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FAA Again Struck Down A Bid To Stop Night Flights

3 Nov 2009 05:35:10 GMT

The FAA rejected a bid to stop night flights at another California airport when Burbank Glendale Pasadena Airport Authority attempted to continue a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. at Bob Hope Airport, after it was granted a variance from the requirements of Section 5012 of the California Noise Standards in February 2008. This curfew was opposed by FedEx and other air carriers, who claimed their business operations, were unduly affected, sought a ruling from the FAA under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990.

Air National Guard To Have Its Own Fleet Of Aircraft The C-27J

3 Nov 2009 05:30:30 GMT

Arlington, Va. � The C-27J Spartan is Air National Guard choice of aircraft. In May 2009, the US Army and Army National Guard gave up their rights to all of their aircraft to the US Air Force, primarily the Air National Guard. "It is the first time in U.S. Air Force history where the service acquired a new airframe solely owned, operated and maintained by the Air National Guard," said Lt. Col. Chris Beckman, the ANG's aviation planning and execution chief.

Increasing Pilot Age To 65 Has No Effect On Safety

2 Nov 2009 06:54:19 GMT

The Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act (the act) extended the federal age standard for pilots of large commercial aircraft from 60 (Age 60 Rule) to 65 years of age. The act also required Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report--no later than 24 months after its enactment--on the effect, if any, of this change on aviation safety. This report responds to that requirement. Early Indications show that increasing the Age Limit for Commercial Airline Pilots has no effect on aviation safety. FAA�s and NTSB�s accident and incident data showed no adverse safety effects attributable to the increase in the age limit for pilots.

FAA Proposed AD Yoke Shaft Inspection On Certain Piper Aircraft

1 Nov 2009 17:06:15 GMT

On Friday the FAA propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA-28, PA-32, PA-34 and PA-44 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the control wheel shaft for both the pilot and copilot sides and, if necessary, replacement of the control wheel shaft. This proposed AD results from two field reports of incorrectly assembled control wheel shafts. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct any incorrectly assembled control wheel shafts. This condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to separation of the control wheel shaft, resulting in loss of pitch and roll control.

Coast Guard C-130 And Navy AH-1W Super Cobra Collide Midair

1 Nov 2009 17:06:12 GMT

A Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, from Air Station Sacramento, was engaged in a search and rescue mission when it collided with an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, conducting a training mission. The Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps are searching for survivors from two military aircraft that collided 15 miles east of San Clemente Island, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, about 7 PM. The Navy reported to the Coast Guard that they observed what appeared to be a mid-air collision.

IAM Withdraws Single Carrier Application Delta Responds

1 Nov 2009 05:55:58 GMT

Delta and Northwest have spent the last three months vigorously litigating their position that the IAM cannot submit an application for fleet service employees separately from the office and clerical and passenger service employees, but Delta and Northwest are not yet a single carrier for representation purposes in the office and clerical and passenger service classifications said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr.

Air France Takes Delivery Of Its First Airbus A380

31 Oct 2009 21:44:29 GMT

Based on a decision in 1996, to acquire the A380, Air France on an objective criteria which proved that the performance of this aircraft was ideally suited to the Com�pany�s requirements, declared Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman of the Board of Di�rectors of Air France-KLM, on Friday, took delivery of its first Airbus A380, the world�s largest airliner, which can carry 538 passengers over 13,000 km. Three of the twelve pla�nes on order will be delivered to Air France between now and spring 2010, to be closely followed by a fourth. Starting on 23 November 2009, the Air France A380 will be operated on daily flights between Paris - Charles de Gaulle and New York - JFK, followed by Paris-Johannesburg during winter 2009-2010.

Mixed News For International Air Passenger And Cargo Travel

31 Oct 2009 06:48:43 GMT

The apparent year-over-year improvement in demand is misleading. It is largely due to comparisons with an exceptionally weak September 2008 when traffic fell sharply (-2.9% for passenger and -7.7% for cargo). Seasonally adjusted statistics show a 0.3% drop in passenger volumes and a 1.4% fall in cargo volumes for September 2009 compared with August 2009. This reflects the pause seen in the economic recovery in the US and elsewhere in the past few months.

Boeing To Cut 330 Workers On Its CAPPS Program

31 Oct 2009 06:02:15 GMT

The Boeing Company announced it would be reducing Its work force reductions on the Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS) program. "In response to the planned space shuttle program retirement and the final International Space Station elements being launched, The Boeing Company has announced to employees working on the Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services program that work force reductions will take place in 2010.

NASA To Launch Space Shuttle Atlantis November 16th

30 Oct 2009 05:29:52 GMT

Cape Canaveral, Fla. � Atlantis' launch date was announced Thursday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready. NASA's space shuttle Atlantis is targeted to begin an 11-day flight to the International Space Station with a Nov. 16 launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:28 p.m. EST.

Entegra Release 9 Flight Deck Available For PA-46 Aircraft

30 Oct 2009 04:58:11 GMT

Piper Aircraft announced that it will offer the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck system as an optional avionics suite on the Piper PA-46 Meridian, Mirage, and Matrix aircraft. “With the addition of the Entegra Release 9, Piper shows its commitment to providing our customers with the greatest choice of advanced avionics options available in today�s market place� said Piper President, John D. Becker.

Lufthansa Weak Revenue In Passenger Business

29 Oct 2009 16:57:34 GMT

Weak revenue unrelenting in passenger business segment despite demand bottoming out Forceful implementation of measures to safeguard earnings to continue. Lufthansa has posted an operating profit of 226 million euros for the first nine months of 2009. For the first time, this figure also includes the results of Austrian Airlines and BMI, who contributed a total of 28 million euros. The Group�s financial result therefore remained significantly below the previous year�s figure at the close of the third quarter.

US Airways To Layoff 1,000 Employees

29 Oct 2009 14:35:35 GMT

US Airways announced it is realigning its operations to focus on the airline's core network strengths, which include hubs in Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city at Washington's National Airport. These four cities, as well as the airline's popular hourly Shuttle service between New York's LaGuardia Airport, Boston and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, will serve as the cornerstone of the airline's network.

FAA Approves SafeFlight Throttle System On Gulfstream G150

29 Oct 2009 08:32:49 GMT

Safe Flight�s Enhanced AutoPower automatic throttle system has been certified by the FAA for the Gulfstream G150 business jet. The addition of AutoPower will enhance the G150�s already claimed Best-in-Class Performance, extending the record-breaking range while increasing passenger comfort and aircraft safety. Safe Flight�s full-regime automatic throttle system is available to G150 owners as a production option from the factory as well as a retrofit option on the existing G150 fleet.

Pilot's Failure To Hold MDA On Approach Caused Crash

29 Oct 2009 07:29:28 GMT

An Aerospatiale (Eurocopter), call sign Trooper 2 (N92MD), registered to and operated by the MSP as a public medical evacuation (medevac) flight, crashed on September 27, 2008, in District Heights, Maryland while on approach to Andrews Air Force Base (ADW). The pilot, one flight paramedic, one field provider, and one of two automobile accident patients being transported were killed. The other patient being transported survived with serious injuries from the helicopter accident and was taken to a local hospital.

Southwest Airlines Official Airline Sponsor Of Denver Nuggets

29 Oct 2009 06:27:03 GMT

To celebrate the continued relationship, Southwest hosted a "Bags Fly Free" event outside of the Pepsi Center last night to help tip-off opening night of the season. The first 40 fans that arrive at the tent and said "Bags Fly Free only on Southwest Airlines" were entered to a chance to win tickets to the Nuggets game and roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines announced today that the carrier has renewed its relationship as the official sponsor of the National Basketball Association's (NBA's) Denver Nuggets. The sponsorship will include in-arena signage, promotions, contests, and more during Nuggets home games. Southwest has been the official airline sponsor of the Nuggets since the 2008/2009 season.

Northwest Pilots Licenses Revoked On Flight 188 By FAA

29 Oct 2009 05:36:13 GMT

Air traffic controllers and airline officials repeatedly tried to reach the pilots on Northwest Airlines Flight 188 through radio and data contact, without success. As a result of violations of federal aviation regulations the Federal Aviation Administration has revoked the licenses of the two Northwest Airlines pilots who overflew their destination airport on October 21, 2009 while operating Flight 188 from San Diego to Minneapolis. The pilots were out of contact with air traffic controllers for an extended period of time and told federal investigators that they were distracted by a conversation.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Plant Has Home In Charleston, SC

29 Oct 2009 04:05:45 GMT

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner a mid-sized, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner final assembly plant has a new home. Boeing today announced that it has chosen its North Charleston, South Carolina facility as the location for a second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program. Boeing evaluated criteria that were designed to find the final assembly location within the company that would best support the 787 business plan as the program increases production rates. In addition to serving as a location for final assembly of 787 Dreamliners, the facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of the airplanes.

NW Airlines Flight 188 Pilots Unaware Of Aircraft Position

27 Oct 2009 01:15:05 GMT

On Wednesday, of last week, at 5:56 pm mountain daylight time, an Airbus A320, operating as Northwest Airlines (NWA) flight 188, became a NORDO (no radio communications) flight at 37,000 feet. The flight was operating as a Part 121 flight from San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California (SAN) to MSP with 144 passengers, 2 pilots and 3 flight attendants.

Iberia Cancels Flights Board Of Directors Develop New Business Model

26 Oct 2009 05:16:46 GMT

A strike called for by the CTA and SITCPLA Cabin Attendants Unions, has forced Iberia to canceled some 4000 flights scheduled for October 26 and 27th. Iberia code series flights IB5000, IB8000 and IB7000, operated by Vueling, Iberia Regional/Air Nostrum and other airlines using Iberia codes, will not be affected. Flights to and from the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands will also operate normally, as will most Iberia long-haul flights.

PiperJet To Be Equipped With The Garmin G3000

24 Oct 2009 15:36:03 GMT

Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced that the revolutionary PiperJet will deploy the all new, state-of-the-art Garmin G3000 � the world�s first touchscreen-controlled integrated flightdeck for turbine aircraft. The company�s selection of the G3000 is yet another commitment to provide unparalleled performance with the very latest in innovation and capability that complements the aircraft�s luxurious interior and advanced manufacturing techniques pioneered by Piper. By integrating the G3000 in the PiperJet, Piper takes yet another step in providing advanced, cutting-edge technology to the marketplace.

FAA To Investigate Pilots Of NW Airlines Flight 188

24 Oct 2009 05:39:41 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating an incident where an Airbus A320 overflew the Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (MSP). On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at 5:56 pm mountain daylight time, an Airbus A320, N03274, operating as Northwest Airlines (NWA) flight 188, became a NORDO (no radio communications) flight at 37,000 feet.

Little Rock Airmen Fuel Up To Save Environment, Money

23 Oct 2009 19:20:46 GMT

Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. - Airmen from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight here have been selected to test two types of aviation fuel in an effort to save money and the environment. The first is the commercial grade Jet A. This fuel is cheaper and more common throughout the aviation industry; it's a straight petroleum-based fuel.

World Aviation Authorities Tackle Climate Change

23 Oct 2009 18:51:40 GMT

Along with counterparts from around the world, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) led the U.S. delegation in recent meetings at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal that resulted in an agreement that will guide the global aviation community as it tackles the challenge of climate change. “The agreement reached on Oct. 9 at ICAO is a significant milestone for the aviation sector in addressing its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions,� said FAA Acting Administrator for Policy and Environment Nancy LoBue, who participated in the meetings. The countries participating in the agreement adopted a program of action to reduce aviation greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, it features an agreement to strive for a 2 percent annual fuel efficiency improvement between 2012 and 2050, calculated on the basis of volume of fuel used per revenue ton kilometer performed. This commitment represents an improvement of more than 60 percent over that period.

Korea Coast Guard Takes Delivery Of Two AW139 Helicopters

23 Oct 2009 17:45:43 GMT

AgustaWestland, a helicopter manufacturer announce that the Korea Coast Guard has taken delivery of two AW139 medium twin helicopters during an official ceremony held at Vergiate plant (Italy). The AW139s will be used for maritime patrol, search and rescue and emergency medical service purposes. Thanks to the AW139's outstanding features, the Korea Coast Guard will perform a major step forward in providing maritime patrolling and Search and Rescue services in the country.

Garmin Brings Touchscreen And Widescreens To The Cockpit

22 Oct 2009 16:18:58 GMT

Orlando, Fla. Garmin International Inc., announced the Garmin G3000, the first touchscreen controlled integrated flightdeck for light turbine aircraft. The G3000 is designed specifically for Part 23 turbine aircraft, and was announced at the National Business Aviation Association Convention. “In 2003, we transformed the general aviation cockpit with the G1000, and now we�re taking the next leap forward with the G3000,� said Gary Kelley, Garmin�s vice president of marketing. “The G3000 is a testament to the culture of innovation that is fundamental to Garmin, and it promises to be one of the most intuitive and powerful flightdeck systems ever designed for Part 23 turbine aircraft.� The G3000 seamlessly integrates numerous Garmin-designed system components into an easy-to-use flightdeck.

NTSB Investigating A Taxiway Landing By Delta At ATL

22 Oct 2009 00:35:13 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the landing of a Delta B-767 on an active taxiway at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL). According to preliminary information received from several sources, on Monday, October 19, 2009, at 6:05 a.m. EDT, a Boeing B767-332ER (N185DN) operating as Delta Air Lines flight 60 from Rio de Janeiro to Atlanta landed on taxiway M at ATL after being cleared to land on runway 27R. No injuries to any of the 182 passengers or 11 crewmembers were reported.

Falcon Never Made Flight Turns Out To Be Hoax

19 Oct 2009 19:14:38 GMT

It was reported last Thursday that a 6 year old little boy, Falcon from Colorado had accidentally taken flight in a helium balloon that his father was working on in their backyard. The report indicated that while the parents were inside their home, Falcon was paying in the backyard and somehow got into his father's homemade balloon. Somehow the balloon became unanchored and then took flight across Colorado�s countryside. It now appears that the story that was given to the police and the news media was a hoax contrived by the parents and others to land a reality television show, authorities said on Sunday.

Northrop E-2D Hawkeye Successfully Completes Catapult Launch

17 Oct 2009 17:19:11 GMT

In preparation for its Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), Northrop Grumman's first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye test aircraft, known as Delta One, has successfully completed its first land-based catapult launch tests - a required phase of testing prior to fleet introduction.

Northrop To Provide ATC Communications Upgrades At Gimpo

16 Oct 2009 19:30:50 GMT

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced that its Europe-based air traffic management systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, has been awarded a contract to supply and install fourteen VHF and four UHF ground to air radio communication systems and a 20 position voice communication control system (VCCS) for Gimpo International Airport, Seoul, South Korea. The award was made following an international competitive tender process.

F-16s Collide Over The Atlantic One Pilot Missing

16 Oct 2009 17:59:52 GMT

Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. -- Two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft collided during night training exercises on Thursday over the Atlantic Ocean about 40 miles east of Folly Beach, S.C. Captain Nicholas Giglio, from the 20th Fighter Wing, and his aircraft are missing and a search is underway

FAA Considers Internet Only Flight Training

15 Oct 2009 05:45:02 GMT

You remember yours. I remember mine. Every pilot remembers ground school. Mine was in a dingy and dark corner of the low-rent district of our Florida airport. The three-classroom facility smelled like stale coffee and mildew. The air conditioning worked fine; at least when the owner of the Part 141 pilot school felt like turning it on. There is nothing like sweating over a whiz wheel.

Civil Air Patrol To Receive NBAA Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership

7 Oct 2009 17:47:34 GMT

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced that the Civil Air Patrol will be presented with the NBAA Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award in recognition of the organization's efforts to provide disaster relief for people and communities in times of crisis.

DOT Issues Lithium Battery Safety Advisory

7 Oct 2009 17:02:39 GMT

Washington, D.C. � In its continuing effort to promote the safe transportation of lithium batteries, the Department of Transportation today issued a safety advisory in the Federal Register targeting shippers and carriers responsible for compliance with hazardous materials regulations covering both passenger and cargo aircraft.

FAA Lists Carriers Yet To Commit To Safety Call To Action

5 Oct 2009 20:24:13 GMT

The FAA Administrator, Randy Babbitt announced that the majority of US air carriers and pilot organizations have responded to our safety Call To Action. That is to address pilot fatigue, pilot training, pilot performance, air carriers to be more thorough in examining FAA pilot records before hiring, major carriers would be required to analyze the safety information contained in flight data recorders on individual aircraft and pilots would be required to disclose safety problems as part of their Aviation Safety Action Program.

Bonhomme Wins Red Bull World Championship Air Race

5 Oct 2009 04:05:44 GMT

Barcelona, Spain � Britain�s Paul Bonhomme won the 2009 Red Bull Air Race World Championship on Sunday with a thrilling victory in the final race of the season in Barcelona in front of a record crowd of 800,000 spectators, holding off a ferocious challenge from defending champion Hannes Arch of Austria. Bonhomme had finished a heartbreaking second in both 2007 and 2008 but got the elusive first title with a sensational performance under pressure to clinch his first title with 67 championship points to Arch�s 60. Australia�s Matt Hall took 3rd place overall, the best result ever for a rookie, with 36 points.�

Wright Flyer Replica Crashes

3 Oct 2009 20:14:33 GMT

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base , Ohio (AFNS) An authentic replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer III crashed at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field here at approximately 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1. Vintage aircraft builder and pilot Mark Dusenberry, was flown by CareFlight helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton where his injuries were initially identified as serious. Following the crash, Mr. Dusenberry was conscious and communicating his injuries to paramedics on scene, said Park Ranger Nicholas Georgeff with the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark and we all hope for his speedy recovery," said Col. Bradley Spacy, the 88th Air Base Wing commander.

Arch wins Qualifying point ahead of Red Bull Air Race finale in Barcelona

3 Oct 2009 19:56:22 GMT

BARCELONA, Spain � Hannes Arch of Austria posted the fastest time in Qualifying at the Red Bull Air Race World Championship on Saturday in front of a record-breaking crowd of 350,000 and picked up a crucial 1 point to narrow Paul Bonhomme�s lead in the championship to 3 points ahead of Sunday�s grand finale in Barcelona. Bonhomme, hoping to win his first title after finishing a heart-breaking second in both 2007 and 2008, was a distant 4th in Qualifying behind Arch, Nicolas Ivanoff of France and Australia�s Matt Hall. Spain�s Alejandro Maclean qualified for the Top 12 with a promising 10th place.

ATR Unveils The First ATR 600 Series Aircraft

1 Oct 2009 20:04:42 GMT

ATR officially presented the first aircraft of its new �-600� series. The aircraft, an ATR 72-600 prototype, was unveiled during a ceremony, which took place in Toulouse, under the patronage of Dominique Bussereau, Secretary of State for Transport, represented by Patrick Gandil, General Director of French Civil Aviation. Launched in October 2007, the new �-600� series follows its development phase according to the schedule planned for the two models, the ATR 72-600 and the ATR 42-600, of which the first commercial aircraft will enter into service in 2011. To date, ATR has recorded orders for 59 of these aircraft (5 ATR 42-600 and 54 ATR 72-600).

Frontier Airlines Emerges From Chapter 11 Protection

1 Oct 2009 16:51:29 GMT

Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. announced today that Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET) has completed its acquisition of the Company. Upon the closing of the transaction, Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc., Frontier Airlines, Inc. and Lynx Aviation, Inc. successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and are now wholly owned subsidiaries of Republic. Frontier Airlines and Lynx Aviation will continue to operate under their same names, offering the same flight schedules, customer amenities and frequent flier benefits as in the past.

Pilot iPhone With My-Cast By Garmin

1 Oct 2009 16:38:23 GMT

Garmin has come out with My-Cast for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The core element of Pilot My-Cast is its robust aviation weather offerings. Pilot My-Cast�s newest weather feature is a METAR and TAF bubble map that displays current and predicted weather in a pictorial format. This enhancement is in addition to the weather information already available such as NEXRAD Radar, METARs and TAFs displayed in text and graphic formats, panable weather maps, infrared and visible satellite loops, lightning data, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, PIREPs, NOTAMs, winds aloft and more.

Aerial Firefighting Management Is There A Better Way

1 Oct 2009 16:38:21 GMT

Fighting forest fires poses a number of problems for fire management teams. Forest fires generally occur in remote, heavily wooded areas and in most cases are not easily accessible by vehicle or foot and don�t present an immediate water supply to assist in firefighting. For this reason, aircraft and helicopters have been used since World War II in aerial firefighting by flying in smokejumpers and for dropping fire retardant and or water on a targeted area. A smokejumper is a wildland firefighter that parachutes into a remote area to combat wildfires.

Drug Trafficker Planned Airdrop Of Cocaine

30 Sep 2009 03:23:00 GMT

John P. Gilbride, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA"), Javier F. Pena, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Caribbean Division of the DEA, Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Harry J. Corbitt, the Superintendent of the New York State Police ("NYSP") and Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York, announced the expulsion late yesterday from the Dominican Republic to the United States of Luis Santacruzecheverri, a/k/a "Lucho," on charges of cocaine trafficking and importation.

Allied Pilots Association Urges Focus On Safety

30 Sep 2009 00:58:49 GMT

Fort Worth, Texas, Allied Pilots Association Urges Focus On Safety As Faa Considers Aviation Rulemaking Committee Inputs. The Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 11,500 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE: AMR), emphasized the importance of reducing pilot fatigue to enhance safety as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviews recommendations from an airline industry stakeholder group convened to review flight- and duty-time regulations. �The goal of any regulatory change should be to enhance safety.�

SkyTrac Systems Appoints Stephen Fuhr To Leadership Role

30 Sep 2009 00:27:31 GMT

Kelowna, BC, Canada, SkyTrac Systems has appointed Major Stephen Fuhr (retired), formally of Winnipeg, Manitoba, as Vice President and Director of Business Development and will working closely with the President and CEO. Fuhr will lead and manage the growth of SkyTrac�s business development activities worldwide.

Air India Pilots Continue Sickout

29 Sep 2009 22:05:21 GMT

Air India�s operations continued to be impacted on the fourth day of a sick out by Air India Pilots. Fourteen international flights out of 29 have to be cancelled as a result of 72 Pilots reported sick since yesterday. The flights affected were Nonstop flights to New York from Delhi and Mumbai; flights to London from Delhi and Mumbai; flights to Chicago from Delhi and flights to Singapore from Mumbai. The other flights affected included the Amritsar-London-Toronto and Ahmedabad-Frankfurt.

Gulfstream Rolls Out The All-New G650

29 Sep 2009 21:16:11 GMT

Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, today rolled out its new flagship business jet, the all-new Gulfstream G650, at company headquarters in Savannah. The aircraft rolled out under its own power.

Little Rock's Dassault Falcon Sees 2nd Round Of Employee Cuts

29 Sep 2009 02:01:43 GMT

Little Rock, Arkansas � Employees at the Dassault Falcon aircraft plant today faced a second round of employee cuts. The company announced it would layoff just over 70 employees and additional workers would be let go through its “early out� program. In June over 120 employees got pink slips.

Chesley �Sully� Sullenberger Returns Back For Flight Duty

28 Sep 2009 22:11:58 GMT

US Airways announced today that Capt. Chesley “Sully� Sullenberger, who piloted Flight 1549 during its emergency water landing on the Hudson River in January, is returning to work in a new role as a management pilot. In addition to his flying duties, Capt. Sullenberger will join the US Airways flight operations safety management team. On January 15, 2009, at approximately 3:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, US Airways flight 1549, an Airbus A320-214, N106US, equipped with CFM engines, incurred multiple bird strikes during initial climb. The airplane subsequently lost thrust to its engines and ditched in the Hudson River at approximately 3:30 PM Eastern Standard Time. The flight was a Title 14 CFR Part 121 scheduled domestic passenger flight from New York's La Guardia Airport (LGA) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Medical Helicopter Goes Down Killing All On Board

28 Sep 2009 21:50:46 GMT

Omniflight Helicopters, Inc confirmed that an American Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopter, which took off from the Charleston, S.C. airport at approximately 2308 PM, ET on Friday, September 25, 2009, crashed shortly after takeoff 63 miles southwest of Conway, S.C. All three people on board were fatally injured in the tragic accident including Patrick Walters, 45, pilot; Diana Conner, 42, flight nurse; and Randolph Claxton Dove, 39, flight paramedic.

Boeing Advances Security Upgrade for GPS Ground Control System

28 Sep 2009 14:34:33 GMT

Boeing has completed developmental system testing on the U.S. Air Force's Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite ground control system, known as the Operational Control Segment (OCS), for the addition of a critical new security capability. The test demonstrated that the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) software upgrade meets all contractual system requirements. SAASM is designed to protect GPS receivers against fake satellite signals sent by adversaries.

Understanding Aviation Emissions

25 Sep 2009 05:09:51 GMT

Aviation plays a key role in the economic prosperity and lifestyle Americans enjoy. Our economy benefits greatly from the ability to move people and products all over the globe - quickly and safely. Aviation contributes to our quality of life - allowing us to visit friends and relatives, to travel, to experience new places, to shrink the borders of the world.

GE Lockheed Martin C-5M Set World Aviation Records

24 Sep 2009 21:42:34 GMT

Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. A joint U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin flight crew flying a C-5M Super Galaxy strategic transport claimed 41 world aeronautical records in one flight on September 13. The flight from Dover AFB broke eight existing world marks and established standards in 33 other categories where there had been no previous record attempt.

Dutch Firm Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Export Aircraft Components To Iran

24 Sep 2009 21:04:47 GMT

Washington, DC, Aviation Services International, B.V. had been charged in a criminal complaint in the District of Columbia back in September 2007, with illegally exporting aerospace grade aluminum, aircraft components, and other equipment from the U.S. to Iran and the government of Iran in violation of U.S. embargoes. The defendants also had been charged with making false statements on export control documents. At the time its owner stated "It's a ridiculous idea. The Americans think their legal system takes precedence over that of the Netherlands. We do business in accordance with Dutch and European law. We have applied for permission from the Dutch Economic Affairs Ministry for every shipment. In the normal course of events, we are given permission and the export goes ahead." What Aviation Services International, B.V. did not take into account was the parts in question were made in the US and the attempt was to export from the US to Iran.

NASA Assigns Crew For Final Space Shuttle Mission

23 Sep 2009 21:56:46 GMT

NASA officials have assigned the crew for the last scheduled space shuttle mission, targeted to launch in September 2010. The flight to the International Space Station will carry a pressurized logistics module to the station. Veteran shuttle commander and retired Air Force Col. Steven W. Lindsey will command the eight-day mission, designated STS-133. Air Force Col. Eric A. Boe will serve as the pilot; it will be his second flight as a shuttle pilot. Mission Specialists are shuttle mission veteran Air Force Col. Benjamin Alvin Drew, Jr., and long-duration spaceflight veterans Michael R. Barratt, Army Col. Timothy L. Kopra and Nicole P. Stott.

NATCA Members Vote On Collective Bargaining Agreement With FAA

23 Sep 2009 21:41:35 GMT

WASHINGTON � A three-year-long effort to throw out Federal Aviation Administration-imposed work and pay rules and restore fairness and stability to the collective bargaining process and the air traffic controller workforce neared conclusion on Wednesday when controllers nationwide voted to ratify a new three-year contract. The new contract, which will cover NATCA�s air traffic controller, traffic management and NOTAM specialist bargaining units, is scheduled to take effect on October 1.

Blue Sky Network Rolls Out Their Latest GPS Receiver

23 Sep 2009 17:30:05 GMT

Blue Sky Network introduced the D410A flight tracking and two-way messaging transceiver at the Helitech 2009 exhibition yesterday. The D410A provides a new breed of Iridium satellite-based GPS tracking likes its big brother the D1000A with the added benefits of a lower cost, effortless usability, and new messaging capabilities. Helitech is the largest annual helicopter expo in Europe, exhibiting the finest helicopters, hardware and accessories in the world. At the Helitech 2009, Blue Sky Network exhibited its potable D410A.

David Hempleman Adams Sets Another Hot Air Balloon Record

23 Sep 2009 16:31:18 GMT

British adventurer, David Hempleman-Adams was successful in his attempt to set a world record on Sunday by flying over the fields of Maize, Kansas in the United States in his miniature gas balloon. Hempleman-Adams set two world endurance records, the first record was in the AA-01 class balloon, which had stood for more than 26 years in which the balloon was in the air for 8 hours and 12 minutes, Hempleman-Adams flight lasted 14 hours. The second broken record was was for having a bigger AA-2 class balloon. Coy Foster, an American had held the record of 8 hours and 12 minutes when he flew over Texas in May 1983.

Paul Bonhomme Rides Hot-Streak To Barcelona For Finale

22 Sep 2009 21:14:31 GMT

Barcelona, Spain � Paul Bonhomme, who has won two of the last five rounds in this year�s Red Bull Air Race World Championship and come second in the other three, could clinch his first title next week in the final battle of 2009. He opened a four-point lead over defending champion Hannes Arch of Austria with a resounding victory on 13 September in Porto.

TSA Partners With UTA To Enhance Aviation Security

22 Sep 2009 20:05:07 GMT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Georgian United Transport Administration (UTA) today announced a cooperative effort to enhance aviation security. With the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent between the TSA and the UTA, both agencies pledged to partner in a comprehensive program of aviation security enhancements, including plans for comprehensive assessments, developing targeted aviation security programs and sharing best practices.

Anchorage Pilot And Two Passenger Lucky To Be Alive

22 Sep 2009 19:33:13 GMT

Anchorage, � Dylan Honebriak, 27, a pilot from Anchorage, Alaska was departing the beach along Patton Bay on Montague Island in his 1955 Piper Pacer, when the Piper Pacer flipped over while taking off at about 3:15 PM Monday. Honebriak and his two passengers, his stepfather Ricardo Montoya, 48, and stepbrother Keith Montoya, 18, both Soldotna residents, escaped the plane (Tail Number N2601P) without injuries. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk and crew from the Coast Guard�s Cordova Aviation Support Facility rescued the three stranded men.

New Radar Sensors Improve Colorado Air Traffic Safety

22 Sep 2009 18:38:35 GMT

Washington, D.C. a new surveillance system introduced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Colorado allows air traffic controllers to track aircraft not covered by radar in remote, mountainous regions. “The new system, called Wide-Area Multilateration, lets us see aircraft we couldn�t see before due to the rugged terrain,� said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “It improves the safety and efficiency of those flights and saves time and money for passengers and operators.�

Bristow Signs Agreement For 3 AW139 Helicopters

22 Sep 2009 17:47:42 GMT

The Houston, Texas based Bristow Group has signed an agreement for three AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters. The AW139 is a medium twin engine helicopter to be used to perform offshore transport missions. The purchase further strengthens the relationship between AgustaWestland and Bristow Group and also includes options for additional AW139 purchases by the Bristow Group which would reinforce the continued expansion of the AW139 in the Oil & Gas Industry.

Airline Career Opportunities Fall For the Month Of July

22 Sep 2009 17:08:13 GMT

U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported today that scheduled air carriers employed 5.9 percent fewer workers in July compared to the month prior. This represents a 13th consecutive decrease in full-time equivalent employee levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year.

Northrop Grumman Developing Space Telescope Design

22 Sep 2009 16:36:49 GMT

Redondo Beach, Calif., Northrop Grumman Engineers are using a full-scale simulator of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), with its key elements; telescope's primary backplane assembly and the sunshield's integrated validation article, to develop the Webb Telescope's hardware design. In addition, technicians are using it to gain experience handling large elements in advance of working with the actual flight hardware. "Having a functioning demonstration article enables us to see how components, which were developed and tested individually, fit together as a whole system," said Martin Mohan, JWST program manager for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector. "The simulator is an effective risk reduction tool to help us validate design approaches early."

Flight Standards Regional Offices To Have NextGen Specialists

22 Sep 2009 15:40:43 GMT

The FAA�s safety organization is locating NextGen specialists at every Flight Standards regional office to make sure the safety workforce is up to speed on the high-tech systems and procedures that are transforming the national air transportation system. These NextGen liaisons will facilitate understanding of the big picture and make sure the FAA�s safety workforce sees, knows, and understands where the agency is headed with NextGen.

Thousands Lined Up For Air Force Marathon

19 Sep 2009 22:26:40 GMT

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Nearly 10,000 runners lined up today at the starting line for the 2009 Air Force Marathon The events included participants running in the full marathon as well as a wheeled division, a half-marathon and a 10K run. The 13th annual running event with an almost 35 percent increase over last year started with remarks by Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Owen, commander of the Aeronautical Systems Center, and included a first-ever visit by an Air Force chief of staff, when Gen. Norton Schwartz arrived to present awards to the winners.

Heroes Help Dedicate Airman's Hall

19 Sep 2009 15:37:46 GMT

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The secretaries of Defense and the Air Force joined the Air Force chief of staff, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, and distinguished guests from all services at a Pentagon dedication ceremony for the Airman's Hall in which the service attached six new streamers to the Air Force flag Sept. 17. The event was held to coincide -- or at least be close to -- the Air Force's 62nd birthday Sept. 18.

ATC Union Has New Leader

18 Sep 2009 19:23:49 GMT

Paul M. Rinaldi, an 18-year veteran air traffic controller from Washington-Dulles Tower, won a runoff election on Thursday with a record number of votes to become the new president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Rinaldi, who served as executive vice president since 2006, will take office on Oct. 17 to begin his three-year term as the sixth president in NATCA�s 22-year history. Rinaldi won 53 percent of the vote to defeat Miami Center controller Ruth Marlin, who was NATCA�s executive vice president from 2000-2006.

Air Force Honors Doolittle Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen

17 Sep 2009 20:47:50 GMT

WASHINGTON, Several members of the Doolittle Raiders and original Tuskegee Airmen were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from Air Force Association officials Sept. 16 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. During a special dinner at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, AFA officials and more than 500 people in attendance paid tribute to two members who represented the 80 Airmen who flew the first bombing mission on Japan, and three members representing the first 14,994 African-American Airmen.

AMR Announces New Liquidity, Network and Fleet Enhancements

17 Sep 2009 15:47:42 GMT

AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle, today announced a series of actions that will better position it to meet the industry�s near-term economic challenges while continuing to build on its foundation and strategy for long-term success. The highlights of the announcement include A total of $2.9 billion in additional liquidity and new aircraft financing was obtained. The $2.9 billion consists of: $1.3 billion in new liquidity, including $1 billion in cash from the advance sale of AAdvantage frequent flyer miles to Citibank and $280 million in cash under a loan facility from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) secured by owned aircraft; and $1.6 billion in sale-leaseback financing commitments from GECAS for Boeing 737s previously ordered by the Company.

FAA Issues Quest Aircraft Production Certificate

17 Sep 2009 15:23:08 GMT

Sandpoint, ID...Quest Aircraft Company has received full unrestricted production certification for the KODIAK. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presented Quest with the certificate on Tuesday, in a brief ceremony at the company�s Sandpoint Headquarters. “Achieving this final step in the process of designing, producing, and delivering a brand new aircraft is an important milestone for Quest,� said Paul Schaller, Quest Aircraft�s President and CEO. “I want to thank the dedicated team of Quest employees who along with the FAA have worked hard to achieve this certification. This process has truly been a partnership between Quest and the FAA and we are grateful for their hard work and support.�

DOT Protects Consumers Fines Spirit Airlines For Violating Bumping, Other Rules

17 Sep 2009 15:21:51 GMT

Protecting airline consumers against unfair and deceptive practices is an important part of the Department Of Transportation's mission. So, hats-off to our Aviation Enforcement Office for doing just that. Today, based on the Enforcement Office's findings, DOT fined Spirit Airlines $375,000 for various rule violations. This civil penalty is a record for these kinds of violations. The message should be clear:

Bear Aircraft Launches The Bear 360 Aircraft

17 Sep 2009 05:02:50 GMT

North Dakota, Bear Aircraft launches the Bear 360 Aircraft. A all metal, high-performance, 360 HP radial M-14P powered, tandem seating, Warbird styled aircraft. Created by the American-Russian international design team that includes Russia�s most prestigious aircraft designer, Sergey Yakovlev, and America�s most experienced combat fighter pilot and world champion air racer, Skip Holm, the Bear 360 represents an exciting breakthrough in high performance aircraft design and manufacture.

Pilots With Color Blindness May Be A thing Of The Past

17 Sep 2009 05:01:56 GMT

Pilots who are unable to pass the color vision portion of a medical exam, due to their inability to perceive those colors necessary, for safe performance of the airmen's duties are given restrictions on their medical certificate. Such restrictions may state "no night flight" and "not valid for color control signal". Although for pilots who are color blind and can tell the difference between red and green can file a Statement Of Demonstrated Ability (S.O.D.A.) with the FAA. At which time the pilot would be required to demonstrate to an FAA examiner that his or her color blindness would not compromise a safe flight.

NATCA Supports FAA Control Of Airspace Around Manhattan

16 Sep 2009 02:30:40 GMT

WASHINGTON � Newark air traffic controller Edward Kragh, NATCA�s (National Air Traffic Controllers Association) representative to the Federal Aviation Administration�s New York Visual Flight Rules Airspace Task Force which examined the airspace above the Hudson River after the Aug. 8 mid-air collision, told the Senate Aviation Subcommittee today that NATCA supports the task force�s recommendations of changes to training, procedures and airspace structure because they would make this busy corridor safer.

Eight American Airlines Employees Arrested

16 Sep 2009 00:19:20 GMT

San Juan, PR, Twenty-three individuals, including eight employees of American Airlines were arrested today in Puerto Rico and Miami as part of DEA�s �Operation Heavy Cargo� which uncovered a drug trafficking organization that used commercial aircraft to transport cocaine to the United States. Commercial aircraft were used to ship drugs to East Coast; 23 nabbed in �Operation Heavy Cargo� The four-count indictment charges that the defendants, aided and abetted each other, participated in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 9,000 kilograms of cocaine, aboard American Airlines commercial aircrafts.

Battle For The Airfield A Reenactment Of World War II

15 Sep 2009 22:37:18 GMT

Stow, Massachusetts, The Collings Foundation will put on its third annual World War II Reenactment, Veteran's roundtable discussion and fall open house. Picture this, an undercover Resistance Fighter met with the Allied Forces and showed the exact coordinates of the German encampment. The night before an elite German force over took a small grass airstrip just a few hundred feet away. The Allied Forces had to gain control of this airfield so they could fly in much-needed supplies. - It was going to be a tough fight.