentation. “We're going to have to assess that and replace some parts and get the rocket ready for launch again.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's move to annex the Crimean Peninsula is a “wake-up call,” says NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who urged Europe to increase defense spending—particularly in the missile defense, cyber and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance arenas. “Developments in Ukraine are a stark reminder that security in Europe cannot be taken for granted,” he said last week. Russia's actions must have consequences, he warned.
General Electric has long been big in big engines, specializing in turbofans for airliners and fighters. But the company wants to compete across the power range, and the man leading its move into small engines is the 2014 laureate for business and general aviation.
