Beechcraft is hoping to sell most of its jet programs by midyear, the company says. The company confirms that the “expiration” process is under way and hopes to conclude it in upcoming months. The company declined to detail whether the sale would involve all of the programs, or parts. But Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture told Aviation Week earlier this year that the programs have attracted a fair amount of interest.
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0340; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-081-AD] – proposes to require, for affected helicopters with a certain external mounted hoist system with boom support assembly installed, inspecting the boom for a crack and, if a crack exists, replacing the boom with an airworthy boom. This proposed AD is prompted by cracks found on the boom during a pre-flight check of a hoist on an MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopter.
NetJets is beginning the rejuvenation of its light-jet fleet with the delivery of its first “Signature Series” Phenom 300. This delivery will be the first of up to 50 Phenom 300s the Columbus, Ohio-based fractional ownership provider has on order. Including options, NetJets could potentially receive 125 of these aircraft in an order worth up to $1 billion that the carrier announced in fall 2010.
Piper Aircraft received FAA approval for the Garmin G1000 avionics suite aboard its Piper Archer models. Piper moved to equip its Archer, along with its twin Saratoga, as it works to increase its presence in the training market. The Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and CAE Oxford Aviation Academy are the initial fleet customers for the G1000-equipped Archer. FIT is slated to receive eight of the aircraft this year, while CAE Oxford Aviation Academy plans to receive 22 Archers in 2013. Both schools have options for follow-on orders.
NetJets is taking a cautious approach toward its operations in China, beginning with its management of whole aircraft for clients there, says Chairman and CEO Jordan Hansell. Hansell acknowledges other companies have announced plans to begin fractional operations in China, and says he’s interested in watching how that develops. But the nature of the Chinese regulatory structure “does not lend itself to the flexibility” of fractional operations, he tells Aviation Week.
FAA dropped its furlough plans for all 47,000 workers in its employee base after Congress passed a bill permitting the agency to shift up to $253 million in funds to prevent “reduced operations and staffing.” But industry leaders and lawmakers late last week were still awaiting word whether it would also drop plans to end funding for 149 contract towers. Numerous lawmakers last week ratcheted up pressure on the agency to continue funding the towers.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is using a series of simulations as exercises to bolster communications among airports, the local community and operators during times of increased security threats, says Kerwin Wilson, manager of TSA’s General Aviation Branch. The simulation exercises come as the TSA reviews a draft update to general aviation airport security guidelines.
American Aero in Fort Worth has joined the Signature Select affiliate fixed-base operation program. Under Signature Select, American Aero will participate in Signature customer rewards programs, including Signature Status and Signature TailWins. American Aero also will reflect Signature Select along with its own branding and is participating in Signature’s safety and service training programs. American Aero is currently operating in an interim facility as its facility at Hangar 11N at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport is being upgraded.
The FAA is seeking companies to conduct airport operations and safety research at the agency’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, N.J., and is accepting responses through May 9. According to a market survey issued on April 30, the agency is specifically looking for “competition level” companies able to conduct research, test and demonstration efforts related to operational efficiency, safety and enhanced infrastructure.
Airport revenue diversion remains an ongoing problem and may be more prevalent as budgets get tighter within local communities, says Randall Fiertz, director of FAA’s Office of Airport Compliance and Management Analysis. Over the past decade, the office has been conducting a couple of audits a year, and in every case except one revenue diversion was found, he told the National Air Transportation Association 2013 Aviation Business and Legislation Conference. The clean audit involved Orange County last year.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS332C, L and L1 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-1087; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-32-AD; Amendment 39-17424; AD 2013-08-07] – requires an initial and repetitive inspections of the outer skin, butt strap, and fuselage frame for a crack and modification of the helicopter. This AD was prompted by an AD issued by the European Aviation Safety, which states that a crack was discovered in a fuselage frame during a daily check.
Keystone Aviation was named a dealer for Quest Aircraft’s Kodiak single-turboprop aircraft for Colorado, Utah, Nevada and Northern California. The addition marks the fourth manufacturer that Keystone represents. Others include Piper, EADS Socata and HondaJet. Quest, meanwhile, continues to expand its reach as it remains on pace to deliver its 100th aircraft by early fall. Originally designed for mission and humanitarian work, the Kodiak has been delivered for a range of uses, including personal use, Part 135 and government operations.
President Barack Obama on April 29 nominated the leader of a city with a USAirways hub to become the nation’s next transportation secretary, citing Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx’s experience in local government, relationships with other local government officials and advocacy for infrastructure improvements in his city. Those infrastructure projects included a third parallel runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which opened in 2010, as well as improvements for light rail and streetcar service.
PETER SHERLOCK was appointed senior vice president and director of Bedford operations for Mitre. Sherlock will be responsible for strengthening cross-sector research and development in cybersecurity, aviation, homeland security, law enforcement, and the financial and health care areas. He joined Mitre in 1986 and most recently was executive director for integration in the National Security Engineering Center.
BEN MURRAY has joined Landmark Aviation as president of its Aircraft Management and Charter unit. Murray has more than 15 years of experience in aircraft sales, maintenance, management, fractional and chart. He previously held president positions with Xojet, NetJets and Executive Jet Management.
Signature Flight Support is opening a satellite facility at Berlin Tegel in Germany, marking its second location in the area. Signature also operates a fixed-base operation at Berlin Schoenefel Airport. Tegel is the closest airport to the city center of Berlin. Signature also has operations in Frankfurt and Munich. The addition is part of an expansion plan to provide a full range of services for Berlin customers.
May 21–23—13th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2013), Geneva, Switzerland, (703) 783-9000, www.ebace.aero June 6—National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Regional Forum, White Plains, N.Y., (703) 783-9000, www.nbaa.org June 17-19—National Air Transportation Association 2013 Air Charter Summit, Marriott Dulles, Dulles, Va., 703-845-9000, www.nata.aero
Industry leaders are encouraged that they are seeing commitments from the highest levels of FAA to streamline the certification process, but plan to keep seeking congressional help to ensure that progress continues.
Millennium International has expanded its service offerings to include Honeywell Primus avionics suite support. The move bolsters Millennium’s support for Embraer ERJ 135/145 aircraft. Based near Kansas City, Millennium provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services for commercial, military and rotor-wing aircraft.
BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 variants) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0332; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-009-AD] – This proposes to require, for certain airplanes, inspecting for drain bottles having certain part numbers, and replacing affected drain bottles. This proposed AD would require, for certain other airplanes, replacing drain bottles. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of airspeed mismatch between the pilot and co-pilot’s airspeed indicators, which occurred during or after heavy rain.
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON Model 430 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-1127; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-035-AD; Amendment 39-17423; AD 2013-08-06] – requires replacing certain components of the air data system. This AD was prompted by the discovery of incorrect indicated airspeed when the helicopter was tested to the cold temperature limits (-40 degrees centigrade) required for Category A operations. The actions of this AD are intended to correct the published Vne and to correct the indicated airspeed. FAA estimates that the AD affects 52 helicopters on the U.S.
AgustaWestland is planning a final assembly line for its new twin light-intermediate category AW169 helicopter at its Philadelphia facility. Assembly of the helicopter in Philadelphia will begin in May 2014, with first customer delivery in early 2015. AgustaWestland expects to ramp up Philadelphia production to 20 helicopters per year by 2017. The new line will be scalable based on demand. AgustaWestland’s facilities in Vergiate, Italy and Yeovil, U.K. will also be involved in AW169 production.
Cessna Aircraft has flown the first production model of the new Citation Sovereign, beginning the production flight-test program about six months after unveiling the upgraded aircraft. Cessna introduced the new Sovereign during the National Business Aviation Association’s annual meeting and convention in Orlando, Fla., in October, but the program had long since been under way.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model EC120B and EC130B4 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0341; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-025-AD] – proposes to require, for affected helicopters with certain emergency flotation gear installed, inspecting the float for chafing of the fabric covering and adding protectors to the float installation to prevent contact between the float and the protruding sections of the installation. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a float that would not inflate during overhaul because one of the float compartments was punctured due to chafing.
