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Continental Chief Executive Calls Consumer Tarmac Rule Stupid

12 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Continental Airlines Chief Executive Jeff Smisek called DOT�s new consumer protection Tarmac Rule "stupid.� Consumer advocate groups called on tougher regulations, as a result of Continentals involvement with passengers forced to sit out on the tarmac overnight. On August 8, 2009, a Continental Airlines Flight 2816 sat on the tarmac at Rochester International Airport overnight with 47 passengers. The flight was operated by ExpressJet Airlines. Passengers were not allowed to return back to the gate, instead the small airplane just sat. Complete with crying babies and the aroma of over used toilets.

House Bill To Protect U.S. Jobs In International Airline Alliances

12 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Legislation introduced this week, bill H.R.4788, better know as the Aviation Jobs Outsourcing Prevention Act which directs the Department of Transportation to ensure that new revenue-sharing agreements between U.S. and foreign airlines are beneficial to U.S. airline workers as well as to their airlines is welcomed by the Air Line Pilots Association.

Developing Next-Gen Cooling Systems For Aircraft Avionics

12 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Fairchild Controls Corporation, an EADS North America company, has signed a teaming agreement with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to evaluate innovative cooling system technologies for avionics and mission systems aboard military aircraft.

Air Program At Carolinas Medical Center Receives Eurocopter EC135's

12 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

American Eurocopter announce that three new EC135s have entered service with the MedCenter Air Program at Carolinas Medical Center. The aircraft, which were purchased in late 2009, were completed by Metro Aviation and include state-of-the-art cockpit technology as well as the latest medical equipment. In addition to accommodating one or two litters, the EC135s are equipped with a neo-natal sled, balloon pump and liquid oxygen.

NTSB Glass Cockpits Vs Conventional No Better Safety Record

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board adopted a study concluding that single engine airplanes equipped with glass cockpits had no better overall safety record than airplanes with conventional instrumentation. The safety study, which was adopted unanimously by the Safety Board, was initiated more than a year ago to determine if light airplanes equipped with digital primary flight displays, often referred to as "glass cockpits," were inherently safer than those equipped with conventional instruments.

Marine F-18 Jet Goes Down Off The Coast Of Saint Helena Sound

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Coast Guard rescued two Marine Corps pilots on Wednesday at 6:15 p.m., approximately 35-miles off the coast of Saint Helena Sound, South Carolina. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina notified the Coast Guard at about 5:17 p.m., Wednesday.

Women Airforce Service Pilots Receive Congressional Gold Medal

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Wednesday aviators, friends and family members gathered for a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to honor the achievements of the first women to fly military aircraft during World War II, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), 1,102 pilots. The event was held at the United States Air Force Memorial located in Arlington, Virginia, on the grounds of Fort Myer near the Pentagon. About 200 WASPs and more than 2000 representatives of those who could not attend for health reasons or deceased attended the ceremony to accept the Congressional Gold Medals.

Airbus A400M Military Airlifter Undertakes Additional Flight Test

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The first A400M is flying today from Seville, Spain to Toulouse, France following a test flight performed in the Seville area. This flight is the tenth performed by A400M MSN1 since its first flight on 11th December 2009. In total and until yesterday the aircraft has logged 39 hours of flight test. Very poor weather in Seville prevented the aircraft from performing more flights, as the sensors installed on the turboprop blades for the initial flight test campaigns, are sensitive to humidity.

Abu Dhabi To Open Red Bull Air Race 2010

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship opens in Abu Dhabi on 26/27 March, returning to the United Arab Emirates capital for the sixth consecutive year. The world�s top 15 pilots will start their six-month long battle for championship points in the first of eight races on a total of five continents.

FAA Implements Safety Management System

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Organization is now operating under a Safety Management System. This enables the FAA to manage the risks associated with changes in the National Airspace System that include installing, modifying and removing equipment, as well as modifying and implementing procedures and airspace changes.

Loveland Man Sentenced Four Years Involving Airline Tickets Fraud

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Christopher B. Watts, age 59, of Loveland, Colorado, was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn to serve 51 months (over four years) in federal prison for wire fraud related to a scheme purportedly selling discount airline tickets that did not exist. Following his prison sentence, Watts was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution totaling $495,397 to nearly 90 victims. The defendant, who is free on bond, was ordered to report to a facility designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons within 15 days of designation.

Action Needed To Save Canadian Aviation Maintenance Industry

11 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The recent announcement by Air Canada to layoff more than one thousand aircraft maintenance mechanics is the latest indication that Canada is in danger of losing its place in this growing global industry. “Over one thousand highly skilled aircraft mechanics at Air Canada will be laid off this April and the company doesn�t give a damn,� says a disgusted Fred Hospes, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).

Cockpit Voice Recorder Legislation Opposed By CAPA

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) which represents over 28,000 pilots, strongly opposes legislation introduced by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) (S.3048) to allow the use of Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR�s) as a means of punishing airline pilots found to be violating sterile cockpit and other established procedures while flying.

GE And US Navy To Recycle Old Aircraft Engines

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The U.S. Navy and GE Aviation are collaborating on an environmentally beneficial program to recover rhenium-bearing aircraft engine components from out-of-service F404 and F414 engines, and then incorporate this precious metal back into the manufacture of new engine parts. Dubbed the GE/Navy Reclamation Program, this effort is aimed at reducing raw-material requirements, lowering dependency on foreign sources of rhenium and providing financial "credits" the Navy can apply to future engines and hardware. After validation of its viability and value, this initiative was formalized last June and incorporated into the existing GE-Navy F414 multi-year contract.

Ireland�s Ryanair Government Inaction Costs 500 Engineering Jobs

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Ryanair, Ireland�s favorite airline, on Tuesday condemned the Irish Government for its failure to win 500 well paid engineering jobs for Ireland as it confirmed that all 500 jobs, which it had originally promised to create in Hangar 6 at Dublin Airport, will now be lost to Glasgow Prestwick and one other European airport. Last year over 800 employees lost their jobs when SR Technics closed its facility at Dublin Airport. The owner of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, states he could restore 300 of those jobs if he could rent or buy hangar number 6 at Dublin Airport at a reasonable price. At the present time Aer Lingus has a 20 year lease on the property however, the property has not been used in years and it is vacant (see photos).

Northrop Will Not Submit Bid On Air Force KC-X Tanker Program

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Northrop Grumman will not bid for the US Air Force Tanker replacement program. In 2008, Northrop Grumman was selected and awarded the US Air Force KC-135 modernization program contract. However, Northrop Grumman has decided not to submit a bid to the Department of Defense (DoD) for the KC-X program.

Air India All Women Flight Crew Set Flight Record

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

National carrier Air India created history when at a little past midnight on Monday when the first all-women crew ultra long-haul B777-200LR NonStop flight from Mumbai to New York. Flight AI 141 was the first of the 22 all-women crew flights operated by Air India across its domestic and international network, to mark International Women�s Day.

Hydrogen Powered Aircraft Boeing 'Phantom Eye' Takes Shape

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Boeing Company has begun to build Phantom Eye its first unmanned, liquid hydrogen powered, high altitude long endurance (HALE) demonstrator aircraft. “The essence of Phantom Eye is its propulsion system,� said Darryl Davis, Boeing Phantom Works president. “After five years of technology development, we are now deploying rapid prototyping to bring together an unmanned aerial vehicle [UAV] with a breakthrough liquid-hydrogen propulsion system that will be ready to fly early next year.�

FAA NextGen Implementation Plan Released

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The NextGen Implementation Plan provides an overview of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ongoing transition to NextGen. The Plan lays out the agency�s vision for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, now and into the mid-term, which is defined here as 2012-2018. The Plan further identifies the goals the FAA has set for technology and program deployment and the commitments the FAA has made in support of that vision. Through annual updates, the FAA will document their work plan for meeting those goals.

Forecast Links Aviation Activity and National Economic Growth

10 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is forecasting that key airspace safety and efficiency modernization efforts will play a vital role in spurring long-term sustained growth in air travel and the nation�s overall economic health. This forecast, which comes after a short-term period of slow growth in aviation activity, underscores the need for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and continued investment in airport infrastructure projects.

US Airways Violates Price Advertising Rules

9 Mar 2010 05:03:34 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on Monday assessed a $40,000 civil penalty against US Airways for violating rules that require airline price advertisements to disclose the full price consumers must pay for air transportation. “When consumers shop for air travel, they have a right to know how much they will have to pay,� said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will continue to ensure that airlines comply with our price advertising rules.�

Atlas Air Awarded Boeing Contract to Operate Dreamlifter Fleet

9 Mar 2010 05:02:25 GMT

Beginning toward the latter part of 2010, Atlas Air will operate Boeing�s Dreamlifter fleet of four 747-400 aircraft that have been modified to transport major assemblies for the 787 Dreamliner from suppliers around the world to Boeing production facilities in the United States. The parties have structured the nine-year agreement in a manner consistent with the outsourcing business model under which Atlas Air typically operates. Under that model, Atlas Air will receive contractually determined revenues for the operation of the Dreamlifter aircraft, with Boeing assuming responsibility for certain direct costs, including fuel. Under the CMI arrangement, Boeing will provide and maintain ownership of the aircraft assets.

ICAO To Visit Haiti To Assess Aviation Infrastructure

9 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

A multi-disciplinary team from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is conducting a three-day mission to Haiti to assess the status of the aviation infrastructure in the country following the January 12th earthquake and to recommend a course of action for reconstruction and assistance. From March 9 to 11, ICAO officials will assess airport and air navigation facilities and services, flight operations, and aircraft handling. They will also review assessment reports prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the military of the United States.

Environmental Satellite To Improve Weather Forecasting

9 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Thursday marked a significant milestone in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) efforts overseeing the safety of the nation�s commercial space transportation industry with the 201st FAA licensed commercial rocket launch. The vehicle carried into orbit an environmental satellite to improve weather forecasting and help monitor environmental events. FAA�s Office of Commercial Space Transportation safety inspectors were present to monitor operations of the Delta IV booster.

Boeing�s 747-8 And Vought Aircraft Marshall Street Facility

9 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Weighing as much as a small elephant and spanning more than 57 feet, the largest of the 747-8 fuselage panels that Marshall Street assembles could barely fit inside a tennis court. Imagine loading it into a rail car. A similarly large shipment is Section 48 which consists of the upper and lower lobe, the pressure dome or bulkhead, and the aft body.

NTSB Chairman Warns Of The Dangers Of Fatigue In Transportation

9 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Washington, DC - National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman on Friday encouraged the sleep research and healthcare community to continue their efforts to educate transportation policy makers of the dangers of fatigue in all modes of transportation. Speaking before the annual conference of the National Sleep Foundation in Washington, D.C., Chairman Hersman remarked that fatigue has been a concern for the Board since the creation of the agency in 1967 and it has been an issue on the Board's Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements since the list was established in 1990.

Earthquake Disasters Show Effectiveness In Mobile ATC Towers

7 Mar 2010 16:47:07 GMT

There has been a lot of publicity since the earthquake in Haiti when the ATC became unserviceable at Port-au-Prince airport. The main tower had been badly damaged, restoring ATC had to be a priority to enable the huge influx of humanitarian aid that needed to be flown into the country urgently.

Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk Helicopter Crashes In Utah

7 Mar 2010 16:46:01 GMT

The Coast Guard will begin investigating one of its own helicopters crashing on Wednesday 50 miles east of Salt Lake City. The Coast Guard Mishap Analysis Board members began work in Layton to determine the reason a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crashed Wednesday. Coast Guard pilot Capt. Glenn Gebele leads the board with assistance of eight other Coast Guard members.

Northrop To Highlight ICNSATMS At ATC Global 2010

7 Mar 2010 16:44:35 GMT

ATC Global 2010 is the world's leading air navigation services exhibition and conference and takes place from 9-11 March at the RAI exhibition centre, Amsterdam. Northrop Grumman's Europe-based air traffic management subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems will be exhibiting at Stand H600, to display its Integrated Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance Air Traffic Management Solutions (ICNSATMS).

Eurocopter AS355 Receives Canadian Approval Emergency Float System

7 Mar 2010 16:43:22 GMT

DART Helicopter Services announced that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries Inc., received Transport Canada approval of their Cylindrical Emergency Float Systems with & without Liferafts for the Eurocopter AS355E, F, F1, F2, N & NP models. Apical�s Eurocopter AS355 Cylindrical Emergency Float Systems are the only float systems certified for take-off after a water landing for the Eurocopter AS355. The systems are also available with 2 / six man liferafts integrated into the Aft Floats. The patented integrated design of the Apical Liferaft system conserves valuable passenger space and provides a significant safety benefit over cabin mounted options.

Boeing Selects Pratt And Whitney To Power Boeing's NewGen Tanker

7 Mar 2010 16:42:14 GMT

Boeing said it is offering the Pratt & Whitney-powered NewGen Tanker as its platform for the U.S. Air Force�s KC-X recapitalization program. Boeing�s proposal calls for the NewGen Tanker to be powered by Pratt & Whitney�s PW4062 engine. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company. “Pratt & Whitney is honored to partner with Boeing on the NewGen platform to be offered as America�s next generation of tankers for the U.S. Air Force�s KC-X program,� said Bill Begert, Pratt & Whitney Vice President of Military Business Development and Aftermarket Services.

American Airlines Walks Out Of Talks With Flight Attendants

5 Mar 2010 05:06:16 GMT

Negotiations between American Airlines Flight Attendants and management broke down on Wednesday when the company left the bargaining table with ten hours remaining before the scheduled end of the intense five-day bargaining session.

Aircraft Engine Maker Pratt & Whitney Request Court To Act Quickly

5 Mar 2010 05:02:00 GMT

On Thursday, Pratt & Whitney went into court to request the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in Hartford, Connecticut to act quickly on an appeal before the court on a lower court decision that prevents the jet engine maker from moving over 1,000 job's out of the state and country. Pratt & Whitney indicated they needed a decision before their machinists contract expires December 5, 2010. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, in a brief filed with the lower court, U.S. District Court, said that Pratt & Whitney had failed to demonstrate that the transfer of 1,000 Connecticut jobs out of state and overseas would result in any savings during the term of its union contract.

Air Jamaica To Be Taken Over By Caribbean Airlines

5 Mar 2010 05:00:39 GMT

The government of Jamaica has approved the sale of Air Jamaica to Caribbean Airlines of Trinidad and Tobago with an effective date of April 12, 2010. Both companies will work together to provide a seamless transition into a Caribbean Airlines operation. Caribbean Airlines will acquire the airline's fleet, route rights and will open a new hub at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport. The acquisition will make Caribbean Airlines the largest airline in the Caribbean.

Boeing To Offer NewGen Tanker to US Air Force

5 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Boeing Company announced that it will offer the Boeing NewGen Tanker in the competition to supply the U.S. Air Force with a multi-mission aerial refueling aircraft that will meet all the warfighter�s mission requirements for the next several decades. Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said the Boeing NewGen Tanker will satisfy all mandatory Air Force requirements and offer an American-made tanker that will be capable, survivable, and combat-ready at the lowest cost to the taxpayer.

FAA Responds To John F. Kennedy Father Son Day

4 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

A well seasoned air traffic controller at John F. Kennedy Airport New York brought his child to work during a weeklong winter break form school in February. The intentions of this father was to give his son a glimpse into what his father does for a living, the importance to an education, being a team player, work ethics, and job responsibilities, a national tradition of “Take Our Daughters or Sons to Work Day�.

Red Bull Air Race Pilots Choose Arizona Desert For Training

4 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

With only weeks to go before the first stop of the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship, pilots are seeking optimum training conditions in order to be fighting fit for the Abu Dhabi race at the end of March. It seems the Arizona desert is an ideal location for putting any recent modifications to the test as well as providing favorable weather for flying.

Pilot �Refusal To Take A Mandatory Drug Test� Wins Appeal

4 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

United States Court of Appeals in the District Of Columbia has overturned the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) decision to revoke Dr. Fred Pasternack"s pilot and instructors certificates. The court vacated the Board�s decision and remand for further proceedings consistent with the courts opinion.

Goodyear Tire Ordered To Pay Failing To Rehire Army Reservist

4 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Justice Department on Tuesday announced that it has reached a settlement, in the form of a consent decree, with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company that, if approved by the U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City, will resolve its lawsuit filed on behalf of Michael J. Ellis, a major in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Australia�s Qantas Airways Faces Sex Discrimination Claims

4 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) in Australia has filed an application for a general protections dispute with Fair Work Australia that seeks to reverse a recent decision by Qantas to bar all women from 47 new permanent positions created at Sydney Airport. Qantas recently replaced 67 temporary positions with 47 permanent staff after it merged its cabin cleaning and ground handling operations at its international division.

Navy Women In Aviation 2010 Pioneer Hall Of Fame

3 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

With three Navy admirals in attendance and two Navy officers inducted into this year's WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame, the admirals in attendance sent a strong message that diversity allows for a greater and more versatile workforce. Navy women were out in force at this year�s 21st Annual Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference held on Saturday in Orlando, Florida.

Raytheon To Improve Accuracy Information From GPS Satellites

3 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Raytheon has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to develop a new element of the Global Positioning System (GPS) were by improving the accuracy of information from GPS satellites. The contract is worth $886 million. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based global navigation satellite system. It provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to worldwide users on a continuous basis in all weather, day and night, anywhere on or near the Earth which has an unobstructed view of four or more GPS satellites.

Air Canada To Layoff Over 1000 Aircraft Mechanics

3 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Air Canada, Canada�s largest full service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market will be laying off over 1000 skilled aircraft mechanics. "Over one thousand highly skilled aircraft mechanics at Air Canada will be laid off this April and the company doesn't give a damn," says a disgusted Fred Hospes, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District 140 Regional Assistant Directing General Chairperson -Western Region.

Mission Readiness Webb Space Telescope Sets Program Landmark

3 Mar 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The James Webb Space Telescope reached a mission-readiness landmark when it�s first primary mirror segment was cryo-polished to its required prescription as measured at operational cryogenic temperatures. This achievement sets the stage for a successful polishing process for the remaining 18 flight mirror segments. Northrop Grumman Corporation is leading Webb's design and development effort for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Unite Calls On British Airways Race And Age Discriminatory Practices

2 Mar 2010 05:12:55 GMT

Unite the union on Monday denounced British Airways for moving to overturn a recent ruling which said it must apply UK law to its Hong Kong-based female cabin crew. The crew's union says BA's moves are a shameful attempt to persist with its policy of dismissing its female Hong Kong cabin crew at 45 years of age - and can continue to discriminate against its employees on both age and race grounds.

DAHER-SOCATA TBM 850 Aircraft With G1000 Has Home In Australia

2 Mar 2010 05:11:37 GMT

Melbourne, Australia, DAHER-SOCATA announced the delivery of its first G1000-equipped TBM 850 turboprop aircraft to an Australian customer. Receiving the TBM 850 was Warwick and Katrina Hawksworth of Capstone Financial services. This independently owned and operated organization was formed in July 2002 and has rapidly grown to become one of Australia's leading financial planning licensees today.

BAE Pleads Guilty Ordered To Pay $400 Million Criminal Fine

2 Mar 2010 05:10:36 GMT

BAE Systems pleaded guilty on Monday in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to conspiring to defraud the United States by impairing and impeding its lawful functions, to make false statements about its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance program, and to violate the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), announced Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler.

Irish Court Ruled Ryanair Can Sue Screen Scraper Websites

2 Mar 2010 05:09:25 GMT

Ireland�s Ryanair, on Monday welcomed the judgment of the High Court in Dublin, which confirmed Ryanair�s legal right to bring proceedings in Ireland against foreign screen scraping websites which breach the Terms of Use of the www.ryanair.com website and Ryanair�s exclusive distribution policy. Ryanair initiated High Court proceedings against German screen scrapers “Billigfluege� and “Ticket Point� in September 2009, following their refusal to stop unauthorized scraping and mis-selling of tickets from Ryanair�s website. Both Billigfluege and Ticket Point argued during a 4-day hearing last December that Irish courts do not have jurisdiction over these proceedings and that they should have been brought before German courts.

Rio De Janeiro To Take Part In The 2010 Red Bull Air Race

2 Mar 2010 05:06:39 GMT

The Red Bull Air Race is returning to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2010, exactly three years after one million spectators packed the beaches to witness the biggest-ever sporting event in Brazilian history. Defending champion Paul Bonhomme won the race in South America in 2007 and the British ace will be leading the field of 15 of the world�s best race pilots on May 8th and 9th at the 3rd stop in the 8-race championship.

EPA Limiting Deicing Fluid Runoff At Commercial Airports

28 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

EPA's proposal would establish standards for the amount of aircraft deicing fluid (ADF) that commercial service airports must re-capture and prevent from entering wastewater runoff. American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is concerned that the standards would put undue financial burdens and creates safety hazards at many airports.

NCFM Rejects All Nippon Airways Women Only Bathrooms

28 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

All Nippon Airlines (ANA) announced ANA will designate women-only lavatories, presumably on flights between Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), California airports and international destinations. All passengers, male and female, should be treated equally, said the National Coalition For Men (NCFM). The NCFM has respectfully asks that ANA not employ women-only bathrooms on flights to and from California airports. "Men will be denied a lavatory because they are men though when necessary men will be allowed to ask permission from a flight attendant to use the women-only lavatory, which is gender-based discrimination, unequal treatment, and in violation of California law". Said Harry A. Crouch President NCFM.

House Aviation Subcommittee Hears Testimony On Aircraft Icing

28 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman on Wednesday gave testimony before the House Aviation Subcommittee, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, discussed the dangers of aircraft flying in icing conditions and highlighted longstanding Safety Board recommendations that have yet to be adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration to address the issue.

Court Rules Against Long Term Protection Of Aircraft Tail Numbers

28 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Friday, United States District Court Judge Rosemary M. Collyer ruled that a list (Blocked List) of private aircraft, whose aircraft tail numbers are blocked from the public view must be released under the Freedom of Information Act (see court report). The National Business Aviation Association sued the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to prevent the FAA from releasing a blocked list of aircraft registration numbers to ProPublica, Inc.

BAE Construction Underway To Build New Aircraft Carriers In The UK

28 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The BAE to build United Kingdom�s new aircraft carriers gained further momentum on Friday, as BAE Systems began construction at Portsmouth Naval Base - the future home of the Queen Elizabeth Class ships. UK Secretary of State for Defense, Bob Ainsworth, was invited to push the button on the company's new state of the art plasma steel cutter, marking the start of full scale production at the site. The team at Portsmouth is building Lower Block 2, one of the large structures, that forms part of the hull on the first ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Housing machinery spaces, stores, switchboards and some of the ship's accommodation, this block alone will weigh around 6,000 tones and will stand over 18 meters tall, 70 meters long and 40 meters wide.

AJSAG Objects To Granting Of Waiver Under The Open Skies

27 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Kingston, Jamaica - Air Jamaica Staff Acquisition Group (AJSAG), has been informed that the Government of Jamaica, in pursuit of the privatization of Air Jamaica to Caribbean Airlines, has recently filed a request with the United States (US) authorities seeking a waiver of certain requirements under the Open Skies Agreement between Jamaica and the United States.

ALPA Cockpit Monitoring Legislation Threatens Safety

27 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int�l (ALPA) stands in adamant opposition to an ill-conceived proposal by Sen. Jim DeMint to use cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder information for discipline, rather than as it was intended, because the proposal poses a serious risk to aviation safety. “ALPA adamantly opposes this misguided legislation that seeks to use cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder information to punish individual pilots, rather than to promote and support the proactive safety culture that our industry needs to protect our passengers, crews, and cargo,� said Capt. John Prater, ALPA�s president.

United Signs Flight Attendant Reciprocal Cabin Seat Agreement

27 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

United Airlines has signed a Flight Attendant Reciprocal Cabin Seat Agreement with Republic Airways effective March 9, 2010. Several airlines are part of the Republic Airways Holding agreement. Chautauqua�s main hub is IND with additional hubs located in CLE, LGA, STL and CMH. Shuttle America operates primarily in the south and southeastern corridor. Midwest Airlines and Frontier have hubs in Denver, Kansas City and Milwaukee. They operate flights within the Midwest, Florida, the northeast and Alaska. This agreement maintains the existing Reciprocal Cabin Seat Agreement with Frontier.

Gulfstream G650 Has Completed Its First Flight

27 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Gulfstream G650 has completed its first flight. In a company first, both G650 flight-test aircraft T2 and T1 were airborne simultaneously and were tracked by dual telemetry facilities in real time. The second test article known as T2 took off from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport at 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, with senior experimental test pilots Gary Freeman and Scott Buethe in the cockpit. The aircraft flew for 2 hours and 33 minutes, reaching an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,278 m) and a speed of Mach 0.80 before landing back in Savannah.

Ninety-Nines Celebrate 100 Years Of Licensed Women Pilots

26 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Susan Larson, President of The Ninety-Nines, has committed to flying women who have never flown in both her Cessna 182 and Hughes 500 helicopter during the week of March 6-12 in celebration of 100 years of licensed women pilots. "I can�t imagine a more satisfying reason to go fly, not that we really need one," said Larson. On March 8, 1910, Raymonde de Laroche, a French balloonist, became the first woman ever to earn a pilot's license. One century later, the ranks of women pilots continues to grow, but women represent only 6% of all licensed pilots in most countries.

Southwest Airlines Pilots� Oppose Cockpit Conversation Monitoring

26 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Southwest Airlines Pilots� Association on Thursday urged Senators to oppose attempts to punish, rather than protect, pilots who voluntarily report errors through established safety programs � including recent efforts to use “black box� cockpit voice recordings (CVR) as a way to enact discipline on pilots. SWAPA joins fellow pilots from other airlines who oppose Senator Jim DeMint�s proposal to allow use of CVR data for disciplinary and punitive action against pilots. The NTSB has recommended that carriers be able to “routinely download and analyze all available sources of safety information, as part of their flight operational quality assurance program.�

American Airlines Flight Attendants Turn Up the Heat

26 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Determined to achieve a contract, American Airlines Flight Attendants will turn up the heat on the airline with a series of activities as they begin five days of “lockdown� negotiations with American Airlines at the National Mediation Board (NMB) in Washington on Saturday, February 27.

Cathay Pacific And Air China Sign Cargo Joint Venture

26 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Cathay Pacific Airways has played a key role in building Hong Kong into one of the world�s leading international air-cargo hubs. The carrier operates one of the world�s biggest freighter fleets and has developed a worldwide network that enables it to carry around 1.3 million tons of freight annually through Hong Kong International Airport.

United Airlines Finalizes Boeing 787 Dreamliner Order

26 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

United Airlines has finalized an order for 25 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The agreement includes the opportunity to purchase another 50 Dreamliners. "Boeing and United Airlines share an 80-year partnership," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "United, which launched the Boeing 777, now begins a new chapter with the 787 Dreamliner, the most technologically advanced commercial jetliner ever built."

U.S Customs Adds Six Helicopters To Its Fleet

26 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

American Eurocopter and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has entered into the first option year on the Light Enforcement Helicopter (LEH) contract and placed an order for six AS350B3s. This is the second order on the LEH contract that was awarded to American Eurocopter by the Department of Homeland Security in July 2008. “The AS350 B3 has proven that it is well-suited for the CBP�s surveillance missions and security patrol,� said Marc Paganini, American Eurocopter President and CEO. “It provides a cost-effective, durable and high-performance solution to meet their varied mission objectives.�

Bodies Of Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority Officials ID

25 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) has reported the bodies of Rosemond W. James, Director General, and Gregory A. McAlpin, Director-Flight Safety, were retrieved from the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. On Tuesday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Haiti (OFNAC), one of the entities representing ECCAA in the recovery efforts, reported the remains of Messrs James and McAlpin were recovered. Although the bodies were identified based on their jewelry and their driver's license, secondary confirmation through a laboratory identification process will be conducted by end of this week. When this is completed, the repatriation process will take place

NTSB Wants Cockpit Conversations Monitored

25 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

In the wake of a number of airline accidents and incidents the NTSB is now calling for the FAA to put in place regulations that would require airlines to monitor cockpit conversations on a regular bias and provide for protection of those recordings from public disclosure. "In the Colgan report, the Safety Board recommended that all available sources of information be downloaded and analyzed on a routine basis. Numerous Safety Board investigations have identified the performance of the crew as causal or contributing to the accident. Over the last decade, data monitoring has resulted in measurable safety improvements for equipment and operations."

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Number ZA004 Makes First Flight

25 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

A third airplane has joined the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight-test program. ZA004, the fourth flight-test airplane to be built, took off at 11:43 a.m. local time on Wednesday from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The program plan called for ZA004 to fly before ZA003 because the data ZA004 is collecting is needed more quickly both for certification and development of the 787-9. Captains Heather Ross and Craig Bomben completed a three-hour-and-two-minute flight at 2:45 p.m., landing at Boeing Field in Seattle. Flight-test personnel were also on board to monitor airplane performance. "Airplane No. 4 operated flawlessly," Ross said after landing. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us but I can't imagine a better start to the flight test program for this airplane."

United States Transfers Guantanamo Bay Detainees To Spain and Albania

25 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Department of Justice announced that several detainees from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba have been transferred to Spain and Albania on Wednesday. The identity of the individual transferred to Spain is being withheld for security and privacy reasons at the request of the Government of Spain. This transfer was carried out under an individual arrangement between the United States and the Government of Spain. The United States coordinated with the Government of Spain to ensure the transfer took place under appropriate security measures and consultations regarding this individual will continue.

All Nippon Airways To Offer Women Only Lavatories

25 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Beginning Monday, March 1st, All Nippon Airways (ANA) will begin introducing women only lavatories on ANA Group international routes excluding Air Bus 320 and Boeing B737 aircraft. Following numerous requests from passengers for this service, one women-only lavatory will be designated in the aft section of the passenger cabin, location may differ depending on aircraft and configuration and will be available for use by women passengers in all classes of service. Women only lavatories will be indicated using the signage of a woman on the door of the lavatory.

Additional Emirates Flights Would Provide Canadians Jobs Growth

25 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

A study by an independent transportation and tourism consulting group, InterVISTAS, shows a projected increase in tourism spending, and increase in tax revenues and economic activity resulting from the proposed services through passenger and cargo, if Emirates Airlines is granted additional Canadian landing rights. “Emirates Airline is seeking federal government approval to progressively increase connections between Canada, the Middle East and Asia,� said Andrew Parker, Senior Vice President International Affairs at Emirates. “By growing leisure and business traffic, we can help to strengthen Canada�s tourism, trade and investment sectors � as well as increase traffic for domestic airlines.�

Pilot With HIV Gets Second Chance At Lawsuit With FAA

24 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Stanmore Cawthon Cooper, a pilot with AIDS, claimed to have sustained damages as the result of an interagency exchange of information performed as part of a joint criminal investigation by Defendants Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Social Security Administration (SSA), and Department of Transportation (DOT). On Monday the the United States District Court of Appeals for the Northern District of California reversed and remanded the case, Stanmore Cawthon Cooper VS FAA, to the district court for further proceedings consistent with the opinion of the court.

Irelands Ryanair Passengers Want O�Leary To Sumo Stelios

24 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Passengers vote for O�Leary and Stelios to settle their differences over Easyjet�s high fares and suppressed punctuality stats. Ryanair, on Tuesday confirmed that over 10,000 passengers, so far, have voted for Ryanair and Easyjet to settle their differences with a Sumo bout in Trafalgar Sq, closely followed by a drag-race which could see the airline chiefs donning high-heels and fishnets.

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Fighting AIDS In Africa

24 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Zulu warriors have a well-earned reputation as fierce fighters, having successfully defended their KwaZulu-Natal homeland in South Africa against outside invaders for hundreds of years. But a new enemy prompted this courageous people to call in reinforcements in the unlikely form of Alaska Airlines flight attendant Monda Williams. With a background in behavioral science, Williams has been asked by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, head of the Zulu tribe, to help fight the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus among his people. Money for the effort is being provided by the prince and the South African government. It's a daunting task. South Africa has the largest concentration of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in one country: 5.7 million and counting.

Cessna Completes Full Acquisition Of CitationAir

24 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Cessna Aircraft announced it has completed its acquisition of CitationAir, a business aviation solutions company originally called CitationShares. The original company was started in 2000 as a joint venture between Cessna and TAG Aviation Holding SA with each holding a 50-percent share. Cessna had gradually acquired a greater share through the past decade and today announced acquisition of the final 8 percent. Terms of the transaction were not released. CitationAir is a business aviation solutions company offering jet cards, jet shares, aircraft management and customized solutions for individuals, businesses and corporate flight departments.

Australian Pilots Say Bill Will Criminalize Pilots Decrease Air Safety

24 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Australian parliament will soon vote on weather to add a new amendment to their Transport Security Act, known as the, “Aviation Transport Security Amendment Regulations.� Pilots and trade unions say if voted on in whole will only criminalize pilots and decrease air safety. Many believe the Aviation Transport Security Amendment Regulations offer some sound legislation. However, there are two provisions within the bill that pilots and trade unions find unacceptable. Under section 4.67E of the Aviation Transport Security Amendment Regulations, it would prevent licensed pilots from accessing a flight deck if they are not on a company list and transfer safety breaches of the cockpit from airlines to the pilots.

Boston�s Logan Airport Radar Puts Traveling Public At Risk

23 Feb 2010 17:01:01 GMT

The FAA places its traveling passengers, pilots and crews and air traffic controllers in harms way at Boston�s Logan Airport in what the FAA believed was enhancing its aircraft separation radar system. Back in 2009, the FAA upgraded Boston�s Logan Airport aircraft separation radar system from Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS) to Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X).

"Miracle on the Hudson" Sullenberger To Speak At Museum of Flight

23 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger to speak at The Museum of Flight. As pilot in command of the US Airways Flight 1549 that was dubbed the "Miracle on the Hudson," Captain Sullenberger has been hailed as a national hero for his quick thinking and outstanding aviation skills that saved the lives of 155 passengers and crew on January 15, 2009. On that day, shortly after taking off, Sullenberger reported to air traffic control that the plane had hit a large flock of birds, disabling both engines. After discussing his options with air traffic control and determining that he could neither return to LaGuardia Airport nor attempt to land at the Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, Sullenberger determined that ditching in the Hudson River was his only option.

Spirit Airlines Pilots Picket Demand New Contract

23 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Spirit Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int�l (ALPA), concluded mediated talks with the company on February 18 without any progress toward a new contract. The pilots have been negotiating for three-and-a-half years and in federally mediated talks for over six months. The end of scheduled talks may result in the pilots calling a lawful strike should the group be released to seek self-help from the National Mediation Board.

Boeing�s 787 Losses Engine Thrust On Test Fligh

23 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Randy Tinseth, Vice President, marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes stated on “Randy's Journal� “The first 787 - ZA001 returned from Moses Lake Sunday morning after landing there on Friday. "Our flight test pilots had touched down at the Grant County International Airport after they experienced an uncommanded loss of thrust in one of the engines. It was an opportunity to really see the best of Boeing kick into gear. Teaming with Rolls-Royce, we determined that the issue had to do with a pressure-sensing component within the engine.

British Airways Cabin Crew Vote To Strike

23 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The cabin crew members for British Airways, members of Unite, the trade union that represents the majority of British Airways cabin crew, has announced that its members have voted to strike. British Airways “The outcome of the ballot is very disappointing and brings a renewed threat of industrial action, which is completely unjustified. In the weeks before and during the ballot period, Unite claimed that we had breached individual crew members� contracts by making modest changes to onboard crew numbers on flights from Heathrow.

Northrop To Expand Salt Lake City Manufacturing Facility

23 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems Division has recently broken ground on a facility expansion designed to increase factory output and better serve its commercial, defense and national security customers. Northrop Grumman's 225,000 square foot Salt Lake City facility, located on West North Temple Road, will be expanded by 50,000 square feet to accommodate growth across multiple programs.

Eurocopter Fire Fighting System For Its EC225 Helicopter

23 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Eurocopter develops fire fighting system for the EC225. The EC225 represents Eurocopter's latest development in the 11-tons transport helicopter segment. A new five- bladed main rotor of the Spheriflex type provides optimum reliability and lift performance. The EC225 is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshaft engines. A full de-icing anti-icing system enhances operational effectiveness.

JetBlue Airways Looses Appeal Over Age Gender Retaliation Claim

22 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Friday the U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Second Circuit ruled in favor of Diane Gorzynski, a former employee with JetBlue who accused the airline of age and gender bias, creating a hostile work environment, and firing her in retaliation for complaining back in 2002. Gorzynski was a customer service supervisor at the Buffalo International Airport in New York before being fired. JetBlue Airways hired Diane Gorzynski in January 2000, as a customer service agent. Four months later Gorzynski was promoted to supervisor. From that time on Gorzynski states that she witnessed behaviors from her superior and subordinates that were racist and sexist. Gorzynski stated that on one occasion her supervisor had stated over an intercom system during a boarding call that Gorzynski had been a table dancer and a female colleague had been a pin-up girl.

AW139 Helicopter Receives Full Ice Protection Certification

22 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

AgustaWestland announced the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) for the AW139 medium twin helicopter has achieved EASA Certification. This allows the AW139 to fly into known icing conditions with unprecedented all weather capabilities no other helicopters in its category can claim. FIPS Certification, achieved following an intense series of trials performed in North America, aims at completing the process that makes the multirole AW139 suitable to operate in the most diverse and harsh environment conditions. With the EASA certification received, approvals in accordance with FAA as well as TCAA (Canada) requirements are expected to be obtained soon, as the entire FIPS test campaign has been conducted since the beginning under the supervision and with the constant involvement of EASA, FAA and TCAA.

Pilots� Concerns Echoed NTSB Safety Recommendations

22 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int�l (ALPA), commends the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for continuing to use its Most Wanted Transportation Safety Improvements to draw attention to many of the most serious safety challenges the U.S. airline industry faces today. “We are gratified that the NTSB continues to push the FAA to enhance safety in critical areas, including the need to take on pilot fatigue, reduce runway incursions and excursions, and provide better guidance to ensure safe flight in icing conditions,� said Capt. John Prater, ALPA�s president. “ALPA strongly supports the Board�s call for expedited action to better safeguard passengers, crews, and cargo against these threats.�

AAAE Urges EPA To Work With Aviation Industry On Lead Monitoring

22 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), in comments filed on behalf of its membership, expressed concern with several aspects of a proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule aimed at revising ambient air lead monitoring requirements and tightening the standards around airports. Fuel used for piston-engine aircraft contains lead. EPA's proposal is to treat airports identically to other sources of lead when determining if source-oriented lead monitoring is needed. Aviation's challenge is that, while alternative fuel research is well underway, there is currently no safe, economically viable alternative to leaded fuel for piston-engine aircraft.

Southwest Pilot Pleads Guilty To Fraud

20 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

After 911, when a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial passenger jets and intentionally crashed two of the jets into the Twin Towers, the federal government began looking at pilot licensing requirements. One the areas the feds began looking into, beginning in 1992, was a review of pilots who had made disability claims with the Social Security Administration. The feds were interested in identifying those pilots who had used different doctors, one to certify fitness to fly and another to certify disability for SSA benefits. This was a coordinated effort between The Department of Transportation, the Social Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Body Falls From Amerijet Aircraft Bound For Miami

20 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

A 27 year old man who tried to reach Miami died after falling to his death from a departing jet bound for Miami. The 27 year old stowaway hid himself from ramp personnel in the wheel well of an Amerijet aircraft that had been parked at AILA�s Cabo Caucedo cargo terminal at Las Americas Airport (AILA), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The accident occurred at 2:47 PM on Thursday. An air traffic controller saw something fall from the Amerijet plane just as it took off. Air traffic was diverted to Punta Cana as the airport was shut down for 45 minutes while investigators tried to determine what happened.

National Weather Service To Use New Hurricane Wind Scale

20 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

NOAA's National Weather Service will use a new hurricane scale this season called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale keeps the same wind speed ranges as the original Saffir-Simpson Scale for each of the five hurricane categories, but no longer ties specific storm surge and flooding effects to each category. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane's intensity at the indicated time. The scale provides examples of the type of damage and impacts in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity.

American Airlines TWU Workers Gives Airline Until March 8

19 Feb 2010 22:42:57 GMT

Transport Workers Union leaders, who represent more than 28,000 workers at American Airlines and American Eagle, announced this morning that unless all outstanding contract issues are settled at the two carriers by the end of mediated discussion on March 8, union members will seek an immediate release from federal mediation. Under the terms of the U.S. Railway Labor Act � which governs labor relations in the commercial airline and railroad industries � a release from mediation entitles workers to exercise “self help� essentially the right to go on strike. TWU would be the first union representing a major carrier to request such action from the National Mediation Board (NMB) since the Obama administration took office last year.

Suicide Pilot Joseph Andrew Stack Crashes Into IRS Building

19 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Joseph Andrew Stack, a pilot who had many conflicting thoughts as noted in his manifesto, made a public declaration of his anger on Thursday. At about 9:45 AM, Stack was cleared by air traffic control at Georgetown Municipal Airport, Georgetown, Texas, for take off in his Piper Dakota PA-28-236, with a tail number N2889D. The controller asked, "89D what is your direction of flight sir." Stack replied, "southbound." Tower replied, "super." Upon exiting the airport control zone, the tower informed Stack, "89D frequency change approved southbound have a good day." Stack replied, "thanks for your help you too." Stack, flying by ground references, continued to fly southbound to Austin, Texas, about 40 miles.

Bombardier Opens Third Service Centre For Commercial Aircraft

19 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace announced that it has added a third commercial aircraft service centre to its growing customer support network worldwide. The facility, located in Macon, Georgia and operated by Bombardier Customer Services complements the two Bombardier-owned commercial aircraft service centers in Bridgeport, West Virginia and Tucson, Arizona.

OIG Report FAA Failed To Hold American Accountable On Maintenance

19 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Wednesday the Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued its report on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of American Airlines� maintenance programs. The audit was prompted by allegations that the overall aircraft operational reliability had decreased at this airline. The audit objectives were to assess (1) FAA�s oversight of American Airlines� maintenance program and identify any underlying weaknesses and (2) FAA�s response to the allegations.

Garmin�s G500H Glass Avionics Optimized For Helicopter Use

19 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Garmin announced the G500H, an all-glass avionics system designed specifically for the VFR Part 27 helicopter market. The G500H is a derivative of the G600 and G500 for the fixed-wing market, yet the G500H has been optimized for rotorcraft and offers features like helicopter synthetic vision technology, helicopter-specific databases with over 7,000 heliports and nearly 30,000 additional low-altitude obstacles, XM WX Satellite Weather with NEXRAD, and the ability to display video from a forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera or other video sources.

Bonhomme Plays It Safe As Red Bull Air Race Heats Up

19 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The firm belief that the other teams are working tirelessly to raise their game this year has fuelled Bonhomme�s own competitive streak. He may have a Red Bull Air Race World Championship win under his belt but British pilot Paul Bonhomme isn�t taking anything for granted as he prepares to defend his title. The unflappable and extremely calculated pilot has spent the winter planning how to raise the bar in order to remain ahead of his rivals in 2010. He is fully focused on the challenge that awaits. You might think the pressure would have eased now that he's proven he is worthy of the title. Not so. Bonhomme says there is still plenty of tension this year, despite the trophy on the mantelpiece.

Viking DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter Aircraft Takes First Flight

19 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

In advance of Transport Canada certification, the first new-production DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter has taken its initial flight from Viking�s final assembly facility in Calgary, Alberta. Aircraft, manufacturers serial number (MSN) 845, Canadian registration C-FMJO is the first new production Twin Otter since de Havilland Canada ended production in 1988 with the delivery of MSN 844. Sold to launch customer Zimex Aviation of Switzerland, MSN 845 is equipped with Honeywell�s Apex IFR digital flight deck, including FDR & CVR and configured with a commuter interior, the aircraft is to be used throughout North Africa servicing the oil and gas industry.

TSA Expands Explosive Trace Detection At Airports Nationwide

19 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it is expanding the random use of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) technology at airports nationwide as an additional layer of security. “Explosive Trace Detection technology is a critical tool in our ability to stay ahead of evolving threats to aviation security,� said TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. “Expanding the use of this technology at checkpoints and at departure gates greatly enhances security to keep the traveling public safe.�

Airline Failed To Comply With Landing Gear Doors AD

18 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $2.9 million civil penalty against American Eagle Airlines for operating more than 1,000 flights using airplanes on which improper repairs were performed on landing gear doors. The FAA alleges that between February and May 2008, American Eagle conducted at least 1,178 passenger-carrying flights using four Bombardier jets with main landing gear doors that had not been repaired in accordance with an Airworthiness Directive that became effective in August 2006.

Lufthansa Pilots Call For Strike Will Walk Off The Job February 22

18 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Approximately 94 percent of the pilots at the German Airline, Lufthansa have called for a strike that will take the form of a “walkout� from Monday at Midnight, February 22 through 25th. The pilots union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) reported their pilots 2006 contracted ended April 2009, Lufthansa has only brought one offer to the table “we received only one offer for none of the open collective agreements� and it does not address wages and the and potential plans of the company to move pilot positions to their lower paying subsidiaries.

US Airborne Operations Center Boeing E-4B Returns To Duty

18 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Boeing Company delivered an E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft to the U.S. Air Force after 11 months of maintenance at Boeing�s Wichita facility. The aircraft returns to service in support of the center�s mission -- providing senior government and military decision makers with connected and protected air travel.

BRS Aerospace Receives $8 Million In Additional Defense Orders

18 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

BRS Aerospace a manufacturer of whole aircraft emergency parachute systems, military cargo and personnel parachutes, and reflective safety products, announced that it has been awarded an additional $8M in new orders by the US Army to manufacture "low velocity" and “high velocity� cargo parachutes. This is a more than 50% increase to the current contract production levels. Production will occur at both the South St. Paul corporate headquarters facility and the company's North Carolina defense products facility. This significant contract increase will require an additional 134 new employees.

Ireland�s Ryanair Prime Ministers Lied To Public Over Hanger 6

18 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Last year over 800 employees lost their jobs when SR Technics closed its facility at Dublin Airport. The owner of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, states he could restore 300 of those jobs if he could rent or buy hangar number 6 at Dublin Airport at a reasonable price. At the present time Aer Lingus has a 20 year lease on the property however, the property has not been used in years and it is vacant (see photos).

The Last Built Boeing Dreamlifter 747-400 Takes Flight

17 Feb 2010 05:01:53 GMT

The fourth Boeing Dreamlifter - the final airplane in the fleet of specially modified 747-400s � entered service on Tuesday. Dreamlifters transport the large composite structures of the 787 Dreamliner from partners around the world to Everett, WA for final assembly. The unique airplane, which was modified by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. in Taipei, Taiwan, took off from Paine Field in Everett early Tuesday morning. Bound for Wichita, KA, the Dreamlifter is returning the equipment used to transport the forward fuselage section known as section 41. The airplane's registry is N718BA.

Delta Pilots Disapprove Of DOT Decision On Slot Swap With US Airways

17 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

In a letter to Delta pilots on Saturday, Captain Lee Moak, chairman of the Delta branch of the Air Line Pilots Association, the union that represents over 12,000 Delta pilots, criticized last week�s decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) which places “onerous and likely deal-breaking conditions� on a proposal by Delta and US Airways to exchange takeoff and landing “slots� in New York and Washington, DC. He characterized the decision as anti-labor, anti-consumer, anti-business and an aggressive intrusion of government into an already overregulated industry.

Shipments Of General Aviation Airplanes Down In All Categories

17 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Tuesday, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that 2009 worldwide shipments and billings of general aviation airplanes were down in all categories. Speaking at GAMA�s Annual Industry Review and Market Outlook Briefing, GAMA Chairman, Rob Wilson, president of Honeywell Business and General Aviation, reported that the global economic downturn led to one of the toughest years ever for general aviation manufacturers.

Ireland�s Ryanair Holds No Punches With Photos Release

17 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Ireland�s Ryanair�s Michael O�Leary released photographs of what Hangar 6 is being used for today “precisely nothing�. These photographs were taken at approx 9 AM on Tuesday which shows no activity going on, no “heavy maintenance work going on in the hangar�, at a time of year when it should be full of aircraft undergoing heavy maintenance. This is why 800 SRT engineers are on the dole today.

NATCA And Pilots Ask For Transparency On ATC Facility Closures

17 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Pilots and aviation stakeholders from Ohio and other locations around the country affected by the possibility of losing local air traffic control radar services have sent over 550 letters to their members of Congress. In keeping momentum going for this issue, they are asking the Federal Aviation Administration to be compelled to adopt a transparent, inclusive process before the agency makes any further moves toward changing its facilities.

Ex Employee Convicted Of Multiple Bomb Threats Against Boeing

16 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Gino Augustus Turrella, 47, of Des Moines, Washington was convicted on Monday in U.S. District Court in Seattle of 19 felony counts regarding threats he made against the Boeing Company, Shell Oil and Chevron Oil Company. The jury deliberated about five hours following a four day jury trial in front of U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour.

Actor Kevin Smith Goes To Twitter War With Southwest Airlines

16 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

What started out to be a legitimate complaint has tuned into a media circus, brought about by comedian actor Kevin Patrick Smith who was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight out of Oakland California on Sunday morning due to his weight. Kevin Patrick Smith is a film producer, and director, as well as a comic book writer, comedian, and actor. He also hosts a weekly podcast show with Scott Mosier known as SModcast. Smith is known for participating in long, humorous Q&A sessions that are often filmed for DVD release, beginning with An Evening with Kevin Smith.

Ryanair Confronts Both Ministers Of Enterprise And Transportation

16 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Ireland�s Ryanair�s Michael O�Leary continues to feud with the Minister for Enterprise and Minister for Transportation. As a result he has asked for the Government to intervene in negotiations. Last year over 800 employees lost their jobs when SR Technics closed its facility at Dublin Airport. O'Leary disputes he could restore 300 of those jobs if he could rent or buy the hangar space at Dublin Airport a reasonable price.

Unmanned Aircraft Continues Reconnaissance In Haiti

16 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

"Thanks to Global Hawk's highly advanced sensors, which are capable of taking hundreds of images in a single mission, we've provided disaster assessments for various agencies to make real-time decisions," said Gen. Bob Otto, commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "The ability to fly 24-hour duration sorties meant the Global Hawk could support hundreds of ad-hoc requests while staying well clear of the relief workers and neighboring airports. Truly, Global Hawk's capabilities have proven invaluable to the worldwide humanitarian efforts in Haiti."

British Airways To Establish Europe's First Sustainable Jet Fuel Plant

16 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

British Airways, in partnership with the Solena Group, is to establish Europe's first sustainable jet-fuel plant and plans to use the low-carbon fuel to power part of its fleet from 2014. The new fuel will be derived from waste biomass and manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility that can convert a variety of waste materials, destined for landfill, into aviation fuel.

American Airlines To Begin Flights Into Haiti

15 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Port Au Prince International Airport (PAP) will resume commercial flights as soon as February 18, 2010. American Airlines will resume flights to Port Au Prince, Haiti as soon as Thursday. There will remain flight restrictions in and out of Port Au Prince due to the conditions at the airport. The main terminal building while still standing, has cracks all throughout and cannot be used. This will be the first time that scheduled flights have been allowed back into earthquake-ravaged country Haiti. Back on February 2nd the military had begun to allow small jet charters into the country.

Dart Helicopters Receives Canadian Approval On Auxiliary Fuel Tank

15 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

DART Helicopter received approval from Canada�s Department of Transport Canada, which carries out similar duties of the FAA to install auxiliary fuel tank on their AS 350 and EC 130 Series Helicopters. Transport Canada is responsible for transportation policies and programs. It ensures that air, marine, road and rail transportation are safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible. Transport Canada reports to Parliament and Canadians through the minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities. It works with its portfolio partners, other government departments and jurisdictions, and industry to ensure that all parts of Canada's transportation system work well.

NTSB Preliminary Report Out On Helicopter Crash In El Paso

15 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The NTSB released a preliminary report on the Aerospatiale helicopter that crashed 23 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas on February 5, 2010. The report indicates that on February 5, 2010, approximately 1920 Mountain Standard Time, an Aerospatiale AS350 B2 helicopter, N157BC, was destroyed upon impact with terrain while maneuvering in the McGregor Military Range, 23 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas. A post-crash fire ensued.

Employee Guilty Of Embezzlement Ordered To Give Up Aircraft

14 Feb 2010 05:11:18 GMT

Sandra L. Brandes, 42, of Ottawa, Kansas was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Thursday to 15 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Brandes, as stipulated in her plea agreement, to transfer title to her airplane to her former employer, the primary victim of her bank fraud scheme, and to pay $15,000 in restitution to his insurance company. The airplane is an RV-9A with an FAA registration number N523RV. The aircraft was manufactured in 2006 with an airworthiness certificated dated January 24, 2006. Registrant owners are Matthew A Brandes, 29 and Sandra L Brandes. The aircraft is “experimental kit,� fixed-wing, single-engine, two-seater aircraft. The value of the airplane is estimated between $70,000 and $80,000.

Boeing 747 With Laser Destroys Airborne Ballistic Missile

14 Feb 2010 05:10:11 GMT

The Boeing Company, industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency on Thursday successfully demonstrated the speed, precision and breakthrough potential of directed-energy weapons when the Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) engaged and destroyed a boosting ballistic missile. This experiment marks the first time a laser weapon has engaged and destroyed an in-flight ballistic missile, and the first time that any system has accomplished it in the missile's boost phase of flight. ALTB has the highest-energy laser ever fired from an aircraft, and is the most powerful mobile laser device in the world. During the experiment, the aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-400F, took off from Edwards Air Force Base and focused its high-energy laser at the missile target during its boost phase as the aircraft flew over the Western Sea Range off the coast of California.

Spirit Airlines Ensures New Fuel Cost Breakout Transparency

14 Feb 2010 05:08:53 GMT

Spirit Airlines announced an innovative approach to ensure transparency in fuel costs, making sure customers know how much of their fare is fuel cost. Customers will now have this important information available to make smart travel decisions. For example, when a fare is $137 and fuel makes up $78 of that fare, customers can decide if the remaining $59 makes this a good time to buy.

American Airlines Gets DOT Approval OneWorld Antitrust Immunity

14 Feb 2010 05:07:40 GMT

Under proposed conditions, the Department of Transportation announced on Saturday it would grant antitrust immunity to American Airlines and four international partners to form a global alliance as long as the airlines agree to conditions to protect consumers and preserve competition. If the decision is made final, American and its “oneworld� alliance partners British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Finnair and Royal Jordanian Airlines would be able to more closely coordinate international operations in transatlantic markets. In today�s show-cause order, the Department tentatively found that granting antitrust immunity to the oneworld alliance would provide travelers and shippers with a variety of benefits.

Some Believe "The Barefoot Burglar" Stole His Fourth Plane

14 Feb 2010 05:06:17 GMT

It�s believed that on Wednesday night, Colton Harris-Moore stole his fourth aircraft, a Cirrus SR22. The Cirrus SR22 appeared on radar at 11:30 PM skirting the restricted airspace set up for the Vancouver Winter Olympics. The aircraft was stolen from an airport in Skagit County. At that time FAA personnel didn�t realize the aircraft was stolen however the FAA kept a close eye due to its location and the aircraft was squawking the wrong transponder code for approaching the restricted airspace. About 11:45 PM, the FAA lost contact with the Cirrus SR22 aircraft after it dropped from radar near Orcas Island.

Balli Aviation Conspired To Export 3 Boeing 747 Aircraft To Iran

13 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Balli Aviation Ltd., a subsidiary of the United Kingdom-based Balli Group PLC, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a two count criminal information in connection with its illegal export of commercial Boeing 747 aircraft from the United States to Iran.

Ryanair Accuses Transportation Minister Of Misleading The D�il

13 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Ireland�s Ryanair Airlines on Friday accused the Minister of Transportation, Noel Dempsey of misleading the D�il on Wed 10th February, when he claimed that, “I believe that the decline in passenger numbers at (Irish) airports cannot be attributed to the imposition of the travel tax. The economic recession has had a significant impact on consumer demand for discretionary air travel throughout Europe�

For Six Straight Years Hawaiian Airlines Leads On Time Service

13 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Hawaiian Airlines extended its streak as the nation's number 1 on-time airline to a sixth consecutive year in 2009, according to Fridays release of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Air Travel Consumer Report for December and year-end. Hawaiian's on-time performance for all of 2009 averaged 92.1 percent highlighted by its leading the industry in each month for the entire year (Hawaiian ranked number 1 in December at 87.0 percent). Hawaiian has led the nation's carriers in on-time performance every year since 2004 and during that span has earned the #1 ranking in 63 out of a possible 72 months.

Continental Fleet Service Workers Vote To Join Teamsters

13 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

By an overwhelming margin, nearly 8,000 fleet service workers at Continental Airlines at airports across the country have voted to join the Teamsters, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced Friday. “This is a great day for the Teamsters and for the fleet service workers at Continental,� Hoffa said. “For far too long, Continental�s fleet service workers have gone without union representation, and that is now over. We will work with the fleet service workers to help them build a strong union and we will negotiate a solid contract, just like we have done for the Teamster-represented mechanics at Continental.�

Dr. William Jones Receives NSBE Lifetime Achievement In Aerospace

13 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Dr. William L. Jones was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Aerospace by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) for his technical excellence, leadership, and contributions to the engineering field. He was honored on February 9th at NSBE's Aerospace Systems Conference.

Airline On Time Performance Improves

13 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The nation�s largest airlines had an on-time performance rate in 2009 that was their best since 2003, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released on Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition, the report shows that the carriers� rate of mishandled baggage last year was the lowest recorded since 2004.

Frontline�s �Flying Cheap� Highlight�s Safety Cost Vs Flying Cheap

12 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

“Flying Cheap,� which aired Tuesday night on the PBS television news documentary Frontline, focused sharply on issues involving safety in some parts of the industry�s regional segment, about which ALPA has voiced concerns for some time. The Frontline public affairs program, which included excerpts from an interview with ALPA president Capt. John Prater, posed the question “Is the aviation system being stretched beyond its capacity to deliver service that�s both cheap and safe?�

Lockheed Built Telescopes Launched On NASA�s SDO

12 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Two state-of-the art solar instruments built at the Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory of the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Palo Alto, were launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), a suite of four telescopes, will provide an unprecedented view of the solar corona.

GEnx-2B Engine Powers Boeing's Largest Aircraft 747-8 Freighter

12 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Tuesday the Boeing 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time. The jumbo jet was powered by four GE GEnx-2B engines which flew at Paine Field in Everett, Washington. "The first flight of the GEnx-powered Boeing 747-8 aircraft is the culmination of about five years of engine design, development and testing at GE," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program. "GE is excited to play an important part in the 747-8 program, and we look forward to completing the flight test program and delivering to our first customer, Cargolux, later this year."

Wreck Of Airship USS Macon Added To National Register Of Historic Places

12 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the loss of the U.S. Navy airship USS Macon, NOAA on Thursday announced that the wreck site on the seafloor within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Macon, a 785-foot dirigible was one of the largest airships in the world � comparable in size to the RMS Titanic. It was intended to serve as a scout ship for the Pacific Fleet and had the ability to launch and recover Sparrowhawk biplanes.

NASA Atlas V Rocket Successfully Launches SDO Spacecraft

12 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, the most technologically advanced of NASA's Heliophysics spacecraft, lifted off Thursday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41 on a first-of-a-kind mission to reveal the sun's inner workings in unprecedented detail. The launch aboard an Atlas V rocket occurred at 10:23 a.m. EST.

Regional Airline To Allow Late Pregnancy Passengers To Travel

11 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

When a globally successful business can trace its roots back to having started out by simply fulfilling the need for lifeline travel to and from a European island community, it�s no surprise that it continues to listen and respond to the ongoing travel challenges of those same islanders. This is why, when a Europe Regional Airline, Flybe was approached last year by one of its regular customers from the Channel Islands to consider reviewing the general airline policy that restrict women in late pregnancy from flying, it wasted no time in getting down to business.

Northrop Installs LAIRCM On Navy�s CH-53E Helicopter Fleet

11 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Department of the Navy's CH-53E heavy lift helicopter fleet will continue to receive new Northrop Grumman Corporation designed, built and tested Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) self-protection systems following the Pentagon's decision to authorize full production of the units. The decision, allows Naval Air Systems Command to continue procurement of Northrop Grumman's battle-proven Department of Navy LAIRCM system, which includes the Viper Laser and the newest generation jam head and missile warning sensor technology.

NOAA To Establish Climate Change Office

11 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Individuals and decision-makers across widely diverse sectors � from agriculture to energy to transportation increasingly are asking NOAA for information about climate change in order to make the best choices for their families, communities and businesses. To meet the rising tide of these requests, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the intent to create a NOAA Climate Service line office dedicated to bringing together the agency�s strong climate science and service delivery capabilities.

Virtual Museum To Honor African American Aviation Pioneers

10 Feb 2010 18:22:18 GMT

Airlines has a new virtual museum, BlacksinAviation.com, that explores the history of African Americans in aviation from pre-civil rights to the present. Launched today, the virtual museum highlights the challenges and accomplishments of African-American aviation professionals, including the struggle for racial equality in commercial airlines, the military and aerospace. The virtual museum is a Web site that provides written profiles along with video interviews, photos and historical documents to cover this chapter in American history. Some of today's most accomplished aviators assisted American Airlines with Blacks in Aviation, including NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, who was chosen to lead the aerospace agency in 2008 and members of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Major Winter Storm Hits National and Dulles Airports

10 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

It is expected that there will be few flights if any operating at Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International as winter storms roll into the area for a second time this week. A winter storm warning has been posted for Wednesday for all area counties. Winds are expected to increase throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening. Blowing and drifting snow will be a concern. Snow may be heavy at times in the morning with visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Total snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.

Pilot Layoffs At UPS Could Be As High As 300 Pilots

10 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

UPS has been working with its union, the Independent Pilots Association, for the past year to identify ways to cut operating costs to avoid any pilot furloughs. However, UPS announced plans to furlough at least 300 of its airline pilots, but at the same time continue its effort to find a solution with the pilots' union that would avert or mitigate the layoffs before they take effect. UPS employs about 2,800 pilots.

DOT Grants Delta US Airways Slot Waiver At LaGuardia And National Airport

10 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Department of Transportation announced that it has tentatively decided to grant the waiver requested by Delta Air Lines and US Airways to allow the carriers to proceed with their proposed slot swap transaction at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The proposed waiver is contingent on the requirement that the airlines sell some of their slot interests to carriers with no or limited service at the two airports in order to lessen the harm to consumers that might otherwise result from the applicants' increased dominance at DCA and LGA.

Continental Airlines Names Plane in Honor of Marlon Green

10 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Continental Airlines named one of its aircraft in honor of its late Capt. Marlon Green, who won a landmark legal battle to become the first African American pilot hired by a major U.S. passenger airline, in a special ceremony at Bush Intercontinental Airport today. "Capt. Green was a pioneer who was willing to challenge the unacceptable status quo of the time and paved the way for the most qualified applicants to be hired, regardless of the color of their skin," said Jeff Smisek, Continental's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "His bold actions have helped make Continental what it is today, a company of great diversity."

Alaska Airlines And Horizon Air Welcomes Coke Back Onboard

10 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

In response to customer input, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air will again serve beverages from The Coca-Cola Company onboard all flights starting March 1st. Both airlines served Coca-Cola products from 1998 until April 2008, when Jones Premium Sodas began to be offered instead. "We enjoyed serving Jones Soda and working with the Jones team," said Steve Jarvis, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. "As we continue to spread our wings beyond the West Coast, it's increasingly important to respond to our customers' requests for Coca-Cola products onboard."

AirTran Airways Flight Dispatchers Agree To Four-Year Contract

10 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

AirTran Airways and the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) announced today the successful membership ratification, by an overwhelming margin, of a new 48-month collective bargaining agreement. "Our dispatchers, who are at the focal point of our System Operations Control Center, and who make real time decisions with respect to the operations of over 750 flights each day, are excellent examples of the 8,500 professionals that make up the AirTran family," said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Ex-Boeing Worker Gets 15 Years In Theft Of Space Shuttle Secrets

10 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

A former Boeing engineer, Dongfan “Greg� Chung was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on six counts of economic espionage and acting as an unregistered foreign agent of the People�s Republic of China (PRC), for whom the engineer stole Boeing trade secrets related to several aerospace programs, including the Space Shuttle. During brief remarks, Chung, 74, begged the court for a lenient sentence, stating he had taken the information to write a book.

Boeing's Largest Aircraft 747-8 Freighter Takes To The Sky

9 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time today before more than 5,000 employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders. The flight begins a test program for the world's most efficient freighter. With 747 Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein and Capt. Tom Imrich in the flight deck, the newest member of the 747 family took off at 12:39 p.m. local time from Paine Field in Everett and landed at Paine Field at 4:18 p.m.

The US Coast Guard Terminates LORAN-C Signal

9 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The U.S. Coast Guard terminated broadcast of the North American Long Range Navigation-C signal (LORAN-C) on Monday. Crews at the Coast Guard Long Range Aids to Navigation stations, including the six Alaska-based stations, turned off their domestic signal at 11 a.m. The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center in Alexandria, Virginia, coordinating the shutdown and by 3 p.m. LORAN-C was completly shut down. The LORAN system began as a radio-based navigation system during World War II under a secret program to provide the Allied forces with a reliable and accurate means of navigation at sea in any weather. Receivers for aircraft were eventually developed and the LORAN system expanded to all aspects of the military.

Unmanned K-Max Helicopter Demonstrates Successful Cargo Resupply

9 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Lockheed Martin Corporation and Kaman Aerospace Corporation successfully demonstrated to the U.S. Marine Corps the capability of the Unmanned K-MAX helicopter to resupply troops by unmanned helicopter at forward operating bases in Afghanistan. During a series of flights last week in subfreezing temperatures at the U.S. Army�s Dugway Proving Ground, UT, the Unmanned K-MAX demonstrated autonomous and remote control flight over both line-of-sight and satellite-based beyond line-of-sight data link.

Island Air Receives Five Star Aviation Safety Award

9 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Island Air, an on-demand air charter company based in Friday Harbor, Washington, has been recognized for its long standing safety record by receiving the Five Star Safety Award from Phoenix Aviation Managers Inc. The award was presented in Friday Harbor on February 4, 2010. Island Air has been insured by Phoenix Aviation Managers for more than 8 years and has received the most safety awards ever given to a Phoenix insured air carrier. They have flown over 100,000 flights and 250,000 passengers without a mishap. This award recognizes Island Air for its continuing commitment to safety throughout the company's operations.

Pilot With HIV Sues FAA Under Privacy Act Of 1974

9 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Stanmore Cooper learned he was HIV/AIDS positive and at the time he was an active FAA licensed pilot. Prior to testing and unaware he had acquired the virus, Cooper began to succumb to opportunistic infections, he developed Peripheral Neuropathy. A condition caused by nerve damage which is an area that carries information to and from the brain and spinal cord. In many cases, Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms improve with time, especially if it's caused by an underlying condition that can be treated.

Aircraft Carrier Lincoln Underway for Flight Deck Certification

8 Feb 2010 05:01:03 GMT

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) left San Diego on Sunday to begin flight deck certification with Carrier Airwing (CVW) 2 off the coast of Southern California. Flight deck certification is a multiple-day evolution with a series of flight and hangar deck exercises. Evaluators from Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) will observe Lincoln's air department and CVW-2 as they work together to conduct flight operations.

Haiti Receives Additional Aid From Air Canada Flight

8 Feb 2010 05:01:00 GMT

Air Canada continues to support relief efforts in Haiti by dispatching its fourth dedicated aircraft full of humanitarian relief supplies on Saturday February 6, 2010. The flight to Port-au-Prince is coordinated with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), World Vision, the ONEXONE Foundation, and Health Partners International Canada.

TSA To Revise LASP For General Aviation By Fall

8 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Officials at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported they are in favor of a scaling back on a proposal that would include General Aviation into the “The Large Aircraft Security Program� (LASP). This is welcomed news for the General Aviation community. TSA stated that they would work on a revised plan and have it completed sometime this fall. The purpose of LASP is to reduce the threat of aircraft being used as missiles in a terrorist attack such as the events on 911.

BAE To Pay $400 Million In Settlement On Corruption Charges

8 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

London, United Kingdom - The Company, the U.S. Department of Justice and the UK Serious Fraud Office have reached settlements in connection with the Justice Department investigation announced by the Company on 26th June 2007 and the Serious Fraud Office announced by the Company on 3rd November 2004.

Boeing 747-8 Freighter To Make First Flight Today

8 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

On Saturday Boeing completed taxi tests on the 747-8 Freighter reaching a top seed of approximately 90 knots (103.5 mph, 166.6 kph), with Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein at the controls. "The airplane performed well," said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 program. "Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly." This was the last functional test planned before first flight. The first flight of the 747-8 Freighter is scheduled for Monday, February 8th.

Two Planes Collide While Glider Was In Tow

7 Feb 2010 05:02:01 GMT

At about 1:30 PM Saturday, a Cirrus aircraft towing a glider collided mid-air with a Piper Pawnee just two miles northwest of Boulder Municipal Airport, Boulder, Colorado. The glider being towed by the Cirrus aircraft was able to unhook from its towline and land safely. However, all four passengers onboard the Cirrus plane were killed and as well the pilot of the Piper Pawnee. The two place glider was operated by Mile High Gliding, Boulder, Colorado.

Snow Accumulation Causes Roof Collapse at Dulles Jet Center

7 Feb 2010 05:01:12 GMT

On Saturday morning about 8 AM, the Fairfax County Fire Rescue of Virginia was called out to Dulles International Airport on a roof collapses at Dulles Jet Center. The hanger roof at Dulles had fully collapsed destroying several business jets. Officials believe the collapse was due to a heavy precipitation of snow that has fallen over several hours in Virginia and Maryland. The accumulation of snow on the roof was more weight than the roof could handle. No injuries to persons have been reported.

Paper Pilot License Certificates To Expire On March 31

7 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

FAA pilots who have a paper pilot�s license will need to change the license to the plastic license by March 31, 2010. Pilots having a paper license will not be able exercise the privileges of pilot after March 31st. Back on September 8, 2009, the FAA released a notice of change. FAR 61.19(h) reads, Duration of pilot certificates, except for a temporary certificate issued under §61.17 or a student pilot certificate issued under paragraph (b) of this section, the holder of a paper pilot certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2010.

Atlas Air Flight 46 Drops Wing Cover On Approach To MIA

6 Feb 2010 08:21:12 GMT

While on a one mile final approach descent to Miami International Airport, an Atlas Air Flight 46, a Boeing 747, had a structural separation of a wing actuator fairing cover that fell onto the parking lot at the International Mall of Americas in Miami, Florida on Friday midday. Flight 46 was a cargo flight out of Santiago, Chile.

CF-18 Hornet To Patrol Skies Over Vancouver's Olympics Games

6 Feb 2010 08:19:52 GMT

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) a joint organization of Canada and the United States will provide aerospace warning and aerospace control during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, will be held on February 12�28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the resort town of Whistler, British Columbia and in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond. Both the Olympic and Paralympic Games are being organized by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC).

Cirrus Aircraft To Participate In Red Bull Air Race 2010

6 Feb 2010 08:18:15 GMT

At the Red Bull Air Race events around the world in 2010, guests will have the unique opportunity to experience Cirrus Aircraft, one of the world's best selling four place, single engine piston airplane. Guests attending the races in either the Race Club or the High Flyer�s Lounge will have special access to both the SR22 series of piston aircraft, as well as the upcoming Cirrus Vision 'personal jet.'

Pilot License Certification Requirements Under Review By The FAA

5 Feb 2010 05:03:01 GMT

As part of the Federal Aviation Administration�s (FAA) Call to Action to enhance airline safety following last year�s Colgan Air accident in Buffalo, NY, the FAA seeks recommendations from the aviation community to improve pilot qualifications and training requirements.

Marijuana High Caused US Airways Flight 1447 To Divert

5 Feb 2010 05:01:02 GMT

Airlines continue to experience great difficulties with unruly passengers. On Sunday Kinman Chan a passenger on US Airways, Flight 1447 was arrested for physically assaulting a flight attendant and for disruptive behavior. Chan admitted he had ingested marijuana cookies while waiting for his connecting flight. On January 31, 2010, Kinman Chan was aboard US Air, Flight 1447 travelling from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, California. Chan arrived at the Philadelphia International Airport from the Dominican Republic after attending a Global Information Networking Conference.

American Airlines Uses 1993 Straggly To Thwart Flight Attendant Strike

5 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants said on Wednesday that American Airlines' suggestion that it may train management employees to replace strikers is "an ill-conceived and doomed strategy." Said APFA president Laura Glading in a hotline message, nearly two days after word of the AA potential strategy was made public. The message is that they are willing to spend vast sums on a scheme doomed to failure, while continuing to avoid negotiating remaining economic issues at the bargaining table. When APFA returns to Washington at the end of February, in a continuation of intensified talks under Federal mediation, management will have to answer to its Flight Attendants and to the NMB for this double-standard.

Former Operators Of Hooters Air Questioned By Bankruptcy Judge

4 Feb 2010 05:03:03 GMT

A law suit was filed in US District Court in North Carolina on January 9, 2010, on behalf of Pace Airlines. The Judge hearing the case, case No. 09-52426 is Thomas Waldrep Jr., a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina. Judge Waldrep has continued Wednesday�s court hearing and will consider how to best handle the failed charter airline and Jet Maintenance Company.

NTSB Report On Colgan Air Crash Highlights CAPA�s Safety Concerns

4 Feb 2010 05:01:03 GMT

The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) representing 28,000 professional airline pilots has reviewed the findings of the NTSB report on the Continental Express Flight 3407 crash in Buffalo last February 2009. CAPA calls for immediate action to address serious safety concerns including pilot fatigue, pilot training, and inadequate pilot experience; all of which were all cited as contributing factors to the crash in Buffalo that killed 50 innocent people.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes Third Flight Test

4 Feb 2010 05:01:03 GMT

Boeing 787 Dreamliner makes third flight test publicly, unveiling some of its interior components. The third flight test airplane, ZA003, has a partial interior that provides a glimpse into the new flying experience that the 787 Dreamliner will offer. Configured for flight testing purposes, the interior includes instrumentation racks, flight test equipment and workstations for engineers.

NTSB Colgan Air Flight 3407 Actions Led To Crash Of Flight

4 Feb 2010 05:01:02 GMT

Washington, DC - The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the captain of Colgan Air flight 3407 inappropriately responded to the activation of the stick shaker, which led to an aerodynamic stall from which the airplane did not recover. In a report adopted in a public Board meeting in Washington, additional flight crew failures were noted as causal to the accident.

Irish Aviation Authority Survival The Name Of The Game In 2009

4 Feb 2010 05:01:02 GMT

It was nothing short of traumatic in the world of aviation. The global recession had a huge impact on the industry as both the leisure and corporate sectors seriously curtailed their flying. Freight too suffered a big decline and airlines were forced to cut capacity to meet the shrinking demand.

Tuskegee Airmen Lieutenant Colonel Lee A. Archer Dies At 90

4 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

Lieutenant Colonel Lee A. Archer, "Buddy" the first African American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, a fighter pilot in the Tuskegee Airmen and was one of the first black corporate vice presidents of a major American company, General Foods in White Plains, New York, died at age 90. Archer passed away on January 27, 2010 in New York City. "Buddy" will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Staffing At Busy New York Radar Facility Dips To Post 1981 Low

3 Feb 2010 05:14:11 GMT

WESTBURY, N.Y. � Staffing of fully trained and certified air traffic controllers at the FAA radar facility that handles the climb and approach phases of flight in the busy New York airspace, including all flights into and out of Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports, has reached a critically low level after dropping 25 percent in the last six years.

Pan Am Flight Crew Remembers The Era Of Flying Boats

3 Feb 2010 05:13:07 GMT

A panel of Seattle area Pan American World Airways veterans will recall their experiences of the grand era of the flying boats, 1935 through 1945, during a February 13 program at The Museum of Flight. The panel will provide a rare, inside look at a bygone age in air transportation.

Embraer Receives Steep Approach Certification For London Airport

3 Feb 2010 05:11:57 GMT

Embraer has received steep approach certification for another member of its E-Jets family, the EMBRAER 190, to operate at London�s premier business airport, London City (LCY). The EMBRAER 170 received the same certification in 2007 and is currently operated by British Airways at LCY.

Boeing Soon To Begin Airframe Fatigue Tests On 787 Dreamliner

3 Feb 2010 05:10:48 GMT

“Unlike static tests, where loads are applied to the airplane structure to simulate both normal operation and extreme flight conditions, fatigue testing is a much longer process that simulates up to three times the number of flight cycles an airplane is likely to experience during a lifetime of service,� said Scott Fancher, 787 vice president and general manager, Commercial Airplanes. “This testing is instrumental in confirming the longevity of the airplane.�

Bombardier Lands New Customer For Amphibious Firefighting Aircraft

3 Feb 2010 05:09:40 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace announced the sale of Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft to an undisclosed customer. The customer�s identity and the number of aircraft remain undisclosed for the time being. Based on current list price, the contract is valued at approximately $126 million US and includes training and technical support. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin during the fourth quarter of 2010 and will continue until 2012.

TBM 850 Turboprop Aircraft Displayed at Aeroexpo In Marrakech

3 Feb 2010 05:08:23 GMT

DAHER-SOCATA displayed its TBM 850 turboprop business aircraft at the Aeroexpo Marrakech 2010, held at Marrakech Menara Airport. This very fast turboprop aircraft received a great deal of attention from participants attending the expo.

Red Bull Air Race Pilots Attend LA Awards Ceremony

2 Feb 2010 05:01:03 GMT

All four Red Bull Air Race pilots in attendance at the 7th annual awards ceremony, joined by race director Jim DiMatteo, said they were honored to be invited to the star-studded evening at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills that paid tribute to 70 people of remarkable accomplishment in aviation.

No New User Fees In FY2011 Budget For General Aviation

2 Feb 2010 05:01:02 GMT

"When it comes to the long-standing battle over user fees, it appears that today, we have reached an important and welcome milestone," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "The fact that user fees are not part of the President's 2011 budget proposal shows the tremendous progress we have made over the past year." The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the Obama Administration's Fiscal Year 2011 (FY2011) federal budget proposal, which does not include new user fees for general aviation.

Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference Sees 3rd Highest Attendance Ever

2 Feb 2010 05:01:01 GMT

The 21st Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Conference saw the third highest attendance in the event�s history with 2,282 Attendees. “We are pleased to see such a strong attendance at this year�s Conference, which demonstrates the event�s continuing value to our industry,� said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. The NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference is an annual educational event that provides timely and valuable information on topics of interest to those responsible for coordinating the use of business aircraft.