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Thursday, January 31, 2008 Eclipse Aviation Achieves Part 142 Training Certification By FlyingNews @ 8:02 AM :: 352 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Eclipse's training provider, Higher Power Aviation (HPA), authorization to conduct Eclipse 500 Type Training under HPA's Part 142 Training Certificate. The authorization increases Eclipse's training capacity and enables the company to type rate customers entirely in its certified Level D Full Motion simulator. The milestone marks the FAA's final approval of Eclipse Aviation's training program. During the Part 142 certification process, the FAA examined Eclipse's training curriculum and analyzed how Eclipse will use its advanced simulator to train and type rate customer pilots prior to an aircraft delivery. The certification comes just two weeks after the FAA certified Eclipse's first flight simulator as a Level D Full Motion device. Read More..

Thursday, January 31, 2008 Bombardier Delivers a Bombardier 415 Amphibious Firefighting Aircraft To Italy By FlyingNews @ 8:00 AM :: 371 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced Italy’s civil protection agency Protezione Civile took delivery of the first of four Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft that were ordered in November 2007 by the Italian government. The order, previously reported as made by an undisclosed customer, also included additional special mission equipment items to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities. With this order, the Italian government will increase its firefighting fleet to 19 Bombardier 415 aircraft. Deliveries of the other three remaining aircraft will take place in 2008 and 2009. In 2007, during firefighting missions, the Italian fleet accumulated in excess of 6,730 flying hours and dropped more than 176,000,000 litres of water. Read More..

Thursday, January 31, 2008 NATIONAL JET SYSTEMS EXTENDS BAe 146-200 LEASE WITH BAE SYSTEMS REGIONAL AIRCRAFT By FlyingNews @ 7:59 AM :: 440 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The lease extension is on the back of a contract extension won by NJS from Santos, one of Australia’s best known oil and gas companies, to provide air transport to the company’s Cooper Basin mining and exploration site. Under the terms of the new contract the 81-seat BAe 146-200 will replace the smaller 72-seat BAe 146-100 that was previously operated. NJS operates nine flights each week between Adelaide and the Santos sites of Moomba and Ballera in the Cooper Basin, some 770km and 950km north of Adelaide respectively. The BAe 146 is the aircraft of choice for many of these “fly in, fly out” (FIFO) personnel transport services and NJS uses the aircraft for resource companies in Western Australia and South Australia. Read More..

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Boeing Completes First KC-767 Tanker Night Refueling By FlyingNews @ 3:43 PM :: 344 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] made KC-767 program history Jan. 26 when one if its aircrews successfully transferred fuel from a KC-767 tanker aircraft to an F-15E at night -- the first nighttime refueling ever accomplished on a KC-767. The new tanker, scheduled for delivery to Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) early this year, departed McConnell Air Force Base, adjacent to the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Wichita, Kan., facility, and flew a 3-hour and 9 minute flight. Operating in the skies over Missouri, the aircrew connected the KC-767s fifth-generation, fly-by-wire boom (a telescoping tube used to deliver fuel to military aircraft) to an F-15E 11 times during dusk and night conditions and successfully offloaded fuel before returning safely. The company uses F-15E1 under a cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Air Force. Read More..

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Veteran Research Pilot to Head NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center By FlyingNews @ 1:59 PM :: 399 Views :: 0 Comments :: Government NOAA has named Robert Maxson director of the Aviation Weather Center in Kansas City, the nation’s primary source of weather information for domestic and international flights. Maxson will leave his post as a research pilot with the National Science Foundation in Boulder, Colo. and begin his new duties at NOAA on Feb. 4. “I’ve been actively involved in the study of weather and its effect on the performance and operational safety of aircraft,” Maxson said. “I plan to use my experience to keep NOAA among the leaders in research and operational forecasting. I look forward to working with the professionals in Kansas City who are constantly looking for better ways to provide critical weather information to the aviation industry.” Read More..

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Atlantic Airways becomes new customer for Airbus A319 By FlyingNews @ 12:48 PM :: 336 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Atlantic Airways, flag carrier of the Faroe Islands and based in Sørvágur, has signed a firm contract for one Airbus A319 plus one option, and becomes a new Airbus customer. Atlantic Airways' Airbus A319s will feature a comfortable single-class cabin layout. The aircraft will be operated on the airlines' network between the Faroes and Denmark as well as to other growth destinations in Europe. Read More..

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Boeing Begins Major Assembly of First New 777 Freighter By FlyingNews @ 12:42 PM :: 348 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Air Cargo Boeing [NYSE: BA] mechanics began major assembly of the new 777 Freighter at the company's Everett, Wash., facility today. The 777 Freighter will fly farther and provide more capacity than any other twin-engine cargo airplane. "We are excited to begin production of the 777 Freighter so we can put the airplane into service with our customers," said Larry Loftis, vice president, 777 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 Freighter's unmatched range, efficiency and capacity as a twin-engine cargo airplane will significantly enhance our customers' ability to deliver freight." Workers took the first step in major assembly for the new 777 Freighter by loading its 97-foot-long wing spar into a tool that automatically drills, measures and installs more than 5,000 fasteners into the spar. The spar is the internal support structure that runs through the full length of the wings and provides support to the wing. Read More..

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 $260 Million CapNet Securities Engagement Agreement for FF5000 Aircraft Development By FlyingNews @ 12:35 PM :: 477 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation (a U.S. private corporation 25% owned by Utilicraft Aerospace Industries, Inc.) (OTCBB: UITA) announced today that the Company has entered into a $260 million investment banking engagement agreement for a two year period with CapNet Securities Corporation ("CapNet") as its exclusive financial consultant, placement Agent and finder in connection with various financing strategies. "CapNet Securities Corporation is pleased with the steps that the majority shareholders of Utilicraft Aerospace Industries, Inc. and Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation have taken to put the Company in a better position to seek the institutional financing needed to complete the development and certification of the FF5000 aircraft." (Bo Ritz, CEO - CapNet Securities Corporation) The initial (Stage 1) contemplated equity financing is planned at Ten Million Dollars ($10 million) which will be used to continue the development of the Freight Feeder Prototype aircraft now under construction by Metalcraft Technologies. Read More..

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Quest Begins Customer Deliveries By FlyingNews @ 8:23 AM :: 349 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Quest Aircraft Company is pleased to announce the first customer delivery of the KODIAK. The completed aircraft was delivered to Spirit Air in a presentation ceremony Friday, January 25, at the company’s headquarters in Sandpoint in the presence of the entire Quest team. Read More..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Lufthansa Cargo / DHL Express Joint Venture Airline "AeroLogic" to Operate Boeing 777 Freighters By FlyingNews @ 11:11 AM :: 393 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Air Cargo Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that Deucalion Capital VII Limited ("Deucalion"), a company advised and managed by DVB Bank AG, has purchased eight Boeing 777 Freighters for lease to AeroLogic, a new joint venture airline formed by Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express. Valued at $2 billion at list prices, the eight 777 Freighters were ordered by Avion Group of Iceland in 2005. Avion Group terminated its order and the airplanes were picked up by Deucalion in late 2007. Read More..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Obtains Certification for Pro Line 21 Equipped King Air C90GTi By FlyingNews @ 8:15 AM :: 428 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Hawker Beechcraft Corporation announces the certification of the new Beechcraft King Air C90GTi by the Federal Aviation Administration, the latest evolution of the popular twin-turbine Beechcraft King Air 90 series aircraft. Introduced at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in May 2007, the upgraded Beechcraft King Air C90GTi features an advanced, fully-integrated, Collins Pro Line 21TM avionics suite, the same system found in the King Air B200GT, King Air 350, Premier 1A, Hawker 750 and Hawker 900XP. The King Air C90GTi will replace the current King Air C90GT. Hawker Beechcraft delivered 10 King Air C90GTi aircraft in December 2007 and certification has been achieved for Brazil. Pursuits of other international certifications are to follow in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela and Guatemala. Read More..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 spn light jet heads for Granada, Spain for flight testing By FlyingNews @ 8:14 AM :: 349 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Grob Aerospace spn test aircraft No. 3 (D-CSPJ) departed Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany for Granada, Spain today January 28th where it will undergo several weeks of extensive flight testing, including Aircraft Configuration Identification (ACID) tests. A team of approximately 20 specialists is supporting the aircraft. The test centre at Granada was selected for the trials owing to its combination of good flying weather, co-operative agencies and the convenience of remaining within the EU. The facilities in Granada are managed by the INTA Department of Spain’s Ministry of Defence, and have been successfully used by other aircraft manufacturers in recent years. Read More..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 FAA Finalizes New Safety Rules for Mitsubishi MU-2B Cargo Plane By FlyingNews @ 8:13 AM :: 384 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Air Cargo The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today finalized a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that creates new pilot training, experience and operating requirements to increase the safety of the widely used Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane. The final rule mandates a comprehensive standardized pilot training program for the MU-2B. The regulation requires use of a standardized cockpit checklist and the latest revision of the Airplane Flight Manual. MU-2B operators also must have a working autopilot onboard except in certain limited circumstances.Owners and operators must comply with the SFAR within a year. Read More..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Boeing to Provide Apache Longbow Flight Simulator to Egypt By FlyingNews @ 8:10 AM :: 339 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $20 million contract to provide an AH-64D Apache Longbow Crew Trainer (LCT) and Life Cycle Support to the Egyptian air force. The LCT, a full-mission, high fidelity flight simulator, provides training for Apache Longbow helicopter crews. "We are committed to guaranteeing the readiness and safety of our customers," said Tony Jones, Boeing vice president, Training Systems and Services. "The LCT is extremely successful in preparing our U.S. Apache Longbow crews, and we are excited to see that our international customers have recognized the value and capabilities of this proven device." Read More..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 MatlinPatterson signs for six A330-200F By FlyingNews @ 8:08 AM :: 365 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers MatlinPatterson Global Advisers LLC, the US investment fund, through an affiliate, has signed a firm contract for six A330-200 Freighter aircraft. The company intends for the aircraft to be used by certain of its airline portfolio companies, such as Varig Logistica in Brazil and Global Aero Logistics in the USA. With this agreement the two airlines will become new Airbus operators. This new contract brings firm orders for the recently launched A330-200F to 72 firm orders from eight customers, confirming the strong market demand in the Freighter sector. "We are very pleased to add the new wide-body freighter, the Airbus A330-200F to our portfolio, which will allow us to renew the fleets of our airlines", said David Matlin, CEO of MatlinPatterson. "This aircraft's superior payload-range capability and low operating cost are a significant improvement over the older generation aircraft that it will replace", he added. Read More..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 First AgustaWestland Italian Corporate Pilot Conference Hailed a Success By Participants By FlyingNews @ 8:07 AM :: 357 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The first AgustaWestland Italian Corporate Pilot Conference was held at the Company’s Cascina Costa facility in mid-January and was deemed a great success by those attending. The event was attended by over 50 corporate pilots, almost all of them flying AgustaWestland helicopter types, and provided an excellent forum for both the company and pilots to discuss and exchange views on operational, product and safety matters. Read More..

Monday, January 28, 2008 Robinson Helicopter Company Sales Continue Upward By FlyingNews @ 7:18 AM :: 389 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters In 2007 Robinson Helicopter Company manufactured 823 new helicopters, the most civil helicopters ever produced in a single year by one company. The industry record was 806 previously set by Robinson in 2005. Robinson also broke the record for production of a single helicopter model in one year, producing 664 R44s. The prior record, also set by Robinson, was 563 R44s in 2005. While the R44 breaks records, the R22 maintains its market niche finishing the year with 159 helicopters produced. Read More..

Monday, January 28, 2008 Essex Performs Night MEDEVAC By FlyingNews @ 7:17 AM :: 587 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from the forward-deployed amphibious ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and the pilots and aircrew of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 rescued a merchant sailor who was suffering from stroke-like symptoms while onboard a Military Sealift Command ship in the Sea of Japan, Jan 25. Essex received a medical evacuation request from the ocean surveillance ship USNS Loyal (T-AGOS 22) while transiting to Okinawa, Japan to onload the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), including the MEU's aviation combat element (ACE) aircraft and Marines for the annual spring patrol. Read More..

Monday, January 28, 2008 Boeing Delivers First Next-Generation 737 to Norwegian Air Shuttle By FlyingNews @ 7:13 AM :: 346 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first of 50 Next-Generation 737s to Oslo-based low-fare airline Norwegian Air Shuttle. The 737-800 with Blended Winglets, on lease from Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management, is the first Next-Generation 737 to enter the airline's fleet. "Taking delivery of this airplane is an important milestone in Norwegian's young history. We are strengthening our position on the Nordic and European market with the most cost-efficient airplane available," said Bjørn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. "With this new airplane, we will emit 22 percent less CO2 compared to the current airplanes in our fleet. This is a substantial benefit to the environment." Read More..

Thursday, January 24, 2008 Hong Kong Airlines selects Rolls-Royce Trent 700 for new A330 fleet By FlyingNews @ 10:00 PM :: 389 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Aircraft Engines Hong Kong Airlines has chosen Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines to power its new fleet of 20 Airbus A330-300s. Including a TotalCare® long-term services agreement, the value of the business is around $1.2 billion at list prices. Deliveries start in 2010. The announcement maintains the Trent 700’s 100 per cent record in mainland China, where it has been selected for all 125 A330s in service or on order. Hong Kong Airlines is a new customer for Rolls-Royce. Read More..

Thursday, January 24, 2008 Textron’s Cessna Launches Large Cabin Citation Business Jet By FlyingNews @ 9:41 PM :: 347 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it will proceed with developing a large cabin, intercontinental aircraft to add to the top of its line of Citation business jets. The Textron Board of Directors gave Cessna the approval for the program yesterday during the board’s first meeting of 2008. Read More..

Thursday, January 24, 2008 TACA orders 15 A320 Family aircraft By FlyingNews @ 9:21 PM :: 372 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers TACA, a leading Latin American airline, has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 15 additional A320 Family aircraft (12 A320s and three A319s). The aircraft will be configured in a comfortable two-class layout. Engine decision has not yet been announced. TACA already successfully operates a fleet of 36 A320 Family aircraft (nine A319s, 23 A320s and four A321s) serving the whole American continent from Canada to Argentina and Chile. This highlights the A320 Family flexibility and efficiency to operate in very different environments. Read More..

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 Rolls-Royce wins Canadian Air Force business worth over $135M By FlyingNews @ 8:35 PM :: 351 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aircraft Engines Rolls-Royce, the world leader in engines for military transport aircraft, has been selected as the propulsion system provider for the Canadian Air Force’s newly contracted fleet of 17 Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical lift aircraft. Each aircraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 advanced turboprop engines and Rolls-Royce values the business at more than $135 million over the life of the programme. Aircraft delivery is scheduled for 2010. Read More..

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 Boeing Successfully Completes Flight of First AEW&C Wedgetail Aircraft Modified in Australia By FlyingNews @ 8:19 PM :: 359 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has conducted a successful functional check flight of the first 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft modified in Australia for Project Wedgetail. During the two-and-one-half hour flight Jan.23 from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, pilot Regis Hancock and first officer Randon Stewart performed a series of functional tests that verified the airworthiness of the aircraft's systems and structures. Read More..

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 China Airlines orders up to 20 A350 XWB for their future medium capacity long-haul fleet By FlyingNews @ 8:14 PM :: 432 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers China Airlines, Taiwan's largest carrier, has signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of 14 A350-900 and taken another six on option. The new generation medium capacity long-haul aircraft is being acquired by China Airlines as part of their future fleet modernisation programme. China Airlines intends to start using the all-new A350 XWB from 2015. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, especially developed for the A350XWB and will be fitted in a comfortable layout of 327 seats. Read More..

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 New Learjet 85 Aircraft Features All-Composite Structure Design By FlyingNews @ 8:32 PM :: 441 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Corporate aviation leader Bombardier Aerospace today announced it has selected Grob Aerospace to develop the all-composite structure of its new Learjet 85 aircraft, the next generation in Learjet excellence. Grob will also build the first three prototype aircraft for the program. In addition, the jet’s official name, Learjet 85, was revealed today. Launched on October 30, 2007 – with a provisional name – the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under FAR Part 25. Read More..

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Boeing, Air Europa of Spain Announce Order for Eight 787 Dreamliners By FlyingNews @ 8:28 PM :: 360 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Spanish carrier Air Europa today announced an order for eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners valued at $1.3 billion at list prices. The order, placed by Air Europa in 2007, previously was accounted for on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site as an unidentified customer. Air Europa also acquired purchase rights for an additional eight 787s. Air Europa, based in Palma de Mallorca, is the first Spanish customer for the 787 and will be the first carrier in Spain to offer passengers the unprecedented comfort of the 787 cabin interior while also being the first to reduce emissions by 20 percent with the 787's ultra fuel-efficient carbon-composite design and all-new engines. Read More..

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Finncomm Airlines Signs 5 ATR 72-500s By FlyingNews @ 8:16 PM :: 339 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers ATR and the Finish carrier Finncomm Airlines today announced the purchase of 5 ATR 72-500s for a contract valued at over 90 US $ million. In 2005, Finncomm Airlines ordered 8 ATR 42-500s, plus options for 8 additional aircraft. In 2006 the airline converted 4 of the firm 42-500s into ATR 72-500s, and also announced the exercise of three of the options into firm ATR 72-500s. With today's deal, Finncomm Airlines completes the exercise of the remaining options and will become the largest operator of ATR 500s series aircraft in Europe, with 4 ATR 42-500s and 12 ATR 72-500s. Read More..

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Brazilian carrier TAM signed a firm contract for 22 A350 XWBs, four additional A330-200s and 20 additional A320 Family aircraft By FlyingNews @ 8:13 PM :: 332 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Leading Brazilian carrier TAM Linhas Aéreas has firmed up its order for 22 A350 XWBs and for four additional A330-200s. The airline based in São Paulo has furthermore added another 20 A320 Family aircraft to the initial order. TAM, Airbus' biggest customer in the southern hemisphere, now has the largest A350 XWB fleet. This agreement raises the number of orders for the A350 XWB to 314 aircraft. With a fleet of 102 Airbus aircraft, including 15 A319s, 70 A320s, three A321s, twelve A330-200s and two A340-500s, TAM operates not only the largest Airbus Fleet in Latin America, but also comprising the most Airbus models of any fleet in the region. Read More..

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Vought Signs Multi-Year Contract with Sikorsky to Build BLACK HAWK Helicopter Cabin Structures By FlyingNews @ 8:03 PM :: 379 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. announced today that it has signed a five-year contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to manufacture cabin structures for UH-60L, M and MH-60S variants of BLACK HAWK helicopters. The estimated contract value is approximately $600 million for deliveries through 2012. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). “We are extremely proud to support Sikorsky and the armed services by building airframe structure for this great helicopter,” said Dennis Orzel, vice president, manufacturing operations for Vought. “With more than 450 Vought people working on the BLACK HAWK program, this contract is vitally important to our Dallas workforce.” Read More..

Sunday, January 20, 2008 Sonex Aircraft, LLC Introduces New Labor Saving Machined Angle Component Kit Upgrade By FlyingNews @ 8:27 AM :: 559 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Sport Aviation, Homebuilding Sonex Aircraft, LLC announced today the introduction of another new labor saving Sonex Aircraft Complete Airframe Kit Upgrade Option: Machined Angle Components. The Machined Angle Component Kit almost completely eliminates the need to fabricate parts from raw 6061-T6 aluminum angle extrusion, offering a significant reduction in Sonex Aircraft built time, thus saving the builder approximately 200 hours or more of construction time! The Machined Angle Component Kit can be used in combination with the recently introduced Optional Pre-Assembled Main Wing Spars to offer a total build time reduction of approximately 200-300 hours. “These two new Complete Airframe Kit options makes the entire family of easy to build Sonex Aircraft easier to build than ever before,” remarked Sonex Aircraft, LLC CEO Jeremy Monnett. “These CNC produced parts are manufactured with the highest quality and accuracy standards that all Sonex and AeroVee customers have become accustomed to. These part offerings continue the Sonex tradition of offering remarkable value per dollar while strictly maintaining compliance with the FAA’s Experimental Amateur-built “Major Portion” regulations.” Read More..

Sunday, January 20, 2008 LOCKHEED MARTIN RECEIVES $1.4 BILLION CONTRACT FOR 17 C-130J SUPER HERCULES AIRCRAFT FOR CANADA By FlyingNews @ 8:24 AM :: 368 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Air Cargo Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has signed a contract with the Government of Canada valued at $1.4 billion for the purchase of 17 C-130J Super Hercules airlifters and related equipment and services. “We are extremely proud that the C-130J has been selected as Canada’s next tactical airlifter. The Super Hercules will be the new workhorse of the Canadian Forces,” said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility and Special Operations Forces business development. “The C-130J is a proven, available, rugged aircraft capable of performing a full spectrum of tactical airlift missions in demanding environments.” Read More..

Sunday, January 20, 2008 Bombardier Sells Four Global 5000 Jets For Operation With The German Ministry Of Defence By FlyingNews @ 8:17 AM :: 313 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier today announced the sale of four high-speed Global 5000 jets, which will be operated by the German Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Special Mission Wing for VIP transport and Medical Evacuation (MedEvac) flights. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2011. The Global 5000 jets were selected by the Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement in Germany (BWB), as part of a broader agreement regarding the modernization of the MoD’s Special Mission Wing. Lufthansa Technik AG of Hamburg, Germany, is the prime contractor for the overall agreement, which also includes the purchase of two Airbus A319 Corporate Jetliners. The six new aircraft will replace the MoD’s existing fleet of Challenger 601 aircraft. Read More..

Sunday, January 20, 2008 Boeing Delivers Fourth Royal Australian Air Force C-17 By FlyingNews @ 8:14 AM :: 312 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) its fourth C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony at the company's Long Beach, Calif., C-17 manufacturing facility. "I am very pleased that our team has once again delivered to the RAAF a world-class airlift capability, on time and on budget," said Jean Chamberlin, vice president and C-17 program manager, to senior RAAF officials and more than 1,000 Boeing C-17 employees in attendance. "This is a great day for Boeing and demonstrates our commitment to design, build, deliver and support the world's greatest airlifter." Read More..

Sunday, January 20, 2008 Finmari Takes Delivery Of An AgustaWestland Grand Helicopter By FlyingNews @ 8:12 AM :: 333 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce the delivery of a Grand helicopter to Finmari on 17th January at a ceremony attended by the participants of the first AgustaWestland Italian Corporate Pilot Conference. The two day AgustaWestland Italian Corporate Pilot Conference, held at AgustaWestland’s Cascina Costa facility, provided an excellent forum for both the company and pilots to deepen mutual relationships and exchange views on a number of subjects including operations, safety, performance, training, technology and innovation. This Grand, which adds to an AW109 Power, will be used by Finmari for VIP and corporate transport purposes. Finmari, headquartered in Florence, adds to the growing list of AgustaWestland customers who have chosen the Grand helicopter to meet their corporate transport requirements. This and several other recent orders further strengthens the Grand’s presence in the Italian market where it has achieved exceptional success, in particular for executive transport and emergency medical service roles. Read More..

Thursday, January 17, 2008 BAE SYSTEMS AWARDED FIRST F-35 PRODUCTION CONTRACT By FlyingNews @ 9:23 PM :: 339 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The contract will see the company deliver the aft fuselage and empennage (vertical and horizontal tails) as well as key mission and vehicle systems for two Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) variants of F-35. “This is a significant milestone for BAE Systems and for the F-35 team. The start of Low Rate Initial Production marks the transition from development to production of the F-35 programme and is a major step towards making the F-35 available to customers worldwide.” said Tom Fillingham, Managing Director F-35 Lightning II, BAE Systems. Read More..

Thursday, January 17, 2008 CIRRUS ACCEPTING ORDERS FOR SRS By FlyingNews @ 9:20 PM :: 729 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Sport Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers CIRRUS took everyone by surprise in 2007 when they unveiled the CIRRUS SRS, adding yet another dimension to their very popular line of SR aircraft. Today at the Sport-Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL, Cirrus announced the Company is taking orders for the sporty SRS. The US$5,000 deposits will be taken during Sport-Aviation Expo and via the Cirrus website, www.CIRRUSdesign.com Dale Klapmeier, Vice Chairman and co-founder of Cirrus stated, “The response to the SRS has been simply amazing. EAA AirVenture confirmed for us that the SRS has its own place in the Cirrus line and we are pleased to begin offering people the opportunity to place an order for the SRS.” Read More..

Thursday, January 17, 2008 LOT POLISH AIRLINES TO ADD 12 MORE EMBRAER 175 JETS By FlyingNews @ 9:17 PM :: 361 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer has signed a firm order with LOT Polish Airlines for an additional 12 EMBRAER 175 (E175) jets, plus two options and ten purchase rights. The total value of the agreement is US$ 372 million, based on January 2007 economic conditions, and could come to US$ 744 million, if all options and purchase rights are confirmed. This deal is already included in Embraer’s fourth quarter firm order backlog as “undisclosed”. “We are very proud to broaden our relationship with LOT Polish Airlines. This additional order is an important endorsement of the E-Jets family concept, since LOT started the operation of the E170, back in 2004, as one of the E-Jets launch customers,” said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. “LOT is a long-standing Embraer client, starting out in 1999 with ERJ 145 regional jets. With this order, it will become Europe’s largest E-Jets operator.” Read More..

Thursday, January 17, 2008 Eclipse Aviation Receives Level D Simulator Certification on First Attempt By FlyingNews @ 9:14 PM :: 417 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified its first flight simulator, manufactured by OPINICUS, as a Level D Full Motion Device. Obtaining this level of certification on the first attempt is unprecedented for a new manufacturer of a new aircraft. Level D is the highest qualification the FAA grants for simulators, and this certification will allow Eclipse Aviation to type certify student pilots without having to train in an aircraft. Immediately after achieving Level D certification, Eclipse initiated the certification process for its Part 142 syllabus and integration of the simulators and learning environment. This second part of the certification is scheduled to conclude in late January with an official Part 142 certificate from the FAA. Read More..

Thursday, January 17, 2008 Cessna SkyCatcher Prototype Approaching First Flight By FlyingNews @ 9:11 PM :: 475 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Sport Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is gearing up for the first flight of its Model 162 SkyCatcher prototype in the coming months. Cessna's engineering team in Wichita, Kan., is building three airframes: prototype, first production and a test article for American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) compliance work. The aluminum aircraft will meet ASTM standard for F2245 light sport aircraft. Read More..

Thursday, January 17, 2008 Boeing Receives Follow-on Order for 787 from PrivatAir By FlyingNews @ 9:09 PM :: 332 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Geneva-based PrivatAir today announced an order for one Boeing 787-8 VIP airplane, a purchase-right exercise from PrivatAir's initial 787 order in 2006. Today's order is valued at $162 million . Through this agreement, PrivatAir has two 787s on order and has secured an additional purchase right. "The ever-increasing demand from charter customers for long-range, large-cabin aircraft shows no sign of abating, and PrivatAir is strategically placed to provide its customers with the widest range of travel options," said Greg Thomas, CEO of PrivatAir. "This latest order will further expand the capabilities of PrivatAir's fleet, enabling our passengers to travel further, faster and in greater comfort." Read More..

Thursday, January 17, 2008 Adam Adam Aircraft Announces Strategic Adjustment To Streamline Processes to Achieve Goals By FlyingNews @ 9:04 PM :: 388 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Adam Aircraft has been strengthening its operations throughout this past year with significant progress towards obtaining A700 Type Certification and improving production processes through its Make Production Fly (MPF) program. As a result of the company's ongoing evaluation of the processes and resources needed to achieve its vision and milestones, Adam Aircraft is making a revision to the company's overall production plan. "Adam Aircraft Industries is announcing today a strategic adjustment in operations designed to focus on two key objectives: obtain a TC on our A700 jet design and complete our "MPF" initiative," said Adam Aircraft President Duncan Koerbel. "To provide for our future growth, we must be strategic in our focus by managing current cash expenditures to ensure adequate time to secure financing for the long term. We're off to a good start in this effort with assistance from our partner, Citibank, but we need to be able to provide them with sufficient time working with potential investors to secure long term financing." Read More..

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 EMBRAER DELIVERS TWO IPANEMA AIRCRAFT TO THE FAB By FlyingNews @ 8:16 PM :: 444 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Embraer delivered two new Ipanema aircraft, last December, to the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB). The ceremony was held at the Botucatu plant, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and was attended by officers from the Brazilian Air Force Academy (Academia da Força Aérea Brasileira - AFA) and the Aviation Materials Park of Lagoa Santa (Parque de Material Aeronáutico de Lagoa Santa – PAMA-LG), in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The delivery of these two new Ipanema aircraft seals a contract signed during the second half of 2007. With this acquisition, the FAB now has five of this model towing AFA training gliders. Read More..

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Boeing Shifts Schedule for 787 First Flight By FlyingNews @ 8:13 PM :: 314 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE:BA] today announced that first flight of the 787 has been moved from the end of the first quarter of this year to around the end of the second quarter to provide additional time to complete assembly of the first airplane. Deliveries are now expected to begin in early 2009, rather than late 2008. "The fundamental design and technologies of the 787 remain sound," said Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "However, we continue to be challenged by start-up issues in our factory and in our extended global supply-chain." Carson said that while solid progress has been made on the assembly of Airplane #1, the rate at which jobs are being completed has not improved sufficiently to maintain the current schedule. Read More..

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Airbus to maintain its industry leadership in 2008 By FlyingNews @ 8:06 PM :: 316 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers "The customer confidence we saw last year was extremely important, along with the quality of orders we booked during the past 12 months," Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders told reporters at today?s year-opening press conference. "As a result, we have a huge - and high quality - backlog of more than 3,400 aircraft, filling our order book for something like six years. The demand will continue, as airlines seek environmentally efficient and economic aircraft." Airbus' delivery of 453 jetliners in 2007 surpassed its previous year's total by 19, and were made at the highest ever on-time rate and quality level, Enders said. Delivery rates in 2008 will reach 34 aircraft from its A320 single-aisle Family each month, along with eight A330/A340 widebodies monthly and one A380 approximately every 30 days, he added. Read More..

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Air Pacific Orders Additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners By FlyingNews @ 9:09 PM :: 322 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Air Pacific today announced that the Fiji-based airline has ordered three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in addition to a 2006 order for five of the high-technology jetliners. The airplanes were added to the Boeing Orders and Deliveries Web site in 2007, attributed to an unidentified customer. The new airplanes are valued at US$580 million (F$907 million) and bring the total value of Air Pacific's 787 orders to approximately US$1.5 billion (F$2.34 billion), the largest transaction ever undertaken by a Fijian company. Air Pacific also is taking three purchase rights for the same model, which eventually would bring the airline's fleet to 11 Dreamliners. Read More..

Monday, January 14, 2008 New National Policy to Make It Easier for Airports to Add Capacity and Reduce Congestion By FlyingNews @ 8:20 PM :: 508 Views :: 0 Comments :: Airports U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters today announced a new national policy that would make it easier for overcrowded airports to add capacity and reduce delays by encouraging airlines to spread their flights more evenly throughout the day. “Airports will now be able to more efficiently and effectively finance the kind of projects that will give travelers more options, airlines more opportunities, and cities like New York more visitors,” Secretary Peters said. Once finalized, the U.S. Department of Transportation would encourage congested airports in New York and across the country to move away from the decades-old practice of charging aircraft landing fees based simply on the weight of the plane, Secretary Peters said. Instead, airports would have the flexibility to vary charges based on the time of day and the volume of traffic. Read More..

Monday, January 14, 2008 Airbus Announces Plans For A330 Freighter Final Assembly Line In Mobile, Alabama By FlyingNews @ 7:56 PM :: 403 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Air Cargo Airbus today announced a commitment to establish an A330 Freighter aircraft final assembly line (FAL) in Mobile, Alabama, if Northrop Grumman (supported by Airbus’s parent company, EADS) receives the order to build aerial refuelling tankers from the United States Air Force. If established, the FAL would mark an important step forward for U.S. aerospace production, as it would be one of the first new commercial aircraft assembly facilities built in the U.S. in more than four decades, as well as the first Airbus manufacturing facility in the U.S. “Our pledge to build A330 Freighters in Mobile is a significant expansion of our current commitment to Alabama and the U.S., and is part of our larger plan to internationalize Airbus,” said Tom Enders, president and CEO of Airbus. “It would broaden the base of current and potential business in Mobile and firmly establish the Gulf Coast region as a center of aerospace excellence.” Read More..

Monday, January 14, 2008 Eclipse Aviation Secures Long-Term Financing Through Agreement with ETIRC Aviation in Europe and Russia By FlyingNews @ 7:52 PM :: 316 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced it will expand its partnership with European Technology and Investment Research Center (ETIRC) Aviation. The agreement between the two companies includes an equity investment by ETIRC in Eclipse that is substantially in excess of $100 million. The agreement also provides for significant additional financial benefits to Eclipse as agreed commercial objectives are realized. Upon completion of the equity investment ETIRC will be the single largest shareholder of Eclipse Aviation. ETIRC CEO Roel Pieper has been elected non-executive Chairman of Eclipse Aviation. ETIRC is currently the exclusive provider of sales, customer service, maintenance support and flight training for the Eclipse 500 in the countries of Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Republic of Turkey. Under the new arrangement, ETIRC will add Western Europe and the United Kingdom to its distribution and services area. As a result ETIRC will be the exclusive partner for Eclipse in more than 60 countries. Read More..

Monday, January 14, 2008 Boeing, Continental Celebrate Airline's First 737-900ER Delivery By FlyingNews @ 7:46 PM :: 338 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Continental Airlines [NYSE:CAL] today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane. With this delivery, Continental becomes the first airline in the Americas to operate the 737-900ER, a higher-capacity, longer-range derivative and newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family. Continental was the first airline in the Americas to order the 737-900ER and currently has 26 more on order. Continental this year expects to take delivery of an average of two-to-three new Next-Generation 737s per month, which includes a mix of 737-900ERs and 737-800s. The airplanes are part of Continental's comprehensive fleet strategy, which focuses on improving operational efficiency and customer comfort. Read More..

Monday, January 14, 2008 Maritime Safety Administration Of China Orders Two AW109 Power Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 7:37 PM :: 355 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of China has signed a contract for the supply of two AW109 Power light twin turbine engine helicopters, with an option for an additional two to be exercised next year. The MSA is responsible for monitoring all inland and coastal waters and these two helicopters will be dedicated to controlling and fighting water pollution. Read More..

Monday, January 14, 2008 Lonrho to acquire 8 ATR 72-500s for airline Fly540 By FlyingNews @ 6:58 AM :: 342 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers ATR and the pan-African investing conglomerate Lonrho today announced the signature by Lonrho's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lonrho Air, of a MoU for the purchase of 8 ATR 72-500s. The aircraft will be operated by Fly540, an airline belonging to the conglomerate. The deal, which includes a comprehensive support and spares package, is valued at over US$ 150 million. The aircraft will be configured with 66 seats, including 12 in first class, and will be equipped with higher rated PW 127M engines, with the "Elegance Cabin" and with In-Flight Entertainment (IFE). The 8 new ATRs will also feature state-of-the-art technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools. The deliveries of these aircraft are scheduled for 2008 and 2009. Read More..

Monday, January 14, 2008 Airbus delivers second A380 to Singapore Airlines By FlyingNews @ 6:55 AM :: 305 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The second production Airbus A380 (MSN005) was handed over to Singapore Airlines on 11th January in line with the latest delivery schedule. Equipped with four Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, the second aircraft for the first A380 operator follows the delivery of the first A380 (MSN003) that took place on 15th October 2007. The second aircraft is fitted with the same spacious and luxurious cabin-interior Singapore Airlines revealed on the occasion of the delivery of their first A380, also featuring 471 seats in three classes. Read More..

Thursday, January 10, 2008 Lufthansa Technik restores Lockheed Super Star to airworthy condition By FlyingNews @ 8:19 PM :: 358 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines Lufthansa Technik AG has been asked by Lufthansa’s historic flight foundation Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung (DLBS) to restore a historic Lufthansa aircraft to airworthy condition. A Lockheed L1649A Super Star, which in 1958 became the first long-haul airliner operated by Lufthansa capable of crossing the Atlantic without refuelling, is to take to the air again in 2010 as an unforgettable contributor to Lufthansa tradition. Alongside the Ju 52, which helped to shape the early days of Lufthansa’s history, the four-engine Super Star will revive the Lufthansa tradition of the post-war years. “The Super Star was the culmination of the development of propeller-driven commercial aircraft. In much the same way as the Super Constellation, it epitomises the comeback of commercial aviation in Germany after World War Two,” said August W. Henningsen, Chairman of the Lufthansa Technik Executive Board. “Making a Super Star airworthy again is both a special honour and a challenge for Lufthansa Technik. For the enthusiasts among our staff, it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of their professional career.” Read More..

Thursday, January 10, 2008 EMBRAER SELLS AN ERJ 145 JET TO PETROECUADOR By FlyingNews @ 8:11 PM :: 339 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer has signed Petroecuador, Empresa Estatal Petroleos del Ecuador, to one ERJ 145 jet. The contract also includes a significant logistical package for supplying replacement parts, technical support and crew training. This deal is already included in Embraer’s firm order backlog announced in January 9. “We are very happy to receive this order from Petroecuador,” said Luis Carlos Aguiar, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense and Government Market. “We offer an excellent product with the best technical and economic conditions in the market.” Read More..

Thursday, January 10, 2008 F-15 Eagle accident report released By FlyingNews @ 8:00 PM :: 585 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents [Editor: This is an article from the U.S. Air Force] A failure of the upper right longeron, a critical support structure in the F-15C Eagle, caused the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C, four miles south-southeast of Boss, Missouri, Nov 2. According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Jan. 10, a technical analysis of the recovered F-15C wreckage determined that the longeron didn't meet blueprint specifications. This defect led to a series of fatigue cracks in the right upper longeron. These cracks expanded under life cycle stress, causing the longeron to fail, which initiated a catastrophic failure of the remaining support structures and led to the aircraft breaking apart in flight. Read More..

Thursday, January 10, 2008 Defective Part Cited in Fighter Crash By FlyingNews @ 12:28 PM :: 382 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents An Air Force investigation of the crash last fall of an F-15C Eagle fighter jet concluded that a defective metal beam in the frame cracked, causing it to disintegrate during flight. In a report being released Thursday, obtained in advance by The Associated Press, Air Force investigators said they had found that the sole reason for the accident was the faulty support beam, called a longeron, which failed to meet the manufacturer's specifications. You can read the entire article here.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 American Legend Aircraft Company To Host Fabric Piper Restoration Seminar Featuring Clyde Smith Jr. By FlyingNews @ 10:27 PM :: 1577 Views :: 1 Comments :: General Aviation, Sport Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers American Legend Aircraft Company announced today the company will host a 3-day seminar with Clyde Smith Jr., fabric aircraft restoration expert. Smith is well known in the classic Piper aircraft industry. He has dedicated his time to preserving the art of building and restoring fabric covered aircraft. Dates for the seminar are February 22-24, 2008. American Legend Aircraft Company will host and sponsor the event at the factory in Sulphur Springs, Texas (KSLR). The 3-day event will be held in conjunction with the company’s KwikBild program. KwikBild is a builder-assist instructional program for customers who elect to fabricate their Texas Sport kit aircraft at the factory. Builders of any aircraft are encouraged to attend the seminar. Read More..

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Boeing Delivers 36 Chinook Helicopters in 2007 By FlyingNews @ 10:17 PM :: 317 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] in 2007 delivered 36 Chinook helicopters to U.S. Army and international customers, meeting scheduled commitments and matching the program's performance during the Army's model upgrade program in the early 1990s. "The aircraft deliveries by the Chinook program in 2007 reflect the outstanding performance of Boeing Rotorcraft Systems employees and all the members of Team Chinook," said Jack Dougherty, Boeing director of H-47 Programs. "This reflects a consistent record of performance by the program." The Chinook manufacturing facility in Ridley Park, Pa., delivered four MH-47Gs, 30 CH-47Fs and two international aircraft in 2007, just 13 months after the first CH-47F rolled off the production line. Read More..

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Eurocopter signs sale agreement with the Spanish Government for eleven helicopters By FlyingNews @ 10:07 PM :: 294 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Eurocopter España bade farewell to 2007 with the sale of eleven new helicopters earmarked for various bodies within the Spanish Interior and Defence Ministries. As a result of these contracts, the Directorate General for Traffic (DGT) will be equipped with four AS355NP twin-engine multi-mission helicopters and two EC135 twin-engine multipurpose helicopters capable of instrument flights, which have become a world reference for police missions, with more than 600 units sold worldwide since they were first launched on the market in mid 1996. This agreement is worth approximately 20 million euros. The sale of two Cougar (AS532AL) helicopters was concluded with the Ministry of Defence for the FAMET (Army Airmobile Force), while three Cougar were bought for the Military Emergency Unit (UME), contracts worth 40 and 76 million euros, respectively. The UME helicopters are specially equipped for emergency missions like fire fighting and search and rescue. The sale to the UME includes mission and logistic support outfitting systems for commissioning the helicopters. The Cougar is a twin-engine multipurpose helicopter with a capacity for transporting up to 25 soldiers in full gear, in addition to two crew members, or 10 soldiers and 6 wounded. It has a cargo capacity of up to 4.5 tons. Its operating capabilities make it the ideal helicopter for operations in adverse conditions and in a wide range of missions: troop and cargo transport, search and rescue, evacuation, etc. Read More..

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 AWAS orders 75 Airbus A320 Family aircraft By FlyingNews @ 10:05 PM :: 343 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Dublin based lessor AWAS has signed a firm contract for 75 A320 Family aircraft bringing their Airbus portfolio to a total of 145, comprising single aisle and long-range aircraft. This is the first order announced by Airbus this year. Being one of the three largest aircraft leasing companies in the world, AWAS has a diversified selection of commercial aircraft and is a leader in next generation technology. Read More..

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Air Combat Command clears selected F-15s for flight By FlyingNews @ 10:03 PM :: 338 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Air Combat Command officials cleared a portion of the F-15 Eagle A through D model aircraft Jan. 9 for flying status and recommended a limited return to flight for Air Force units worldwide following engineering risk assessments and data received from multiple fleet-wide inspections. The return to fly order and recommendation applies only to those F-15 aircraft, about 60 percent of the total Air Force F-15 A through D fleet, that have cleared all inspections and have met longeron manufacturing specifications. Read More..

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Adam Aircraft A700 Completes Company Environmental Testing By FlyingNews @ 10:01 PM :: 326 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers In early December, Adam Aircraft completed a highly successful series of tests at the world renowned McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. "Overall, the Eglin effort met all testing goals and provided an abundance of data that will help ensure the highest level of performance by the A700 in a variety of adverse weather conditions," said Tom Bisges, Adam Aircraft Sr. Vice President Engineering and Program Management. During the five day testing exercise, the Williams FJ-33 engines were exposed to freezing fog, freezing rain and blowing snow to evaluate the ground performance of the engine inlet anti-ice system under these extremely harsh environmental conditions. The anti-ice tests, conducted for FAA certification credit and critically evaluated, were completed satisfactorily and will form the initial part of the overall Powerplant Operating Characteristics and Airplane Anti-ice Protection certification effort which will be completed later this year. Read More..

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 OpenSkies takes off By FlyingNews @ 12:15 PM :: 320 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines British Airways is planning to launch its new US-EU subsidiary airline "OpenSkies" with daily flights from New York to Brussels and Paris. The airline will launch in June 2008 with one Boeing 757 aircraft that will operate from New York to either Brussels or Paris Charles de Gaulle airports. A second aircraft will be added to the fleet later this year to fly to the other EU destination. The plan is to operate six 757s by the end of 2009, all of which will be sourced from the current British Airways' fleet. Read More..

Tuesday, January 08, 2008 No Fatalities as Two F/A-18s Crash in Persian Gulf By FlyingNews @ 7:36 AM :: 360 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents Teams from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) rescued all three aviators after an F/A-18E and an F/A-18F that crashed during operations in the Persian Gulf Jan. 7. The three aviators are safely back aboard the aircraft carrier, and are reported in good condition following an ejection. Read More..

Tuesday, January 08, 2008 GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE TAKES DELIVERY OF A NEW MD EXPLORER FOR CHRISTMAS By FlyingNews @ 7:30 AM :: 349 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) today announced the delivery of a new MD Explorer to the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) just days before Christmas. The delivery marks a return to grace for MD Helicopters in the eyes of the police force and the first new delivery to law enforcement in Europe since ownership by investment funds managed by Patriarch Partners, LLC (Patriarch) in July, 2005. GMP purchased its first MD aircraft in June, 2001. The Greater Manchester Police christened their first MD902 Explorer, call sign 'India 99'. Since its delivery, the aircraft has flown over 7000 hours in continuous service. The combination of flexibility, reliability and easy maintenance made the MD Explorer the first choice for a new aircraft by the UK police. Watching over Greater Manchester and supporting officers on the ground, India 99 has used high- tech equipment including TV and thermal image cameras, a microwave downlink that can broadcast live pictures to ground patrols, a high powered searchlight and loud speaker system and a tracking facility for locating stolen vehicles. The aircraft's interior is mission flexible and accommodates up to eight persons or can be reconfigured to carry stretchers for ambulance work. Read More..

Tuesday, January 08, 2008 FAA Reinforces Runway Safety Commitment By FlyingNews @ 7:28 AM :: 325 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA Following through on its commitment to the ambitious government and industry plan to improve safety at U.S. airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed extending the enhanced standards for taxiway centerline makings to all certificated airports to reduce the risk of runway incursions. Simultaneously, the FAA is recommending regular recurrent driver training for all persons with access to the movement area and ramp areas at certificated airports. Acting FAA Administrator Bobby Sturgell has commended the airport community for swiftly answering the FAA’s call to improve runway safety. The FAA is now proposing actions designed to help some smaller airports make the same important safety improvements. Read More..

Tuesday, January 08, 2008 Saudi MODA places order for EADS A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport By FlyingNews @ 7:27 AM :: 348 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Saudi MODA has decided the acquisition of the A330 MRTT as the new air-to-air refuelling aircraft for its Royal Saudi Air Force as a result of the competition process started in early 2006. Following the contract signed with the Royal Australian Air Force, and after being nominated preferred bidder for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) in the UK and selected by the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, the Saudi decision consolidates the A330 MRTT position as the most advanced and capable air to air refuelling aircraft in the market. EADS CASA, responsible for the design and production of the MRTTs, is positioned as a key worldwide supplier in the field of tanking and transport aircraft. Read More..

Tuesday, January 08, 2008 Delta AirElite Adds Learjet 45 to Fleet By FlyingNews @ 7:24 AM :: 336 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Business Flying Delta AirElite (NYSE: DAL) has added another Learjet 45 to its fleet, continuing to expand their number of charter aircraft in response to increased customer demand. This late-model aircraft will be based in Tulsa, OK (TUL) and will serve both Fleet Members and charter customers. The aircraft will be flown under Delta AirElite’s FAR Part 135 operating certificate. "As demand for private jet travel continues to grow, we are committed to offering our customers access to the most popular, late-model aircraft for their travel needs,” said Brandon Greene, Sales Director, Delta AirElite Business Jets. “This latest aircraft addition will support the continued growth of our Fleet Membership program as well as serve charter customers.” Read More..

Monday, January 07, 2008 AirTran Airways Awards Long-Term Maintenance Contract for B737NG Landing Gears to Israel Aerospace Industries' Bedek Aviation Group By FlyingNews @ 7:38 AM :: 477 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Aircraft Maintenance AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), announced on January 3, 2008 that it has awarded Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)'s Bedek Aviation Group a long-term contract for landing gear maintenance covering its entire fleet of Boeing 737NG aircraft. “AirTran Airways regards IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group as one of our superior suppliers of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services,” said Stephen Kolski, AirTran Airways’ Senior Vice President for Operations. “In terms of cost, quality and service, we have found IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group ready, willing and able to consistently live up to its commitments. They have proven themselves to be a partner in every sense of the word.” Read More..

Saturday, January 05, 2008 FAA: Boeing's New 787 May Be Vulnerable to Hacker Attack By FlyingNews @ 7:16 AM :: 330 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner passenger jet may have a serious security vulnerability in its onboard computer networks that could allow passengers to access the plane's control systems, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The computer network in the Dreamliner's passenger compartment, designed to give passengers in-flight internet access, is connected to the plane's control, navigation and communication systems, an FAA report reveals. The revelation is causing concern in security circles because the physical connection of the networks makes the plane's control systems vulnerable to hackers. A more secure design would physically separate the two computer networks. Boeing said it's aware of the issue and has designed a solution it will test shortly. You can read the entire article here.

Friday, January 04, 2008 Boeing Sets Third Consecutive Record for Commercial Airplane Orders in 2007 By FlyingNews @ 8:49 PM :: 318 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recorded 1,413 net commercial airplane orders during 2007, reaching more than 1,000 orders for an unprecedented third consecutive year, and setting a Boeing record for total orders in a single year. Boeing also set new order records for the 787 Dreamliner, the 737, and for Boeing freighters. The 2007 total surpasses the previous Boeing records of 1,044 net orders in 2006 and the 1,002 orders set in 2005. Gross orders in 2007, which exclude cancellations and conversions, totaled 1,423. Boeing recorded 1,050 gross orders in 2006 and 1,029 gross orders in 2005. Unfilled orders for Boeing Commercial Airplanes is now over 3,400 airplanes. Read More..

Thursday, January 03, 2008 Government Of Spain Orders Two More Bombardier 415 Amphibious Firefighting Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 10:49 PM :: 497 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Today, Bombardier Aerospace announced that the Government of Spain has placed a firm order for two Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft. Based on the list price, the contract is valued at approximately $60 million US and includes technical support, training, one Flight Training Device (FTD) and additional equipment for the current fleet. With this firm order, the Spanish government will increase its fleet to 22 Bombardier amphibious aircraft. It currently operates one Bombardier 415, 14 CL-215T and five CL-215 aircraft. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2008. The FTD will be delivered in 2009. Read More..

Thursday, January 03, 2008 Boeing Announces GOL Airlines Order for 40 Next-Generation 737s By FlyingNews @ 10:44 PM :: 302 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Brazil's GOL Linhas Aéreas S.A. [NYSE: GOL, Bovespa: GOLL4], the parent company of Brazil's low-cost airlines GOL Transportes Aéreos S.A. and VRG Linhas Aéreas S.A., today announced the airline has ordered an additional 40 Next-Generation 737 passenger airplanes. The airplanes will be included in Boeing's 2007 order total. The order also brings to 127 the number of Next-Generation airplanes GOL has ordered since beginning operations in Brazil in January of 2001. GOL has also confirmed the purchase rights for an additional 40 737s, for a total of 167 737s in the company's projected fleet. Read More..

Thursday, January 03, 2008 U.S. Airlines Report Fewer Flight Delays, Cancellations, Mishandled Bags in November By FlyingNews @ 7:57 PM :: 482 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Government The nation’s largest airlines recorded lower rates of flight delays, cancellations and mishandled bags this past November than during both the same month last year and in October 2007, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 20 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 80.0 percent in November, better than both November 2006’s 76.5 percent and October 2007’s 78.2 percent. The report also shows that these carriers canceled 1.0 percent of their scheduled flights in November, down from both November 2006’s cancellation rate of 1.6 and October 2007’s 1.2 percent. Read More..

Thursday, January 03, 2008 Libyan Airlines Signs For Two CRJ900 NextGen Jetliners By FlyingNews @ 7:47 PM :: 309 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Libyan Airlines of Libya has signed a firm order for two Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets. This order represents the conversion of the two options taken with Libyan Airlines’ initial firm order for three CRJ900 aircraft, announced on June 14, 2007. All three previously ordered aircraft have since been delivered. Based on the list price of the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the transaction announced today is valued at approximately $76 million U.S. Read More..

Thursday, January 03, 2008 Boeing Finalizes 787 Order with Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam Aircraft Leasing By FlyingNews @ 7:43 PM :: 332 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam Aircraft Leasing Co. (VALC) have finalized an order for a total of 12 Boeing 787-8s with a list value of approximately US$ 2 billion. Vietnam Airlines will take four of the new airplanes and VALC will purchase the remaining eight Dreamliners, leasing them to Vietnam Airlines. The combined Vietnam order pushes 787 order totals to 802. The order is included in 2007 totals and will be included in this week's Boeing Orders and Deliveries Web site update. Read More..

Thursday, January 03, 2008 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Models R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44 and R44 II Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 7:39 PM :: 1576 Views :: 0 Comments Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Models R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44 and R44 II Helicopters SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) helicopters. This action requires a one-time visual inspection for skin separation along the leading edge of blade skin aft of the skin-to-spar bond line on the lower surface of each blade and in the tip cap area. This action also requires a "tap test'' for detecting a separation or void in both bonded areas. This action also requires repainting any exposed area of the blades. If any separation or void is detected, replacing the blade before further flight is required. Thereafter, before each flight, this AD also requires checking for any exposed (bare metal) along the skin-to-spar bond line on the lower surface of each blade near the tip. If any bare metal is found, a mechanic must inspect the area. This amendment is prompted by 11 reports of blade debond, some occurring in flight causing the pilot to feel excessive vibrations and land, and some found during routine maintenance. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect blade skin debond and to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Read More..

Wednesday, January 02, 2008 Pratt & Whitney F117 Engine Exceeds Five Million Hours Powering the C-17 Globemaster III By FlyingNews @ 7:29 PM :: 380 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney's F117 engine fleet has logged more than five million operational flight hours as the exclusive power source for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. The F117-powered C-17 serves the strategic airlift and mobility needs of the U.S. Air Force, British Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “The five million hours of successful operation demonstrates the durability and reliability of the F117 engine,” said Bev Deachin, director, Pratt & Whitney Mobility and Surveillance Systems. “The Pratt & Whitney F117 team is proud to power this exceptional aircraft as it conducts its military, disaster relief and humanitarian missions around the world.” Read More..

Wednesday, January 02, 2008 GULFSTREAM G550, G500, G450 AND G350 BUSINESS JETS RECEIVE APPROVAL FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TO FLY PREDETERMINED APPROACHES By FlyingNews @ 7:24 PM :: 416 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Gulfstream has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the company’s PlaneView® - equipped business jets – the G550, G500, G450 and G350 – to fly “Required Navigation Performance Special Aircraft and Aircrew Authorization Required” (RNP SAAAR) airport approaches. For the past year, Gulfstream has been working with the FAA, NetJets® and Honeywell International to secure FAA approval that would allow the two companies’ Gulfstream PlaneView-equipped aircraft to fly RNP SAAAR approaches. Aircraft flying under RNP SAAAR procedures use both global positioning and inertial navigation reference systems to fly predetermined paths preloaded in their flight management computers. These paths, which are navigated through the Flight Guidance Control System, allow pilots to fly safer, more-direct and lower-minimum approaches, thereby reducing typical diversions. These more direct airport approaches reduce the time aircraft are in the air, saving operators both time and fuel. Read More..

Wednesday, January 02, 2008 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 430 Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 7:17 PM :: 638 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 430 Helicopters SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 430 helicopters that requires replacing a certain servo actuator-to-actuator support attachment bolt (bolt) with an airworthy bolt. This action also requires establishing a retirement life for certain bolts and recording the retirement life on a component history card or equivalent record. This amendment is prompted by further evaluation of certain fatigue- critical parts, resulting in establishing a life limit of 5,000 hours for the affected bolts. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the bolt and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Read More..

Wednesday, January 02, 2008 Eclipse Aviation Completes First 100 Airplanes Faster Than Any General Aviation Jet Aircraft Manufacturer in History By FlyingNews @ 5:53 PM :: 359 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced it has produced and certified 104 Eclipse 500s since December 31, 2006. Reaching this milestone makes Eclipse the fastest general aviation jet aircraft manufacturer in history to produce its first 100 airplanes. The VLJ leader completed a total of 103 aircraft in 2007. Previously, the fastest ramp to 100 aircraft was achieved by Cessna, which reached 100 Cessna Citation 550 aircraft after approximately 18 months. "We're transforming how jets are built, and how people travel," said Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation president and CEO. "It's an audacious goal, and one that stretches us every day to go beyond what seems possible. Day-to-day setbacks are inevitable, but the reality is that we have created a new aircraft category and are bringing a new breed of jet to market at a rate never before seen in general aviation."

Tuesday, January 01, 2008 FIRST SHORT TAKEOFF/VERTICAL LANDING STEALTH FIGHTER UNVEILED AT LOCKHEED MARTIN By FlyingNews @ 9:28 AM :: 338 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35B Lightning II, the first fighter to combine stealth with short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability and supersonic speed, made its debut today amid customers from the United States Marine Corps, the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and the Italian Air Force and Navy. Attendees at the rollout ceremony in Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth assembly plant included Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway. “The flexibility that the STOVL variant of the F-35 will add to the contemporary Marine Air Ground Task Force is amazing,” Conway said. “This generational leap in technology will enable us to operate a fleet of fighter/attack aircraft from the decks of ships, existing runways or from unimproved surfaces at austere bases. We find that capability extremely valuable.” The F-35B, designed to replace Marine Corps AV-8Bs and F/A-18s, is one of three variants of the Lightning II. Its first flight is planned for mid-2008, following a series of extensive ground tests. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing version began its flight test program in December of 2006. The F-35C, designed for catapult launches and arrested recoveries aboard large U.S. Navy carriers, will make its inaugural flight in 2009. Read More..

Tuesday, January 01, 2008 Another Bird Keeps Soldiers on Ground Safe By FlyingNews @ 8:03 AM :: 321 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation When people think of aircraft in Iraq, many imagine fighter jets and helicopters, but many don't know about a smaller and equally important aircraft in use today. Shadow 200 RQ-7B unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs are flown over the skies of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division area of operations to provide safety for Soldiers on the ground. Flown by the UAV Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, the Shadow is a small and lightweight aircraft, coming in at a little over 11 feet, with a gasoline engine that can run for about four hours. "Our mission while in Iraq is to provide the best detailed real-time footage to the troops on the ground, so as to help them in their mission, whether it's a cordon, raid or patrol on the streets of Baghdad," said Sgt. Christopher Herrmann, standardization officer with Company A, 4-3 BSTB. You can read the entire article here.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008 Boeing, South Korea's Jeju Air Complete Order for 737-800s By FlyingNews @ 7:57 AM :: 312 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that South Korea-based Jeju Air has ordered five Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s to meet future growth plans. The new airplanes are valued at US$370 million at list prices. The 737s will be the first Boeing airplanes to enter the Jeju Air fleet. The airline currently operates five regional jets of smaller capacity. Jeju Air, in a statement, expressed its confidence that "the 737-800 aircraft exactly matches our long term growth requirements for our routes within Korea domestically and to Japan, China and other Asia Pacific regions. Read More..