SAS Commuter temporarily grounded its fleet of Dash 8 Q400s in late October after mechanical problems led to several emergency landings; the aircraft are now back in service. Sources say a false cargo compartment smoke alarm led to one incident; a clogged drainage hole with resulting pitot-tube failure allegedly caused another. The Q400 is the new, 70-seat version of the Dash 8 -- SAS Commuter has received nine of the 25 it has ordered.
The late Dr. Tetsuya ``Theodore'' Fujita's career in meteorology spanned over 50 years. He is best known for his discovery of the microburst after the crash of Eastern Airlines Flight 66 in 1975. In addition he completed extensive tornado research. He devised the ``F-scale'' which categorizes the tornado's wind speed and damage potential.
Shandong Airlines also is making the Cessna folks in Wichita very happy with an order for China's first Caravans. The airline has ordered one Grand Caravan and two Caravan 675s on floats for use on high-frequency scheduled service between points less than one hour apart. Deliveries are expected to begin in first quarter 2001. Shandong has options for 37 additional Caravans. Cessna sales executive Bob Conover says the manufacturer had been trying to penetrate the Chinese market with Caravans for ``many years'' and is hoping for future sales.
Since 1975, every fatal U.S. commercial wind-shear accident has involved an aircraft attempting to take off or land in a heavy rain outflow from a thunderstorm.
US Airways is considering the launch of Potomac Air, a Washington, D.C.-based regional airline that could lead to DC Air, the new-entrant United Airlines and US Airways are crafting to allay competitive concerns regarding their proposed merger. Planned as a wholly owned US Airways unit, Potomac Air will use eight, 37-seat Bombardier de Havilland Dash 8 turboprops now in US Airways Express carrier Piedmont's fleet.
Manufacturing delays have led BAE Systems to push back the planned service entry date for the Avro RJX regional jet by up to three months. The U.K.-based manufacturer says the first flight of the 85-seat RJX-85 will be in February 2001, with first flight of the larger RJX-100 following two months later. Type certification for the RJX-85 is now planned for December 2001.
J.A. Air Center, at Du Page Airport in West Chicago, has received STC approval for the installation of Honeywell's MKVI EGPWS on Raytheon King Air 300 series aircraft. The MKVI was certified in the Monsanto Flight Department's King Air 350.
BAE Systems Canada is now offering its Enhanced Visual Guidance System (EVGS) for business and commercial aircraft operators. EVGS utilizes an existing head-up display (HUD) and overlays a transparent infrared image on top of the HUD's visual guidance system so the pilot can see both the VGS symbology and the environment in low visibility conditions. Within two years, BAE says, the system will incorporate a millimeter wave imaging radar that will provide ultimate safety in situational awareness.
Texas Jet, an FBO at Fort Worth's Meacham International Airport, has been awarded the 2000 Phillips 66 Aviation ``Wings of Excellence'' for contributions and commitment to general aviation. The award was presented to Reed Pigman, Texas Jet's owner.
Sikorsky has sold two S-70A Firehawk helicopters to Los Angeles County. Due for delivery in early 2001, the helicopters will be equipped for fire fighting and paramedic uses .
Edited by Paul RichfieldBy Mike Vines, in Zhuhai, China
Photograph: The Antonov An-26-derived Xian Aircraft MA60 has western engines, propellers and avionics. Partnerships with foreign suppliers were a major theme of this year's biennial Airshow China event in Zhuhai, whether it be subcontract work for China, or western manufacturers supplying engines, avionics and other systems for Chinese airframes. Releasing its market forecast at the show, China anticipates slow but steady aviation industry growth over the next two decades, with 1,145 new airliners joining the Chinese fleet.
CoreMax Aerospace has been tapped to supply 10 custom shower assemblies to Lufthansa Technik. The showers are destined for Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) in the NetJets program. CoreMax is now supplying components to five BBJ Completion centers .
The FAA claims to have made its International Restrictions Web site ``more user friendly'' in response to public feedback and input from other government agencies. The site lists current U.S. government flight prohibitions and other restrictions affecting civil aviation outside the United States. Four nations are included in the most recent changes: -- Yugoslavia: The United States has eased trade sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and now will permit limited air transportation between the U.S. and Yugoslavia.
With the recent addition of several courses, online maintenance training provider aerolearn.com says it now offers more than 300 free courses. Recent additions to the curriculum include Guidelines for Effective Written Maintenance Communication, a series of battery maintenance courses and classes that will earn credit towards the FAA's AMT Award. The new coursework supplements existing courses in topics ranging from aircraft engines and systems to human factors and personal growth.
FAA Administrator Jane Garvey will be the keynote speaker at Women in Aviation, International's (WAI) annual conference on March 22-24, 2001 in Reno, Nev. Garvey, making her second appearance at the event in three years, is expected to discuss the challenges of managing a 49,000-person agency, as well as career opportunities in aviation for women. The 2001 conference theme is ``Leadership Strategies for Women in Aviation,'' and will feature educational and career seminars, career recruitment, an exhibit floor and a silent auction.
American Eagle, the regional subsidiary of American Airlines, began offering all-jet service from its Chicago O'Hare hub in November. All O'Hare flights are now operated using Embraer ERJ-135 and 145 aircraft, which passengers now board through covered jetbridges. The carrier formerly operated a mixed fleet of turboprops and jets in Chicago. American Eagle still operates extensive Saab 340, ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop service at its Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Juan, Puerto Rico hubs.
Jet Aviation has added a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-72 to its Basel, Switzerland-based charter fleet. CFM-56 engines installed in 1985 provide 12-hour endurance, allowing the former airliner to transport 36 people and their luggage for 6,200 nm. Jet has managed the aircraft for several years under Bermudan registration, though it now is on the Swiss register.
The FAA and FCC have approved the sale of a wristwatch equipped with an emergency locator transmitter (ELT). Sales of Breitling's Emergency watch, which has been available outside of the United States since 1995, will be limited to licensed pilots. Breitling says the $3,500 watch has been tested during multinational search-and-rescue exercises and already helped rescuers find an injured Swiss military parachutist who became disoriented during a training mission.
Socata's distributor in the Western United States has ordered 31 new Socata aircraft worth $33 million, all to be delivered in 2001. Camarillo, Calif.-based New Avex ordered 10 TBM 700 turboprops, 10 TB20 Trinidads, 10 TB21 Trinidad GT Turbos and one Tobago GT. Excluding sales for flight schools, the order is Socata's largest ever from the civil market. New Avex CEO Terry Winston said Socata's commitment to support its products gives him ``the confidence to place an order of this size.'' Socata's new parent is the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co.
November is the golden anniversary of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation (ASF), an organization that during the last half century has saved thousands of lives through a variety of education and training programs targeted at general aviation pilots.
Embraer has revealed a number of new regional jet orders: Air Moldova ordered two firm ERJ-145s with two options; Axon Airlines of Greece signed a letter of intent for four ERJ-145s with two options; Regourd Aviation of France signed an LOI for one firm and one optional ERJ-135LR; Pan Europeenne Air Services (France) signed an LOI for one firm and one optional ERJ-135; Casablanca-based Regional Air Lines signed an LOI for five firm and five optional ERJ-135s; LOT Airlines of Poland ordered five ERJ-145s, bringing its total to 11 of the type.
The second edition of the Aviation Mechanic Handbook is available from Aviation Supplies&Academics (ASA). The Handbook compiles specifications from reference books and government publications into a toolbox-size guide. The second edition has been completely revised to reflect current reference information critical to maintaining aircraft. The Handbook also features an index, color illustration and tabbing with a spiral-bound soft cover. Price: $16.95 ASA 7005 132nd Pl. S.E. Newcastle, Wash. 98059-3153
Dallas Finch has been appointed as the new aerospace coatings facility and technical director. In addition, Stuart Mack was named as director of technical development.
