NBAA Cautions on EPA CO2 Proposal’s Data Requirements

NBAA is concerned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed CO2 standard for aircraft emissions includes certain data-reporting requirements that don't align with global standards and would expose proprietary data.

The EPA released the CO2 proposal on August 20 in a move to regulate aircraft carbon emissions for the first time. The proposal would require new type designs to meet the prescribed standards for aircraft weighing more than 132,270 pounds on Jan. 1, 2020, and on Jan. 1, 2023 for turbojet aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds. In-production standards would apply beginning Jan. 1, 2028.

“With this proposed rule the EPA is moving toward a global initiative to adopt the ICAO CO2 standard,” said NBAA director of technical operations Stewart D’Leon, who submitted comments on the proposal. NBAA supports the effort, he said, but industry leaders are concerned with certain aspects that differ from the ICAO standard. 

D’Leon pointed to FAA’s proposed requirement that manufacturers submit reference geometric factor (RGF) data, which would enable outside interests to access “highly commercially sensitive data” such as specific air range (SAR) points. With RGF data, competitors could easily calculate the SAR, he said. “That SAR data is proprietary and if that becomes made available to the public, then that’s a real concern for manufacturers,” he said, adding that the concern led to ICAO excluding this requirement.

Finnoff Developing True Blue Battery STC for PC-12

Finnoff Aviation Products (FAP) is using True Blue Power’s TB44 46-amp-hour main ship battery for a lithium-ion battery STC kit that will be available for Pilatus PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 single-battery airplanes. An amendment that includes dual-battery PC-12s is currently under development.

“We are especially impressed with the significant weight savings of 32 pounds over the lead-acid battery, as well as the high- and low-temperature advantages—without having to remove the battery in cold-soak conditions,” said FAP marketing v-p Pat Finnoff. “This especially speaks to the PC-12, which is so suitable for these adverse weather situations.”

True Blue Power claims its TB44 battery provides for faster and cooler engine starts; a rapid, 15-minute complete recharge; reduced maintenance and operational costs with eight-year average battery life at two-year maintenance intervals; and increased dispatch reliability. “The TB44 is a significant performance upgrade for PC-12 operators currently utilizing heavier, more maintenance-intensive batteries on these aircraft,” said True Blue Power director Erik Ritzman.

Garmin Training Goes Online through June 2021

Garmin has released its training schedule through June 2021, and all classes and training delivery will be done in “an entirely virtual learning format,” according to the Olathe, Kansas-based avionics manufacturer. “This new format will allow customers to receive valuable product knowledge without concerns over travel and social distancing,” the company said. 

Customers can opt for new instructor-led courses that feature scenario-based training, as well as self-study e-learning, iPad and PC training software, and monthly webinars. Garmin products available for training in iPad simulator versions include the GTN/GTN Xi series and GNX 375, GNC 355/355A, and GPS 175 navigators. PC trainers are available for some integrated avionics systems.

The instructor-led courses are available for the GTN series, GTN plus TXi displays, G3X Touch, and G500/G600 flight displays, G1000/G1000 NXi systems, and GWX aviation weather radar. Pilots can self-study with e-learning courses on the GTNs, TXi, G1000 NXi, G3000/G5000, and GWX weather radars. A special “Plus” course is available to add G5000 autothrottle operations.

The monthly webinars are free and cover scenario-based training for various products, including one on accident mitigation pilot training. Garmin’s pilot guides for retrofit avionics are also free.

ExecuJet Malaysia Receives Limited Vietnam Certification

ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia has received certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to perform line and heavy maintenance on certain Dassault Falcon 2000s registered in the Southeast Asian country. Under the certification, line and base maintenance up to and including C checks (72 months or 3,750 flight cycles) is covered on the Falcon 2000EX, 2000EX EASy, and 2000XLS. Maintenance of batteries and landing gear are also covered.

Further, the Dassault Aviation-owned maintenance provider has received CAAV certification for work on Pratt & Whitney PW300-series engines. That includes scheduled inspection, repairs, non-routine maintenance, and removal and replacement of engine accessories.

“The team at ExecuJet MRO Services is demonstrating initiative and capability, in expanding their offerings for the Dassault Falcon fleet,” said Jean Kayanakis, Dassault senior v-p of worldwide Falcon customer service and service center network. “These developments allow us to continuously improve the Falcon customer experience in the region.”

According to ExecuJet MRO Services regional v-p of Asia Ivan Lim, a small number of business aircraft is based in Vietnam, which is rapidly growing as a market for business aviation with average GDP growth of between 5 and 7 percent annually. Additionally, ExecuJet Malaysia’s facility at Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur is in proximity to Vietnam, he noted.

ACA Searching for CEO with Planned Departure of Edwards

The Air Charter Association (ACA) has begun a search for a new CEO to replace Dave Edwards, who is stepping down to resume his commercial business activities on a full-time basis. Edwards, who maintains various consultancy interests, had taken the role of CEO part-time in 2017 to help steer the association through its rapid growth.

ACA’s membership has more than doubled since 2000, and under Edwards’s stewardship the association rebranded to reflect its widening reach. Also during that time, the association celebrated its 70th anniversary and expanded its effort to combat illegal charter.

“The Air Charter Association has taken enormous strides in how it serves and represents its global membership since Dave took on the CEO position,” said chairman Kevin Ducksbury. “He has done an outstanding job in representing our industry to governments and regulators, in helping fight illegal charter, in championing best practice, and in encouraging the next generation of talent to join our ranks.”

However, as the association has expanded, the CEO workload has increased considerably, Ducksbury added. “Dave has informed us that it’s time for him to return full time to the commercial world, and we are therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified leaders who are excited about leading the association into the next phase of its growth,” he said.

The association hopes to have in place a new CEO by year-end.

Alabama MRO Adds Paint, Media Blast Facility

MRO provider Ace Aeronautics has opened a new paint booth and media blast facility at its Guntersville, Alabama campus, building on the company’s capabilities for the maintenance and modification of military and general aviation aircraft and providing turnkey services. The booth will accommodate up to two helicopters the size of a CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Blackhawk, as well as single fixed-wing airplanes up to the size of a Beechcraft King Air 350i.

The media blast facility will accommodate one aircraft at a time. These additional capabilities follow a recent 58,000-sq-ft facility expansion that included a new hangar and general office space.

“In response to the high demand for aircraft storage and MRO space, Ace has invested a significant amount over recent years to meet this need for military and commercial customers,” said Ace v-p of business development Tracy Stapleton. “The opening of our state-of-the-art paint booth is just one example of our investment to bring excellent facilities and services to our customers.”

C&L Boosts Leadership as MRO and Parts Businesses Grow

C&L Aviation Services has promoted Todd Williams to general manager, a newly created position where he will oversee all aspects of the company’s growing regional and business aircraft MRO services. Williams previously was the director of operations at sister company C&L Aerospace, a role that saw him managing that company’s global parts business.

“Todd has been a respected leader in the company and an integral part of our success for many years,” said Chris Kilgour, CEO of parent C&L Aviation Group. “I look forward to the impact he will make as we continue to grow and develop our maintenance and repair business.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Compher, formally repairs manager for C&L Aerospace, has been tapped as operations manager, filling the role vacated by Williams. Compher joined C&L in April and has more than 10 years of experience in aviation parts purchasing, repairs, and operations.

“Though her time with us has been relatively short, we have been very impressed by Liz’s abilities and look forward to her contribution in this new role,” said Kilgour. “It’s encouraging to continue our growth pattern, despite industry trends, and to have many talented people as part of our team.”

Leonardo Affirms Support for Convicted CEO

Leonardo said it would stand behind CEO Alessandro Profumo, 63, following his sentencing last week on fraud charges related to his tenure as CEO of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) in 2015, a post he held before joining Leonardo in 2017. Profumo was sentenced to six years in jail and a $2.9 million fine. His lawyers are appealing. 

In a statement issued last week, Leonardo said, “With regards to the judgment in the first instance of Mr. Alessandro Profumo, relating to his previous role as chairman of MPS, the company would like to make clear that the conditions do not exist for the cessation of his role as chief executive officer of Leonardo. The company expresses its full confidence in the actions of Mr. Profumo and wishes for his continuation in the role.” 

Profumo is not the first Leonardo CEO to be ensnared by the Italian legal system. Predecessors Mauro Moretti and Giuseppe Orsi were also initially convicted of crimes allegedly committed before they took the top spot at the helicopter manufacturer. Moretti is appealing his conviction while Orsi was ultimately acquitted after more than six years of legal proceedings.

Webinar: Using Data To Improve Pilot Performance, Safety

With fast-changing technology, safety mandates, and continued flight training, there is no doubt the aviation industry has become safer. Even so, flight safety continues to be a top priority and safety programs that advocate pilot performance evaluation are becoming a necessity for aircraft owners/operators. Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) is one of those programs. No longer limited to the commercial and military aviation sector, the business aviation community can now take advantage of FOQA flight data and analysis to improve pilot performance and safety.  Join us on November 10th as AIN editor-in-chief Matt Thurber moderates this discussion with David Miner, Avidyne's general manager for business aviation, and Charlie Precourt, USAF Colonel (Ret.) and NBAA and EAA board member.