|

Grading the make: Airbus Military A400M

The testing program for the Airbus Military A400M airlifter has begun, including test engine runs on November 23rd and taxiing at Airbus Military’s Seville, Spain plant.

Engine and systems tests on four Europrop International (EPI) TP400 turboprops progressed from low to full take-off power.

Initial testing runs at low speed were performed on the aircraft’s braking and steering systems, normal, alternate and emergency braking systems; the anti-skid system; and the nosewheel steering and reverse power. Test included electrical and on-board data networks, 180 degree turns and reverse taxiing.

Yves Rossy Ditches in the Sea


Photo copyright 2009 Yves Rossy, email: info@mediaimpached.ch

What: Four-cylinder jet pack with an eight-foot carbon fibre wing en route from Africa to Europe
Where: between Tangier to Atlantera
When: Nov 25 2009
Who: SWISS adventurer Yves Rossy
Why: Yves Rossy who jumped from a plane at 6500 feet, flying on his wing at 180 mph from Tangier to Atlantera ditched in the ocean while en route. He was followed by a rescue team and promptly rescued from the ocean. He did not complete the 23 mile flight, deploying his parachute about 15 minutes into his attempt after his wing malfunctioned.

Last year Rossy crossed the English Channel on his wing.

|

Sikorsky Still Being Researched

The (Canadian) Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the cause of the Cougar Flight 491 crash, which killed 17 people.

Sikorsky claims to have proven that the chances of an oil leak from the gearbox housing is extremely unlikely.

However:

The gearbox of the Sikorsky S-92A model hadn’t passed a 30 minute dry-run test which is an industry standard that required it to run for 30 minutes without oil.

The gearbox fell about 20 minutes short of the goal when it was run at moderate speeds after oil was rapidly drained.

European regulators say the test proved the helicopter could only stay in the air for “around 10 minutes after an oil loss, and question if the cooler would be the only likely source of oil leakage.

On March 12, 2009, about 0926, Atlantic Daylight Time, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter operated by Cougar Helicopters, impacted the waters of the North Atlantic about 28 miles east of Cape Spear near St. John’s, Newfoundland. Two pilots and 16 passengers were on board. One passenger survived with serious injuries, but the other occupants were fatally injured.

The helicopter was en route from St. John’s International Airport to an offshore oil platform in the Hibernia oil field. The pilot made a MAYDAY call due to a mechanical difficulty, and was returning to St. John’s. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The sea had 3 – 5 meter swells.

|

Bombardier’s CSeries Aircraft Wing Manufacturing Facility Under Way in Belfast

Bombardier Aerospace today celebrated another major milestone in the CSeries aircraft programme as construction got under way on its new state-of-the-art aircraft wing manufacturing and assembly facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
“This is another significant milestone in the ongoing development of the CSeries aircraft programme. In August, the test fuselage barrel arrived ahead of schedule at our St-Laurent, Québec site, from China, and in September we celebrated the groundbreaking of our first CSeries aircraft manufacturing building in Mirabel, Québec. The CSeries aircraft programme is progressing well and to schedule, and we look forward to receiving the first test wing from Belfast in 2011,” said Guy Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace.

The new 600,000 sq ft (55,742 m2) factory is being built in two phases and will incorporate an existing production building. The facility’s design and layout are being optimised both for the production process and to minimise environmental impact. The structure will ensure maximum energy efficiency, and will incorporate low energy solutions into its mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Waste management was also a key consideration in the design, with a particular focus being given to waste segregation and recycling.
Joining Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast to lay a special corner stone to mark the construction was Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, along with guests including contractors.

“We are delighted to mark this major investment in a new facility for the production of advanced composite aircraft wings. The CSeries aircraft programme will help to build on our track record of almost 40 years experience in composites technology. We are currently testing and proving out the design, manufacturing and assembly processes for the CSeries aircraft wing. We are making excellent progress and are very pleased with the results so far,” said Michael Ryan.

“Just over a year ago, the CSeries aircraft project was announced. Today we have laid the corner stone for a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This is a 20-year programme which will generate around 800 high quality jobs at Bombardier Belfast in addition to the many employment opportunities during the build phase for the local construction sector during the current downturn,” declared Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

“Locating the CSeries aircraft wing project in Northern Ireland is a clear endorsement of the expertise and skill which exists in our aerospace sector and highlights our international reputation for excellence. As this project develops, I hope that there will be further opportunities for Bombardier and Invest Northern Ireland to strengthen the Northern Ireland aerospace industry,” she added.

Bombardier Belfast has successfully assembled a pre-production demonstrator wing using its innovative Resin Transfer Infusion advanced composites process, and is on track to begin testing this in early 2010. Testing will be undertaken in a specialised test rig where hydraulic jacks will be used to induce bending and twisting into the wing structure, replicating every possible combination of severe loading that the wing may experience in service.

Almost 400 engineering and support staff in Belfast are currently engaged in the research and development of the wings. Some 800 jobs will be generated during full production, as well as many more in the wider supply chain. In addition, around 450 construction personnel are involved in this first phase of the building project.

“We are delighted that Bombardier Belfast’s capabilities and skills, as well as the wider economy, will benefit strongly from the CSeries aircraft programme,” Mr Ryan added.

Since launching the CSeries family of aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 50 CS100 and CS300 aircraft from Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Lease Corporation International Group. The CSeries aircraft, which are optimized for the longer range, single-aisle 100- to 145-seat market, will deliver the lowest operating costs in their class, exceptional operational flexibility, wide body comfort and an unmatched environmental scorecard.

| |

Bombardier’s latest CSeries due in 2013

AVIC, China’s aviation manufacturing conglomerate, is a risk-sharing partner for Bombardier’s latest CSeries aircraft due to enter service in 2013.

Shenyang Aircraft Corp, the subsidiary of AVIC, designs and produces the center fuselage for the new CSeries. Bombardier will develop China’s ARJ21-900 regional jet, help to enhance the competitiveness of the ARJ21-900 and explore commonalities between the ARJ21-900 and Bombardier CSeries.

So far, Bombardier has 25 CSeries aircraft.orders from Lufthansa and 25 from Lease Corporation International. Shenyang Aircraft Corp builds the fuselage for Bombardier’s 70-seat Q400 turboprop regional airliner.

|

Purdue University Opening New Aviation Engine Testing Facility

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University will operate a new federally funded facility to test aircraft engines and develop alternative fuels in work that also aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on imported oil.
The National Test Facility for Fuels and Propulsion is funded with a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Air Force and will be housed in the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building at the Purdue Airport.

“The aerospace industry now has an unprecedented interest in developing green aircraft using biofuels,” said David L. Stanley, an associate professor of aeronautical engineering technology at Purdue and principal investigator of the facility. “Testing will be conducted while fuels are being researched for development. This means input will be provided during the development phase, not after the fuel has been developed, which helps to ensure the best results possible.”

The facility, expected to open in late 2010 or early 2011, will test aerospace hardware in engines and aircraft and provide data related to fuel-sustainability and emissions goals and for economic assessments.

“This is a multidisciplinary research approach that begins with growing crops, developing fuels from those crops in the laboratory and then testing those fuels in engines,” said Denver Lopp, a professor of aviation technology and one of two co-principal investigators.

The other co-principal investigator is J. Mark Thom, a professor of aviation technology.

Work will focus on jet engines but will include some testing related to piston engines.

“The project involves faculty members in the colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Science and Technology to develop a well-rounded and capable research team for fuels research, with particular focus on aviation and aerospace,” Lopp said. “Purdue is strong in each of these areas, and having an airport also enhances these strengths.”

The researchers will work with the Air Force, industry and government agencies to develop the fuels.

“Roughly 17 billion gallons of turbine fuel are burned annually in the United States, and clearly a portion of this could be saved by blending alternative fuels,” Stanley said. “The U.S. Air Force intends to be able to operate its fleet on blends of these fuels.”

The work will tackle four major bottlenecks to aerospace progress: access to hardware testing; development of control logic and systems permitting flex-fuel operation and realization of improved efficiencies; sustainability of biofuels related to crop productivity, as well as bio and synthetic fuels’ ability to meet both near- and long-term aerospace requirements; and regulatory compliance.

“The overall goal is to update and maintain a multifaceted national testing facility with dedicated administration to support development and testing of alternative energy sources for aerospace equipment,” Lopp said. “This facility will address all energy sources and will not be an advocate of any particular fuel.”

Writer: Emil Venere, 765-494-4709, venere@purdue.edu

Sources: David Stanley, 765-494-6266, stanledl@purdue.edu

Denver Lopp, 765-494-6387, denver@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: ( 765 ) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

|

787 Before 2010?


All I want for Christmas is…a 787.

Well, I’d settle for my two front teeth. But at Boeing, they’re still hoping the 787 Dreamliner is going to actually fly before 2010. They’ve gone back to the drawing board a couple of times, (back in June was the 5th delay, so I’ve lost count.) Delays like when they reinforced the wing and fuselage so it didn’t fall off. And all the testing with the composite material which is hopefully a good idea. It remains to be seen. Literally.

|

Honeywell Press Release: IntuVue Offers Improvement in Turbulence Detection, Reliability and Cost of Operations

DUBAI AIR SHOW, U.A.E., Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today its IntuVue 3-D advanced weather radar and seven other safety and information management products were selected by PT. Garuda Indonesia (Persero).

The products will be standard on 25 B737-800 aircraft delivered between mid 2009 and 2011. The contract, valued at more than $28 million, includes an option for 25 additional aircraft.

“The selection of IntuVue is a testament to PT. Garuda Indonesia’s emphasis on safety,” said Mike Madsen, Vice President, Airlines, Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell’s IntuVue weather radar is leading the industry in turbulence and wind shear detection, a key component of safety related incidents. It is important we solve our airline partner needs with equipment that helps them increase safety and reduce operating costs.”

The total avionics package includes Honeywell’s IntuVue; partial Quantum™ line of communication and navigation sensors comprising Multi Mode Receiver (MMR), Radio Altimeter and Automatic Direction Finder (ADF); the CAS 100 aircraft collision avoidance system, solid-state data recorders and voice recorders, Flight Data Acquisition and Management System (FDAMS), airborne data loader, the cockpit data printer and the Automatic Fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

IntuVue is the first fully automatic weather radar system certified to the FAA’s Enhanced Turbulence Detection Minimum Operation Performance Standard (MOPS), improving pilots’ ability to see and avoid weather, wind shears and turbulence sooner. Specific turbulence-related injuries cost the airline industry more than $100 million a year.

IntuVue is the only commercial radar that displays storms in three-dimensions at up to 320 nautical miles ahead of the aircraft and key analysis tools which allow pilots to dissect and analyze weather and hazards both vertically and horizontally. These features have demonstrated a significant improvement for in-flight weather-related decisions, and more than a 45 percent improvement in turbulence detection, enabling pilots’ to optimally reroute around or through weather for passenger safety and comfort while decreasing fuel burn. Besides enhanced safety, IntuVue offers improved reliability and reduces system weight to lower operating costs for operators. IntuVue increases system reliability by 50 percent, reduces maintenance costs by 30 percent, and reduces weight by 25 percent as compared to other radars — yielding airlines a $10,000/year savings over existing systems.

Honeywell’s IntuVue is certified and flying on the Boeing 777 and 737NG as buyer furnished equipment and is standard equipment on the Airbus A380. It will become available on the A320 family in 2010 and the A330 family in 2011. It is specified as standard equipment on the Gulfstream 650 and Airbus A350 when they enter service.

The Flight Data Acquisition & Management System (FDAMS) is a multi-function airborne Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) that collects and sends mandatory aircraft data to the flight recorder.

Honeywell’s Quantum line of navigation radios, sensors, receivers and communication equipment is derived from more than 75 years of communication and navigation system development experience.

With more than 40 years of Traffic/Aircraft Collision Avoidance System (TCAS/ACAS) development experience, Honeywell has been a pioneer in providing advanced collision avoidance protection and airspace situational awareness technologies.

Honeywell’s Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are simple to operate and provide advanced transmission reliability. They offer global satellite coverage and automatic activation.

Together, this suite of avionics equipment increases safety while reducing pilot workload, operating costs and maintenance costs for the airlines.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Honeywell’s aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.

FAA Crash Slows Airline Traffic

A failed circuit board in networking equipment at a computer center in Salt Lake City prevented air traffic control computers in different parts of the country from talking to each other and led to widespread cancellations and delays for the second time in 15 months.

21 regional radar centers countrywide were affected. The delays were exacerbated by weather in the Northeast. For an example, AirTran canceled at least 22 flights, JetBlue Airways had delays of an hour on 25 flights. Delta and American Airlines and other carriers were also affected.

|

Press Release: O’Hare

Chicago Department of Aviation will be shortly initiating the demolition of structures on city-owned properties in Bensenville after acquiring the remaining Bensenville-owned properties and rights-of-way. Some of the acquisition area will be de-annexed from Bensenville and annexed to Chicago as the result of a recent law suit that had been blocking the “O’Hare Modernization Program.”

2010: Fare increases

On and after May 8, US Airways will be adding a 5 percent surcharge in case other costs increase.

Surcharges on everything from bag handling to peak days to changing fee fees have been added by most airlines to boost revenue in a market that is currently losing money.

Look for surcharges added also by United, Delta, and Northwest, as well as the cutting of flights which are currently unprofitable.

Carolina Aviation News


See larger view
Contact photographer John E. Jauchler

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport released news that revenue is up by 8%, a better than expected number. Car rentals, parking, and boarding fees drive the airport’s profitability. More improvements are expected, and airport terminal bond payments will be funded by a state grant in 2009 and 2010.

| |

Mumbai Aviation News

Mumbai airport experienced a 35% drop on a runway shortened due to repair work. When visibility decreased, diversions to longer runways and areas of higher visibility increased, and several flights were discontinued entirely.

Dating from October 27, on every Tuesday, from 12noon to 6pm, the intersection point of cross runways 09-27 and 14:32 is closed for repair work. Four nearly fatal incidents occurred on the runway during the week of November 3.

|

Hudson River Airspace

Thursday FAA’s new rules for Manhattan airspace go into effect. The Hudson River air corridor will be carved into separate areas for local and long-distance traffic.

Local planes and helicopters will fly at 1,000 feet or less; those passing through NYV between 1,000 feet and 1,300 feet; and scheduled airline flights directed by ATC at higher altitudes above 1,300.

| |

British Airways Merging with Iberia

A merger is pending between British Airways and a merger Spanish carrier Iberia. Both airlines are heavily in debt and are attempting to cut costs and improve efficiency.

Brand names will be retained, as well as 419 aircraft and 265 destinations, and headquarters will be in London. New practices and working conditions may cause cabin crew strikes, but the job cuts will be mostly directed toward ground crew and airport check-in.

In George’s Opinion

One hopes that they don’t go overboard cutting ground crew. Maintenance shortcuts cause broken planes.

Aviation Panel Convenes

With the intent of restoring health to the airline industry, the Department of Transportation is convening a committee to discuss the aviation’s future, to deal with the damages suffered by companies, employees, investors, and passengers, and to consider factors like high taxes and globalization. The industry is looking for government help, plans for upgrading to GPS ATC. The projected timeline for the committee is a year to come up with a roadmap for the future.

Britain’s Red Arrows get Female Pilot

Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore is the first female fast-jet pilot to qualify, and will perform with the Royal Air Force display team until 2012. Moore is the pilot of a Tornado fighter jet serving with XIII Squadron based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. Red Arrow applicants must:

  • score better than average marks in their flying career
  • have flown for a minimum of 1,500 hours
  • have completed at least one frontline tour as a fast-jet pilot.
  • are considered purely on merit

Moore is expected to fly at the British Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Great North Run in Newcastle and the London Olympics.

|

Crash: Coming Soon


British Channel 4 is deliberately crashing a jet loaded with cameras and sensors.

Two former US navy pilots will set the plane on autopilot and then parachute out before the plane crashes in the desert.

The location of the 300 seat jet crash will not be disclosed. This is the latest in sensationalist programming designed for ratings (but masquerading as scientific research.) According to Channel 4, “It’s going to be designed as a survivable crash. There is no point in atomising the plane – we wouldn’t learn anything from it.”

The plane won’t be occupied but that doesn’t mean there aren’t bloody consequences. Apparently this new series is coming at the cost of axing established thrill-a-minute programming like “wife swap.”

| |

False Alarm in Fond du Lac


What: Alleged crash reported
Where: Mitchell Road area east of Highway 45.
When: 3:40 p.m
Who: no one
Why: A farmer reported a low-flying plane followed by a puff of smoke. Rescue rushed to the scene, including a medical evacuation helicopter, but the crisis turned out to be a pile of burning leaves. Two planes which had been flying in the area at the time were accounted for. No plane was involved.

Scotland Yard Nabs Drunken Pilot

United pilot Erwin Vermont Washington, of Lakewood, Colorado, was pulled literally out of the cockpit and arrested on Monday.

Officers were called to London’s Heathrow Airport to remove the pilot who is accused of being drunk. British law forbids pilots from having more than .02 percent blood alcohol. If convicted, the pilot could be jailed for 2 years. .02 percent could be as little as 1/2 of a beer.

In May, a Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested after flunking a breath test; and in January in Ohio, a pilot called in sick after witnesses reported he appeared to have been drinking.

|

News:

  • AAAE President Charles Barclay urged the Senate majority leader and his Senate colleagues to quickly pass a multi-year FAA bill reauthorization bill and to permanently eliminate the AMT penalty on airport private activity bonds. Rushing the bill through in its current format would seriously hurt Federal Express. FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009
  • Northwest Airlines pilots Capt. Timothy Cheney of Gig Harbor, Washington, and First Officer Richard Cole of Salem, Oregon, who overshot Minneapolis by 150 miles have filed appeals of their license revocations with the National Transportation Safety Board.
  • Bill introduced to ban pilots from using laptops.
  • PASADENA, Calif. — /PRNewswire/ — The Tournament of Roses revealed that the heroic pilot who masterfully landed US Airways Flight 1549, Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2010 Tournament of Roses festivities: Themed 2010: A Cut Above the Rest.
  • NAPA, Calif. — /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Accused whistler-blower Dr. Frederick J. Foreman, former Senior Analyst for Metron Aviation Inc. (an aviation consulting company with numerous government contracts), who was fired for allegedly revealing critical information regarding airline passenger safety to Kate Hanni of the Flyers’ Rights coalition, has joined forces with the volunteer organization.

VERO BEACH, Fla., November 6, 2009 — Piper Aircraft today announced that Piper Chief Executive Kevin J. Gould will assume the company’s presidency effective December 1, 2009. In addition, three other Piper executives have been promoted to vice president positions and one to a senior director position.PIPER AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CONSOLIDATION

EMBRAER HAS A NEW COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FOR ASIA PACIFIC
Based in Singapore, Shorbani Roy is responsible for media relations in the region São José dos Campos, November 4, 2009 – Embraer has named Shorbani Roy as Corporate Communications Manager for Asia Pacific, reporting directly to Alex Glock, Embraer Asia Pacific (EAP) Managing Director. Embraer also announced they will produce its 120-seat E-190 jet in China to respond faster when the country’s aviation market recovers, O Estado de S. Paulo said on Friday.

LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 6, 2009 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) received Aviation Week magazine’s Program Excellence Award in the category of System Level Research & Development/System Development & Demonstration at the Aviation Week Aerospace & Defense Programs conference in Phoenix on Nov. 3. Boeing C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Receives Aviation Week Program Excellence Award

Mesa Air Group, Inc. Announces Update on CRJ-200s Operating at United Airlines
PHOENIX, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The timeframe for United Airlines to exercise its renewal rights with respect to extending Mesa’s operation of 26 CRJ-200 aircraft under its code-share agreement with United Airlines has expired. Mesa plans to work with United Airlines on an orderly transition plan, but, in any event, the date of exit from service is expected to be no later than April 30, 2010. Mesa Air Group, Inc. Announces Update on CRJ-200s Operating at United Airlines

| | |

California Crash Update

The pilots of the mid air coastal collision were flying “see and avoid, ” i.e. during clear flying conditions, pilots are responsible for making sure their flight paths are clear.

So far, there is no information disseminated regarding potential reasons behind the California coastal collision of the C-130 Hercules transport plane and a Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra. Two transports were on a training mission as 2 Cobras were also flying together, at the time of the crash.

The C-130s had been searching for a lost boater who is still lost; and the seven Coast Guard and two Marine Corps service members have not yet been recovered.

| | | | |

FAA Fine Proposals against United Airlines and US Airways

$3.8 million fine
The FAA says United Airlines:

  • Boeing 737 flew in over 200 flights not in airworthy condition (two shop towels in the engine’s oil sump area)

$5.4 million fine
The FAA says US Airways:

  • Embraer ERJ-190s on 19 flights in AD violation (open cargo door Directive)
  • Airbus A320s on 26 flights in AD violation (inspection of the landing gear for cracks)
  • A320 on 17 flights in AD violation (inspection of the landing gear for cracks)
  • Airbus A320 on 855 flights in maintenance violation (engine repair)
  • Boeing 757 on 505 flights in maintenance violation(missed engine work inspections)
  • Boeing 757 on 121 in maintenance violation
  • Boeing 767 on 53 flights without weekly inspection
  • Boeing 767 on 51 flights without inspections, tests and sampling
| |

NTSB Investigation: Marlin Air 2007

George’s Point of View

Now held responsible for a fatal June 4, 2007 Cessna 550 crash, pilot Capt. William Serra, 59, had apparently falsified training records and had been convicted in 1987 of conspiracy to import Quaaludes when he piloted a plane with 2,100 pounds of the drug from Canada to the USA in 1981. In the 2007 he had been responsible for safety checks; and both he and the other pilot were unfamiliar with the Marlin Air plane, resulting in a crash in Lake Michigan, killing both pilots and four members of a University of Michigan lung transplant team.

The NTSB holds FAA inspectors responsible for allowing Serra to conduct pilot inspections and oversee safety.

Investigators included the NTSB, the FAA, Cessna Aircraft, Marlin Air, Pratt and Whitney and Honeywell.

|

Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009

Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009 deals with flight crew qualifications. The bill attempts to address flight crew standards for ATP certification and experience, largely as a result of the Colgan Air crash.

Higher standards, which reduce the applicant pool will inadvertently cause an escalation in pay, and hopefully in safety as well.

See the bill before and after the house on Thomas:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:h3371