(July 28, 2003) Hartwell Corporation, a member of McKechnie Aerospace¹s Structures Group, has received PMA approval on its HA1013 and HA1044 Series cockpit door decompression security latches. As the original designer and manufacturer of the same latches incorporated directly into aircraft doors manufactured by C&D Aerospace, the company will offer spare part support of the latching systems directly to operators through its Aftermarket Group.
The HA1013 series latches, which are designed for fast installation and replacement, have been certified for use on all new C&D-manufactured security doors on Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft models. The HA1044 series is also certified for use on C&D Aerospace¹s Boeing DC-9 and MD-80 aircraft doors, as well as several regional jet models including the entire CRJ series and certain Embraer models. Both series of decompression latches meet the FAA requirements for secure cockpit door retrofitting of all aircraft operated in the United States after April of 2003. The latches, which secure the cabin from unauthorized entry, including both impact and small arms fire, are also designed to release during a cockpit decompression event at 0.5 p.s.i.
According to Jeff McGowan, Director of Marketing for the McKechnie Aerospace Structures Group, McKechnie Aerospace made the decision to seek the PMA and support the security latching system through its Aftermarket Group because of the critical role the system plays. He noted that, "this device is critical to the function of the door for both cockpit entry protection and panel release during a decompression event. Therefore, it only makes sense that any operator utilizing doors incorporating these latches maintain a spares pool or develop an efficient AOG system in case of accidental damage to the latch. This will eliminate potential grounding of aircraft".
McKechnie Aerospace¹s Aftermarket Group is formed from heritage companies Arger, Aero Quality, and HASCO®. The Aftermarket Group specializes in supporting airlines, operators, and MROs with a wide range of products and supply-chain support. In addition to offering traditional supply-chain services, McKechnie Aerospace offers extensive value-added PMA support.
Also, through its various operating groups using a process called Solutioneering, McKechnie Aerospace has risen to the forefront of product development and product enhancements to better meet the realities of operational use.
For more information on this product, contact: Jeff McGowan, Director of Marketing, McKechnie Structures Group at (714) 993-4200 ext 297. For ordering requirements, contact HASCO® direct at (714) 524-0680.
For more information on the unit, contact: Michael King, King Group. Phone: 805.462.3000. E-mail: mking@kinggroup.com
