BOMBARDIER Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0833; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-140-AD; Amendment 39-17615; AD 2013-20-09] – requires replacing the panel assembly of the main distribution center (MDC) rack. This AD was prompted by findings of chafed power wires due to flexing of the MDC rack panel. FAA is issuing this AD to prevent damage to power wires, which could cause simultaneous loss of systems such as electrical power, pilot indications, and caution/advisory lighting systems, which are essential for safe flight.
The National Business Aviation Association, continuing its effort to raise the visibility and underscore the importance of business aviation, is highlighting the key role the industry plays in global marketplaces with a new study that finds most top global companies rely on business aircraft.
Dallas Aeronautical Services (DAS) broke ground on a new 50,000-sq.-ft. facility in Cedar Hill, Texas that will enable the company to consolidate operations currently spread among five separate buildings. Completion of the new facility is slated for early 2014. The facility will accommodate DAS’s aircraft component work and include two autoclaves, custom paint center and a range of testing facilities. In addition, the company’s Brazil operation is expanding into a new facility in Sao Jose do Campos, Brazil in the first half of 2014.
Business jet billings are surging ahead on the strength of large-cabin business jet deliveries, but ongoing delivery woes at the light end of the market continue to temper overall business jet shipments. Industry billings for the first nine months have reached $15.4 billion, nearly one-quarter more than the $12.4 billion in billings a year ago, according to the latest report from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. This is despite a 2.1% decline in business jet shipments from a year ago.
Beechcraft received a follow-on order from the Mexican air force (FAM) for six T-6C+ military trainers. The order doubles the original order for six T-6C+ aircraft that FAM placed in January 2012. The order calls for the trainers to be delivered later this year after the necessary export licenses are obtained. The trainers will replace FAM’s aging PC-7 fleet.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0872; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-012-AD] – proposes to require inspecting the turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack, and depending on the results, either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle for corrosion. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a turnbuckle had failed because of corrosion.
Eyeing difficult budget negotiations and the prospect of more sequestration cuts, a dozen aviation organizations are urging lawmakers to ensure that the contract tower program receives adequate funding and is shielded from potential dismantling. The organizations, representing airports, local communities, business aviation, airlines and other interests, wrote the House and Senate Appropriations Committees endorsing language that dedicates $140 million in funding to the contract tower program.
The city of McKinney, Texas, took over operations, including a new city-run fixed-base operation, at Collins County Regional Airport. McKinney Air Center will provide fuel, ground services and a range of amenities for aircraft at the airport and will be headed by Mark Jaraczewki, who brings 20 years of experience as an FBO general manager. McKinney says the move is designed to spur economic development.
Embraer is planning to more than double its footprint in Melbourne, Fla., as it expands its business jet operations there to include assembly of its new Legacy 500 and 450 business jets.
Flexjet, which just increased its order for Bombardier business jets to up to $5.6 billion in Learjets and Challengers, next will consider adding a large, long-range aircraft to its fleet. That aircraft, though, may or may not be a Bombardier product.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0826; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD] – proposes to prohibit use of the hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the hoist cable from jamming and subsequent cable failure, which could result in injury and damage to the helicopter.
JOHN WASMUND has joined Constant Aviation as avionics sales manager. Wasmund has 15 years of avionics experience, formerly serving as an avionics sales manager for Hawker Beechcraft. In that role he worked with customers on avionics upgrades.
JOHN KEARNS was appointed regional sales director for the Central and West Texas region for Beechcraft. Kearns formerly spent 15 years with Tulsa Beechcraft and is a former Beechcraft sales distributor in Tulsa.
Embraer is hoping to capture market share in the VVIP category from Boeing and Airbus with the rollout of the Lineage 1000E. The unveiling of the next iteration of Embraer’s largest business jet was coupled last week during NBAA 2013 with announced refinements and upgrades for its Legacy 450 and 500 aircraft still under development.
AGUSTAWESTLAND Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2013-0640; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-016-AD; Amendment 39-17517; AD 2013-15-01] – requires deactivating the Full Icing Protection System (FIPS) and installing a placard next to the FIPS controller stating that flight into known icing is prohibited. This AD is prompted by a report of a fire in the aft avionics bay and the baggage compartment resulting from an Auto Transformer Rectifier Unit internal circuit overload.
Blackhawk Modifications is nearing certification for a combined package of Wipline amphibious floats and the Blackhawk XP42A engine upgrade. Blackhawk is hoping to secure a supplemental type certificate in the first quarter of 2014. The upgrade involves installation of an 850-shp Pratt& Whitney PT6A-42A engine. The package also involved a new propeller, composite cowling and high-efficiency inlet duct, 40% larger oil cooler, DigiLog engine gauges and new exhaust stacks.
ROBERT (BOB) KROMER has joined Blackhawk Modifications as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Kromer has more than 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience in the business aviation industry. He has held executive positions with companies including Cessna Aircraft, Aero Design, Sino-Swearingen, Mooney Aircraft, Piper Aircraft and SimCom Training Centers.
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and Beechcraft are combining forces to forge a total tip-to-tail airframe and propulsion support package for the potential fleet of up to 100-plus King Air 350i aircraft ordered by start-up charter and business aircraft services company Wheels Up.
While not yet certifed, Eclipsed became the second OEM to hold a cermonial delivery pending final certification. Bombardier also hosted ceremonial deliveries of its Learjet 75 this month after the government shutdown pushed off FAA certification.
Despite changes within the Transportation Security Administration that have left the agency without a permanent General Aviation Branch manager, Administrator John Pistole pledged to continue to work with industry on initiatives to improve access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
The Wichita Aero Club is presenting the Wichita Aero Club Trophy to former Cessna Chairman Russ Meyer. The trophy will be presented during its annual Trophy Gala Jan. 25 in Wichita. Meyer spent more than 25 years with Cessna and 40 years in the general aviation industry. While at Cessna, the manufacturer built and delivered more business jet than any other manufacturer, and launched numerous aircraft lines, including the CitationJet series.
BOMBARDIER Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2013-0835; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-095-AD] – proposes to require accomplishing modifications to the fuel system results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. FAA is proposing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. FAA estimates that this proposal affects 94 aircraft on the U.S.
Beechcraft named Kalamazoo Aircraft in Kalamazoo, Mich., as an authorized service center for its Baron and Bonanza aircraft lines. Kalamazoo Aircraft, a family-owned and operated business, has hosted a number of American Bonanza Society Service Clinics since its founding in 1995. Based at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, the facility provides a range of maintenance, repair and overhaul service on single and light twin-engine aircraft. Separately, Beechcraft’s Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) was named a distributor for Sherwin-Williams aerospace coatings.
