Industry groups are hoping to step up pressure on lawmakers to take action on a longer-term FAA reauthorization bill, even though many lobbyists predict another short-term extension is in the near future. Twenty-six associations have written the Senate urging action on reauthorization. “The legislative process for enacting a long-term reauthorization has been dragging on for four years,” the associations say, and note the current extension expires at month’s end.
Mid-Continent Instruments was awarded an approved model list supplemental type certificate (AML STC) for its MD835 lithium emergency power supply. Approval marks the first lithium nanophosphate battery to receive FAA clearance for use in Part 23 aircraft. The AML STC covers a list of 30 aircraft, including various Beechcraft King Air, Beech 1900, Beechcraft Premier and Cessna Citation models.
Interactive 3D moving maps are now available for integration on Rockwell Collins Airshow inflight entertainment systems for airliners, an industry first, the manufacturer says. Similar to previous generation Airshow moving maps, the new 3D version is highly customizable and offers functionality such as custom branding. The new 3D maps utilize NASA’s Blue Marble map data with proprietary image enhancements to deliver “unparalleled 3D graphical realism.”
THOMAS VENARGE was promoted to president of APV Engineered Coatings in Akron, Ohio. Venarge had served as the vice president of manufacturing for the company since 2004. He also had been plant manager since 1999. Founded in 1878, APV produces high-temperature coatings, inspection markers, lubricants, release agents, caulks and sealants and adhesives, among other products, for a range of industries, including aerospace.
A bonus depreciation extension took a significant step forward with last week’s Senate passage of the Small Business Lending Funding Act of 2010. The bill, H.R. 5297, which includes the bonus depreciation measure along with a range of small business assistance and tax incentives, was adopted by a 61-32 vote Sept. 16 after Democrats were able to overcome Republican opposition. H.R. 5297 next must return to the House, which is widely expected to pass the bill. House action could come this week.
FAA has revoked Phoenix Heliparts’ Part 145 repair station certificate for failure to comply with recommendations stemming from an August 2008 inspection that uncovered maintenance problems and recordkeeping lapses. The company’s mechanics did not follow repair station and quality control manuals when repairing aircraft, and they used incorrect parts, the agency says. FAA also cites at least four instances of falsified maintenance record entries.
EMBRAER ERJ 170 and ERJ 190-100 LR, -100 IGW, -100 STD, -200 STD, -200 LR and -200 IGW airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2009-0497; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-019-AD; Amendment 39-16417; AD 2010-18-04] – Conduct a detailed visual inspection for cracking of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) machined support. Replace the support with a new part if any cracks are found, and reinforce or replace the support if no cracks are found.
Atlantic Aero of Greenwich AeroGroup Inc. has expanded its Falcon Jet services to include Falcon 900 and 2000 business aircraft. The company already has secured facilities, tooling, technical data and experienced personnel for the expansion efforts, officials note. Atlantic Aero has been serving Falcon 10, 20 and 50 owners for more than 10 years. The expansion into the 900 and 2000 fleet includes the addition of a 23,660-sq.-ft. hangar to Atlantic Aero’s aircraft maintenance campus capable of housing up to ultra-long-range business jets.
Hawke Capital Partners, a private equity investor focused on helicopters, has acquired the assets of Aviation Services Unlimited at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, N.Y. At the same time, Hawke recapitalized charter and maintenance firm Uniflight. The Aviation Services facility in Rome will become the third location in Uniflight’s maintenance, repair and overhaul business. In addition, Aviation Services Unlimited will act as a sister company to Uniflight’s Part 135 and 133 flight services, targeting the utility and power industry, law enforcement and other sectors.
ATR is confident that deliveries of its turboprop airliner family will break well into four figures after handing over the 900th aircraft to Brazil’s TRIP Linhas Aereas at a ceremony in Toulouse, France, on Sept. 9. The landmark aircraft, an ATR 72-500, is TRIP’s 30th ATR. ATR’s 900th delivery comes two years after the EADS/Alenia Aeronautica joint-venture shipped its 800th aircraft and a quarter of a century after its first. With more than 150 ATRs on firm backlog, CEO Filippo Bagnato says that total production should pass through the four-figure mark in 2012.
Lakeland, Fla.-based Sun ’N Fun is offering a cruise for aviation enthusiasts as a new fund-raiser. The Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean cruise, slated to set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Jan. 15, 2011, will feature well-known aviation educators John and Martha King, who will make two presentations and participate in other cruise-related activities.
Cessna Aircraft’s negotiations with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) were reaching a pivotal juncture as last weekend approached, with the existing contract expiring and union votes scheduled for Sept. 18 that could result in a strike.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE SA330F, G and J helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2010-0891; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-055-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to perform a one-time functional test and modification (Mod 330A779820.00) of the pedal unit adjustment system, per the instructions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.18 (dated Aug. 3, 2009). This proposal, which resulted from an MCAI originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency, is designed to prevent separation of the pedal adjustment system, which could result in the loss of control.
Vector Aerospace Corporation has opened a new service center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The facility will specialize in field service and engine repairs on the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and PW100 engine series. The facility further will distribute parts for PT6A and JT15D engines in Western Canada.
SIMON ROADS was appointed director of completion sales for Hawker Beechcraft. Roads will manage the coordination of completions sales and interior design activities at the company’s completions facility in Little Rock, Ark. He has more than 30 years of aviation industry experience, including as an airframe and powerplant mechanic, technical representative and programs manager. Most recently, he was a completions sales executive at Gulfstream Aerospace in Dallas.
Mayo Aviation in Denver has become the latest Part 135 operation to be added to the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. Before joining the registry, operators must undergo a detailed audit that is tailored for Part 135 and 91K and demonstrate a dedication to safety and standards that promotes and fosters best safety practices and regulatory compliance.
Panorama Flight Service, Inc. is hosting the GA Expo 2010 on Sept. 25 at its facility on Westchester County Airport in New York. Sponsored by the Westchester Aviation Association, the event is designed to promote the light general aviation sector. Representatives from Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Tecnam LSA, Remos LSA, Garmin and Avidyne are expected to attend.
FAA has received a preliminary application from Clewiston, Fla.’s Hendry County Airglades Airport to participate in the airport privatization pilot program. FAA has 30 days to review the preliminary application. The general aviation reliever airport is located 80 mi. from Miami International Airport and is owned and operated by Hendry County. It has a 5,603-ft. runway, a new general aviation terminal, eight corporate hangars and three T-hangars.
BOMBARDIER-ROTAX 912 F and 912 S series engines [Docket No. FAA-2010-0499; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-06-AD; Amendment 39-16428; AD 2010-18-14] – Remove certain fuel pumps from service. This AD, which resulted from an MCAI issued by an aviation authority of another country, is designed to prevent excessive fuel pressure, which could result in an engine malfunction or a massive fuel leak, which could lead to loss of airplane control or a fire. FAA estimates that this directive will affect 50 engines installed on airplanes on the U.S. Registry and cost U.S.
The first Model 429 order from China was logged recently by Bell Helicopter. The aircraft was sold to Ren Jianjun, a prominent industrialist from Hebei province who already operates a Bell 206B-3 JetRanger. Heliflite China, which has maintenance facilities in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, helped facilitate the purchase.
While pleased that FAA initially has separated Parts 121 and 135 in its recently released flight- and duty-time proposal, the National Air Transportation Association also says it is “deeply concerned” by FAA’s language concerning possible rules for Part 135 that could mirror those of Part 121.
While industry often seeks congressional help when attempting to convince FAA to delay a comment period, House aviation subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) makes it clear that he would not support such an effort on FAA’s recently released flight, rest and duty time proposal. “I would be extremely disappointed and see no reason why we should have to go beyond 60 days,” Costello said during a hearing on the proposal last week. He says enough time, study and thought have been put into drafting the proposal. See article on Page 3.
PILATUS PC-7 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2010-0849; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-043-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to perform a one-time inspection to verify that the aileron outboard bearing support bolts are installed in the correct positions and that the threads of the anchor nuts are in good condition, per the instructions of Pilatus PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1 (dated July 23, 2010). Replacement of this attachment hardware is required if the anchor nut threads are damaged or a bolt is found installed in the wrong location.
