CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-0185; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-246-AD; Amendment 39-15337; AD 2008-02-07] - This AD, which resulted from an MCAI issued by Transport Canada, requires a detailed visual inspection of the fuel boost pump to determine if the reducer couplings have become anodized. All anodized couplings are to be replaced with couplings having an ion vapor deposition coating, per the instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-057 (dated Dec. 4, 2003).
Model CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B and -3B1 turbofan engines [Docket No. FAA-2007-27687; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-42-AD] - The FAA proposes to supersede an existing directive (AD 2007-07-07R1, Amendment 39-15179) that requires a one-time inspection of certain fan disks for electrical arc-out indications, replacing fan disks with electrical arc-out indications and reducing the life limit of certain fan disks. This proposed AD would require the same actions, but would require inspection of certain business jet engines that already have had a shop-level inspection.
DESPITE WIDESPREAD CONCERNS about the state of the U.S. economy and volatile stock market prices, two of the country's largest business jet manufacturers say they have seen no evidence the bad economic news is causing cancellation of business jet orders. In fact, both Gulfstream Aerospace and Cessna Aircraft saw significant increases in new orders in 2007 and both firms are planning to boost production this year. The combined production of just those two manufacturers is expected to exceed 600 new business jets in 2008.
AS 355N helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2008-0041; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-16-AD] - This proposed AD, which resulted from an MCAI originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency, would require installation of a placard on the overhead instrument panel, immediately below the ammeter, indicating the new load limitation for the starter generator. This proposal was prompted by reports that the power drawn by the starter generators from the engines is above the consumption capacity at altitudes above 3,000 meters.
EMBRAER received a contract from LOT Polish Airlines for 12 Embraer 175 jets. The contract includes options for two more aircraft and purchase rights for another 10. Embraer valued the agreement at $372 million for the firm orders and $744 million, including options and purchase rights. LOT is one of the launch customers for Embraer's E-Jet family of large transport aircraft, beginning with the El70 in 2004. The order will make LOT the largest E-Jets operator in Europe, with a current fleet of 10 E170s and six E175s.
LANDMARK AVIATION/STANDARD AERO this week is launching a new Mobile Service Team (MST) call center to increase accessibility to the company's network of MRO field-service specialists. The MST network provides on-site consultation, line and on-wing troubleshooting and repair services for business aircraft. The MST teams are based in Phoenix, West Palm Beach, Chicago Houston, Denver, Van Nuys and Islip (Long Island). The company said it plans to add more MST locations over time.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S proposal to establish a security program for large private aircraft took a big step backward after the Transportation Security Administration withdrew the proposal from Office of Management and Budget consideration. OMB had been reviewing the proposal for months, and DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff discussed the proposal in November - apparently in an attempt to spur action by OMB and get the rulemaking formally published in the Federal Register (BA, Nov. 12/218).
Cessna Aircraft selected authorized service stations in Wichita, Kan., Las Vegas, Nev. and West Columbia, S.C. to reassemble the company's light-sport SkyCatcher Model 162, the company announced last week during the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo. Eagle Aviation in West Columbia, Yingling Aviation in Wichita, and Southwest Platinum Aviation in North Las Vegas will reassemble SkyCatchers built in China.
RAM AIRCRAFT LP, a Waco, Texas-based aircraft engine overhaul and general aviation support center, was awarded Designated Alteration Station (DAS) status. Founded in 1976, RAM has secured approval for more than 100 Supplemental Type Certificates for engine, airframe and propeller upgrades and more than 800 Parts Manufacturer Approvals. The DAS award enables RAM to implement an efficient system for certifying STCs.
GE AVIATION selected Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly the University of Missouri-Rolla) for a new University Development Center (UDC) to be located in Rolla. "The engineering curriculum and academics at Missouri S&T are complementary to the skill set and requirements within our aerospace programs," said Stuart Mullan, president of the digital systems business of GE Aviation. The new UDC "will create a strong pool of emerging engineers to provide design and development work for our aerospace programs," Mullan said.
EMBRAER received a contract from the Ecuadorian company Petroecuador, Empresa Estatal Petroleos del Ecuador, for one ERJ 145. The contract includes a logistical package for replacement parts, technical support and crew training. Petroecuador will operate the aircraft from Quito to transport about 50,000 employees each year to the company's branches. Petroecuador will take delivery of the 50-seat jet in the second half of 2008.
MOMENTUM of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) programs continues to grow at Cessna Aircraft and Cirrus Design. Cessna now has agreements with three independent service facilities to reassemble the SkyCatcher 162 in the U.S. following initial assembly in China. The Wichita manufacturer also is expected to announce selection of additional vendors for the SkyCatcher this month.
Socata is facing a critical year as the aircraft and aerostructures maker tries to assure its future, ranging from handing over of its first glass-cockpit fitted TBM 850 to potentially launching a new general aviation program. The EADS unit is currently in talks with potential partners to begin work on an eight-or-more-seat aircraft to augment its six-seater TBM 850, says Jean-Michel Leonard, Socata chairman and CEO. "We believe that we have the competence, capability, and credibility on the market to do more" than the TBM 850.
CESSNA AIRCRAFT appointed Touchwood Entertainment Ltd Aviation Academy Raipur to serve as the Wichita manufacturer's first Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) in India. Touchwood is situated on a five-acre complex in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The company ventured into aviation activities in 2004, offering ground handling services for airlines and private aircraft operators. Touchwood began offering flight training in 2007.
Named information services director for the Aircraft Electronics Association. Ward will be responsible for coordinating AEA information on the Web and through other emerging technologies. He previously was a digital engineer for Penton Media in Overland Park, Kan.
AVCORP INDUSTRIES completed its acquisition of the shares of Comtek Advanced Industries Inc. Comtek has invested $7 million to develop a proprietary resin infusion technology that is being used on the Airbus 380 program. Comtek, based in Burlington, Ontario, has 90 employees. Avcorp said the acquisition will give it "expertise in the design and competitive manufacture of advanced composite aerostructures" and provide access to new aerospace markets.
FRENCH MANUFACTURER SOCATA announced a new avionics suite and other upgrades for its hot-selling TBM 850 turboprop and officials said the company is considering building a larger aircraft, possibly a jet. See article below.
Engine maker GE Aviation formed a new General Aviation Operations division to handle products and services from new engines to aftermarket support for the general aviation segments, including products from the GE Honda Aero Engines joint venture. After GE completes its acquisition of Walter Engines, the Czech Republic manufacturer of small turboprops, those engines and services will be covered under the new division as well.
MCKECHNIE AEROSPACE recently acquired American Turbo Systems, a Tucson, Ariz.-based FAA-certified repair station that specializes in work on commercial and military auxiliary power units and manufacturing military ground carts. American Turbo Systems will retain its name and become part of the aftermarket support group of Hartwell Corp., a subsidiary of McKechnie. JLL Partners recently acquired McKechnie for $855.6 million.
EMB-135BJ airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-0129; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-099-AD; Amendment 39-15331; AD 2008-02-01] - Requires operators to check for the presence of cotton adhesive tape used in certain interior furnishings, and replacement of any cotton tape found with new tape, using the procedures outlined in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-25-0080 (dated Oct. 10, 2006).
PC-12, PC-12/45 and PC-12/47 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-0116 Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-082-AD; Amendment 39-15333; AD 2008-02-03] - Check the special bolts that attach the main landing gear retraction actuators and the special bolts that attach the shock absorbers to the main landing gear assemblies to determine if they have serial numbers that start with the letters "AT" or have an "AT" following the numbers. If any such bolts are found, replace them before further flight with new bolts, following the instructions contained in PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD.
THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT has finally given approval for Alenia Aeronautica to take a 25 percent stake in the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), which is developing the Superjet 100 regional aircraft. Alenia now holds just one share above the 25 percent threshold, which gives the Italian company the control it sought. But the special status also required a special decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin because it breaches Russia's foreign ownership limits. With that decree in hand, Alenia also gets to name two of the seven SCAC members.
Adam Aircraft last week laid off more than one-third of its work force and suspended and/or moved certain operations from its plants in Ogden, Utah and Pueblo, Colo., while the company searches for another round of financing and completes the transformation from a start-up development company to a full scale aircraft manufacturer.
HELI-MART, the Costa Mesa, Calif., helicopter parts provider, acquired a majority interest in Phoenix Heliparts of Mesa, Ariz. Heli-Mart said the acquisition will boost its support capabilities for MD Helicopter operators. Heli-Mart provides an inventory of OEM parts and Phoenix Heliparts supports MD helicopters.
