March 2010

Piper Aircraft – PiperJet

By Matt Thurber

While progress on the PiperJet had slowed, Piper’s acquisition by Brunei-based Imprimis has put the jet-single project “back on track,” according to Piper, “with full development of the PiperJet and other exciting production initiatives.” One of those is Piper’s choice of the Czech more

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Bell shuffles executive staff, chases new orders for 429

By Mark Huber and Thierry Dubois

Bell Helicopter has announced senior staff changes and the integration of its XworX research and development center into its engineering department, at a time when questions persist about the company’s future role in the BA609 civil tiltrotor program and the launch customer for the 429 light twin helicopter seeks to back out of its purchase agreement.
Barry Kohler, vice president of comm more

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New AD for Super Pumas reduces inspection intervals

By Thierry Dubois

The EASA issued a new AD for the Eurocopter Super Puma intermediate gearbox (IGB) fairing gutter on December 21, calling for correction as described in Eurocopter service bulletins. It also requires reduced inspection intervals.
The intermediate gearbox fairing gutter first attracted scrutiny in 2005. At that time, one IGB fairing gutter separated from a Super Puma’s tail and interfered more

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Manufacturer promises new booms for AW139

By Mark Huber

In the wake of the highly publicized tail-boom failure on a Gulf Airways AW139 last August 25, AgustaWestland has been quietly assuring customers with AW139s on order that it will begin equipping them with a new-design tail boom beginning next month. The boom on the Gulf AW139 failed while the aircraft was taxiing in Doha, Qatar, and there were no injuries. That boom exhibited signs of delaminatio more

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GE moves decisively into business aviation

By David A. Lombardo

GE Aviation’s engine business has historically focused on military and airline applications, according to Shawn O’Day, manager of business aviation market- ing for the company. However, there were spin-offs from those areas that were  applicable to business aviation and recently the company has intensified its interest in business aircraft by creating the Business & General Aviation (BGA) more

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Duncan Aviation Ends ’09 With Slate of Airframe inspections

By David A. Lombardo

It was a busy year for Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Mich., and Lincoln, Neb. facilities. The two stations conducted 24 Hawker airframe inspections, 11 of them heavy inspections, last year.
The company has dedicated Hawker airframe teams on hand to perform inspections and maintenance, as well as two Hawker tech reps on location. The 24 inspections were performed on Hawker 700s, 800s, 8 more

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Citation Mobile Service Unit Added in south florida

By David A. Lombardo

Cessna Aircraft is fielding its fifth Citation mobile service unit (MSU) and locating it to handle Citation maintenance at South Florida airports. The unit, part of Cessna’s ServiceDirect maintenance delivery group, is based at SheltAir Aviation at Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.
Cessna chose South Florida because of the significant number of based or transient Citations more

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Viking Obtains EASA Approval for part 145 maintenance

By David A. Lombardo

Victoria, British Columbia-based Viking Air’s MRO division has been granted EASA Part 145 approval. The company holds similar certification from Transport Canada and the FAA. Viking offers aircraft maintenance, repair, modifications, inspection services, airframe overhaul, avionics and custom or standard interiors.
The company, which specializes in the Twin Otter, has added an 84,000-sq- more

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MSP Jet Center expands its Tech services team

By David A. Lombardo

MSP Jet Center recently added five new employees–all of whom hail from the
now-closed General Dynamics facility at MSP–to its tech services team, according to president Tim Ashenfelter.
Newly hired team members include Dan Henchal, A&P, director of technical services; Terry Speight, A&P, technical team lead; Dean Zimmel, A&P, senior aircraft maintenance technician; Bob Kortum, A& more

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Southwind Aviation Authorized for goodrich service

By David A. Lombardo

Goodrich Engine Control and Electrical Power Systems has named Southwind Aviation an authorized service center. The company provides aftermarket service and support of aerospace accessories and structural components. Southwind offers approved repair, overhaul, exchange and spares support for aircraft electrical power, lighting and engine-control systems accessories, including starter generators, G more

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