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Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Red Arrows unveil new-look Aircraft ahead of Overseas Tour By FlyingNews @ 12:58 PM :: 456 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aerobatics The Royal Air Force has announced: The Red Arrows are set to unveil a new aircraft paint-scheme this week as they leave the UK on a six-week overseas tour. The change to the world-famous design is thought to be the first major permanent alteration since the Red Arrows took delivery of their Hawk aircraft in 1979. “The Red Arrows’ Hawk aircraft are known and loved by millions of people around the world.” said Wing Commander Jas Hawker, Red 1. “We needed to keep a careful balance between making our famous aircraft unrecognisable and reminding people that we are proud to represent the Royal Air Force. This is especially important when many Royal Air Force personnel are away from home, serving overseas in front line operations such as Afghanistan and Iraq. We are a visible way of reminding people of our colleagues’ hard work and professionalism in the line of duty. The change to our aircraft paint scheme will help us to do this more effectively.” You can read the article here.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Duo Discus XL becomes certified for simple aerobatics! By FlyingNews @ 12:53 PM :: 490 Views :: 0 Comments :: Gliders The improved effectiveness of the airbrake system makes it now possible for us to apply the approval for simple aerobatics including spinning. It's now possible to fly from the back seat without any operating handicaps. These features extend significantly the spectrum of use. Further there are many surprising solutions, like the changed water valve lever.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Poland acquires another two (2) EADS CASA C-295 aircraft and increases its fleet up to twelve (12) units By FlyingNews @ 12:30 PM :: 384 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Polish government has ordered today another two (2) EADS CASA C-295 military transport aircraft for the Polish Air Force. These two (2) units increase the number of eight (8) aircraft purchased in 2001 and two (2) additional ones in 2006 up to twelve (12). This contract with the Polish Air Force confirms again the suitability and efficacy of the C-295 and corroborates its leadership as a medium weight tactical military transport aircraft. The delivery date will take place by the end of 2008. Recently, in August and September 2007 the Polish authorities received the two (2) aircraft purchased in 2006. The total number of units sold of the C-295 reaches up sixty (60) aircraft from which thirty-nine (39) have already been delivered. They accumulate thirty eight thousand (38,000) flight hours. Read More..

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 CUBCRAFTERS WILL PAY YOU TO EARN YOUR TAILWHEEL ENDORSEMENT AS PART OF ITS “ONLY IN A TAILDRAGGER” CAMPAIGN By FlyingNews @ 12:16 PM :: 417 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Today CubCrafters announced an industry-first program that will allow broader participation in the fun and adventure of tailwheel flying. Through this program, more pilots than ever can enjoy camping, hunting, and fishing with their airplanes...backcountry flying...weekend gatherings at the local grass strip…access to all these adventures and more ‘ONLY IN A TAILDRAGGER’. Now through the end of January 2008, if you are not already tailwheel current, CubCrafters will credit the cost of your tailwheel endorsement towards the purchase of a new SPORT CUB S2 or TOP CUB. Even better, as part of the campaign CubCrafters has made arrangements to offer special incentives toward insuring your new aircraft. CubCrafters President Todd Simmons commented on the new program: “Recently, several of us had just gotten back from a trip to Rimrock Lake Airstrip, which is about 30 miles west of Yakima tucked up in the Cascades. We were tying all the Cubs down and unloading our gear when someone asked ‘Does everyone else know how much fun this is?’ I think we all had the same idea at that moment: ‘Why don’t we just include the training for them to get tailwheel qualified and help them with the insurance part as well?’ That sounded like a great idea to me, as our goal is to find a way to give every pilot a chance to experience the unique fun and freedom of tailwheel flight in a CubCrafters airplane.” This is from CubCrafters and you can read the entire announcement here.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Boeing Delivers 150th Next-Generation 737-800 to Ryanair By FlyingNews @ 12:12 PM :: 358 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, took delivery on October 26 of its 150th Boeing Next-Generation 737-800. Shown here, the 146th, 147th, 148th, 149th and 150th 737s for Ryanair are parked in formation at Boeing Field in Seattle, where they underwent flight-testing prior to delivery to Ryanair. The successful European carrier operates a fleet of 737-800s around Europe and northwest Africa. From its inception, Ryanair has relied on the 737 - first the 737 Classic and now the Next-Generation 737 - to help it meet strenuous efficiency, environmental, cost and reliability targets that are critical to the success of its business model. Ryanair has replaced all of its older 737 Classics with the newer Next-Generation 737 and has achieved a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer since 1998. An additional 121 737s remain to be delivered to Ryanair. The last 737 Classic was phased out in January 2006. Ryanair operates the second largest 737 fleet in the world, after Southwest Airlines in the United States.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 AgustaWestland AW109 Power Helicopters Ordered By Ministry Of The Interior Of Latvia Enter Service By FlyingNews @ 11:34 AM :: 408 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the two AW109 Power light twin helicopters ordered by Ministry of the Interior of Latvia for State Border Guard have entered service. Operational readiness was officially announced during a ceremony held in Ludza on October 26th celebrating the fifth Anniversary of the State Border Guard Aviation Service and the opening of new Ludza Base’s facilities. Minister of Interior of Latvia Mr. Ivars Godmanis, Chief of State Border Guard of Latvia General Gunars Dabolins and delegations from Finnish, Estonian, Lithuanian, Polish, German, Slovenian, Russian and Belarusian Border Guard services attended the event. Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 Bombardier Statement Regarding The Sas Decision On Its Q400 Aircraft Fleet By FlyingNews @ 3:48 PM :: 369 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers permanently discontinue flight operations with the Bombardier Q400 aircraft given that the landing incident is still under investigation by Danish authorities. Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 Textron's Bell Completes Major Milestone in the 429 Development By FlyingNews @ 1:22 PM :: 362 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Officials from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today announced the completion of another major milestone in the development of the Bell 429, Bell's new advanced-technology helicopter. The 429 team has set or "frozen" the final exterior profile design, verified through months of development flight testing. Commenting on the event Robert Fitzpatrick, senior vice president for Marketing and Sales said, "This is one of the most significant events in the development of an aircraft. This means our design meets the aesthetic and in-flight handling specifications we set long ago. These are specifications we promised we would deliver to our customers. This moves us much closer to our certification and beginning delivery goal of the end of 2008." Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 PZL Mielec Signs Contract to Deliver 15 M18 Aircraft to China By FlyingNews @ 1:11 PM :: 422 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers PZL Mielec, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's company in Poland, has signed a contract with the Agriculture Bureau of the China's Heilongjiang Province for 15 M18B DROMADER™ airplanes. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). The M18 DROMADER is a medium-sized, highly efficient crop-duster and fire-fighting plane, designed and manufactured in Mielec. The purchase of the airplanes will be financed from the loan facility extended by Poland's Government to China's Government as part of the two governments' efforts to jointly undertake projects targeted at protection of the natural environment. Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 spn aircraft No 3 makes debut flight By FlyingNews @ 12:55 PM :: 551 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers The spn test aircraft No. 3 (D-CSPJ) successfully completed its first two flights today, 29 October 2007. The aircraft took off at 9:28 am local time from the company’s airfield at Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, where it is being developed and built. The flight testing included basic systems checkouts, stability and control evaluation and a first landing at the Allgäu Airport in Memmingen as planned. The aircraft returned to the company’s airfield after the second flight. Total flying time was 1 hour and 26 minutes. At the controls were Chief Test Pilot Tore Reimers and Test Pilot Peter Weger. Test aircraft No. 3 is flying most of the systems that will be installed in the fully conforming series production aircraft. Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 Singapore Purchases Additional F110 Engines for F-15 Fleet By FlyingNews @ 12:54 PM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aircraft Engines The Government of Singapore has purchased General Electric Company's F110 fighter engine to power a follow-on order for 12 Boeing F-15SG aircraft, a derivative of the U.S. Air Force's F-15E Strike Eagle. Of these 12 additional twin-engine aircraft, eight were options as part of Singapore's initial procurement of 12 firm aircraft in January 2006. The 12 original aircraft are slated for delivery in 2009. Engine deliveries for the additional aircraft also begin in 2009. Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 FAA Exceeds Annual Goal for General Aviation Safety By FlyingNews @ 12:52 PM :: 237 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The number of fatal general aviation accidents declined by 5 percent this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today. The FAA’s goal was to have no more than 331 fatal general aviation accidents during the 12 months ending Sept. 30. The actual number was 314. Fatalities in general aviation accidents also declined significantly, from 676 in fiscal 2006 to 564 in fiscal 2007. For these calculations, “general aviation” includes not only privately flown planes but also non-scheduled air taxi flights. Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 Bombardier Q400 Scandinavian Flight Sk2867 Incident By FlyingNews @ 12:46 PM :: 231 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier confirms that a Bombardier Q400 aircraft S/N 4024 registration number LN-RDI operating as flight SK2867 from Bergen to Copenhagen, was involved in an incident at Copenhagen Airport at 16:55 local time on October 27, 2007. There were no reported injuries to the 40 passengers and 4 crew members on board. According to preliminary information, the incident involved the main right hand landing gear, which failed to fully extend for landing. There appears to be no relationship between this incident and previous SAS Q400 main landing gear incidents. While SAS has decided to ground their Q400 fleet until further notice, Bombardier has advised all Q400 operators via an All Operator Message (AOM) of this incident but is not recommending changes to their normal on-going Q400 flight operations. Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 Boeing Opens First F-15E Mission Training Center By FlyingNews @ 12:44 PM :: 214 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has opened its first F-15E Mission Training Center (MTC) for the U.S. Air Force's 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The center will provide aircrews with high-fidelity, simulator-based training without the material and personnel costs associated with training on operational aircraft. "The F-15E MTC provides a huge leap in technology and capability for our Air Force customer," said Tony Jones, vice president, Training Systems and Services, a division of IDS Support Systems. "Because of the added capabilities provided by the visual systems and other advanced features of the MTC, F-15E aircrews now will be able to experience more realistic scenarios to match today's demanding missions." Read More..

Monday, October 29, 2007 Historic first commercial flight of the A380 By FlyingNews @ 12:37 PM :: 213 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Singapore Airlines' A380 made its first commercial flight on 25 October, departing Singapore's Changi International Airport for Sydney at approximately 8:15 a.m. local time, with 455 passengers on board. Speaking ahead of its departure, Singapore Airlines' Chief Executive Chew Choon Seng, who was on hand to personally welcome passengers as they boarded, described the flight as "a new milestone in the timeline of aviation". The majority of those on board flight SQ380 had bought their seats in a charity auction organised by airline on eBay, which raised around 1.3 million US dollars for selected Singaporean and Australian charities. Read More..

Friday, October 26, 2007 Singapore Selects Additional F110 Engines for F-15 Fleet By FlyingNews @ 11:18 AM :: 240 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Aircraft Engines The Government of Singapore has selected General Electric Company's F110 fighter engine to power a follow-on order for 12 Boeing F-15SG aircraft, a derivative of the U.S. Air Force's F-15E Strike Eagle. Of these 12 additional twin-engine aircraft, eight were options as part of Singapore's initial procurement of 12 firm aircraft in January 2006. The 12 original aircraft are slated for delivery in 2009. Engine deliveries for the additional aircraft also begin in 2009. Read More..

Friday, October 26, 2007 International Lease Finance Corporation concludes revision of its original 16 aircraft A350 order to 20 A350 XWBs By FlyingNews @ 11:10 AM :: 218 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) and Airbus have concluded a revision of ILFC's original 16 A350 order to 20 A350 XWBs. The revised agreement by the world's largest commercial leasing company by fleet value, and a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc, is for both the -800 and the -900 version. ILFC has the flexibility to also select the -1000 version upon request. This transaction brings total orders for the A350 XWB to 196 from nine customers. "Airbus is now offering an outstanding product which satisfies the market and our requirements," says ILFC Chairman and CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy. Read More..

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 NASA Aircraft Aiding Southern California Firefighting Effort By FlyingNews @ 3:10 PM :: 254 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA In response to a request from the California Office of Emergency Services and the National Interagency Fire Center, NASA is flying an aircraft equipped with sophisticated infrared imaging equipment today to assist firefighters battling several of the Southern California wildfires. The Ikhana unmanned aircraft system, a Predator B modified for civil science and research missions, was launched about 8:45 a.m. PDT from its base at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. It is expected to fly over the major blazes burning in the Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs areas and possibly down into San Diego County to image wildfires raging in that area. The aircraft is controlled remotely by pilots in a ground control station at NASA Dryden. Read More..

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 EMBRAER SELLS 11 E-JETS TO TACA By FlyingNews @ 2:49 PM :: 256 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer announces a contract for the sale of 11 EMBRAER 190 jets, with options for another 15 aircraft of the same model, to El Salvador’s TACA Group. The value of the deal, at list price, is US$ 379.5 million, based on the economic conditions of January 2007, and could reach US$ 897 million, if all options are confirmed. This order was already included in Embraer’s third-quarter backlog as “Undisclosed”. Read More..

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Boeing Tests HALE Hydrogen Propulsion System Using Ford-Developed Engine By FlyingNews @ 2:45 PM :: 223 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Engines The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], using a Ford Motor Company-developed hydrogen engine, has successfully tested the hydrogen propulsion system of its High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft. "This test demonstrates the technical readiness of the hydrogen engine system and confirms the capability breakthrough in flight endurance and altitude that could be realized by a variety of military and commercial customers," said Darryl Davis, vice president and general manager, Boeing Advanced Precision Engagement and Mobility Systems. Read More..

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Advanced Manufacturing Institute Develops New Technology for Cessna By FlyingNews @ 12:10 PM :: 228 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers The Advanced Manufacturing Institute at Kansas State University has developed a metal bonding machine for Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita. The device increases structural metal bond capacity and reduces vacuum bagging requirements. It also significantly decreases costs and cuts the bonding cycle time in half for this class of assemblies, according to the Advanced Manufacturing Institute's Rick Windholz, project manager for the new machine. Before the development of this machine, workers had to vacuum bag each set of parts and use a vacuum to remove air, a tedious and time-consuming process, Windholz said. Once the parts were bagged, they had to be run through the autoclave to complete the curing process. The machine designed, built and tested by the Advanced Manufacturing Institute automatically controls the bond process, allowing for multiple parts to be bonded simultaneously without the need for individual bagging or an autoclave, he said. Read More..

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Sikorsky Delivers VIP S-76C++™ Helicopter to LG By FlyingNews @ 5:15 PM :: 222 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has delivered an S-76 C++™ helicopter to LG International Corp. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The aircraft will be used for VIP transport. It is the second S-76C++ helicopter purchased by LG, as well as the second delivered to Korea. The delivery was announced at a ceremony held during the Seoul Air Show. Read More..

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Sells its Charter and Management Business By FlyingNews @ 5:11 PM :: 247 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Hawker Beechcraft Corporation announced today the sale of its Charter and Management Business to Sentient Flight Group, LLC, a leading aircraft management and aviation services company with operations in Massachusetts, New York, Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. “Sentient Flight Group is well respected in the industry for their successful jet membership, aircraft management and aircraft charter operations,” said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. “Their focus on safety, quality and service were key factors in the decision-making process.” Read More..

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 European Airline Orders 10 Bombardier Q400 Turboprops By FlyingNews @ 5:08 PM :: 205 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that it has received a signed firm order for 10 Bombardier Q400 high-speed turboprop airliners. The transaction also includes options on 10 additional Q400 airliners. The European airline which placed the order will become a new operator of the Q400 airliner, and has requested to remain unidentified at this time. The value of the 10 firm orders, based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, is approximately $267 million US. If all 10 options are exercised, the contract value would be approximately $540 million US. Read More..

Monday, October 22, 2007 Qantas Chooses Bombardier Q400 Turboprops By FlyingNews @ 9:26 PM :: 226 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Qantas Airways announced in a news release issued today that it is finalizing an agreement with Bombardier Aerospace that will see up to 36 Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft added to the QantasLink regional airline operation in Australia. The agreement is expected to include firm orders for 12 Q400 aircraft and options and purchase rights for an additional 24, subject to signature of the formal agreement. Geoff Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, Qantas, said the 72-seat Q400 aircraft, which offers jet-like speed, improved passenger comfort and lower operating costs, was central to QantasLink’s growth strategy. QantasLink expects to utilize the new aircraft to increase capacity and frequency on key routes. The airline currently operates seven Q400 aircraft and another two ordered in January 2007 are to be delivered in January 2008. Read More..

Monday, October 22, 2007 Boeing Awarded Singapore Ministry of Defence Contract for Additional F-15SG Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 9:23 PM :: 229 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that the Singapore Ministry of Defence has exercised an option to purchase eight F-15SGs and has ordered four additional aircraft. The option is part of the original contract for 12 F-15SG aircraft announced by Singapore in 2005. "We are proud that Singapore has chosen to acquire additional F-15SGs. The Strike Eagle is a combat-tested fighter with the most technologically advanced systems, and we are confident the F-15SG will meet the defense needs of Singapore," said Chris Chadwick, vice president and general manager, Global Strike Systems. Read More..

Monday, October 22, 2007 RESUMPTION OF SEA KING FLYING OPERATIONS By FlyingNews @ 9:19 PM :: 215 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters Sea King flying operations will resume tomorrow following a three week flying suspension. A temporary suspension of flying operations was imposed on 2 October 2007 as a precautionary measure to allow a maintenance incident to be fully investigated and appropriate inspections to be carried out on all Sea King aircraft. Read More..

Saturday, October 20, 2007 U.S. Department of Transportation Sets Flight Reduction Targets for JFK Scheduling Meeting By FlyingNews @ 8:56 AM :: 257 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Government The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its target figures for the number of daily flights that can safely be handled at New York’s JFK airport in advance of next week’s schedule reduction meeting between the FAA and airlines, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. These initial targets are required by statute to begin the scheduling reduction meeting and to determine the flight reductions required to reduce congestion at JFK. The meeting will be held Oct. 23-24 in Washington. “Our strong preference is to develop market-based solutions that will address delays and preserve passenger choice,” Secretary Peters said. “But we will consider scheduling reductions as a last resort in order to prevent a repeat of this summer’s nightmare delays.” Read More..

Saturday, October 20, 2007 FAA Exceeds Target For Air Traffic Controller Staffing By FlyingNews @ 8:51 AM :: 210 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exceeded its air traffic controller staffing targets for the fiscal year that ended on September 30 by hiring more than 1,800 controllers during the year, topping the 2006 year-end total by 256 controllers. As a result, the agency now employs 14,874 controllers. “We’re getting a lot of enthusiastic new recruits who are interested in becoming air traffic controllers,” said Acting Administrator Bobby Sturgell. “Controller hiring, training and staffing is a major priority and we are on track to meet future traffic needs.” Read More..

Saturday, October 20, 2007 Second CC-177 Globemaster III arrives at 8 Wing Trenton By FlyingNews @ 8:48 AM :: 239 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Canada has now received its second giant strategic airlifter, the CC-177 Globemaster III. The big bird landed at its new home of 8 Wing Trenton at around 6 o'clock last night on time, piloted by Aircraft Commander Major Jeremy Reynolds. His first officer was Captain Jeff Jackson while the loadmasters on board were Warrant Officers Pete Lessard and Dave Evans. The aircraft left the Boeing plant in Southern California earlier this week after undergoing rigorous flight testing and evaluation by Canadian Forces and Boeing personnel. You can read the article here.

Thursday, October 18, 2007 Pratt & Whitney F119 Engine Achieves 50,000 Flight Hours By FlyingNews @ 5:37 PM :: 256 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aircraft Engines The Pratt & Whitney F119 engine has logged more than 50,000 operational flight hours, a major milestone for the engine program. Pratt & Whitney’s F119 is the only fifth generation fighter engine in operational service and is the exclusive power source for the United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “This engine continues to establish benchmarks for fighter engine safety and reliability,” said Chris Flynn, Pratt & Whitney F119 program director. “These standards demonstrate the robust capability of Pratt & Whitney’s latest operational engine and we are proud of this important accomplishment.” Read More..

Thursday, October 18, 2007 The Power of Three - Work Starts On Carrier Variant of F-35 Lightning II By FlyingNews @ 5:33 PM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation BAE Systems has started manufacture of the F-35 Lightning II Carrier Variant (CV). The CV aircraft is the final F-35 variant to start production and means that all three variants of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft are now being produced concurrently by BAE Systems. The initial manufacturing on the CV variant is of the first titanium and aluminium frames that will form part of the aft fuselage for the first CV aircraft, which is planned to take to the skies in 2009. The aft fuselage and empennage (vertical and horizontal tails) for each F-35 Lightning II variant are being designed, engineered and built by BAE Systems, using the latest in advanced digital design and manufacturing technology. Read More..

Thursday, October 18, 2007 The Chilean Navy purchases EADS CASA C-295 aircraft By FlyingNews @ 5:27 PM :: 251 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Chilean Navy has purchased three (3) units of the EADS CASA maritime surveillance aircraft C-295 with an option for another five (5). They will be used to survey maritime areas of national interest and to safeguard human lives at sea. EADS CASA has a very important presence in Latin America since late 70s. Twenty (20) operators in 16 countries from Chile to Mexico fly EADS CASA aircraft. Read More..

Thursday, October 18, 2007 Eclipse 500 Breaks VLJ Speed Record Using Far Less Fuel By FlyingNews @ 3:28 PM :: 274 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world’s first very light jet (VLJ), today announced that it has set a National Aeronautic Association (NAA) performance record that distinguishes the Eclipse 500 as the industry’s fastest jet aircraft weighing 10,000 pounds or less. This milestone was achieved in early October when the Eclipse 500 set a new U.S. national speed record in the NAA record category of Class C, Aeroplanes, Very Light Jets. The Eclipse 500 beat the existing NAA record on October 7, 2007 on a flight from New York (Westchester) to Atlanta (Peachtree-Dekalb), with a new record time of one hour, 55 minutes, and eight seconds (1:55:08), averaging 393.32 miles per hour (341.79 knots). The previous record holder, a Cessna Citation Mustang set the record on September 22, 2007, flying the same route in two hours, 23 minutes, and 44 seconds (2:23:44), averaging 318.87 miles per hour (277.09 knots). The NAA requires the record to be broken by at least one percent to qualify. The Eclipse 500, flown by Don Taylor, Senior Fellow at Eclipse Aviation, exceeded the previous record time by 20 percent, while using approximately 25 percent less fuel. Using actual aircraft data as well as data obtained from the Citation Mustang’s flight planning guide, the Mustang used 1,330 lb (198.5 gal) cruising at FL400 while the Eclipse 500 used 987 lb (147 gal) cruising at FL320. Read More..

Thursday, October 18, 2007 Delta AirElite Adds Three Premier Aircraft to Charter Fleet By FlyingNews @ 3:24 PM :: 238 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying Delta AirElite Business Jets continues to respond to increased customer demand through the addition of three more aircraft to its fleet. A Citation CJ2 and two new Learjet 45XR aircraft have been added and will be flown under Delta AirElite’s FAR Part 135 operating certificate. "We continue to see strong nationwide demand due to the growth of our Fleet Membership jet card and charter programs,” said Michael B. Green, president and chief executive officer of Delta AirElite Business Jets. “These aircraft not only will serve an important role in fulfilling this demand, but also demonstrate our continued commitment to offering our customers access to the most popular models available to meet their requirements.” Read More..

Thursday, October 18, 2007 Textron's Cessna Takes Orders for Aircraft Worth $1 Billion-plus at NBAA By FlyingNews @ 3:22 PM :: 269 Views :: 0 Comments :: Sport Aviation, Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, ended the 2007 National Business Aviation Association convention in Atlanta last month with 178 new aircraft orders valued at more than $1 billion. During the three-day event, Cessna took orders for 101 Citations, 59 Caravans, 13 single-engine pistons and five SkyCatchers. These orders were in addition to those announced at the opening-day press conference for 30 Citation Xs from XOJET and 30 Citation Mustangs from an unnamed European charter company. Read More..

Thursday, October 18, 2007 Boeing Delivers Fourth 737-800 to Yemenia Airways By FlyingNews @ 3:20 PM :: 217 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered Yemenia Airways its fourth Next-Generation 737-800. The airplane departed Boeing Field on Monday en route to the airline's home base at Sana'a International Airport. Yemenia is the national carrier of Yemen and offers scheduled service to more than 30 destinations in Africa, The Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 NASA Set To Begin Space Shuttle Discovery Countdown Oct. 20 By FlyingNews @ 5:54 PM :: 261 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will start the launch countdown for space shuttle Discovery's STS-120 mission at 2 p.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 20, at T-43 hours. The countdown includes 26 hours and 38 minutes of built-in hold time leading to a preferred launch time of approximately 11:38 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23. The launch window extends an additional five minutes. During the 14-day mission to the International Space Station, Discovery's crew will add the Node 2 module to the expanding station. Node 2, known as Harmony, will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules to be installed later this year and early in 2008, respectively. The Discovery crew also will move the station's Port 6 segment of the station's backbone, or truss, and its solar arrays to a permanent position at the very end of the left side of the truss. The flight will include five spacewalks. Read More..

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Sikorsky Delivers Three S-92® Helicopters to Korean Air Force By FlyingNews @ 8:39 PM :: 221 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. celebrated the delivery of three S-92® helicopters to the Korean Air Force today with a ceremony during the Seoul Air Show. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). "With significantly enhanced aircraft survivability, communication and navigation capabilities, the S-92 helicopter is a proven leader in the VIP and Head-of-State mission categories. Today's delivery ceremony is further recognition of the strength of this aircraft as well as the strong relationship that Sikorsky and the Korean Air Force continue to build," said Sikorsky Vice President Stephen B. Estill. Read More..

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 GULFSTREAM IV FLEET SURPASSES THREE MILLION FLIGHT HOURS By FlyingNews @ 8:35 PM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers The Gulfstream IV / IV-SP in-service business-jet fleet has surpassed three million flight hours. In service for 20 years, the GIV/GIV-SP remains the best-selling large-cabin, long-range business jet in its class with 535 aircraft of that family sold. “The GIV significantly raised the bar in terms of what customers expected of their business jets,” said Joseph T. Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. “Today, these jets continue to serve their owners and operators well.” Read More..

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Dassault’s Falcon 2000DX Receives FAA and EASA Approval By FlyingNews @ 8:26 PM :: 228 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Dassault Falcon has received approval from both FAA and EASA on its new Falcon 2000DX. The EASA approval was awarded September 19th and the FAA approval on October 3rd. Introduced during the NBAA Convention in 2005, the 3,250 nm Falcon 2000DX will replace Dassault’s original Falcon 2000 introduced in 1989. The first Falcon 2000DX is already in the completion flow at Dassault’s Little Rock Completion Center and will enter service in early 2008. Read More..

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Boeing, Guggenheim Aviation Partners Announce Order for Additional 777 Freighters By FlyingNews @ 8:24 PM :: 242 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that Guggenheim Aviation Partner Fund II (GAIF II) has exercised options to purchase three 777 Freighters. The order, valued at approximately $750 million at list prices, was recently posted to the Boeing Orders and Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer. GAIF II has now ordered a total of six 777 Freighters and four 747-8 Freighters. Other Guggenheim Aviation Partners-managed funds have ordered six 747-400ER Freighters and have contracted to have seven 747-400s modified through the Boeing Converted Freighter Program. Read More..

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 VistaJet orders three Airbus Corporate Jetliners By FlyingNews @ 8:19 PM :: 238 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers VistaJet, the Swiss-headquartered VVIP charter company with operations in Austria, Germany and soon in Asia, has ordered three Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJs), becoming a new customer. With the acquisition of these three Airbus ACJs, VistaJet will expand its fleet to a total of 31 aircraft, including those on order. The Airbus ACJs will become VistaJet's flagship aircraft, will all have the same highest standards of configuration and services, and will all be offered for charter through its innovative concept. Read More..

Monday, October 15, 2007 Airbus delivers first A380 to Singapore Airlines: New chapter in aviation history By FlyingNews @ 9:14 PM :: 221 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Airbus has officially handed over the first A380 to Singapore Airlines in a ceremony held at its Delivery Centre Toulouse, France in the presence of over 500 guests. The aircraft was officially handed over to Chew Choon Seng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Singapore Airlines by Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders in presence of Chief Executive Officer Rolls-Royce Sir John Rose. Singapore Airlines will be the first to fly the A380 on regular scheduled service. Singapore Airlines also used this opportunity to reveal their new, spacious and luxurious A380-cabin-interior, featuring 471 seats in three classes. Read More..

Saturday, October 13, 2007 SOFIA Airborne Observatory Begins Flight Test Phase By FlyingNews @ 6:22 PM :: 285 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, has begun a series of flight tests intended to confirm the structural integrity and performance of the highly modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. The current tests, which began Thursday Oct. 11, are the first of several flight and ground-test phases required to verify that the unique airborne observatory is ready to perform its future astronomical science mission. Thursday's flight lasted just over five hours and was conducted by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in restricted test airspace northwest of Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. Read More..

Saturday, October 13, 2007 Dassault's Falcon 2000DX Receives FAA and EASA Approval By FlyingNews @ 6:17 PM :: 236 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Dassault Falcon has received approval from both FAA and EASA on its new Falcon 2000DX. The EASA approval was awarded September 19th and the FAA approval on October 3rd. Introduced during the NBAA Convention in 2005, the 3,250 nm Falcon 2000DX will replace Dassault's original Falcon 2000 introduced in 1989. The first Falcon 2000DX is already in the completion flow at Dassault's Little Rock Completion Center and will enter service in early 2008. Read More..

Friday, October 12, 2007 CANADIAN FORCES SNOWBIRDS PERFORM YEAR END SHOW By FlyingNews @ 12:29 PM :: 325 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aerobatics, Flying Events The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will perform their Year End Show, marking the conclusion of the team's 37th season, Friday, October 12 at 11 a.m. at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, with friends, family and the military community present. "I am extremely proud of our team's accomplishments this season, both in the air and on the ground," said Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "We are very thankful for the wonderful reception the team received in the communities we visited this year - it was truly an honour to represent the Canadian Forces across North America." You can read the article here.

Friday, October 12, 2007 RAF Tornoado Pilots save a glider pilot By FlyingNews @ 12:26 PM :: 315 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Gliders A glider pilot who endured twenty-eight agonising hours trapped in the wreckage of his plane in the Scottish Highlands today met and thanked the crew of an RAF Tornado bomber who found him. Mr John Russell (65) a retired business executive from North Yorkshire was competing in a gliding competition in July 2006 when he failed to return. A massive Search and Rescue operation was reaching the end of its second day when the Tornado from RAF Lossiemouth spotted him. He had crash landed on a mountain side near Braemar and was trapped by his left leg which had shattered as it went through the floor on impact. You can read the article here.

Friday, October 12, 2007 First A380 To Be Delivered To Singapore Airlines On Monday, 15th October By FlyingNews @ 12:19 PM :: 206 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers In line with the previous announcements, Airbus will celebrate the first A380-Megaliner-handover to first customer Singapore Airlines on Monday, 15th October, with a dedicated delivery ceremony from 10.00 to 11.30 am CET (Central European Time). The exclusive event - hosted by Singapore Airlines, Rolls-Royce and Airbus - will take place at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse (France). The spacious double-decker aircraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. “This is a major milestone for the A380 programme, and I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all parties concerned. I want to thank our teams and all those who worked hard, days, nights, and week-ends, for their dedication and commitment,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. Read More..

Friday, October 12, 2007 Boeing, SAS Agree to Exercise Options For Two Next-Generation 737s By FlyingNews @ 12:14 PM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that SAS Scandinavian Airlines has exercised options for two Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners. The airplanes will strengthen the 737 fleet of SAS Scandinavian Airlines to support growth on domestic and intra-Europe routes. The airline will equip the airplanes with fuel-saving Blended Winglets. The order was recently posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer. "SAS has ambitious targets to strengthen its position on the Northern European market. With these additional airplanes we can increase frequencies and add routes to our network, thereby serving our customers even better," said Mats Jansson, president and CEO of SAS Group. "We have a long history of being environmentally conscious, so we're delighted with the significant emission-reducing improvements of the 737 family." The SAS Group has a fleet of 88 Boeing 737s. Read More..

Friday, October 12, 2007 First AgustaWestland AW139 Helicopter Ordered By Ministry Of The Interiors Of Estonia Enters Service By FlyingNews @ 11:50 AM :: 256 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the first of two AW139 medium twin turbine engine helicopters ordered by Ministry of the Interiors of Estonia for Border Guard has entered service. Operational readiness has been officially announced during a ceremony held in Tallinn today. Jüri Pihl and Kalle Laanet, current and former Minister of the Interiors of Estonia respectively, Roland Peets, Director General of Border Guard, and Fabrizio Piaggesi, Italian Ambassador, attended the event. Read More..

Thursday, October 11, 2007 Uzbekistan Airways Selects GEnx Engine to Power its Boeing 787 Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 4:38 PM :: 235 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Tashkent, Uzbekistan -- Uzbekistan Airways has selected GEnx engines to power its two Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The firm engine order is valued at more than $70 million (USD). "We hope that our cooperation with General Electric Company will be beyond just purchasing the engines and will develop in the other areas mutually beneficial for both companies," said Valeriy Tyan, General Director of Uzbekistan Airways. Read More..

Thursday, October 11, 2007 Epic Aircraft Welcomes New Strategic Partner By FlyingNews @ 4:31 PM :: 252 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Rick Schrameck, President and CEO of high performance airplane manufacturer Epic Aircraft, today announced a new partnership with Indian billionaire Dr. Vijay Mallya. The deal provides Epic the ability to accelerate the process of bringing the company's growing line of aircraft to the certified market, as well as strengthening the company's relationships with customers and vendors world wide. "Epic was really looking for a strategic partner, not just an investor," Schrameck explained. "Dr. Mallya now has a significant interest in our company, and we will immediately benefit from his relationships with a variety of companies, including Airbus and Pratt & Whitney.” Read More..

Thursday, October 11, 2007 Grupo Marsans to order a total of 61 aircraft including four A380s and ten A350 XWBs By FlyingNews @ 4:23 PM :: 241 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Grupo Marsans, the largest tourism and transport group in Spain, has signed today a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase of 61 Airbus aircraft including ten A350-900s, four A380s, five A330-200s and 42 A320 Family aircraft (of which 12 A319s, 25 A320s and five A321s). These aircraft will be operated by Grupo Marsans' subsidiary airlines Aerolineas Argentinas and Air Comet amongst others in the group. At this stage no engine selection has been made. This new order combines with the previous order for 12 A330-200s and will bring Grupo Marsans' total commitment with Airbus to 73 aircraft. Read More..

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Boeing Delivers Air India's First 777-300ER By FlyingNews @ 10:44 PM :: 201 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Mumbai-based Air India today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplane. This is the first 777-300ER from Air India's order of 68 Boeing jetliners placed in December 2005. Air India's 777-300ER has a three-class configuration, including four first-class, 35 executive class and 303 economy seats. In July 2007, Boeing and Air India celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 777, a 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliner airplane. To date, Air India has received 14 airplanes from its December 2005 order, including three 777-200LRs (Longer Range) and one 777-300ER, and 10 737-800s for Air India Express.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 First A318 arrives at Fokker Services’ Completion Center By FlyingNews @ 7:51 PM :: 204 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Stork subsidiary Fokker Services recently welcomed the arrival of the first Airbus A318. The aircraft was delivered ‘green’ from the Airbus factory in Hamburg for VIP cabin outfitting by Fokker Services at its Completion Center at Woensdrecht in the south of The Netherlands. This A318 is destined for an undisclosed operator in the Middle East and will be completed with a very bespoke interior. The cabin completion will be ready mid 2008. The A318 is the shortest member of the Airbus A320 family.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Boeing Reschedules Initial 787 Deliveries and First Flight By FlyingNews @ 7:42 PM :: 214 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] today announced a six-month delay in its planned initial deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner due to continued challenges completing assembly of the first airplanes. Deliveries of the strong-selling Dreamliner are now slated to begin in late November or December 2008, versus an original target of May 2008. First flight is now anticipated around the end of first quarter 2008. The company said the financial impact of the delay would not be material to earnings and that its earnings guidance for 2007 and 2008 remained unchanged. Read More..

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Wizz Air orders an additional 50 Airbus A320 aircraft By FlyingNews @ 5:54 PM :: 215 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Wizz Air, the Central and Eastern Europe based low cost airline, has signed a firm contract with Airbus for an additional 50 A320s, taking the total orders of the airline up to 82 A320 aircraft. The contract represents the largest ever order in the region for a single Airbus type, and will enable Wizz Air to become one of the biggest airlines in Central and Eastern Europe within the next decade. Wizz Air have already ordered 32 new A320s from Airbus, and operate several additional A320s on lease. Read More..

Tuesday, October 09, 2007 PS Engineering Team with L3-Communications to Bring IntelliVoxt to Smartdeck! By FlyingNews @ 3:53 PM :: 287 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Avionics PS Engineering teams with L-3 to bring IntelliVOX(r) to SmartDeck(r) Hartford, CT AOPA Expo. - PS Engineering is pleased to announce a partnership with L-3 Communications Avionics Systems to provide the audio control panel for use in their new SmartDeck(r) Integrated Flight Controls and Display System. The PMA8000L-3 is derived from the company's flagship PMA8000-series, and incorporates the same front panel styling as SmartDeck, with design elements provided by L-3. "Our partnership started years ago with the idea of teaming in order to provide the best audio system for L-3's customers." said PS Engineering founder Mark Scheuer, "Because both companies are industry leaders, it was logical to bring the two companies together for a common goal, to provide an intuitive approach to audio control and provide a system that exceeds the pilot's requirements. The audio panel was one part of SmartDeck that L-3 could check off as complete and concentrate their efforts into the rest of the product line. From what we saw at the NBAA introduction, L-3's efforts are spectacular, and we are proud of our association with them." Read More..

Tuesday, October 09, 2007 Pratt & Whitney Launches Geared Turbofan™ Engine with Mitsubishi Regional Jet By FlyingNews @ 3:51 PM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Engines Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. has selected Pratt & Whitney’s next generation Geared TurbofanTM engine to power the new Mitsubishi Regional Jet. The sole-source agreement is the first airframe application for the Geared Turbofan engine, which targets a significant reduction in fuel burn and noise with lower environmental emissions and operating costs than today’s engines. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Read More..

Tuesday, October 09, 2007 Sasemar Orders Two Additional AW139 Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 3:37 PM :: 238 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Sasemar, the Spanish Marine Safety Agency, has signed a contract for two AW139 medium-twin helicopters in Search and Rescue (SAR) configuration. This order is the second placed by Sasemar for the AW139, having signed an initial contract for three aircraft in February 2006. Sasemar’s AW139s will be used for SAR and water pollution detection missions and they will be equipped with rescue hoist, Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR), a search/weather radar, emergency flotation system and a four-axis autopilot with SAR modes. Read More..

Monday, October 08, 2007 Volvo Aero’s lightweight case chosen for the GP7000 engine for the Airbus A380 By FlyingNews @ 8:49 PM :: 218 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney and Volvo Aero have reached an agreement in which Volvo Aero has been contracted to reduce the weight of the turbine exhaust case (TEC) for the GP7000 engine for Airbus’ new A380 jumbo jet. The agreement also anticipates that Volvo Aero will assume responsibility for manufacturing and product support for the TEC during the engine’s lifetime. “This is a major success for Volvo Aero’s technology efforts and solid confirmation that we are moving in the right direction with our focus on lightweight designs,” comments Olof Persson, President of Volvo Aero. Read More..

Monday, October 08, 2007 Royal Saudi Air Force Selects General Electric Company to Re-engine F-15S Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 8:45 PM :: 240 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aircraft Engines The Royal Saudi Air Force has selected General Electric Company's F110 fighter engine to begin to re-engine its twin-engine Boeing F-15S aircraft. The agreement calls for the purchase of 65 of GE's F110-GE-129C engines and a logistic support package, with deliveries to begin in 2008, at a total value of more than $300 million. Read More..

Monday, October 08, 2007 University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation orders Diamond D-JET By FlyingNews @ 8:42 PM :: 228 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers At AOPA Expo, UND Aerospace and Diamond Aircraft announced the purchase of a D-JET by UND Aerospace Foundation. The D-JET from Diamond Aircraft will be used for air service and flight education to prepare graduates of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota for careers in the emerging VLJ and personal jet market. “Diamond Aircraft and UND have a long-standing relationship, and we are very excited that UND will now be using the D-JET for their advanced training programs,” says Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft and D-JET Corporation. “We greatly respect the quality of education and training provided by UND, and look forward to exploring the many exciting opportunities this purchase opens up for cooperation between our organizations.” Read More..

Monday, October 08, 2007 Cessna Receives Order for Two XLS Aircraft from Turkish Government By FlyingNews @ 8:39 PM :: 218 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers The Turkish government recently ordered two XLS aircraft from Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. The aircraft will be used by the DHMI (General Directorate of State Airports Authority) to inspect airport navigation aids. DHMI began using two Citation V aircraft for special mission purposes in 1993 which will now be replaced by the new XLS aircraft. Read More..

Monday, October 08, 2007 Boeing Delivers First Extended Block II Apache Longbow Helicopter to U.S. Army By FlyingNews @ 8:36 PM :: 214 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] this week delivered the first AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter built under the extended Block II contract to the U.S. Army during a ceremony at the company's Mesa, Ariz., Apache production facility. Boeing is remanufacturing 96 A-model Apaches for the U.S. Army under the extended Block II contract and continues to produce new-build wartime replacement U.S. Army Apaches while working toward delivery of the Block III Apaches beginning in 2011. Read More..

Monday, October 08, 2007 U.S. Coast Guard Reaches the One Million Flight Hour Milestone With its Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter Fleet By FlyingNews @ 8:32 PM :: 209 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters The U.S. Coast Guard’s fleet of Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin helicopters has passed its one million flight hour milestone, marking another key operational achievement for the twin-engine rotary-wing aircraft that perform patrol, law enforcement and rescue missions throughout the United States. From the helicopter’s first delivery in 1985, HH-65s have become a key element of Coast Guard aviation, with 96 Dolphins currently in the service’s inventory. Read More..

Thursday, October 04, 2007 Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express launch cargo carrier By FlyingNews @ 8:01 AM :: 243 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo Deutsche Post World Net and Deutsche Lufthansa AG are founding a joint cargo airline through their subsidiaries DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo. The new company, based in Leipzig, in which DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo each hold a 50 per-cent stake, will have the legal form of a private limited company (GmbH). It will focus on transporting airfreight and express shipments into and out of Asia. Flight operations are scheduled to begin in April 2009. With the launch of the new cargo airline, the two partners will further expand significantly their leading position in the airfreight, respectively, the express business. Read More..

Thursday, October 04, 2007 Cessna Receives Business Jet Order for Italian Market By FlyingNews @ 7:58 AM :: 219 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced an order for 14 Citations from S.C.S. Maretti, Cessna's authorized sales representative for Italy. Marisa Maretti, based in Monaco, finalized the contracts at the National Business Aviation Association annual meeting last week in Atlanta. The order consists of eight Citation Mustangs, one Citation CJ2+, two Citation CJ3s, one CJ4, and two XLS+ aircraft. Deliveries start in May 2009. Read More..

Thursday, October 04, 2007 Most Bombardier Q400 Aircraft Affected By Main Landing Gear Issue Back Into Service By FlyingNews @ 7:56 AM :: 212 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Almost all Bombardier Q400 aircraft operators around the world have returned their aircraft to service after meeting the requirements of Transport Canada’s Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to main landing gear inspections. SAS Scandinavian Airlines announced today that, starting October 4, eight of their aircraft would be phased back into service. Widerøe Flyveselskap also confirmed that it plans to return three of their Q400 aircraft back into service on October 4. With the return of these 11 aircraft to full service, approximately 90 per cent of the Bombardier Q400 aircraft fleet will be back in operation (or approximately 149 out of a total fleet of 165 aircraft). Read More..

Wednesday, October 03, 2007 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF SEA KING FLYING OPERATIONS By FlyingNews @ 8:16 AM :: 228 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters During a recent routine maintenance test flight, a Sea King helicopter suffered a fault in its tail rotor assembly shortly after take-off. The aircraft conducted a controlled landing without further incident. As a precautionary measure, and as part of the normal air worthiness process, on 2 October 2007 the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates, temporarily suspended flying operations of all six Sea King helicopters in the Fleet to allow the matter to be fully investigated. “Navy has initiated a full investigation to determine the cause. This precautionary suspension of flying underscores Navy‘s ongoing commitment to the safety of our people. I will lift the suspension only when I am satisfied that it is appropriate to resume flying,” Rear Admiral Coates said today.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007 ATR launches the -600 series aircraft By FlyingNews @ 8:14 AM :: 222 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers the announcement of the launch of the "-600 series", the newest version of its family of aircraft. This was announced by Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, on the occasion of a Press Conference held in Washington, D.C. The new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 will feature the latest technological enhancements while building upon the well-known advantages of the current aircraft, namely its high efficiency, proven dispatch reliability and low fuel burn and operating cost. The "-600 series" ATR aircraft will be progressively introduced during the second half of 2010. Read More..

Monday, October 01, 2007 Pratt & Whitney Canada Signs Deal With Standard Aero for Over 500 New PT6A Engines By FlyingNews @ 6:03 PM :: 238 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney Canada, a United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) company, has signed a five-year agreement with Standard Aero for 531 new PT6A series engines under Pratt & Whitney Canada's Converter Enhancement Program. Based on this agreement, Standard Aero Limited of Winnipeg, Man., will use the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) engines for various turboprop aircraft upgrade programs under Supplemental Type Certificates. Read More..

Monday, October 01, 2007 PATTY WAGSTAFF TO PERFORM IN P-51 MUSTANG AT GATHERING OF MUSTANGS & LEGENDS By FlyingNews @ 5:52 PM :: 312 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Events Cirrus Design Corporation announced today that aerobatics champion Patty Wagstaff will be performing in a legendary P-51 at the Gathering of Mustangs & Legends' "Once in a Lifetime Aviation Celebration.” "I usually fly my EXTRA 300S at airshows and a CIRRUS SR22 for travel, and I'm now looking forward to flying the P-51 as well," said Wagstaff, "because it played such a huge role in the successful outcome of World War II. I'm flying it as a tribute to the WASPs, who are really some of the unsung heroes, and received little, if at all attention to the important role these women played in our war efforts.” Read More..

Monday, October 01, 2007 FAA Adopts ICAO Definition for Runway Incursions By FlyingNews @ 5:50 PM :: 252 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA Effective immediately, the FAA will use the definition for a runway incursion that has been adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The FAA is making the change so the worldwide aviation community will have a single runway incursion definition, which in turn could help in the search to determine common factors that contribute to these incidents. Read More..

Monday, October 01, 2007 HARBIN EMBRAER DELIVERS THE FIRST ERJ 145 JET TO GRAND CHINA EXPRESS By FlyingNews @ 5:44 PM :: 261 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The 1000th aircraft of the ERJ145 family was unveiled to the public, last Friday, by Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Co. Ltd. (HEAI) in Harbin City, China. This aircraft was manufactured by HEAI, the joint venture of Embraer and AVIC II, and delivered to Grand China Express, an airline that is wholly owned by Hainan Airlines Group, which placed an order for 50 ERJ 145s and 50 EMBRAER 190s in August 2006. According to the agreement, the 50 ERJ 145s will be manufactured by HEAI, whilst the 50 EMBRAER 190 will be manufactured by Embraer in Brazil. “I am delighted to witness the delivery of the 1000th jet of the ERJ 145 family to our valuable Chinese customer, the HNA Group. The aircraft is a proven product and has been flying with all the main world-class regional airline operators around the globe, since 1996,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO. “I firmly believe the aircraft perfectly fits the overall operational strategy of Grand China Express.” Read More..

Monday, October 01, 2007 Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aviation Corporation Model EA500 Airplanes By FlyingNews @ 5:36 PM :: 235 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA [Docket No. FAA-2007-28462; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-056-AD; Amendment 39-15115; AD 2007-13-11] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aviation Corporation Model EA500 Airplanes SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eclipse Aviation Corporation (Eclipse) Model EA500 airplanes. This AD requires you to incorporate information into the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) that will require operation only in day visual flight rules (VFR), allow only a VFR flight plan, and maintain operation with two pilots. This AD is being issued because of three instances of loss of primary airspeed indication due to freezing condensation within the pitot system. The loss of air pressure in the pitot system could cause the stall warning to become unreliable and the stick pusher, overspeed warning, and autopilot to not function. The concern is heightened by the aerodynamic characteristics of the Eclipse Model EA500 airplane, which relies on the stall warning and the stick pusher to alert the pilot prior to the loss of aircraft control. The standby airspeed is reliable and not affected by this failure mode. A temporary AFM revision prohibits operation in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), requires two pilots, and limits the airspeed and altitude envelope if the event occurs in flight. The AFM limitations and FAA operational rules allow Model EA500 flight crews to file an instrument flight rule (IFR) flight plan even though the airplane is not approved for flight in IMC. This potentially causes an undue workload burden and confusion when the pilot has to refuse any instructions that take them into IMC. We are issuing this AD to prevent an unsafe condition when Air Traffic Control's (ATC's) ability to maintain traffic separation is compromised because an airplane on an IFR flight plan cannot accept a flight plan into IMC. DATES: This AD becomes effective on June 27, 2007. We must receive any comments on this AD by August 21, 2007

Monday, October 01, 2007 Vietnam Airlines to acquire 10 A350 XWB and 20 additional A321 aircraft By FlyingNews @ 4:58 PM :: 245 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Vietnam Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 10 A350-900 XWBs, as well as for 20 additional A321s. With this further commitment for Airbus aircraft, Vietnam Airlines becomes a strategic customer for the A350 XWB programme. Furthermore, with this commitment for the A350 and for additional A321s, Vietnam Airlines will become one of the largest Airbus operators in Asia. Vietnam Airlines currently operates a fleet of 23 Airbus aircraft, including 10 A320s, 10 A321s and three A330s (two -200s and one -300). Five previously ordered A321s are still to be delivered. Read More..