Bombardier schedules early summer to achieve 99% dispatch reliability targets for Horizon Air
Flight testing of Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamics' HGS4100 head-up-guidance system (HGS) is to be completed on a Horizon Air Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 this month, as part of a series of upgrades to improve dispatch reliability and address major "teething problems" in the turboprop's service introduction.
The Q400s, along with Horizon's CRJ700 regional jets, are already provisioned for HGS as part of Bombardier's type certificates, but must complete flight tests to achieve a Flight Dynamics' supplemental type certificate (STC), and be cleared for Category 3 Operations. The enhanced bad-weather landing and take-off capability is needed for Horizon to reach 99% dispatch reliability goals set by Bombardier for early this summer. Bombardier customer service vice-president Jeff Mihalic says: "Service entry has not been smooth, but we've pulled out the stops to improve it."
The package also includes adjustments to counter environmental conditioning system flow problems, and the addition of doublers in parts of the fuselage to address structural concerns indicated during fatigue tests at Bombardier, says Horizon Air maintenance and engineering vice-president Gene Hahn. Horizon, which has received all 15 Q400s on firm order, has completed modifications on the first aircraft, and is working on the second. The remainder will be completed by year-end, with each expected to take 21 days.
A similar modification package lasting 18 days has also been devised by Horizon and Bombardier for the CRJ700, around 16 of which will be delivered to the carrier by year-end. This will involve "structural modifications", and a revised engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS), says Hahn. The EICAS 5.0 upgrade involves updated software and improved sensors to cut down nuisance alerts, particularly on doors, flaps, slats and powerplants. "We still have not decided on a CRJ start date, but it will probably be in the fall and run to the spring," says Hahn.
The upgrade's timing is linked to completion of the HGS4200 certification due for the end of August. The CRJ700 system STC is believed to be the first of its type to be sanctioned, by the European Joint Aviation Authorities before the US Federal Aviation Administration. The simulation-based element of the STC is already under way in Berlin for European CRJ700 operators Lufthansa Cityline and Brit Air. Flight testing, involving Horizon, is due to start in July with joint JAA/FAA approval expected shortly afterwards. HGS installation for European airlines will be concurrent with the EICAS 5.0 upgrade, clearing the way for CAT 3 operations by the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
