AIR TRACTOR AT-400, AT-500, and AT-800 series airplanes (Docket No. 2001-CE-36-AD) - proposes to supersede AD 2001-10-04 R1, which lowered the safe life for the wing lower spar cap on certain Air Tractor, Inc. AT-400, AT-500, and AT-800 series airplanes. AD 2001-10-04 R1 resulted from numerous reports of cracks in the 3/8-inch bolthole of the wing lower spar cap on the affected airplanes.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION Friday released the latest version of its Operational Evolution Plan (OEP), the long-term outline for incrementally modernizing the national airspace system (BA, June 11/289). Little had changed since release of the first version in June, except for a few schedule slips in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. "The events of Sept. 11 have impacted some timelines but not our blueprint for change," FAA Administrator Jane Garvey said.
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes (Docket No. 2001-CE-07-AD) - proposes to require replacement of the metered connector and oxygen tubing and related components in the rear seat bench. This proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland.
DORNIER LUFTFAHRT Model 228-212 airplanes (Docket No. 2001-CE-29-AD; Amendment 39-12562; AD 2001-25-09) - requires inspection of the brake housing subassembly for cracks, nicks, or corrosion. This AD also requires replacement of damaged brake housing assemblies and modification of the torque take-out cavity. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany.
THE OEP calls for moving forward with reduced vertical separation minimums over domestic airspace at high altitudes by the end of 2004. FAA still expects to release a proposal in April outlining its plan to eventually reduce vertical separation between aircraft from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet between Flight Levels 290 and 390. General aviation groups have urged FAA initially to begin with FL350-FL390 and gradually phase in other altitude blocks. FAA is considering that implementation, but may propose limited RVSM below FL350.
DUNCAN AVIATION'S Mike Witmer was awarded Structures Designated Engineering Representative authorization from the Wichita, Kan. FAA Aircraft Certification Office. The authorization allows Witmer to approve engineering technical data within the limits of FAA Form 8110-3 and witness FAA compliance tests and inspections.
Raytheon got the go-ahead from the U.S. military last week to produce Lots 9 through 13 of the T-6A Texan II primary trainer aircraft - a deal with a $1.22 billion potential value. The one-year contract with four one-year options is Raytheon Aircraft's largest military deal to date and will cover production for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System aircraft and related ground-based training devices through 2006.
EUROCOPTER France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters (Docket No. 99-SW-78-AD; Amendment 39-12560; AD 2001-25-07) - supersedes an existing AD that applies to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters. That AD requires conducting a filter clogging warning test, and, if necessary, replacing a jammed valve with an airworthy valve.
The Department of Transportation exempted most on-demand air charters and some smaller air carriers from a mandate to collect a $2.50 fee from passengers to defray the cost of increased security services. DOT's newly formed Transportation Security Administration last week issued an interim rule that requires air carrier passengers to pay the $2.50 fee, but included only those passengers who travel on planes with more than 60 seats and those who board planes from a "sterile area." Sterile areas are those that require passengers to go through security checkpoints.
LEE AIR is supplying the auxiliary roll trim controller for Raytheon Aircraft's Premier I business jet. The company said it developed and delivered the first conforming unit within 25 days of the initial requirement notification, earning it the permanent contract. Founded in 1981, the Wichita firm designs and produces electronic controllers and accessories for corporate and regional aircraft.
A production model URET (User Request Evaluation Tool), the last major part of the Free Flight Phase 1 program, went into daily use last month at the Kansas City en route traffic control center 21 weeks early. John Thornton, program manager for FAA, said URET will aid controllers in granting pilot requests to fly more direct routes or to use different altitudes. The controller punches in the request and the proposed route or altitude flashes green or red. The controller is immediately advised if the request is safe.
UAL fractional start-up Avolar confirmed a deal with Gulfstream for up to 67 Gulfstream 200 (formerly Galaxy) business jets that Gulfstream parent General Dynamics announced when it released its third quarter financial results in October. The agreement includes firm orders for 24 G200s, options for 43 more and a long-term maintenance agreement, which have a potential value of more than $2 billion. Deliveries of the aircraft are slated to begin in 2002 and continue through 2007. The Avolar order is the second large order for the G200.
CESSNA this month expects to receive reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) certification for the Citation I, joining the Citation V, S/II and II, which already have won RVSM clearance. The approval allows the aircraft to operate in RVSM airspace, where aircraft must maintain 1,000-foot vertical separation instead of the 2,000-foot standard. Aircraft must undergo lengthy and stringent certification trials and meet certain equipment standards before obtaining RVSM approval.
Docket No.: FAA-2001-10469 Section of 14 CFR Affected: 14 CFR Sec. 145.45(f) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit United to make available to all of its supervisory and inspection personnel one copy of its repair inspection procedures manual, rather than giving a copy of the manual to each of these individuals. Grant, 10/24/2001, Exemption No. 6393C
Summary: Pursuant to FAA's rulemaking provisions governing the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption Part 11 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this notice contains a summary of certain petitions seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities.
THOMAS BOSSHARD was promoted to chief operating officer of Pilatus Business Aircraft. He will oversee completion, delivery, product support and modification of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for the North and South American markets. Bosshard joined Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland in 1993 and has 14 years' experience in the aircraft industry.
Despite economic concerns and flight reductions that are holding down passenger traffic on the scheduled airlines, the outlook for business aviation continues to very bullish, according to two recently updated industry forecasts.
AVOLAR OFFICIALS were pleased with the turnout at its "vendor partnerships" meeting during the NBAA convention in New Orleans last month. The session attracted some 120 representatives of fixed-base operators, charter providers, limousine operators and catering companies, among others who expressed interest in doing business with the new fractional aircraft provider.
MIKE FAHEY was named regional vice president for Asia, Africa and the Middle East at Bombardier. He is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and is responsible for the marketing and sales of Bombardier business jets in the regions. Fahey has worked for Bombardier since 1981 and was most recently vice president, international sales for Bombardier Learjet 31A, Learjet 45, Learjet 60 and the Continental.
Flight Options and Raytheon signed an agreement last week under which the Cleveland, Ohio-based Flight Options will merge the Raytheon Travel Air (RTA) fractional aircraft program into its own fractional operation, making the combined entity the second largest fractional provider in the fastest growing segment of the business aviation market.
PILATUS won a supplemental type certificate to install Honeywell's integrated Hazard Avoidance System on Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The system integrates four safety systems for position awareness, weather avoidance, traffic advisories and terrain warnings and displays the information on the KMD 850 multifunction display.
ENSTROM Helicopter Corporation Model TH-28 and 480 helicopters (Docket No. 2001-SW-27-AD; Amendment 39-12554; AD 2001-25-02) - requires establishing a life limit for certain upper and lower main rotor hub plates of 5,000 hours time-in-service (TIS), creating a component history card or equivalent record, and replacing each main rotor hub plate having 5,000 or more hours TIS with an airworthy hub plate. This AD is prompted by a recent reliability-based stress analysis that indicates a 5,000-hour TIS life limit should be imposed on certain hub plates.
JOSEPH VREEMAN was appointed vice president and general manager for BAE Systems' new commercial aircraft modification, maintenance and repair facility in Victorville, Calif. He was most recently senior vice president of customer support at Fairchild Dornier in San Antonio, Texas and also was previously vice president of engineering, inspection and quality assurance at Northwest Airlines.
PRATT&WHITNEY CANADA CORP. named Taxi Aero Marilia S/A (TAM) of Sao Paulo, Brazil as a recognized maintenance facility for its PT6 and JT15D engine models.
BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE plans to introduce a Global Express business jet into service with its Flexjet fractional aircraft ownership program early this year. The company also is launching a new ownership scheme for the large, long-range aircraft that departs from the traditional Flexjet arrangement. Global Express shareholders will be able to use the aircraft for a set number of days per year, instead of hours per year. A one-eighth share will provide a maximum of 30 days or 125 hours, while a one-half share would give the owners 120 days.
