Model 1124 and 1124A series airplanes (Docket No. 98-NM-332-AD; Amdt. 39-11274; AD 99-18-08) - requires installation of an independent circuit breaker and associated wiring changes for the hydraulic low pressure warning lights. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of the hydraulic low pressure warning lights. Low pressure in the hydraulic system can reduce controllability of the airplane.
General Accounting Office will launch an investigation of the Federal Aviation Administration's satellite navigation program, saying Congress has asked it to review the agency's effort to move from a ground-based navigation system. GAO, which expects to have a report ready by next spring, plans to review the current and future GPS infrastructure and how aviation users benefit from GPS, with and without the wide and local area augmentation system.
Docket No.: 29572 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 25.562 and 25.785 (b) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit certification of medical stretchers for transport of persons who need them. The exemption is for installation on Gulfstream Model G-V series airplanes. Grant, July 1, 1999, Exemption No. 6911
FAIRCHILD AEROSPACE delivered its third production 328JET to Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. Fairchild, which won certification for the 328JET in July, shipped the first two aircraft to Skyway Airlines. Shell Petroleum will operate the aircraft for personnel transport within Nigeria.
Model CH-54B helicopters (Docket No. 97-SW-59-AD; Amendment 39-11235; AD 99-15-14) - requires initial and recurring inspections and rework or replacement, if necessary, of the second stage lower planetary plate. This amendment is prompted by two reports of cracked plates that have been found during overhaul and inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the main gearbox plate due to fatigue cracking, which could lead to failure of the main gearbox and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Federal Aviation Administration awarded ARINC a five-year contract to support development and initial operational capability of controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC). This program will reduce air travel delays and improve safety as air traffic increases by providing a more efficient means of communications between ground controllers and pilots, the company said.
FAA NEEDS to improve air traffic communications between "all levels of system users," according to a National Traffic Management Evaluation the agency conducted with the Air Transport Association from July 19 through Aug. 5. The evaluation found a need for improvement in 11 areas including standardization of equipment, training and procedures.
Model SD3-30 series airplanes (Docket No. 98-NM-349-AD; Amdt. 39-11275; AD 99-18-09) - requires modifi-cation of electrical wiring associated with heater components. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the autofeather system, which could reduce controllability of the airplane in the event of engine failure during takeoff. FAA estimates that 27 airplanes on the U.S.
MARYLAND is launching a new program to increase funding for and promote use of the state's 33 public-use GA airports, which state officials said "serve as economic engines for their local communities."See article on Page 107.
The Senate is expected to almost immediately take up fiscal 2000 transportation appropriations legislation upon returning from its month-long August recess this week. A "cloture" vote is scheduled Sept. 9 in the Senate to establish a timeline to debate the transportation appropriations bill. This procedure would block a potential filibuster and allow the Senate to vote on the bill. The cloture vote is necessary to overcome opposition to certain controversial transit funding provisions in the bill.
MITRE CORPORATION, at the request of FAA, is offering its Self-Managed Arrival Resequencing Tool (SMART) for license. The SMART software package allows users to manage their own arrival flights through the use of flight plans and air traffic data. It displays the relationship between demand and capacity at an airport allowing airlines to prioritize flights, Mitre said.
MATTHEW HARTNETT joined Boston JetSearch, Inc. as senior vice president. Hartnett, formerly vice president of used aircraft sales for Bombardier Business Aircraft, will be responsible for assisting in the acquisition of business jets for clients. Hartnett also has held positions with Cessna, Gates Learjet and Mitsubishi.
Docket No.: 29250 Sections of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 135.299(a) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit True North 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, June 29, 1999, Exemption No. 6913
NEIL MORGAN was appointed business development manager-airline market for IEC International, an in-flight entertainment specialist based in the United Kingdom. Morgan previously was director-European region and market development and planning for Matsushita. He also was European sales and marketing manager for Avicom International.
ANDRE MERRETT was appointed vice president and general counsel for Mesa Air Group. Before joining Mesa, Merrett served with the international law firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey.
Raytheon Aircraft Corp. executives, stung by criticism from customers about perceived shortcomings in the company's product support network, are implementing a major program aimed not only at improving customer support but making it a positive factor in convincing buyers to select Raytheon-built aircraft.
The pilot and all six passengers aboard a Beech King Air 90 were killed Friday when their aircraft crashed into a shopping mall parking lot while on approach to the West Palm Beach, Fla. International Airport. Preliminary information from FAA said the aircraft, N338AS, was registered to C.P. Horizons Corp. The aircraft had been cleared by controllers for a visual approach to Runway 13 when the pilot reported an unspecified problem. The plane crashed about one-half mile from the airport.
(Beech) Model 400A airplanes (Docket No. 98-NM-280-AD) - proposes to require replacement of the fuel drain tube assembly in the aft fuselage with a new, modified assembly. This proposal is prompted by a report of chafing of the fuel tube assembly against the elevator control cable due to inadequate clearance between the components. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent chafing of the fuel drain tube assembly, which could result in fuel leakage from the fuel drain tube assembly and consequent risk of a fire.
NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION also launched an airport initiative, announcing that it is requesting proposals from firms capable "of performing a study of public opinions about general aviation airports."
Docket No.: 29563 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 91.109(a) and (b)(3) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To allow Ronald Jay Timmermans to conduct certain flight instruction to meet recent-experience requirements in Beechcraft Bonanza airplanes equipped with a functioning throwover control wheel in place of functioning dual controls. Grant, June 28, 1999, Exemption No. 6914
Docket No.: 29285 Section of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 121.344(b)(3) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit UPS to complete the required digital flight data recorder installations on an alternate schedule rather than at the next heavy maintenance check after Aug. 20, 1999.
SINO SWEARINGEN appointed aviation maintenance veteran Chris Danner as director of product support. Danner will oversee all aspects of support services, including warranty, spares, technical support and training. He has 20 years of support and maintenance experience, serving first with the British Royal Air Force and then later with British Aerospace/Corporate Jets and Raytheon Aircraft.
Docket No.: 20583 Sections of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 61.57(a)(3) and (b)(2) and 61.58(e) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit Tenneco's pilots to complete a 24-month pilot-in-command check conducted by Tenneco in an FAA-approved flight simulator without Tenneco's holding a 14 CFR Part 142 certificate. Denial, June 18, 1999, Exemption No. 6906
BOEING'S 717-200 jet last week won joint certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities. FAA also awarded Boeing production certification. The yearlong flight-test and certification program included five airplanes that accumulated more than 2,000 hours and more than 1,900 flights. Boeing has 115 firm orders and 110 options for the 100-seat jetliner, formerly the MD-95.
Docket No.: 29529 Sections of the FAR Affected: 14 CFR 135.143(c)(2) Description of Relief Sought/Disposition: To permit OHI to operate its Enstrom Model 480 helicopter (Registration No. N480FX, Serial No. 5028) under Part 135 without a TSO-C112 (Mode S) transponder installed in the aircraft. Grant, June 23, 1999, Exemption No. 6907
