Chemistry

FPT Industries, a division of GKN Aerospace, has finalized design of the emergency extended flotation system that will maintain stability in extreme conditions on the Sikorsky S-92, the company announced.

According to GKN, the requirement for additional buoyancy has been stimulated by increased offshore operations, particularly in the ever-growing North Sea market.

Cessna Aircraft has selected Axxess, an Iridium-based cabin information system from AirCell, as a factory option for the Citation X, Sovereign and XLS. Axxess, introduced at the NBAA Convention in November, is a wireless broadband-ready satcom system designed for midsize to large business jets. The standard Axxess system includes two Iridium satellite communications channels for voice and narrowband data services.

The FAA quickly removed a new requirement easing crew oxygen use in Part 121 operations upon learning that it apparently used inaccurate data to justify the rule. The rule would have changed the flight-level requirement at which the flying pilot must use his oxygen mask if the other pilot leaves the cockpit, from above FL250 to above FL350.

Unless the FAA makes a last-minute change to the timetable, pilots have until June 6 to comply with a new second-in-command (SIC) type-rating rule. The rule requires pilots serving as second-in-command to have an SIC type rating when flying to international destinations (see FAR Parts 61.5 and 61.55).