'Workforce Adjustments' Reportedly Made in Response to COVID-19

Bombardier has announced that it will 'adjust its workforce' due to the 'extraordinary industry interruptions and challenges caused by COVID-19.' Bombardier will reduce its workforce by approximately 2,500 employees. The majority of these reductions will impact manufacturing operations in Canada and will be carried out progressively throughout 2020. Bombardier’s worldwide customer service operations have continued to operate largely uninterrupted throughout the pandemic. When the pandemic first arose, Bombardier Aviation claims that it responded quickly -- suspending manufacturing operations to support local government efforts to slow the spread of the virus and to protect the h

“This Amendment Will Result In Long-Term Cost Savings, Safety Improvement, And Efficiency Gains..." NATA, on behalf of its members conducting air carrier operations under Part 135, requested rulemaking to expand the number of pilot line checks performed by operators, improving safety and decreasing demands on limited FAA resources. NATA’s petition, if adopted, would allow FAA-approved company check pilots to conduct the pilot line checks required by § 135.299 throughout the certificate holder’s fleet of aircraft that are of the same category and class. In addition, NATA requested the FAA provide guidance specifying the suggested content for the pilot line check.

For Citation 560 (V), Encore, and Ultra Aircraft

Southeast Aerospace has completed a new STC, ST00174MC for Citation 560 (V), Encore, and Ultra aircraft. Originally developed for the United States Military UC-35 aircraft, the STC brings FANS 1/A+ & CPDLC capability, international internet connectivity, a new cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder combo unit (CVFDR) and more to the Citation 560 (V), Encore, & Ultra. FANS 1/A+ and CPDLC capability is accomplished through the use of Universal Avionics Corp UNS 1EspW FMS', UL 801 VDL Mode 2 datalink, the CVFDR-145R, and the Cobham Aviator 300D with an Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA-5001).

Pilot Felt An Airframe Vibration And Decided To Make A Precautionary Autorotation

On May 20, 2020, about 0933 eastern daylight time (edt), a Bell OH-58A, N153SA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near West Bank, Michigan. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) personal flight. The pilot reported that he and his passenger departed the pilot's private airstrip for a local flight to observe recent flood damage in the area. As they were en route to the area, the pilot felt an airframe vibration and decided to make a precautionary autorotation in a field. He did not observe any caution or warning lights, or horns associated with the vibration.

AD 2020-12-03 -- Manufacturer Found That A P30 (Air Pressure) Sense Line Could Become Partially Blocked

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Trent XWB-97 model turbofan engines. This AD requires updating electronic engine control (EEC) software. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's finding that a P30 (air pressure) sense line could become partially blocked with a mixture of ice and water, which would cause a time-lag in the P30 signal, interfering with the fuel flow limit calculations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective June 18, 2020.