Aviation International News
July 2017
PUBLICATIONS Vol. 49 No.7 $9.00
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www.ainonline.com
Aircraft Civil supersonics Driven by a desire to cover more territory in less time, the supersonic segment is experiencing a revival, and business aviation is a prime market. page 42
Unmanned Aircraft Commercial applications of UAVs As global regulatory bodies move to institute rules for drones, private companies seek to establish themselves in the field. page 36
ATC Presidential TFRs move north New Jersey operators are wary that the President’s movements this summer will hinder business as they did for operators at PBI in the winter. page 4
PARIS AIR SHOW INSPIRES UNIQUE AIRBUS FORMATION For publicity at the Paris Air Show last month, Airbus flew a unique formation showcasing the breadth of aircraft produced by the company’s various divisions: the A350XWB airliner, the A400M airlifter, the Eurofighter and the H160 helicopter. See page 48 for some news highlights from the Salon.
Bombardier on lighter wing: no delays for Global 7000 by Kerry Lynch Bombardier Business Aircraft plans to give the Global 7000 slightly lighter wings, beginning with the fifth flight-test vehicle (FTV), but still expects to receive certification in time for what will become its topof-the-line business jet to enter service late next year. While not providing any detail about how the wings will shed weight, the company emphasizes that the aerodynamics of the structure will remain unchanged. Previous issues involving the wing design contributed to the nearly two-year delay in the development program and led to the legal dispute between Bombardier and the wing supplier, Triumph Group, that was recently settled. (See sidebar on page 34.) Triumph disclosed earlier this year that it had filed a lawsuit seeking $340 million from Bombardier, citing costs and delays associated from “Bombardier-directed changes to the original wing requirements.” Bombardier had responded the claims were “without merit” and said it would assert its own “major claims against Triumph.” But at the same time, both companies stressed they continued to work collaboratively, and on May 24 a settlement was announced that Triumph said “resets the
commercial relationship” between the companies. Triumph said the “comprehensive settlement agreement” resolves all commercial disputes between the two companies related to the Global 7000 wing. The companies did not disclose the terms of that settlement.
“We are pleased with the settlement with Bombardier regarding our Global 7000 program contract, which we believe is mutually beneficial,” said Daniel Crowley, Triumph’s president and CEO, noting that the accord was a year in the making. “Our aerospace structures business has been dedicated to supporting Bombardier on this critical program since entering into the contract and remains committed to the program’s continued success as the aircraft transitions from flight-testing to entry into service.”
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Trump jumps into ATC debate as House, Senate begin work A push to carve the U.S. air traffic control organization out of the FAA remained the single most controversial aviation issue confronting the House and Senate as lawmakers began work on comprehensive FAA reauthorization bills late last month. On Capitol Hill, most legislators have reaffirmed their previous stances on the issue. Similar to last year, Senate lawmakers were expected to unveil a bill late last month that addresses numerous aviation issues, but omits any independent ATC proposal. Also similar to last year, House lawmakers were expected to offer a reauthorization bill that calls for an independent ATC
organization. Also similar to last year, most aviation groups have dug into their positions either for or against it. But a couple of notable changes have occurred. First, chief advocates in the House at press time were rolling out a reform proposal that attempted to assuage concerns of business and general aviation and rural organizations by exempting Part 91 and 135 from user fees and including access protections. The second significant change is the White House. The Obama administration was largely
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OEMs and third-party providers are making sure cabin comforts keep pace with bizjet performance. Page 20