Reseller Deal for Flight Data Coms

L-3 Aviation Recorders has signed an agreement with AeroMechanical Services of Canada to sell AMA's real-time data communications and Internet data delivery solutions for aircraft. Together with L-3's flight recorder and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) products, these AMA product and service solutions will offer customers the ability to receive, record, store, monitor, transmit and analyze critical aircraft flight data, in real time when necessary, to cost effectively improve aircraft performance and operational safety, says L-3 Aviation Recorders. The AMA solutions will be marketed under the brand FLYHT, in conjunction with L-3's line of Flight Data Recorders (FDRs). AMA will provider L-3 with Iridium-based real-time data communications and Internet data delivery solutions, including AMA's FLYHTstream data streaming solution and fuel and emissions management solutions. AMA provides a suite of wireless data monitoring, transmission and analysis products and tools.

FAA Slaps $1.2M Fine for GE Caledonian

The FAA has lodged a civil penalty of $1.2 million on GE Caledonian, an FAA-certificated foreign repair station based in Scotland, alleging improper maintenance procedures involving 101 engines over a three and one-half year period. "We hold certificated foreign repair stations to the same high standards as the repair stations here in the U.S.," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "When necessary, we will issue civil penalties and ensure that companies take corrective action." Between January 2005 and May 2008, GE Caledonian used a procedure to remove the thrust pins from the forward engine mounts of 101 CF6 engines that was different than the one required by the manufacturer's maintenance manuals. When it removed the thrust pins, GE Caledonian welded the locking screw to the thrust pin instead of drilling and tapping a hole in the thrust pin, as required in the manual. "Our safety regulations are the core of our aviation system and we take them seriously," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. GE Caledonian has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA's civil penalty letter to respond to the agency.

Safety Upgrade at LAX

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the FAA have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for installation of a Runway Safety Status Lights (RWSL) system at Los Angeles International. FAA said the agreement enhances a prototype system that was installed at the airport in June 2009. The RWSL system warns pilots about potential runway safety hazards through a series of red lights embedded in the airfield pavement that indicate if it is unsafe to cross or enter a runway. Under the agreement, FAA will design, own, operate and maintain the entire Los Angeles International system.

Taking Aim at Prairie Dogs

The Denver Post reports thatLongmont, CO will begin trapping and killing prairie dogs that have plagued Vance Brand Airport. The entire operation should wipe out most of the 200 or so rodents that call the airport home. The trapped prairie dogs will be taken away, euthanized with carbon dioxide, frozen and then donated as food for centers that care for and feed injured raptors like eagles and hawks. This should satisfy the FAA, which says every other strategy the airport has used to deal with the prairie dogs has failed, including erection of a fence to confine them to a 10-acre parcel in the southwest corner of the airport property. The fence didn't contain the rodents and only encouraged raptors to gather near the airport,, increasing the chances for bird strikes.

Thales to Supply Taiwan with Radars

Thales Australia has won a contract to supply two approach radar systems at Kaohsiung and Magong airports in Taiwan. The systems will help increase safety and air traffic management efficiency, and are based on proven technologies with established track records, the firm said. The program will start immediately, and is scheduled for completion by January 2012. Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia's managing director, said "this mature and reliable technology will deliver considerable benefits to air traffic management in Taiwan." The contract with Air Navigation & Weather Services (ANWS) in Taiwan will see Thales supply and install one primary STAR 2000 radar and one Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (model RSM 970 S) in Kaohsiung. The company will also install an RSM 970 S in Magong.

Honeywell Sentinel Display Enhanced

Honeywell says its Sentinel Multi-Function Display and Navigation System has been upgraded to include a new display for improved cockpit flexibility and new software features to improve the system capability, as well as approach plates and airport diagrams. "Helicopter pilots appreciate the safety and situational awareness the Sentinel brings to their operations, especially for helicopter emergency service (HEMS)," said Honeywell's Chad Cundiff. "The approach plates and airport diagrams will simplify their flights since they can fly without manually changing charts as they fly." North American Sentinel customers can get geo-referenced approach plates and airport diagrams directly from Seattle Avionics Software, a leading provider of aviation software and digital ChartData. Other regions will have access to similar aviation charts through a future upgrade. The new remote-mount display is a slim-line 5.7-inch screen package that allows operators with little cockpit space to utilize the Sentinel system without removing any avionics.

PHL Operational with ASDE-X

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is now operating with the Sensis Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X), a runway incursion detection and alerting system. PHL is the 22nd airport to receive the technology under the FAA's ASDE-X program that will reach 35 airports by 2011. ASDE-X combines surface movement radar, multilateration and Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) to provide air traffic controllers with highly accurate, real-time position and identification information of all aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface. By integrating multiple surveillance technologies, the system delivers a comprehensive picture of ground operations, increasing controller situational awareness and improving airport safety in all weather conditions. The system also features advanced runway conflict detection and alerting technology, Safety Logic, which uses complex algorithms to alert controllers of potential aircraft and/or vehicle incursions.

Sikorsky S-61 Mod Program

Pall Corp. has signed an agreement with Carson Helicopters under which Pall will supply its Centrisep engine advanced protection systems (EAPSs) to support a joint modernization program for the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter. With approximately 620 aircraft in service today, the S-61 model is one of the most widely used commercial and military helicopters. The modernization program provides enhancements to this aircraft that will enable it to perform effectively in severe operating environments and allow for many more years of service. Pall's EAPS technology is a key contributor to these improvements, providing engine protection under conditions that include sand, dust, rain, snow and ice. Centrisep EAPSs protect helicopter engines from airborne contamination by utilizing centrifugal force to continuously remove particles before they can enter the engine air intake. The EAPS technology extends the life of a helicopter engine against erosion, while enhancing engine safety, reliability, availability and performance. Under the terms of the agreement, Carson Helicopter will hold the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) on the Pall EAPS. Carson is a US Federal Aviation Agency (FAA)-approved helicopter repair station for the overhaul, repair and remanufacture of all major model helicopters.