CESSNA AIRCRAFT completed delivery of 15 new Skyhawk 172 SPs to the Civil Air Patrol, which will use the aircraft for search-and-rescue missions, orientation missions for cadets and introducing young people to powered flight during CAP summer flight training schools. Cessna previously delivered 20 Skyhawks to the CAP in December 1997. The CAP, which consists of more than 61,000 volunteers in all 50 states, operates the largest Cessna fleet in the world, some 530 aircraft, according to the manufacturer.
Model 328-100 series airplanes (Docket No. 99-NM-219-AD) - proposes to require, for airplanes equipped with ground spoiler actuators having Part Number 1059A0000-02, removal of the gland attachment bolts of the ground spoiler actuator and replacement with new bolts installed with higher torque. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority.
Model 328-100 series airplanes (Docket No. 99-NM-102-AD) - Withdraws a proposal that would have required a revision to the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit in-flight operation of the auxiliary power unit (APU). That proposal also would have required inspection of the APU fire extinguisher discharge cartridge for corrosion; replacement of the discharge cartridge with a new cartridge, if necessary; and modification of the fire extinguishing system tube assembly. Accomplishment of these actions would have terminated the AFM revision.
Docket No.: 29826 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 25.815 Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To allow movement of passenger seats into the required aisle space under certain circumstances on Gulfstream Model G-IV airplanes, serial numbers 1348 through 1390. Partial Grant, Oct. 26, 1999, Exemption No. 7054
Docket No.: 29615 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 135.299(a) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit T-Bird pilots to accomplish a line operational evaluation in a Level C or Level D flight simulator in lieu of a line check in an aircraft. Denial, Oct. 5, 1999, Exemption No. 7017
RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT said it successfully concluded wing up-bending tests on the Premier I program to 150 percent of the design load limit (or ultimate load) on Dec. 17. A previous attempt to complete the test was halted Nov. 12 when the right wing experienced a bond line separation between the upper aluminum spar caps and the load-carrying aluminum skin. Raytheon then added additional rivets to the subject area. The actual load applied during the successful test was 38,000 pounds, Raytheon said, adding that the wing withstood a deflection of more than two feet.
BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE said SkyWest Airlines signed a follow-on order for 20 CRJ200 Series regional jets worth $470 million. The St. George, Utah carrier also took options on another 20 of the 50-seat aircraft. Deliveries of the firm order are scheduled to begin in November. Bombardier said the SkyWest deal brings CRJ200 orders for calendar 1999 to 167, a 35 percent increase over the 123 CRJ sales in 1998.
A transition that had been planned for years was scheduled to become effective Jan. 1 as Gary Hay, vice chairman of Cessna Aircraft, succeeded Russ Meyer as chief executive officer of the Wichita-based manufacturer.
Docket No.: 28718 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 21.325(b)(3) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To allow the issuance of export airworthiness approvals for aircraft tires manufactured and located at Goodyear's Bangkok, Thailand, facility. Grant, Oct. 15, 1999, Exemption No. 6682A
FAA directed its principal inspectors to "encourage their assigned air carriers to develop a safety department, appropriate to the size and scope of operations." The agency, in a recent handbook bulletin to inspectors, said the safety department should address "a broad range of risks" involving flight, maintenance and ground safety.
Universal Avionics Systems Corporation increased its capability to integrate its various products with the purchase of Avionic Display Corporation (ADC), a Norcross, Ga.-based producer of flat panel displays. The acquisition includes ADC's Georgia operations and "intellectual property," Universal said. The facility was renamed Universal Instrument Corporation and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Avionics Systems Corp. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Docket No.: 29411 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 135.225(g) Description of Relief Sought Disposition: To permit Spirit Aviation to conduct takeoffs in single-pilot, turbine powered airplanes where takeoff visibility is one-half mile down to 1,800 feet runway visual range, subject to certain conditions and limitations.
RUDY TOERING was named managing director-European sales for FlightSafety International. Toering will head up the European marketing team from Flight Safety's Le Bourget center in Paris, France.
DANGER LURKS in many places for the unsuspecting international traveler and Air Routing's Air Security International compiled its annual list of the "World's Most Dangerous Places." See article on Page 3.
(Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes (Docket No. 99-NM-306-AD) - proposes to supersede an existing AD that requires repetitive detailed visual inspections for cracking or other damage of certain diaphragm support structures of the forward equipment compartment; and repair, if necessary. This action would continue to require repetitive inspections, but also would require replacement of cracked or damaged diaphragm support structures with improved parts, which would terminate the requirement for repetitive inspections.
The long anticipated infusion of cash into Fairchild Aerospace is expected to occur early this quarter, but the deal outlined last week will mean control of the company will pass to new owners, and it's already resulted in top management changes, notably the departure of President Jim Robinson.
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes(Docket No. 99-CE-64-AD) - proposes to require replacing the stick pusher capstan and the stick pusher servo with improved parts. The proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent improper operation of the stick pusher system caused by the existing design configuration, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during a stall. FAA estimates that 69 airplanes on the U.S.
DUNCAN AVIATION, Lincoln, Neb., added a weekend shift to meet demand for its Accessory Shop. The accessory team is capable of working on a variety of components including servos, pneumatic valves, stabilizer actuators, pumps and landing gears. The shop, traditionally staffed between 7 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, also is now open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Docket No.: 29820 Section of the FAR Affected: 25.785(b) Description of Petition: To permit the installation of side facing divan seats manufactured by BE-AMP in any BD700-1A10 Global Express airplane used for corporate transportation.
Docket No.: 28962 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 145.45(f) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit Bombardier to assign copies of its Inspections Procedures Manual (IPM) to key individuals within departments and to functionally place an adequate number of IPMs for access by all employees, rather than giving a copy of the IPM to all supervisory and inspection personnel. Grant, Sept. 29, 1999, Exemption No. 6677A
JUNE SPENCER was named United Kingdom sales manager for FlightSafety International. She previously held sales positions at FlightSafety's Houston facility. In her new capacity, she will oversee a range of FlightSafety business aircraft training services.
As part of their effort to block the creation of a commercial international airport at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Orange County, Calif., City of Irvine leaders released a survey last month indicating that 59 percent of county business leaders are opposed to the project. Supporters of a commercial airport at El Toro say such an airport would help alleviate congestion at other airports in the region, particularly at Los Angeles International Airport.
ROLLS-ROYCE won a $9 million contract for Model 250 engines and engineering and support activities for the U.S. Army's fleet of OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters. The order includes 28 Model 250-C30R/3 engines and shipping containers, plus 12 months of support services.
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes (Docket No. 99-CE-54-AD; Amdt. 39-11433; AD 99-24-09) - requires modifying the flap inboard attachment fittings through the installation of a reinforcement angle bracket on the inside of the center web of both flap inner attachment fittings. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland.
LINDA RUDD was appointed product marketing manager for FlightSafety International. Rudd will be based at FlightSafety's Le Bourget Airport facility in Paris, France.
