Model 525 (CitationJet 1) airplanes (Docket No. 2000-CE-71-AD; Amendment 39-12099; AD 2001-02-13) - requires replacement of certain direct current (DC) power battery switches. This AD is the result of reports of the potential for a certain eight-pole battery switch to fail during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent this battery switch from failing while the airplane is in flight. This could result in the pilot's inability to select "EMER" power or the inability to disconnect an overheated main ship's battery.
CHRIS ADAMS was promoted to director of product marketing for FlightSafety International. Adams most recently was product marketing manager for FSI's center in Wilmington, Del. Adams will remain in Wilmington as he supports marketing efforts for all of FSI.
David Hurley, the veteran business aviation executive who co-founded Flight Services Group in 1984, was named chief executive of the aviation group of PrivatAir, the Swiss-based company that acquired FSG last year.
A Federal district judge in Los Angeles Tuesday denied a City of Los Angeles motion for dismissal and set a May 1 trial date for a lawsuit that a group of business aviation interests filed challenging a Stage 2 non-addition rule at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in California.
Model EMB-145 and EMB-135 series airplanes (Docket No. 2001-NM-16-AD; Amendment 39-12101; AD 2001-02-51) - publishes AD 2001-02-51 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of of the affected airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires revising the FAA-approved airplane flight manual and installing placards to alert the flight crew to the maximum speed for airplane retrimming after takeoff and during the climb phase. This action is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign airworthiness authority.
BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE received a follow-on order from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) for a Global Express business jet for use as a special mission aircraft. JCAB ordered its first Global Express in November 1999 and that aircraft is undergoing final outfitting at Marshal Aerospace in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The JCAB will use the aircraft for flight inspection and airways calibration.
PPG INDUSTRIES received a contract from Embraer to supply cockpit windows for its ERJ 170 and 190 regional jets. PPG, a risk-sharing partner, is responsible for design of the main windshields and side cockpit windows and system integration into the fuselage. The contract also covers aftermarket support with year-round operational support, including AOG and spares distribution.
AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSOCIATION scheduled its 11th Annual Fly-In and Open House June 2 at its headquarters at Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland. The association's EXPO 2001 will be held Nov. 8-10 at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL received FAA Level D certification for its Learjet 60 simulator installed in the Atlanta learning center. The simulator is FSI's third Learjet 60 simulator and is part of the company's plan to establish Atlanta as a major Learjet training facility. The facility also houses a Learjet 45 simulator and is slated to receive a Learjet 31/31A model in the third quarter of the year. In addition to Atlanta, FSI provides Learjet training in Wichita, Kan., Tucson, Ariz., and West Palm Beach, Fla.
JOHN McCORMICK was named vice president of business development for Executive Jet Management, Inc. McCormick will oversee charter and management sales in the North Central U.S. He previously was director of client services for The Air Group and also has served with Priester Aviation Services.
Model S-76A, S-76B, and S-76C helicopters (Docket No. 2000-SW-61-AD; Amendment 39-12095; AD 2000-23-52) - publishes an emergency AD previously sent to all known U.S. owners and operators of Sikorsky Model S-76A, S-76B, and S-76C helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection of the main rotor shaft assembly. Also required are recurring fluorescent penetrant inspections and visual inspections for any crack.
LLOYD HARDWICK was appointed field service representative for Dassault Falcon Jet. Hardwick will be based in the Atlanta field service office. He has 20 years of experience in corporate aircraft maintenance, most recently as senior aircraft mechanic with BellSouth. He also worked with RJR Nabisco and Sonat, Inc.
Cirrus Design Corp. last week handed over the first of its new SR22 single-piston airplanes to a customer, but the delivery came one day after the Duluth, Minn. manufacturer announced it is temporarily laying off 20 percent of its workers. Cirrus cited problems with integration of its newest aircraft model into the existing production line in its decision to cut 127 positions from its payroll.
CL-604 variant of Model Canadair CL-600-2B16 series airplanes modified in accordance with supplemental type certificate SA8060NM-D, SA8072NM-D, or SA8086NM-D (Docket No. 2000-NM-80-AD; Amendment 39-12089; AD 2001-02-05) - supersedes an existing AD that requires disconnection of the fuel service panel maintenance light. This amendment requires modification of the wiring of the fuel port flood light (which is the name given to the fuel service panel maintenance light in the service bulletin that describes the wiring modification).
PACIFIC AEROSPACE&ELECTRONICS INC., Wenatchee, Wash., "received a commitment letter from an institutional lender, indicating that the lender intends to provide $15 million of financing to the company." Closing of an agreement is anticipated by the end of February. The manufacturer said it plans to use the proceeds "to refinance its existing lines of credit in the U.S. and the U.K. to pay an interest payment on its existing lines of credit in the U.S. and U.K., to pay an interest payment on its outstanding senior subordinated notes that was due Feb.
AUBREY ABDO joined the BE A PILOT program as operations manager. A 1998 honors graduate of Parks College, the aviation college of Saint Louis University, she had been working at a fixed-base operation at the Manassas, Va. Municipal Airport outside Washington, D.C. Abdo will manage day-to-day administrative operations for BE A PILOT, the industry's learn-to-fly promotional program, reporting to Drew Steketee, president and CEO of the organization.
Hal Shevers, an ardent supporter of GA industry learn-to-fly programs, was elected chairman of GA TEAM 2000 and the national BE A PILOT program. Shevers, founder of Sporty's Pilot Shop and chairman of its parent Sportsman's Market, Inc., succeeds Cessna Aircraft Chairman Russ Meyer. "We couldn't have picked a better 2001 chairman for BE A PILOT than Hal," Meyer said. "There's not a man out there who is more committed to general aviation."
Model 369A, H, HE, HM, HS, D, E, FF, and 500N helicopters (Docket No. 2000-SW-63-AD; Amendment 39-12083; AD 2000-25-52) - publishes an emergency AD previously sent to all known U.S. owners and operators of the affected helicopters. This amendment supersedes an existing emergency AD that requires, before further flight, performing a tap inspection on both the upper and lower surfaces of each main rotor blade.
ROLLS-ROYCE appointed Mia Kelly Walton vice president of corporate communications, responsible for North American communications of the company and global communications of Rolls-Royce Energy. She reports to James M. Guyette, president and chief executive of Rolls-Royce North America, Inc. Both are based in Reston, Va. She previously held senior communications posts with General Motors and the American Automobile Manufacturers Association.
Model CN-235, CN-235-100, and CN-235-200 series airplanes (Docket No. 2000-NM-264-AD; Amendment 39-12082; AD 2001-01-12) - requires replacing the upper brackets in Frames 33, 34, and 35, with improved brackets that are more fatigue resistant, and reinforcing Frame 35. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking in the zone of the fittings connecting the fuselage to stiffener rods located in Frames 33, 34, and 35, which could reduce structural integrity of the airplane. The AD is effective Feb. 28. For further information, contact Norman B.
AIR PARTNER formed a new corporate jet network for charter operators who need additional aircraft capacity. Air Partner in the past few months has lined up a range of aircraft from owners who have aircraft available for charter operators with a fleet including Boeing, Gulfstream and Learjet models. "The corporate jet network is a win-win situation for everyone," said Air Partner President Mike Guina. "We're able to put suppliers together with customers who have an immediate need for planes."
Model PC-6 airplanes (Docket No. 99-CE-77-AD; Amendment 39-12088; AD 2001-02-04) - requires, for all Model PC-6 airplanes equipped with a certain stabilizer trim actuator, an inspection of the lower lug of the actuator for cracks, damage, or distortion; verification that the staked bearing is correctly installed in the bore of the lug; and repair of any cracked, damaged, or distorted parts and reassembly of any incorrectly installed staked bearing, as necessary.
