I enjoyed “Return of the Ramp Check” (Point of Law, February 2012). One thing, of which I'm sure you're aware, but was not mentioned in the article is the requirement to carry and present an FAA Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certification (if issued one). An Inspector will not ask for it during a ramp check (as he/she probably will not be aware of its existence); however, if the pilot does not present it to the Inspector during a ramp check, it will not be noted in the Inspector's report to the FAA.
There are some errors in “Global Express XRS” (20/Twenty, February 2012). The XRS carries 1500 lb. more fuel than the basic, and not 1759 lb. To get maximum range out of the aircraft you start at Mach .82 and then for every 10,000 lb. of fuel burn, reduce Mach by .01. Also, dispatch reliability is not as advertised. I have been operating a basic Global and have had numerous delays and cancellations, and other operators have also experienced problems. Additionally, the Gulfstream G650 is the new XRS competitor, not the G550.
Falcon 2000LX isn't a model designation, according to the FAA and EASA type certificate data sheets. It's actually a Falcon 2000EX with two key modifications that were approved in April 2009. Mod M2846 reinforces the outboard wing structure and installs API winglets. Mod M3229 installs more robust slats that can handle the increased wing-bending moments associated with the aero loads imposed by the winglets.
Composite Technology Inc., a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company based at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, opened one of the world's most powerful structures to dynamically balance helicopter main rotor blades. Designed by Sikorsky to test main rotor blades that rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise, the bi-directional whirl tower will enable helicopter operators and manufacturers to rebalance their rotor blades in the U.S. regardless of the rotorcraft's country of origin.
I loved, “The FAA is coming to your airport, and not to socialize” in “Return of the Ramp Check” (Point of Law, February 2012). That grabs attention. Greteman Group Wichita, Kan.
Constant Aviation has received FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for the installation of Aircell's Cabin Wireless Access Point (CWAP) in an Embraer EMB135LR aircraft. CWAP provides in-cabin Wi-Fi service for Gogo Biz Inflight Internet. Constant Aviation has completed the Gogo Biz Inflight Internet STC on the Gulfstream IV, Embraer 600 and EMB135 Corporate Shuttle.
The Dassault Falcon 7X fleet has accumulated more than 100,000 flight hours marking a significant milestone for the company's longest range aircraft. The first 7X was delivered in June 2007, and since that time 133 have entered service in 31 countries. The fleet leader has accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours.
One of the many skills that an aircraft maintenance technician needs to master is the ability to develop and execute a structural repair. A large portion of the FAR Part 147 approved training program involves a wide variety of structural tasks ranging from fabric patches, to riveting and welding. While few of us have ever had the opportunity to tie a seine knot or weld a three-legged tube intersection, the basic skills are necessary to gain a full appreciation for the concept of structural integrity.
West Star Aviation has received FAA STC approval to install Wi-Fi on Gulfstream Vs. The certification includes connectivity via both or either Inmarsat Swift Broadband and the Aircell Gogo Biz networks using the Aircell CTR wireless router. West Star completed the installation on a Gulfstream GV based on the West Coast and operated under FAR Part 135.
Max-Viz and Helijet of Vancouver, B.C. Canada are collaborating on the installation of the Max-Viz EVS-1500 enhanced vision system on three S-76 helicopters supporting emergency medical service operations under contract with the B.C. government.
In its 14th Turbine-Powered Civilian Helicopter Purchase Outlook report, released at Heli Expo, Honeywell says it expects global deliveries of new civilian-use helicopters will increase to 4,700 — 5,200 over the five-year period 2012–2016. The forecast shows slower near term economic growth prospects in key markets have added uncertainty to operator purchase plans this year, however, recent order momentum and strong purchase plans for 2012 bolster the near-term outlook.
Perusing the range of available cabin lighting sources, a few products seem worthy to mention here. For example, Islip, N.Y.-based Aircraft Lighting International has developed new LED lighting systems that replace fluorescent lamps directly without requiring any new wiring or connectors. Meanwhile, EMTEQ, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer, is expanding into more “intelligent” lighting systems with its Daylight and Quasar lines.
With three new civil helicopter models set to enter certification testing or service this year, Russia's rotary-wing industry is preparing for rapid growth following almost a decade of consolidation of airframe, engine and service providers. Displaying a model of its newest Mi-171A2 at the Heli-Expo in Dallas, Russian Helicopters says it expects to deliver some 301 aircraft in 2012, up from 262 last year and 214 in 2010. The trend marks significant growth from 2006, when deliveries reached 94 helicopters, and represent a 15% year-on-year expansion, according to officials.
Eurocopter revealed its evolutionary EC130-T2 that retains the EC130's external lines, but approximately 70% of the airframe has been modified. The model's more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine provides the aircraft with a higher maximum gross takeoff weight (2,500 kg for internal loads and 3,050 kg when external loads are carried) and a speed increase of up to 10 kt. At the unveiling, Eurocopter announced seven launch customers had already accounted for 105 bookings.
The Flightstar Corp., Savoy, Ill., has purchased the assets of Bloomington Avionics based in Bloomington, Ill. Flightstar is transferring the Bloomington staff and its services to the Flightstar fixed-base operation at Champaign-Urbana's University of Illinois-Willard Airport (KCMI). A Class I and II avionics repair station, Bloomington has provided service and installation for more than 30 years. Flightstar, the sole FBO at KCMI, employs more than 120 people at a 10,000-sq.-ft. corporate terminal facility and 68,000-sq.-ft. maintenance facility.
Think back to the first hours you spent with your instrument flight instructor under the hood. Remember his litany? “Trim, trim, trim. Scan. Don't focus on one instrument. Keep your scan moving. Trim, trim, trim. There's a combination of attitude, power and airspeed for every mode of flight. Scan, set the power, set the attitude, trim and monitor the result.”
Mary “has been at DCA for decades” Miller (BBA Aviation/Signature Flight Support )
Thanks for the great article, “DCA's Slow, Steady Comeback” (February 2012). You have stayed interested in the complexities of operating our DCA location, as well as what lies ahead. For that, I am very grateful. BBA Aviation/Signature Flight Support Washington, D.C .
Quest Aircraft received certification from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) for its Kodiak single turboprop utility aircraft. Seven countries have certified the Kodiak. The aircraft has received significant interest from Brazil, along with other Latin America countries. The aircraft last fall completed a demonstration tour in Brazil, the Caribbean and several Latin American countries.
Bell Helicopter has delivered the 4,000th helicopter produced at its Mirabel, Canada, facility. Bell began production at the Canadian facility 25 yr. ago. Bell primarily builds commercial helicopters in Mirabel, leaving the defense business to its Amarillo, Texas base. The 4,000th helicopter, a Bell 206L4 was handed over to longtime customer Air Medical Group Holding (AMGH), which is the second largest air emergency medical services provider, with service in 25 U.S. states. AMGH operates 155 Bell helicopters.
FAA has issued an emergency AD calling for replacement of certain Bell Model 206L (and -1, -3 and -4) main rotor blades that exceed a new shortened life limit. Originally 3,600 hr. time in service, the new life limit is 1,400 hr. The AD stems from a Transport Canada report of two accidents involving failure of the main rotor blade because of fatigue cracking. Transport Canada advises that there is no reliable inspection method to detect the cracks on these blades before such failure.
The passenger cabin with its various elements including seating, tables, lights, control and connectivity systems, flooring, galleys and lavatories, is certainly one of the most important spaces on any business aircraft, and it grows more integrated and complicated every year.
Jet Services, based at Le Bourget airport in Paris, is expanding its operations with the takeover of the Darta Group. Jet Services says the move will enhance its business aviation activities at Le Bourget, but also will strengthen Darta's long-term position. Jet Services provides terminal handling, maintenance, aerial photography and other business aviation services. Darta operates a fleet of Beechcraft and Falcon jets, provides ground handling and client reception, travel agency and charter services.
FAA will increasingly rely upon collaboration with the helicopter community to improve safety as its regulatory efforts are concentrated on the dozens of congressional mandates issued in the most recent FAA reauthorization bill and a pilot safety bill adopted 18 months ago, FAA Flight Standards Deputy Director John McGraw said during Heli-Expo 2012.
