P-180 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27532; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-021-AD] - This proposed supplemental rulemaking would require inspection of the fuselage drain holes and the passenger evaporator drain line for proper operation. Any necessary corrective actions would need to be done in accordance with the instructions of Piaggio's mandatory service bulletin SB-80-0220 (dated August 8, 2006). Also, the proposed AD would mandate revision of the relevant sections of the aircraft maintenance manual to include new maintenance procedures.
PROGRESS on an FAA reauthorization bill appears to have slowed since Congress provided a seven-week extension for the agency authorization and aviation taxes, which originally were due to expire Sept. 30 (BA, Oct. 8/162). Congress included the extension as part of a comprehensive continuing resolution that keeps the federal government operating under fiscal 2007 funding levels through Nov. 16. An FAA reauthorization and taxes package passed the House in September, but a similar bill is not yet ready for the Senate floor.
The number of accidents involving U.S.-registered, turbine-powered business aircraft through the end of the third quarter declined, compared with the first nine months of 2006, according to Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla.
Appointed senior vice president, business development for Executive Jet Management (EJM). Gennari formerly spent six years as vice president for sales, responsible for EJM's charter sales in the New York metropolitan region. Before joining EJM, Gennari had 15 years of experience in sales and client relations positions with various charter organizations.
PREMIER/WEST STAR changed its name to West Star Aviation, Inc., a move the company said would "better represent the combined capability, talents and expertise that the company provides." Premier/West Star formed in late 2004 after Premier Air Center, a maintenance and repair facility based at St. Louis Regional Airport in East Alton, Ill., acquired West Star Aviation in Grand Junction, Colo. and its Surplus Avionics division in Hiawatha, Iowa. The company since added Jet Aviation's maintenance, repair and overhaul services at Dallas Love Field.
PLANECHARTERING LTD. is acquiring Avtech, an aircraft maintenance shop based at London Biggin Hill Airport in the United Kingdom, and private jet operator Club328, based at Southampton Airport in central southern U.K. As part of the deal, Club328 will move from its Southampton base to London Biggin Hill. Club328 CEO Elaine Young will continue in her current role. PlaneChartering owner Paul Crowther will become group CEO in charge of PlaneChartering's sales team and Avtech.
LOUISE MAILLETT, senior counsel to the FAA Administrator, is retiring Nov. 1 after nearly 20 years with the agency. Maillett has held a number of senior roles during her career with FAA, including deputy assistant administrator and then acting assistant administrator for policy, plans and international aviation. She also was director of FAA's Office of Environment and Energy and FAA assistant chief counsel for international affairs. The agency credited her for work involving complex domestic and international efforts.
To U.S. Customs and Border Protection: 1. Require GA-ASI to modify the UAS to ensure that inadvertent engine shutdowns do not occur. 2. Require GA-ASI to modify the UAS to provide adequate visual and aural indications of safety-critical faults, such as engine-out conditions and console lockups, and present them in order of priority, based on the urgency for pilot awareness and response.
EMB-135BJ airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-28909; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-135-AD; Amendment 39-15230; AD 2007-21-12] - Using the procedures found in Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG-28-0016, Revision 01 (dated June 27, 2005), install heat-shrinkable sleeves on the inspection and refueling panel illumination lights wiring. Also, install nipples on the terminal lugs to protect the wire terminals. The FAA estimates that this AD will affect eight aircraft on the U.S. Registry and will cost U.S. operators a total of $4,096, or $512 per airplane.
PC-12, PC-12/45 and PC-12/47 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-29217; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-075-AD; Amendment 39-15229; AD 2007-21-11] - Requires a configuration check and inspection of the pipe/hose assemblies for chafing and distortion. If any damage to the assemblies is found, before further flight, replace them in accordance with the instructions of Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 71-007 (dated August 21, 2007). Even if no damage is found, replace the hose/pipe assemblies within six months.
THE U.S. COAST GUARD is among a growing list of government and private sector organizations planning to use unmanned aerial vehicles, but the National Transportation Safety Board has some serious concerns about the use of UAVs in domestic U.S. airspace. See articles below.
Model S10-VT gliders [Docket No. FAA-2007-28958; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-070-AD; Amendment 39-15227; AD 2007-21-09] - For all aircraft with a type 11AB-K01 fuel-pressure sensor installed, amend the "Limitations" section of the flight manual to require daily inspection of the installed sensor for any signs of leakage. If any fuel leakage is found, repair any damage before further flight and replace the type 11AB-K01 sensor with a new type 11AB-KD sensor. Eventually replace all old sensors with new ones.
PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA Customer Service Center Europe GmbH signed a fleet management program contract under which it will maintain PW206C and PW207C engines that power helicopters operated by Sloane Helicopters, Ltd. The customer care center, located in Duxford, England, is a joint venture of the Canadian engine manufacturer and MTU of Germany.
Cessna Aircraft signed an agreement with German diesel engine manufacturer Thielert Aircraft Co. under which the Wichita, Kan. aircraft manufacturer will begin offering diesel-powered Skyhawk 172S airplanes in the middle of 2008.
EPIC AIRCRAFT expects to "immediately benefit" from the relationships that Indian billionaire Dr. Vijay Mallya - who recently purchased "a significant interest" in the Oregon-based general aviation manufacturer - has with other aviation companies such as Airbus and Pratt & Whitney. Press reports suggest Mallya, who owns and operates India's Kingfisher Airlines, may have injected several hundred million dollars in Epic Aircraft. However, the privately held U.S.
Was named executive vice president of non-dues revenue for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Sterling will oversee revenues from publication advertising and association services. In addition, he is responsible for the AOPA Expo annual convention and the AOPA Fly-In and Open House. Before joining AOPA, Sterling was executive vice president and general manager of the AOPA Insurance Agency and senior vice president of Aon Aviation. He also has served in airport management with the City of Meadville, Pa., and as a senior underwriter with Global Aerospace.
STG AEROSPACE secured patents for its new emergency lighting management systems WEPPS (Wireless Emergency Primary Power System). The system is designed to reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for scheduled maintenance, STG said. WEPPS includes a built-in wireless monitoring and diagnostic capability that removes the need for daily inspection of cabin emergency lights.
FOKKER SERVICES is completing its first Airbus A318 at the company's Woensdrecht facility in the Netherlands. The green aircraft, destined for an undisclosed operator in the Middle East, recently was delivered from the Airbus factory in Hamburg, Germany and is scheduled to be finished by mid-2008. Previously, Fokker Services outfitted an Airbus ACJ for the Austrian company Stumpf AG.
Model 390 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-28068; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-043-AD; Amendment 39-15217; AD 2007-20-07] - Requires inspection of the starter-generator to determine if the part is improperly shimmed and replace any improperly shimmed starter-generator with a properly shimmed one. The FAA issued this AD to prevent improperly shimmed starter-generators from failing prematurely, which could increase the chances of dual starter-generator failure on the same flight. The FAA says that this AD affects 105 airplanes on the U.S. Registry.
INNOTECH AVIATION has added 35 designers and engineers to its facility in Montreal to meet growing demand for its business jet completion, refurbishment and maintenance services. The company also has made additional investments in capital equipment and software. Innotech specializes in completions and providing major service for Bombardier Global and Challenger aircraft, and is designated by the manufacturer as a preferred completion center and authorized service facility for those aircraft types.
Alpha Flying Inc.'s fractional ownership program PlaneSense has ordered 25 Grob spn light jets. Delivery of the first Williams FJ44-3A-powered aircraft to PlaneSense, which serves the Eastern U.S., is anticipated toward the end of 2008.
