acmechs.com

I have been doing a bit of digging on the CAA’s web site and have a few links for you. Like I said in the last post I believe any HF course you may attend in the future should include information regarding changes on fuel tank safety and any work carried out on these systems. There is also a new ATA chapter for Boeing aircraft, specifically for the Nitrogen Inerting system currently being installed on all new build aircraft with centre tanks and any retrofits carried out in the future  (Links to more information)

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP747.PDF

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP476SEPTEMBER04.PDF

http://www.sjap.nl/Fuel_Tank_Safety_NGS%20737.pdf

Yet again a few months since I have added anything of interest. But in that very short time many areas in the industry seem to be struggling with escalating costs and operators are ‘folding’ every other day it seems. XL airlines is the latest in the UK and I was reading today that the expected cost of there demise is in the region of 40 million pounds! Some friends of mine were stuck in Canada after they went under and it cost over £1000 just to get a flight back home. Terrible really. On another note I recently attended a renewal course for the contractors HF certificate at Prestwick. There now seems to be a requirement for additional training regarding Fuel Tank work and CDCC Limitation’s. (Introduced by the FAA/Boeing for centre tanks - Not sure on Airbus’s take as yet) I would suggest any one concerned looks up the latest details on the CAA’s site.

Hi readers. Yes it’s been a long time since i updated this Blog. Many apologies. As for news…..well I guess the latest hot news in our industry is the rather disturbing events at Heathrow recently with the 777. I for one have been following the events and information as its unfolded during the past week or so. I’m quite sure its fuel related but only the final AAIB report will put all the rumours to rest. There are a few forums running topics regarding the latest news. Try http://www.pprune.org/forums/ for all he latest information but the server does tend to get overloaded with users when the latest news on the accident is made public.

Looks like the wiring problems on the mighty 380 have been fixed. They still have delivery problems though and still have lots of worry s and hurdles to overcome prior to the first delivery of the aircraft to the customer. See the CNN link for more information.

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/01/21/airbus.wires.reut/

I see easyJet and Ryanair are both doing well. Not surprising really. We all like ‘cheap’ but just how cheap can they go?? (See Link Below) I just hope that the ‘cut it to the bones’ plan does not encroach into aircraft maintenance procedures ?? I remember working on a 767 flown by Uzbekistan Airlines a few years back and every item we planned to change/replace had to be authorised by there Engineer. All replaced items where ‘bagged up’ and taken back for recycling !! (into what ??)
http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article1816866.ece

It’s never going to go away is it? Now Rolls Royce have announced they are stopping production of the Trent 900 engine used in the 380 for at least a year. They are not laying people off but this must have a knock on effect to other maybe smaller suppliers who are involved with this problematic aircraft and its various systems. Was ‘The Biggest’ really the way to go Airbus?? (Biggest Aircraft = Biggest Problems) Only time will tell. Can’t wait tell the Dreamliner gets into full swing and we get to hear of its production progress !!

Hi readers. Sorry for no updates but I have been on vacation. Got my FASS contractors passport whilst resting to! A good 2 days I thought. Lots of information on Human Factors. The instructors from Bristol College did a good job with the subject. So anyone still to get there course I can recommend booking through Staffsecure (http://www.staffsecure.ltd.uk/courses.php). Its a lot of ‘dosh’ but you got to have it guys. Heard through the grapevine Toulouse is going a bit sour and some contractors are getting laid off. When that contract gets fully sorted is anyone’s guess!!

Looks like the ongoing Airbus problems might all be ’sorted’ out this week with Farnborough being the place to do it ! I cant see how to be honest with you. They are in a big hole and need to do some serious thinking on there management structure, IMHO. Still its good for biz! Also at the show will be the ‘Long’ awaited announcement from the Nimrod project. The government should give the go ahead for BAE Systems. This has dragged on a bit for sure but it looks like the project will get started properly at last.

I have been scouring the press with regards to the delays that seem to be affecting the new 380’s production and sales. Its interesting reading and may have a direct affect on anyone relying on contract work over the next few weeks and months. I will try to update my blog with any info I have on the subject. Anyone with further info please e-mail me through acmechs.com.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13322997/

http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article1014055.ece

There are some new up and coming changes to working regulations regarding criteria for contractors employed in a JAR 145 environment. Its part of JAR regulations and is all to do with Human Factors, which is a standard requirement for License engineers to be certified in. Well, as of the 28th Sept its also a requirement for contractor mechanics also to be certified to a certain level of Human Factor understanding. Courses are being run by FASS. See the following link for more information.

http://www.staffsecure.ltd.uk/why.html