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New UK Pilot License Start Date Postponed

25 May 2012 13:09:50 GMT

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the introduction of new EASA pilots� licenses in the UK has been delayed until September 17, 2012. The CAA said that due to the complexity of the transition to the new license format, and changes to the associated requirements and infrastructure, the original 1 July 2012 date was not achievable. The

FCC Explores Aerial Communications For First Responders

25 May 2012 13:08:47 GMT

On Thursday the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to explore the use of Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture (DACA) technologies. DACA technologies are aerial technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles, weather balloons or existing aircraft that could provide emergency communications

Troy Facility Completes S-61 Airframe Modernization For State Department

24 May 2012 16:06:06 GMT

Sikorsky Aircraft�s Troy, Alabama, facility announced today it has completed the structural modernization of its first S-61T airframe, which will now undergo completion at Carson Helicopters for eventual delivery to the U.S. State Department for diplomatic service in Afghanistan. The State Department signed an agreement in 2010 to

New Hydraulic System Powering Bombardier CSeries Aircraft Test Rig

24 May 2012 16:05:20 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace announced that the hydraulic system for its all-new CSeries aircraft has been commissioned on "Aircraft 0" the company's on-the-ground systems test rig. Along with the electrical system, which was commissioned earlier this year, the hydraulic system will permit enhanced validation testing of the CSeries

P&W Begins Compressor Testing On Next Gen Regional Turboprop Engine

23 May 2012 14:59:05 GMT

Pratt & Whitney Canada has begun testing of the compressor for the next generation regional turboprop engine, a key step in the company's technology demonstrator program. The high-efficiency compressor is a core element of the new engine and the test hardware has already run to the full range of aerodynamic design points. Key engine

Cessna Continues 100 series Single Engine Aircraft Safety Education Initiative

23 May 2012 14:58:12 GMT

Cessna Aircraft Company is building on a proactive safety initiative started in 2011 designed to educate single engine owners and operators on new inspection procedures. The latest effort is aimed at 100 series single-engine piston aircraft owners around the world, and informs them about new supplemental aircraft inspection procedures that will be added

World�s Only Flying B-29 Superfortress, To Visit Carolinas Aviation Museum

22 May 2012 13:42:59 GMT

The Commemorative Air Force�s iconic Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, FIFI, the only remaining flying example of the aircraft in the world is coming to the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 25. The B-29 will arrive with the B-24, Diamond Lil, an equally rare World War II bomber and one of only two still flying. The Brat

Pointing Fingers, Have We Seen An End To Air Races In Reno

22 May 2012 13:42:04 GMT

On September 16, 2011, at the National Championship Air Races in Reno Nevada a highly modified P-51D airplane, the Galloping Ghost piloted by James Kent "Jimmy" Leeward crashed while turning between pylons 8 and 9 on the race course. The airplane crashed on the ramp in the box seat spectator area, the pilot and 10 spectators were

FAA To Provide Stiffer Penalties Against Aircraft Laser Strikes

21 May 2012 13:13:11 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed its investigators and staff to pursue stiffer penalties for individuals who purposefully point laser devices at aircraft. "Shining a laser at an airplane is not a laughing matter. It's dangerous for both pilots and passengers, and we will not tolerate it," said U.S. Transportation Secretary

Cargo Screening Deadline Set On International Inbound Passenger Aircraft

21 May 2012 13:12:12 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it has set a deadline for passenger air carriers to conduct 100 percent cargo screening on international flights bound for the United States. Beginning December 3, 2012, all cargo shipments loaded on passenger aircraft must undergo screening for explosives, fulfilling a requirement of the

Unauthorized Pilots Entering Olympics Airspace Will Have License Suspended

20 May 2012 19:30:06 GMT

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday confirmed the enforcement policy that will be in place to deal with infringements of this summer�s Olympics security airspace restrictions. The existing CAA policy of not generally pursuing a prosecution in cases when an airspace infringement is inadvertent, and the pilot has taken all reasonable steps to

Sikorsky Contracted To Build Eclipse 550 Airframe And Wings

20 May 2012 19:29:21 GMT

PZL Mielec announced has signed an agreement to produce airframe components for Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., contingent upon the launch of Eclipse 550 jet production. The Eclipse 550 is a proposed development version of the Eclipse 500 to be built by Eclipse Aerospace. Like the 500, the 550 will be a low-wing, six seat, twin jet-engined aircraft. The

Light Jet Industry To Revolutionize By The New Learjet 70 And Learjet 75

20 May 2012 15:20:24 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace has refined the light jet landscape by launching the Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. The new Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft build on legendary Learjet strengths and successes while leveraging Learjet 85 aircraft technology. The jets will feature a

FAA Makes Progress With Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration

20 May 2012 15:19:34 GMT

For more than five decades, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has compiled a proven track record of introducing new technology and aircraft safely into the National Airspace System (NAS). Most recently, the agency has been working to ensure the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the NAS. The FAA's sole mission

Airbus Corporate Jets Gain Approval For Part 135 Operations

19 May 2012 14:52:29 GMT

Airbus� ACJ318 and ACJ319 have gained EASA, FAA and GACA eligibility for Part 135 operations, while a variant of its ACJ319 has also gained CAAC eligibility, making it easier for operators to seek and obtain approval to carry fare-paying charter passengers. Operators previously had to undergo a more demanding approval process, such as Part 121, which is similar to the more comprehensive approval required of

Northrop To Provide Navigation Systems For Cessna's New Business Jet

19 May 2012 14:51:36 GMT

Cessna Aircraft Company has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation navigation and global positioning systems for the new Citation Latitude business jet. The LCR-100 and LCR-100N fiber-optic inertial navigation systems global positioning systems (INS/GPS) are developed by Northrop Grumman. Cessna Citation Latitude was announced at the annual NBAA

FAA Issues 18-Month General Aviation Airports Study

18 May 2012 13:27:51 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a study called General Aviation Airports, A National Asset. The FAA conducted the 18-month study to capture the many diverse functions of general aviation (GA) airports. As a result, the general public will have a better understanding of GA airports in the community and within the national air

Court Grants Flight Support Injunction Against Servisair Joint Venture

18 May 2012 13:26:57 GMT

The Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) granted an injunction to legally halt the efforts by the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA) and Servisair SAS to begin ground handling services at Providenciales Airport with a new joint venture company called Servisair PLS. While the injunction is in place, Servisair PLS must not start

FAA To Be Audited On Implementation Progress On Its ADS-B Program

17 May 2012 14:11:51 GMT

The Department of Transportation�s Office of Inspector General (OIG) plans to initiate an audit of the Federal Aviation Administration�s (FAA) progress in implementing the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) program. ADS-B will supplement radar by leveraging satellite-based technology, aircraft avionics, and ground

Alaska Airlines Wins Approval For Portland Washington, D.C., Service

17 May 2012 14:10:56 GMT

Alaska Airlines will offer a daily nonstop flight between Portland, Ore., and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport by September 8, following U.S. Department of Transportation approval on Monday of the carrier's application to fly the new route. "Providing residents of the greater Portland area with convenient nonstop service to the closest

FAA Raises Awareness On Child Safety As Summer Travel Season Nears

16 May 2012 14:28:22 GMT

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Transportation Week and to kick off the summer travel season, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday launched an education effort to help parents and caregivers make informed choices about their child's safety when they fly. "Millions of people will take to the skies this summer, and

Medical Official Explains F-22 Pilot-Protection Efforts

16 May 2012 14:27:30 GMT

Air Force officials have instituted measures designed to protect its pilots, ensure mission completion and assess the possible physiological effects of flying the F-22 Raptor, the command surgeon for Air Combat Command said on Wednesday. "The health and safety of our pilots all of our pilots is the utmost priority," said Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Daniel O. Wyman. "Our operational flight surgeons and medical staff interact

Boeing Completes 1st Flight Of QF-16 Aerial Target For US Air Force

15 May 2012 14:03:22 GMT

Boeing and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) completed the first manned flight of the QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) on May 4 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville. The QF-16 took off at 3:05 p.m. Eastern time and climbed to an altitude of 41,000 feet during its 66-minute flight. The USAF will convert older jet aircraft, the F-16s into full-scale target drones under the QF-16

AgustaWestland AW169 Helicopter Completes Its Maiden Flight

15 May 2012 14:02:32 GMT

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announce that the first prototype of the AW169, a new generation 4.5 ton light intermediate helicopter, successfully completed its maiden flight. The AW169 program is on schedule to achieve basic civil certification in 2014. The AW169 was flown by AgustaWestland�s Chief Test Pilot, Giuseppe

Fedex To Acquire TATEX, A French Express Transportation Company

14 May 2012 14:21:54 GMT

FedEx Express, the world�s largest express transportation company announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire TATEX, a leading French business to business express transportation company. The acquisition represents the latest FedEx investment in delivering sustainable growth in Europe. This transaction is subject

ACLU In Appeals Court For No Fly List Challenge

14 May 2012 14:21:00 GMT

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Friday began its augment in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that its challenge to the government�s secretive No Fly List should be reinstated. The ACLU represents 15 U.S. citizens and permanent residents, including four military veterans, who are banned from flying to or from the U.S. or over

FAA Taps ITT Corp. And GE's Naverus To Develop Nextgen RNP Procedures

13 May 2012 14:44:03 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding a contract to ITT Exelis and GE's Naverus to help accelerate the development of satellite-based procedures that will allow aircraft to fly more directly to their destinations. Under the $2.77 million contract, ITT Exelis, the prime contractor, and GE's Naverus, the sub-contractor, will develop Required

Bombardier Learjet 85 Aircraft Is In Full Production

13 May 2012 14:43:18 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace has made significant progress on its all new Learjet 85 aircraft. Work on the two first flight test aircraft and the complete aircraft static test article is well underway, with the production of hundreds of composite components, including the unique 32-foot composite pressure fuselage. The Learjet 85 is the latest Learjet development program by aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace.

UPS Financing In Place For The Purchase Of TNT Express

12 May 2012 15:41:31 GMT

On Friday UPS announced it has the necessary financing in place for its intended recommended public offer for TNT Express. On March 19, 2012, UPS and TNT Express jointly announced conditional agreement on a recommended all-cash offer of EUR 9.50 per ordinary share for TNT Express (the "Offer"). The transaction values TNT Express at approximately $6.77 billion. The Offer values 100% of the issued and

The First Customer Built Sonex Aircraft, The Onex Sport Aircraft Takes Flight

12 May 2012 15:40:16 GMT

Sonex Aircraft announce that the first customer-built example of the new Onex single-place, folding-wing, aerobatic sport aircraft has taken flight! Bill Fisher of Jackson Tennessee flew his AeroVee powered, standard gear Onex, serial number ONX0018 for the first time on Thursday, May 10th. Bill received the fourth Onex kit sold by Sonex Aircraft,

FAA To Be Audited On Its Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Procedures

11 May 2012 14:24:46 GMT

The Department of Transportation�s Office of Inspector General (OIG) plans to initiate an audit on the Federal Aviation Administration�s (FAA) progress in implementing Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures, including the NAV Lean Project (which is aimed at improving FAA�s review process for these procedures). Historically

UK Civil Aviation Authority To Allow Pilots To Fly VFR At Night

11 May 2012 14:23:57 GMT

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a change to night flying regulations which will allow aircraft to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in the hours of darkness beginning June 8, 2012. Current UK regulations require any flight at night to be conducted in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). According to Rule 20(2)

Boeing KC-46 Tanker Program Completes Preliminary Design Review

9 May 2012 13:59:39 GMT

The Boeing KC-46 Tanker program has completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) with the U.S. Air Force, a key milestone in the development of the next-generation aerial refueling tanker. The review, which began March 21 and ended April 27, demonstrated that the preliminary design of the KC-46A Tanker meets system requirements and establishes

Congress Urged To Focus On Asia-Pacific Travel And Entry Issues At Airports

9 May 2012 13:58:47 GMT

Travel from the Asia-Pacific region to the U.S. is critical to the economy, and U.S. policy should ensure future growth, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow asserted in testimony before Congress on Tuesday. Dow appeared in a hearing titled "Building Secure Partnerships in Travel, Commerce and Trade with the Asia-Pacific Region"

Dreamliner Makes First Time Landing At Reagan National Airport

8 May 2012 13:50:30 GMT

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner landed at Ronald Reagan National Airport on Monday, making Washington, DC the latest destination on its global Dream Tour. For the next four days, guests invited by Boeing will see the 787 outfitted with the Dreamliner's many innovative cabin features including a welcoming entryway, dramatically larger dimmable

Swiss Pilots Fly Gripen E/F Test Aircraft With Great Success

8 May 2012 13:49:48 GMT

Under clear blue skies, a team of test pilots and flight test engineers from the Swiss Air Force and the Swiss federal defense procurement agency, Armasuisse, visited Saab in Link�ping in Sweden to perform test flights with the Gripen E/F test aircraft. On November 30th, last year the Federal Council selected Gripen E/F as the preferred candidate to replace the

Airline Passenger Traffic Continues To Be Affected By High Oil Prices

6 May 2012 14:28:00 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for March showing that total passenger demand rose 7.6% and freight demand climbed 0.3% compared to the same month last year. Comparisons with March last year are affected by events that depressed passenger demand in 2011, including the Arab Spring, which

Oklahoma Couple Pleads Guilty In Conspiracy To Steal Military Jet Fuel

6 May 2012 14:27:16 GMT

Doyle Latimer, 55, and his wife, Cynthia Latimer, 57, both from Elgin, Oklahoma, pled guilty to conspiracy to steal military-owned jet fuel and to defraud the United States, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. The United States government purchases jet fuel (Jet Propellant 8, or JP-8) from

Great Slave Helicopters Completes Acquisition Of Northern Air Support

5 May 2012 13:57:12 GMT

Discovery Air Inc. (“Discovery Air�) subsidiary, Great Slave Helicopters announced that it has completed the acquisition of Northern Air Support. The acquisition of Northern Airport Support�s assets was financed, in part, by a new equipment loan facility that was obtained primarily to finance this acquisition and the purchase of additional aircraft to support

GE Aviation Expands R&D On Silicon Carbide In Pompano Beach

5 May 2012 13:56:17 GMT

GE Aviation announced that it has expanded into a new facility in Pompano Beach, which includes a 30% increase in square footage and an R & D lab capable of advanced development of silicon carbide (SiC)-based power conversion products for air, land and sea-based platforms. Silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum, is a compound

Cessna And AVIC Partnership Strengthens Supply For China Aviation Needs

3 May 2012 13:48:47 GMT

Cessna Aircraft company, signed a strategic agreement with the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company Ltd., (CAIGA) and the Shijiazhuang Municipal Government. This agreement is a progression stemming from the strategic framework that Cessna entered into with CAIGA parent company, Aviation Industry Corporation of China

Boeing�s Wiglet For B-737 Max Provides Additional 1.5 Percent Fuel Burn

3 May 2012 13:48:05 GMT

Boeing announced a new winglet design concept for the 737 MAX. The new Advanced Technology winglet will provide MAX customers with up to an additional 1.5 percent fuel-burn improvement, depending on range, on top of the 10-12 percent improvement already offered on the new-engine variant. "The Advanced Technology winglet demonstrates

Gyroplanes Builder, Groen Brothers Aviation Reaches Agreement With Creditors

2 May 2012 15:41:15 GMT

Groen Brothers Aviation (GBA) announced that it has reached an agreement with its creditors for a major financial reorganization of the Company. The restructuring will result in the elimination of all of the Company's debt obligations, which currently exceed $170 million. GBA is a U.S. corporation that designs vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL

Flight Data Recorder Manufacturing Report Shows Industry Doing Quite Well

2 May 2012 15:40:33 GMT

Despite economic volatility in the five years to 2012, the Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) Manufacturing industry has fared quite well. Strong demand for new commercial airplanes in downstream markets and increased defense spending on military aircraft boosted demand for industry products. With rising fuel prices, international and domestic carriers increased

Aviation Capital Group Prevails In Case With Olympic Airlines

1 May 2012 14:16:45 GMT

Aviation Capital Group (ACG) of Newport Beach, California has prevailed in its litigation with Olympic Airlines (Olympic). In a case that has attracted considerable attention in the aircraft leasing industry, the English High Court rendered judgment on Monday in ACG�s favor in ACG Acquisition XX LLC v Olympic Airlines S.A. The Court found that Olympic

Solving The Flying Thermos Problem

1 May 2012 14:16:08 GMT

Last spring, GE broke ground on a $50 million aviation research center at the University of Dayton in Ohio. When finished next year, the center�s 200 engineers, technologists, and researchers will work on advanced electric power systems for next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as “drones,� including classified UAVs as large as a fighter jet. GE Aviation, which is spending another $17 million to

Harmonization And Global Standards Key To A Safer Aviation Industry

30 Apr 2012 15:00:31 GMT

The International Air Transport Association�s (IATA) 2012 Operations Committee (OPC) agreed to four main priorities to guide IATA�s safety initiatives over the next 12 months. These are: Pilot and Engineer Training: Accommodating the growth in demand for air connectivity with trained pilots and engineers is a priority. IATA will facilitate this with the

J-2X Engine Ready For Second Test Series

30 Apr 2012 14:59:40 GMT

The next-generation engine that will help carry humans deeper into space than ever is back, bigger and better. The J-2X engine is currently on the A-2 Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi for an extensive round of tests to build on last year's successful test firings. The engine will provide upper-stage power for NASA's evolved

Boeing Rolls Out First 787 Dreamliner Built In South Carolina

29 Apr 2012 14:55:22 GMT

The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner to be assembled in South Carolina rolled out of final assembly on Friday to great fanfare from the crowd of nearly 7,000 Boeing employees and invited guests. The festival-like atmosphere, featuring aerial displays, music and entertainment, was a fitting celebration to commemorate assembly completion of the first

Alaska Airlines Bay Area Team Gets A Lesson In Diversity By Going To The Dogs

29 Apr 2012 14:54:24 GMT

About 30 Alaska Airlines operations management team employees from the Bay Area literally went to the dogs recently to experience and learn the challenges of the visually impaired. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) invited Alaska and Horizon Air employees from the three Bay Area airports to its campus in San Rafael, Calif., to provide insights into

OIG Testifies The State Of Aviation Safety And FAA�s Oversight Of The NAS

27 Apr 2012 14:50:26 GMT

On Wednesday, Jeffrey B. Guzzetti, the Assistant Inspector General for Aviation and Special Programs testified before the House Aviation Subcommittee regarding the state of aviation safety and the Federal Aviation Administration�s (FAA) oversight of the National Airspace System (NAS) (see report). Specifically, the Assistant Inspector

Legislation Would Remove Canada Geese From JFK Airport

27 Apr 2012 14:48:41 GMT

After another plane departing from a New York area airport was struck by geese Tuesday night forcing an emergency landing, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced new legislation on Wednesday. This legislation would cut bureaucratic red tape between the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Wheeltug To Introduce Aircraft Nose Wheel Taxi On The Airbus A320

26 Apr 2012 13:15:54 GMT

Alitalia and WheelTug announced the signing of a partnership to introduce an innovative electric drive system for taxiing the Airbus A320 family of aircraft. Alitalia is the main Italian airline with 25 million transported passengers (in 2011), with an operating fleet of 146 aircraft and a network of 95 destinations in Italy and in the world. The

A350 XWB Aft Fuselage Delivered To Final Assembly Line

26 Apr 2012 13:15:03 GMT

Airbus has delivered the aft fuselage for the A350 XWB static test airframe to the final assembly line in Toulouse (France). This final section of the fuselage will be assembled with the front and centre fuselage sections which were joined up in early April. Assembled at Airbus� site in Hamburg (Germany), the 20 meter long carbon fiber aft fuselage is made up

Hawker Beechcraft To Layoff 350 Employees, May Seek Bankruptcy Protection

25 Apr 2012 12:06:52 GMT

Back in March Hawker Beechcraft began to announce employee layoffs in its various departments and employees working on various aircraft including the Beechcraft King Air, Piston and Premier IA and the Hawker 4000 and 987 family. On Monday the company sent out layoff letters to its employees in its Wichita operations. Hawker

Pittsburgh International Airport Receives Runway Improvement Grant

25 Apr 2012 12:06:00 GMT

U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a $7.1 million grant for the next phase of the Runway 14-32 rehabilitation project at Pittsburgh International Airport. "This project will help keep the airport moving safely and efficiently for the more than four million passengers that fly through Pittsburgh each year," U.S. Transportation

P&W PT6C-67E Turboshaft Engine Receives Canadian Type Certification

24 Apr 2012 13:02:22 GMT

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), has received Transport Canada type certification for the PT6C-67E turboshaft engine that will power Eurocopter�s EC175 helicopter. The Eurocopter EC175 is a new multirole helicopter and the PT6C-67E is the latest turboshaft engine in the PT6C-67 family for the medium class helicopter segment. “The PT6C-67E

First U.S. Commercial Flight Of Genx-Powered Dreamliner Lands In Boston

24 Apr 2012 13:01:33 GMT

A GEnx-powered Boeing 787 Dreamliner made the first U.S. commercial landing in Boston Sunday afternoon. The flight launched a new nonstop route between Asia and Boston operated by Japan Airlines. JAL took possession of two Dreamliners last month in Seattle and will soon open a second new nonstop Dreamliner route between Tokyo and San

US Navy To Upgrade 20 Year Old Analog ATC Radars With Digital Technology

23 Apr 2012 13:49:52 GMT

The U.S. Navy has purchased two more radar systems from Raytheon Company as part of a continuing effort to replace outdated analog air traffic control systems with digital technology. The new radars will be installed at military bases in New River, North Carolina and Quantico, Virginia. The Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR) ASR-11 is the

Survey Reveals Airports Deliver The Most Attractive Audience To Advertisers

23 Apr 2012 13:49:05 GMT

A nationwide Scarborough research survey found that Business Frequent Flyers are 83 percent more likely than all American adults to be the first to try or buy new products and services. This custom study was commissioned by Clear Channel Airports (CCA) and conducted by consumer market research firm Scarborough. The survey results highlight the value

Unions Prepare For Possible Merger Of US Airways And American Airlines

22 Apr 2012 13:30:46 GMT

US Airways Management announced they have signed agreements with three unions at American Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), and the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The three unions issued a joint statement of support for a merger with US Airways. “We look forward to

Aviation Reform Legislation To Address Cargo Pilots

22 Apr 2012 13:30:01 GMT

U.S. Representatives Chip Cravaack and Tim Bishop introduced H.R. 4350, the Safe Skies Act of 2012. Importantly, the bill would ensure that pilot rest requirements apply to all cargo air operations. Following the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash on February 12, 2009, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed a rule to address pilot fatigue for passenger flights using extensive scientific study

Porter Airlines Operates Canada's First Biofuel-Powered Revenue Flight

22 Apr 2012 13:29:08 GMT

Porter Airlines successfully conducted the first biofuel-powered revenue flight in Canada. In the successful conclusion to a test program that was launched in 2010, the airline flew one of its Bombardier Q400 turboprops from its base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Ottawa using a 50/50 blend of biofuel and Jet A1 fuel in one of its engines. The fuel was certified to the new American Society for Testing and

Seattle�s Museum Of Flight Welcomes First Portion Of NASA�s Shuttle Trainer

22 Apr 2012 13:28:29 GMT

The Museum of Flight in Seattle unveiled the first sections of the NASA Space Shuttle Trainer, three Engine Bells marking the first of several shipments of the trainer, which will be housed at the Museum�s Charles Simonyi Space Gallery. Museum of Flight President and CEO Doug King hosted a brief news conference to announce the arrival and to unpack one of the three Engine Bells, which are approximately nine feet in diameter

Gulfstream To Award Two Aviation Maintenance Scholarships

20 Apr 2012 12:57:56 GMT

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., in conjunction with Women in Corporate Aviation, will award two $5,000 scholarships for professional development or career advancement in the field of maintenance aviation technology. The award winners will be considered for future co-op and internship positions with Gulfstream, a corporate member of Women

Airline Pilots Meet With Senate Banking Committee On Ex�Im Bank Reauthorization

20 Apr 2012 12:57:17 GMT

Airline pilots from across the nation representing the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and the Allied Pilots Association (APA) took to Capitol Hill to attend a U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The pilots delivered letters to members of the

From Vietnam To OEF, Pilot Flies Last Mission Of Career

19 Apr 2012 13:36:39 GMT

Lt. Col. James Routt, a pilot deployed with the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, flew the last combat air mission of his 33-year military career over the skies of Afghanistan, April 12. During his career, Routt has witnessed several operations from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan the history Routt has been part of could fill half of a high school student's history textbook.

Delta Air Lines Signs Agreement With OSHA On Seat Belt Compliance Measures

19 Apr 2012 13:35:34 GMT

Delta Air Lines has signed a corporatewide settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration in order to protect workers who operate baggage handling vehicles. The agreement covers approximately 90 of the Atlanta-based company's airport sites that fall under federal OSHA's jurisdiction, as well as 16,000 Delta employees and 6,000 baggage handling

Venture Aircraft Acquires Assets Of Swift-Cor Aerospace

17 Apr 2012 14:26:01 GMT

Venture Aircraft, a leading supplier to the aerospace industry, has acquired certain assets of fellow manufacturer Swift-Cor Aerospace, Inc. Venture has acquired certain of Swift-Cor�s assets and manufacturing facilities in California and Kansas, and will now operate 4 plants, two in Gardena, CA, one in Compton, CA and one in Wichita

Space Command Officials To Eliminate Airmen Flight Suit And The Leather Jacket

17 Apr 2012 14:25:15 GMT

Air Force Space Command officials announced that Airmen assigned to the command will cease wearing flight suits, the green flight jacket and the A-2 Leather Jacket by the end of the fiscal year. This policy only affects Airmen assigned to AFSPC. Directed by Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSPC commander, the move is designed to standardize

FAA's Manage Systems Engineering 2020 Contracting Practices Insufficient

16 Apr 2012 16:18:52 GMT

The Department of Transportation�s Office of Inspector General released is final report on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Systems Engineering 2020 (SE-2020) contracts. SE-2020 is a portfolio of contracts that FAA is using to obtain professional and technical services to support its development and implementation of NextGen

TSA Testing Document Verification Technology At Washington Dulles Airport

16 Apr 2012 16:18:07 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will began testing new technologies designed to enhance TSA�s ability to identify altered or fraudulent passenger identification documents and boarding passes at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The technology will also be tested at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport

British Airways Acquires British Midland Airways, Forecast Net 1,200 Layoffs

15 Apr 2012 15:52:20 GMT

British Airways began consultation with trade unions on proposals to integrate BMI mainline into its operations at Heathrow. The acquisition of BMI by British Airways� owner, International Airlines Group (IAG), was given regulatory approval from the European Commission in late March. BMI is losing more than �3m a week and, without this acquisition, was

Court Upholds Night Time Flight Ban At Frankfurt Airport

15 Apr 2012 15:51:26 GMT

The decision by the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig to uphold a night-time flight ban at Frankfurt Airport will damage one of the world�s premier gateways for international trade and harm the local and national economy, says the Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association�s (TIACA) Industry Affairs Committee. Despite strong industry

Boeing Makes 737 MAX Design Changes Improves Fuel Performance

12 Apr 2012 14:02:52 GMT

Boeing has made a series of design updates to the 737 MAX to further optimize the new-engine variant's performance. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 10-12 percent fuel-burn improvement over today's most fuel efficient single-aisle airplanes and a 7 percent operating cost per-seat advantage over tomorrow's competition. To date, the

CBP Air And Marine Spot Submersible Loaded With Cocaine Worth $1 Billion

12 Apr 2012 14:02:00 GMT

In three separate incidents in a one-week period, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine (OAM) P-3s operating out of National Air Security Operations Centers in Jacksonville, Florida (NASOC-JAX) and Corpus Christi, Texas (NASOC-CC), assisted in the interdiction of a narco Self Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) carrying

NTSB Issues Recommendations To Increase Safety At Air Races

11 Apr 2012 13:39:12 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided an investigative update on Tuesday, on last year's crash of a highly modified P-51D airplane at the National Championship Air Races in Reno Nevada. On September 16, 2011, the pilot of the Galloping Ghost experienced an upset while turning between pylons 8 and 9 on the race course. The airplane

Space Shuttle Discovery To Make Last Flight With A Fly Over Washington Metro Area

11 Apr 2012 13:38:19 GMT

NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with space shuttle Discovery mounted atop will fly approximately 1,500 feet above various parts of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on Tuesday, April 17 for its last flight. The flight, in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration, is scheduled to occur between 10 and 11 a.m. EDT. NASA

Alaska Airlines Partners With Banfield Pet Hospital For Fur-St Class Pet Care

10 Apr 2012 16:00:48 GMT

Alaska Airlines announced an exclusive partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital, the nation's largest general veterinary practice, to help travelers prepare their pets for takeoff. With more than 800 hospitals in 43 states, Banfield Pet Hospital is offering Alaska Airlines customers traveling with or shipping their pets a free office visit, travel

U.S. - Brazil Aviation Partnership To Connect Brazil And U.S. Aviation Sectors

10 Apr 2012 15:59:47 GMT

The FAA on Monday joined with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) together with Brazil's Ministry of External Relations to announce the launch of the U.S., Brazil Aviation Partnership. The Aviation Partnership is a unique public-private partnership

Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Host Dies In Plane Crash

9 Apr 2012 14:01:49 GMT

Outdoor Channel's popular Spanish Fly fishing show host, Jose Wejebe, 54 died on Friday in a plane crash in which he was flying. Wejebe had departed Everglades Airpark (X01) airport in Collier County, Florida just before 5 PM when the single-engine experimental aircraft appeared to have entered into a stall just after takeoff. Wejebe was flying a single-engine experimental turboprop-powered Comp Air 8 SF (tail number

Lockheed Martin Awarded Digital Cockpit Contract On Navy MH-60 Helicopters

9 Apr 2012 14:00:47 GMT

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.05 billion, five-year contract to provide more than 200 digital cockpits and integrated mission systems and sensors for the Navy MH-60R “Romeo� and MH-60S “Sierra� helicopters. Rear Adm. Paul Grosklags, U.S. Naval Air Systems vice commander said “U.S. Navy crews operating the 300-plus MH-60 Romeo

Court Order Restricts Trading Of Equity And Debt Claims Against Pinnacle Airlines

8 Apr 2012 13:52:19 GMT

Pinnacle Airlines announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has entered an order that imposes substantial restrictions on trading in equity interests in and debt claims against Pinnacle Airlines Corp. and affiliates. On April 1, 2012 Pinnacle Airlines announced that the Company and its subsidiaries had filed voluntary

Aircraft Parts Brokers Sentenced For Procurement Fraud Against The Military

8 Apr 2012 13:51:19 GMT

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement�s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), announced the sentencing of Henry McFlicker, 67, of Parkland, Florida, and Ayodha Persaud, 63, of Coral Springs, Florida, for their participation in a procurement scheme to defraud the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy and the commercial aviation

F/A-18 Navy Jet Crashes In Virginia Beach Destroying A Number Of Homes

7 Apr 2012 16:21:23 GMT

An F/A-18D assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 crashed in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Friday. Approximately 12:05 PM the jet crashed just after takeoff at a location just off of the base. The F/A-18D crashed into an apartment complex destroying a number of homes. Smoke and flames consumed the housing complex. Capt. Mark

Coast Guard Purchases 2 More Ocean Sentry Maritime Patrol Airplanes

7 Apr 2012 16:20:27 GMT

The U.S. Coast Guard exercised a $78.54 million contract option Wednesday to purchase the service�s 16th and 17th HC-144 Ocean Sentry maritime patrol airplane from EADS North America. The Coast Guard has already taken delivery of 13 Ocean Sentries, with the 14th due by July. The Coast Guard exercised the first option on the contract for the

Airbus Starts Final Assembly Of First A350 XWB

5 Apr 2012 15:33:36 GMT

This first A350 XWB airframe will be used for the static structural tests that all new aircraft undergo as part of their certification process. The assembly of the first flying A350 XWB, MSN1, will start during summer. The centre fuselage was delivered to Toulouse on Wednesday 4th April 2012 by Beluga from Airbus in St Nazaire, France. The front fuselage was previously delivered from St Nazaire to the A350 XWB final assembly line

FAA Launches Air Traffic Control NextGen Initiative In Houston

5 Apr 2012 15:32:44 GMT

Top U.S. Transportation Department and Federal Aviation Administration officials met with aviation partners in Houston on Wednesday as part of a newly-launched collaborative effort to make air traffic control more efficient, help airlines improve on-time performance and reduce emissions generated by aircraft flying into and out of Houston�s airports

Border Patrol Seizes Two Aircraft Involved In Alien Smuggling

5 Apr 2012 15:31:52 GMT

Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol agents from the El Centro Sector disrupted two separate incidents in which individuals attempted to utilize two commuter aircraft as a means to smuggle illegal aliens out of the Imperial Valley on March 30. The Imperial Valley lies in California's Imperial County. It is

Heathrow Games Terminal At Heathrow Airport Reaches Major Milestone

5 Apr 2012 15:30:58 GMT

Heathrow�s Games Terminal, which will act as the departure point for the world�s athletes and officials following the Olympic Games, passes a significant construction milestone with a �Topping Out� ceremony. �Topping out� traditionally marks the point at which a structure becomes weatherproof. London Heathrow Airport or Heathrow is a

Boeing Successfully Completes CST-100 Spacecraft Parachute Drop Test

4 Apr 2012 14:54:39 GMT

Boeing successfully completed a parachute drop test of the company's Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft on Tuesday at the Delmar Dry Lake Bed near Alamo, Nev. CST-100 is part of the Boeing Commercial Crew Transportation System (CCTS), which will provide the United States with the capability to transport people and

MD Helicopters Announces New MD 540F Helicopter

4 Apr 2012 14:53:48 GMT

MD Helicopters of Mesa, Arizona released details of its new armed scout helicopter the MD 540F, the newest addition to MD�s fleet of single engine turbine helicopters. The 540F is an upgrade to the popular MD 530F; boasting a 6-bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made up entirely of composite material, in addition to a more rugged landing skid built for heavier take-off and landing weights

Air Traffic Controllers Association President, Paul Rinaldi To Serve Second Term

3 Apr 2012 15:29:47 GMT

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) President Paul Rinaldi and Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert will serve a second three-year term after an election deadline last Friday passed without any nominations received from possible challengers for either position. Rinaldi and Gilbert will finish out their first term on August 31. Their second term will

Iberia Airlines Sues Pilot Unions Over What It Calls Illegal, Abusive Strikes

3 Apr 2012 15:29:09 GMT

Iberia Airlines, flag carrier airline of Spain filed lawsuits against its pilots union, Sepla Union and Stavla Union with the Chamber for Social and Labor Matters, at the National High Court. The suit refers to the set of strikes called by both unions in December and the new set of strikes called by Sepla during the next months. Iberia filed the law suit against the

First F-35 Center Fuselage Produced By Integrated Assembly Line

3 Apr 2012 15:28:18 GMT

Northrop Grumman Corporation's first F-35 center fuselage produced by its Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) was delivered to Lockheed Martin on March 16, 2012. While the company has delivered 69 center fuselages since 2005, this is the first produced using the IAL. The IAL maximizes robotics and automation, providing additional capacity and assembly capability

TSA Precheck Screening Benefits Expanding To Additional Airports

3 Apr 2012 15:27:24 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced new details regarding the expansion of the TSA PreCheck initiative. Since its launch in October 2011, more than 640,000 passengers have been screened through TSA PreCheck. By changing procedures for those travelers the agency knows more about, through information they voluntarily provide and

Tuskegee Airman Visits Coast Guard Training Center

2 Apr 2012 14:27:33 GMT

Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile played host to one of the last surviving Tuskegee airmen, Thursday, during a brief visit to the unit where he spoke to the crewmembers and trainees who are stationed there. Before his tour, Calvin Moret was treated to a tour of the facility that included in-depth descriptions of each of the different airframes that the training center utilizes. Moret was also allowed to pilot one of the high-tech flight simulators that are unique to ATC

Passenger Airline Employment Rose 2.1 Percent

2 Apr 2012 14:26:52 GMT

U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 2.1 percent more workers in January 2012 than they did in January 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported. This is the 14th consecutive month that full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers have been higher than the same month of the previous year. FTE calculations

Diamond Aircraft Pursuing Unleaded Fuel Capability For All Diamond Models

2 Apr 2012 14:25:55 GMT

Diamond Aircraft has announced that it is actively pursuing certification of unleaded fuel operation for its gasoline powered models, starting with the popular Lycoming powered versions of the DA40 single and DA42 twin engine aircraft. Diamond's approach is to offer its customers a choice of powerplant solutions and environmentally responsible fuel options to

Pratt & Whitney and Boeing Sign Engine Contract to Power KC-46 Tanker

2 Apr 2012 14:24:41 GMT

Bennett Croswell, president of Pratt & Whitney�s Military Engines division, and Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president and program manager, KC-46 Tanker Program, hosted a ceremonial engine contract signing event at Boeing�s Tanker Program Office in Mukilteo, Wash., for contracts previously awarded to Pratt & Whitney. The contracts support PW4062 engine purchases to

Airbus A400M Performs High-Altitude Tests At La Paz, Bolivia

1 Apr 2012 16:07:35 GMT

The Airbus Military A400M new generation airlifter recently visited La Paz, Bolivia as part of a series of high-altitude performance tests. Grizzly 2 completed a number of flights from the airport at La Paz which is more than 13,000ft above mean sea level. Operations from high-altitude airports like La Paz are challenging because of the low air density. The

Giving Latin American Aviation The Freedom To Succeed

1 Mar 2012 16:06:38 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments and other stakeholders in Latin America to unite to give aviation the freedom to succeed by improving aviation safety, making badly needed investments in infrastructure and reducing the heavy tax burden on the industry. “The freedom to succeed depends on having the right conditions

DAHER-SOCATA Introduces TMB 850 Elite At SUN �n FUN

31 Mar 2012 15:06:34 GMT

At a News Conference held at SUN �n FUN annual International Fly�In & Expo, DAHER-SOCATA announced the introduction of its TBM 850 Elite, the 2012 Model Year version of its very fast turboprop aircraft which offers a host of new features aimed at improving comfort and flexibility. The TBM 850 Elite�s most distinctive attribute is the capability of its middle

Cessna Employees Rally And Raise Funds For Wounded Veterans Mission

31 Mar 2012 15:05:51 GMT

Cessna Aircraft donated $25,000 on behalf of Cessna employees to benefit the Veterans Airlift Command at the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In & Expo in Lakeland, Florida. The Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) is a nonprofit organization that provides free transportation for injured veterans. Cessna has designated a Citation Mustang, named "American

CBP Aircraft Crew Finds Sailboat Carrying Kidnapped Children

30 Mar 2012 14:46:05 GMT

Months of searching for three Montana children believed kidnapped by their father ended happily Tuesday when a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine (OAM) air crew spotted the father�s sailboat off the coast of southern Florida. Just before noon Tuesday, the crew of a CBP DHC-8 (commonly called a “dash 8�) aircraft was

SpaceX Announces Independent Safety Advisory Panel For Commercial Crew

30 Mar 2012 14:45:20 GMT

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), one of the leading private companies working to restore America�s ability to carry astronauts to the Space Station, announced it has assembled a team of outside experts to help the company create the world�s safest human spaceflight system. “When it comes to manned spaceflight, safety is our top priority,� said

Bombardier's Vision Flight Deck Enters Service On Niki Lauda's New Global 5000 Jet

29 Mar 2012 14:06:39 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace announced that its Vision Flight Deck entered service on schedule on a Global 5000 jet. The aircraft was delivered to Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda, a longtime Bombardier customer, during a special ceremony at Bombardier's Global Completion Centre, in Dorval, Canada. "The Vision Flight Deck is the realization of many years

NATCA Commends President Obama For Nominating Huerta To Lead FAA

29 Mar 2012 14:05:54 GMT

National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Paul Rinaldi welcomed the news that President Obama has nominated FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta to serve as administrator of the agency. “NATCA commends President Obama for nominating Michael Huerta as the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. We strongly support

Jury Finds GE Had Culpability In Crash Of Sikorsky Helicopter That Killed 9

29 Mar 2012 14:05:00 GMT

A Portland, Oregon jury ruled on lawsuit Tuesday that the Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, N612AZ, that crashed killing the pilot-in-command, the safety crewmember, and seven firefighters during a wildfire in Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Weaverville, California on August 5, 2008, had a design flaw making the equipment

JetBlue Flight 191 Diverted After Captain Had Nervous Breakdown

29 Mar 2012 14:04:07 GMT

On Tuesday JetBlue Flight 191, a Airbus A320 departed John F. Kennedy Airport at about 7:30 AM with 135 passengers for Las Vegas. About two and a half hours into the flight the pilot in command began to have a nervous breakdown. The copilot was able to persuade the captain to leave to cockpit, he reported the captain began pressing buttons and banking the aircraft erratically.

Gulfstream Lays Groundwork To Support Rapidly Expanding China Fleet

28 Mar 2012 14:32:48 GMT

Speaking to media at Shanghai's first Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE), Gulfstream President Larry Flynn addressed the strength of sales in the Asia Pacific and committed to increasing Gulfstream resources in the region. "Asia, and particularly China, remains our leading export market," he said. "Twenty-seven percent of our

Cessna Sees High Asian Interest In Citation Latitude

28 Mar 2012 14:32:03 GMT

Cessna Aircraft Company, said at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) the company is seeing high levels of interest from Asia around the planned game changing mid size business jet, the Citation Latitude, scheduled to enter service in 2015. Speaking at ABACE, Bill Harris, Cessna's vice president, sales for Asia and Asia Pacific, said: "Overall demand for light and mid-size business

Garmin Pilot Aviation App Brings The Garmin Experience To Ipad

28 Mar 2012 14:31:19 GMT

Garmin announced Garmin Pilot, a new aviation app for iOS devices, including the iPad and iPhone, and Android based mobile devices. The app brings Garmin�s industry-leading aviation features to tablets and smart phones, offering pilots complete navigation, trip planning, DUAT(S) filing, weather and electronic flight bag

Air Force Ends Pilot Travel Card Program

28 Mar 2012 14:30:31 GMT

The Air Force recently decided to transition existing Controlled Spend Account travel cards to an enhanced Government Travel Card by the end of fiscal 2012. "The CSA, a pilot travel card program, provided some enhancements for travelers, but also brought about significant challenges for our most frequent travelers and those with unique mission sets," said Mrs. Joan Causey

Jeppesen Flitesupport Now Consolidates Trip Planning, Dispatch And Fueling

27 Mar 2012 15:38:36 GMT

Jeppesen has introduced a new Jeppesen FliteSupport Services solution to provide customized delivery of essential international trip planning, dispatch and global fueling services through a consolidated approach for operators. For more than 75 years Jeppesen has made it possible for pilots and their passengers to safely and efficiently reach their

Boeing Business Jet Unveiled With Luxury Interior And High Speed Digital System

27 Mar 2012 15:37:47 GMT

Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) unveiled the latest BBJ to enter service at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai. The airplane, a 737-700 with -800 wings and other modifications for longer range, was delivered earlier this month to a private businessman in the United States. It is the second BBJ for this customer. The 737-700

Historic Flight To Attend Final Doolittle Raider Reunion

26 Mar 2012 14:34:59 GMT

This April 18th will mark the 70th anniversary of the famous Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in the early days of WWII. In honor of the men and the mission, the five surviving Raiders will come together for one final reunion. They will be joined by crew of the carrier Hornet from which they began their heroic mission, as well as by the Chinese Nationals who rescued them

Cessna And AVIC Join Forces To Develop General And Business Aviation In China

26 Mar 2012 14:34:18 GMT

Cessna Aircraft Company and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) are signing two strategic agreements to jointly develop general and business aviation in the People's Republic of China. Cessna Aircraft Company is an airplane manufacturing corporation headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Their main products are general aviation aircraft. Although

F-35 Reaches Critical Juncture After Strong Year, Official Says

26 Mar 2012 14:33:18 GMT

The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said. Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told the

Rising Oil Prices Decrease Airline Profitability With Regional Differences Widening

26 Mar 2012 14:32:34 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a downgrade to its industry outlook for 2012 primarily due to rising oil prices. IATA expects airlines to turn a global profit of $3.0 billion in 2012 for a 0.5% margin. This $500 million downgrade from the December forecast is primarily driven by a rise in the

Paper Airplane Soars At 98 MPH In First Ever "Great Paper Airplane Project"

25 Mar 2012 22:14:14 GMT

A 45-foot paper airplane with a 24 foot wingspan, quite possibly the largest ever constructed, was launched yesterday outside of Tucson by the Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world. Aeronautical engineers designed the plane, inspired by 12 year old Tucson resident Arturo Valdenegro, whose paper airplane

Porter Airlines To Conduct Canada's First Biofuel Powered Revenue Flight

25 Mar 2012 22:13:23 GMT

In mid-April, Porter Airlines plans to use one of its Bombardier Q400 turboprop airliners to conduct the first biofuel powered revenue flight in Canada. On February 9, 2012, in preparation for Porter's upcoming flight, a Bombardier Q400 turboprop test aircraft became the first aircraft in Canada to fly on the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566 bio-derived jet fuel, which was recently certified

75 Years Later The Search For Amelia Earhart Resumes

23 Mar 2012 13:57:16 GMT

Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared on July 2, 1937, during their attempt to circumnavigate the globe, and the U.S. Government began one of the most intensive searches for a missing person in history. The U.S. Navy covered 150,000 square miles of open-ocean in 6-7 days, while the State Department coordinated with foreign governments involved in the search. However, the

'Red Tail' Member Visits The Pentagon

23 Mar 2012 13:56:27 GMT

The Air Force hosted one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and his family March 16 during a tour of the Pentagon. Retired Lt. Col. Walter McCreary, his daughter Stephanie Lynch and grandson Nicholas Lynch were given a tour of the Air Force Art Gallery, the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial and the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit in the Pentagon. McCreary, who is 94, also met with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen

Former McDonnell Douglas CEO Sandy McDonnell Dies At 89

22 Mar 2012 12:49:21 GMT

Boeing on Tuesday issued a statement regarding the March 19 passing of former McDonnell Douglas chairman and CEO Sanford N. (Sandy) McDonnell, he was 89. “The people of Boeing extend our deepest sympathies to the McDonnell family, and join them in mourning Sandy�s passing. Sandy�s commitment to his colleagues and customers, his country, and

Japan Airlines To Take Its First Delivery Of The 787 Dreamliner

22 Mar 2012 12:48:24 GMT

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced that it will take delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 on March 25, 2012, and the aircraft will be flown from Seattle, Everett to Tokyo, Narita by JAL pilots the following day. JAL�s first commercial 787 flight will also be the first ever nonstop flight to connect Boston with Asia when JAL uses it to launch the new service between

Progress & Challenges For The FAA In Responding To The Airline Safety Act

21 Mar 2012 13:39:16 GMT

On Tuesday the Inspector General testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security regarding the Federal Aviation Administration�s (FAA) commercial airline safety oversight. Specifically, the Inspector General focused on FAA�s implementation of the 2010 Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act, emphasizing

Senselessly Gundowned Trayvon Martin Aspired To Be An Aviation Mechanic

20 Mar 2012 18:57:50 GMT

It was a rainy night at about 7 PM on February 26, a crime watch volunteer, George Zimmerman, 28, was patrolling his neighborhood in his sport utility vehicle when he spotted a young Black male, Trayvon Martin, 17 walking the street wearing a sweatshirt, with the hood draped over his head

FAA To Increase Efficiency Reduce Aircraft Emissions In Northern California

20 Mar 2012 13:25:23 GMT

Acting Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta and aviation partners on Monday kicked off a collaborative effort to make air traffic control more efficient, help airlines improve on-time performance, and reduce emissions generated by aircraft flying into and out of Northern California airports. "By working together, the FAA and our aviation partners

Coast Guard Releases Findings Of Investigation Into 2010 Helicopter Crash

20 Mar 2012 13:24:27 GMT

A failure to observe altitude restrictions and maintain situational awareness at low altitudes and high speeds are among six factors the Coast Guard says contributed to the fatal crash of a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter near La Push, Washington on July 7, 2010. On the date of the crash, the crew were ferrying the helicopter from Astoria, Oregon to

UPS Reaches Agreement On Cash Offer To Purchase TNT Express

19 Mar 2012 14:38:15 GMT

United Parcel Service, Inc. and TNT Express N.V. today jointly announce that they have reached agreement on a recommended all-cash public offer of EUR 9.50 per ordinary share by UPS for TNT Express (the "Offer"). TNT Express' Executive and Supervisory Boards unanimously intend to support and recommend the Offer. The offer price of EUR 9.50

Airbus To Focus On Aviation Growth & Environment At Summit In Geneva

19 Mar 2012 14:37:20 GMT

Airbus will underline its commitment towards sustainable aviation growth at the sixth Aviation and Environment Summit organized by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) in Geneva, next week (21-22 March). As a leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus is in pursuit of the perfect flight and believes that its scale-up can start today to shrink the

IATA, Air Cargo Industry Agenda Must Address Safety, Security, Sustainability

18 Mar 2012 15:10:13 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) advocated strong partnerships across the air cargo value chain to address an industry agenda to enhance safety, security, sustainability and competitiveness. Tony Tyler, IATA�s Director General and CEO in a keynote address to the World Cargo Symposium which is meeting in Kuala Lumpur

UPS Remains In Discussions With TNT Express To Purchase Company

18 Mar 2012 15:09:21 GMT

UPS remains in constructive discussions with TNT Express N.V. regarding a potential transaction to acquire the entire issued share capital of TNT Express. Back on February 11, UPS made an unsuccessful bid of $6.4 billions of TNT Express. In line with regulatory requirements, UPS expresses it still has the intention to submit a request for approval of its

Airtran Airways Ordered To Reinstate Pilot, Pay More Than $1 Million

12 Mar 2012 13:17:48 GMT

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has ordered AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of Dallas, Texas-based Southwest Airlines Co., to reinstate a former pilot who was fired after reporting numerous mechanical concerns. The agency also has ordered that the pilot be paid more than $1 million in back wages

IATA Highlights Montreal�s Important Role In Global Aviation

12 Mar 2012 13:16:59 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called upon Canada�s policy makers to take actions to improve the competitiveness of the country�s aviation sector including reducing the heavy tax burden. IATA�s Director General and CEO Tony Tyler in an address to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations said “Canada is home to leading

Former Cessna Employee Sentenced to 18 Months for Stealing Parts from Airplanes

12 Mar 2012 13:13:37 GMT

A former Cessna employee has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for selling stolen aircraft parts on eBay, He also was ordered to pay $130,000 restitution. Diego Alejandro Paz-Teran, 35, Wichita, Kansas, was an airframe and power plant mechanic at Cessna Aircraft Company pleaded guilty to

Hawker Beechcraft Services Opens Maintenance Facility At Dekalb Peachtree Airport

12 Mar 2012 13:12:39 GMT

Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) announced it will open a new satellite Hawker Beechcraft Services maintenance facility at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Atlanta today. The maintenance facility will specialize in full piston engine aircraft services, offering annual inspections, routine maintenance inspections

Large Model Aircraft Are Restricted To Fly In Central London During Olympics

11 Mar 2012 15:44:42 GMT

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday advised owners of large model aircraft that they will be subject to the airspace security restrictions being put in place by the Government during the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Government has already announced a Prohibited Zone will be established above Central London from 14 July 2012 to 15 August 2012 as a security measure to protect Games�

Airline Passenger Travel To Nearly Double In Two Decades

11 Mar 2012 15:43:57 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its annual forecast on Thursday projecting airline passenger travel will nearly double in the next 20 years. The report underscores the need to continue moving forward with implementation of FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) to accommodate the projected

Russian MRO Provider Acquires Oregon Based Epic Aircraft

10 Mar 2012 15:46:18 GMT

Epic Aircraft the privately-owned aviation company that specializes in kit aircraft announced it will be acquired by Engineering LLC, Russia's premier Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. The move enables both companies to leverage each other's core strengths while continuing to expand upon the same great

Passenger Attempts To Smuggle Cigarettes Into Washington Dulles Airport

10 Mar 2012 15:45:50 GMT

It�s not unusual for cigarette smokers to take a few packs or even couple of cartons of smokes on a trip with them. But one passenger, who arrived to Washington Dulles International Airport Monday from Japan, learned that 924 packs may just be too many.�Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized the cigarettes for violation of 19 USC

FAA Seeks Public Input On UAS Test Site Selection

8 Mar 2012 05:01:01 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday asked for public input on the agency's selection process for six unmanned aircraft system (UAS) test sites. Once the pilot program is established, the agency expects it will provide valuable data to help the FAA safely and efficiently integrate UAS into the same airspace with manned airplanes

US Navy Takes Possession Of Its First Boeing P-8A Poseidon

8 Mar 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Boeing officially delivered the first production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy in Seattle. The P-8A is the first of 13 anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Boeing will deliver as part of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract awarded in 2011.�“Delivering this capability to the warfighter is

Environmental Group Sues EPA To Get The Lead Out Of Aviation Gasoline

8 Mar 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Friends of the Earth, a leading advocate for a healthy environment, filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday after the agency did not reply to a May 2011 Notice of Intent to sue. The lawsuit challenges EPA�s failure to respond to a 2006

Boeing Completes Flight Testing For Certification Of 787s With GE Engines

8 Mar 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Boeing has completed all flight tests expected to be required for type certification of the 787-8 Dreamliner with General Electric GEnx engines. This marks the end of all certification flight testing associated with the baseline model of the 787.�Testing on engine and airframe improvements

U.S. Air Force Expands Drug Testing To Include Abused Prescription Drugs

7 Mar 2012 15:14:02 GMT

The Air Force and other military services will expand their drug testing to include testing for commonly abused prescription drugs beginning May 1, 2012. The Secretary of Defense gave a 90-day advance notice of the drug testing expansion which aims to counter the nation's growing epidemic and encourage those abusing prescription

2011 Accident Rate For Western Built Jets Lowest In Aviation History

7 Mar 2012 15:13:17 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2011 accident rate for Western-built jets was the lowest in aviation history, surpassing the previous mark set in 2010. The 2011 global accident rate (measured in hull losses per million flights of Western-built jets) was 0.37, the equivalent of one accident every 2.7 million flights. This

Pemco World Air Services Enters Chapter 11

6 Mar 2012 16:05:03 GMT

Pemco World Air Services (the “Company� or “Pemco�), a leader in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and Conversion Services, announced on Monday that it has filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the district of Delaware. The Company expects to quickly restructure and emerge as a

GE To Provide 3D Airport Maps, High Resolution Terrain And Obstacle Aeronautical Data

6 Mar 2012 16:04:14 GMT

GE Aviation announced its agreement with GeoEye to provide the aviation industry with ICAO-compliant terrain and obstacle aeronautical data derived from GeoEye�s high resolution Earth imagery. GE is showcasing this technology at ATC Global this week in Amsterdam. As the first offering under this agreement, GE will provide ICAO Annex 15 Area-2 terrain and

Hawker Beechcraft 4000 Capitalizes On Expanding Market In Brazil

5 Mar 2012 13:31:11 GMT

Wichita, Kansas based Hawker Beechcraft has reported that Brazil has become a leading market for the company�s entire product line, and as the business jet population there flourishes into one of the largest in the world, so too grows the Hawker Beechcraft fleet. From 2001-2010, the number of business aircraft delivered in Brazil has increased

Airbus A350 XWB Landing Gear Test Bench Ready For Service

5 Mar 2012 13:30:21 GMT

The A350 XWB�s main and nose landing gear test bench is ready for service at Airbus� site in Filton, UK. This latest step in the A350 XWB�s progress is achieved more than one year before the aircraft�s first flight and two years before its entry into service. Extensive testing campaigns are being carried out for all A350 XWBs systems and components well ahead of

FAA Fines Colgan Air, Pilots/Fight Attendants Not Getting Minimum Amount Of Rest

5 Mar 2012 13:29:29 GMT

The FAA alleges that between June 14, 2008 and Feb. 23, 2009, Colgan scheduled flight duty time for two captains, two first officers and six flight attendants on a seventh day after they had been on duty for the previous six consecutive days. The FAA regulations required the airline to relieve each crewmember from duty

FAA Grants Gulfstream G280 A Provisional Type Certificate

5 Mar 2012 13:28:33 GMT

Gulfstream Aerospace announced that the Gulfstream G280 has received a provisional type certificate (PTC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company also obtained a PTC from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI). The principal remaining item required before full type certificates are issued by the

APA Files Lawsuit �To Clarify Legal Gray Area� In American Airlines Bankruptcy

4 Mar 2012 16:01:23 GMT

The Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 10,000 pilots of American Airlines, filed an action for declaratory judgment with the bankruptcy court asking the judge to clarify how the Railway Labor Act and Section 1113 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code interrelate. “Our objective is to enhance the prospects of

Passenger Traffic Continues To Rise While Air Freight Takes A Dive

4 Mar 2012 16:00:10 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for January showing a 5.7% rise in passenger demand but an 8.0% decline in air freight compared to the same month in 2011. The occurrence of Chinese New Year in January (rather than in February as in 2011) exaggerated the increase in passenger demand and the fall in air

FAA To Increase Efficiency And Reduce Aircraft Emissions In N.C. Airspace

3 Mar 2012 16:21:25 GMT

Acting Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta and aviation partners kicked off a collaborative effort to make air traffic control more efficient, help airlines improve on-time performance, and reduce emissions generated by aircraft flying in and out of airports in the Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina areas. "The Federal Aviation Administration and aviation industry are teaming up to make some of the

Intoxicated Driver Gets Onto Philadelphia International Airport Active Runway

3 Mar 2012 16:20:44 GMT

On Thursday, at about 11 AM, 24 year old Kenneth Mazik crashed through a security gate at Philadelphia International Airport and drove his Jeep SUV onto to the aviative runway causing the airport to shut down for over 30 minutes. Police report that Mazik was intoxicated. Mazik crashed through a chain link fence which surrounds the airport and police began chasing the

Alaska And Horizon Airlines Employees Receive $54 Million In Annual Bonuses

3 Mar 2012 16:20:03 GMT

Alaska Air Group paid annual bonuses totaling $53.8 million today to nearly all of its 12,800 employees for exceeding the company's 2011 operational and financial goals. The bonus of about 6.7 percent of annual pay, or more than three weeks pay for most workers, is in addition to $1,000 in bonuses, on average, that each employee earned last year for achieving monthly on-time

Furlough Protections Negotiations Fail For CitationAir Pilots

3 Mar 2012 16:17:39 GMT

Teamsters Local Union 1108 announced that it has terminated negotiations to obtain a Furlough Letter of Agreement for its members who are pilots employed by CitationAir, the Greenwich, Connecticut based provider of luxury business jet fractional ownership, jet-card and aircraft management services. Negotiations to reach agreement commenced

Court Agrees to Hear Infinity Aerospace's $41.7 Million Damage Claim

2 Mar 2012 14:58:25 GMT

Judge Melvin D. Sandvig of the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, has ruled (PC 051408) against a demurrer from TransDigm, Inc. and Dukes Aerospace, Inc. and ordered a civil trial of charges made against the two companies by Infinity Aerospace, Aviation Design Group, The Dukes Group, and Chet Huffman, alleging that

Search Continues For One Coast Guard Helicopter Crash Crewmember

2 Mar 2012 14:55:44 GMT

Tuesday evening, a U.S Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin helicopter, from Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile, Alabama crashed in Mobile Bay (CG-6535). The MH-65C was flown by a four-person crew and was conducting training operations. A full Coast Guard and interagency search and rescue effort was launched and the aircraft was quickly located

Race Course Announced For 2012 EAA Airventure Cup

1 Mar 2012 11:54:06 GMT

Race officials for the 2012 EAA AirVenture Cup race have finalized the race course for this year�s cross-country race, scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 22, 2012 in advance of the EAA AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, WI. This year�s race will commence in Mitchell, SD (KMHE) and end in West Bend, WI (KETB), with checkpoints in Sheldon, IA

Adventure Pilot Does It Again With The Releases Of The Ifly 720 GPS

1 Mar 2012 11:53:10 GMT

Adventure Pilot began shipping its new premium GPS navigation device for general aviation pilots. The new iFly 720 builds on popular features from its little brother, the iFly 700. New features include sunlight readability, simple automated Wi-Fi Updating and iFly Streets. Plus premium hardware enhancements like a faster processor, more

Alaska Airlines To Serve As Iditarod's Official Airline

1 Mar 2012 11:52:16 GMT

Alaska Airlines will serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, marking the 34th year the carrier has supported the event. "We are proud to be a sponsor of the Last Great Race," said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines' regional vice president, Alaska. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual sled dog team race across Alaska. Mushers

Aerial Firefighters Promote Large Air Tanker Modernization Plan

1 Mar 2012 11:51:28 GMT

The current 11 Large Air Tankers, operated by two companies, are former Navy P2V Neptunes averaging 50 years of age. The aircraft were modified with 2,700 gallon capacity tanks for dropping fire retardant and have a remaining life expectancy of roughly 10 years. "The aerial firefighting industry has long recognized these Air Tankers were getting old and would have to be replaced

FAA Proposes To Raise Airline Pilot Qualification Standards

28 Feb 2012 15:59:55 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday proposed to substantially raise the qualification requirements for first officers who fly for U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. Consistent with a mandate in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010, the proposed rule would require first officers also

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Recognized For Energy Saving Innovations

28 Feb 2012 15:59:20 GMT

Acting Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta recognized the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport's leadership in energy saving innovation when he helped dedicate their new solar farm. This exciting development is on the cutting edge of making our airports more environmentally friendly. The solar energy the new "farm" provides will also help

Northrop Grumman Achieves Major Milestones On MQ-4C Unmanned Aircraft

28 Feb 2012 15:58:35 GMT

Northrop Grumman has commenced flight tests of the first developmental multifunction active sensor (MFAS) radar destined for the U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System (BAMS UAS). The MFAS sensor has been integrated into the company's Gulfstream II testbed aircraft based in Palmdale, Calif., for flight testing

Death Of 4, Robinson Helicopter Faces Trial, Fuel Tank Design On The R44 II

28 Feb 2012 15:57:42 GMT

The trial of Dawson [Lee] v. Robinson Helicopter Company begins March 5, 2012 in Seattle, Washington over the death of Si Young Lee arising from the August 2, 2007 Robinson R44 II helicopter crash near Easton, Washington. According to court documents the helicopter experienced a low energy impact with the ground, whereupon it erupted in a fire, killing the pilot and

Piper's High-End Aircraft, M-Class Helps Push Piper Aircraft Sales Over The Top

26 Feb 2012 15:29:13 GMT

Piper Aircraft ended 2011 with increased revenue from new aircraft sales of $131.2 million, up more than nine percent from $120.2 million a year ago. The increase was fueled primarily by a favorable mix of Piper's flagship single-engine Meridian turboprop deliveries in 2011. Piper delivered 32 new top-end Meridians in 2011 compared with 25

Northrop Grumman's EFSS Achieves Acceptance Test At Prague Ruzyne Airport

26 Feb 2012 15:28:33 GMT

Northrop Grumman's Europe-based air traffic management subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, has undergone a successful Site Acceptance Test (SAT) for the NOVA 9000 Electronic Flight Strip System (EFSS) at the Prague Ruzyne International Airport, Czech Republic. This SAT is a significant milestone in the conversion of Prague's

College Basketball Fans Get A 'Shot' To Take Control Of Goodyear Blimp

25 Feb 2012 16:01:23 GMT

Goodyear whose world famous airships have become synonymous with big sporting events, is once again joining with ESPN SportsNation to provide fans with the opportunity to decide, via online voting, which college basketball tournament will attract aerial coverage by the iconic Goodyear Blimp and be deemed "Blimpworthy." Last November, college

I-4D Test Flight Has Major Implications For Safety And Efficiencies

25 Feb 2012 16:00:44 GMT

An historic test flight, which took place over Europe, has major implications for improving safety and fuel efficiencies as well as reducing flight times and CO2 emissions. The A320 test aircraft flew from Toulouse to Copenhagen and Stockholm and then back to Toulouse to trial an initial four-dimensional (I-4D) flight operations

GE Aviation, Record Year For LEAP Engines Drive�s Jobs Expansion

25 Feb 2012 16:00:01 GMT

Last week, as part of its four-day summit in Washington, DC, focused on U.S. manufacturing, jobs and trade, GE announced it will invest $580 million in aviation manufacturing and research and development in the U.S. Three new aviation plants are under construction

Northrop Joins Forces With The White House To Hire, Train Veterans

25 Feb 2012 15:59:20 GMT

Reinforcing a long-standing commitment to hiring veterans, Northrop Grumman Corporation this week answered the call from President Barack Obama and registered its pledge with the Joining Forces Initiative, announcing the company's commitment to men and women in

DFW Airport Partners With EPA To Save Energy And Resources

24 Feb 2012 14:30:27 GMT

Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport has entered into a Sustainability Partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Officials from DFW Airport and the EPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony at the airport on Wednesday. The airport�s objective is to extend its leadership role in sustainable, cost

2 Marine Helicopters Collide Over Yuma Killing 7 During A Routine Training Exercise

24 Feb 2012 14:29:41 GMT

Two helicopters belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing collided in a remote portion of the Yuma Training Range Complex killing seven Marines on Wednesday. The aircraft, an AH-1W "Cobra" and an UH-1Y "Huey", were conducting routine training operations around 10:30 PM according to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Base Commander Col. Robert Kuckuk

Cirrus Aircraft Sells More Aircraft In The Fourth Quarter Of 2011 Since 2008

23 Feb 2012 17:07:02 GMT

On Wednesday, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry�s fourth quarter and complete 2011 shipment and billings summary. “Shipments declined in all three industry segments from the previous year, but the declines reached single digits which indicate general aviation is reaching the trough in this

American Airlines Workers File A Court Motion On Wages And Working Conditions

23 Feb 2012 17:06:05 GMT

The Ad Hoc Committee of Passenger Service Agents, representing agents at American Airlines, filed a motion in federal bankruptcy court on Wednesday to prevent AMR Corp. from making unilateral changes in the wages, benefits and working conditions of American Airlines agents. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has helped the airport

Lawsuit Filed Alleging Citibank Is Being Deceptive In Frequent Flier Tax Practice

22 Feb 2012 12:59:38 GMT

A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against Citibank in what customers have reported the company lured them in by offering 40,000 frequent-flier miles to open an account but failed to tell them they had to report 2� cents per mile as income to the IRS. Citibank has been sending 1099 tax forms to customers who received frequent flier

Stellar Mass Black Hole, Record Breaking Wind Moving About 20 Million MPH

22 Feb 2012 12:58:43 GMT

Astronomers using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have clocked the fastest wind yet discovered blowing off a disk around a stellar-mass black hole. This result has important implications for understanding how this type of black hole behaves. The record-breaking wind is moving about 20 million mph, or about 3 percent of the speed of light

U-28A Crash�s Killing Four Hurlburt Field Airmen In Djibouti

21 Feb 2012 14:03:13 GMT

Capt Ryan P. Hall from the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Capt Nicholas S. Whitlock and 1st Lt Justin J. Wilkens from the 34th Special Operations Squadron and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten from the 25th Intelligence Squadron died February 18 when their U-28A was involved in an accident near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, located in the Horn

Fedex Joins Aviation Green Alliance As A Founding Member

21 Feb 2012 14:02:09 GMT

Just a few days following the 110th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh�s birth, the Lindbergh Foundation announced that FedEx Corp. has joined the Aviation Green Alliance as a Founding Member. “We are thrilled that FedEx Corp. will be memorialized as one of our elite group of Aviation Green Alliance Founding Members,� said Lindbergh Foundation

Onex Single Place Folding Wing Sport Aircraft Receives FAA NKET Approval

19 Feb 2012 14:37:10 GMT

Sonex Aircraft is excited to announce that the FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) has approved and published amateur building checklists for the new Onex Single-Place, Folding-Wing Sport Pilot Aircraft. Availability of these approved checklists allows current and future Onex builders to show compliance with the “major portion�

Delta Begins Installing Full Flat Bed Seats On Its Boeing 747-400 Aircraft

19 Feb 2012 14:36:05 GMT

Delta Air Lines is renovating its Boeing 747-400 aircraft fleet to include full flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite cabin and new "slim line" seats offering more personal space and individual in-seat entertainment throughout the Economy cabin. The airline already has taken delivery of the first modified aircraft, which operated its first flight on Jan. 26

Airbus A350 XWB�s New Engine Makes First Flight Powering The Airbus A380

19 Feb 2012 14:35:17 GMT

On Saturday the Airbus A350 XWB�s new engine the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB has successfully made its maiden flight aboard Airbus� dedicated A380 “Flying-Test-Bed� aircraft. The aircraft took off from Airbus facilities in Toulouse and performed a flight of more than five hours during which the engine covered a wide range of power settings at altitudes up to 43,000ft. The aircraft handling qualities were

Christmas Day, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 Underwear Bomber Gets Life

19 Feb 2012 14:34:28 GMT

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the so-called “underwear bomber,� was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison as a result of his guilty plea to all eight counts of a federal indictment charging him for his role in the attempted Christmas Day 2009 bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Nancy G. Edmunds in Detroit. Abdulmutallab, 25, of Kaduna, Nigeria, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, 2011

Boeing, Citibank Start Export-Import Bank Supplier Financing Program

18 Feb 2012 16:04:12 GMT

Boeing has become the latest U.S. exporter to help its eligible small-business suppliers gain access to affordable financing through participation in a Supply Chain Financing Program guaranteed by the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of the United States. Boeing is notifying several hundred qualifying U.S. based suppliers that system testing is complete

UPS In Talks With TNT Express To Purchase The Company

18 Feb 2012 16:03:10 GMT

TNT Express N.V. announces that it has received an unsolicited non-binding and conditional proposal from United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) for the acquisition of the whole of the issued capital of TNT Express at an indicative price of € 9 per ordinary share. The TNT Express N.V. Supervisory and Executive Boards have carefully considered the indicative

Allegiant Airlines Fined For Violating DOT�s New Price Advertising Rule

18 Feb 2012 16:02:15 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) fined Allegiant Air $100,000 for violating DOT�s new advertising rule, which became effective on January 26, which requires carriers and ticket agents to show the total price, including all government taxes and fees, in every advertised fare. In addition, Allegiant Air violated DOT�s rules protecting air travelers

Airport Executives Seek To Expand Trusted Traveler Program Beyond Elite Fliers

18 Feb 2012 16:00:28 GMT

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) the world's largest airport organization, representing thousands of men and women across the country who manage and operate the nation's airports pledged its support on Tuesday in working collaboratively with the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection to grow the PreCheck

Gulfstream G280 To Receive Type Certification This Year

16 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.�s super midsized G280 aircraft is steadily moving toward entry-into-service, having completed several flight-test milestones en route to type certification later this year from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft received a provisional type certificate (PTC) from the Civil Aviation Authority

NTIA, No Practical Way To Mitigate Lightsquared Signal Against GPS Interference

16 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the federal agency that coordinates spectrum uses for the military and other federal government entities, has now concluded that there is no practical way to mitigate potential interference with the global positioning systems (GPS) at this time. Consequently, the FCC

Phoenix Using Traffic Radar Signs To Slow Down Traffic At Sky Harbor Airport

16 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Most airports are designed with circular roads so that cars driving through the airport belong in the airport. With high vehicle and foot traffic each day, monitoring traffic speed can be challenging for any airport. At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where the roads go from east to west instead of in a circle, this problem is an even more serious one. Cars often

Jeppesen To Conduct Pilot And Cabin Crew Fatigue Study

16 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Jeppesen will conduct an industry wide survey this spring to collect pilot and cabin crew fatigue data. The study will collaborate with sleep and performance scientists, using the Jeppesen CrewAlert iPhone application to collect data directly from airline crew members. The study will advance understanding on how crew fatigue issues develop in an operational setting. The Fatigue Data Collection

President Obama Signs The FAA Modernization And Reform Act Of 2012 (H.R. 658)

15 Feb 2012 13:01:01 GMT

On Tuesday President Barack Obama signed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (H.R. 658) which will modernize the nation's aviation system. The law will provide $63.4 billion in FAA funding over four years, including about $11 billion toward the modernization air traffic control system. This bill will allow the FAA to rebuild its air traffic control

Passenger/Cargo Security Strategy Agreed On To Counter Aviation Threats

15 Feb 2012 13:01:01 GMT

Twenty Member States* of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from North America, Central America, the Caribbean and South America unanimously adopted at a conference in Caracas (Venezuela) a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving passenger and cargo security throughout the hemisphere, as part of a common effort to counter threats to civil aviation worldwide

Boeing Secures Largest Ever Commercial Airplane Order Worth $22.4 Billion

15 Feb 2012 13:01:01 GMT

Boeing and Jakarta-based Lion Air finalized a firm order for 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs (extended range). The agreement, first announced last November in Indonesia, also includes purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes.�"The 737 MAX is the best choice for Lion Air and the best airplane to serve our passengers," said Rusdi Kirana

Instrument Onboard Joint Polar Satellite To Offer Improved Weather Forecasts

15 Feb 2012 13:01:01 GMT

A powerful instrument, Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) has been designed to give scientists more refined information about Earth�s atmosphere and improve weather and climate forecasts is now active and sending its first data back to Earth from America�s newest polar-orbiting satellite, Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).�Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) is the latest generation of

New Peoplexpress Airlines A Low Cost Carrier To Start Service This Summer

14 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

A new PEOPLExpress Airlines will take to the skies in 2012. At a press conference at the Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) in Newport News, Virginia, the low-cost carrier announced it plans to begin service this coming summer. With a mission to serve markets currently underserved by major carriers, PEOPLExpress will

Boeing To Begin Final Phase Of The 737 MAX Wind Tunnel Testing

14 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Boeing announced that the final phase of wind tunnel testing, a major milestone in airplane development, will begin on the 737 MAX program next week. The Boeing 737 MAX is a new family of aircraft being developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes to replace the Boeing 737 Next Generation family. The primary change will be the use of the larger and

Court Orders Delta Airlines To Pay Legal Fees For Withholding Evidence

13 Feb 2012 12:47:38 GMT

U.S. District Judge Timothy Batten has ordered Delta Air Lines to pay plaintiffs� legal fees in an evidence gathering proceedings after it was discovered Delta Air Lines withheld 60,000 documents in a lawsuit (Delta/AirTran Baggage Fee Antitrust Litigation, 1:09-md-02089, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia) which alleges Delta Air

Former Parent Company Of Air Canada Seeks To Dissolve Operations

13 Feb 2012 12:46:51 GMT

ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. (ACE) reported full year and fourth quarter results for 2011 and announced its intention to seek shareholder approval for its winding-up, the distribution of its remaining net assets and ultimately its dissolution in the future. ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. is a Canadian holding company that provides commercial airline service

Garmin Enters The Medium Lift Helicopter Market With G5000H

13 Feb 2012 12:45:47 GMT

Garmin the global leader in satellite navigation, announced the G5000H, an integrated flight deck specifically designed for twin turbine, medium lift helicopters. The G5000H combines widescreen displays with touchscreen controls to bring leading edge

P-2 Airtanker Wing Inspections Clears Fleet For Aerial Wildfire Deployment

13 Feb 2012 12:44:52 GMT

Neptune Aviation, the country's biggest operator of large airtankers, reports that its fleet of ex-Navy P2V Neptunes remains wildfire mission-ready, following the discovery of a crack in the left wing of one of its tankers during a routine scheduled inspection in late January of

FAA Bill Requires Preservation And Sharing Of Vintage Aircraft Data

12 Feb 2012 13:27:42 GMT

Fans of American aviation are celebrating a landmark victory for the preservation and accessibility of historic aircraft data as the recently passed FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act 2012 (HR 658) makes its way to the White House for President Obama�s signature. The cause for celebration is a small, but significant

Woman On The No-Fly List Arrested At Airport Gets 2nd Chance To Clear Name

12 Feb 2012 13:26:46 GMT

Rahinah Ibrahim, a citizen of Malaysia and mother of four children was legally in the United States from 2001 to 2005 as a Ph.D. student in Construction Engineering and Management under a student visa at Stanford University. She alleges that the U.S. government has mistakenly placed her on the “No-Fly List� and other terrorist watchlists. On

Airberlin First Airline In Europe To Use Satellite-Based Landings

12 Feb 2012 13:25:29 GMT

Following the German Federal Office for Air Traffic Control�s accreditation of the ground station for the new satellite-based approach and landing system GBAS (Ground Based Augmentation System) as a primary landing system, Airberlin will be the first airline in Europe to use satellite-based landings on

Second Predator C Avenger, Unmanned Aircraft Completes First Flight

12 Feb 2012 13:24:25 GMT

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, a manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, announced the successful flight of a second multi-mission jet-powered Predator C Avenger aircraft. “The first flight of our second Avenger aircraft is a significant

Jetblue Unveiled Red Sox Themed Paint Scheme On Its Airbus A320

11 Feb 2012 16:30:54 GMT

Boston's largest carrier and Red Sox Official Airline sponsor JetBlue Airways on Friday unveiled a custom, Red Sox themed paint scheme on its Airbus A320 at Boston's Logan International Airport. The newly branded aircraft, the first plane to officially tote a Major League Baseball uniform, was revealed by JetBlue's Senior Vice President of Marketing

Boeing Employee Trapped Under 787 Dreamliner Has Legs Amputated

11 Feb 2012 16:30:05 GMT

A Boeing employee, part of an escort team walking alongside a Japan Airlines flight at Paine Field, Everett, Washington as the aircraft was being towed, somehow got trapped beneath the tires of the 787 Dreamliner jet at approximately 6 PM, on February 3. The employee, who began working for Boeing in 2010, was dragged and then trapped beneath the

Airman Sentenced To Life In Murder Case Which Involved The Deceased Wife

11 Feb 2012 13:52:03 GMT

Kadena Air Base, Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Cron, 26, of the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder and obstruction of justice and on Thursday Cron was sentenced to life without parole for stabbing death of Tech. Sgt. Curtis Eccleston on Feb. 6, 2011. Cron pleaded guilty in November

TSA Passenger Prescreening Program Success To Be Expanded At 28 Airports

11 Feb 2012 13:51:04 GMT

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole announced the expansion of TSA PreCheck, a passenger pre-screening initiative, to additional airports across the country following the program�s success at seven pilot locations. With more

House Aviation Subcommittee Hears Testimony On Importance In Protecting GPS

10 Feb 2012 14:52:13 GMT

Capt. Sean Cassidy, Air Line Pilots Association�s (ALPA) First Vice President, emphasized “the vital importance of the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a key component of [the U.S.] transportation infrastructure� during a House Aviation Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday. GPS is the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Touched Down In Bangkok For Dream Tour

10 Feb 2012 14:50:57 GMT

Boeing's new mid-size passenger airplane, the 787 Dreamliner, touched down on Thursday after demonstrating its long-range capabilities by flying nonstop from Seattle's Boeing Field to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport a distance of 7,679 miles (12,358 km). The visit is part of Boeing's Dream Tour. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range

OIG Report Out On Misconduct Within The Federal Air Marshal Service

9 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

The Department of Homeland Security Office Of Inspector General (OIG) has completed a long awaited federal investigation into allegations of age, gender and racial discrimination within the Federal Air Marshal Service. The findings conclude there is no "widespread discrimination and retaliation." However, the Federal Air Marshal Service does have

First Female Air Force 4 Star General To Head Up Air Force Materiel Command

9 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

When the leadership of Air Force Materiel Command changes later this year, the command will be led by a familiar face who will make Air Force history when she takes the reins of AFMC. On Monday, President Barack Obama nominated Lt. Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger to the rank of general, and as the next commander of AFMC. She will succeed

Northrop Awarded Contract To Perform Repairs For U.S. Navy's SH-60 And EA-6B

9 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) to repair avionics equipment on the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter and the EA-6B Prowler jet. Under a five-year, fixed-price contract valued at nearly $19 million with NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Northrop Grumman will repair the

Unlicensed Pilot Killed After Stealing Airplane Had A Criminal Past

9 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Ray Pirro, 52, of Tracy, California died Sunday at about 4 PM when he crashed the Cessna 172N, N7582D, he had stolen and was piloting, severing power lines and plowing into a canal bank alongside Barstow Avenue, Barstow. The plane's owner Felix Boston learned the aircraft was stolen when he received a phone call from investigators. The aircraft was stolen from Buchanan Field

County To Sign Real Estate Closing, Panama City-Bay County International Airport

8 Feb 2012 13:41:13 GMT

This week Bay County official�s in Florida will be singing the real estate closing of Panama City-Bay County International Airport (PFN) to make room to build a commercial residential park on this 700 acre parcel. Panama City-Bay County International Airport is located about four miles northwest of the central business district of Panama City, in Bay

Senate Approves FAA Bill, Rejecting Repeal Of The National Mediation Board Rule

8 Feb 2012 13:40:17 GMT

The Senate approved a long-term compromise by a 75-20 vote that will keep the Federal Aviation Administration running and hundreds of thousands of Americans working. This agreement will create or save more than 280,000 jobs, modernize America's aviation system, and improve safety for air travelers. The Senate rejected the House effort

Hummingbird Aviation Owner Found Guilty In Helicopter Service Contract Fraud

8 Feb 2012 13:39:26 GMT

Charles R. Priestley, 48, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty and was sentenced for making a false, fictitious and fraudulent claim to the United States government. The United States District Court in East St. Louis presided over the plea of guilty

EU Aviation Sector, Avoiding Unintended Consequences Of Legislation

8 Feb 2012 13:38:20 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged European policymakers to focus aviation efforts on measures to shore-up the competitiveness of Europe�s aviation sector. “Safety and security must always come first. But at this critical time for European economies it is

U.S. Air Force Will Retire 286 Aircraft Over the Next Five Years

7 Feb 2012 13:38:37 GMT

Air Force officials announced proposed force structure changes which support the new DoD strategic guidance retiring 286 aircraft over the next five years, including 227 in fiscal year 2013. According to Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley, the Air Force is shaping itself for future challenges by realigning Air Force assets with the Defense

Boeing Shares Drop After Boeing Reported Composite Structural Issues In The 787

7 Feb 2012 13:37:52 GMT

On Monday Boeing shares fell on the New York Stock Exchange after the aircraft maker reported it will need to take corrective action on the 787 Dreamliner carbon-composite fuselage support structure. The first Boeing launch customer, All Nippon Airways took delivery of the 787 Dreamliner on September 25, 2011, at Boeing's facilities in Everett

Global Aviation Holdings, largest military transport Files Bankruptcy Protection

6 Feb 2012 13:21:28 GMT

Global Aviation Holdings Inc., the parent company of World Airways, Inc., North American Airlines, Inc. and other subsidiaries, Sunday announced that to achieve a cost and debt structure that is industry competitive and continue to provide outstanding service to its customers, it has commenced a financial restructuring through the voluntary filing of petitions to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy

�Occufly� At LAX - Flight Attendants Hold Large Protest As Part Of The 99%

6 Feb 2012 13:20:33 GMT

Flight Attendants from over 20 airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), and concerned citizens from across the country will hold an OccuFLY protest at Los Angeles International Airport today. Flight Attendants and supporters will protest the latest attack on collective bargaining rights included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. The FAA Reauthorization has rapidly been

National Geographic Filmmakers Killed In Helicopter Crash

6 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

Two world-renowned filmmakers were killed in a helicopter crash in Australia on Saturday. Mike deGruy, a biologist and conservationist, and Andrew Wight, a pilot and underwater cave diver, were in Australia working with James Cameron and National Geographic on a documentary film. James Cameron and National Geographic released this

Lawsuit Over Blue Angels Jet Crash In S.C. Could Go To Trial By April

6 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

On April 21, 2007, a Blue Angels F-18 Hornet jet, Number 6 crashed during the final minutes of an air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina. When the jet crashed it crashed near George and Shirley Smith�s home, the landing gear assembly separated from the F-18 and crashed through the roof of their one story

OIG To Audit The FAA's Air Traffic Controller Facility Training Program

6 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

The Department of Transportation�s Office of Inspector General (OIG) plans to conduct a review of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) air traffic controller facility training. The FAA plans to hire and train nearly 11,000 new controllers through fiscal year 2020 to offset the impending retirements of those hired after the 1981 controller strike. With so

FAA And Avionics Rotorcraft Forum Concludes At AEA International Headquarters

6 Feb 2012 05:01:01 GMT

On Thursday, more than 70 general aviation industry leaders and regulatory executives concluded a successful two and half days avionics rotorcraft forum at the Aircraft Electronics Association International Headquarters. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities in the certification and installation of new avionics technologies in the rotorcraft market

NASA Receives Second Highest Number Of Astronaut Applications

5 Feb 2012 13:18:55 GMT

More than 6,300 individuals applied to become a NASA astronaut between Nov. 15, 2011 and Jan. 27, the second highest number of applications ever received by the agency. After a thorough selection process, which includes interviews and medical examinations, nine to 15 people will be selected to become part of the 21st astronaut class. "This is a

Pilot CEO Micron Steve Appleton Sole Fatality In Crash At Boise Airport

5 Feb 2012 13:17:58 GMT

On Friday at approximately 8:56 AM MST, Micron CEO Steve Appleton, 51, was killed in a plane crash at Boise Airport, Gowen Field, Idaho. Appleton was piloting a experimental Turbo-prop Lancair IVP-TP aircraft, tail number N321LC. The experimental fixed wing single engine Lancair aircraft crashed between the two main runways at

GE Opens High-Tech Engine Test Site on Canada�s Icy Plains

5 Feb 2012 13:17:08 GMT

Ice may be fun to skate on, but for jet engines it can pose a serious threat. Freezing mist may creep up inside the engine, coat key parts in ice and impact engine performance. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that manufacturers run engines through a series of rigorous icing tests and extreme scenarios. The jets must keep the power they need in

A4A, Boeing Recommend Path to Accelerate Viability of Aviation Biofuels

5 Feb 2012 13:16:10 GMT

Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, and Boeing released several recommendations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accelerate the commercial viability and deployment of aviation biofuels. The recommendations were announced in conjunction with the recent publication of the working

House Approves FAA Modernization And Reform Act Of 2012, H.R. 658

4 Feb 2012 16:39:29 GMT

The House of Representatives on Friday passed a bipartisan, bicameral, four-year infrastructure measure to reform Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs, improve the nation�s aviation infrastructure, modernize our air traffic control system, and spur private sector job creation. The House approved the conference report to H.R. 658, the

Spirit Airlines Adds $2 Fee In Defiance of New DOT Consumer Regulations

4 Feb 2012 16:38:30 GMT

Spirit Airlines, which it likes to bill itself as offering ultra low airfares, has tacked on an additional $2 dollar fee to its ticket purchases in the name of new DOT airline consumer regulations. The Department of Transportation came out with new airline consumer rules to protect the consumer. However those rules have not set well with the airlines or with

Former Employees Of Pace Airlines To Receive A Portion Of Their Back Wages

3 Feb 2012 13:43:20 GMT

In September 2009, Pace Airlines filed for Chapter 7 under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the process of liquidation. At that time, a number of employees had worked for the company up to six weeks without getting paid and a total of 423 employees were not paid for the time they worked. A number of employees reported that continued to work for

Archie League Awards, Air Traffic Controllers 2012 Honorees

3 Feb 2012 13:42:26 GMT

On Wednesday in Atlanta, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association capped its annual Communicating for Safety Conference with a great celebration of the best in Air Traffic Control: the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards. The Archie awards named after the first air traffic controller recognize the year�s best examples of extraordinary work

Lahood Encourages Cargo Airlines To Opt-In To New Flight & Duty Time Rules

2 Feb 2012 14:45:25 GMT

On Wednesday, while speaking at the Aero Club of Washington, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was asked about a statement he made in December when issuing the FAA's new rule on pilot flight and duty time. This new rule carved-out cargo carriers from mandatory implementation, but allows them to opt-in to the rule voluntarily

Civil War Manned Balloon, The Intrepid To Take To The Sky

2 Feb 2012 14:44:36 GMT

In late 1861, Virginia residents were shocked to see a manned balloon rise on the horizon, directing Union Army artillery against Confederate positions. One hundred and fifty years later, the Intrepid the first type of aerial vehicle used for combat in the United States will take flight once again beginning this summer. Genesee Country Village &

C. R. Smith Museum Celebrates Black Aviation Accomplishments

2 Jan 2012 16:09:54 GMT

The American Airlines C. R. Smith Museum is again recognizing the accomplishments of the pioneers of Black Aviation with the Second Annual Black Aviation Celebration. The celebration features special presentations by C. B. Rice, an author and historian, and Donald E. "Don" Elder, an original member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. The Feb. 4 event

Stobert Holt Convicted In The Kidnapping And Death Of Pilot Robert Wiles

1 Feb 2012 16:10:40 GMT

On Tuesday, Stobert Lindell Holt was convicted of manslaughter by a Polk County Florida jury after being initially charged with first-degree murder of Robert Arthur Wiles the son of Wiles' family's aviation maintenance business. Back on April 1, 2008, Wiles disappeared from his fathers business, National Flight Services, an aircraft maintenance company located

Airlines Continue To Deceive Passengers On Ticket Prices

31 Jan 2012 18:21:05 GMT

Business Travel Coalition (BTC) transmitted a letter signed by some 150 organizations to Congressional conference committee members negotiating a long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Signatories urged conferees to include language that will prevent some airlines from continuing to violate Section 41712 of the U.S. Federal Aviation Act.

San Diego Pilot Killed Hand Propping Aircraft Engine

31 Jan 2012 18:20:14 GMT

Private pilot Gordon Woodard, 41, of Lakeside, California was killed Monday when he tried to manually restart his 1974 aircraft engine in a procedure known as hand-propping. At about 8:30 AM Gordon and a passenger who was also identified as a pilot were taxiing the Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II aircraft, registration N746R, out to the runway

GOP To Introduce Legislation To Kill Aviation Consumer Protection Rules

31 Jan 2012 14:53:54 GMT

Rep. Tom Graves announced he will introduce legislation to cancel a series of Department of Transportation (DOT) aviation consumer protection rules that include requiring airlines to show all costs at the time an airline ticket is purchased, providing baggage refunds, mandating that airlines cannot impose increases to a ticket once it has been purchased

Pilot Indicted On Plane Crash That Killed His Daughter

30 Jan 2012 19:55:29 GMT

Massachusetts Franklin County grand jury has indicted Steven Fay, 57, of Hillsborough, N.H a pilot who crashed his plane killing his daughter Jessica Malin, 35, also of Hillsborough last year

FFDOA President Advocates For Armed Pilots In And Out Of The Cockpit

30 Jan 2012 15:26:41 GMT

Marcus Flagg, President of the Federal Flight Deck Officer Association (FFDOA), in a radio interview advocated that pilots that have been certified by the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program be able not only to carry a handgun in the cockpit but be allowed to carry their firearm concealed on their person to and from work. In addition, Flagg is

Spirit Airlines Fined Over Handling Of Disability Complaints

30 Jan 2012 15:25:56 GMT

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined Spirit Airlines $100,000 for failing to appropriately record and respond to complaints about the carrier�s treatment of passengers with disabilities, violating DOT�s rules implementing the Air Carrier Access Act which prohibits discrimination in air travel on the basis of disability. “Our rules on how airlines handle

Rep. Hirono Introduces �Airline First Responder Workplace Fairness Act�

29 Jan 2012 16:06:59 GMT

On Wednesday, Rep. Mazie Hirono (D) of Hawaii Hirono introduced legislation the “Airline First Responder Workplace Fairness Act� that promotes fairness and safety to flight attendants. The bill, HR 3824, is to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration addresses fatigue issues which could impair performance of flight attendants. Hirono introduced

Spanair Files For Bankruptcy After Qatar Airways Pulls Out Of Rescue Deal

29 Jan 2012 16:06:17 GMT

Spanair�s Board of Directors on Friday decided to file for bankruptcy. On Wednesday, the company was in an "Emergency Financial Situation." The Catalonian government approved a €10.5 million loan plan in order to save it. Revenue improved and the company was cutting costs. However on Friday, the airline ceased operations after a rescue

Eurocopter Helicopter Sales Up By 12 Percent In 2011

28 Jan 2012 14:50:12 GMT

Eurocopter generated a record high annual turnover in 2011 as the company benefitted from long-term strategies of investing in innovation to keep its helicopter product line at the forefront, growing the international footprint, developing services businesses and optimizing internal operations. The deliveries of 503 rotary-wing aircraft in 2011, along with Eurocopter�s enhanced support and services

Delta Airlines To Offer Internet GPS Shipping Tacking With Onasset

28 Jan 2012 14:49:28 GMT

Agreement Enables Seamless User Experience for Complete Cargo Visibility from a Single View. Delta Air Lines announced an exclusive marketing agreement with OnAsset Intelligence, a leading provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless asset tracking solutions, enabling Delta Cargo customers to view GPS location information on deltacargo

Frontier Airlines Names New CEO, President And Interim COO

28 Jan 2012 14:48:48 GMT

Frontier Airlines names key executive positions, David Siegel will join the Company as CEO, President, and interim Chief Operating Officer. In assuming these positions, Siegel will remain on the Republic Airways Board of Directors while stepping down as lead independent director. Siegel�s appointment is

NASA's J-2X Engine Kicks Off 2012 With Powerpack Testing

28 Jan 2012 14:48:05 GMT

A new series of tests on the engine that will help carry humans to deep space will begin next week at NASA�s Stennis Space Center in southern Mississippi. The tests on the J-2X engine bring NASA one step closer to the first human-rated liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen rocket engine to be developed in 40 years. Tests will focus on the

Cirrus Aircraft Offers Perspective Global Connect On 2012 Aircraft

27 Jan 2012 14:43:05 GMT

New for 2012, all models of Cirrus Aircraft can now be equipped with Perspective Global Connect, an avionics enhancement that contributes to an already feature-rich cockpit. Perspective Global Connect provides access to the on-demand Iridium satellite network to obtain global communications and data. Perspective Global Connect is fully integrated

Mesa Air Group Pilots Elect New Leaders

27 Jan 2012 14:41:47 GMT

Pilot leaders at Mesa Air Group, which is represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int�l (ALPA), unanimously elected officers to spearhead the union�s efforts. First Officer Marcin Kolodziejczyk was re-elected as the chairman, First Officer Jez Ingram-Clay was re-elected as the vice chairman, and Captain Darrell Cox was elected as the secretary-treasurer. The officers� new two-year terms will begin in March

One Level Of Safety Needed In Flawed Flight Duty And Rest Regulations

26 Jan 2012 15:07:06 GMT

More than a dozen pilots from a number of ALPA pilot groups have been in Washington, D.C., working with Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Government Affairs staff aggressively lobbying members of Congress in support of “One Level of Safety� for cargo and passenger pilots. In just two weeks, ALPA pilots met face-to-face with more than

Aerial Firefighters Preparing For 2012 Wildland Forest Fire Season

26 Jan 2012 15:06:10 GMT

With near record lows in rainfall, combined with record high temperatures in much of California in December plus ongoing dry conditions throughout much of the Southwest, the aerial firefighters are preparing for an earlier than normal deployment of assets, given the prevailing high fire dangers, especially in those parts of the country

NTSB Completes Study On Amateur Built Aircraft Accidents

25 Jan 2012 14:21:35 GMT

Throughout the 2011 calendar year, the National Transportation Safety Board has been conducting a study of Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft to evaluate the safety of this growing and innovative segment of general aviation. In addition to using the information gathered during its accident investigations, the NTSB has been working

Jeppesen CEO Recognized As Aviation Industry Leader Of The Year

25 Jan 2012 14:20:50 GMT

Mark Van Tine, president and CEO of Jeppesen, a unit of Boeing Flight Services, was recognized Friday night as the “Aviation Industry Leader of the Year� by the Living Legends of Aviation during a gala held in Beverly Hills, Calif. The prestigious aviation industry award recognizes the professional dedication and motivational leadership qualities embodied by Van

Groundbreaking For New Runway At Ft. Lauderdale International Airport

24 Jan 2012 13:48:19 GMT

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Acting Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta helped break ground on Monday for a $791 million runway expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport which will create thousands of jobs. “This is one of the largest and most important airport construction projects in the country right

New Aviation Consumer Protections Take Effect This Week

24 Jan 2012 13:47:26 GMT

DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement was hard at work in 2011 protecting the interests of the flying public. As part of the final provisions of a rulemaking the Department of Transportation (DOT) made last year, airlines and ticket agents are now required to publish all additional taxes and fees for airfares as well as disclose

GE Reports $200 Billion In Jet Engine Backlog, Largest In Company History

23 Jan 2012 16:58:55 GMT

General Electric reported fourth quarter financial results and one number that jumped out was the staggering size of the company�s backlog, $200 billion in orders and commitments, the largest in GE history. What are some of the products in high demand? Start with GE Aviation. The world�s largest and most powerful commercial jet engine, GE90, has had its most successful year in 2011. Airlines and freighter operators ordered 400 of the engines valued at $11

Raytheon Upgrades National Weather Service Forecasting System

23 Jan 2012 16:58:01 GMT

The next generation of the National Weather Services' (NWS) Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), which was developed, tested and fielded by Raytheon Company, is now operational at the NWS Omaha Weather Forecast Office. As the first of 135 forecast sites to upgrade to the new system, this successful implementation initiates

EU Aviation Safety Agency Calls For An Immediate Inspection Of The A380

22 Jan 2012 14:35:45 GMT

On Friday the European Aviation Safety Agency issued an airworthiness directive (AD) on the Airbus A380. The European Aviation Safety Agency is requiring owners and operators of Airbus A380 superjumbo jets after perform a detailed visual inspection of the wing rib feet" the metal brackets that connect the wing's ribs to its skin after Airbus found

NTSB Cites ATC Error In Near Mid-Air Collision Over Gulfport Airport

22 Jan 2012 14:35:26 GMT

The NTSB cited an operational error by a tower air traffic controller as the probable cause of a near mid-air collision involving a commercial jetliner and a small private plane over the Gulfport-Biloxi airport.�On Sunday, June 19, 2011, at 12:35 p.m. CDT at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, a Cessna 172, N54120 was cleared for takeoff on runway 18

Air Force Reinstates High-Altitude Rules Based On Human Performance Lab Data

22 Jan 2012 14:35:05 GMT

Airmen undergoing their fitness tests at high-altitude bases can breathe easier during fitness testing thanks to the efforts of Air Force Academy leaders and the Human Performance Laboratory.�Changes to the Air Force Fitness testing program in 2010 didn't include an altitude adjustment, as the previous

Tuskegee Airman Laid To Rest At Arlington

22 Jan 2012 14:34:42 GMT

Family members, friends and fellow service members gathered on Friday to honor the life and contributions of an original Tuskegee Airmen. Retired Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, 90, a member of the 302nd Fighter Squadron during World War II, received full military honors including an F-16 Fighting Falcon flyover by 113th Wing, an Air National Guard unit of Washington, D.C. "The Tuskegee

FAA Breaks Ground For New Air Traffic Control Tower At A Fort Lauderdale Airport

19 Jan 2012 15:28:36 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) yesterday broke ground for a new $16.4 million, state-of-the-art airport traffic control tower at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The new tower, equipped with the latest radar, communications and weather technology, will enable air traffic controllers to continue to provide the safest, most efficient service to flights at the busy South Florida airport

UPS, Fedex Face Antitrust Court Date Over Price Fixing, Collusion Charges

19 Jan 2012 15:27:51 GMT

In a positive move forward for parcel shippers and their consultants, defendants United Parcel Service Co. (UPS) and FedEx Corporation (FedEx) have answered a complaint alleging antitrust violations filed by AFMS LLC. In addition, the parties have agreed to a trial date, pending court approval, of June 18, 2013. AFMS is an independent

ATR Shows Strong Growth For 2011 In The Regional Aircraft Market

19 Jan 2012 15:26:57 GMT

The Italian-French aircraft manufacturer ATR�s 2011 results attest to the structural changes in the regional transport market, making ATRs the new reference in this sector. ATRs represented more than 80% of regional airplane sales in 2011, confirming the domination of turboprop aircraft on regional routes. Their low fuel consumption, combined with comfort

Boeing's Wideband Global SATCON Satellite To Be Launch Later Today

19 Jan 2012 15:26:18 GMT

Boeing fourth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite the company delivered to the U.S. Air Force has successfully completed prelaunch testing and is ready for launch. WGS-4, the first spacecraft in the program's upgraded Block II series, is scheduled to launch today at 7:38 p.m. aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

OSHA Orders Airtran Airways To Reinstate Pilot Under The Whistleblower Act

18 Jan 2012 13:40:22 GMT

Air Traffic Controller May Serve More Than 20 Years In A Workers� Comp Case

18 Jan 2012 13:39:41 GMT

Raymond Elmo Deskins, III, 52, of Potomac Falls, Virginia, a former air traffic controller who has received nearly $700,000 in federal workers� compensation benefits, was convicted on Friday afternoon by a federal jury on mail fraud and false statements charges for his failure to disclose work activities in the construction industry to the Department of

Airbus Sets Company Record In Aircraft Sales And Deliveries For 2011

17 Jan 2012 14:19:05 GMT

Airbus delivered 534 commercial aircraft to 88 customers (10 new) and booked 1,419 net orders in 2011, making it the most successful year in the company�s history, and the 10th in a row with a production increase. The 534 deliveries beat the previous record set in 2010 by 24 aircraft. Deliveries include a new record for 421 single aisle aircraft (401 in 2010)

Oliver VTOL To Build Commercial Version Of The "Hexplane"

17 Jan 2012 14:18:29 GMT

Oliver VTOL announced a commercial concept of its "Hexplane," an innovative six-engine vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that holds the promise to fly faster, further and safer than any VTOL in the industry. The commercial Hexplane concept, based on a Boeing 737-100 fuselage, has three wings and propulsion units from Bell/Boeing�s V-22 Osprey

Sikorsky Puts Together Supplier Team For S-97 Raider Helicopter Program

17 Jan 2012 14:17:25 GMT

Sikorsky Aircraft has selected 35 companies to join its team assembling two prototype S-97 RAIDER helicopters for evaluation by the U.S. military. Self-funded by Sikorsky and its team members, the RAIDER program will demonstrate the military applications of Sikorsky�s break-through X2 rotorcraft design, which proved its capability in 2010 to double the

Tuskegee Airman Honored During Ceremonial Brass Concert

17 Jan 2012 14:16:44 GMT

A member of the Tuskegee Airmen was honored during a concert by the United States Air Force Band's Ceremonial Brass on Saturday at The First Academy Faith Hall. Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard R. Hall, Jr., a Winter Park native, was attending Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans when he was called to active duty in 1942 to serve with the Tuskegee Airmen. The

Court Denies Airlines Attempt To Stop Bank Loan Guarantees To Air India

15 Jan 2012 17:11:57 GMT

On Friday Judge James E. Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for Washington DC denied Airlines for America, formerly known as the Air Transport Association (ATA) of America injunction to block $3.4 billion loan guarantees to Air India to purchase 30 Boeing aircraft. This case was a collision of interests between domestic airlines, which seek to avoid

Government Withholds Information, Who Is Flying Unmanned Aircraft In The U.S.?

15 Jan 2012 17:11:15 GMT

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed suit on Tuesday against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), demanding data on certifications and authorizations the agency has issued for the operation of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones. Drones are designed to carry surveillance equipment including video cameras, infrared

American Airlines Should Honor Flight Attendants Pension Obligations

15 Jan 2012 17:10:31 GMT

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which represents more than 16,000 American Airlines flight attendants, called on American Airlines to honor its pension obligations to current employees. “We support the PBGC�s call to retain these

Boeing Achieves 737 Production Rate Increase

15 Jan 2012 17:09:56 GMT

Boeing has successfully achieved a production rate of 35 airplanes a month for the Next-Generation 737, with the delivery of the first airplane produced at the new rate to AWAS Aviation Services, Inc. Norwegian Air Shuttle will lease the airplane from AWAS. The 35th airplane to be built at the new rate is on schedule to roll out of the factory

Black Pilots, The Tuskegee Airmen Shattered The Myth In The Movie �Red Tails�

13 Jan 2012 20:09:49 GMT

The George Lucas film, “Red Tails�, about Alabama�s Tuskegee Airmen premieres Friday, January 20, 2012. The storyline follows the lives of the 332nd Fighter Group who are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard played by Oscar nominee Terrence Howard. Howard�s character is loosely based on Tuskegee Airmen commander Benjamin

Air Force Academy Investigates Illegal Drug Use Of 15 Cadets

13 Jan 2012 20:09:00 GMT

The Air Force Academy is investigating approximately 15 cadets for violating a general order prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances other than alcohol, caffeine, tobacco or lawfully used prescribed medications. The Academy issued a general order in April 2010, which applied to all Academy cadets and military members attached to

Killed Highway Patrol Helicopter Pilot Did Not Report His Medical Condition

13 Jan 2012 14:07:28 GMT

NTSB's investigation completed on Missouri Highway Patrol helicopter, Bell 206B JetRanger, N96MP, that crashed near Clarkson Valley, Missouri killing private pilot, Sgt. Joe Schuengel, 47, concluded the helicopter ran out of fuel. Additional findings also indicate the pilot was on antidepressants and other medications that wer not reported

AirAsia X Airlines Pulls Out Of UK Market Over Emissions Trading Scheme

13 Jan 2012 14:06:35 GMT

AirAsia X Airlines, a long haul, low fare affiliate of AirAsia, announced a realignment of its network with a focus on its core markets. The move will see AirAsia X withdrawing services to India (Mumbai and Delhi) and Europe (Paris, London) from its Kuala Lumpur hub. “The continued high jet fuel prices and the weakening demand for air travel from Europe

EU Air Traffic Levels Continue To Be Impacted By Global Economic Recession

13 Jan 2012 14:05:45 GMT

There were 522,959 flights in Irish controlled airspace in 2011, according to statistics published by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This represents a 2% increase on the 513,236 flights recorded in 2010. However, more significantly, the 2011 performance is 13% below the number of flights in 2008, the

Learjet To Expand Wichita Site And Workforce

13 Jan 2012 14:04:45 GMT

Sam Brownback, Kansas Governor, and Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft, on Tuesday announced the details of the further expansion of Bombardier's Learjet site in Wichita. The growth of the site includes the expansion of the Bombardier Flight Test Center, the establishment of a Bombardier Center of Excellence of Engineering and Information Technology

Thousands Of U.S. Aerospace Jobs Threaten By Airline Industry Lawsuit

12 Jan 2012 14:08:18 GMT

A decision is expected soon on a lawsuit filed by an airline industry trade group that has the potential to cost thousands of U.S. aerospace jobs and cripple the work of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The Airlines for America (formerly Air Transport Association Inc.), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, on November 16, 2011, filed

2012 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide Now Available On The iPad

12 Jan 2012 14:06:47 GMT

The 2012 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide is now available on the iPad, if you like the book you're gonna love the iPad app. The photos are stunning. The search feature lets you easily find what you're looking for. The index lets you run down through the island chains to find the island or airport you want. The bookmark feature lets you keep track of your

Alaska Airlines Receives 2012 Joseph S. Murphy Industry Service Award

12 Jan 2012 14:06:06 GMT

Air Transport World magazine has named Alaska Airlines the 2012 winner of its coveted Joseph S. Murphy Industry Service Award for outstanding public and community service. ATW's airline achievement awards, which recognize outstanding performance, innovation and service in commercial aviation, are among the longest running and most prestigious

Lufthansa Airlines To Begin Transatlantic Biosynthetic Fuel Fights

12 Jan 2012 14:05:17 GMT

After a six-month practical trial involving biosynthetic fuel, Lufthansa is pleased to announce the first positive results. In all, 1,187 biofuel flights were operated between Hamburg and Frankfurt. According to initial calculations, CO2 emissions were reduced by 1,471 tons. Total consumption of the biokerosene mix amounted to 1,556 tons. “Our burnFAIR project went off smoothly and

Lockheed EC-121 Super Constellation "Connie� Flies Home To Yanks Air Museum

11 Jan 2012 14:55:40 GMT

A Cold War hero will take to the skies once again as the world�s only flyable Lockheed EC-121 Super Constellation "Connie� flies home to Yanks Air Museum for permanent display on Saturday,

January 14, 2012. The Lockheed Constellation was a propeller-driven aircraft powered by four 18-cylinder radial Wright R-3350 engines. It was built

Government Regulations, Challenges, Impact On Airline Business Revenues

11 Jan 2012 14:54:57 GMT

Government regulation regarding airport security, emissions and taxes is one of top issues negatively impacting global airlines� revenues over the next 18 months. This is according to a bi-annual Sabre Airline Solutions survey of executives at nearly 80 regional and global airlines worldwide who were asked to rank what positively and negatively

Spirit Aerosystems Delivers First A350 XWB Center Fuselage To Airbus

11 Jan 2012 14:54:16 GMT

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. has successfully delivered its first composite center fuselage section for the Airbus A350 XWB program. The upper and forward lower shell (Section 15) composite fuselage panels were joined in Spirit's Saint-Nazaire, France, facility before being delivered to Airbus. Spirit is the world's largest independent supplier of commercial airplane

UK CAA Warns If Consumer Aviation Policy Not Put In Place Passengers Will Suffer

11 Jan 2012 14:53:27 GMT

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has advised the Government that without a credible, long-term Aviation Policy Framework that focuses on consumers, not airlines or airports, and allows capacity to develop sustainably, it is likely that prices will rise, route choice will drop and the UK economy will suffer. Andrew Haines, CAA Chief Executive, said: “Additional capacity

OAG Projects Air Passenger Fares May Rise Up To 5.2% As A Result Of EU�s ETS

10 Jan 2012 14:41:28 GMT

OAG, the global leader in aviation intelligence and a UBM Aviation brand, on Monday released the latest in its series of Aviation Market Reports. This new report explores the implications of the European Union�s Emissions Trading Scheme for the aviation industry. Airlines operating flights within Europe become subject to the EU ETS initiative this

Prosecutor Investigating Poland�s Presidents Plane Crash Attempts Suicide

10 Jan 2012 14:40:36 GMT

Mikolaj Przybyl a Polish military Prosecutor General in Poznan shot himself after cutting short a news conference in which he defended the work of his office investigation into leaks related to the plane crash that killed Poland's president, Lech Aleksander Kaczynski on April 10, 2010 and planned reforms to put military prosecutors

NCCU Dean And Tuskegee Airman, Dr. Stewart B. Fulbright Dies At 91

10 Jan 2012 14:39:24 GMT

Dr. Stewart B. Fulbright, 92, a Tuskegee Airman during World War II who later became the first dean of the School of Business at North Carolina Central University, died in Durham on January 1. Born in Springfield, Mo., in 1919, Dr. Fulbright attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., graduating in 1941 with a bachelor�s degree in French. He remained at Lincoln as an instructor in French. In early 1943

ITT Exelis Forms Leadership Team To Build FAA�s NextGen Communications System

10 Jan 2012 14:38:34 GMT

ITT Exelis has announced its pursuit team for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration�s (FAA) Data Communications Integrated Services (DCIS) contract. DCIS is the second major step in building NextGen, the FAA�s comprehensive, long-term plan to modernize today�s radar-based air traffic control system with satellite-based surveillance and navigation and new ground technologies. It will allow planes to

EU Aircraft Operators Call For Fair And Equitable Implementation Of EU ETS

9 Jan 2012 15:27:19 GMT

The European aviation business community renews its support for market-based measures on entry into the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), as part of a multi-prong approach to mitigating the rise of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. However the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) warns that this support should

Murder Suicide By Navy Pilot New Years Day Writes Disturbing Comments

9 Jan 2012 15:26:40 GMT

San Diego Sheriff's Homicide investigators continue with the investigation into the shooting that took place on Park Place in Coronado which left four people dead in a murder-suicide in the early morning hours of New Year's Day. At about 2:20 AM, January 1, 2012, David Andrew Reis age 25, a Navy pilot, Karen Elizabeth Reis sister to David age 24, and

Eurocopter's EC175 Exceeds Targets With A 30 Percent Increase In Performance

9 Jan 2012 15:25:49 GMT

In releasing EC175 enhanced performance specifications, Eurocopter announced a baseline payload/radius-of-action capacity with 16 passengers at 135 nautical miles when configured for offshore oil and gas missions, out-performing any medium-lift helicopter on the market in terms of competitiveness. This represents a 30 percent performance increase compared with the initial performance baseline. For longer

Balloon Accident Kills 11, One Of New Zealand�s Deadliest Air Accidents In History

8 Jan 2012 16:53:03 GMT

A Cameron A-210 hot air balloon operated by Early Morning Balloons carrying 11 people crashed into power lines and then caught fire killing all onboard on Saturday in a rural town of Clareville near the township of Carterton, New Zealand. This was New Zealand�s deadliest air crash in nearly 50 years.

Coast Guard, Bahamian Officials Locate Downed Aircraft And Its Crew

8 Jan 2012 15:10:19 GMT

Coast Guard crews, and partner agencies respond to a downed single engine Cirrus type aircraft with two people aboard in the waters approximately 2 miles west of Andros, Bahamas, Saturday. Richard McGlaughlin, 59, and Elaine McGlaughlin, 25, made a distress call over the radio stating their aircraft was going down due to engine

Illegally Smuggled Military Aircraft, AD-4N Skyraider To End Up At Naval Museum

8 Jan 2012 15:09:59 GMT

A federal judge in Alabama has issued a forfeiture order for a Douglas AD-4N Skyraider aircraft after an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) determined that it had been smuggled into the United States illegally.�On Dec. 21, Judge William M. Acker, Jr., U.S. District Judge for

New Law Eases Airport Screening For Troops, Families

8 Jan 2012 15:09:38 GMT

President Barack Obama signed a bill into law to streamline airport screening procedures for service members and their families traveling on official orders. The Risk-based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act gives the Transportation Security Administration six months to develop and implement a plan to expedite screening services for

New Mexico And Its 'Air' Roots

8 Jan 2012 15:09:16 GMT

On Friday the state of New Mexico celebrated its centennial. Though the Air Force officially made its appearance in the Tularosa Basin in February 1942 with the construction of Alamogordo Army Airfield, the air power roots of America were established only 150 miles from Holloman four years after New Mexico's admittance into the union in 1912 as the 47th state.�America's first deployment and operational use of military air power did

Boeing Expects 2012 To Be "Year Of The 737 Max"

5 Jan 2012 18:08:44 GMT

Boeing booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011, fueled by a late flurry of record-breaking deals. The company also delivered 477 airplanes, ending the year with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfilled commercial orders. "This past year was one of the most exciting and important years in Boeing's history," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "By placing record orders

Buffalo Airport TSA Worker Sentenced On Corruption Charges

5 Jan 2012 18:07:51 GMT

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced that Minnetta Walker, 44, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by one year supervised released, by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who

MSP International Airport�s Terminal 1-Lindbergh Turns 50

5 Jan 2012 18:07:16 GMT

Minneapolis, St. Paul (MSP) International Airport�s Terminal 1-Lindbergh celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, a monument to the sweeping changes that have altered aviation, the airport and world as a whole in the past five decades. “When the terminal opened in January 1962, the aviation industry was still highly regulated, commercial air fares

Boeing To Close Witchita Facility By The End Of 2013

5 Jan 2012 18:06:21 GMT

The Boeing Company announced that the Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) facility in Wichita will close by the end of 2013. The Wichita facility currently employs more than 2,160 employees. "The decision to close our Wichita facility was difficult but ultimately was based on a thorough study of the current and future market environment and our ability to remain competitive

US Airways Pilots Express Concern Over The FAA's New Rest Rules

28 Dec 2011 15:47:15 GMT

The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), representing the pilots of US Airways, expresses concerns over the new FAA Flight and Duty Time rule addressing pilot crew rest. The new rule is the result of efforts to address pilot fatigue, brought to light primarily as a result of the fatal accident of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in Buffalo, NY that occurred in May 2009

Customs And Border Protection Receives Fourth Predator-B In Arizona

28 Dec 2011 15:46:26 GMT

U.S. Customs and Border Protection received an unmanned aircraft on Tuesday, the fourth at National Air Security Operations Center in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Flights performed from this location will provide critical aerial surveillance to CBP border security personnel on the ground along the Southwest border. The arrival of the Predator-B

IATA Disappointed With EU Court Decision On ETS

27 Dec 2011 16:33:14 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed disappointment in last weeks decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) which upheld European Union (EU) plans to include international aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) from 2012. The CJEU decision represents a European legal interpretation of EU ETS

UPS Pilots File An Appeals Challenge To FAA Final Flight & Duty Rule

27 Dec 2011 16:32:54 GMT

The Independent Pilots Association (UPS pilots) filed a Petition for Review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in order to challenge FAA's exclusion of cargo operations from the final flight and duty time rule issued last week.�“The IPA seeks to have cargo operations included within the scope of the rule because of the safety benefits

Boeing 787 Achieves Weight On Wheels Milestone

21 Dec 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Boeing announced Tuesday that its first South Carolina-built 787 put weight on wheels for the first time on December 18. "Our Boeing South Carolina team has achieved another significant milestone, putting weight on wheels," said Jack Jones, Boeing South Carolina vice president and general manager. "This is a result of both great local talent and dedication and talent and knowledge assembled from across

Sikorsky S-76D Helicopter To Be Equipped With Thales Topdeck Avionics Suite

21 Dec 2011 05:01:01 GMT

The Thales TopDeck avionics suite to be installed in Sikorsky�s new S-76D helicopter will offer new “click to fly� ability based on a concept that has never been installed on a helicopter before: the Icube-S concept of Intuitivity, Interactivity, Integration and Safety. The S-76D helicopter is the newest model in the popular S-76® helicopter series manufactured

19 Year Old New Yorker Caught Smuggling Cocaine In Shoes At Airport

21 Dec 2011 05:01:01 GMT

A New York resident was arrested Monday at the George Bush Intercon. Airport for being in possession of 1.38 kilograms (three pounds) of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas. The investigation is being conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland

InFlight 911 Offers Audio Video Feed To ATC During Aircraft Emergencies

21 Dec 2011 05:01:00 GMT

InFlight Labs announced it is adding the industry�s first aircraft-wide InFlight 911 Audio Video Recording System to its InFlight Emergency Services portfolio. "The new product, InFlight 911 Recorder is a major step forward in passenger safety, counterterrorism and aviation security,� said Jay Bekanich

The Last Gulfstream G200 Rolls Off Production Line

20 Dec 2011 22:18:56 GMT

Capping a 14-year production run, the last super mid-size Gulfstream G200 business jet the 250th has rolled off the production line in Dallas. It will be replaced in the Gulfstream fleet by the all-new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G280, which is scheduled to enter service in the first part of 2012. The G200 was the first super mid-size business jet to enter the marketplace. It rolled out in 1997 and was

Pilot Sentenced In Marijuana Smuggling On Private Plane From Texas To Florida

20 Dec 2011 22:18:16 GMT

A Florida man was sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lake County, Florida, Sheriff's Office. Randall C. Starcher, 44

Family Of Five Killed In Plane Crash In Edge Texas Weather Was Likely A Factor

20 Dec 2011 17:15:54 GMT

On Monday night about 10 PM a single-engine airplane, a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six (N3590T), crashed killing all five onboard in central Texas. Authorities report severe weather had been moving through the area and may have been a factor in the plane crash. Among the dead are the pilot owner of the Cherokee Six, Michael Dustin Butler

US Airways Employees Pledged $1.2 Million For United Way�s �Hope Takes Flight�

20 Dec 2011 17:15:09 GMT

US Airways� 32,000 employees pledged more than $1.2 million to the airline�s annual “Hope Takes Flight� campaign to benefit the United Way. This year�s campaign, which ran between Sept. 23 and Nov. 13, contributed to the nearly $9.5 million US Airways employees have raised for United Way since 2000. The United Way works to address health

Imams' Suit Accuses Delta And Atlantic Southeast Airlines Of Passenger Profiling

20 Dec 2011 14:06:33 GMT

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and United Firm of Carolina Law (UFC Law) have filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines for removing two Islamic religious leaders, or imams, from a flight to a conference on Islamophobia in Charlotte, N.C., earlier this year after the pilot refused to fly with them on board

This Holiday 2 Out Of 5 Air Passengers Wish For Other Form Of Transportation

20 Dec 2011 14:05:41 GMT

A new survey by the U.S. Travel Association shows frustrations remain high this travel season, so high that two out of every five air passengers would rather not fly. The U.S. Travel Association says travelers should ask for two gifts from the airlines and TSA. First, TSA should expand its PreCheck trusted traveler program to allow more travelers an efficient

Fitch Ratings Reports Stormy Forecast For Some Airports In 2012

19 Dec 2011 15:33:07 GMT

A Securities and Exchange Commission approved statistical rating organization, Fitch Ratings, predicts flat or nominal traffic growth for most airports in 2012. The sector faces headwinds in the form of carriers restraining capacity and macroeconomic pressures. Some are dealing with the last operational changes attributable to the mergers between United and Continental and Southwest and Airtran. Still

Shot Down U-2 Pilot Francis Gary Powers To Be Awarded The Silver Star

19 Dec 2011 15:32:14 GMT

The United Stats Air Force will award the Silver Star, posthumously to Francis Gary Powers for valor in the face of the enemy when his U-2 spy plane was shot down on May 1, 1960, while flying a reconnaissance mission over Soviet Union airspace. Powers� son, Francis Gary Powers Jr. had made a request to the Air Force that his father be

�The Little Engine That Could� To Power The Thrush 510G Airplane

19 Dec 2011 15:31:31 GMT

When GE Aviation acquired the Czech airplane engine maker Walter Motors four years ago, Walter was an 80-year old turboprop business with some glorious history and top engineering talent. Walter�s workhorse product was the M601 engine. There were some 1,500 of them in service around the world, accumulating 17 million flight hours. But the M601 was

Colton Harris-Moore "Barefoot Bandit" Wrote Letter To Judge Offering Insight Into His Crime Spree

18 Dec 2011 15:36:52 GMT

Colton Harris-Moore 20, of Camano Island, Washington, who became know as the "Barefoot Bandit" wrote a letter to both Judge Richard Jones, Judge Vikki Churchill in which Harris-Moore gives a personal account into his behaviors, offering insight into what lead him to his criminal spree in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States to Indiana, ending in the Bahamas. In his letter Harris-Moore�s speaks to his behaviors, some lesions learned and his emotional

Compass Airlines Flight Attendant Sentenced 7 Years In Bathroom Fire

18 Dec 2011 14:06:06 GMT

A former flight attendant with Compass Airlines, Eder Rojas, 23, of Woodbury, Minnesota was sentenced in United States District Court in Fargo, North Dakota, Friday to more than six years in prison by U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson for setting fire to an airplane bathroom while in-flight. In addition he was ordered to pay back more than $100,000, the

11 Million Verdict Against Winner Aviation For Negligence Resulting In Plane Crash

18 Dec 2011 14:05:15 GMT

One of the largest air crash disaster verdicts was handed down on Wednesday, by a Philadelphia jury, which awarded $11.35 million in compensatory damages to Dr. Robert Marisco Jr. and his fiancee Heather Moran, both of Akron, Ohio, in an action against Winner Aviation Corporation. Dr. Marsico and Ms. Moran were represented by the Wolk Law Firm

Air Transat, World's First Certified Green Airline

18 Dec 2011 14:04:25 GMT

Air Transat, a Montreal-based airline, is the world's first certified green airline. The certification named Fly-360-Green consists of a comprehensive rating system for the design, innovation and operation of highly sustainable airlines and airports. Developed by the World Green Aviation Council, formerly known as Greenhorizon Aviation, Fly-360-Green is intended to provide the airline industry and the airports

UK, Difficult Economic Times Reflected In November Airline Traffic Figures

18 Dec 2011 14:03:38 GMT

IAA commercial terminal traffic figures for Shannon, Dublin and Cork airports dropped by 5.5% in November 2011, when compared to November 2010. Individually, the November 2011 figures for the three State airports, when compared to the same month in the previous year are; Commercial terminal flights at Dublin were down by 4.1%, with an average of 366 daily movements. Commercial terminal flights at Cork were down

Fort Lauderdale Men Arrested In $6 Million Aircraft Parts Ponzi Scheme

17 Dec 2011 15:34:02 GMT

On Wednesday Victor Brown, 54, of Hollywood, Florida and Roger Green, 78, of Stuart, Florida were taken into custody on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit first-degree racketeering. It is alleged that both men set up a scheme where they would bring in investors, tell them they were selling C-130 aircraft parts worldwide

Alaska Airlines Passenger Wenty The Cat Has Been Found Reunited With Owner

17 Dec 2011 15:32:52 GMT

A four-legged Alaska Airlines passenger who had escaped his pet carrier was found recently safe, sound and a little bit greasy after a two-day search at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Wenty, a grey and white male cat, was traveling with its owner on Friday, December 2, from Tucson, Ariz., to Seattle, but when his owner claimed the pet carrier

Colton Harris-Moore The "Barefoot Bandit" Sentenced To Seven Years

17 Dec 2011 15:32:03 GMT

Colton Harris-Moore, the "Barefoot Bandit," 20, of Camano Island, Washington, was sentenced on Friday in Island County Superior Court to more than seven years in prison after waving his right to a trial. Harris-Moore lengthy crime spree took him

Watertown Man Charged With Disrupting Flight To Amsterdam

17 Dec 2011 15:31:13 GMT

A Watertown man was charged this week with disrupting an Amsterdam bound flight from Boston�s Logan International Airport, last month. In a criminal complaint issued on Dec. 12, Kurt Haberstroh, 20, was charged with interfering with the performance of duties of a flight crew

AIAA Designated Space Park Facilities A Historic Aerospace Site

16 Dec 2011 15:23:36 GMT

In a ceremony on Wednesday, the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) designated Northrop Grumman Corporation's Space Park facilities in Redondo Beach, Calif., a Historic Aerospace Site. Space Park opened in 1961, originally housing Space Technology Laboratories, a subsidiary of the Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation. The company

Interference Confirmed, Lightsquared Offers Concession To GPS Industry

16 Dec 2011 15:22:31 GMT

It's official. The federal government has confirmed previously leaked reports that tests conducted by a joint Technical Working Group show that signals from a proposed nationwide wireless broadband network interfered with the majority of commercial GPS receivers tested. LightSquared has been quick to respond with an olive branch of sorts

Jonee Lynn Helms, FAA Administrator During The ATC Strike In 1981 Dies At 86

14 Dec 2011 23:55:41 GMT

Former Federal Aviation Administration, Administrator, Jonee Lynn Helms died at his home in Westport, Connecticut on Sunday of cardiopulmonary failure and complications from pneumonia. Helms was a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, former President of Piper Aircraft Corp. and is most recognized for the years in which he served as

TSA Begins Expedited Screening At McCarran International Airport

14 Dec 2011 23:54:57 GMT

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole announced on Wednesday the start of TSA Pre operations at Las Vegas� McCarran International Airport, and that US Airways will offer TSA Pre to eligible passengers in early 2012. These initiatives mark the implementation of more key components of the agency�s intelligence-driven

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Caucus Members Receive More PAC Money

14 Dec 2011 17:05:00 GMT

According to a joint analysis of campaign finance data by the Center for Responsive Politics and the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) a new report shows House members of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Caucus received more than double in PAC monies from the primary contractors of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program than House

Boeing B-52 CONECT System Completes Flight Test Milestone

14 Dec 2011 17:04:07 GMT

Boeing on Monday completed all flight testing needed for the B-52 Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) program to receive low rate initial production (LRIP) authorization from the U.S. Air Force. The flight test program was conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., by Boeing and the Air Force. “Completion of the LRIP flight test phase

Fed Ordered To Pay In ATC's Negligence Which Result In The Death Of Pilot

14 Dec 2011 01:08:30 GMT

Miami, Florida District Court Judge Edwin G. Torres has ordered the Unites States to pay the family of Michael Zinn, 52, $4.4 million as a result of a Miami's Air Route Traffic Control Center air traffic controller's negligence which was partially the cause of Zinn's death when his airplane crashed back in October 2005. Judge Torres� ruling supports

Critically Injured Woman Returns To New York, Angel MedFlight Donates Flight

14 Dec 2011 01:07:36 GMT

After being struck by a car in the Virgin Islands, a severely injured Long Island woman is back in New York, thanks to the efforts of her mother, Congressman Tim Bishop and Angel MedFlight. Breem was hit by a car in St. Thomas, suffering a traumatic brain injury and partial paralysis. Kelly Breem suffered a traumatic brain injury Nov. 14

Angel MedFlight Speaks On Medical Aviation�s Safety Practices And NTSB Report

13 Dec 2011 12:47:57 GMT

CEO of international air medical transportation innovator Angel MedFlight remarks on recent National Transportation and Safety Board report, discusses safety disparities among medical aviation operators and explains how medflights differ from commercial air travel. With two deadly accidents making headlines in the same week

Airlines Report Tarmac Delays, 7 Domestic 11 International Flights

13 Dec 2011 12:47:38 GMT

Airlines reported a total of seven tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights and 11 tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights in October, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation�s Air Travel Consumer Report. The larger U.S. airlines have been required to report long tarmac delays on their domestic flights

Alec Baldwin Pokes At American Airlines On SNL After Being Kicked Off Flight

12 Dec 2011 16:56:20 GMT

Actor Alec Baldwin did a comedy sketch on Saturday Night Live after being kicked off an American Airlines flight last Tuesday for getting into a scuffle with a flight attendant over playing the game Words With Friends

Fantasy Flight Brings Joy To Seriously Ill Children

12 Dec 2011 15:01:38 GMT

The holiday season is a time for sharing with family and friends. But, it's also a time for sharing with those in need. Whether its food, winter clothing, or money, many Americans choose this season for giving to others. Others choose to give something we all feel is in short supply, time. And on Saturday, generous volunteers who devote their time, energy, and creativity every year to the United Airlines Fantasy

Mokulele Airlines To Begin Normal Flight Operations

12 Dec 2011 15:00:43 GMT

Mokulele Flight Service, Inc. announces the full restoration of scheduled flight operations as of December 12, 2011. Mokulele voluntarily suspended operations temporarily to permit the Company to complete an internal records audit. Having fully resolved the records review, the Company immediately resumed operations. “We deeply regret the inconvenience that this service disruption caused to our valued

Machinists Leaders And Boeing Negotiated Landmark Agreement

11 Dec 2011 17:27:12 GMT

In April National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint against Boeing, charging the company with illegal retaliation against union demands. The NLRB accused Boeing of taking the 787 Dreamliner work from Washington State and moving it to South Carolina, a right-to-work state. This would allow Boeing to strip the union of its powers

High Ranking Chinese Aviation Official Visits Florida

11 Dec 2011 17:26:51 GMT

The secretary general of one of China�s most successful aviation industrial city complexes visited Central Florida this week seeking economic development partnerships in general aviation. Jin Qian Sheng, secretary general of the China Aviation Industrial Base in Xian, met with economic development and county officials and Enterprise Florida, the state�s public-private economic development organization. Several

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Sets World Record

11 Dec 2011 14:57:19 GMT

Boeing has established two world records with the 787 Dreamliner, setting new marks for both speed and distance for the airplane's weight class. This week, Boeing�s new 787 Dreamliner powered by GE�s GEnx engines took off from Seattle for a record flight to circumnavigate the globe.�The plane stopped only in Dhaka, Bangladesh for two hours of refueling. The flight set two new world records for its weight

Airbus Begins Joining The First A350 XWB Front Fuselage

11 Dec 2011 14:56:52 GMT

Airbus has started joining the first 21-metre long front fuselage section for the A350 XWB in Saint-Nazaire (France). This phase will continue over the coming weeks and once completed, the front fuselage will be transported by Beluga to the A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. This will be the first major section of the A350 XWB to enter the Final Assembly Line.�The front fuselage is made up of the

Deadly Plane Crash Kills Robotics Enthusiasts And Pilot In Sioux Falls

10 Dec 2011 18:07:57 GMT

On Friday three passengers and a pilot departed Sioux Falls Regional Airport (Joe Foss Field) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on a charted flight in a Cessna 421C, N421SY which was owned by S & S Aviation LLC. Just after takeoff the aircraft crashed about one mile west of the airport killing all onboard. Tony Molinaro a Federal Aviation

Engine Problems Likely In Lake Mead Helicopter Crash That Took Five Lives

10 Dec 2011 18:07:02 GMT

On Wednesday evening at approximately 4:45 PM a Eurocopter AS350B2, N37SH, owned by Sundance Helicopters of Las Vegas crashed killing all five people onboard. The Eurocopter went down in the River Mountains bordering Lake Mead in a V-shaped canyon about 150 feet deep, 16 miles east of Las Vegas. Sundance Helicopters, a daily

Coast Guard Pilot Faces Negligent Homicide Charges In Deaths Of Flight Crew

8 Dec 2011 19:57:14 GMT

U.S. Coast Guardsmen Lt. Lance Leone, 31, was charged with negligent homicide, dereliction of duty, destruction of a government helicopter and the deaths of his flight crew when Leone was co-pilot of a Coast Guard Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk, 6017 that crashed at La Push, Washington

Japanese War Fighters, Remembering Pearl Harbor Seventy Years Ago Today

7 Dec 2011 18:00:07 GMT

Seventy years ago today on December 7, 1941, a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor took the lives of more than 2,400 Americans, stunning the nation and catapulting it into war. For the FBI, the attack and the onset of war opened a new chapter in national security

NBAA Releases New Guide On Reimbursement Of Flight Expenses

7 Dec 2011 15:57:58 GMT

The 15-page NBAA Reimbursement of Flight Expenses for Owner-Pilots Handbook is intended to help NBAA Members understand the accommodations and limitations that the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) allow for both private and commercial owner-pilots, including requirements relating to humanitarian or non-profit flights. The National

Northrop Makes Spacecraft Progress For NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

7 Dec 2011 15:57:10 GMT

Northrop Grumman delivered to NASA the flight software that will enable the James Webb Space Telescope to communicate with its ground station nearly a million miles away after it passed formal verification testing. The company is leading the telescope's design and development effort for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt

Sen. Cantwell Calls For Plan To Help Vets Get FAA Certification For Aerospace Jobs

7 Dec 2011 15:08:26 GMT

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security, called on key agencies to streamline the process qualifying veterans� face when obtaining the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification needed to work on civilian aircraft.

California Teen Wins Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award

7 Dec 2011 04:56:45 GMT

Sikorsky Aircraft and By Kids For Kids Co., an organization that inspires kids to be successful inventors, awarded a California teenager the Igor Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award for envisioning a small unmanned helicopter that could carry critical relief supplies and electrical power to the scene of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event

Alec Baldwin Kicked Off An American Airlines Flight Playing Words With Friends

7 Dec 2011 04:55:53 GMT

Actor Alec Baldwin was kicked off an American Airlines flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday. Alec Baldwin tweets, “Flight attendant on American reamed me out 4 playing Words With Friends while we sat at the gate, not moving.� Apparently when all of the passengers boarded the flight and

American Airlines Makes Leadership Changes

6 Dec 2011 16:35:43 GMT

American Airlines today announced the retirements of two company officers, as well as a series of changes to the company's global leadership team. Robert W. Reding, Executive Vice President of Operations and Mark L. Burdette, Vice President � Employee Relations will retire at the end of this month. Monte Ford, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO), has resigned effective December

NASA Measures Low Altitude Greenhouse Gases With Unmanned Aircraft

6 Dec 2011 15:03:39 GMT

For the first time, NASA researchers have demonstrated the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to collect very low altitude airborne measurements of greenhouse gases at several sites in California and Nevada.�As Earth scientists strive to better understand sources and sinks of atmospheric greenhouse gases, a new

Boeing To Further Increase The Monthly Production Rate On The 737-800

6 Dec 2011 15:03:19 GMT

Boeing rolled out its first factory-complete Next-Generation 737 at the production rate of 35 airplanes a month on Sunday. The new 737-800 was towed to nearby Renton Field where Boeing conducts functional testing and first flights for all new airplanes. Though the airplane still must undergo testing and painting, the milestone represents

Amazon Executive Killed In Plane Crash On Mackinaw Island

5 Dec 2011 17:19:45 GMT

On Saturday night just before 8 PM Thomas Phillips, 52, and Joseph Pann Jr, 29, departed St. Ignace, Michigan in a Piper Saratoga aircraft which was owned by Great Lakes Air Inc. for Mackinaw Island. The flight was to be just under 10 minutes. Search and rescue controllers at Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, were contacted by

2011 Cormorant Trophy Awarded, Most Challenging Mountainside Helicopter Rescue

5 Dec 2011 17:19:17 GMT

The daring cliff-side rescue of a lucky British Columbia which pushed both the rescue crew and their search and rescue helicopter to the limits has been selected for this year�s winner of the Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. The Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue recognized the "Canadian civilian, government or military

Pilots Of Horizon Air Will Receive A 2.8 Percent Wage Increase

4 Dec 2011 14:36:13 GMT

Horizon Air and its pilots, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters APA Local 1224, jointly announced that the neutral arbitrator responsible for choosing the 2012-2013 wage structure most appropriate for the Horizon Air pilots has ruled that there should be a 2.8 percent increase for all pilots in 2012 and an additional 1.2 percent

Florida Tech Receives Two Flight Simulators From Emil Perpetual Trust

4 Dec 2011 14:35:54 GMT

A generous donation from the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust brought Florida Institute of Technology two Frasca 242 Piper Seminole Level 5 Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs). The simulators, valued at $350,000 each, are housed in the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research, at Melbourne International Airport, home of FIT

FAA Alternative Energy Investments, Cleaner More Sustainable Jet Fuel

3 Dec 2011 14:42:40 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding $7.7 million in contracts to eight companies to help advance alternative, environmentally-friendly, sustainable sources for commercial jet fuel. The FAA funds are being distributed by the Department of Transportation�s (DOT) John A. Volpe Center. “These new green aviation fuels

Puget Sound Workers To Vote On Deal To Land Boeing�s 737 MAX

3 Dec 2011 14:41:48 GMT

Machinists Union members will vote next week on a four-year contract extension that includes a commitment by the Boeing. to build its 737 MAX passenger jet in Washington state. Leaders of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said the tentative agreement also would ensure continuation of

Boeing Partners To Offer "Street To Right Seat" Pilot Training Program In Africa

2 Dec 2011 16:49:11 GMT

Boeing is expanding its partnerships in Africa, announcing an agreement to jointly offer a comprehensive pilot training program with 43 Air School (Pty) Ltd., Africa's largest flight training organization. The agreement reflects a shared commitment by Boeing and 43 Air School to maintain and enhance aviation safety in Africa and around

Owner Of Blue Diamond Aviation Flight School Arrested On Visa Fraud Charges

2 Dec 2011 16:48:08 GMT

A woman who operates a flight school in La Verne, California, was arrested Wednesday morning on federal charges alleging she oversaw a visa fraud scheme that allowed foreign nationals from Egypt, Sri Lanka and Taiwan to enter the United States for commercial pilot training at her school, even though the school was not approved

Former Executive Of Cielos Airlines Pleads Guilty To Fixing Fuel Surcharge Rates

1 Dec 2011 14:34:01 GMT

A former executive of a Peruvian airline pleaded guilty on Wednesday for his role in a conspiracy to fix surcharges on air cargo shipments from the United States to South and Central America following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Department of Justice announced.�George Gonzalez, former chief commercial officer of Cielos Airlines, a Peruvian air cargo carrier, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the Southern District of Florida to a one count charge of price fixing

Fuel Burn Saver, Sharklet Fitted Airbus A320 Successfully Completes First Flight Test

1 Dec 2011 14:34:01 GMT

Airbus has completed the first flight of the �Sharklet� wing-tip devices on the company�s A320 development aircraft (MSN 001). This milestone marks the start of the early flight-test campaign to capture data for fine-tuning the flight laws, as well as for certification and performance validation.�Sharklets are around 2.5 meters tall and will replace the

American Airlines Passenger Dies After Eating A Chicken Dinner Claims Lawsuit

30 Nov 2011 19:01:49 GMT

A lawsuit has been filed against American Airlines and Sky Chefs for allegedly serving a passenger, Othon Cortes of Miami, a chicken dinner that was contaminated with the deadly bacteria, Clostridium perfringens (formerly known as C. welchii) that resulted in his death. Cortes� wife and daughter are seeking damages in excess of $1 million

CommutAir Pilots Ratify Double-Digit Percentage Pay Increase

30 Nov 2011 19:01:24 GMT

Pilots for the regional airline CommutAir ratified their first-ever union contract on Tuesday, winning double-digit percentage pay increases, improved scheduling rules, more time off and other improvements. Champlain Enterprises, Inc., operating name CommutAir, is an American regional airline with its headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont

A Pilot With A Sordid Past, Authorities Arrest Missing Drug Pilot Barrington Slack

29 Nov 2011 19:26:58 GMT

On Monday about 4 PM, Waller County Sheriff�s Office Deputies and Department of Homeland Security Agents arrested Barrington Carl Slack as he was departing from Carinos Italian Restaurant, East Humble, Texas. Slack, 33 was identified as the pilot of the twin engine aircraft that crashed landed at the Houston Executive Airport in

American Airlines Files Bankruptcy Protection Under Chapter 11

29 Nov 2011 16:49:25 GMT

American Airlines, Inc. announced that its parent company, AMR Corporation, and certain United States-based subsidiaries today voluntarily filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code

Air Transat Lays Off Its Pilots And Outsources To Foreign Pilots

29 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

The Air Transat pilots�, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int�l (ALPA), reacted to the announcement of the layoff of 17 pilots and denounced the airline�s subcontracting strategy which utilizes seasonal foreign workers. Air Transat sent layoff notices to 17 of its pilots. Based in Toronto, and hailing from Quebec, Ontario and

University Professor Caught Viewing Child Pornography On A Delta Flight

29 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Grant Smith a professor at the University of Utah on Monday pleaded not guilty in East Boston District Court to charges filed against him that he was viewing child pornography on his laptop during a flight from Salt Lake City to Boston Logan Airport on Saturday. Bail was set at $75,000.�The Massachusetts State Police said the 47-year-old Grant Smith

Bail Denied For Man Plotting Attack On Gov Buildings With Remote Controlled Aircraft

28 Nov 2011 20:02:48 GMT

Rezwan Ferdaus, a 26-year-old U.S. citizen from Massachusetts accused of plotting to attack U.S. government buildings using explosives-laden remote-control model aircraft was ordered today held without bail on Monday by Federal Judge Timothy Hillman, who ruled he was an "intelligent and troubled young man" that was committed to his cause and a danger

Qantas Airways Drops Red Q Idea, Opportunity To Build Employee Relations

28 Nov 2011 14:40:31 GMT

The collapse of plans to set up a new premium airline in Southeast Asia presents an opportunity to Qantas management to refocus on Qantas operations in Australia

Four Killed In Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Plane Crash At Crystal Lake

27 Nov 2011 17:34:26 GMT

On Saturday morning a single engine Cirrus SR20 airplane departed Marion Municipal Airport, Marion, Indiana with four people onboard. At about 10:25 AM, all four people were killed when the Cirrus SR20 aircraft crashed in a farm field near U.S. Route 14 and North Ridgefield Road near Crystal Lake Airport, McHenry County, Indiana. Crystal Lake is a

One Of Japan�s Largest Airlines All Nippon Airways To Merge With Air Nippon

27 Nov 2011 17:34:08 GMT

All Nippon Airways and Air Nippon announce that, in a decision made at the meetings of their respective Boards of Directors held on November 25, 2011, the companies will merge. Air Nippon (ANK) is a regional airline based in the Shiodome City Center complex in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. A wholly owned subsidiary of All Nippon Airways (ANA)

A Mother's Worse Nightmare, Children Killed In Plane Crash At Superstition Mountains

26 Nov 2011 19:15:11 GMT

On Wednesday a twin-engine Rockwell 690A twin turboprop aircraft, tail number N690SM, had its fuel tanks topped off at its home base Safford Regional Airport (SAD), Safford Arizona. The aircraft departed with its pilot Shawn Perry, 39, copilot Russell Hardy, 31, who is the owner of the aircraft and Ponderosa Aviation, and the company�s

Airbus Begins Final Assembly Of The First A400M For France

26 Nov 2011 19:14:47 GMT

Following the launch of A400M series production last February, Airbus Military has begun final assembly of the first A400M that will be delivered to a customer �the French Air Force. The fuselage for this aircraft, known as MSN7, arrived at the final assembly line in Seville (Spain) on board an Airbus Beluga. The wings and nose arrived some days

Union Leaders Fight Boeing From Moving KC-767 Tanker Program From Wichita

24 Nov 2011 13:43:41 GMT

The union representing engineers at The Boeing Company is calling on the company to honor its commitment to use the Wichita site for the U.S. Air Force KC-767 tanker program in the wake of the recent announcement that the future of the site is under evaluation including the option of closing the facility. Representing 550 engineers

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) To Be Stripped Of Financial Authority

24 Nov 2011 13:42:42 GMT

Passengers' needs are to be put first under new airports legislation published on Wednesday by UK�s Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening. The Civil Aviation Bill will replace the current economic regulation duties of the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with a single primary duty to promote the interests of

Drug Plane Skids Off Runway Pilots Whereabouts Unknown

22 Nov 2011 23:26:03 GMT

On Monday around 7:15 PM a twin engine 1968 Beechcraft 60 aircraft, N523AA, made a hard landing, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft skidded off the runway into the grass at Houston Executive Airport. Airport employees ran over to the accident site to see if anyone was injured but the occupants and the pilot had fled into the woods

Airbus Begins Manufacturing The Wings For The First A350 XWB

22 Nov 2011 23:25:28 GMT

Assembly of the 32 meter long carbon fiber wings for the first A350 XWB (MSN1) has started at Airbus� recently opened “North Factory� in Broughton, UK. Most of the A350 XWB wing is made of light-weight carbon composites, including the upper and lower wing covers, stringers, front and rear spars. The advanced structural designs

Boeing Aircraft Makes Record Sales With A Week To Remember

21 Nov 2011 14:41:11 GMT

Boeing's history-making week has resulted in orders and commitments for 359 airplanes. Boeing has now set a new record for the B-777 orders in a single year with 192 to date.

Gulfstream G650 Receives Provisional Type Certificate

21 Nov 2011 14:40:09 GMT

Gulfstream G650 received its provisional type certificate (PTC) from the Federal Aviation Administration. This clears the way for the company to begin interior completions of the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet in preparation for customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012, as originally

Expressjet Merger Creates World�s Largest Regional Airline

20 Nov 2011 12:32:55 GMT

SkyWest announces its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (“Atlantic Southeast�), and ExpressJet Airlines (“ExpressJet�) a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Southeast, received approval Thursday from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a single operating certificate. This was the final regulatory step for the two

Southwest Airlines Announces New TV Series To Air On TLC

20 Nov 2011 12:31:58 GMT

Southwest Airlines announce production will begin this week on a new series giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at modern air travel, sharing the large-scale operations and personal Customer and Employee stories at Southwest Airlines. The series will air on TLC, and the network has ordered 13 half-hour episodes, which are

OSU Coach Kurt Budke, Assistant Coach Miranda Serna Killed In Plane Crash

19 Nov 2011 15:45:57 GMT

Oklahoma State University women�s basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant women�s basketball coach Miranda Serna were killed along with two others Thursday night in a plane crash. Also killed in the crash were OSU alumni and supporters Olin and Paula Branstetter of Ponca City. Branstetter, age 82, a former state senator

Delta Connection Pilot Locked In Bathroom Another Reminder Of 911

17 Nov 2011 22:35:13 GMT

On Wednesday an Indianapolis based Chautauqua Airlines operating as a Delta flight departed Asheville, North Carolina for La Guardia International Airport, New York with 14 passengers. Upon approaching New York, ATC instructed the pilots flying the Embraer 145 commuter jet, Flight 6132 that they could expect a holding pattern before landing

Southwest Passenger Sues Airline For Failing To Honor 45 Free Drinks

17 Nov 2011 22:34:21 GMT

Adam Levitt from Illinois, a frequent flyer of Southwest Airlines filed a class action lawsuit (Adam J. Levitt V. Southwest Airlines Case: 1:11-cv-08176 U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois) on Wednesday against the carrier for failing to honor his free alcoholic drink coupons which was an incentive for purchasing a premium-priced "Business Select" ticket

ICE Deports Man Who Killed 2 During JFK Airport Hostage Standoff

17 Nov 2011 16:43:55 GMT

A former lawful permanent resident, Luis Robinson who was once an enlisted member of the U.S. Navy, was deported Wednesday to Panama. He had killed two people during a 1977 hostage standoff at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York

Coast Guard Orchestrates Plane Ditching In Pacific Ocean, Pilot Rescued

17 Nov 2011 14:00:40 GMT

The Big Island of Hawaii lies in the center of the vast Pacific Ocean more than 2,500 miles from the nearest point of land. Yet despite its remoteness, dozens of aircraft of all sizes make the long flight each day without issue. For one pilot flying from California in a small twin engine Cessna 310, this was a routine well planned flight.�Traveling at an

Airlines Take Legal Action To Stop $3.4 Billion In Loan Guarantees To Air India

17 Nov 2011 14:00:13 GMT

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, filed suit against the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) to halt a pending deal for $3.4 billion in loan guarantees for aircraft financing to Air India, saying that it fails to meet statutory requirements, including

Mesa Sells Off Mokulele Flight Services To Transpac Aviation

18 Nov 2011 01:14:55 GMT

Mesa Air Group announced the sale of Mokulele Flight Services, Inc., its inter-island turboprop service operating four, nine seat, Cessna Caravan aircraft to Scottsdale, Arizona based Transpac Aviation, Inc. Mesa will continue to operate its jet inter-island service

Delta Air Lines Blocks Important Health Ad On In-flight Programming

16 Nov 2011 20:07:03 GMT

The non-profit National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) is calling public pressure placed on Delta Air Lines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to censor an NVIC video about flu prevention an “act of intimidation� to block public access to full and accurate health information about influenza

EU Adopts Tough Rules On The Use Of Security Scanners At Airports

16 Nov 2011 15:26:08 GMT

The European Commission has adopted on Monday a proposal for an European Union legal framework on security scanners. This legislation allows airports and Member States that wish to use security scanners for the screening of passengers to do so under strict operational and technical conditions.�Member States have been testing

GE Aviation Signed Deals Valued At $12 Billion In Engines And Services

16 Nov 2011 15:25:49 GMT

GE Aviation has signed new engine orders and service agreements valued at $11.9 billion at the Dubai Air Show. The company also announced that it would design and build a $120 million engine overhaul facility for Emirates airline in Dubai.�The orders include a $6 billion engine and service contract to power Emirates� 50 new Boeing 777-300ER

Boeing Projects $350 Billion Market For Airplanes In The Middle East

15 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Boeing forecasts that airlines in the Middle East will need an estimated 2,520 airplanes worth $450 billion by 2030. The forecast comes as the region's carriers continue to surpass global air traffic and capacity growth rates. Boeing estimates that the Middle East's fleet of passenger airplanes will grow from a current fleet of 1,040 airplanes to a projected 2,710 airplanes, an increase of 160 percent

Auction Opened For Slots At New York And Washington Airports

15 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Bidding by airlines for the authority to take off and land at New York LaGuardia and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport begins yesterday, under the terms of a decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that will allow Delta Air Lines, Inc. and US Airways, Inc. to exchange some of their operating authorities at the two

UK Civil Aviation Authority Publishes Standards On ATOL Reform

15 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Monday published an Information Paper for the tour operator industry regarding proposed reforms to the Air Travel Organizers' Licensing (ATOL) scheme, which provides financial protection for holidaymakers. Air Travel Organizers' Licensing

Travel Association Commends The Obama Admin For Signing APEC Legislation

15 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

The U.S. Travel Association expressed its strong support for the robust travel facilitation agenda pursued by the Obama Administration as part of its hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders� summit in Honolulu. The U.S. Travel Association expressed its strong support for the robust travel

Medrar Financial Acquires Diamond Aircraft

14 Nov 2011 17:31:38 GMT

Medrar Financial Group and Diamond Aircraft Holdings have announced on Monday that an agreement has been signed for the acquisition of a majority interest of Diamond Aircraft Holdings, Canada

DOT Sends Out Clear Message To Airlines Regarding Tarmac Delay Rule

14 Nov 2011 15:58:56 GMT

November In April 2010, Department of Transportation (DOT) put a three-hour tarmac delay rule in place to protect airline passengers. And more than a year later, as we head into the holiday travel season, DOT reports the rule is working to keep extended tarmac delays at a minimum.

Couple Bound For Houston Sues AirTran Airways For Cockroach Infestation

14 Nov 2011 14:07:16 GMT

Charlotte based attorney Harry Marsh, and his fianc�e, Kaitlin Rush a couple from North Carolina are suing AirTran Airways, in their suite they are claiming that the September 15th, Houston bound fight that they were on was infested with cockroaches. Marsh and Rush claimed that cockroaches could be seen coming out of air

Airtran Airways Will Cease Operations At Several Airports Next Year

14 Nov 2011 14:06:54 GMT

AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines told its Employees on Friday that its operations will cease in June 2012 at the following airports: Knoxville�s McGhee Tyson Airport, Miami International, Central Illinois Regional Airport Bloomington Normal, Ill., Charleston�s Yeager Airport in West Virginia (CRW), and

Aerospace Designer Burt Rutan Hailed For Lifetime Of Achievement

13 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Burt Rutan, legendary aerospace designer and founder of Scaled Composites, was presented Flightglobal's Lifetime Achievement Award for bringing to life some of the world's most unique and innovative aircraft leading to long-range flight breakthroughs and the beginning of commercial space travel.�Flightglobal, part of Flight International

NTSB Orders Pinnacle Airlines Turn Over Emails On Pilots In The Colgan Air Crash

13 Nov 2011 05:01:01 GMT

In 2009, a Colgan Air Bombardier operating as Continental Connection crashed on an instrument approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Buffalo, New York all 47 people onboard were killed. The NTSB investigated the crash and had issued its report. The investigation was a lengthy process which included testimony

Mexico�s Secretary Of The Interior And Drug Czar Killed In Helicopter Crash

12 Nov 2011 19:35:50 GMT

Mexico�s Secretary of the Interior Jose Francisco Blake Mora died on Friday in a helicopter crash along with eight other people just outside Mexico City when his helicopter an Aerospatiale Super Puma crashed under heavy fog conditions in a mountainous area of Chalco. Mora was Mexico's top cabinet secretaries and a key figure in

Coalition Warns If LightSquared Moves Forward There Will Be GPS Disruption

12 Nov 2011 19:34:59 GMT

Representatives of the Coalition to Save Our GPS on told the Space Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) National Advisory Board that if LightSquared is allowed to proceed with the its plans to establish a high powered terrestrial broadband network in spectrum long reserved for satellite transmissions the costs and

ORBIS International Brings World�s Only Flying Eye Hospital To Memphis

11 Nov 2011 13:59:04 GMT

ORBIS International, a leading global organization dedicated to saving sight worldwide, makes its final U.S. stop in Memphis as part of the North American Goodwill Tour. The tour kicked off earlier this year in Los Angeles with the announcement by FedEx of a new 5-year, $5.375 million commitment to ORBIS in the form of

Airbus Discontinues A340 And A350 Sees Further Delays

11 Nov 2011 13:57:52 GMT

Airbus has reported that it will push back plans for market entry of the A350 XWB for as much as six months due to difficulties in getting aircraft parts. This is the second delay for the aircraft manufacturer, attempting to avoid the same mistakes it made with the A380 double-decker program. The A350 will be the first Airbus with both fuselage and wing structures made primarily of carbon fiber

FAA Launches "Report Wildlife Strikes" A General Aviation Wildlife Outreach

10 Nov 2011 15:31:13 GMT

The FAA recently launched a wildlife poster outreach campaign for the general aviation (GA) community; pilots, airport sponsors, mechanics, engine manufacturers, students at aviation schools, and aviation organizations to increase wildlife strike reporting among this important segment of aviation. For the last 50 years, the FAA has

Ipad Update Leads To Missing Charts For Pilots

10 Nov 2011 15:20:52 GMT

A recent operating system update for Apple's immensely popular iPad tablet computer left many pilots dismayed to learn they were missing some very important files and applications, and that doesn�t include "Angry Birds."�Within days after Apple released its iOS 5 update on October 12, several pilots with aeronautical charts and other flight information downloaded onto their iPads discovered some

Two U.S. Commercial Airlines Make History By Flying Fights On Biofuel Blends

9 Nov 2011 14:15:50 GMT

Aviation fans are fond of recalling great milestones in the industry. December 17, 1903: the Wright brothers took off from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. May 21, 1927: Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris, completing the first transatlantic flight. October 14, 1947: Chuck Yeager officially broke the sound barrier. As aviation technology

RAF Aerobatic Team Pilot Killed When Ejected From Aircraft While On The Ground

9 Nov 2011 14:15:33 GMT

Capt Blake of the Royal Air Force has confirmed that on Tuesday there was a ground incident involving one of the RAF Aerobatic Team BAE Hawk T1 aircraft that resulted in the death of a pilot, Lieutenant Sean Cunningham. The pilot was accidentally ejected from the aircraft while the aircraft was on the ground. The accident happened at the

Secret Spy Satellite Work Declassified

9 Nov 2011 14:15:14 GMT

In September 2011, the world at large learned that some 250 GE engineers and manufacturing workers were honored by a U.S. president. That president was Ronald Regan and his presidential commendation took place 17 years ago, in August 1984.�The reason for the delay was the workers�s top-secret mission, which was only just declassified: they were building

CBP Finds Incendiary Device At Chicago's O'Hare Airport Bound For Japan

9 Nov 2011 14:14:56 GMT

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Chicago's O'Hare Airport on Monday made an interesting discovery in outbound mail of a live Vietnam-era military incendiary device that was being shipped on a flight to Japan. CBP officers found the device while examining outbound mail packages.�The item was manifested

Southwest Airlines Pilots Approve Seniority Integration Agreement

9 Nov 2011 14:14:29 GMT

Plots from Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways voted to approve an agreement that will merge the two carriers� pilot seniority lists into one. Southwest pilots approved this deal by 83.56 percent with 95.1 percent of their pilots voting.�AirTran�s pilots approved the new agreement by 83.58 percent with 93.99 percent voting. Southwest Airlines� purchase

Jack The Cat Has Been Euthanized After Being Lost Two Months At JFK Airport

7 Nov 2011 16:14:46 GMT

American Airlines reported that on Sunday Jack the cat had to be euthanized by a veterinarian. “We are deeply saddened that Jack the Cat has passed away, and we offer profound sympathy to Jack�s owner, Karen Pascoe, for her loss. Our heart also goes out to the Friends of Jack and those in the cat-loving community who have grown fond

GE Study Identifies Potential Navigation Improvements At Sun Valley Airport

7 Nov 2011 14:36:15 GMT

A GE study of airspace around Sun Valley Airport has identified significant improvements in airport access that could be achieved during periods of inclement weather with the deployment of new, advanced instrument approach procedures. The study found that new procedures, using Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technology

Wind Tunnel Validates Design And Fuel Efficiency On Cseries Aircraft

7 Nov 2011 14:35:57 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace confirmed that final results of a three-phase wind tunnel test program provided further validation of the CSeries aircraft�s aerodynamic design. They also support design predictions that the CSeries aircraft, optimized specifically for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, will deliver a step-change in fuel efficiency

EL AL Israel Airlines To Equip Aircraft With WheelTug Aircraft Drive System

7 Nov 2011 14:35:38 GMT

EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd. and WheelTug executed a Letter of Intent to enter an agreement under which EL AL will obtain a substantial part of the initial production of WheelTug Aircraft Drive Systems for Boeing 737NG Aircraft for installation on their own aircraft subject to financial and operational feasibility checks

Garmin Bids Farewell To The GNS 430/530 And Introduces GTN Series Transceiver

7 Nov 2011 14:35:18 GMT

Since their introduction in 1998, the Garmin GNS series GPS/NAV/COM products have been widely accepted, with over 100,000 of them flying the skies today. But 13 years later, the time has come to bid farewell. Due to decreased demand and limited parts availability, Garmin announced that the company will soon stop accepting

The 2012 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide Still The Best After 34 Years!

6 Nov 2011 14:19:28 GMT

It's amazing, pilots still like to have the beautifully printed Pilot's Guide in the cockpit when travelling to the islands. Sure, having the iPad app is great too, but there's nothing like flipping through colorful pages as you fly over island after island. This 34th edition of The 2012 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide makes it easy to plan and execute

ATA Projects Full Flights, Despite 2 Percent Decline In Thanksgiving Air Travel

6 Nov 2011 14:19:09 GMT

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, advised passengers to expect full flights during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel season, even though about 37,000 fewer people per day are expected to fly during the holiday period compared with last year, as U.S

U.S. Travel Industry Urges Improved Efficiency At Nation�s Airports

4 Nov 2011 16:56:26 GMT

In testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow addressed the economic damage inflicted by the current inefficiencies in the passenger screening process.�“For the travel community which supports rural and urban communities alike

Business Aviation Essential To Local Economies And National Interest

4 Nov 2011 16:56:08 GMT

The only airport serving Nashua, NH has kicked off construction of a new, 6,000-foot runway to increase the safety and range capabilities of business airplanes. The occasion has prompted local officials to point up the economic benefits the airport provides, and the role of the new runway in attracting more business investment and

Clay Lacy To Be Honored By Kansas Aviation Hall Of Fame

3 Nov 2011 15:20:16 GMT

Legendary pilot and aviation executive returns home to celebrate lifelong contributions to aviation. From the time he was a young boy growing up in the farmland of Wichita, Kansas during the Great Depression, veteran pilot and business aviation pioneer Clay Lacy experienced a natural fascination with flight. He first took to the air at age eight and began working at a local airport in exchange for

OSHA Announces Final Rules Sarbanes-Oxley Whistleblower Procedures

3 Nov 2011 15:19:31 GMT

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has publish interim final rules in today�s Federal Register that revise the regulations governing whistleblower complaints filed under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The act protects employees of publicly traded companies and their subsidiaries, and of certain other

IATA Calls On Innovation In Airline-Airport Cooperation

2 Nov 2011 19:01:55 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for innovation and a renewed agenda of cooperation in the relationship between airports and airlines. Tony Tyler, IATA�s Director General and CEO said “We need a common and forward-looking agenda that builds on past successes and puts innovation at the heart of our common

The Worst Aviation Disasters In Russian Sports History Reveals Pilot Error

2 Nov 2011 18:33:32 GMT

On September 7, 2011, Yak Service Airlines operating a Yakovlev Yak-42 jet aircraft departed Tunoshna airport, Russia for Minsk International Airport in Russia at 4:05 PM Moscow Time with 45 onboard which included Russian�s professional ice hockey team, Hockey Club Lokomotiv. Just after takeoff, the Yakovlev Yak-42 a 100 seat three-

US Airways Brings Back Jobs It Had Previously Shipped Overseas, Hires 400

1 Nov 2011 18:04:20 GMT

US Airways has returned work previously handled outside of the United States to its call centers in Winston-Salem, N.C., Phoenix, and Reno, Nevada. The airline's onshore project is part of its agreement with the Airline Customer Service Employee Association CWA and IBT, which represents more than 6,000 reservations and airport customer

Jeppesen Study Highlights Inadequacy Of Strict FTL Rules To Limit Crew Fatigue

1 Nov 2011 18:03:54 GMT

Jeppesen, recently released the results of a study conducted to determine the level of effectiveness of flight and duty time regulations related to crew fatigue management. In the study, Jeppesen quantified the performance of seven flight time limitation regulatory approaches (FTLs) that were measured against 300 of

Calls For UK Government To Deliver Strong Aviation Policy

1 Nov 2011 16:06:18 GMT

Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) on Monday welcomes the British Chamber of Commerce�s (BCC) call for the Government to scrap its proposed increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) and devise a bold and long-term aviation policy, as outlined in the BCC Aviation Report.�The report, prepared with the support of local chambers of

DTW Airport Director Fired Threatens Lawsuit

31 Oct 2011 23:25:10 GMT

At 3 PM on Monday, Detroit Metropolitan Airport CEO, Turkia Mullin was fired for an undetermined reason. The board of directors voted 5-2 to end her employment over what appears to be related to Mullin�s contract supposed parachute contract with Wayne County

Qantas Airways Ordered To Resume Flights After Shutting Down Operations

31 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, Australia�s largest airline, Qantas Airways also known as "The Flying Kangaroo", shut down its flight operations indefinitely and locked out all union workers in an effort to shut down its unions. All flights were canceled except flights that were already in the air. Aircraft that were taxing out for takeoff were called back to there

Mechanical Problems Forces China Southern Airlines To Cancel Airbus A380 Flight

31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, twelve days after China Southern Airlines put its first Airbus A380 into operations the company was forced to cancel a Beijing to Shanghai flight due to mechanical problems. Passengers were able to get a later flight on a Airbus A330.�China Southern Airlines spokesmen stated "we need to transport air materials from abroad

NOAA Newest Satellite To Offer Enhanced Weather Information

31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT

America�s newest polar-orbiting satellite roared into orbit on Friday, setting the stage for enhanced weather data NOAA scientists will use to develop life-saving severe weather forecasts days in advance.�The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite was launched from Vandenberg Air Force, Calif., at 2:48 a.m. PDT aboard a United

Air China And Industry Partners Conduct 1st Sustainable Biofuel Flight

31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Air China, Boeing and Chinese and U.S. aviation energy partners on Friday conducted China's first sustainable biofuel flight. The two-hour mainland flight from Beijing Capital International Airport was witnessed by officials from both countries and highlights the viability of using sustainable aviation biofuel sourced in China.�"Through our

Federal Appeals Court Overturns FAA Ruling On Cape Wind's Turbines

30 Oct 2011 15:44:18 GMT

On Friday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned the FAA May 17, 2010 ruling that Cape Wind's turbines would present no hazard to local air traffic control and aircraft. The court ruled that the FAA misread its own rules when the agency came to its decision. The Cape Wind Project, which was first proposed in

The Possibilities - Heatable Paint That Prevents Ice Buildup On Airplanes

30 Oct 2011 15:43:57 GMT

When it comes to developing new ways to combat icing on airplanes, there are many existing methods. But, as Thomas Jefferson once famously said, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." Battelle experts have been hard at work on an innovative future for reducing or preventing icing on airplanes using carbon

LAN And TAM Airlines Form Corporate Structure For Merger

30 Oct 2011 15:43:34 GMT

LAN and TAM airlines have started the technical and preliminary processes for their integration into LATAM Airlines Group (LATAM). With the advisory of international consultants, such processes aim at preparing both companies for the merger, becoming the leading airline in the region. “We are very pleased with the integration process

Gulfstream International Airlines To Purchase Six Saab 340Bplus Aircraft

30 Oct 2011 15:43:03 GMT

Gulfstream International Airlines (“Gulfstream�) has reached an agreement with Saab Aircraft Leasing to purchase six, 34-seat Saab 340Bplus aircraft. The Fort Lauderdale-based airline, which serves more destinations in The Bahamas than any other U.S. carrier, will deploy all six Saab�s along its Florida/Bahamas routes, replacing smaller, 19

Bronze C-130 Memorial To Be Unveiled At Air Station Sacramento

28 Oct 2011 16:51:45 GMT

The United States Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento will hold a remembrance ceremony where a bronze C-130 will be dedicated to honor nine aviators lost during a tragic mid-air collision off the coast of San Diego two years ago. The crews being memorialized were from Sacramento-based Coast Guard Rescue aircraft 1705 and San Diego

Jeppesen Receives FAA Acceptance For Aviation Navigation Obstacle Database

28 Oct 2011 16:50:21 GMT

Jeppesen, recently received the aviation industry's first Type 1 Letter of Acceptance endorsement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), supporting Jeppesen's processing of navigation obstacle data. The endorsement letter notes that Jeppesen complies with FAA Advisory Circular 20-153A acceptance of aeronautical data

American Aerospace And Texas A&M Test The RS-16 Recon Unmanned Aircraft

28 Oct 2011 16:49:08 GMT

American Aerospace and Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi have successfully completed their first airborne science mission using unmanned aircraft over the Gulf of Mexico. Under a Certificate of Authorization (COA) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Recon System 16 Unmanned Aircraft System completed six flights

FAA Launches Website In Ongoing Fight To End Laser Strikes On Aircraft

27 Oct 2011 15:23:22 GMT

In the past 11 months, Randy Babbitt, Administrator for the FAA and Ray LaHood, Secretary of the Department of Transportation have worked to raise public awareness about the dangers of shining a laser at an airplane or helicopter

WACO Classic Great Lakes 2T-1A Series Aircraft Receives Type Certificate

27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

WACO Classic Aircraft has received Type Certificate by the FAA for the Great Lakes 2T-1A series aircraft. Now, with the Type Certificate in hand, WACO Classic is able to better work with the FAA to return the Great Lakes to the air.�The Great Lakes by Waco Classic the new airplane is the Great Lakes Model 2T-1A-1/2, a fully aerobatic 180

DOT Proposes Air Travel Accessibility Requirements

27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The Department of Transportation (DOT) introduces additional consumer protection requirements for airline passengers in an effort to make flying more convenient and hassle-free for everyone.�DOT is proposing a requirement for airlines to make their websites accessible to individuals with disabilities and ensure that their ticket agents do

Ronald Reagan Statue To Be Unveiled At Reagan National Airport

27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation announced that a statue of Ronald Reagan will be unveiled at Reagan National Airport on Tuesday, November 1, 2011. The statue is one of several statues worldwide that are being unveiled in 2011 as part of the historic year-long celebration commemorating 100 years since the birth of our

Baltimore Police Department Orders Four Eurocopter EC120

27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The Baltimore Police Department has ordered four Eurocopter EC120 helicopters to replace its current fleet. The department is one of the leading law enforcement operators of the EC120 in the world. The new helicopters will be part of a fleet renewal program and are scheduled to start delivering in summer 2012.�“The Baltimore Police

Aerospace Industries Study - A Million Jobs At Risk

26 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

An economic impact analysis projects more than one million American jobs could be lost as a result of defense budget cuts if the deficit reduction select committee fails to reach agreement on alternative balanced budget solutions and total cuts to defense reach $1 trillion.�Dr. Stephen S. Fuller, Dwight Schar Faculty Chair, University Professor

Cirrus Aircraft Expands Full Motion Flight Simulator Training In Europe

26 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Cirrus Aircraft expands flight training globally, on Tuesday the company opened its first full motion flight simulator in Poznan, Poland. Cirrus' first European SIM Center will offer state-of-the-art simulation training for the Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft with Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics. The company's flight simulator expansion now

DOT Fines South African Airways For Violating Price Advertising Rules

26 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) fined South African Airways and ticket agent Destination Southern Africa for violating federal aviation laws and the Department�s rules prohibiting deceptive price advertising in air travel. South African Airways was fined $55,000 while Destination Southern Africa, which promotes air travel

U.S. House Rejects EU Emissions Trading Scheme On U.S. Aircraft

25 Oct 2011 22:02:16 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2594, which prohibit operators of civil aircraft of the United States from participating in the European Union�s emissions trading scheme. This costly EU scheme would impose new taxes, emissions cap and trade requirements on U.S. air carriers flying into and out of the EU airspace

The GAO Raises Safety Concerns Over The Boeings 787

25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Composite materials are made by combining materials such as carbon fibers with epoxy, they have been used in airplane components for decades. Although composites are lighter and stronger than most metals, their increasing use in commercial airplane structures such as the fuselage and wings has raised safety concerns.�The Boeing's 787

Piper Suspends Light Jet Development And Makes Personnel Cuts

25 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Piper Aircraft is indefinitely suspending further development of the Piper Altaire business jet following a review to align the company�s business goals with the light jet market outlook, investment strategies and overall economic forecasts.�“Following an evaluation of Altaire development and light jet forecasts we determined the best course

PSA Pilots Meet With Federal Mediators To Jumpstart Contract Negotiations

25 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The pilots of PSA Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int�l (ALPA), on Monday took the next step toward reaching a new contract with senior management by meeting with a federal mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB). PSA pilots, who fly regional aircraft under the US Airways Express brand, have been in direct

FAA Fines Pinnacle Airlines $1 Million, Crew Members Performed Maintenance Work

25 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing $1,042,500 in civil penalties against Pinnacle Airlines, Inc., of Memphis, Tenn., for allegedly operating two aircraft on a combined 63 flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.�The FAA alleges Pinnacle operated a Canadair Regional Jet on 23 flights between

Pratt & Whitney's PW210S Engine Receives Transport Canada Certification

24 Oct 2011 18:50:46 GMT

Pratt & Whitney has received Transport Canada type certification for its PW210S engine, selected by Sikorsky for the S-76D medium-sized helicopter targeting corporate, offshore oil, medical, airline and government operators around the world. "This is a terrific milestone for this exciting and game-changing helicopter engine program,"

Miami International Airport Top Airport For Airline Passenger Growth

24 Oct 2011 18:50:05 GMT

Passenger growth at Miami International Airport continued to surge in the third quarter of 2011 with an increase of 9.6 percent in September, keeping the airport on track to surpass its best year ever in 2010. International passengers jumped 12.7 percent while domestic passengers also improved by 6.8 percent. Through September

Virgin America Flight Attendants Seek Union Representation

24 Oct 2011 18:49:44 GMT

While Virgin tries to create “wow� for Passengers its policies for flight attendants more often meet with “say what?!� An overwhelming majority of flight attendants at Virgin America, a low-cost carrier known for high quality service and innovative onboard amenities, has filed a petition at the National Mediation Board (NMB) seeking union

Space Observatory Finds Star 175 Light-Years From Earth Containing Water

24 Oct 2011 18:49:11 GMT

Using data from the Herschel Space Observatory, astronomers have detected for the first time cold water vapor enveloping a dusty disk around a young star. The findings suggest that this disk, which is poised to develop into a solar system, contains great quantities of water, suggesting that water-covered planets like Earth may be common in

TSA Agrees To Re-Assess Policies For Job Applicants With HIV

23 Oct 2011 23:39:37 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agreed this week to review its medical guidelines for applicants with compromised immune systems, including people with HIV. The agreement is part of a settlement between the TSA, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Florida. In August 2009, the ACLU filed an administrative

Bipartisan U.S. Delegation Works To Halt EU Air Tax

23 Oct 2011 23:39:09 GMT

A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation conferred in Montreal on Friday with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) leaders regarding U.S. opposition to the European Union�s emissions trading scheme (ETS). This costly EU scheme would impose new taxes and emissions cap and trade requirements on U.S. and other nations� air

FAA Northeast Airspace Improvements To Benefit Airlines And Passengers

23 Oct 2011 23:38:48 GMT

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, commended the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for implementing the next phase of the U.S. Northeast airspace redesign project, which will bring immediate benefits to airline passengers. Most of the

Significant Ozone Hole Remains Over Antarctica

23 Oct 2011 23:38:06 GMT

The Antarctic ozone hole, which yawns wide every Southern Hemisphere spring, reached its annual peak on September 12, stretching 10.05 million square miles, the ninth largest on record. Above the South Pole, the ozone hole reached its deepest point of the season on October 9 when total ozone readings dropped to 102 Dobson units, tied

Memory Cards Yield No Information On Last Month's Air Race Crash

22 Oct 2011 17:37:07 GMT

Last month an experimental a vintage P-51D Mustang, N79111 crashed following a loss of control while maneuvering at Reno Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada, air race. The NTSB has reported they had removed a memory card from the on-board telemetry unit of the accident aircraft and were unable to retrieve any on-board video from

San Diego International Airport Receives $2 Million Grant From The FAA

22 Oct 2011 17:36:46 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $2 million grant to San Diego International Airport to reduce the use of conventional fuels at the airport to improve air quality.�“We are committed to helping airports around the country make the necessary infrastructure investments that will reduce fuel costs and help protect the

Atlas Air And Polar Air Cargo Finalize Labor Agreement With Pilots

22 Oct 2011 17:36:21 GMT

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. a global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, announced that it has completed a new, five-year collective bargaining agreement with pilots and flight engineers of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas) and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (Polar). The agreement, which is effective from September

FAA Dedicated New Tower And Radar Approach Control At Memphis Intern. Airport

22 Oct 2011 17:35:57 GMT

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt on Thursday dedicated the new $72.6 million air traffic control tower and radar approach control at Memphis International Airport. The new tower enables air traffic controllers to continue to provide the safest, most efficient service to both passenger and cargo flights

Jeppesen�s Runway Analysis Service Assist Pilots With Takeoff Performance

19 Oct 2011 16:45:46 GMT

Jeppesen, a unit of Boeing Flight Services, introduces a new Web-based Runway Analysis service that provides aviation operators with flight critical airport, runway and aircraft performance information. The Jeppesen Runway Analysis service helps commercial, military and corporate operators reduce costs and operate more efficiently by

Boeing Increases Production On The B-737 To Thirty-Five Airplanes A Month

19 Oct 2011 16:45:23 GMT

Boeing began building the first Next-Generation 737 at the program's new production rate of 35 airplanes a month. The rate is increasing from 31.5 airplanes a month to meet worldwide market demand for the best-selling single-aisle airplane.�Employees loaded chords and webs manufactured by the Boeing Fabrication

ACI-NA Commissioners Award Scholarships To Aviation Students

19 Oct 2011 16:45:04 GMT

Airports Council International - North America�s (ACI-NA) Commissioners� Committee accepted the Scholarship Review Committee's recommendation to award scholarships of $2,500 each to two aviation students, at the ACI-NA Commissioners� Committee meeting in San Diego, California. Recipients

NASA, Japan Release Improved Topographic Map Of Earth

19 Oct 2011 16:44:45 GMT

NASA and Japan released a significantly improved version of the most complete digital topographic map of Earth on Monday, produced with detailed measurements from NASA's Terra spacecraft. The map, known as a global digital elevation model, was created from images collected by the Japanese Advanced Spaceborne

Airbus A350 XWB�s Trent Engine Rolls Out For Initial Flight Tests

18 Oct 2011 18:15:39 GMT

Airbus has completed installation of the first Rolls-Royce Trent XWB flight-test engine on the A380 “flying-testbed� aircraft (MSN 001). The aircraft is depicted here at Airbus� Jean-Luc Lagard�re site in Toulouse where the engine was mounted. The aircraft and engine will now be prepared for the flight-test campaign commencing in the coming

New ATC Tower At Cleveland Hopkins International Airport To Create Jobs

18 Oct 2011 18:15:23 GMT

To a transportation secretary, visiting Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is like visiting hallowed ground. This airport was the United States� first municipal airfield, opened in 1925, and was home to the world�s first air traffic control tower and airfield lighting system. More recently, it was home to the world�s first direct link between

New Report Finds More Hate Than Love For US Airlines On Social Media

18 Oct 2011 18:14:57 GMT

Social media users were more negative than positive about US airlines on social media in the last 12 months, with intense hatred for a handful of carriers accounting for most of the negativity, according to a new social media analytics report from Amplicate.�The report found that 57% of all opinions on social media about US airlines were negative

Boeing Delivers 737 Airborne Early Warning And Control Aircraft To South Korea

18 Oct 2011 18:14:32 GMT

When the first Boeing Peace Eye 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft was delivered last month to the Republic of Korea Air Force, it included a key radar sensor designed and developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation.�An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) (or more commonly and historically an AWAC)

AEA Testifies Over GPS Interference By Lightsquared High Speed Wireless Network

17 Oct 2011 16:31:20 GMT

Tim Taylor, president and CEO of FreeFlight Systems, testified on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Aircraft Electronics Association to a national television audience carried live by C-SPAN3. FreeFlight Systems, is an AEA member.�Located in Waco, Texas, FreeFlight Systems is a manufacturer of professional grade avionics for commercial and

IATA, Global Standards Must Be Cornerstone For Euro-Russia Aviation

17 Oct 2011 16:30:55 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged Russian and European officials meeting at the Euro-Russia Aviation Summit in St. Petersburg to make global standards the cornerstone of their discussions on the development of aviation in these two important markets.�“Re-emphasizing Russian and European leadership

Qantas Pilots Launch Website In Protest Of Shipping Jobs To Southeast Asia

17 Oct 2011 16:30:23 GMT

The Australian and International Pilots Association launch a new website, qantasshareholders.com, to provide information to disgruntled Qantas shareholders on how to make their voice heard at the Qantas Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 28.�Since launching the popular campaign site, AIPA has been inundated with inquiries from

ICAO Promotes Aviation Safety By Endorsing English Language Testing

17 Oct 2011 16:30:06 GMT

Test service providers around the world can now apply for, and receive, an endorsement for tests that rate proficiency in English used in aviation according to ICAO requirements. ICAO will endorse tests, not the test providers and the program does not cover general English proficiency.�“In response to fatal accidents in which the lack of

Report By The GAO Raises Concerns About Aviation Runway Safety

16 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report that raises concerns about the increasing number of runway safety incidents at U.S. airports.�According to the GAO, the rate of runway incursions and operational errors in the terminal environment (within roughly 30 miles of an airport) has increased

The Department Of Transportation (DOT) Celebrates Its 45th Birthday

16 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

The Department of Transportation (DOT) celebrates its 45th anniversary. The DOT is a federal Cabinet department of the United States government concerned with transportation. It was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, and began operation on April 1, 1967. It is administered by the United

Joint Venture To Develop Next Generation Of Aircraft Engines

16 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, announce a restructure of their participation in IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE), which produces the V2500 engine for the A320 family of aircraft.�Under the terms of the agreement, Rolls-Royce will sell its equity and program shares in IAE to

Civil Air Patrol Provides Simulated "Threat" For NORAD Pilots

16 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Pilots assigned to Aerospace Control Alert units have a unique mission to defend the U.S. and Canadian homelands by controlling that airspace and being prepared to respond to threats.�Because of that enormous responsibility, these units routinely train for this mission. And since the aircraft they would be charged with

Job Cuts At Alpine Air Express If US Postal Service Close Processing Facilities

14 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Alpine Air Express recently received notice that the U.S. Postal Service could be closing its processing facilities in Missoula and Kalispell, MT and terminating air-mail service to these cities. The U.S. Postal Service is conducting a study to determine the costs and benefits of trucking the mail for all of western Montana to Spokane, WA for

Boeing Makes First Delivery Of The 747-8 Frieghter To Cargolux

14 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Boeing and Cargolux Airlines shared another milestone in the history of the iconic 747, as the airline took delivery of the first Boeing 747-8 Freighter on Thursday. Following delivery at the Boeing Delivery Center at the company's Everett site, the airplane departed for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where the new freighter will receive its

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab The 'Underwear Bomber' Pleads Guilty

14 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 25, of Kaduna, Nigeria, the so-called "underwear bomber," pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court to eight counts of terrorism-related charges. Abdulmutallab faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.�Abdulmutallab, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism transcending national

Hurricane Irene Put Coast Guard Search And Rescue Air Crews To The Test

14 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

In 1786, a group of visionaries gathered at a Boston tavern with the shared goal of reducing the loss of life at sea. America's first maritime lifesaving service was born of their initiative, called the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The practices of this agency were used in the creation of the federalized U.S. Life Saving

California Science Center Receives Endeavour Title From NASA

13 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

NASA transferred title and ownership of space shuttle Endeavour to the California Science Center (CSC) during a ceremony Tuesday at the center in Los Angeles. The transfer is the first step toward CSC receiving Endeavour in the latter half of 2012. "NASA is pleased to share this wonderful orbiter with the California Science Center to

Piper Aircraft Improves M-Class Aircraft For 2012

13 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Piper Aircraft has enhanced both pilot and passenger comfort for its signature series of 2012 model year M-Class single engine business aircraft the turboprop Meridian, pressurized piston Mirage and unpressurized piston Matrix. 2012 Piper M-Class aircraft are available today.�The biggest design changes have enhanced pilot comfort and

Sikorsky Improves Distribution On Civil Helicopter Operator Technical Documents

13 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced that it signed an agreement with Aircraft Technical Publishers (ATP) to collaborate on an advanced technical documentation distribution solution supporting operators of Sikorsky civil helicopters worldwide. SAS is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.�The technical documentation

Smyrna Air Center Begins Testing GE H80 Engine On The King Air 90 Aircraft

13 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Smyrna Air Center, based in Nashville announced the start of its flight test data recording program with the new GE H80, 800 SHP engine on the King Air 90 series aircraft.�The 800 SHP GE H80 engine is the next step up in performance for the Power90 Conversion. The GE H80, with new 3D aero design and advanced materials

Layoffs At Qantas Airways While Executives Receive Considerably High Pay Raises

12 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Executive greed needs to be brought under control at Qantas so that the company can better focus and deliver on delivering a quality to airline to Australia and the world, the Australian and International Pilots Association.�New revelations published about the astronomic salaries paid to Qantas executives, including CEO Alan Joyce

Honda Aircraft To Build Aircraft Maintenance Facility In Greensboro, NC

12 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Honda Aircraft Company, along with senior officials from the State of North Carolina and the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance, announced Honda�s selection of Greensboro, North Carolina, as the location for its new HondaJet Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The company will invest an additional $20 million to build

At Last Eclipse Is Now Taking Orders On The Eclipse 550 Twin Engine Jet

12 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Eclipse Aerospace announced it is now taking orders for the Eclipse 550, the new twin-engine jet model in the Eclipse Jet family. The Eclipse 550 will be a technologically advanced, twin-engine jet aircraft with a design that utilizes the same airframe and power plant as the popular EA-500 model. Along with significant

Corporate Flight Receives FAA Authorization On Jeppesen FliteDeck App For iPad

12 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Jeppesen announces that charter operator Corporate Flight Management has received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use the recently introduced Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck app for iPad as an alternative to paper aeronautical charts. The authorization allows Corporate Flight Management to begin a

Learjet 85 Flight Test Aircraft Fabrication Underway

11 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace announced that production of its new Learjet 85 aircraft has officially begun as the program successfully exited the Aircraft Level Critical Design Review. Development and production teams in Wichita, Kansas; Montr�al, Qu�bec; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Quer�taro, Mexico, are actively engaged in the

Gulfstream G650 Moves Closer To 2012 Entry Into Service

11 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.�s ultra large cabin, ultra long range G650 has moved several steps closer to its anticipated certification later this year after completing tests of its fly by wire system, engine inlet compatibility and operation in hot weather, among other tests. As of Oct. 5, the four aircraft in the flight-test program had accumulated

Northrop Grumman To Provide New Hybrid Navigation System For Cessna Business

11 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

A new fiber-optic inertial navigation system/global positioning system (INS/GPS) developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation's navigation systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH, has been selected by Cessna Aircraft Company for the new Citation Ten business jet.�An improved

Pratt & Whitney PW306D Turbofan To Power Cessna's New Citation Latitude

11 Oct 2011 05:01:01 GMT

Pratt & Whitney announced that its PW306D engine has been selected by Cessna Aircraft Company to power its new Citation Latitude mid-size business jet. The announcement was made at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual meeting and convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new Citation Latitude will have

The FAA Progress And Challenges In Developing And Transitioning To Nextgen

9 Oct 2011 18:27:19 GMT

On Wednesday, the Inspector General testified before the House Subcommittee on Aviation regarding the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) progress and challenges in developing and transitioning to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is the name given to a

Boeing Settles Landmark Case To Fight Attendant Exposure To Aircraft Toxic Fumes

9 Oct 2011 18:26:34 GMT

Mrs. Terry Williams, mother-of-two, a former flight attendant of American Airlines has won a unreported cash settlement from aircraft manufacture, the Boeing Company. Williams filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court alleging she was exposed to toxic fumes while on a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 Aircraft which left her permanently disable

PPG Industries To Supply Falcon 20/50 All-Glass Cockpit Windows

9 Oct 2011 18:25:46 GMT

PPG Industries� aerospace transparencies group has signed an agreement with Dassault Aviation to supply all-glass heated windshields and all-glass heated side cockpit windows for Falcon 20 and Falcon 50 business jets. “PPG has extensive experience producing the forward-facing windshields, and

TSA Announces Advanced Imaging Technology Deployments At U.S. Airports

9 Oct 2011 18:25:11 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced 29 airports which are set to receive recently purchased millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines. The machines will be deployed with new automated target recognition software designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images

Court Offers Preliminary Opinion On Aircraft Greenhouse Gas

7 Oct 2011 16:35:40 GMT

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, on Thursday stated it was disappointed in the preliminary opinion issued by the Advocate General in the European Court of Justice regarding the lawsuit challenging the unilateral application of the European Union Emissions Trading

Citationair Pilots Begin Using The Ipad For In-Flight Operations

7 Oct 2011 16:34:40 GMT

CitationAir a leader in private jet transportation solutions, today announced that its pilots have begun using the Apple iPad Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) with the Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck application. CitationAir received FAA approval to use the device and is currently beta-testing it prior to a full distribution to all pilots. CitationAir is one of the

FAA Certifies Remanufactured Business Jet The Nextant 400XT Aircraft

6 Oct 2011 15:38:03 GMT

Nextant Aerospace, which introduced the concept of remanufacturing to the business jet market, announced that it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its Nextant 400XT aircraft, the world�s first completely remanufactured business jet. The FAA certification is the final step in the approval process for the

FAA Roll Out Of Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X) At 35 Airports

6 Oct 2011 15:37:46 GMT

Memphis is the 35th airport to commission ASDE-X, which greatly reduces the potential for collisions on airport runways and taxiways by allowing air traffic controllers to detect potential conflicts and take appropriate action.�Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X, or ASDE-X, is a runway-safety tool that enables air traffic controllers

LAN Airlines And TAM Agree To Continue With Merger

5 Oct 2011 15:14:22 GMT

After thorough analysis of the content and implications of the resolution of the Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia de Chile (TDLC), Chile�s antitrust court, regarding the merger process between LAN Airlines and TAM, the Boards of Directors of both companies have confirmed their decision to move forward with the transaction. LAN and

ITT Launches New Flight Tracking Application For Alaskan Airspace

5 Oct 2011 15:13:58 GMT

ITT has launched a Web-based data visualization application that enhances the safety and operational efficiency of Alaskan airspace by providing unprecedented fleet awareness.�ITT�s AlaskaVue provides a cost-effective solution for understanding in real time where flight assets are located. This capability is particularly significant for

Sikorsky Test Pilot Receives Award From Society Of Experimental Test Pilots

5 Oct 2011 15:13:35 GMT

Kevin Bredenbeck, the pilot who flew the revolutionary X2 Technology demonstrator last year to an unofficial speed record for conventional helicopters, has been recognized by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) with the Iven C. Kincheloe Award for the year�s outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing

Turkish Airlines Enlists CyberSource to Combat Online Fraud

5 Oct 2011 15:13:11 GMT

CyberSource, a Visa company, announced that Turkish Airlines will use CyberSource solutions to assist in its fight against online fraud. The award-winning airline has selected Decision Manager, CyberSource�s global fraud management portal, and Performance Monitoring, a CyberSource managed risk service providing fraud process analysis

Today At Select Airports TSA Will Begin PreCheck Security Screening

4 Oct 2011 16:26:30 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that it began testing a limited, voluntary passenger pre-screening initiative with a small known traveler population at four U.S. airports. The TSA PreCheck initiative implements a key component of the agency�s intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security. This pilot

Embry Riddle To Purchase Opsvue Flight Tracking And Situational Awareness System

4 Oct 2011 16:25:46 GMT

ITT Corporation has signed a two-year agreement with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to provide its Symphony OpsVue flight tracking and situational awareness system for flight training programs at the university�s Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., campuses. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (generally referred to

Auyuittuq Aviation Initiates Rotary And Fixed Wing Service On Baffin Island

4 Oct 2011 16:24:53 GMT

Discovery Air Inc. subsidiaries Air Tindi Ltd. and Great Slave Helicopters Ltd. have formed a new partnership � Auyuittuq Aviation � with a group of Inuit shareholders from the Kivalliq and Baffin regions of Nunavut to better serve the needs of the burgeoning mining industry on Baffin Island. “The mining and

Van Nuys Airport Partners With Major Tenants at Annual NBAA Convention

4 Oct 2011 16:24:13 GMT

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will welcome Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) as a new participant at its 64th Annual Meeting and Convention � distinguished as the world�s premier business aviation event�slated for Oct. 10-12, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Van Nuys Airport (VNY) Manager Jes

IATA - Slowing Airline Passenger Demand and Shrinking Freight Markets

3 Oct 2011 18:08:47 GMT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced traffic results for August. While passenger demand was up 4.5% over the previous August, this represents a significant slowing from the 6.0% recorded in July. The decline in freight markets accelerated. The 3.8% contraction in freight markets recorded in August was more than

FAA Independent Panel Submits Training And Hiring Recommendation For ATC

3 Oct 2011 17:44:43 GMT

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt today announced a set of recommendations from an independent panel on how to improve all aspects of an air traffic controller�s experience at the FAA, including hiring, training, placement and career development.

Southwest Airlines Uses Interact Mobile Communications For Pilot Scheduling

3 Oct 2011 16:07:08 GMT

Varolii Corporation, the independent market and technology leader in interactive, personalized business-to-consumer text, voice and email communications, today announced that it has partnered with Southwest Airlines to streamline its process for matching pilot availability with flight needs. Using the Varolii Interact platform

Study Shows Unprecedented Ozone Loss In The Arctic

3 Oct 2011 16:06:44 GMT

A NASA-led study has documented an unprecedented depletion of Earth's protective ozone layer above the Arctic last winter and spring caused by an unusually prolonged period of extremely low temperatures in the stratosphere. The discovery of a hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica was announced by a team of British scientists in 1985

ABC�s Pan Am Television Series Continues To Grow In Viewership

2 Oct 2011 15:28:57 GMT

The Pan Am drama on ABC which premiered on the 25th of last month is tuning out to be a big hit. ABC�s Pan Am television series centers on the iconic airline Pan American World Airways during the 1960s. The period drama, from writer Jack Orman (ER) and director Thomas Schlamme (The West Wing), focuses on the pilots and stewardesses

Airline Passenger Pleads Guilty To Digesting 50 Pellets Of Cocaine

2 Oct 2011 15:28:03 GMT

An Arkansas man pleaded guilty Thursday to possession of more than 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI). Barratt Eni, 54, Little Rock, Ark., faces a