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Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Spanish Air Force purchases two more EADS CASA C-295 military transport aircraft By FlyingNews @ 9:22 AM :: 222 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Spanish Air Force has recently purchased 2 more units of the EADS CASA C-295 military transport aircraft. The fleet of these aircraft operated by Spanish Air Force reaches a total of 13 units. On top of the initial 9 aircraft purchased in December 2000, there are 2 additional aircraft ordered in December 2005 and December 2006. The EADS CASA C-295 is a medium weight military transport aircraft with two engines of 2,645 HP each and 9,250 Kg payload capable of transporting 71 (+4 optional) equipped troops or five (5) 88”x108”pallets. Read More..

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Jetcraft Brings the Australia to the ATR Family By FlyingNews @ 9:19 AM :: 209 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Jetcraft Aviation, a specialist air charter company based in Brisbane, Australia, yesterday night started operations with the first of two ATR 42-300s aircraft. This ATR 42-300 becomes the first ATR aircraft dedicated to freight operations in the South Pacific region. The two aircraft will be operated as part of the new airfreight network on services linking Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The Jetcraft ATRs can carry up to 54 cubic meters or over 5.5 tones of freight, which is securely stowed with a series of special cargo nets inside the plane. This first ATR 42-300 of Jetcraft takes to 30 the total number of ATR aircraft in operation in the Australia and Pacific Islands region. Read More..

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Airbus A380 approved to operate on 45m runways By FlyingNews @ 9:16 AM :: 217 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Airbus’ A380 has received approval from both the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be operated on runways with a width of 45 metres (150 feet) or more. Most of the world airports have 45m runways as standard width. "This aircraft has been shown to be safely controllable and to be compliant with applicable airworthiness requirements when operating on runways with a width of 45 meters (150 feet) or more", stated James J. Ballough, FAA Director Flight Standards Service in an official correspondence to Airbus, dated July 19, 2007. Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 More than 1,000 Pilots Apply for New Pilot Positions at United Airlines By FlyingNews @ 2:49 PM :: 210 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines More than 1,000 pilots applied for 100 positions at United in the first 10 days that the company sought applications. The company is looking to hire 100 experienced pilots by the end of this year. “We are impressed by the volume of applications and, more importantly, by the caliber and diversity of the candidates applying for these positions,” said Captain Hank Krakowski, vice president, Flight Operations. “We set extremely high standards for our pilots and are looking for the best of the best to join our distinguished team.” Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 Lockheed Martin C-130J Delivery To Air Mobility Command Continues USAF Airlift Recapitalization By FlyingNews @ 2:45 PM :: 230 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today delivered the second C-130J Super Hercules to an Air Mobility Command active duty combat delivery unit. After accepting the new C-130J, Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, Commander 18th Air Force, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., flew the aircraft to Little Rock AFB, Ark., where it will operate as part of the 463rd Airlift Group. "The C-130 in general has been a true workhorse. The J-model provides so much more capability, especially in dealing with the high altitude and hot temperatures our crews encounter in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said General Hawkins during the delivery ceremony. “What the C 130J will do for air mobility is incredible. One C-130J does the work of three C-130Es. So this recapitalization effort will yield big dividends as we continue to support the Global War on Terror.” Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 Canadian H-92™ Helicopter Fly-by-Wire Technology Performs successfully in initial Ground Runs By FlyingNews @ 2:42 PM :: 216 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today reported the successful ground testing of new fly-by-wire technology designed to improve significantly the maneuverability, safety and effectiveness of aircraft. It will debut on 28 H-92™ helicopters that the Canadian military forces will begin receiving in early 2009. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The fly-by-wire system electronically links the controls inside the cockpit with the exterior actuators, the movement of which enable the aircraft to maneuver where and how the pilot intends. Eliminating the traditional mechanical linkage saves weight, reduces maintenance costs, adds capability and improves performance. The new system was developed in association with BAE Systems. Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 Kitty Hawk F/A-18C Aircraft Lost, Pilot Safely Recovered By FlyingNews @ 2:39 PM :: 237 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, was lost at sea July 30 during a night training mission from USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The pilot ejected and was safely recovered by a U.S. Navy helicopter shortly after the incident, which took place about 400 miles southeast of Guam. Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 Release of Flight Safety Investigation Report for Fatal Snowbirds Crash on December 10, 2004 By FlyingNews @ 2:33 PM :: 241 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents The Snowbird solos (#8 Opposing Solo and #9 Lead Solo) were conducting training over the abandoned Mossbank aerodrome, about 30 nautical miles south of 15 Wing Moose Jaw. At the time of the accident, the solos were performing a "co-loop", which consists of the two aircraft performing opposing direction loops. As the two aircraft neared the top of the loop, it became evident that there was potential for a collision. Accordingly, one aircraft maintained a predicted flight path (as briefed prior to the mission) so that the other pilot could manoeuvre his aircraft to make the miss. When it was evident that a collision was still imminent, one pilot initiated an evasive manoeuvre to the inside of the loop, his briefed safe exit direction. Immediately following this action, a collision occurred at the top of the loop at about 3500 feet above ground level with the two aircraft having a closing speed between 360 and 400 knots. Both aircraft were destroyed during the collision. Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 Bombardier Learjet 60 XR Enters Service By FlyingNews @ 2:27 PM :: 418 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier today announced that its midsize Learjet 60 XR business jet entered service this week with Cloud Nine Aviation, of Los Angeles, CA. The program milestone was highlighted with an employee delivery ceremony at the Learjet manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas. “We are delighted to celebrate this first entry into service and look forward to giving our customers the opportunity to fully experience this fantastic new jet,” said Mike Fahey, vice-president, Learjet sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The Learjet 60 XR jet combines unparallelled performance and low operating costs with new technology and enhanced comfort. Our customers are sure to love this new aircraft as much as it popular predecessor.” Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 Texas Sport KwikBild™ Program to Start, Dates Set By FlyingNews @ 2:20 PM :: 244 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Texas Sport Aircraft Company announced today the 2007 schedule for the company's KwikBild™ builder's assistance program. KwikBild™ offers Texas Sport customers a choice of 14- or 21-day programs plus paint and instrument panel options. The next scheduled KwikBild™ program will commence on Monday, September 17, 2007. The program runs for two weeks and is designed to ensure that the customer completes their aircraft through fuselage assembly and covering, ready for primer and paint. The 14-day KwikBild™ program consists of two 6-day work-weeks. Read More..

Monday, July 30, 2007 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Limited Model PC-6 Series Airplanes By FlyingNews @ 2:12 PM :: 223 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2007-28157 Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-046-AD; Amendment 39-15138;AD 2007-15-09] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Limited Model PC-6 Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final Rule. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to the discovery of cracks in the upper wing strut fittings of some PC-6 aircraft. It is possible that the spherical bearing of the wing strut fittings installed in the underwing can be loose in the fitting or cannot rotate because of corrosion. In this condition, the joint cannot function as designed and fatigue cracks may then develop. Undetected cracks in this area could lead to failure of the upper attachment fitting. This could result in the failure of the wing structure with subsequent loss of control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective September 4, 2007. On September 4, 2007, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.

Friday, July 27, 2007 Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Completes 1,000th Flight By FlyingNews @ 5:51 PM :: 235 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The high-flying RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial systems (UAS) built by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently completed their 1,000th flight. The fourth production Global Hawk, designated AF-4, flew the milestone mission June 14-15 in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT). "AF-4 cruised at extremely high altitudes for more than 18 hours without refueling -- a feat that very few aircraft, manned or unmanned, have matched thus far," said Gary Ervin, vice president for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. Read More..

Friday, July 27, 2007 GULFSTREAM G150 RECEIVES TYPE CERTIFICATE FROM EUROPEAN AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY By FlyingNews @ 5:47 PM :: 234 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a type certificate for Gulfstream’s newest business jet, the G150. With this certification, the wide-cabin, high-speed aircraft is now eligible for registration in the European Union member nations. “This EASA certification is an extremely important accomplishment,” said Joseph T. Lombardo, president of Gulfstream. “We’ve always believed the G150 is the ideal corporate jet for European businesses. Read More..

Friday, July 27, 2007 FAA Announces Changes to Make Restricted Airspace Over National Capital Region More Safe and Secure By FlyingNews @ 5:44 PM :: 232 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is modifying the restricted airspace over the National Capital Region to make it safer, more secure and easier for pilots to navigate. The new, circular 30-nautical-mile-radius restricted area eliminates the “mouse ears” shape of the current Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and allows pilots to use a single navigational aid instead of the four in use today. That change, which will go into effect on August 30, 2007, frees 33 airports and helipads from the current restrictions in approximately 1,800 square miles of airspace, significantly reducing the economic impact on the general aviation community. Read More..

Friday, July 27, 2007 Air Force personnel doing final checks on C-17 before delivery to Canada By FlyingNews @ 5:37 PM :: 260 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation small group of Canadian Air Force personnel and others are working enthusiastically behind the scenes at the Boeing plant in Long Beach, California to prepare for the arrival of the first Canadian C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at 8 Wing Trenton next month. The members are working on a myriad of checks and balances that will allow Canada to receive its first C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter next month. Staff from the Project Management Office at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa and the Directorate of Technical Airworthiness have spent thousands of hours over the past several months preparing for the declaration. Read More..

Thursday, July 26, 2007 Boeing Flies Blended Wing Body Research Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 4:12 PM :: 273 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA The innovative Boeing [NYSE: BA] Blended Wing Body (BWB) research aircraft -- designated the X-48B -- flew for the first time last week at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The 21-foot wingspan, 500-pound unmanned test vehicle took off for the first time at 8:42 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on July 20 and climbed to an altitude of 7,500 feet before landing 31 minutes later. "We've successfully passed another milestone in our work to explore and validate the structural, aerodynamic and operational efficiencies of the BWB concept," said Bob Liebeck, BWB program manager for Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced R&D unit. "We already have begun to compare actual flight-test data with the data generated earlier by our computer models and in the wind tunnel." Read More..

Thursday, July 26, 2007 MNG Technic signs agreements with UM Air and Flightline By FlyingNews @ 1:41 PM :: 365 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Maintenance MNG Technic have signed agreements with Ukraine operator UM Air for DC-9 type Aircrafts’ C Check service and with British operator Flightline for MD-83 type Aircrafts’ C Check service. UM Air’s Aircraft will be arriving in MNG Technic Maintenance Center located in Istanbul Ataturk Airport on July 30th while Flightline aircraft will have maintenance services in the same address on Agu 13th. About MNG Technic MNG TECHNIC, which was founded in 2002 as a subsidiary of MNG Group of Companies, is providing line and heavy Maintenance at its base in Istanbul, Turkey. MNG Technic is providing Base Maintenance Services at its base in Istanbul, Turkey, as well as Line Maintenance Services in Istanbul and Antalya.

Thursday, July 26, 2007 PIPERJET ACHIEVES MAJOR MILESTONES By FlyingNews @ 1:33 PM :: 261 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Progress on Piper Aircraft’s revolutionary, new PiperJet continues to be strong with major program milestones achieved in wind tunnel testing, construction of the first prototype and development of production tooling. “We’re making great progress with engineering evaluation and development, first flight and eventual certification,” said Bob Kromer, Piper’s Vice President of Sales, during a news conference held here today. Read More..

Thursday, July 26, 2007 Grob Aerospace debuts spn jet at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh By FlyingNews @ 1:29 PM :: 240 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Porsche Design Studio Cockpit and Cabin shown in the US Grob Aerospace Inc., the company’s American subsidiary, is making its EAA AirVenture Show debut in Oshkosh July 23-29, 2007. There, it will unveil a brand new cabin mockup of the spn to the US market featuring a luxurious and high quality interior and cockpit designed by Porsche Design Studio (Booth No. 301 / 302). Read More..

Thursday, July 26, 2007 FIRST PHENOM 100 EXECUTIVE JET PERFORMS MAIDEN FLIGHT By FlyingNews @ 1:19 PM :: 246 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers The Embraer Phenom 100, the new benchmark for the very light jet segment, flew today for the first time. Aircraft number 99801 was airborne at 10:55 a.m., when Capt. Antonio Bragança Silva called out “rotate” and pulled back the yoke. Read More..

Thursday, July 26, 2007 New Commander for Canada's Air Force By FlyingNews @ 1:14 PM :: 223 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Command of Canada's Air Force officially changed hands at a ceremony held today at the Canada Aviation Museum. Lieutenant-General Angus Watt assumed command of the Air Force, taking over from Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas at a ceremony presided over by General Rick Hillier, the Chief of the Defence Staff. "The Air Force has made remarkable strides forward under the command of LGen Lucas," said LGen Watt. "The Air Force is truly on the path of renewing, revitalizing and developing its capabilities to help face Canada's defence and security challenges of the 21st century. I look forward to having the opportunity to lead the highly professional men and women of Canada's Air Force in this important mission." Read More..

Thursday, July 26, 2007 Boeing, Air India Celebrate First 777-200LR Delivery By FlyingNews @ 1:09 PM :: 238 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Mumbai, India-based Air India today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliner airplane. This is the first 777 from Air India's order of 68 Boeing jetliners. The airline will receive an additional three 777-200LR Worldliner and three 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes this year. Air India's order for 68 Boeing jetliners, placed in December 2005, was the largest commercial airplane order in India's civil aviation history in terms of price. The order consisted of 23 777s, including eight 777-200LR Worldliners and 15 777-300ERs, and 27 787-8 Dreamliners. Additionally, Air India Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, ordered 18 Next-Generation 737-800s. Read More..

Thursday, July 26, 2007 Truth Check: Big Airlines’ Latest Ad Twists the Truth Again By FlyingNews @ 1:05 PM :: 265 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Government The Air Transport Association (ATA), the trade association representing the major commercial airlines, is at it again, recently running deceptive new advertisements in airports around the country on the CNN Airport Network. Unfortunately, this ad is just the latest thinly veiled attempt by the airlines to garner support for another billion dollar tax cut that they will not pass on to consumers. The ad begins by stating that “America’s air traffic controllers are using 1950’s technology” and then cuts to executives in a small jet drinking champagne on their way to a golf outing – an image that is clearly intended to suggest that corporate CEOs and jets comprise the majority of general aviation flights. This is directly misleading given that the jets seen in the commercial comprise only 4% of all general aviation aircraft, and vast majority of general aviation aircraft are used for small businesses, agricultural uses, and providing other crucial services to small communities that the airlines do not serve. Read More..

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Pratt & Whitney Canada Dependable PT6 Chosen to Power Lancair Evolution Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 3:15 PM :: 317 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6 turboprop engine today was selected to power Lancair International Inc.’s all-new four-place Evolution aircraft. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company. Lancair, designer and manufacturer of high-performance piston and turbine kit aircraft, will provide a PT6-135A engine as part of its “fast-build kit” for its new experimental Evolution. Read More..

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Garmin Embraces ADS-B With New Capabilities for Transponders By FlyingNews @ 3:11 PM :: 338 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Avionics Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), is continuing to advance Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) avionics in the general aviation market segment by enabling the popular GTX 330 and GTX 33 transponders with 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (ES) transmission capabilities. The 1090 MHz ES will be available as an optional upgrade for GTX 330 and GTX 33 transponders. “Providing a 1090 MHz ES to the general aviation market will increase situational awareness and safety of flight once the ADS-B system is fully implemented,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “ADS-B technology is a critical step toward realizing the FAA’s vision of NextGen, and our leading-edge ADS-B products are a building block for the future. Read More..

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 COLUMBIA DELIVERS 55 NEW AIRCRAFT IN Q2 By FlyingNews @ 3:04 PM :: 214 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation announced today that it delivered 55 new Columbia 350 and 400 aircraft in the second quarter of 2007, more than double the number delivered during the same period in 2006. Columbia’s 2007 delivery pace is well ahead of the figures the Company posted in 2006; though officials caution that comparing 2006 to 2007 can lead to misconceptions. Read More..

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Cessna SkyCatcher Light Sport Aircraft Orders Top 400 to Open AirVenture By FlyingNews @ 3:01 PM :: 232 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that orders for its newly announced SkyCatcher light sport aircraft have topped 400 in the first two days of the Experimental Aircraft Association annual meeting, AirVenture 2007. The SkyCatcher, unveiled Sunday, features an exclusive Garmin glass cockpit, the G300, and a Teledyne Continental O-200D lightweight 100-horsepower engine. Read More..

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Boeing Starts Flight Tests for Canada's First C-17 By FlyingNews @ 2:59 PM :: 224 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The first of four Boeing [NYSE: BA] C-17 Globemaster IIIs for the Canadian Defense Forces took flight for the first time Monday, a major milestone leading to the aircraft's delivery on Aug. 8. With a takeoff weight of 460,000 pounds, (208,650 kg), the advanced airlifter lifted off from Long Beach, Calif., at 3:36 p.m. Pacific time, and flew for three hours and 45 minutes. Led by Boeing production pilot Joel Brown, the seven-person crew put the C-17 through a series of functional checks, flying west over the Pacific Ocean, before returning to the facility where Boeing assembles and tests C-17s prior to delivery. Read More..

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Sonex Aircraft, LLC and AeroConversions Unveil E-Flight Initiative for Sport Aircraft Alternative Energy Research & Development By FlyingNews @ 2:25 PM :: 382 Views :: 0 Comments :: EAA, Small Aircraft Manufacturers At a press conference held today on AeroShell Square at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, Sonex Aircraft, LLC and AeroConversions Products made the official unveiling of the E-Flight Initiative, pioneering alternative energy research & development for sport aircraft, with an informational forum to follow tomorrow, July 25 at 11:30 am in AirVenture forum building 11. The unveiling included a proof-of-concept prototype electric powerplant installed in a Waiex airframe and the event was kicked-off with opening remarks by EAA President Tom Poberezny. In 2006 Sonex Aircraft, LLC’s research and development team began work on what is now called the “E-Flight Initiative.” E-Flight is a push to explore viable alternative energies for powering sport aircraft and improve the efficiency and performance of current products and technologies to keep aviation affordable for the average pilot, and to keep recreational aviation available to future generations of pilots. Read More..

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 ROTORWAY’S NEW A600 TALON By FlyingNews @ 1:16 PM :: 1113 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters RotorWay International’s new helicopter, the A600 Talon debuts, at AirVenture 2007. The Talon is the first craft to be produced at the 40-year-old company’s new factory, and the result of RotorWay’s veteran team members and private ownership. “The A600 Talon is the first of a new generation of RotorWay machines, built on a tradition of delivering on our promises,” said CEO Grant Norwitz, as the machine went through its paces for the cameras early in the Arizona morning of the fifth of July. “With our new facilities, our new programs, and our commitment to establishing an atmosphere in which certification of future designs will be fulfilled, the Talon exemplifies the spirit of RotorWay: strong traditions and fresh thinking.” Read More..

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Pratt & Whitney Canada Wins New Deals with Epic Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 1:14 PM :: 625 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) today won two new contracts from Epic Aircraft. Epic chose a PW600 engine to power its Victory very light jet (VLJ). P&WC will be the exclusive supplier for the five-seat Victory starting with aircraft number 7. Epic has also selected the PT6A-67 turboprop engine to power its new six-seat Dynasty aircraft. P&WC is a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company. “P&WC’s market-leading PW600 engine family is the perfect choice for the Victory VLJ,” said Rick Schrameck, chairman and CEO of Epic. “We have selected a PW615 variant to power the current Victory VLJ, with the goal of developing a PW617-powered, fully certified version of the Victory.” Read More..

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 PASS TO CONGRESS: FAA NEGLECTING AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE By FlyingNews @ 1:13 PM :: 239 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA Tom Brantley, national president of the Professional Airways Systems Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), warned members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Aviation, today that the FAA is neglecting the buildings and facilities that accommodate critical National Airspace System (NAS) equipment and the employees who operate and maintain those systems. Brantley expressed concern over technicians in the field reporting instances in which employees fell through rotting floors and fell off unstable stairways. In addition, exposure to mold and asbestos is a serious issue at numerous facilities that has the potential to impact the health of employees for years to come. Many reports around the country also cite severe rodent infestations. “The FAA is often touting its safety record; however, when it comes to its own employees, safety appears to be low on its priority list,” said Brantley. “It is deplorable that the FAA would knowingly subject its employees to such heinous working conditions.” Read More..

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Mooney Acclaim Deliveries Surpass Milestone with 50th Delivery By FlyingNews @ 1:09 PM :: 267 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Mooney Airplane Company’s high performance leader, the M20 TN Acclaim, is known for its exceptional performance at altitude, reaching speeds up to 237 knots (273 mph) at 25,000 feet. That makes it the fastest piston single-engine airplane in production. But, it has proven to be a great performer on the ground, as well, surpassing its 50th delivery earlier this month. The first Acclaim was delivered in November of 2006. “The Acclaim’s performance in the marketplace rivals its performance in the air,” said Mooney vice president of sales and marketing David Copeland. “Sales took off and began climbing as soon as we introduced the airplane at the 2006 Sun ‘N Fun Fly-In, and they haven’t slowed down. We currently have a strong backlog for both the Ovations and the Acclaim. At its current rate of acceptance, the Acclaim is on track to be the most successful Mooney ever,” he added. Read More..

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Cessna Receives Order for one SkyCatcher and 12 Skyhawks to Scandinavian Aviation Academy By FlyingNews @ 1:02 PM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the EAA AirVenture 2007 that Scandinavian Aviation Academy, based in Västerås, Sweden has ordered one Cessna SkyCatcher – Cessna’s recently announced Light Sport Aircraft – and 12 Skyhawks. “We’re excited to be one of the first European flight schools to sign up for Cessna’s new SkyCatcher,” said Scandinavian Aviation Academy President Mats Holmgren. “This new aircraft will make flying affordable for many customers who have previously been unable to start or continue to fly. Our new Skyhawks, equipped with the Garmin G1000, will renew and expand our previous fleet of Cessna single engine trainers, giving our students access to the new glass cockpit technology.” Read More..

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Alliance for Aviation Across America Denounces Latest Airline Tax Cut Scheme By FlyingNews @ 12:59 PM :: 254 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Government The Alliance for Aviation Across America today denounced the latest commercial airline tax cut scheme, introduced last week in the Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure hearing by a representative of one of the major commercial airlines. The proposal, which was presented on behalf of the Air Transport Association, would radically overhaul the current funding structure in favor of a new ticket tax formula that would provide a huge tax break for the airlines. Significantly, there is an exception built into the proposal for flights of less than 250 miles, which appears to include some of their most profitable and congested routes. The airlines introduced their proposal as Congress is considering reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. “The airlines have waited until Congress has fewer than 30 legislative days remaining before FAA reauthorization expires to offer their proposal, and it turns out their plan is just one more thinly veiled attempt to get a huge tax break at the expense of small businesses and communities,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 Cessna Continues Development on Next Generation Piston Concept By FlyingNews @ 5:17 PM :: 241 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Engineers at Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, continue to refine the details of the next generation piston (NGP) proof-of-concept aircraft on display at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. “We are collecting performance data from several aerodynamic modifications, and are continuing to refine the aircraft design,” said Van Abel, project engineer for the NGP. Cessna is also continuing to assess the business case for the NGP. The NGP proof-of-concept (POC) made its debut at last year’s AirVenture with a surprise fly-by during the show. The POC incorporates a higher percentage of composite materials than Cessna’s traditional aircraft. It is likely that the final configuration would be a hybrid of composite and aluminum to optimize the available technology. Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 First S-92® Helicopter Delivered to China By FlyingNews @ 2:32 PM :: 232 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has delivered the first S-92® helicopter to China. Eastern General Aviation Corporation (EGAC), a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines Group, recently accepted the aircraft along with two S-76 C++™ helicopters. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The delivery distinguishes EGAC as the first customer to operate the S-92 in China. The helicopters will be used for offshore oil operations as part of EGAC's plans to expand its business with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and ConocoPhillips China, Inc., a Joint Venture with CNOOC. The aircraft are upgrades for EGAC's current fleet of three S-76A++™ aircraft. Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 Eclipse Aviation Reveals Single-Engine Eclipse Concept Jet By FlyingNews @ 2:22 PM :: 284 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers This morning at EAA AirVenture, Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world’s first very light jet (VLJ), unveiled an innovative new concept aircraft. The Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) is a single-engine turbofan powered, V-tail aircraft that Eclipse will use to conduct market research on the emerging single-engine jet category. Until today, Eclipse’s concept jet had been kept completely under wraps, with very few of the company’s employees aware of its development. The ECJ was flown into Oshkosh last night and was taxied to the Eclipse Aviation booth this morning by President and CEO Vern Raburn. The jet will remain in the Eclipse booth throughout the entire show, along with a full-scale ECJ interior mockup display. The ECJ is the result of an aggressive just over six month development schedule from design to first flight. Initial design kicked off in mid-January of this year, with first flight occurring on July 2. To date, the aircraft has accumulated just under 30 flight hours. The ECJ has flown at speeds up to 250 knots and altitudes up to 25,000 feet and successfully demonstrated gear and flap operation since its very first flight. The ECJ has also conducted initial flutter testing, pre-stall testing, engine restart, and other flight envelope expanding test points. Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 CIRRUS ANNOUNCES SRS LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT By FlyingNews @ 2:19 PM :: 976 Views :: 0 Comments :: Sport Aviation On the heels of its successful unveiling of "the-jet" and the launch of its SR22-G3, Cirrus Design Corporation, Duluth, MN, in cooperation with Fk Lightplanes of Speyer, Germany, announced at EAA AirVenture, the CIRRUS SRS (or SR Sport)– an expected addition to CIRRUS' already popular line of personal transportation aircraft. The SRS will take advantage of the new Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations. According to CIRRUS, the SRS will be an extension of the company's current product line for people who would like a CIRRUS but are specifically interested in sporty, recreational, or entry level missions. With the addition of "the-jet" and the SRS, CIRRUS now offers additional aircraft, with equally competitive price points, as their current line. The new aircraft allows for easier entry into the personal aviation market. Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 Cessna Continues to Add Capabilities to Citation Mustang By FlyingNews @ 2:15 PM :: 268 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh that the Citation Mustang team is developing additional capabilities for the aircraft. “The flight testing team recently completed testing required for high altitude certification at El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia,” said Mustang program manager, Russ Meyer. “Once the certification is complete, it enables the Mustang to take off and land at altitudes up to 14,000 feet.” Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 TAM Issues Clarification to the Public By FlyingNews @ 1:57 PM :: 245 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines [Editor] I though you might be interested in seeing a press release from TAM about the news reports. This is from their web site. Still under the impact of the tragedy occurred last Tuesday (17), TAM addresses the public once again to offer clarifications. TAM rigorously complies with all the technical maintenance and operations specifications of its fleet, guaranteeing its absolute commitment to safety, one of its salient commandments ("More important than the customer is safety.") With respect to published news related to the thruster of the Airbus A320 PR-MBK, which carried out flight JJ 3054, the company informs as follows: Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 Another step closer to the C-17 By FlyingNews @ 1:50 PM :: 213 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation With the recent signing of the Airworthiness and Release to Service certificate by Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff, the Canadian Forces is another step closer to the arrival of their first C-17 Globemaster III. As the Canadian Forces' Airworthiness Authority, the Chief of the Air Staff approves all new aircraft for service. Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 Final preparations underway for the delivery of Singapore Airlines' first A380 By FlyingNews @ 1:48 PM :: 233 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Airbus has begun pre-delivery tests for the initial A380 to enter commercial service, which will be delivered to Singapore Airlines this October. In parallel, the first pilots from this Asian carrier are completing their qualification to fly the 21st Century flagship. Singapore Airlines' no. 1 A380 is now back in Toulouse, France, after returning from Hamburg, Germany where it was ferried to be painted and fitted with its cabin interior. The aircraft was assembled at Toulouse, the home to the A380 final assembly line. Read More..

Monday, July 23, 2007 Textron's Cessna Announces Light Sport Aircraft Details By FlyingNews @ 1:46 PM :: 230 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced details and rolled out a full-scale mock-up of its highly anticipated Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) - the Model 162 SkyCatcher - during a press conference at the opening of the annual Experimental Aircraft Association Convention, also known as AirVenture. This new aircraft brings a combination of experience and innovation to the LSA market. "For the past year, we have been soliciting feedback from the market on our proof-of-concept aircraft, and the result is an airplane that we believe is the most advanced and innovative in its class," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. "We have had more voice-of-the-customer input into the design of this aircraft than anything we've done in the past, and that has led to many design elements that make it easier for pilots and passengers." Read More..

Friday, July 20, 2007 NBAA Member Richard Shine Outlines Pitfalls of User Fees Before Senate Committee By FlyingNews @ 5:55 PM :: 241 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Government The user fee plans advocated by airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would be devastating to small and medium-sized companies nationwide, said Richard Shine, CEO of Manitoba Recycling, a 60-person, family-owned company in Lancaster, NY, in testimony today before the Senate Aviation Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure. “I represent a small business that operates a turboprop airplane to help my company survive, and my story is not unique,” Shine told the subcommittee. “The general aviation community of which I am a part supports modernization of our aviation system, and is willing to help pay for it. But we want to pay at the pump – not through user fees or new taxes. The fuel tax is a simple, proven and efficient way to measure and pay for system use for operators like me.” Read More..

Friday, July 20, 2007 Two Weeks to Taxi Program Adds Vans RVs! By FlyingNews @ 5:46 PM :: 252 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers [Editor] I found this press release and I though I would pass this along. The unique Two Weeks To Taxi program is now available for the Vans RV-10 and RV-7, in addition to the Glasair Sportsman 2+2. “Glasair and Vans aircraft are the most popular kit planes in the world,” says Mikael Via, President of Two Weeks To Taxi, LLC. “Between the two companies, more than 14,000 aircraft kits have been sold, yet many remain unfinished. We feel that providing a service focused on allowing builders to complete an aircraft in just two weeks is a remarkable opportunity.” Read More..

Friday, July 20, 2007 Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X) By FlyingNews @ 5:38 PM :: 301 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA As airports have grown busier over the years, the potential for collisions on airport runways and taxiways has increased as well. To combat the impact of this trend, the FAA is deploying ASDE-X, a new runway safety tool. ASDE-X enables air traffic controllers to detect potential runway conflicts by providing detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways. By collecting data from a variety of sources, ASDE-X is able to track vehicles and aircraft on the airport movement area and obtain identification information from aircraft transponders. Read More..

Friday, July 20, 2007 Boeing Delivers SonAir's First 737-700 By FlyingNews @ 5:37 PM :: 205 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE; BA] has delivered the first of two 737-700s to SonAir, Angola's air transportation arm of the national oil company Sonangol. The airplane is shown here taking off from Boeing Field. It departed Thursday en route to its home operating base in Luanda, Angola. The Boeing Next-Generation 737 is unmatched by any competitive airplane in its class. The 737-700s boast 28 percent less fuel consumption per seat and 52 percent lower maintenance costs than the 737-200s they will replace in SonAir's fleet.

Thursday, July 19, 2007 UPS Takes Delivery of First 747-400 By FlyingNews @ 1:46 PM :: 234 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo UPS's (NYSE:UPS) first 747-400 arrived at the company's global air hub here today for its public debut, ready to begin fulfilling the global mission emblazoned on its fuselage - "Synchronizing the world of commerce." UPS will fly the jumbo freighter on its long-range international routes, primarily into the Asia-Pacific region. Regular destinations for UPS's first 747-400 will include Hong Kong; Incheon, South Korea; Sydney, Australia, and Shanghai, where the company is building its China air hub. Ultimately, the company will use the aircraft on its "around the world" flights with stops in Cologne, Germany; Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Mumbai, India. Read More..

Thursday, July 19, 2007 Quest KODIAK Receives FAA Certification By FlyingNews @ 1:43 PM :: 258 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Quest Aircraft Company announced today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted type certification (TC) to its KODIAK aircraft. The receipt of TC A00007SE for the clean-sheet design airplane comes 32 months after the first flight of the KODIAK prototype and just 2½ months after first flight of the first fully conforming KODIAK. Read More..

Thursday, July 19, 2007 FAA ADMITS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORTSTAFFING AT KEY L.A. RADAR FACILITY AND DELAYS FOR AIRCRAFT INTO LAX By FlyingNews @ 1:38 PM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center is a “critically staffed facility,” according to a Federal Aviation Administration Traffic Management update last month and, as a result, flights are being delayed and operational errors are increasing. “Los Angeles Center which is one of the nation’s worst staffed air traffic facilities has been experiencing close calls or operational errors at an alarming rate of nearly one a week”, said Garth Koleszar L.A. Center facility representative for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Read More..

Thursday, July 19, 2007 Aurigny Air Services Signs for 2 ATR 72-500s By FlyingNews @ 1:29 PM :: 225 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers ATR and Guernsey-based Aurigny Air Services today announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of 2 ATR 72-500s, valued at some US $ 37 million. With the purchase of these two 70-seat latest-generation ATRs, the States of Guernsey-owned airline will increase and update its current fleet of 3 ATR 72-200s. Both aircraft will be delivered in 2010 and will be equipped with the "Elegance" cabin as well as the newest technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation tools. Read More..

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Awarded $1.2 Billion NASA Contract for J-2X Ares Rocket Engin By FlyingNews @ 1:37 PM :: 327 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aerospace, NASA Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (PWR), a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, was awarded a NASA contract valued at $1.2 billion to design, develop and test a J-2X engine that will power the upper stages of the Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles. “We are very proud to have been selected by NASA to power the return of U.S. astronauts to the moon and beyond,” said Stephen Finger, president, Pratt & Whitney. “This contract award is another important milestone in the partnership between Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NASA, which spans more than half a century.” Read More..

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 NASA Shares the Beauty of Aerospace Design With Air Show Visitors By FlyingNews @ 1:34 PM :: 270 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Events, NASA NASA will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the art of aviation research at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture 2007. The United States' biggest annual air show will be held July 23-29 in Oshkosh, Wis. A NASA exhibit at the event will feature some of the working models that have been used to develop aircraft designs. NASA will unveil a special exhibit called "Aerospace Design: The Art of Engineering from NASA's Aeronautical Research" in the air show's museum. Artifacts include architectural and engineering designs for wind tunnels, wind tunnel models and designs for conceptual airplanes. Read More..

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 Honda Aero, Inc. to Build Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant to Produce Turbofan Jet Engines in Burlington, North Carolina By FlyingNews @ 1:32 PM :: 240 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Honda Aero, Inc., announced that it will establish its corporate headquarters and a state-of-the-art jet engine manufacturing* plant in Burlington, North Carolina, adjacent to the Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport. The new facility will produce advanced jet engines developed and marketed by GE Honda Aero Engines, LLC. Read More..

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 FIRST EMBRAER 175 JET ARRIVES AT NORTHWEST AIRLINES By FlyingNews @ 1:28 PM :: 250 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer has delivered the first EMBRAER 175 jet to the U.S.-based carrier, Northwest Airlines. The airline has placed a firm order for 36 EMBRAER 175 jets. The new E-Jets will be operated by Northwest’s regional subsidiary, Compass Airlines, and will fly under the Northwest Airlink brand name. Read More..

Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Turkish Air Force Selects F110-powered F-16s and Become First International Customer of F110 Service Life Extension Program By FlyingNews @ 3:49 PM :: 262 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aircraft Engines The Turkish Air Force (TuAF) has ordered F110-GE-129B engines to power its 30 new Lockheed Martin F-16E/F aircraft and concurrently announced plans to become the first international customer for the F110 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). With this order, the TuAF fleet grows to approximately 200 aircraft and becomes the second largest F110/F-16 operator behind the United States Air Force (USAF). "The SLEP program has been a tremendous benefit to the customer by deploying proven commercial technologies into the military fleet for lower cost of ownership," said Al DiLibero, general manager of the Evendale Turfoban/Turbojet Department. Read More..

Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Notice of proposed rulemaking - Special Requirements for Private Use Transport Category Airplanes By FlyingNews @ 3:47 PM :: 247 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA Document FAA-2007-28250-1 This proposal would amend the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes by adding new cabin interior criteria for operators of private use airplanes. These standards may be used instead of the specific requirements that affect transport category airplanes operated by air carriers. The proposed standards would supplement the requirements for operation under the air traffic and general operating rules. This proposal is intended to provide alternative criteria for transport category airplanes that are operated for private use while continuing to provide an acceptable level of safety for those operations. DATES: Send your comments on or before October 11, 2007.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007 442 Squadron Responds to Airplane Crash on Vancouver Island By FlyingNews @ 3:42 PM :: 246 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation A Cormorant helicopter and Buffalo aircraft from 19 Wing Comox were launched by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria July 14 in response to an ELT and then located a downed aircraft 15 miles SE of Port McNeil. The pilot and his two passengers were in transit from Pt McNeil to Merritt, a community in the B.C. interior. Read More..

Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Boeing Places 50th Next-Generation 737 with AirTran Airways By FlyingNews @ 3:40 PM :: 250 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The 50th Boeing Next-Generation 737 in AirTran Airways' distinctive livery took off Monday following delivery at Boeing Field. AirTran Airways, which began service in 1995 exclusively using 717-200s, took delivery of its first Next-Generation 737 in August, 2004. "For this airline to have taken 50 Next-Generation 737s in less than three years speaks both to the success of AirTran Airways and the positive contribution of Boeing products to an airline's bottom line," said Ray Conner, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The milestone 737 will join the all-Boeing low-cost carrier's fleet of 737s and 87 717s.

Monday, July 16, 2007 NASA Awards Upper Stage Engine Contract for Ares Rockets By FlyingNews @ 3:45 PM :: 246 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA NASA has signed a $1.2 billion contract with Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne Inc., of Canoga Park, Calif., for design, development, testing and evaluation of the J-2X engine that will power the upper stages of the Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles. The contract includes ground and test flight engines. It continues work that began on June 2, 2006, under a preliminary letter contract with Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne. Read More..

Monday, July 16, 2007 CIRRUS UNVEILS JET AT GRAND FORKS PLANT By FlyingNews @ 3:42 PM :: 219 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cirrus Design Corporation today gave its Grand Forks (ND) employees and distinguished members of the community and state, including ND Governor Hoeven, their first look at "the-jet" – the most anticipated aircraft in the company's history. "We're calling it a 'personal jet', not because of its size but because it's a natural extension of our SR22 line," said CIRRUS Co-founder and CEO Alan Klapmeier. "Like the SR22, 'the-jet' is designed to be owner flown and it will be loaded with innovative features, including the CIRRUS Airframe Parachute System™. While it's technologically advanced, it's designed to be exceptionally easy to fly, offering customers the opportunity to grow into yet another lifestyle change with CIRRUS." Read More..

Monday, July 16, 2007 LEGACY 600 EXECUTIVE JET WILL BE USED TO TRANSPORT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN ANGOLA By FlyingNews @ 3:35 PM :: 254 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Government Embraer delivered the first Legacy jet to SIMPORTEX, located in Luanda, Angola. The State-run company is responsible for purchasing the country’s military materiel. Besides the newly-delivered Legacy 600 jet, the deal with SIMPORTEX covers a broad parts and services contract. The Angolan company will also begin operating a twin-turboprop EMB 120 Brasilia in the coming months, and both aircraft will be used to carry Angola’s government authorities. Read More..

Monday, July 16, 2007 Boeing Approved for Full-Rate Production and Fielding of CH-47F Chinook Helicopter By FlyingNews @ 3:29 PM :: 222 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received U.S. Army authorization for full-rate production and fielding of the new CH-47F Chinook helicopter. The CH-47F successfully completed U.S. Army operational testing at Fort Campbell, Ky., in April, and now will move forward with First Unit Fielding in July. "This authorization enables us to support the needs of the warfighter today and well into the future," said Jack Dougherty, director of Boeing H-47 programs. Read More..

Friday, July 13, 2007 Stevens Amendment to Allow Commercial Pilots to Fly Past Age 60 Approved by Appropriations Committee By FlyingNews @ 1:23 PM :: 263 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Government The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a provision sponsored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The amendment – to allow commercial airline pilots to fly until age 65 provided the other pilot is under age 60 – was added to the Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development (TTHUD) funding bill. An identical provision was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee on May 16, 2007 as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. The FAA currently requires commercial pilots to retire once they reach age 60. The FAA announced earlier this year that it would begin a rulemaking process to raise the retirement age of commercial pilots to age 65, which would make United States policy consistent with international commercial pilot standards established by the International Civil Aeronautics Organization. Current international standards allow one pilot up to age 65 provided the other pilot is under age 60. Read More..

Friday, July 13, 2007 EMBRAER SELLS 13 EMBRAER 175 JETS TO REPUBLIC AIRLINES By FlyingNews @ 1:12 PM :: 270 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer announces that Republic Airlines Inc., a subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, has increased its orders for the EMBRAER 175 by 13 firm orders, totaling US$ 403 million, at list price, based on January 2007 economic conditions. Eight aircraft of this order were already included in Embraer’s first quarter backlog as “Undisclosed”, and the other five refer to options confirmed during the second quarter. As of today, Republic is operating 76 EMBRAER 170 and 11 EMBRAER 175 jets, and the company’s firm order backlog totals 32 E-Jets. Read More..

Friday, July 13, 2007 U.S. Customs and Border Protection Orders Additional AS350 B3s for Homeland Security By FlyingNews @ 1:05 PM :: 241 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has ordered eight additional American Eurocopter AS350 B3 AStar turbine helicopters to support its mission of protecting the nation’s borders. These new aircraft will join the CBP fleet that already includes 43 AS350s and 11 EC120s. The contract also includes options for additional AS350 B3 orders in the near future. With its unparalleled visibility, proven law enforcement integration, power and reliability, the AS350 family has established itself as the preferred platform for U.S. law enforcement agencies and has become an essential tool in the fight against crime. Read More..

Thursday, July 12, 2007 Royal Brunei Airlines selects Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 for new Boeing 787 fleet By FlyingNews @ 1:10 PM :: 273 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Royal Brunei Airlines has selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 to power four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners it is acquiring on a lease agreement. In addition, the engines will be covered by a long-term TotalCare® service agreement which gives lifetime protection for each powerplant. Royal Brunei Airlines is taking the 787s as part of a fleet renewal programme and deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2009. Read More..

Thursday, July 12, 2007 Epic’s New Victory Jet Flies! By FlyingNews @ 1:01 PM :: 258 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers A mere six and a half months (202 days, 28 weeks) after design work began on a clean sheet of paper, the Epic Victory Jet made its maiden flight today from Redmond, Oregon. The milestone keeps the Victory on track for its world debut at AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin later this month. “In our research, we did not find ANY other company out there that can demonstrate this kind of focus and commitment to bring an aircraft from the proverbial drawing boards to reality in this length of time,” commented Epic CEO Rick Schrameck. “I’ve always said that Epic has the best engineers and manufacturing talent in the world, and I think this clearly proves it!” Read More..

Thursday, July 12, 2007 EMBRAER SELLS LINEAGE 1000 EXECUTIVE JET TO GRUPO OMNILIFE DE By FlyingNews @ 12:53 PM :: 361 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer signed Grupo Omnilife de México for a Lineage 1000 jet. The new aircraft will be operated by their aerial taxi services subsidiary, Omniflys. With this order, Grupo Omnilife becomes the first customer of Embraer’s ultra-large executive jet in Mexico. The company is scheduled to take delivery of the aircraft in December 2009. Read More..

Thursday, July 12, 2007 Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Models SR20 and SR22 Airplanes By FlyingNews @ 12:40 PM :: 255 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cirrus Design Corporation (CDC) Models SR20 and SR22 airplanes. This AD requires you to replace the pick-up collar support and nylon screws, of the Cirrus Airplane Parachute System (CAPS), with a new design pick-up collar support and custom tension screws. This AD results from a CDC report of an in-flight CAPS activation where the parachute failed to successfully deploy. We are issuing this AD to correct pick-up collar support fasteners of the CAPS, which could result in the premature separation of the collar. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the parachute failing to successfully deploy (CAPS failure). Read More..

Thursday, July 12, 2007 Airbus delivers last A300 to Fedex By FlyingNews @ 12:37 PM :: 236 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo The last A300 to leave the Airbus Final Assembly Line, an A300 Freighter, was delivered to FedEx on 12th of July 2007. Over the life of the programme a total of 821 A300/A310 have been ordered and to date there are more than 630 A300s and A310s in service with about 80 operators. Airbus’ long-term fleet support programme will continue to enable their operation until the very last aircraft is retired from service, with half of the current fleet expected still to be in service beyond 2025. Read More..

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 LOCKHEED MARTIN COMPLETES C-130J SUPER HERCULES DELIVERIES TO ROYAL DANISH AIR FORCE By FlyingNews @ 4:23 PM :: 256 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered a fourth C 130J Super Hercules to the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF), completing the current order for Denmark. Denmark's first C-130J was delivered in March 2004 and began operational service only one month after arriving at the RDAF's 721 Squadron in Aalborg, Denmark. RDAF C-130Js are being deployed and used in missions around the world and have already accumulated nearly 5,000 flight hours. One RDAF C-130J operating in Kuwait over the past six months has flown 250 missions, transported 1,600 passengers and moved 500,000 pounds of cargo. RDAF C 130Js were also deployed in support of the tsunami humanitarian relief effort in Southeast Asia and to support the United Nations in Africa. In addition to operating in the hot, harsh conditions of both Southwest and Southeast Asia, RDAF C-130Js have also successfully performed in extremely cold conditions as they flew to “Station North” in Greenland, the most remote location of the Danish Navy, only 580 miles from the North Pole. Read More..

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 Zenith Aircraft Company Open Hangar Day and Fly-In By FlyingNews @ 4:20 PM :: 256 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Events Zenith Aircraft Company's 16th annual OPEN HANGAR day is scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2007, at the factory located at Mexico Memorial Airport in Mexico, Missouri. Aviation enthusiasts, especially builders and owners of Zenith Aircraft kit planes, are invited to drive or fly-in for the day. Read More..

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 Space Shuttle Endeavour Moves to Launch Pad By FlyingNews @ 3:09 PM :: 233 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA Space shuttle Endeavour completed a 3.4-mile journey to launch pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Wednesday shortly after 3 a.m. EDT. After a one-day weather delay, Endeavour left Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, traveling at less than 1 mph atop a massive crawler-transporter. While at the pad, the shuttle will undergo final testing, payload installation and a "hot fire" test of auxiliary power units. After final testing, the rotating service structure will be moved around the vehicle to protect it from the elements. Read More..

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 Boeing Delivers Second C-40C to U.S. Air Force Reserve Command By FlyingNews @ 3:02 PM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the second of three C-40C transport aircraft to the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), providing a critical airlift asset to government leaders on official business. Gen. Duncan McNabb, chief of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC), accepted the aircraft July 5 at Boeing facilities in Seattle and flew it to Scott Air Force Base (AFB), Ill., where it will begin service with the AFRC. Read More..

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY PETERS SIGNS AVIATION AGREEMENT TO BENEFIT WASHINGTON’S AIR PASSENGERS AND BUSINESSES By FlyingNews @ 12:19 PM :: 259 Views :: 0 Comments :: Government Passengers and businesses in cities like Seattle will have access to better travel connections and cheaper shipping options to China due to a landmark aviation agreement signed today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters and Chinese Minister of Civil Aviation Yang Yuanyuan. The new agreement will more than double commercial passenger departures by 2012 and provide unlimited cargo flights between the U.S. and China, opening Seattle to new opportunities in its position as “one of the best gateways to the Pacific,” Secretary Peters said. “Our goal is to make flying from places like Seattle to China as easy as flying to New York or Boston today,” Secretary Peters said, “And by providing more and cheaper shipping choices to China, this agreement will make it easier for U.S. companies to tap into China’s enormous market.” Read More..

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Release of Flight Safety Investigation Report for Crash of Hornet CF188745 on August 16, 2005 By FlyingNews @ 12:06 PM :: 235 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents During a Basic Fighter Manoeuvres training mission, conducted in the Saguenay training area northeast of 3 Wing Bagotville, the wingman's aircraft of a two-plane formation departed controlled flight and entered a spin. The attempt to recover from the spin was unsuccessful and the pilot ejected. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the parachute landing. The aircraft sustained 'A' category damage upon ground impact. Post-impact fire consumed the majority of the wreckage. Read More..

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Cessna Launches Light Sport Aircraft Program By FlyingNews @ 12:01 PM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced it will proceed with its Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) program and will unveil a full scale mock-up and program details at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wis., later this month. “After conducting extensive market research, it is clear to us there is a great need for this aircraft as we strive to drive down the cost of flying and learning to fly,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. “We believe this aircraft will make a major contribution to stimulating new pilot starts and will encourage already-licensed pilots to continue to fly because it will be more affordable. Read More..

Monday, July 09, 2007 Diamond Aircraft to launch DA50 Super Star at AirVenture By FlyingNews @ 10:48 AM :: 259 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers On Monday, July 23rd at 12:45 pm Diamond Aircraft will publicly unveil the DA50 Super Star to the North American market at the company's exhibit at EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The DA50 Super Star is the newest addition to Diamond’s complete line of aircraft. A 5-seat airplane, powered by a 350 hp turbocharged FADEC engine, certified to 25,000 feet, the Super Star is an ideal traveling aircraft. Read More..

Monday, July 09, 2007 Bombardier Sells Seven CRJ900 NextGen Aircraft To Pluna Of Uruguay By FlyingNews @ 10:46 AM :: 271 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Pluna Líneas Aéreas Uruguayas S.A. of Montevideo, Uruguay has signed a firm order for seven CRJ900 NextGen regional jets. The airline has also taken options on an additional eight CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. The value of the contract for the firm-ordered CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, based on list prices, is approximately $261 million U.S. The contract value could increase to approximately $571 million U.S. if all the options are exercised. Read More..

Monday, July 09, 2007 Boeing Celebrates the Premiere of the 787 Dreamliner By FlyingNews @ 10:45 AM :: 232 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Today, Boeing [NYSE: BA] officially debuted the technologically advanced and environmentally progressive 787 Dreamliner in a celebration attended by employees, airline customers, supplier partners and government and community officials. The 787 Dreamliner Premiere was broadcast live in nine different languages via satellite to more than 45 countries and webcast via www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com. Distinguished journalist and best-selling author Tom Brokaw served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Read More..

Sunday, July 08, 2007 Boeing, Air Berlin Announce Order for 25 787 Dreamliners By FlyingNews @ 1:30 PM :: 231 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers On the eve of the unveiling of the world's newest commercial jetliner, the 787 Dreamliner, The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Air Berlin announced an order for 25 787-8 airplanes valued at $4 billion at list prices. The order is the single largest placed by any European carrier and brings the total number of 787s ordered worldwide to 677. Air Berlin, based in Berlin, Germany, is Europe's third largest low-fare carrier. Long focused primarily on the low-fare market, Air Berlin will add long-haul destinations, with the ultra-efficient 787 serving as the cornerstone of its twin-aisle, long-haul fleet. Read More..

Sunday, July 08, 2007 NASA Mission to Asteroid Belt Rescheduled for September Launch By FlyingNews @ 8:33 AM :: 249 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA The launch of NASA's Dawn spacecraft, a mission that will explore the two largest objects in the asteroid belt in an effort to answer questions about the formation of our solar system, has been rescheduled to September. The decision was made today to move the launch to September after careful review by NASA's Science Mission Directorate officials, working with Dawn mission managers, the Dawn principal investigator, and with the concurrence of the NASA Administrator. Read More..

Sunday, July 08, 2007 Boeing, ALAFCO Sign for 10 Additional 787s By FlyingNews @ 8:28 AM :: 257 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company of Kuwait today held a formal signing ceremony for the direct purchase of 10 787-8 Dreamliners. The deal was completed the day before the public Premiere of Boeing's first 787 in Everett, Wash. Valued at $1.62 billion at list prices, the new purchase builds on an order for 12 787s ALAFCO announced in March 2007. The Sharia-based leasing and finance company was the first Middle East customer to finalize its order for the highly sought-after Dreamliner, and ALAFCO has successfully placed its first 12 787s with Kuwait Airways. Read More..

Friday, July 06, 2007 Falcon 2000DX Takes Flight By FlyingNews @ 12:09 PM :: 216 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Today, at Dassault Aviation’s facility in Bordeaux, Merignac at 1:55 PM (GMT+2), the new Falcon 2000DX took flight for the first time. Test pilots Denis Garnier and Herve Laverne were at the controls. The flight lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes. During the flight, the airplane was taken to an altitude of 41,000 feet and exceeded MMO (mach .86) to a maximum speed of mach .89. All systems performed as expected. “The Falcon 2000DX was designed to fill an important niche in the Falcon product line,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “We expect a warm market reception for this aircraft and a strong future given its attractive price point and superior fuel advantage it has over the competition.” Read More..

Friday, July 06, 2007 Dassault's new Falcon 2000LX selected by Saudi Arabia's National Air Services (NAS) By FlyingNews @ 9:08 AM :: 250 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Dassault Falcon announced today that National Air Services (NAS) of Saudi Arabia has entered into a pre-purchase agreement for 20 Falcon 2000LXs. This agreement, related to the purchase of four firm orders plus an option for 16 more will be finalized this summer. With a total value of more than half a billion dollars, this will mark one of the largest purchase of business jets in this region. Deliveries should start in the third quarter of 2008 and then take place over the next six years. "We are very proud to have been chosen by NAS, the leading provider of aviation services in the Middle East, and are confident that this addition to their current fleet will help them meet the growing demand for private aviation in the region", declared John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "Only one month after the official launch of the Falcon 2000LX program, NAS's intention to purchase 20 aircraft shows the great potential of this new airplane in the large cabin business jets' segment." Read More..

Friday, July 06, 2007 Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42 Airplanes By FlyingNews @ 8:43 AM :: 243 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: It has been determined that the surface roughness of the wing stub safety walks Series 300, gray color (equals sandpaper grid 40), installed during production on some aeroplane S/Ns, adversely affects the aircraft single engine climb performance. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective August 10, 2007. On August 10, 2007, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.

Thursday, July 05, 2007 London’s new Eye in the Sky: Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit launches three Eurocopter EC145 Helicopters into Service By FlyingNews @ 3:36 PM :: 242 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters In the presence of the Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Ian Blair, three new Eurocopter EC145 helicopters were officially introduced into service with the Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit on July 4 at its base in Lippitts Hill, Loughton, Essex. Fitted with the most advanced mission equipment, the EC145 will mark a new era in Police Air Support in the United Kingdom. The Metropolitan Police is a long-standing Eurocopter customer. The three AS355 N “Squirrel” helicopters it has been operating since 1993, and which will be replaced by the EC145s, are also Eurocopter aircraft. Customization of the EC145s was carried out by McAlpine Helicopters Ltd., Eurocopter’s UK distributor in Oxford. Read More..

Thursday, July 05, 2007 Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 premieres on the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner By FlyingNews @ 1:00 PM :: 254 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines When the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is unveiled on Sunday (July 8) at its official Premiere in Seattle, it will roll out with two next generation Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines - the leading powerplant for all versions of the 787. For more information go to www.rolls-royce.com/trent1000. The Trent 1000 will also power the aircraft on its maiden flight later this year and will be the first to enter service with launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways) in 2008. Read More..

Thursday, July 05, 2007 FAA Raises Safety Rating for Dominican Republic By FlyingNews @ 12:51 PM :: 253 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that the Dominican Republic complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following a reassessment of the country’s civil aviation authority on April 27, 2007. The Dominican Republic’s safety rating was raised from Category 2 to Category 1. A Category 1 rating means the country’s civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or that its civil aviation authority — equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters — is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping or inspection procedures. Read More..

Thursday, July 05, 2007 GROUND TESTS ADVANCE AS THE PHENOM 100 READIES FOR FIRST FLIGHT By FlyingNews @ 12:46 PM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer is currently performing the ground tests for the Phenom 100 very light jet, in preparation for its first flight. Progress is steady as engineering teams confirm the design quality of the aircraft and test the functionalities and integration of its systems. “The Phenom 100 test campaign has begun and steadily advances,” said Alexandre Figueiredo, Embraer Senior Manager, Phenom Programs. “The ground tests prepare the aircraft for its first flight and provide results for the certification process, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-2008.” Read More..

Thursday, July 05, 2007 Boeing Delivers 737-800 to transavia.com By FlyingNews @ 12:40 PM :: 241 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered a second Next-Generation 737-800 to leasing company Babcock & Brown for lease to transavia.com, the new Orly, France-based low-fare carrier owned jointly by Dutch airline Transavia and French airline Air France, bringing the number of 737-800s in their fleet to four. Boeing previously delivered a 737-800 to Babcock & Brown for lease by transavia.com in May. Transavia.com plans to add three additional 737-800s in 2008 and two in 2009. The 737-800s are configured in a 186-seat, all-economy layout. Air France and Transavia established transavia.com earlier this year, with 60 percent and 40 percent ownership, respectively. The new airline will operate an all-Boeing fleet of 737-800s, serving destinations such as Porto, Portugal; Girona, Spain; Palermo and Catania in Sicily; Heraclion in Crete; Monastir and Djerba in Tunisia; and Agadir and Oujda in Morocco.

Thursday, July 05, 2007 Water Bomber Helicopter to Participate in Corsica's 2007 Firefighting Campaign By FlyingNews @ 12:33 PM :: 232 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Following the dramatic fire season in 2003, and in order to reinforce the national means operated in Corsica, the French Interior Ministry rented a big helicopter with a large watercarrying capacity. After acquiring its twelfth Canadair CL 415 and integrating two large Dash 8 water bombers in the “Sécurité Civile” fleet, the French Interior Ministry took the opportunity of pooling te state resources to come up with a new plan of action for the 2007 firefighting season. Read More..

Thursday, July 05, 2007 VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Test Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight By FlyingNews @ 12:29 PM :: 469 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce the VH-71 helicopter made its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s facility in Yeovil, UK, on July 3, marking a significant milestone in the development of the United States' Presidential aircraft. The new "Marine One" will be the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter that will safely and reliably transport the president and vice president of the United States, heads of state and other official parties both at home and abroad with mobile “Oval Office in the sky” capabilities. The designated Test Vehicle #2 (TV2), built under contract to the U.S. Navy, was assembled and prepared at an AgustaWestland facility. It is the first test aircraft built specifically for the VH-71 Presidential Helicopters Program. During the 40-minute flight, AgustaWestland chief test pilot Don Maclaine and senior test pilot Dick Trueman performed general aircraft handling checks, tested flight characteristics at varying speeds up to 135 knots, and evaluated the on-board avionics systems. Initial Operational Capability of the Presidential helicopter is scheduled for late 2009. Read More..

Tuesday, July 03, 2007 EMBRAER BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW EXECUTIVE JETS SERVICE CENTER By FlyingNews @ 8:19 AM :: 237 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer broke ground for a new executive jets service center at Williams Gateway Airport, in Mesa, Ariz., United States. The facility is scheduled for completion in mid-2008 and will be one of three locations in the U.S. dedicated to fullservicecare for the Company’s Phenom 100, Phenom 300 and Legacy 600 executive jets. “Embraer is proud to establish its presence in the State of Arizona, in demonstration of its long-term commitment to satisfying the executive jet customers, as well as to bringing new jobs to the local community,” said Edson Carlos Mallaco, Embraer’s Senior Vice President, Aviation Services. “With this new investment, our goal is to develop a highly competitive infrastructure that will exceed the expectations of the business jet market by offering convenient and efficient support and services.” Read More..

Tuesday, July 03, 2007 Mesa Air Group Orders 10 CRJ700 Nextgen Regional Jets From Bombardier By FlyingNews @ 8:16 AM :: 213 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Mesa Air Group, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona has placed a firm order for 10 CRJ700 NextGen regional jets, two of which are conversions from previously ordered CRJ900 aircraft. The aircraft will be operated for United Airlines. Mesa has also placed a conditional order for an additional CRJ700 NextGen aircraft. The firm order, based on the list price for the CRJ700 NextGen aircraft, is valued at approximately $334 million U.S. Read More..

Monday, July 02, 2007 Trent 1000 wins second order for Boeing 787 VIP By FlyingNews @ 9:07 AM :: 244 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 has been selected by Hong Kong real estate tycoon, Joseph Lau, to power his Boeing 787-8 VIP aircraft on order from Boeing Business Jets. This agreement makes Mr. Lau the launch customer for the Trent-powered 787 VIP in Asia and is the second time the Trent 1000 has been selected for a 787 configured for corporate or VIP use. Read More..

Monday, July 02, 2007 Pilatus celebrates 100th PC-12 Delivery by Aviation Sales, Inc. By FlyingNews @ 9:04 AM :: 237 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Aviation Sales, Inc., one of the world’s leading Pilatus PC-12 distributors, celebrated the delivery of their 100th PC-12 aircraft today. The milestone aircraft was delivered to a corporate owner to replace an older PC-12 purchased from Aviation Sales. Located at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Denver, Colorado, Aviation Sales has been selling and servicing aircraft since 1971 and has been an authorized Pilatus Dealer and Service Center since 1994. Aviation Sales was the first PC-12 distributor in the United States and has consistently been one of the top selling centers since the program’s inception. The company’s territory encompasses the southwestern United States, including Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. Their 100th PC-12 delivery brings the worldwide fleet of PC-12 business aircraft to well over 700 aircraft. Read More..

Monday, July 02, 2007 Grob Aerospace signs repeat Canadian Air Force G 120A Trainer order with Kelowna Flightcraft By FlyingNews @ 9:00 AM :: 263 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Grob Aerospace has won a repeat order from Kelwona Flightcraft of Canada for two G 120A-C primary training aircraft for the Canadian Air Force, just one year after it first became a customer. The order includes a fuselage cockpit section to be used as flight simulator provided by Atlantis Systems Corporation. The contract was signed today, 29 June, at Grob Aerospace’s facility at Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, by Barry Lapointe, President of Kelowna Flightcraft, Dr. Andreas Strohmayer, Managing Director, Grob Aerospace GmbH and Denzil White, Director Special Mission and Training Aircraft. Read More..

Monday, July 02, 2007 Company Recalls Remaining Furloughed Employees By FlyingNews @ 8:54 AM :: 234 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation announced this week that it has restored its production level to three new aircraft per week and that nearly all employees that were furloughed in late March are now back at work. “We made a lot of dramatic moves earlier this year with the objective of increasing our efficiency and strengthening Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation,” said Company President Wan Majid. “Over the past eight to 12 weeks, we’ve made significant improvements to our production processes and tooling and laid a foundation for our future success. We are grateful to all of our employees for their dedication and the sacrifices they’ve made to enable this evolution of our Company.” Read More..

Sunday, July 01, 2007 Boeing Awarded $2 Billion A-10 Wing Contract By FlyingNews @ 11:13 AM :: 239 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract worth up to $2 billion between 2007 and 2018 for engineering services and the manufacturing of 242 wing sets for the Air Force's A-10 fleet. "We are pleased that the Air Force has recognized that Boeing has the skilled expertise, engineering know-how and the affordable solution to address the needs of the A-10 program," said Charles T. Robertson, vice president of Boeing Support Systems' Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades division. Read More..

Sunday, July 01, 2007 Udall Legislation Reauthorizing FAA R&D Programs Clears Committee By FlyingNews @ 8:25 AM :: 415 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Government Bolstering research and development within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the full Committee cleared H.R. 2698, the Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007; the measure reauthorizes existing programs within the agency and establishes several new research initiatives. "H.R. 2698 will help ensure that the FAA has the tools it needs to keep the nations air transportation system safe, efficient and environmentally friendly, said Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chair Mark Udall (D-CO), who introduced the bill. Read More..

Sunday, July 01, 2007 NASA's Shuttle Atlantis Set for Return to Kennedy Space Center By FlyingNews @ 8:20 AM :: 244 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA A week after landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., NASA's space shuttle Atlantis is about to make its cross-country journey back to Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Mounted on a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft, Atlantis is expected to be flown back to Florida this weekend. Due to the fluid nature of preparing Atlantis for this ferry flight and changing weather conditions, the exact date and time of departure are still to be determined.

Sunday, July 01, 2007 Boeing Delivers 777-200ER in Asiana Airlines' New Livery By FlyingNews @ 8:11 AM :: 218 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE:BA] today delivered a 777-200ER (Extended Range) airplane to Asiana Airlines in the airline's new livery. The South Korean-based airline introduced its new livery during a celebration in November 2006, which features a tail design using traditional Korean colors on a gray background. The airline's fleet will be converted to the new livery over the next five years. Read More..