Photograph: Implosion makes way for airport development. GTAA Old ATC Tower Imploded at GTAA The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) demolished the old ATC tower in the infield of Canada's Lester B. Pearson International Airport as a part of the GTAA's $4.4 billion airport development program. The 10-year program includes the construction of a terminal building, to replace Terminals 1 and 2, two new runways and the construction of several new facilities in the airport infield.
The Ada, Okla., Municipal Airport (KADH) received the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association's ``Airport of the Year'' award for 1999. The award recognizes excellence in planning, capital improvement and economic development at general aviation airports in the state.
From rags to riches, riches to rags. Marion Harper was president of McCann-Erickson advertising agency and flew around the globe in an executive DC-7C. But let's start from the beginning. I never could figure out why some parents bestowed girl's names on their sons -- like, for instance, Florence or Shirley. But, in 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Harper in downtown Indiana named their newborn son Marion.
The FAA has modified its Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) to allow departures from satellite airports where weather reporting is not available. The agency says the action is an effort to reduce the number of ``unnecessary'' flight delays general aviation aircraft face, without compromising safety. Effective May 23, applicable flights may legally depart in conditions below basic VFR minimums, assuming SVFR minimums exist and other pilot training and aircraft equipment criteria are met.
Wisconsin Aviation broke ground for a hangar complex at Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA). The four-bay hangar will house individual and corporate aircraft. Each bay will have heat, restrooms and a vehicle garage door with access from the general parking lot.
Gulfstream's Dallas service facility is the latest factory service center to receive Designated Alteration Station (DAS) approval from the FAA. The approval allows the center to grant STCs for aircraft engineering designs and installation on Gulfstreams as well as Challengers, Falcons and Hawkers. Gulfstream service centers in Appleton, Wis., Long Beach, Calif., and Savannah also have DAS authority.
Photograph: The FAA's ice protection AD affects both long and short-body MU-2s. These two were photographed in early June at Orange County Airport (MGJ), Montgomery, New York. The FAA has given operators of all (approximately 400) U.S.-based Mitsubishi MU-2s one year to modify the twin turboprop's ice protection systems, at a cost of around $27,000 per aircraft.
Windsor Airmotive has added robotic technology to its Plasma Spray Department. Windsor, a division of Barnes Aerospace, develops high-tech repairs for turbine engine components.
Signature Flight Support has eliminated senior management and sales positions at its regional service center. John Rahilly, vice president of technical services, said the changes are designed to run the organization from the field instead of from the company headquarters. Rahilly also noted some of the personnel are being re-deployed to the regional maintenance facilities.
The business aviation community appears to be confident that SSBJ operations will become a reality soon. The notion of a supersonic business jet able to make intercontinental leaps in just a couple of hours is a captivating one. This month's issue features three stories that attempt to set out some of the boundaries for contemplating an SSBJ -- from operator expectations to technical challenges to operational realities of supersonic operations.
Aircraft Belts has introduced a new concept in aircraft restraint systems -- the Dual Action Push Button Restraint System. The new Dual Action system can be released by pushing a button on the top or side of the buckle allowing what the company says is ``improved safety, operation and longevity'' over traditional single-button seat belts. The system meets FAA standards, is available in either polymer or metal housing, and only can be used in three-point configuration. Price: $400 to 584 Aircraft Belts, Inc. P.O. Box 845
The FCC has granted AirCell, an air-to-ground communications provider for business aviation, a two-year extension of its operating authority. With the renewal, AirCell says it now can focus on securing an additional four ground-based providers to ensure ``seamless nationwide service.'' AirCell has delivered around 300 of its inflight phones at a cost of $4,000 to $8,000 per installation, but price isn't only obstacle the company faces.
With your TFE731 engine in computer mode, you cycle the engine computer off. The engine starts a runaway acceleration. You cycle the computer on and the engine returns to normal. The fuel control P3 drain must be checked for obstructions or engine cowls blocking the drain. P3 pressure is vented from this drain when the computer is off. If blocked, it will increase bellows pressure and cause the engine to accelerate. If no blockage is observed, replace the fuel control. Courtesy of Duncan Aviation.
Portable telephones generate transmissions that directly interfere with multiple aircraft systems, according to a recent study by Britain's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Tests conducted in February aboard a British Airways Boeing 737-200 and a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-200 at London's Gatwick Airport revealed that cell phone signals can generate false cockpit warnings and noise in pilots' headphones, while distracting the crew and lessening their confidence in aircraft warning systems.
Cessna has officially opened its new Citation Service Center in Sacramento, Calif. The 40,000-square-foot facility replaces a 12,000-square-foot service center that opened in 1973.
Ruth Leverenz, presently the agency's assistant administrator for region and center operations, assumes added responsibilities as administrator of the southwest region.
When humans are heavily tasked with little time to accomplish the tasks, the chance for error increases. This is routinely referred to as ``pilot error'' in aviation, but it is actually just ``human error.'' When we are rushed we are prone to mistakes, and confusion can easily occur. In this environment, tasks may be done incorrectly or not at all. Therefore, when possible it makes sense to move complex tasks from high workload periods to times when workload is lower.
The Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee approved $12.1 billion in funding for the FAA for fiscal year 2001, but FAA Administrator Jane Garvey said the $6.35 billion approved for FAA operations falls short of the agency's needs. Garvey said the figure represents a $250 million decrease in the FAA's operations budget, which will trigger ``substantial delays in a system already strained'' by rapid growth. The legislation was expected to come before the full Senate for approval as B/CA went to press.
FlightSafetyBoeing expects to add 19 flight simulators worldwide by the end of 2001. To be located at training centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia, the new simulators will include the Boeing 717, next-generation 737, 757/767, Airbus 320 and Airbus 330/340. Seattle-based FlightSafetyBoeing operates 57 simulators at 20 locations, and plans to build new centers or expand older facilities in Mexico City, Miami and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Mather Aviation was appointed as a Raytheon Aircraft Co. factory authorized service and warranty center for the King Air and Beechjet product lines. The agreement returns factory authorized support to Mather's Hayward, Calif., FBO. The Hayward FBO, a recent TRAJEN, Inc. acquisition, said it provides maintenance, avionics, parts and custom technical support services for corporate operators.
Bowman Field Airport has received $481,000 from the commonwealth of Kentucky, to fund interior renovations to the historic administrations building and improvements to Runway 6-24. ``The airport is sincerely appreciative of Representative [Larry] Clark's singular leadership in securing funds from the state for much-needed improvements at Bowman Field,'' said J. Michael Brown, airport authority chairman. Airport officials anticipate construction to start in spring 2001.
