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Rotorcraft

VIH, HNZ Team in Australia

Canada-based offshore operator VIH Aviation Group (VIH) and New Zealand-based HNZ Group last month announced the formation of a joint venture to provide of
Rotorcraft

PZL-Swidnik Delivers 1,000th Airframe

Poland-based PZL-Swidnik late in October delivered its 1,000th helicopter fuselage–an AW109 light utility helicopter–to AgustaWestland.
Aircraft

Pilot Report: Embraer Lineage 1000

Ask people why they finally decided to acquire a business airplane and they inevitably mention speed as the deciding factor.
Safety

EMS crash underscores value of risk assessment

When a veteran EMS helicopter pilot, probably thinking he was running out of options, decided to dive under a cloud deck to look for the ground, he crashed
Rotorcraft

Eurocopter reorganizes under Shape program

Eurocopter on October 22 launched a reorganization effort to address a slump in orders and shortcomings in areas where until recently CEO Lutz Bertling had
Training and Workforce

Eurocopter offers training for helideck landing officers

Eurocopter Training Services (ETS) will offer a training module for helideck landing officers (HLOs), the surface personnel in charge of helicopter operati
Regulations and Government

Agencies mandate new inspections for S-92 gearbox

The latest main gearbox (MGB) problem for the Sikorsky S-92A: foot-mount cracking that could lead to the complete separation of the MGB and subsequent loss
Regulations and Government

FAA rule change eases limits on sim training

Responding to concerns from pilots and training providers, among others, the FAA on October 20 corrected its earlier final rule that would have significant
Charter & Fractional

Flight planning, charter data merged on Caeroscene system

Austria’s Caeroscene IT Solutions claims to have developed software and a Web-based portal that can combine all core flight planning and support functions
Aircraft

In The Works: Piper Aircraft, PiperJet

Change has come fast and furious at Piper Aircraft during the past year, with sale of the company to Imprimis by majority owner American Capital in May, fo
Aircraft

In the works: Spectrum Aeronautical, S.40 Freedom

Spectrum Aeronautical has delayed first flight of its S.40 Freedom lightweight midsize twinjet to late next year.
Aircraft

In the works: Aerion, Supersonic business jet

At last month’s Dubai Air Show, Aerion reiterated its ongoing efforts to find a manufacturing and development partner for its nascent supersonic business j
Aircraft

In the works: Viking Aircraf, DHC-6-400 Twin Otter

Viking Aircraft’s modern upgrade of the Twin Otter has entered the final phase of testing and is slated for certification shortly.
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: AMT Society To Hold Third Annual Skills Competition

March 16 through 18 marks the dates for the third annual Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Society’s maintenance skills competition (MSC).
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: Piaggio Aero Expands Service Network

Three new service centers located in Fort Lauderdale, Toronto and Montreal have been added to the Piaggio Aero network.
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: Gore Design Completions To Receive ODA approval

The FAA will award completions center Gore Design Completions an organization designation authorization (ODA) before year-end.
Maintenance and Modifications

Hawker Beechcraft Gets $14 Million MRO Facility

Pewaukee, Wis.-based VJS Lincoln, a division of VJS Construction Services that specializes in aviation development and construction, recently completed con
Maintenance and Modifications

Elliptical Winglet STC Approval Broadens for Citation X

Since Winglet Technology received STC approval from the FAA for installation of its distinctive elliptical winglets last June, the company says five retrof
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: Amac Receives Approval for Global Service

The EASA has approved Amac Aerospace Switzerland to perform line and base maintenance as well as interior refurbishments and modifications on the Global Ex
Training and Workforce

Tata, Sikorsky To Build Parts Facility in India

India’s Tata Sons has formed a joint venture with Sikorsky to make parts, including cabin components, for Sikorsky’s S-92A and other aircraft, including th
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: CRS Continues Annual Drawing for Harley-Davidson

At the October NBAA Convention CRS Jet Spares of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., gave away a new Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle.
Maintenance and Modifications

West Star To Install Falcon 2000 Blended Winglets

Aviation Partners (API) has named West Star Aviation of East Alton, Ill., the newest blended winglet installation center for the Falcon 2000 series.
Training and Workforce

‘Virtual Terrain’ enhances training for civil NVG users

Early next year Night Readiness will unveil its 3.0 Virtual Terrain Board (VTB) night-vision goggle (NVG) training aid.
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: Dallas Airmotive Offers SoCal AOG Service

BBA Aviation engine repair and overhaul company Dallas Airmotive has begun offering an AOG mobile repair vehicle in Southern California to provide engine s
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: Dassault Offers Falcon E-Maintenance Program

Five Falcon operators based in the U.S.
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: Bombardier picks Netherlands for European Service Center

Bombardier Aerospace is opening its first wholly owned European aircraft service center at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Maintenance and Modifications

Hot section: Vector Aerospace ok’d for Arriel 2 Repair and Overhaul

Turbomeca has approved MRO Vector Aerospace to perform repair and overhaul of Arriel 2 engines for operators in Canada, the U.S.
Maintenance and Modifications

Premier Aircraft 50Dash4 Falcon Gets EASA OK

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified Premier Aircraft’s 50Dash4 upgrade of the Falcon 50.
FBOs

Signature upgrades Gatwick FBO

Signature Flight Support completed a major renovation of its London Gatwick FBO, enhancing the facility with modern décor featuring warm solid woods, new w
Aircraft

US Airways To Defer Delivery of 54 Airbuses

US Airways will defer delivery of 54 Airbus aircraft as part of a new “liquidity improvement program,” the airline announced today.