Lombardo covers business aviation maintenance-related issues. He is also a writer and on-air reporter for AINtv. He has over 3000 articles published and is the author of several books on aircraft systems for pilots and on the topic of flight simulation.
He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Illinois, has taught aviation for over 35 years in industry and as a university professor and academic dean at three different universities. He is also a frequent seminar and after-dinner motivational speaker.&nbsp;
Lombardo holds an A&amp;P Certificate, ATP, CFI and Ground Instructor ratings. He was a corporate pilot and was a research pilot and flight instructor at the University of Illinois. An FAA Safety Counselor for over 25 years, he was one of the original 13 Counselors appointed to the FAA’s Airworthiness Safety Program for maintenance technicians.&nbsp;

Contributor

MD Helicopters MD 500, 500D, 500E, 500ER, 520N, and 530F

David A. Lombardo

Aerometals has received PMA approval for spiral bevel gears for the main rotor transmission of the MD500. According to the company, the approval marks the first time the FAA has granted manufacturing approval for transmission gears to a company that is not the OEM. The testing required a test stand using a 500-hp electric motor instead of a gas turbine. The MD transmission is rated for 425 hp for up to five minutes, but Aerometals ran the gears for eight hours at 467 hp to satisfy FAA testing requirements.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Aerometals PMA on Gears for MD500 Transmission

Aerometals receives PMA approval for spiral bevel gears

Aerometals has received PMA approval for spiral bevel gears for the main rotor transmission of the MD500.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

First engine will be tested in a test cell, then added to company’s rental pool

Duncan Aviation Begins PW500 Overhauls in Nebraska

New base expands service to Upper Midwest-based customers

Haven Aviation Adds Green Bay Facility to MRO Network

Charles Alcock

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

France-based group is approved to support Dassault Falcon business jets

Harmony Aircraft Services Opens MRO Base in Malta

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500 

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

In this article

MD 500 Series

Aerometals

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Duncan Aviation Begins PW500 Overhauls in Nebraska

First engine will be tested in a test cell, then added to company’s rental pool

Haven Aviation Adds Green Bay Facility to MRO Network

New base expands service to Upper Midwest-based customers

Harmony Aircraft Services Opens MRO Base in Malta

France-based group is approved to support Dassault Falcon business jets

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

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