Contributor - UK

David Donald

While the U.S. Air Force’s KC-X tanker replacement program is held in abeyance–waiting for the incoming Administration to sort out–the support contract for the service’s existing KC-135 fleet is building into a saga of epic proportions. A U.S. Federal Court ruling on October 1 overturned a previous Government Accountability Office (GAO) ruling, and the Air Force will have to open a third competition to provide Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) for the KC-135.
In June 2005, Boeing joined Pemco (now Alabama Aircraft Industries Inc.) and L3/IS to present a team bid for fiscal year 2008, 10-year contract. In June 2006, however, the Air Force amended its requirements, and Boeing unilaterally ended the teaming arrangement. In June 2007, the service amended the RFP again to allow Pemco/AAII and others to bid for the contract independently. Boeing was announced as the winner last fall, but Pemco/AAII immediately filed a GAO protest, alleging bias by the source selection agency–in this case Charles Riechers, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force. The apparent suicide of Riechers the following month was mentioned in the GAO’s upholding of the protest, an unusual move.
In March this year the Air Force re-awarded the $1.1 billion contract to Boeing, and again AAII protested. The GAO denied the protest, so on June 26 the company filed a lawsuit against Boeing and the U.S. Air Force in the U.S. Federal Court of Claims. The ruling– handed down on October 1–suspends the contract award and orders the Air Force to resolicit the program yet again. With KC-X procurement delayed or even terminated, the need to get PDM for the aging KC-135 fleet back on track is more vital than ever.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Further Tanker Woes for the U.S. Air Force

While the U.S.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN