While there is general acceptance of the trend toward more-electric aircraft, few can predict the near- or even mid-term debut of electrically propelled vehicles, let alone one that could be capable of Mach 4-plus.
A U.S. district bankruptcy court, which this week denied Hawker Beechcraft’s request to sell off 20 Hawker 4000s in inventory without following normal bankruptcy procedures, has rescheduled a hearing until Dec. 11 on whether Hawker Beechcraft should be permitted to be released from certain Hawker 4000 and Premier I and IA warranty and support obligations.
AERONAUTICAL ACCESSORIES (AAI) high landing gear forward crosstube assemblies installed on Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP; and Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD; Amendment 39-17242; AD 2012-22-06] — requires counting and recording the total number of landings for the crosstubes, and inspecting the crosstubes and replacing them if a crack or other damage exists. This AD was prompted by two reports from the field of failed crosstubes.
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen was honored with the Charles Lindbergh General Aviation Diploma in recognition of his years of service to general aviation (GA). The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) presents the award annually to those who have contributed significantly to the progress and success of GA in either air sport or transportation, or in the work of international bodies concerned with GA. The award was presented during the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Fall Awards Banquet Nov. 13 in Washington, D.C. “Mr.
Bombardier’s Wichita facility took delivery of the first wing shipment for the Learjet 85, bringing the company’s largest and first composite Learjet closer to roll out and first flight. Bombardier has not specified a first flight date, saying only it hoped to receive certification and begin delivery of the first aircraft in 2013. But to meet that target, Bombardier would have to stay on an aggressive certification flight test schedule given that the first production Learjet 85 is still in assembly.
Eurocopter, the largest supplier to the Chinese civil helicopter market, expects the number of non-military rotorcraft in the country to more than triple by 2020.
Progressive Aerodyne’s SeaRey amphibian fully passed an FAA Light Sport Aircraft Prototype Audit, a step that Progressive says clears the way for the production model. FAA’s Orlando Manufacturing Inspection District Office awarded an airworthiness certification this month to Progressive Aerodyne for the production model SeaRey. The two-place amphibian has been offered as a kit for 20 years, but Progressive has been working with SilverLight Aviation for the past few years to meet ASTM standards for a production version.
Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), a provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for the business aviation industry, is partnering with China Business Aviation Group, to expand JSSI’s business through China. China Business Aviation Group, based in Beijing, provides a range of services to support aircraft purchases and operations. In addition to expanding hourly cost maintenance programs in China, the two companies will seek ways to promote the use of business aviation.
Boeing plans by year-end to announce the medium-size business-jet platform for its Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA), which is being pitched for a market that company officials say could reach $10 billion over the next 10 years.
Business aircraft flight hours overall continue to stagnate, remaining a concerning indicator of market health. But, unlike aircraft sales, the strongest improvements are at the small end of the market, according to a special report from industry analyst Argus.
FAA acting Administrator Michael Huerta endorsed the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Aviation Safety Action Plan (ASAP) program as “an excellent step forward” in general aviation safety efforts and is encouraging general aviation leaders to participate in ASAP and other safety data-sharing programs that are typically used by Part 121 carriers.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) denied the request of several general aviation groups to abandon its practice of assuming that FAA’s allegations are true for initial emergency enforcement appeals. But the safety board is moving forward with new protections mandated by Sen. Jim Inhofe’s (R-Okla.) Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
GE Aviation, selected to provide the H85 turboprop for a new five-place aircraft that China’s Caiga is developing, secured European Aviation Safety Agency approval for the engine and its sister H75. GE Aviation announced during the recent Airshow China that Caiga’s carbon-fiber composite Primus 150 business aircraft would be the first application for the H85, positioning the engine maker to have a foothold in the rapidly growing business and general aviation market in China.
Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), which recently expanded its membership to general aviation airports outside of commercial airport operating authorities, is forming a General Aviation Working Group. ACI-NA has represented local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the U.S., along with general aviation airports that are part of a larger airport system.
AERONAUTICAL ACCESSORIES (AAI) high landing gear forward crosstube assemblies installed on Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP; and Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD; Amendment 39-17242; AD 2012-22-06] — requires counting and recording the total number of landings for the crosstubes, and inspecting the crosstubes and replacing them if a crack or other damage exists. This AD was prompted by two reports from the field of failed crosstubes.
AERONAUTICAL ACCESSORIES (AAI) high landing gear forward crosstube assemblies installed on Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP; and Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD; Amendment 39-17242; AD 2012-22-06] — requires counting and recording the total number of landings for the crosstubes, and inspecting the crosstubes and replacing them if a crack or other damage exists. This AD was prompted by two reports from the field of failed crosstubes.
FAA is working to transition the industry away from the use of leaded aviation gasoline in a way that “has the least amount of impact as possible on aircraft owners and those who sell fuel at the airport,” acting Administrator Michael Huerta told the National Air Transportation Association’s Aviation Business Roundtable recently.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is increasing its strategic partnerships, teaming with a third entity to partner with the association to provide services to its membership. The latest partnership agreement is with Aero-Space Reports, an aircraft title and escrow services provider. Under the partnership, AOPA members will receive a special rate on bundled services. Aero-Space Reports also will be support AOPA’s mission and members through sponsorship and aircraft purchase-related education activities.
MIKE ASKEW was named CEO of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres. Askew previously had served as managing director of APPH Group, which designs and manufacturers hydraulic systems and landing gears. He also has held senior positions at Doncasters and GKN Westland Helicopters. GRANT BOAST was appointed regional sales manager for BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO). Boast has spent the past three years as a field service representative for ERO.
As part of efforts to develop low-emission, higher-efficiency combustors for its future engine family, General Electric (GE) is forming a joint venture with fuel nozzle and systems specialist Parker Aerospace.
MIKE ASKEW was named CEO of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres. Askew previously had served as managing director of APPH Group, which designs and manufacturers hydraulic systems and landing gears. He also has held senior positions at Doncasters and GKN Westland Helicopters. GRANT BOAST was appointed regional sales manager for BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO). Boast has spent the past three years as a field service representative for ERO.
AERONAUTICAL ACCESSORIES (AAI) high landing gear forward crosstube assemblies installed on Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP; and Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD; Amendment 39-17242; AD 2012-22-06] — requires counting and recording the total number of landings for the crosstubes, and inspecting the crosstubes and replacing them if a crack or other damage exists. This AD was prompted by two reports from the field of failed crosstubes.
Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), who is running for the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is urging Congress to proceed quickly to confirm the next administrator of the FAA. Michael Huerta’s confirmation has been held up in the Senate by Sen. Jim DeMint (S.C.) because of concerns about labor policy. DeMint will lead Republicans on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in the next Congress. There’s a lot of good professionals over there, it’s still running.
