Sikorsky's Associated Aircraft Group (AAG), the East Coast's largest executive Sikorsky S-76 helicopter services provider, has been granted access into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) by the TSA under the DCA Access Security Program (DASSAP). As an approved operator, AAG is required to submit to advanced security procedures and background checks for all crewmembers. Passengers and baggage undergo TSA security screening at any DCA gateway airport. An approved law enforcement officer is required to be on board during flight into and out of DCA.
GAMA is teaming with the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) to promote and help develop business aviation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. GAMA and MEBAA plan first to focus on the regulatory environment, including urging aviation authorities to adopt a common set of rules that facilitate business aviation operations.
Sierra added a new maintenance facility at San Antonio International Airport (KSAT) that will provide Hawker-Beechcraft aircraft owners with an alternative to the few remaining HBC factory service centers. Sierra has substantial experience in maintenance and modifications for Hawker 400, 800 and King Air models. Sierra was selected by HBC to spearhead the development and installation of their XPr engine, avionics and winglet retrofit programs for the Hawker 400 and 800.
Icarus has introduced the QRmount Quick Release iPad Yoke Mount for use in a wide range of aircraft equipped with an industry standard yoke chart holder. Mounts for all generations of the iPad, including the newest mini, are now available. The QRmount fits the standard OEM-equipped map holders in several families of twins, turboprops and jets including the TBM, Citation X and Sovereign, Challenger 300 and the Piaggio 180, among others. The mount can be ordered at www.qrmounts.com.
Airbus Corporate Jet Centre launched its new website showing the wide range of services dedicated to its customers. Its design is based on an “haute couture” spirit and offers a panorama of ACJC's values. It also includes a career space targeted for aeronautical experts and listings of available positions. It's designed for most browsers and will be optimized for viewing on smart phones and tablets.
Michael S. Meloche (Director of Flight Operations Air Lease Corp. Van Nuys, Calif. )
I applaud BCA for the continued education of all in aviation including myself. Being a professional pilot/director of flight operations for an international aviation corporation and an A&P/IA, we need to keep apprised of new regulations and procedures. There are ever-changing regulations coming into effect each day in all regions of the world. Your article “Oceanic ATC” (November 2012, page 40) had several mistakes. [Already noted and corrected by the author in “Readers' Feedback” [December 2012 — Ed.]
Jeppesen is offering a complete suite of its pilot training textbooks as e-book selections for the iPad. Available for download through the Apple iBookstore, the titles include Instrument/Commercial pilot training, Multiengine airplane training and Flight Instructor training from Jeppesen's Guided Flight Discovery series, and the Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM) and FAR/M regulation reference guides.
Bell Helicopter announced that National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc has purchased the first Bell 429 to be operated in Great Britain. The aircraft will be used for power line inspection and maintenance. National Grid formally accepted the Bell 429 in Mirabel, Canada, at Bell Helicopter's commercial manufacturing facility. Final delivery will take place upon completion at Bell Helicopter's facility in Prague.
The TSA could issue foreign repair station certification rules early this year, perhaps as soon as this month, a senior official says. The rules are “hopefully on track to be out in January,” Ann Zipser, director-global programs and engagement in TSA's Office of Global Strategies, said in December at an American Association of Airport Executives aviation security summit.
Embraer Executive Jets has enlarged the authorization scope of ExecuJet Middle East as an Embraer Authorized Service Center (EASC). The service center, located at Dubai International Airport, is now authorized for line maintenance on the ultra-large Lineage 1000 and for base maintenance on the Phenom 300 light jet. ExecuJet Middle East was first appointed an EASC in October 2010.
Avfuel-branded Hawthorne Global Aviation Services has reopened it FBO facility at Lakefront Airport (KNEW) in New Orleans, following an extensive renovation after Hurricane Isaac caused damage to the airport last fall. With the new terminal opening and hurricane repairs completed, the FBO is focusing the majority of its attention on the upcoming Super Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 3 in New Orleans. Lakefront is the closest airport to downtown New Orleans and the Superdome. Visit www.hawthorne.aero.
Nov. 6 — At about 1900 EST, Delta Air Lines Flight 241, a Boeing MD-88 (N908DE), experienced a loss of power in the left engine, a P&W JT8D-219, shortly after takeoff from the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta. The pilots shut down the engine and the airplane returned to ATL without further incident. After landing, the examination of the airplane revealed a portion of the lower engine cowl was missing and there was a hole in the fan duct.
Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) the region's only industry show dedicated to business aviation, will move to a purpose-built exhibition site under construction at Dubai World Central for its December 2014 iteration. This year's MEBA exhibition ran Dec. 11-13 at Dubai World Central and attracted 7,549 attendees from 84 countries — a 20% increase from the 2010 show.
BCA had hoped to discuss the U.S. NOTAM situation with officials at the FAA, but we were repeatedly rebuffed, with the explanation that the agency's aviation information management group was too understaffed and overworked to talk to the press. Nevertheless, a sympathetic public affairs officer was able to circulate some questions around the agency's NOTAM experts, and the following emailed answers were received just as we went to press.
Hawker Beechcraft on Nov. 15 petitioned the court to be released from certain warranty and support obligations for the Hawker 4000 and Premier business jet lines. That petition has drawn a handful of formal objections, but a few of the companies objecting have withdrawn their initial protests. In its response as we go to press, Hawker Beechcraft says that the move is “critical to the transformation” of its business. The company said it understood the difficult effects of its decisions on customers and anticipated some opposition.
Too many to mentally process, difficult to read and occasionally understand, not prioritized by importance, archaic in format and distribution in the digital age — Notices to Airmen, good old “NOTAMs” — remain both the bane and deliverance of pilots worldwide.
More than six dozen associations and companies from a range of industries are pushing lawmakers to extend 50% bonus depreciation for capital equipment purchases before it expires at the end of the year. A letter sent to House and Senate leaders this week warns that overall U.S. investment has rapidly declined every quarter since the third quarter of 2011 and almost half of the nation's largest investors are planning to curb capital expenses.
Argus TRAQPak data shows November 2012 flight activity dips after a robust October. November 2012 finished the month down 6.3% overall. By operational categories: Part 91, down 7.8%; Part 135, down 2.9%; Fractional, down 8.0%. By aircraft categories: turboprops, down 9.9%; tmall cabin, down 4.2%; midsize, down 4.6%; large cabin, down 4.3%. Reviewing activity year-over-year (November 2012 vs. November 2011) TRAQPak saw a decrease of 2.3% in overall aircraft activity.
The FAA Safety Team reminds airframe and powerplant mechanics that all paper certificates will expire on Mar. 31, 2013. A&P certificate holders and all other certificated airmen who have not replaced their paper certificates with plastic certificates on or before the expiration date will be unable to exercise their privileges.
In 2008-09, Eurocontrol, Swedish air navigation service provider Luftfartsverket (LFV) and Jeppesen cooperated in a series of demonstrations of digital NOTAM transmission via data link to an aircraft on the ground and in flight.
International Governor Services (IGS), an operating company of BBA Aviation, launched a new website featuring its engine control products in an easy to navigate format. The site features a full listing of all units available from IGS by product type and model as well as downloadable files of certification, warranties and related documents. International Governor Services Broomfield, Colo. (888) 808-5297 www.internationalgovernor.com
