NetJets has ordered 50 new Hawker 400XP light jets and eight new Hawker 800XP mid-size jets from Raytheon Aircraft Company with a total value in excess of $360 million. The aircraft will be added to the NetJets fractional aircraft ownership program.The order includes an option for an additional 50 Hawker 400XP aircraft, bringing the total potential value to more than $600 million. In addition, discussion is underway on a long-term maintenance agreement for this new order that includes the existing Hawker 800XP and Hawker 1000 business jets in the NetJets fleet of fractionally owned aircraft.

Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corporation took another step along the path in the FAA certification process Wednesday by successfully completing the critical up-bending ULTIMATE LOAD tests on the SJ30-2 main wing. Dr. Carl L. Chen, CEO and president of Sino Swearingen stated, "This major milestone is one of the most important tests ever to be conducted on a new aircraft and it is a giant leap in our certification program to have passed the FAA Ultimate Loads successfully and within our time schedule. Results validate the critical structural strength of the main wing of this beautiful new jet aircraft. Additional testing shows the wing and support structures will provide customers with an amazing aircraft that has low maintenance and high use of the aircraft under heavy load conditions.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company) AE 3007A1, AE 3007A1/1,  AE 3007A1/3, AE 3007A3, AE 3007A1E,and AE 3007A1P turbofan engines, with 1st to 2nd stage turbine spacers, part number (P/N) 23069627, 23070989, 23072849, or 23075364 installed. This AD reduces the life limit for 1st to 2nd stage turbine spacers, P/N 23072849, to a certain lower life limit, based on engine model.This AD also requires a one-time fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of 1st to2nd stage turbine spacers P/Ns 23069627, 23070989, 23072849, and 23075364 before reaching the spacer life limit, within specified cycles-since-new (CSN), and requires replacement of the spacer if found cracked, or with bent or missing aft tangs. This AD i