MELBOURNE, FLA. Federal officials are weighing changes to rules that limit the ability of aviation safety inspectors to delve into the management track records of companies seeking certification as FAA-approved maintenance shops.

PARIS Boeing’s decision to cancel the 747X program is not affecting Airbus Industrie’s strong determination to launch the 555-seat A3XX within the next three years, according to consortium officials. Airbus is seeking to obtain in the next few months the supervisory board’s authorization to make offers to potential launch customers—a milestone expected to pave the way for the aircraft’s design freeze during the fourth quarter of 1998 and A3XX program go-ahead in the second half of 1999.

ON BOARD THE USS JOHN C. STENNIS An F/A-18E/F Super Hornet piloted by Navy Lt. Frank Morley dodged high winds and snow squalls to make its first landing on board a U.S. aircraft carrier on Jan. 18. Morley piloted the first F/A-18F aircraft to a successful third-wire landing on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) at approximately 10 a.m.