TRISTIENE PICKETT was appointed director of administrative services for TAC Air. Pickett previously served as customer service supervisor at TAC Air’s Knoxville, Tenn., facility, and also has held a number of other commercial and private aviation positions over the last 15 years. In her new role, she is the point of contact for all customer service supervisors’ operations, procedures and policies. She also will steer customer service training and standards throughout all TAC Air operations.
Just more than a year ago, Piper Aircraft was executing a major strengthening of its worldwide dealer network and focusing on its core piston and turboprop product line, dropping its PiperJet program and matching production to forecast deliveries. The effort seems to be paying off in steady growth in sales and deliveries, according to the company’s third-quarter sales and delivery report released last week.
Business jet billings are expected to reach $250 billion over the next 10 years as a growing number of customers gravitate toward long-range, large-cabin models. But 2013 is shaping up as another flat year as lingering market sluggishness continues to hold down deliveries of small and midsized business jets, says Honeywell Aerospace. In its 21st annual Business Aviation Outlook, Honeywell forecasts a market for 10,000 new business jets valued at $250 billion through 2022.
Colbalt Aircraft Industries selected Esterline CMC Electronics’ (CMC) SmartDeck integrated avionics suite for its Co50 five-place, single-engine aircraft. Powered by a 350 hp FADEC-equipped, Continental TSIOF-550-D2B piston engine turning a three-blade pusher propeller, the aircraft is designed to fly at 250 kt. up to 25,000 ft. and have a 1,150-nm range. The SmartDeck system will include two 12-in. primary flight and multifunction displays with dual air data/altitude/heading reference systems (ADAHRS) and WAAS GPS, a third 6.5-in.
JOEL MILLER was named director of properties for TAC Air. Miller has served with TAC Air parent Truman Arnold Companies for nearly 10 years, handling real estate. In his new role, he is shifting focus to TAC Air.
CESSNA Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1052; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-014-AD] – proposes to supersede an existing AD that currently requires an inspection of the engine oil pressure switch and, if applicable, replacement of the engine oil pressure switch. Since FAA issued that AD, FAA has received new reports of internal failure of the engine oil pressure switch, which could result in complete loss of engine oil with consequent partial or complete loss of engine power or fire.
ROBINSON Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with emergency floats [Docket No. FAA-2012-1088; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-005-AD] – proposes to require replacing the inflation valve assembly. The proposed AD is prompted by failure of the emergency floats to deploy during a factory test because a needle was binding within the inflation valve assembly. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the failure of the floats to inflate during an emergency landing. FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 165 helicopters on the U.S.
The number of business jet accidents increased even as traffic numbers remain steady, but the turboprop safety record has dramatically improved this year, according to the latest statistics released by business aviation safety expert Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc.
Hawker Beechcraft continues to weigh outside options for its nearly shuttered jet lines, but is not “marketing” other segments of the company, says Hawker Beechcraft Corp. Chairman Bill Boisture. The company, which on Oct. 18 announced that its proposed $1.79 billion sale to Superior Air Beijing was off, expects to file an amended plan for reorganization that would enable it to move forward as a standalone company owned by its major debt holders.
Gulfstream Aerospace has plans to increase employment at its Brunswick, Ga., facility to support a growing volume of completions work. Completions work includes the design, selection and installation of the cabin interiors. The facility, which currently employs 174 workers, including 90 technicians, designs and installs cabin interiors in its 55,000 sq. ft. of hangar space. The facility serviced more than 100 aircraft in 2011.
JACK PELTON has joined the board of directors for Redbird Flight Simulations. Pelton, the former chairman of Cessna Aircraft, has more than three decades of aviation experience. He also has served with Dornier Aircraft and Douglas Aircraft. He currently serves on the FAA’s Management Advisory Committee, as well as on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Corporate Angel Network.
GIPPSAERO Models GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-1007; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-031-AD] – proposes to require modification of the pitot heat wiring on the left-hand wingtip with a terminal block to prevent loss of heating to the pitot system. The proposal stems from mandatory continuing airworthiness information from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia, which cites reports of burnt electrical connectors leading to the left-hand wingtip pitot heater, which may result in loss of air speed indication.
Monte Mitchell, the former president of the Aircraft Electronics Association and 40-year general aviation industry executive, died Oct. 16 in Lee’s Summit, Mo., following a brief illness. He was 83. Mitchell first served as executive director and then president of AEA from 1977 to 1996. He was awarded the 2007 AEA Lifetime Achievement Award. His career began in 1956 when he joined transponder producer Wilcox Electric, where he remained until the mid-1970s. He then became vice president of marketing for radar altimeter maker Bonzer before joining AEA.
Net orders are slowly picking up for Dassault’s Falcon line, reaching 37 through the first nine months of the year. Dassault values the new orders at €1.598 ($2.08 billion). This compares with net orders (orders after cancellations) of 30 Falcon jets valued at €1.391 billion ($1.81 billion) through the first three quarters of 2011. At the same time, Dassault’s Falcon deliveries increased from 35 in the first three quarters of 2011 to 43 this year.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-1018; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-052-AD; Amendment 39-17204; AD 2012-19-09] – requires visually inspecting the tail rotor hub (TRH) for a crack and removing the TRH if a crack exists. This AD is prompted by reports of cracks on two TRHs. These actions are intended to prevent the tail rotor from jamming, which could lead to reduced or loss of control of the helicopter. FAA estimates that the AD would affect 34 helicopters on the U.S.
Albert Lee Ueltschi, a farm boy who became one of aviation’s giants through his founding and long leadership of FlightSafety International, died Oct. 18. He was 95. “Al was an aviation icon and pioneer,” says FlightSafety CEO Bruce Whitman. “Al’s passion for aviation and significant contributions to safety will be recognized for years to come.”
TERRY PALMER has joined Metro Aviation as director of training. Palmer has 20 years of experience in developing and marketing new aviation training and technology products. In her new role, Palmer will oversee all training activities for Metro’s nearly 250 fixed- and rotary-wing pilots, 250 maintenance technicians and other associated support personnel.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is preparing for a prolonged strike at Bombardier’s Learjet facility in Wichita, approving increased benefits beginning on the third week of the walkout. About 825 of Bombardier’s 3,000-plus workers in Wichita went on strike Oct. 8 after IAM members rejected the company’s five-year contract proposal over health benefits and wage increases.
Pilatus Business Aircraft recently honored ferry pilot Robert Engel for his 200th and final transatlantic delivery flight of a Pilatus PC-12. The flight, which takes 22 hr. over three days, begins at the Pilatus facility in Stans, Switzerland, with stops in Prestiwck, Scotland, Reykjavik, Iceland, Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Iqaluit Nunavit, Thunder Bay Ontario, before reaching Pilatus Business Aircraft in Broomfield, Colo. The Broomfield facility handles all completions work for new aircraft that are destined for customers in North and South America.
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON Model 412 and 412EP helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-1016; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-009-AD] – proposes to establish a lower life limit on certain outer rings, requiring a revision of the retirement life on the components’ history card or equivalent record, and a revision of the maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). This proposal also would prohibit installing these outer rings on any helicopter. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracking in the swashplate outer ring assemblies.
