Delays to the CSeries narrowbody airliner have not yet had a major impact on Bombardier’s business jet programs, from flight testing of the Learjet 85 to development of the Global 7000/8000. Entry into service for the CSeries has slipped to the second half of 2015, from mid-2014, increasing the overlap within the company’s engineering organization, which is also developing the Global 7000 and 8000 for service entry in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0826; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD; Amendment 39-17788; AD 2014-05-15] – prohibits use of the hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This AD was prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea.
The Experimental Aircraft Association settled its dispute with FAA over air traffic control (ATC) charges assessed for services during last year’s annual AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, Wis., signing a “reimbursable agreement” under which the association will continue to reimburse FAA for the services at actual costs.
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0554; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-009-AD; Amendment 39-17774; AD 2014-05-01] – requires analyzing the main gearbox (MGB) oil for indications of metal chips or pieces, reviewing the MGB log or equivalent record, and inspecting certain teeth in the MGB after two chip indications. This AD was prompted by a partial tooth rupture found in an MGB that was returned to the manufacturer for repairs.
Satcom Direct received European Aviation Safety Agency approval, along with FAA and Transport Canada validation for its Satcom Direct Router (SDR) aboard Global 5000 and Global XRS aircraft. The SDR is part of a package that upgrades the Rockwell Collins SAT-6100/-2100 single-channel Satcom Swift64 to single channel Swift Broadband with the Satcom Direct SDR Wi-Fi Router. The SDR is Satcom Direct’s first certified hardware and enables multiple systems to operate on aircraft without additional wireless access points. The company is shipping the units to dealers in the U.S.
Initial indications of first-quarter results are spurring confidence that the business jet market is finally improving, says analyst RBC Europe Limited. Textron shares are up as it closed on its acquisition of Beechcraft. But other business aviation manufacturers, including Gulfstream and Rockwell Collins, have also enjoyed share gains recently. “Having been buoyed by some improved commentary in 1Q earnings, investors appear to have crossed an invisible threshold between being skeptical and now believing that we are finally seeing a business jet recovery,” RBC says.
Aircell has developed a new inflight communications system for business aircraft that combines voice, narrowband data and cockpit data link services into a single unit. The ST 4300, which provides global coverage, is available with one, two or three Iridium voice/narrowband data channels, plus one dedicated Iridium data channel. It enables business aircraft to tailor the cabin and flight deck communications to their specific needs. Aircell expects the ST 4300 will be eligible for Future Air Navigation System (FANS) certification. Shipments are slated to begin in June.
BRIAN MOORE was promoted to assistant manager of FlightSafety International’s Cessna learning center in Wichita. Moore has 24 years of experience with FlightSafety, joining the company in 1990 as an instructor at the Hawker Beechcraft Learning Center. He has since held positions of increasing responsibility and most recently was FlightSafety’s relationship manager with Beechcraft.
KEITH BENNETT has rejoined PAS Technologies as director of business development. Based in Kansas City, Mo., Bennett will steer business development strategies in the commercial aerospace and oil and gas segments. He first joined PAS Technologies in 1995, holding sales and operational management positions. He later served with Firth Rixson and most recently oversaw business development for OEM aviation and energy markets for Southwest United Industries. He began his career in 1987 as a senior design engineer for Pratt & Whitney.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0872; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-012-AD; Amendment 39-17784; AD 2014-05-11] – requires inspecting the turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack, and depending on the results, either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle for corrosion. This AD was prompted by a report that a turnbuckle had failed because of corrosion.
The market for business and general aviation avionics grew by single digits in 2013, with sales topping $2.4 billion, according to the Aircraft Electronics Association’s (AEA) year-end avionics market report. Sales for the year reached $2.429 billion, compared with $2.229 billion in 2012. In addition to a slight improvement in the market, the 9% increase reflects more companies participating in the AEA survey, which was first reported for 2012. Comparing the same participating companies, sales grew 6.9% from 2012 to 2013.
Dassault Falcon rolled out a revamped Regional Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Seminars program that will encompass nine cities on three continents. The seminar series has grown over the years as the Falcon fleet has surpassed the 2,000 aircraft mark with more than 1,200 operators. The format was expanded to a two-day event that will provide access to Dassault specialists, engineering teams, pilots, authorized service center representatives and suppliers. The seminars will cover both operational and technical issues. The series begins in Paris April 1-2.
Landmark Aviation is entering the Atlantic City, N.J., market with the acquisition of Midlantic Jet Aviation. The agreement, the latest in a string of acquisitions, includes both the Midlantic Jet Aviation fixed-base operation and the Midlantic Jet Charters, based at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey.
BRIAN ANDREWS has joined Duncan Aviation’s airframe service sales team, focusing on providing technical sales support for Embraer clients. He joined Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Mich., facility in 1998 as an airframe technician and in 2007 became a project manager, working with customers and service areas to ensure aircraft projects remained on time and on budget.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), furthering its initiative to foster the pilot population through the support of flying clubs, released a new guide on starting the clubs. AOPA’s Guide to Starting a Flying Club covers important aspects that must be considered when starting a club. Topics range from choosing the right aircraft to insurance considerations. The guide also includes resources such as sample operating rules and aircraft lease agreements. The guide can be downloaded from AOPA’s website.
AGUSTA Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2014-0109; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-049-AD; Amendment 39-17772; AD 2014-04-13] – requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) blade for a crack, corrosion, nick, scratch, dent, or other damage and replacing or repairing the blade, depending on the damage. This AD is prompted by reports of T/R blade failures caused by fatigue cracking that originated from surface damage. These actions are intended to prevent failure of the T/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
328 SUPPORT SERVICES Model 328-100 and 328-300 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0702; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-181-AD; Amendment 39-17753; AD 2014-03-15] – supersedes AD 2008-14-16, which requires installing warning placards on the inside of the passenger door and service doors and modifying the hinge supports and support struts of the passenger doors.
Eclipse Aerospace formally returned the Eclipse very light jet to market with the first delivery of the new Eclipse 550 on March 12. Eclipse handed over the first Eclipse 550 to a Louisiana-based businessman in the energy business after receiving the last of the requisite FAA approvals on Feb. 28. The second 550 was set for delivery March 13 to a customer based in South America.
Beechcraft Corp., hoping to capitalize on a growing market for its flagship King Air 350i turboprop in India, is expanding its presence there with a new office, additional staff and a new sales representative. Beechcraft last month opened an office in New Delhi and appointed John Williams to the new position of India county director. Reghu Raman was further named field service representative. In addition, the company recently appointed Arrow Aircraft Sales and Charters Private Limited as its exclusive sales representative for India.
ALPHA AVIATION Model 2160 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2014-0130; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-005-AD] – proposes to require a one-time inspection of the ignition switch to determine if a metal screen shield is installed, and depending on findings, to modify or replace the ignition switch with a serviceable part. The AD further prohibits the installation of a metal screen shield ignition switch on any aircraft. The AD stems from an investigation of a accident involving the affected model.
Gama Aviation received U.K. Civil Aviation Authority clearance for its flight crewmembers of G-registered aircraft to use iPads for flight planning. Gama Aviation has moved 12 of its airplanes to electronic flight bag technology and trained 22 pilots for its use. The iPads provide access to Airwatch Secure Content Locker, a cloud-based library publication system, and the Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck e-chart application.
While the vast majority of all aircraft accidents still occur in the landing phase, research shows that nearly all pilots who fly professionally ignore company policies regarding go-around procedures. Why pilots ignore the policies and decide to land is lesser known. But William Curtis of Canadian research firm Presage says, “No other single decision can have such an impact on the industry accident rate.”
SCOTT TUCKER was named business development manager for Keystone Aviation. Tucker will be based in Salt Lake City, working with local and national prospects for the charter and management business. He has more than 10 years of business-to-business relationship experience working in the telecommunications and petroleum industries.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lose one of its longest-sitting members with the departure of Chairman Deborah Hersman on April 25. Hersman announced March 11 that she is leaving to become president of the National Safety Council. Hersman was appointed to the safety board as a member in 2004, filling the slot vacated by John Goglia, and became chairman in 2009. In a low-profile agency that in the past frequently grappled with board vacancies, fewer than a handful of people have served a decade or longer.
