Avantair

dustoff17

dustoff17

Still trying to reach the Top Shelf
Rumor has it that the FAA closed them down today. I understand that thier certificate was yanked. Any confirmation out there?

I hope it IS just a rumor for the sake of the employees...
 
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...avantair-fleet-grounding-apparently-continues


The voluntary fleet grounding at Avantair apparently is continuing into its sixth day. Avantair told AIN earlier this week that it stood down its entire fleet of about 60 Piaggio Avantis on Saturday to conduct safety checks. According to sources, the action was prompted by a July 28 incident in which an Avantair Avanti shed an elevator in flight. On Tuesday, Avantair reported that 40 of its aircraft were back in service, but data from flight-tracking website FlightAware shows that none of the company’s aircraft are in the air today, suggesting the entire fleet is again grounded. Avantair was not available for comment at press time.
 
Craziness. Old friend of mine was a ramper there, told me some pretty brow raising stories, outside of the airplanes being MX hogs...
 
A pilot I used to fly with just called and asked if I knew of any Piaggio jobs. According to him, all of the employees were cut lose today.
 
http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/25/4366531/avantair-update-on-voluntary-stand.html

CLEARWATER, FLA. — Avantair, Inc. (OTCBB: AAIR), today announced the company is continuing to stand down operations and engaging top aviation experts to help complete a thorough examination of its fleet of nearly 60 Piaggio Avanti aircraft, and a comprehensive review of records and supporting maintenance documentation. The voluntary action is being taken in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.

“For the past week, we have been undertaking extensive inspections of our fleet and our operating procedures. These inspections and other actions are still underway. But this further action is necessary to ensure every aspect of our operation will allow us to reach the next level of safety and performance and exceed the highest industry standard,” said Steven Santo, Avantair CEO.

“We are enhancing our maintenance and operational infrastructure so that it surpasses every standard that applies to the aircraft we fly. With our new processes and procedures, Avantair will satisfy the heightened requirements governing the largest aircraft types in our industry. When we resume operations, we will have the most reliable fleet in our industry embracing the highest standards in aviation,” said Mr. Santo.

Avantair has retained safety expert Nick Sabatini to oversee the project. Mr. Sabatini previously was the top career official at the FAA.

“We know this is an extremely difficult period for our loyal employees and frustrating to our devoted owners,” said Mr. Santo. “We are grateful for their understanding and patience as we work through this important process. We are confident we are laying the groundwork necessary to offer outstanding service and reliability going forward.”
 
z987k said:
Did they not notice in the air? If not, that's impressive.
Click to expand...

From what I remember they didn't notice at all. I think the article said it was noticed to be missing on the postflight inspection and that it flew fine. I also think they noticed a slightly higher Aoa in cruise but could be mistaken (with all of this...) will try to find the story in a bit.
 
I'd be really interested to know what's actually going on here. If there is anything I have learned from interacting with the FAA way more than I would like it's that there is always more to the story than meets the eye.
 
dustoff17 said:
A pilot I used to fly with just called and asked if I knew of any Piaggio jobs. According to him, all of the employees were cut lose today.
Click to expand...

That sucks. Hopefully it's only temporary, I can imagine they don't want to pay salary to everyone while they figure this out.
 
dustoff17 said:
A pilot I used to fly with just called and asked if I knew of any Piaggio jobs. According to him, all of the employees were cut lose today.
Click to expand...

What! That is terrible! If there is any way I can help any Avantair pilots if this is really the case I will.
 
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