Cessna hit another key milestone in its busy development schedule with the first flight of its new Citation Latitude midsize business jet. The aircraft, which was recently rolled out quietly before employees, flew a little more than three years after Cessna unveiled its first all-new Latitude during the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention, keeping it on schedule for a 2015 certification.
Bombardier Aerospace received the first flight test permit from FAA for its Learjet 85 aircraft Flight Test Vehicle, clearing the way for the manufacturer to begin the long-awaited flight test program. The company is finalizing configuration of the aircraft and conducting further engine runs and high-speed taxi tests in preparation for the first flight, now expected within the next couple of weeks. The company reported earlier this month that the airplane had completed initial auxiliary power unit and engine runs, along with low-speed taxiing tests.
GROB-WERKE Models G115EG and G120A airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2014-0092; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-002-AD] – proposes to require repetitive inspections of both elevator flanges on an airplane to detect any crack, and, depending on findings, replacement of the affected part. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information from the European Aviation Safety Agency, which cites reports of cracks found in the left hand elevator flange. FAA estimates that this AD will affect six aircraft on the U.S.
JASON MILLER has joined Sierra Industries as president. Miller will lead the company’s growing aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul organization. Miller formerly served with StandardAero as vice president/general manager of StandardAero’s Houston business unit. He also served as finance manager for StandardAero. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he led and flew more than 70 air combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning six Air Medals. He retired with the rank of major.
In a move designed to stem a spike in helicopter accidents that occurred over the past couple of decades, FAA on Feb. 20 released a comprehensive final rule that imposes a series of equipment, training and operational requirements on helicopters flown in Part 135 generally and in air ambulance missions specifically.
Landmark Aviation added a significant anchor in the Northwest with its acquisition of Galvin Flying Services, one of the oldest fixed-base operations in the region.
BELL Model 204B helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0735; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-014-AD; Amendment 39-17748; AD 2014-03-11] – requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) cable assembly for an incorrectly machined body. This AD is prompted by a report from Bell that a defective body on the cable prevents the barrel assembly from fully engaging in the body cavity. These actions are intended to prevent disengagement of the cable from the barrel, failure of the T/R pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Duncan Aviation was recently named an authorized service center for Bombardier Learjet 70 and 75 aircraft. The agreement expands Duncan’s existing authorized service center status with Bombardier. With the latest authorization, Duncan Aviation’s full-service facilities in Battle Creek, Mich., Lincoln, Neb., and Provo, Utah, are authorized centers for the Learjet 40, 45, 60, 70 and 75.
Quest Aircraft received FAA approval for a 565-lb. increase in the Kodiak’s maximum landing weight to 7,255 lb. – the same as the single-turboprop aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight. The increase is standard on new Kodiaks and available as an option to existing Kodiaks, the company says. The company has issued a service notice on the increase, saying no structural upgrade is required.
TREG MANNING was named vice president of sales and marketing for Airbus Helicopters. In this role, Manning is responsible for U.S. sales and marketing efforts for both the commercial and military markets, including sales of aftermarket services and products. Manning, who has been vice president of commercial sales since 2011, has more than 20 years of aviation industry experience.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-1A11 (CL-600), CL-600-2A12 (CL-601), and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2014-0054; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-001-AD; Amendment 39-17754; AD 2014-03-17] – requires repetitive inspections for fractured or incorrectly oriented fasteners on the inboard flap hinge-box forward fittings on both wings, and fastener replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by two reports of fractured fastener heads found on the inboard flap hinge-box forward fitting.
Beechcraft recently received an order for the Hawker 400XPR upgrade from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. Delivery of the aircraft is expected in the first half of this year. Truex recently purchased the Beehchjet 400A, which will be upgraded to include the Hawker winglets and Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines, along with a refurbished interior and new exterior paint. The aircraft will be among the early deliveries of the 400XPR program.
Nextant, eying the Asia-Pacific region, placed its first 400XTi on the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority registry. Nextant Pacific Pty, Nextant’s agent for the Asia-Pacific region, will demonstrate the aircraft, which is fitted with Nextant’s quick-change air ambulance configuration. With the configuration, the aircraft can be converted from VIP to air ambulance in less than 45 min. Nextant Pacific Managing Director John Oppenheim notes Australia is home to some of the largest air medical organizations, and demand for air ambulance configurations is strong.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is reiterating its appeal for the Federal Communications Commission to halt its effort to ban 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters after the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recommended moving forward with the proposed order.
NEIL TURNBULL was appointed chief operating officer of Vertis Aviation, the Swiss-based charter broker and services company. Turnbull, who will be based at the company’s Kensington, London office, will be responsible for expanding the Vertis brand and support growth of the fleet and systems. He has more than 27 years of international business aviation experience, most recently as general manager of SaxonAir Charter.
VARIOUS RESTRICTED CATEGORY HELICOPTERS originally manufactured Bell Model Numbers HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P. [Docket No. FAA-2013-0736; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-013-AD; Amendment 39-17747; AD 2014-03-10] – requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) cable assembly for an incorrectly machined body. This AD is prompted by a report from Bell that a defective body on the cable prevents the barrel assembly from fully engaging in the body cavity.
Eclipse Aerospace, which in October completed the first ceremonial delivery of its Eclipse 550 very light jet, inched closer to receiving all the necessary FAA clearances to begin formal deliveries with approvals on three key components and systems. FAA issued supplemental type certification for the auto throttle, standby display unit and anti-skid brake system.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0737; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-111-AD; Amendment 39-17739; AD 2014-03-02] – requires inspecting the crimping of the ball joint of the upper- and lower-end fittings of the main servo-control and, depending on findings, replacing the main servo-control or repairing the ball joint. This AD was prompted by incidents of missing crimping on the ball joints of servo-control end-fittings.
While the National Transportation Safety Board is not expected to release its 2013 general aviation safety statistics until March, the early numbers are believed to show the first real improvement in years. The numbers are still being vetted and can still change, but an improvement would be significant given that the accident rate had ticked up in the early part of the year.
TURBOMECA Arriel 2B, 2B1, and 2B1A turboshaft engines [Docket No. FAA-2006-23809; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-52-AD] – proposes to supersede AD 2007-10-07, which currently requires an inspection of the splines of the coupling assembly and the hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU) drive gear shaft for wear. This proposed AD would require the same inspection and expand the affected population. This proposed AD would also remove Arriel 2B1A engines from the applicability.
A $300 million deal involving the sale of eight Gulfstream aircraft to China’s Minsheng Financial Leasing Co. helped push the Export-Import Bank’s financial backing of the business aircraft and helicopter market to more than $1 billion.
Bell Helicopter sold two Bell 412EPI and two Bell 407GX aircraft to Chongqing General Aviation Co., Ltd. The helicopters will be used by the Chongqing Firefighting Department for firefighting and search and rescue missions.
