British engine maker Rolls-Royce said Friday it will participate in a new research program to develop "advanced, efficient and environmentally friendly technology needed for aero engines for the future generation of aircraft." The program objectives also call for reducing the cost of ownership.
Model Astra SPX Series Airplanes (Docket No. 99-NM-256-AD; Amendment 39-11587; AD 2000-04-05) - requires a one-time inspection to measure the countersink angle of the bolt holes in the lower scissors fitting of the horizontal stabilizer, and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority.
BAKER ELECTRONICS teamed with Duncan Aviation to offer cabin management and entertainment systems for corporate aircraft. Baker Electronics and Duncan are tailoring systems for small to medium-sized aircraft as well as larger airframes based on Baker's MH cabin management system and in-flight entertainment system.
Accidents, Fatalities, And Rates, 1982 Through 1999, U.S. General Aviation Accidents Per 100,000 Accidents Fatalities Flight Hours Flight Year All Fatal Total Aboard Hours All Fatal
FAA wants Embraer 135 and 145 operators to inspect certain horizontal stabilizer component fittings for production-related problems that, if uncorrected, could render the aircraft uncontrollable. Brazil's Department de Aviacao Civil (DAC) told FAA an operator reported looseness of the hinge fitting attachment of the stabilizer's elevator spring tab. The looseness was caused by incorrect installation of fasteners on the production line.
Rep. Jim Hansen (R-Utah) has called for a national policy that would protect general aviation landing strips from neglect or sudden closure and preserve the Federal Aviation Administration's jurisdiction over aviation.
SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT announced new general managers for three of its fixed-base operations. Eric Hietala, who had been Signature's operations manager at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport since 1998, replaces Bryan Burns as general manager at DCA (BA, Feb. 28/99). Wayne S. Pennell, who was assistant general manager of the Signature facility at Baltimore/Washington International Airport was named general manager at BWI. John A.
U.S. industry groups are urging the government to immediately file a complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) about the European Union's hushkit rule, which goes into effect May 4. The groups say they reviewed a possible alternative to the rule now being studied by the U.S. and the European Union, but "fundamentally, we see no evidence in these materials of any meaningful movement in the EU's position."
AS CONGRESS ironed out the details last week on FAA financing, several legislators once again publicly rejected the Administration's plans to impose new user fees on the industry (BA, Feb. 14/72). Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), the ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, called the fee plan an "old budget gimmick.
Williams International, the Walled Lake, Mich. engine manufacturer, has joined forces with a new firm, Eclipse Aviation Corp. of Scottsdale, Ariz., to offer a new six-place, twin-engine business jet designed to FAR Part 23 standards at an introductory price of $775,000 in 2000 dollars.
NATIONAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION said Norman K. Sherlock, the organization's executive director, plans to resign March 17 to pursue new career opportunities.
ADDISON, TEXAS CITY COUNCIL approved a resolution authorizing its city manager to start contract negotiations with a joint venture of Raytheon Infrastructure, Inc. and the Staubach Co. to manage and operate Addison Airport when the existing lease expires Dec. 31. A citizens' committee assisted by town staff and outside consultants studied alternatives for the airport and recommended the adoption of a management contract for airport and real estate management rather than a continuing lease structure.
JAY ANDERSON was named service manager for Elliott Aviation's Minneapolis facility. Anderson will oversee all Elliot maintenance activities in Minneapolis. He formerly held avionics and maintenance management positions with Signature Flight Support, Page Avjet and Van Dusen. Most recently, he was an aircraft broker at Central Business Jets in Minneapolis.
PAUL WALLACE was named director of technical services for Signature Flight Support's regional maintenance center in Birmingham, Ala. Wallace has 23 years of aviation maintenance experience, most recently as general manager for the Birmingham flight support operation. He also has served with AMR Combs and with a number of Alabama-based corporate aircraft operators.
JET AVIATION added a Gulfstream V to its management fleet. The GV, the sixth in the Jet Aviation management fleet, was completed at the company's Basel facility and is based in Europe. Jet Aviation manages more than 140 aircraft worldwide.
FAA Administrator Jane Garvey last week acknowledged that the agency is considering eliminating funding this year for a number of contract air traffic control towers, but told a congressional panel that the agency is looking at several options to avoid such a move (BA, Feb. 28/95). Garvey, testifying Wednesday before the House aviation sub-committee, noted that the agency is considering a number of proposals to bridge FAA's operations budget shortfall in fiscal 2000.
SIMUFLITE TRAINING INTERNATIONAL, INC. is offering a two-hour "Aviation Physiology" course that complements its existing high altitude training program. The presentation offers information on atmospheric physics, effects of low atmospheric pressure on the human body, and various types of high-altitude sickness. The course is offered as part of SimuFlite's Advanced Airmanship program, a series of optional, complimentary courses for pilots training at SimuFlite's DFW facility.
Beech Models 65-90, 65-A90, B90, and C90 airplanes (Docket No. 99-CE-92-AD; Amdt. 39-11533; AD 2000-02-15) - prohibits operation of affected airplanes modified with a certain engine and propeller configuration and prohibits future installation of the modification. Results of an accident investigation involving one of the affected airplanes reveals installation discrepancies with the engine and propeller configuration. These discrepancies, if not corrected, could lead to engine failure and the inability to feather the propeller.
National Weather Service, teamed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, has developed an Aviation Digital Data Service that uses the Internet to offer timely weather information, including advisory forecasts of turbulence, icing, thunderstorms and other weather hazards, to the aviation community.
Model BAe 125-800A and BAe 125-800B, Model Hawker 800, and Model Hawker 800XP series airplanes (Docket No. 99-NM-13-AD) - proposes to supersede an AD that requires filling two tooling holes on the firewalls of the left and right engine pylons with firewall sealant. This action would require the sealing of all unused (open) tooling holes on the firewalls of the left and right engine pylons, and would expand the applicability to include additional airplanes.
INDIGO, a "new category of business air travel," received its certificate and has begun operations with a number of corporate clients through its sister company AirServ (BA, Nov. 29/248). The company which will operate as a Part 380 public charter, is launching corporate business jet service between Chicago and New York and took delivery of its first Dassault Falcon 20 with a second expected "on line shortly."
HONEYWELL entered into a service alliance with Apella S.A. Products and Services to provide wheel and brake repair and overhaul services in Greece. Apella will use its Athens wheel facility to provide minor wheel services to operators in Greece, while Honeywell's Moerfelden, Germany wheel and brake repair and overhaul site will provide major wheel service and all brake service.
LETICIA (LETTY) TRUJILLO was appointed FBO sales account manager for Jet Aviation Dallas. Trujillo has 11 years of aviation industry experience, working most recently in Jet Aviation's maintenance sales. In her new position, she will oversee line customer service.
FLIGHTSERV.COM, a planned internet-based company that will offer corporate jet and other travel services to the business community, reported a $16.7 million loss for the second fiscal quarter and a $27.7 million loss for the six months, ended Dec. 31, 1999. The six-month results included a $25.5 million non-cash expense related to the issuance of stock options and warrants. The losses compare with a $5.6 million loss for the first six months ended Dec. 31, 1998.
FAIRCHILD AEROSPACE delivered its first U.S.-based corporate 328JET, with a quick-change interior, to Johnson Controls, Inc. for use as a corporate shuttle and for employee and customer transportation. The aircraft has a 32-seat airline interior for high-density shuttle missions. The cabin can be converted into a 16-passenger executive configuration within four hours. Johnson Controls, based in Holland, Mich., has operated a corporate shuttle for more than 20 years and was an early customer for the 328 turboprop.
