StarPort completed a B/E Aerospace E-Z LED lighting retrofit on a Dassault Falcon 900 business jet. The Orlando, Fla.-based company says the installation, the first of its kind, produces a 30% weight savings and 33% power savings. The lighting also reduces cabin heat and ultraviolet radiation typically found in the original fluorescent system. As a result of the installation, StarPort was able to remove more than 50 supplies, reducing overall weight by 20 lb. Replacement costs are also improved. Fluorescent tubes last about 1,000 hr.
EMIL IANNONE was named director of operations for Meridian Air Charter. Iannone rejoins the Teterboro, N.J.-based operator, where he formerly spent 10 years as a pilot and chief pilot. In 1994 he became director of operations for Million Air Charter and has also flown for a private flight department. He has also served as senior vice president of a New York investment banking firm.
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0446; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-007-AD; Amendment 39-17629; AD 2013-21-05] – requires inspecting each linear transducer bearing for freedom of movement and replacing the bearing if there is binding or rough turning or if there is chafing or damage on the lower side of the floor. This AD also requires modifying and reidentifying a certain rod. This AD was prompted by an incident involving limited control of a tail rotor because of the binding of a bearing.
AGUSTA Model A109A, A109AII, and A109C helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0518; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-021-AD; Amendment 39-17607; AD 2013-20-01] – requires, for affected helicopters with a certain third stage turbine wheel installed, installing a placard on the instrument panel and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations.
The first Bombardier 415 amphibious waterbomber sold to a U.S. customer has been delivered to Tenax Aerospace and leased to firefighting operator Aero-Flite for use on a multiyear contract with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Additive manufacturing has captured industry's imagination, but even as the first parts appear inside jet engines, the technology's possibilities are only just being realized.
Since he was appointed CEO of Thales earlier this year, Jean-Bernard Levy has repeatedly proclaimed that there is nothing wrong with the company's business portfolio, because all of its operational units are profitable, if only marginally. Unfortunately, this view is symptomatic of the way most European aerospace and defense (A&D) players fail to understand the value of dynamic business portfolio management.
Embraer will participate in the 13th edition of the Dubai Airshow during November 17-21, at Dubai World Central (DWC), in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Swiss-based Vertis Aviation has announced that as part of its international expansion strategy it will open a new Dubai branch of its aviation charter business in January 2014.
Embraer's Commercial Aviation Services and Support division will host the global edition of the Embraer Operators Conference (EOC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from October 13 to 15.
Key documents laying out the path to integration of unmanned aircraft in national airspace have been released by the U.S. government, but achieving the goals will require “predictable and reliable” funding for the NextGen airspace modernization program, cautions FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.
The first Bombardier 415 amphibious waterbomber sold to a U.S. customer has been delivered to Tenax Aerospace and leased to firefighting operator Aero-Flite for use on a multiyear contract with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). With a list price of $34.5 million, the 415 is expected to enter service by the spring, says the USFS, under a five-year, $57 million contract mandating that the aircraft be available 210 days a year. The contract allows for a second 415 to be brought into service if needed.
Al Bateen Executive Airport has announced a 21% increase in visiting aircraft traffic in January through April 2013 versus the same period in 2012. Commercial movements, including that of base operators, also registered an increase of 3% in the first four months of the year compared with the same period last year, reaching a total of 3,506 movements.
Lawmakers are continuing to put pressure on Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to detail and justify stops and searches of general aviation aircraft that are flying within U.S. borders. Eight Senate Republicans wrote Homeland Security acting Secretary Rand Beers seeking a report by Nov. 15 on every stop and search since 2009 and the reasons behind the searches. “The abrupt increase in the number of stops and searches of personnel aboard general aviation aircraft raises concerns that CBP may be violating our citizens’ Fourth Amendment rights,” says the letter, led by Sen.
FAA has formally approved a rulemaking to rewrite Part 23, a key step toward what is expected to be a dramatic change in how the agency approaches small aircraft certification. The authorization to begin the rulemaking comes as Congress nears final passage of a bill that would require FAA to complete the Part 23 rewrite by the end of 2015.
Inefficient certification processes are delaying hundreds of new applications for aircraft operations and repair stations, says Jeffrey Guzzetti, assistant inspector general for aviation audits for the Department of Transportation.
Xojet, which last winter sold its recently acquired Hawker 800XP fleet to partner Travel Management Company (TMC), plans to hold its fleet at a little more than 40 aircraft, a move that is helping the company strengthen its balance sheet to its strongest position in years.
Bombardier missed its third-quarter revenue and earnings forecasts on lower aircraft deliveries and orders the third quarter of 2013. Aerospace revenues for Bombardier fell from $2.3 billion to $2 billion due to a lower level of deliveries, partly because of the transition to the Learjet 70 and 75 programs. The aerospace division achieved a $86 million operating profit, compared with $118 million a year earlier.
RON LADNIER was promoted to vice president of FlightSafety Services Corp., the division of FlightSafety International that provides military training, advanced technology devices and support. Ladnier has served with FlightSafety since 2011 as director of military development. He formerly served in the U.S. Air Force, reaching the rank of major general.
Wilson Air Center is significantly expanding its facilities at Houston Hobby Airport with a new hangar and terminal. The multi-phase project will include a hangar that can accommodate aircraft the size of a Gulfstream G650 and a new 10,000-sq.-ft. executive terminal. The project will be designed for future expansion. Phase I involved a renovation of the existing facilities. Phase II, which is kicking off, includes a new 25,000-sq.-ft. hangar and office complex.
