Jet Aviation’s fixed-based operation at Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport is expanding its services to accommodate an anticipated increase in traffic. The new offerings include 96-hr. visa facilities, public transport and improved catering options through local service suppliers, along with 24/7 limousine service, oxygen and nitrogen services and airside storage. In addition, Jet Aviation has added interior and exterior VIP aircraft cleaning, as well as bright work polishing, through Go Aviation.
Bell Helicopter is delivering the first 412EPI helicopter to longtime Bell operator Abu Dhabi Aviation for offshore oil field support in the United Arab Emirates. Delivery of the new helicopter is scheduled by the end of the year. Abu Dhabi Aviation, the first commercial operator to put the 412EPI into service, has operated Bell aircraft for more than 30 years, accruing more than 700,000 flight hours in Bell 412 and 212 helicopters. Abu Dhabi Commercial Director Khaled Mashhour says the upgraded 412EPI will provide more flexibility and increase safety.
The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) is working with regional governments to introduce regulations and policies that lay a foundation for business aviation and curb illegal operations.
Gulfstream Aerospace’s G280 super midsize aircraft has topped 30 city-pair records with a recent speed record set en route to last week’s 13th annual Dubai Airshow. The aircraft departed Kuala Lumpur International airport Nov. 15 at 5:23 p.m. local time and arrived at Dubai World Airport 7 hr. and 34 min. later. The aircraft averaged a speed of Mach 0.80 during the 3,356 nm trip. Earlier this year a G280 set another record during travel to the Middle East, flying from Singapore to Abu Dhabi in 7 hr. and 40 min. That trip was 3,301 nm.
Despite news of a resurging U.S. manufacturing industry, U.S. export competitiveness in manufacturing continues to decline, according to a new report by the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation. In 2000, Europe and the U.S. remained atop the world’s exporters, with Japan trailing the U.S. by a little more than one-third the total exports. Since that time, China has leapfrogged both the U.S. and Europe. U.S. exports, in terms of dollar value, have grown 70% since 2000, marking the third slowest growth among the world’s top 11 exporters.
Perry Inhofe, the son of Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), reported a control problem and that the left engine of his MU-2B-25 had shut down shortly before the aircraft crashed while maneuvering on approach to Tulsa International Airport (TUL) on Nov. 10, the National Transportation Safety Board says. Perry Inhofe, 52, the pilot and sole person aboard the aircraft, died in the crash.
Embraer received a purchase agreement from Arab Wings for a Lineage 1000. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery in early 2014, will be managed for an undisclosed customer and available for charter. The aircraft, based in Jordan, will join an Embraer Legacy 600 and 650 on Arab Wings’ operating certificate.
Rockwell Collins was recently selected by Jet Aviation Basel to provide its Venue cabin management and entertainment system and high-definition Airshow 3D Moving Map system for an Airbus A340CJ business jet. The A340CJ will be the largest aircraft to date to carry the equipment, which has been installed on more than 300 aircraft including a number of large VIP jets. HD monitors will be installed throughout the aircraft, along with wireless audio/video-on-demand capability for personal devices. Installation is slated to begin in the first half of 2014.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0479; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-070-AD; Amendment 39-17649; AD 2013-22-17] – requires inspecting the intermediate gearbox (IGB) fairing for a crack and inspecting the IGB fairing gutter, if installed, for a crack, separation, or interference. This AD is prompted by reports of cracks, separation of the IGB fairing from the gutter and attachment supports, and subsequent interference with the tail rotor (T/R) inclined drive shaft.
RUSS PIGGOTT joined Boston JetSearch, Inc. to help manage the aircraft search and acquisition process for clients. Piggott formerly spent 14 years as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force flying the F-16, and currently serves as a mission-ready F-15 pilot for the Massachusetts Air National Guard.
CHAFIK HILAL was named managing director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, for Rockwell Collins, effective Jan. 1. Hilal will lead and develop the company’s Commercial and Government Systems business interests in the region. He currently oversees Rockwell Collins government and military business interests in the region. Hilal has spent his professional career at Rockwell Collins, beginning in Government Systems.
EMBRAER Model EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0868; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-194-AD; Amendment 39-17650; AD 2013-22-18] – requires repetitive detailed inspections to detect discrepancies on the attaching parts of the lower eyelet fitting of the cockpit windshield center-post, and, if no discrepancy is found, a check to make sure the bolts are tight, and replacement of the attaching parts if necessary.
BELL Model 430 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0491; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-012-AD; Amendment 39-17609; AD 2013-20-03] – requires 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.
BELL Model 206B and 206L helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0488; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-002-AD; Amendment 39-17619; AD 2013-20-13] – requires installing a placard beneath the engine power dual tachometer and revising the operating 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.
Boeing will fly a demonstrator of its P-8 Poseidon-based Maritime Surveillance capability in a Bombardier Challenger next year. Partner Field Aviation has begun modifying the business jet to carry a Selex 7000-series radar, mission system, electronic support measures (ESM) system as well as an electro-optical camera, which will turn the aircraft into Boeing’s Maritime Surveillance Aircraft offering.
As defense manufacturers become accustomed to the prospect of lower Pentagon budgets, there is growing concern over the health of the supply chain, particularly the lower tiers and specifically small companies that may be the sole source of critical parts or a unique technology.
For investors like Chen who want to try their hand at airplane-making, two more possibilities recently surfaced. First, Aerostar Aircraft Corp. is working to make good on the late designer Ted Smith's vision, by developing a turbofan-powered version of his Aerostar. A pressurized model, with PW615s below each wing, has been flying since July 25, when it lifted off the runway at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Airport, Aerostar's home field.
The other day I participated in a great general aviation tradition by lofting into brilliant blue skies with a pal in his Mooney Bravo and galloping eastward in a 220-kt. pursuit of a $100 hamburger. Well, to be squeakily factual, when figuring $6/gal. avgas at 20 gph, engine and maintenance reserve (his budget), and considering our pain d'Avignon spread actually comprised a croque madame, battered chicken, limonata, coffee and two chocolatey desserts (my treat), it was more like a $500 excursion. Fun, but pricey. A serious, industry-wide problem of long standing.
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. As researchers experiment with new materials and optimized designs made possible by 3-D printing, the potential scale of the revolution in manufacturing is becoming clearer.
The FAA is proposing a policy that would require pilots and controllers with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more to be screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before obtaining a medical certificate. In a recent FAA Federal Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin, Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton says the agency is planning to soon release a policy that would require aviation medical examiners to calculate the BMI for airman and air traffic control specialist applicants.
