Elite Simulation Solutions received FAA approval for its Model S623T twin turbine engine rotary-wing trainer. The trainer incorporates a full cockpit with dual-pilot training based on the performance of the twin-turbine Eurocopter AS355. The trainer simulates operation of a fully coupled automatic flight control system, electronic flight information system, Garmin GNS WAAS GPS, radar altimeter, autopilot, Wi-Fi tablet support and optional wheel carriage with retractable gear.
MAULE Models M-4, M-5, M-6, M-7, MT-7, MX-7, MXT-7, and M-8 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0725; Directorate Identifier 98-CE-01-AD; Amendment 39-17690; AD 98-15-18 R1] – revises an AD that applied to certain airplanes equipped with rear wing lift struts, part number (P/N) 2079E, and/or front wing lift struts, P/N 2080E. AD 98-15-18 required repetitively inspecting certain wing lift struts for internal corrosion and replacing of any wing lift strut where corrosion was found.
DASSAULT Model Falcon 10 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0979; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-223-AD; Amendment 39-17697; AD 2013-25-01] – requires a one-time inspection for cracking of the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) inboard flaps, and replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found on the inboard end plate (rib) of the RH inboard flap. FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could lead to complete fracture of the rib and loss of integrity of the flap structure, resulting in loss of control of the airplane.
Honda Aircraft’s customer service facility in Greensboro, N.C., received FAA Part 145 certification. The facility, which opened in October 2013, is initially cleared for component-level repairs. Honda Aircraft expects to expand the approvals to cover heavy aircraft maintenance and major services repairs this year. The facility, located adjacent to Honda Aircraft’s research and development, headquarters and production facilities, is the corporate base for Honda Aircraft’s customer service organization.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0524; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-084-AD; Amendment 39-17696; AD 2013-24-19] – requires visually inspecting each jettisonable emergency exit window panel for sealant, and removing any sealant that exists in the window’s extruded sections. This AD was prompted by jettison tests during routine maintenance inspections that showed the windows failed to jettison.
Landmark Aviation’s facility at Oakland International Airport (OAK) has received clearance as a gateway for business aircraft operators flying to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Operators with approved DCA Access Standard Security Programs (DASSP) can fly direct to DCA from OAK. The approval comes as the Transportation Security Administration has worked to increase the number of gateways and make adjustments to the requirements to increase access of DCA. Even so, with the OAK designation, fewer than 30 FBOs are approved gateways.
After shortlisting 25 proposals from 24 states, the FAA has selected six test sites across the U.S. to conduct civil unmanned aircraft system (UAS) research. Geographic and climatic diversity were key requirements for the selection. The six selected operators are: the University of Alaska, the state of Nevada, New York’s Griffiss International Airport, North Dakota Department of Commerce, Texas A&M University, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Honeywell is projecting 3%-5% organic growth in total 2014 aftermarket sales, driven by a bump in air transport and regional flight hours and continued solid demand for business aviation retrofits, modifications, and upgrades (RMU). The commercial aftermarket accounts for about 10% of Honeywell’s annual revenues, and the air transport segment generates about two-thirds of the aftermarket dollars. But Honeywell expects that a 6%-8% increase in large cabin business jet hours will also help drive growth.
Signature Flight Support completed its acquisition of the assets of Maguire Aviation Group at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in California, effectively tripling its presence at the busy general aviation airport. The acquisition expands Signature’s footprint at VNY to 1.17 million sq. ft. of hangar, ramp, passenger lounge and office space.
Bombardier continues to build up its business jet backlog, closing out 2013 with 30 more orders for its Challenger line and 28 more for its Global business jets, pushing the manufacturer’s total to at least 310 announced business jet orders for the year. Bombardier has not detailed its fourth-quarter orders, so the total yearly number is likely to grow. While it will probably be shy of 2012’s record number of gross orders of close to 400 business aircraft, Bombardier’s total is still well above 2011’s 223 aircraft.
The U.K. Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has begun an investigation into Rolls-Royce’s activities in foreign markets. The company announced on Dec. 23 that a “formal investigation” had been launched by the SFO relating to “bribery and corruption in overseas markets.” The move follows a Dec. 6, 2012 announcement in which the aero-engine manufacturer revealed it had passed details of an internal review to the SFO about allegations of misconduct in Indonesia and China. Several reports in the U.K.
VARIOUS AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH WING LIFT STRUTS [Docket No. FAA-2013-0023; Directorate Identifier 96-CE-072-AD; Amendment 39-17688; AD 99-01-05 R1] – revises AD 99-01-05, which applies to certain Piper, FS 2000/2001/2002/2003 and Laviasa airplanes and which required repetitively inspecting the wing lift struts for corrosion; repetitively inspecting the wing lift strut forks for cracks; replacing any corroded wing lift strut; replacing any cracked wing lift strut fork; and repetitively replacing the wing lift strut forks at a specified time for certain airplanes.
EADS has formally rebranded as Airbus Group, retaining its Airbus commercial aircraft identity and renaming its other two divisions as Airbus Defense and Space, and Airbus Helicopters. Airbus Group is also planning to change its legal status, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, although its organizational structure and operations will remain the same. After the transition, it will be converted from a Naamloze vennootschap (NV) public company to a European company, or Societas Europaea (SE).
China aviation authorities are believed to be in the final stages of their next step in an airspace redesign that could begin to roll out in early 2014. Whether that rollout will further liberalize airspace – as industry leaders hope – remains to be seen. But industry leaders are encouraged by positive indications that China will continue to move to encourage an expansion of general aviation.
BEECHCRAFT Models 1900, 1900C and 1900D airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0753; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-025-AD; Amendment 39-17677; AD 2013-24-03] – requires inspections of the vertical stabilizer spar angles and hat section for cracks with corrective actions as necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the front spar cap angles and hat section structure of the vertical stabilizer. FAA estimates the AD affects 400 airplanes on the U.S.
Duncan Aviation has expanded its helicopter avionics testing capabilities as it sees a steady uptick in business from helicopter operators, the company says. Duncan added three new diagnostic tests to support Northern Airborne Technology (NAT) systems. Duncan has supported NAT avionics for six years.
Flight Safety Foundation Chair-elect Ken Hylander is assuming the additional roles as acting CEO and president when Keven Hiatt steps down to become one of the top safety executives for the International Air Transport Association in February. Hylander recently retired as senior vice president of safety, security and compliance at Delta Air Lines. In addition, Bill Bozin, who recently retired as vice president of safety and technical affairs at Airbus Americas, will become acting COO.
Jan. 14-17—National Business Aviation Association Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, New Orleans, La., www.nbaa.org Jan. 21-22—MRO Latin America, Windsor Atlantica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, www.aviationweek.com/events Jan. 30—National Business Aviation Association Regional Forum, Signature Flight Support, Boca Raton Airport, Boca Raton, Fla., www.nbaa.org Feb. 4-6—MRO Middle East, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE, www.aviationweek.com/events
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is mulling over the recommendations of an international working group that would permit commercially-operated single-turbine aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions (SET-IMC), and is expected to release a formal proposed rulemaking in the next several months.
Lawmakers are returning from the holiday break this month with more budget certainty than in the past several years. But for the general aviation industry, it is only a temporary reprieve, and many questions remain about decisions that lie ahead. Congressional passage of the so-called Ryan-Murray two-year budget deal is designed to avert another costly government shutdown through a framework of smaller cuts and tax increases. The deal came as welcome news to a general aviation industry that suffered under the October shutdown.
FAA is holding off on its plan to require pilots and controllers with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more to undergo obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening, a move widely welcomed by aviation industry groups last week.
James Coon, who has served as executive vice president for the National Air Transportation Association for the past year, is joining the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as senior vice president of government affairs and advocacy. Coon brings a strong background on Capitol Hill, including serving as staff director for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and majority staff director for the House aviation subcommittee. In his new role, Coon will manage the association’s advocacy team on a range of Washington issues.
