AMT Takes a Look Around the World

April 23, 2015
This month AMT took a look around the world at a few aviation activities.

Aviation is truly a global industry, one reaching places never heard of, and every segment of aviation. Our trip, actually our features, began in my home state of Minnesota here in the U.S and concludes in China.

United Sates

Our global coverage begins at the headquarters of the Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, MN. Leaders at Cirrus explained the interesting history on how entrepreneur brothers Dale and Alan Klapmeier began by building innovative experimental aircraft in southern Wisconsin. Eventually their business took them to northern Minnesota building and supporting the hottest selling and safest general aviation aircraft in its class today. Cirrus aircraft can be found flying around the world

Our next stop was Hyannis, MA, headquarters of Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines. With operations around the world this regional airline’s tried and true Cessna 402 is the backbone of their network. Leaders at Cape Air talk of the extensive work that goes into maintaining this 30-year-old airframe while searching for a future replacement.

Our last stop in the U.S. was Washington, D.C., with an overview of the annual ARSA Symposium and Legislative Day on Capitol Hill. The three-day event concluded with an address by FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta.

Europe

On to Europe, Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, provides us with an update on recent developments at EASA with better regulation aimed at greater safety through improved training and maintenance and the introduction of new safety-enhancing products and technologies.

A quick stop in the UK takes a look at the NDT industry and a recently published report titled, “A Landscape for the Future of NDT in the UK Economy” which identified opportunities and challenges for the NDT community.

Asia Pacific

On toward Asia and Ron Kuhlman’s visit to the small nation of Bhutan, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas having boarders with China and India. Kuhlman describes his flight into the Paro Valley on one of only two airlines operating scheduled service into and out of this mountainous country.

Bill Johnson (FAA) and Gareth McGraw of Australia, (CASA) combine to review the focus on People, Environment, Action, and Resources (PEAR). CASA has adopted PEAR as an essential part of its ongoing HF program.

Much is reported these days on the growing general aviation segment in China. Barb Zuehlke takes a look at Superior Aviation Group’s plan to build Superior Aviation Town and Executive Airport near Beijing, China. The town is being touted as the first of its kind planned to meet the needs of companies looking to be a part of China’s growing general and business aircraft industries.

Enjoy the trip, Ron