Aviation Maintenance: Intelligence: News

Gulfstream Earns First ODA From FAA

Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, achieved a significant regulatory milestone when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially granted the business jet manufacturer Organizational Designation Authorization (ODA) for initial phase manufacturing in Savannah, Ga. Gulfstream is the first aircraft manufacturer to achieve this authorization level.

The designation allows Gulfstream to act on behalf of the FAA to examine Gulfstream aircraft designs, production quality and airworthiness. The FAA launched the ODA initiative to more effectively manage critical resources in response to the growing needs of the aviation industry.

Gulfstream and the FAA cemented the cooperative effort during a ceremony at the company’s corporate headquarters in Savannah. President Joe Lombardo represented Gulfstream at the event, while John Hickey, director, aircraft certification service, FAA, represented the FAA. Officials from FAA offices in Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; and Kansas City, Mo., joined Lombardo and Hickey for the ceremony.

"After two years of planning and preparation, we’re delighted to celebrate this historic milestone," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. "This is a critical step in expanding and enhancing the positive relationship between Gulfstream and the Federal Aviation Administration."

The Gulfstream ODA organization will oversee amended Type Certification, Production Certification and Major Repair and Alterations Airworthiness on behalf of the FAA. An amended Type Certificate (TC) is traditionally issued when a manufacturer receives FAA approval to modify an aircraft design from the original. A Production Certificate (PC) confirms a manufacturer’s production processes comply with FAA regulations. Major Repair and Alterations Airworthiness (MRA) ensures the aircraft’s suitability for flight following significant repairs or alterations.

While this is the first ODA for Gulfstream, the company is pursuing additional authorizations for final phase and service center/General Dynamics Aviation Services sites. Bill Whitton, who serves as vice president for the Gulfstream ODA office, will continue to lead the authorization effort.

Gulfstream has been working progressively closer with the FAA on certifications since 2000, when the two organizations completed a partnership for safety plan that identifies the operating norms and key FAA and Gulfstream roles and responsibilities in the aircraft certification process.

Standard Aero Completes MRO Integration and Launches New Brand

Standard Aero has completed the integration of the legacy Landmark Aviation maintenance facilities and launched a new corporate identity, signifying that the combined companies are now operating as one unified entity with more than 4,000 employees in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia and $1.4 billion a year in sales.

The new Standard Aero — the five legacy Landmark Aviation maintenance facilities and the seven legacy Standard Aero facilities combined — was created when Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) purchased Standard Aero and Landmark Aviation from the Carlyle Group in July 2007. DAE sold the FBOs and the Landmark name to GTCR, Encore FBO and Platform Partners in a transaction that closed at the end of February, 2008.

"Less than nine months after the purchase, the integration of all 12 MRO facilities is complete and we are launching the new Standard Aero, a company with deep MRO experience and exceptional relationships across the aviation industry that is well-positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities here and abroad," said Standard Aero President and CEO Paul Soubry. "Standard Aero has a strategic, long-term focus with an experienced industry management team. We are fostering a cohesive, aligned organization through a common culture, enabling and empowering our businesses to build on a reputation for quality and customer service."

The new Standard Aero is a global company with a broad scope of services from engines to airframes to interior refurbishments. The company has five broad markets: business aviation, airlines, helicopters and energy, military, and VIP transport interior completion, represented by Dallas-based Associated Air Center. Standard Aero is now positioned for growth into parallel markets such as large-fan MRO, VLJ MRO, freighter conversions, interiors and completions.

"One of the goals of DAE Engineering is to acquire and build a quality aerospace business within the most attractive segments of MRO and to become the undisputed and recognized leader in aviation MRO," said Rob Mionis, CEO of DAE Engineering. "We will be setting the pace for growth and operational excellence in the MRO industry and will work as a team to broaden our engine portfolio and expand our airframe business and capabilities in component/accessory repair."

As part of the launch of the new Standard Aero, the company is introducing a new corporate identity, which signifies the comprehensive Standard Aero. The company says it hopes the new image expresses the leadership of Standard Aero throughout the aviation MRO marketplace.

"We are excited to have completed a smooth integration and are ready to offer an expanded menu of services to our customers," concluded Soubry.

PAMA/SAE Institute’s Composite Repair Certification Efforts

The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) and the SAE Institute will begin development of technical certifications for the repair of aerospace composite materials.

The certification programs will be created through standards developed by SAE International’s Commercial Aircraft Composite Repair Committee (CACRC). In addition, PAMA/SAE Institute will convene a program design workshop to achieve industry consensus on the focus and depth of the certification program.

"This program is particularly important because composites have evolved from usage solely in secondary applications to primary structure applications," said Brian Finnegan, SAE Institute director of professional certification. "It is essential that manufacturers, operators and repair centers all work to the same standards."

The program development process will take place with a series of virtual meetings followed by a facilitated workshop at the CACRC’s semi-annual meeting that took place in April. Following completion of the program design efforts, PAMA/SAE Institute will confirm stakeholder support and begin the certification development process.

"This historic certification effort will have international industry visibility and it will require broad industry support from stakeholders and subject matter experts alike," said Finnegan. "We invite all professionals interested in participating in this development process to contact PAMA."

Hawker Beechcraft’s $14-million Investment

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) recently announced a planned $14-million investment at their Indianapolis Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) aircraft maintenance and service facility at Indianapolis International Airport. The growth includes a state-of-the-art maintenance center and the creation of up to 50 new jobs.

The new investment will enable the construction of new HBS facilities near the current Pierson Drive location to include a 6,500-square-foot terminal and a 40,000-square-foot service hanger with 20,000 square feet of back shops and administrative offices. The hanger will serve as a factory service center for the company’s entire aircraft line, including the next-generation, all composite fuselage Hawker 4000, scheduled to enter the market soon.

"We are pleased to announce our Indianapolis location as leading the initiative to grow our capabilities and services for our customers worldwide," said Bill Brown, president of global customer service and support. "As our current HBS facility at Indianapolis International Airport demonstrates, Hawker Beechcraft Service centers are a direct link to the factory where we provide superior service and support to our customers, and this growth plan further enhances that commitment."

Indianapolis is one of seven U.S. locations where HBS is planning to significantly expand its customer service and maintenance offerings. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Hawker Beechcraft Services has leased space in Indianapolis for 37 years and has 73 full-time employees. HBS expects to add an additional 40-50 jobs during the next three to five years in its service and avionics departments once the development is complete.