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| Posted: 22 Dec 2012 09:05 AM PST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN: 12.22.12 Issue 156/22 Aero-News.Net 'Propwash' Daily News Provided to registered subscribers, Daily: ISSN: 1530-9339 For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures: Manage Your Subscription here For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures and Privacy Statement, scroll to end. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to this day's ANN 'Propwash' Daily News Brief. We welcome and encourage your comments, criticism and suggestions... and hope that you'll become active members of the ANN community, though we'd like to ask you one big favor... PLEASE TELL EVERYONE ABOUT AERO-NEWS! NEWS SUMMARY: Remember... You Have to Go to www.aero-news.net to read the WHOLE story! There's much more! ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Daily Sponsor: 12.22.12 Edition: Gulfstream Receives FAA Production Certificate For G650 Company’s New Flagship Aircraft Also Earns EASA Approval Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently received two important certifications for its new flagship aircraft, the G650. The company received the Production Certificate (PC) from the FAA Atlanta Manufacturing Inspection District Office, and also earned a Type Certificate for the airplane from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The PC was obtained on December 20, 2012, and confirms that Gulfstream’s production processes for the G650 are in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 21. The FAA issued the PC after Gulfstream completed an extensive FAA Production Certificate audit conducted by the Gulfstream Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) office, which examined Gulfstream’s engineering, supplier, manufacturing and quality systems to assure the aircraft are produced in accordance with their design. The EASA Type Certificate was awarded on December 21, 2012. By securing EASA certification, the G650 can be registered in the 27 member states that form the European Union. “This is quite an achievement for Gulfstream,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “The G650 Production Certificate is a testament to the strength of four departments within Gulfstream — Engineering, Materials, Operations and Quality — along with the Gulfstream ODA to achieve this outcome. Their efforts and the support from the FAA are to be commended.” “The EASA certification allows us to begin our first G650 deliveries to customers based in Europe,” Flynn added. “We look forward to getting the G650 certified in many other countries.” The G650 earned its FAA Type Certificate on Sept. 7, 2012. The aircraft also has Type Certificate validations from Bermuda and the Isle of Man. FMI: www.gulfstream.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=3fabb9fe-a7e8-4e05-89e8-af17a649ff15 ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Modifies Special Flight Rules For Second Obama Inauguration Ceremony To Be Held January 21 In Washington, D.C. The planned 2013 Presidential Inauguration Festivities in Washington, DC are scheduled for January 21, 2013. At the request of the Department of Homeland Security and as part of the airspace security measures for the event, the FAA will be modifying the Washington Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Washington Metropolitan Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) with additional flight restrictions between the hours of 1000-1800 local time. The FAA classifies the airspace defined in these NOTAMs as "National Defense Airspace". Any person who knowingly or willfully violates the rules concerning operations in this airspace may be subject to certain criminal penalties under 49 USC 46307. Pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by Law Enforcement/Security Personnel. Any of the following additional actions may also be taken against a pilot who does not comply with the requirements or any special instructions or procedures announced in this NOTAM: 1) The FAA may take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of airmen certificates. 2) The United States government may pursue criminal charges, including charges under Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 46307. 3) The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat. The DC SFRA is that area of airspace over the surface of the earth where the ready identification, location, and control of aircraft is required in the interest of national security. Specifically, the DC SFRA is that airspace, from the surface up to but not including FL180, within a 30 NM radius of 385134N/0770211W or the DCA VOR/DME. Only authorized DOD and Law Enforcement/Air Ambulance operations are permitted within the DC SFRA with prior coordination and approval from the Air Security Operations Center (ASOC) at 866-598-9524 Part 135 and General Aviation aircraft on an active IFR flight plan may arrive and/or depart Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) and Manassas Regional/Davis Airport (HEF) only. Only authorized CFR Part 121 and CFR Part 129 regularly scheduled commercial passenger and all-cargo flights that MEET OR EXCEED the Transportation Security Administration approved Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (AOSSP), Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (FACAOSSP), Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) All Cargo, Model Security Program (MSP) or All-Cargo International Security Procedure (ACISP) and DOS Foreign Aircraft issued a diplomatic clearance are authorized to operate within the DC SFRA. No General Aviation IFR/VFR flights will be authorized to transit through the DC SFRA. Flight training, aerobatic flight, practice instrument approaches, glider operations, parachute operations, ultra-light, hang gliding, balloon operations, tethered balloons, agriculture/crop dusting, animal population control flight operations, banner towing operations, maintenance test flights, model aircraft operations, model rocketry, float plane operations, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and aircraft/helicopters operating from a ship or private/corporate yacht are all suspended. All flight waivers to operate within the SFRA/FRZ will be temporarily suspended during the time of this NOTAM, except waivers beginning with ELO, GOV or SPO. As is always the case, the NOTAM may change with little or no notice. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area. FMI: www.faa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=b93d71c7-cc33-4446-b39f-be90eb0de492 ----------------------------------------------------------------- NASA Puts Orion Backup Parachutes To The Test 'Everything Went As Planned' As Mockup Vehicle Landed Safely In The Desert NASA completed the latest in a series of parachute tests for its Orion spacecraft Thursday at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in southwestern Arizona, marking another step toward a first flight test in 2014. The test verified Orion can land safely even if one of its two drogue parachutes does not open during descent. NASA says one of the most challenging things the multipurpose vehicle will do is bring its crew home safely. Because it will return from greater distances, Orion will reenter the Earth's atmosphere at speeds of more than 20,000 mph. After re-entry, the parachutes are all that will lower the capsule carrying astronauts back to Earth. "The mockup vehicle landed safely in the desert and everything went as planned," said Chris Johnson, a NASA project manager for Orion's parachute assembly system. "We designed the parachute system so nothing will go wrong, but plan and test as though something will so we can make sure Orion is the safest vehicle ever to take humans to space." Orion uses five parachutes. Three are main parachutes measuring 116 feet wide and two are drogue parachutes measuring 23 feet wide. The 21,000-pound capsule needs only two main parachutes and one drogue. The extra two provide a backup in case one of the primary parachutes fails. To verify Orion could land safely with only one drogue parachute, engineers dropped a spacecraft mockup from a plane 25,000 feet above the Arizona desert and simulated a failure of one of the drogues. About 30 seconds into the mockup's fall, the second drogue parachute opened and slowed the mockup down enough for the three main parachutes to take over the descent. The next Orion parachute test is scheduled for February and will simulate a failure of one of the three main parachutes. In 2014, an uncrewed Orion spacecraft will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Exploration Flight Test-1. The spacecraft will travel 3,600 miles above Earth's surface. The main flight objective is to test Orion's heat shield performance at speeds generated during a return from deep space. FMI: www.nasa.gov/orion For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=f9219116-fb36-4725-85fc-573f082e802f ----------------------------------------------------------------- EU Adopts Ambitious External Aviation Policy Calls For Stronger Coordination, Unity And Solidarity At EU Level European Union (EU) transport ministers have adopted a comprehensive set of Council conclusions which will lay down the framework for an ambitious EU external aviation policy for the coming years. Based on the European Commission's recent Communication "The EU's external aviation policy – addressing future challenges", the Council on Thursday called for stronger coordination, unity and solidarity at EU level and for a more robust EU external aviation policy in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the European aviation industry while supporting the interests of European consumers. Global aviation is changing dramatically and Europe has been harder hit by the recession than many other regions. The actions proposed by the Commission and endorsed by the Council will help boost the international competitiveness of the EU's aviation industry by opening negotiations with key partners to access new business opportunities in fast growing markets, developing new tools to fight unfair competition and creating the right regulatory conditions to stimulate investment. In its conclusions, the Council in particular: 1) Considers that a tailored EU approach is now appropriate in relation to a number of key partners; 2) Encourages the Commission to reach comprehensive EU-level agreements with all neighbouring countries by 2015; 3) Welcomes the Commission's intention to request an authorisation to open negotiations on comprehensive EU air transport agreements with Turkey and India; 4) Welcomes the Commission's intention to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing EU-Russia aviation relations once Russia respects its international commitments towards the EU in aviation to phase out royalties for overflying Siberia. An objective of the comprehensive roadmap would be a comprehensive EU-Russia air transport agreement; 5) Acknowledges the Commission's intention to engage in a dialogue with Gulf countries with a view to enhancing transparency and fair competition; 6) Supports the Commission's intention to present a proposal for a revision or replacement of Regulation 868/2004 concerning protection against subsidisation and unfair practices with the aim of developing a more effective instrument to safeguard open and fair competition. In the same spirit, the Council welcomes the Commission's intention to develop a template for a "fair competition clause" for inclusion in air services agreements with partner countries; 7) Invites ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organization, to play a leading role in modernising the existing economic regulatory framework governing the global aviation market including in relation to liberalising market access and airline ownership and control while safeguarding fair competition. Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner responsible for transport, said: "Aviation plays a crucial and strategic role in the European economy both in terms of jobs, growth and connectivity. The new framework that the Council adopted today represents a major step forward towards a fully coordinated EU external aviation policy. The Commission, EU Member States and industry have to work together in an increasingly concerted manner to meet the serious challenges facing the EU aviation sector in the global market place. An effective and early implementation of the new EU external aviation policy will make a significant contribution to enhancing the competitiveness of the EU aviation industry and to the recovery of the European economy." FMI: http://europa.eu/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=3bc78d11-0b46-4d68-bcd0-74f5de6a986e ----------------------------------------------------------------- NTSB Issues Factual Report In 2011 East River Helicopter Accident Indicates Sightseeing Helo May Have Been Overweight The NTSB has released a factual report from an October 4, 2011 accident in which a sightseeing helicopter went down in the East River in New York City. According to the findings, the Bell 206B was outside its weight and balance envelope at the time of the accident. While three of the five people, including the pilot, survived when the helo went into the water, one was seriously injured and two others were fatally injured. According to the report, on October 4, 2011, about 1525 EDT, a Bell 206B helicopter, N63Q, crashed into the East River shortly after takeoff from East 34th Street Heliport (6N5), New York, New York. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured, one passenger sustained serious injuries, and two passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The helicopter was registered to and operated by a private pilot as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight originated from 6N5 about 1524 and was scheduled to return to 6N5. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to take friends visiting from abroad on a sightseeing flight around New York City. According to the pilot, who was seated in the right cockpit seat, he completed the "before takeoff" check in accordance with the checklist. At takeoff, he brought the helicopter to a 3- to 5-foot hover, made a right pedal turn, and attempted to depart into the wind. He initiated the takeoff to the northeast and continued the turn north, into the wind. He estimated that the helicopter climbed to an altitude of about 30 to 50 feet above the East River, where he felt a small left yaw and then applied the right anti-torque pedal. At that time, he believed that the helicopter was "weathervaning," but he then heard what he thought was the "engine-out" audio warning and thought he had an engine failure. In response, he initiated a hard right turn back to 6N5 and lowered the collective pitch. He then observed the engine N1 speed to be "up" and concluded that the initial yaw was “weathervaning” and not an engine malfunction. The pilot then increased collective pitch with the intention of conducting a normal landing at 6N5. The nose of the helicopter began an uncommanded yaw to the right. The yaw rate increased rapidly into a spin around the main rotor mast that could not be arrested with full left pedal application. The pilot believed the helicopter had suffered a tail rotor drive train failure or that he had encountered loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). He lowered the collective pitch and then raised the collective control just before water contact in order to cushion the impact. The helicopter entered the water and rolled inverted. According to the passenger who was seated in the left cockpit seat, the helicopter moved backwards as it lifted off. The nose was pointed down, and he was leaning forward in his seat against the restraint. The helicopter then began moving "erratically," the pilot made an exclamation similar to “oops,” and the passenger then "knew something wasn't quite right." The helicopter "banked" and began "oscillating from side to side" before it struck the water and rolled inverted. The passenger said that he did not recall hearing any audible warnings or any noises at all. According to a lineman who was working at 6N5 at the time of the accident, the four passengers arrived at the heliport about 30 minutes before the arrival of the helicopter. Heliport personnel did not provide a passenger briefing. The helicopter arrived about 1517, landed on pad 4, and continued to run. The lineman escorted the passengers to the helicopter and assisted them with their seatbelts while the helicopter was still running. The helicopter took off rearward and climbed to about a 60-foot hover over the river. The helicopter turned left, parallel to the shoreline, and started forward. Then the nose dipped down and the helicopter spun to the left one and one-half turns "out of control" before it collided with the river. Several witnesses were at or near 6N5 at the time of the accident. They reported that the pilot did not shut down the engine or exit the helicopter before it took off. They observed the helicopter lift off from the helipad, back up over the river, and begin to rotate around the main rotor mast. The helicopter rotated several times before impacting the water. The witnesses reported that the engine sounded normal and that no smoke was coming from the helicopter before impact. The pilot, age 56, held a commercial pilot certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter, airplane single-engine land, and airplane multiengine land ratings. In the pilot’s logbook, he recorded 2,287 hours of total flight experience, which included 1,482 total hours in rotorcraft and 805 total hours in airplanes. He had 420 hours in the Bell 206 helicopter. During the 90 days before the accident, he recorded 5.1 hours in the Bell 206 and 4.6 hours in multiengine airplanes. During the 30 days before the accident, he recorded 1.7 hours in the Bell 206 and 2.7 hours in multiengine airplanes. On April 21, 2011, the pilot failed his initial check ride for a commercial pilot certificate. The examination was attempted in a Robinson R44 helicopter with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner (DPE). The oral examination lasted about 4 hours, and the flight check lasted about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The DPE entered the following remark on the Notice of Disapproval/Application: "Upon reapplication you will be reexamined on the following: takeoff, landing, and go-arounds." On April 25, 2011, the pilot successfully completed a reexamination. During the reexamination, the oral portion lasted about 1 hour, and the flight check lasted about 30 minutes. The reexamination was performed with the same DPE. The DPE stated in a postaccident interview that LTE and tail rotor malfunctions were covered in the pilot's oral examination. The helicopter was built in 1976 and registered to the pilot on January 29, 2007. It was powered by an Allison 250-C20 turboshaft engine rated at 400-shaft horsepower. A review of the helicopter maintenance records revealed that the most recent annual inspection was accomplished two days before the accident on October 2, 2011, at an airframe total time of about 11,581 hours. No outstanding discrepancies were listed in the maintenance records. No weather recording capabilities were available at 6N5. The pilot reported that he did not check the weather before the flight. The nearest reporting stations showed VFR conditions at the time of the flight. The helicopter was not equipped with crash-protected recording devices. There was no evidence of any nonvolatile memory of investigative value on board the helicopter. An adjacent parking deck security video camera was operating at the time of the accident and captured a portion of the accident sequence. The examined footage, consisting of five frames, appeared to show the helicopter climbing, entering a rotation around the main rotor mast, and descending. An object consistent in appearance with a severed main rotor blade and a splash/spray of water were visible in the air after the helicopter disappeared below the parked automobiles. A search for other local surveillance video sources was unsuccessful. The helicopter impacted the East River adjacent to 6N5 and came to rest in about 35 feet of water. The wreckage was recovered from the river on the evening of October 4 and transported to the New York Police Department (NYPD) Aviation Unit facilities at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, New York. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact failures or malfunctions of the engine and accessories, main transmission, drive train, main rotor, tail rotor, flight controls, or structure of the helicopter. Additionally, there was no indication of an in-flight fire. One main rotor blade remained attached to the hub and was bent opposite the direction of rotation. The blade was not fractured. The bends in the blade were consistent with contact with the water while rotating. The other main rotor blade exhibited a chordwise fracture at the outboard doubler. The fracture surface was consistent with bending overload. The outboard section of the blade, about 10 feet long, was not recovered from the East River. When investigators manually turned the intact main rotor blade, the main transmission rotated with no metallic sounds noted. The long metallic chip detector was removed, and no metallic particles were evident. The short chip detector could not be removed due to surrounding structure deformation. The freewheeling unit operated properly when tested by hand. All sections of the tail rotor driveshaft assembly were intact, with the exception of the first (farthest forward) section. This fractured section exhibited torsion fracture signatures consistent with a sudden stoppage event from the rear during tail rotor impact with the water. All hanger bearings were free to rotate and showed no signs of distress. The tail rotor gearbox rotated freely by hand with no noticeable binding. Continuity was confirmed from the tail rotor assembly through the tail rotor gearbox to the aft section of the tail rotor driveshaft. The gearbox attachment studs were all intact. The fractured section of the tail rotor drive shaft was removed and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) materials laboratory in Washington, DC, for further examination. Examination of the driveshaft showed deformation patterns and fracture features consistent with a torsion overstress fracture. No indications of fatigue, corrosion, or other preexisting anomalies were observed. For additional information, see the Airworthiness Group Chairman's Factual Report located in the NTSB’s public docket for this accident investigation. A cursory examination of the engine at the NYPD facilities revealed no obvious anomalies or case ruptures. There was no evidence of fire or thermal distress. The helicopter was equipped with engine inlet duct particle separators. Both separators were free of feathers, bird remains, or other debris. The oil filter impending bypass button was not extended. The throttle was found in the "fly" position, and the position of the throttle and the corresponding positions on the fuel control index indicator were correct. Some fuel was drained and retained for further testing. The engine was then removed from the airframe and shipped to an engine overhaul facility for further examination. The examination showed that the inlet case was intact and all of the inlet guide vanes were in place and showed no apparent damage. The compressor case did not have any bulges or dents. Further disassembly revealed that the compressor rotor was intact and all compressor blades were in place. The compressor stator vanes were intact and did not reveal any apparent damage to the airfoils. The combustor section did not show any evidence of thermal distress, liner wall buckling, or other damage. Disassembly of the turbine section revealed no thermal distress or breaches in the case. All turbine rotors were intact with no apparent damage to the airfoils. Testing of the engine accessories and fuel system components revealed no evidence of a preexisting malfunction or failure. For additional information, see the Powerplants Group Chairman's Factual Report located in the NTSB’s public docket for this accident investigation. Toxicology testing was performed on a urine specimen provided by the pilot after the accident. The analysis and toxicology report by the FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, indicated that the specimen was negative for ethanol and drugs. The aft, left-seat passenger died in a hospital on October 11, 2011, from complications associated with near-drowning. The aft, center seat passenger died at the accident scene from drowning. The aft, right-seat passenger died in a hospital on November 6, 2011, from complications associated with near-drowning. Title 49 CFR 830.2 defines fatal injury as "any injury which results in death within 30 days of the accident." Because this passenger's death occurred 33 days after the accident, she is listed as a "serious injury" in this report. The manner of death for all aft-seat occupants was listed as "accident." The pilot reported that he requested the lineman at 6N5 to ensure that the three aft-seat passengers had their lap belts on before takeoff. All passengers were wearing headsets, and he advised the passengers to use the doors to exit the helicopter in the case of an emergency. The pilot reported that five packaged life vests were on board the helicopter: three in the rear passenger compartment and two in the forward cabin area. During examination of the wreckage, four packaged life vests were located. During an interview, the front-seat passenger stated that the pilot verified that he could hear the aft-seat passengers through the headsets; however, there was no additional safety briefing or mention of any life vests on board the helicopter. The rear passenger seat of the helicopter was equipped with three identical lift-latch style two-point restraints. All of the belts and shackles were undamaged. The lift latches were noted to release when rotated about 30 degrees. The helicopter was equipped with four forward-hinged, automotive-type doors, two on each side. All four doors were structurally undamaged and functional. There were no placards present on the interior of any of the doors indicating either the closed position or the direction of opening. The Bell Helicopter 206B Maintenance Manual indicated that a placard was to have been installed on the interior of all four doors. Aircraft Fuel Testing Fuel samples were collected from the fuel filter bowl on the helicopter and from the fuel truck that serviced the helicopter before it departed Linden, New Jersey, on the day of the accident. The samples were tested for visual appearance, American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity, specific gravity, flash point, and water content. All fuel samples tested were within published criteria for visual appearance, API gravity, specific gravity, and flash point. Water content in the fuel filter bowl was 42 parts per million (ppm). Water content in the fuel truck sample was 54 ppm. There is no published limit for water in jet fuel. Although there were varying accounts of individual passenger and pilot weights, investigators estimated that the combined weight of the pilot and four passengers was 1,090 pounds. This calculation included 190 pounds for the pilot; 225 pounds for the front-seat passenger; and 225, 265, and 185 pounds for the three aft-seat passengers. The pilot reported that the fuel weight at takeoff was 224.4 pounds. The helicopter's most recent weight-and-balance check was completed on October 21, 2008. At that time, the calculated empty weight was 1,914.52 pounds. At this empty weight, the estimated gross weight of the helicopter at takeoff was 3,228 pounds. The manufacturer's maximum allowable gross weight at takeoff was 3,200 pounds. The helicopter was weighed on October 6, 2011, two days after the accident, by a company that specialized in aircraft weight-and-balance services. With some residual water on board (for instance, on the seat cushions, carpet, main transmission, and honeycomb panels) and providing for an intact main rotor system, the empty weight was estimated at 2,146.8 pounds. Therefore, the takeoff weight at the time of the accident was calculated to be 3,461.2 pounds, including the residual water. The weight-and-balance charts in the manufacturer's Rotorcraft Flight Manual were published to perform weight-and-balance calculations below the maximum allowable takeoff weight of 3,200 pounds. Therefore, interpolation of weight-and-balance data was not performed for either weight-and-balance scenario possible in this accident, as both plotted the weight of the helicopter beyond the maximum allowable gross weight limit of the charts. The pilot reported that he calculated the total load at takeoff, including passengers and fuel, to be 1,131 pounds. This included 190 pounds for the pilot, 210 pounds for the front-seat passenger, and 155 pounds each for the three aft-seat passengers. He recalled that the three aft-seat passengers reported their weights to him after boarding the helicopter. In a postaccident interview, the front-seat passenger stated that the pilot did not ask for anyone’s weight, nor did he execute any paperwork or perform any calculations before takeoff. He also stated that when he boarded the helicopter, he told the pilot that his daughter and her friend had decided to go along. He believed that the pilot may not have anticipated the two additional passengers beyond him and his wife. The FAA issued Advisory Circular (AC) 90-95, “Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters,” in February 1995. The AC stated that LTE was a critical, low-speed aerodynamic flight characteristic that could result in an uncommanded rapid yaw rate that does not subside of its own accord and, if not corrected, could result in the loss of aircraft control. It also stated, "LTE is not related to a maintenance malfunction and may occur in varying degrees in all single main rotor helicopters at airspeeds less than 30 knots." Paragraph 6 of the AC covered conditions under which LTE may occur and stated the following: "Any maneuver which requires the pilot to operate in a high-power, low airspeed environment with a left crosswind or tailwind creates an environment where unanticipated right yaw may occur." Paragraph 8 of the AC stated the following: "OTHER FACTORS...Low Indicated Airspeed. At airspeeds below translational lift, the tail rotor is required to produce nearly 100 percent of the directional control. If the required amount of tail rotor thrust is not available for any reason, the aircraft will yaw to the right." Paragraph 9 of the AC stated the following: "When maneuvering between hover and 30 knots: (1) Avoid tailwinds. If loss of translational lift occurs, it will result in an increased high power demand and an additional anti-torque requirement. (2) Avoid out of ground effect (OGE) hover and high power demand situations, such as low-speed downwind turns. (3) Be especially aware of wind direction and velocity when hovering in winds of about 8-12 knots (especially OGE). There are no strong indicators to the pilot of a reduction of translation lift... (6) Stay vigilant to power and wind conditions." Contributing factors for LTE include high gross weight/density altitude, low indicated airspeed, power droop, and right downwind turns. FMI: www.ntsb.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=308005b2-8156-46da-9169-58dc890520ee ----------------------------------------------------------------- Cessna Puts European Customers At Heart Of Service And Sales Expansion Majority Of Citations In The Region Based Near Centers To Be Acquired In Germany And Switzerland Cessna plans to acquire Jet Aviation's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Zurich, Switzerland, and Düsseldorf, Germany, further expanding Cessna's global service center footprint, the company said Friday. Both facilities will begin operating as Cessna Citation Service Centers on January 1, 2013. Jet Aviation will continue operating its FBO facilities at both locations. "Germany and Switzerland are strategically located where a majority of Citations in the region are based and we are enthusiastic about bringing more service options to our customers in Europe," said Scott Ernest, president and CEO at Cessna. "Cessna's focus on enhanced service offerings, paired with our investments in new product development, demonstrate our team is wholly committed to continuing to provide the industry with choices in innovative solutions for jet ownership and comprehensive services either through Cessna-owned facilities or via our extensive network of valued partners." The Zurich and Düsseldorf service centers will provide a one-stop shop for comprehensive repair, maintenance, overhaul, refurbishment and customization services for Citation business jets and other manufacturer aircraft currently maintained at these facilities. As Cessna-operated Citation service centers, the Zurich and Düsseldorf service centers will now offer additional service programs to customers, including Cessna's ProAdvantage programs, which enable customers to level or reduce the costs of maintaining their aircraft, while significantly increasing its value. "Jet Aviation's service facilities in Zurich and Düsseldorf have vast experience supporting Cessna Citations as premier Cessna Authorized Service Facilities. Their high-quality operations are a superb fit with the service philosophy underpinning Cessna's network of factory-operated service operations worldwide," said Joe Hepburn, senior vice president, Customer Service. Cessna now has a total of 15 factory-operated Citation Service Centers across Europe, the United States and Singapore. The company's global Citation Service Center network also includes the ServiceDirect initiative, through which the company operates 22 Mobile Service Units in the United States, Canada and Europe, and provides further field support through Cessna's AOG Go Teams, Air Response Team, HomeService and Temporary Personnel Support. Additionally, the company announced today plans to expand its European sales force with the establishment of satellite offices throughout the region. Aligning with the expansion of Cessna's service network, as many as 12 additional sales members will be located in recently-acquired Cessna Citation Service Centers, including Zurich, Düsseldorf, Doncaster and Valencia, as well as other locations across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. FMI: www.cessna.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=e51cbaf9-00cf-4073-bec5-5f0321f40137 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Bell Helicopter To Expand Facilities In Piney Flats, TN As Many As 125 Jobs Expected With The $10.1 Million Investment Bell Helicopter will expand its completion and customer delivery facilities located in Piney Flats, TN. The company said in a news release Thursday that the announcement represents a $10.1 million investment by Bell Helicopter and was achieved through collaboration with the State of Tennessee and Sullivan County. The expansion is anticipated to create up to 125 jobs. "We continue to see a growing demand for commercial helicopters, and Bell Helicopter’s anticipated production requirements are outpacing the size of our current facility in Piney Flats,” said Eric Cardinali, executive vice president, Customer Support and Services for Bell Helicopter. “Expanding our existing facility allows us to implement new technologies and processes to ensure a high quality customization and delivery process for our customers.” The expansion includes the purchase of a 150,000 sq. ft. building located just west of the Bell Helicopter Piney Flats facility. The new building will accommodate customizing and completions of light and medium aircraft, and will also house supporting back shops and shipping and receiving operations. “We are pleased to work with Sullivan County and the state of Tennessee on this project,” said Cardinali. “The quick response from both the county and the state helped solidify our decision to expand in Piney Flats.” “Our Jobs4TN strategy makes expanding businesses in Tennessee a priority in our efforts to grow jobs, and I want to congratulate Bell Helicopter on the news of their additional investment in Piney Flats,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. “We are thankful to have strong companies like Bell Helicopter continuing to grow in our state.” “I am pleased to be a part of this announcement today and to share the news that Bell Helicopter is bringing more jobs to the state of Tennessee,” said Bill Hagerty, Economic and Community Development Commissioner. “Helping Tennessee businesses expand right here in our state has been a core focus of recruitment and announcements like this one indicate the effectiveness of our economic development strategy. This is another high-profile example of business expansion in Tennessee even as the broader economy remains challenged.” FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=fb9db8ec-903e-4f0b-881d-9bd54ab95f32 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Gulfstream Begins Deliveries Of Outfitted G650 Aircraft First Ultra-Large-Cabin, Ultra-Long-Range Jet Delivered To U.S. Customer The first fully outfitted ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 aircraft has been delivered to its new owner... a U.S. customer. “We’re extremely proud of this aircraft and the work that’s been done by the G650 design, build and supplier teams,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “The first delivery of an aircraft is always an auspicious occasion and this one is especially so. This delivery represents the beginning of a new era in aircraft design and manufacturing in terms of quality, capabilities, reliability, parts availability and maintenance activities. “We’re thrilled to see the first G650 leave our hangar for a customer’s. Soon the G650 will be a common sight at airports around the world,” Flynn said. Jay L. Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer of Gulfstream’s parent corporation, General Dynamics, said, “The G650 sets a new world standard for business-jet performance, range, speed and comfort. I am very proud of the Gulfstream team. They have done a superb job in designing and manufacturing an aircraft that is already the envy of the global market.” Gulfstream recently announced enhanced performance characteristics for the G650, including more range. The G650 can now travel 6,000 nautical miles at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. This is a 1,000-nm increase over the original target of 5,000 nm. The additional capability makes city pairs such as Tokyo to New York, New York to Dubai, Shanghai to London and Moscow to Los Angeles possible at speeds faster than any other business jet. The G650’s takeoff balanced field length decreased to 5,858 feet from the original 6,000 feet at the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds. This improvement allows the G650 to fly farther from demanding, short runways. The airplane has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.925, making it the fastest certified civilian aircraft in production. Each of its two Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12 engines provides 16,900 pounds of thrust, yet the aircraft burns less fuel and produces fewer emissions than other aircraft. The G650 earned its type certificate from the FAA on Sept. 7, 2012. FMI: www.gulfstream.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=92719705-9228-4322-8ef6-a18599c6e075 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Carter Slowed-Rotor VTOL Demonstrates Impressive Lift-To-Drag Values Four-Place VTOL POC Aircraft Continuing Test Flights Carter Aviation Technologies ... working in conjunction with Carter Aerospace Development ... says it has made significant progress as performance flight-testing of its current Slowed-Rotor/Compound (SR/C) prototype, the Proof of Concept demonstrator (the “POC”), continues. The POC is a variant of the company’s four passenger vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, known as the 4-Place PAV. According to the company, the POC is continuing to expand the high speed/slowed rotor envelope. During performance flight-testing in November, the aircraft flew with the rotor slowed to 106 rpm. The company says that by significantly slowing the rotor rpm to less than half that of a comparably-sized helicopter, the aircraft demonstrated a lift-to-drag (“L/D”) value of 12 – around two-and-a-half times better than the most efficient helicopters. L/D is a measure of the efficiency of an aircraft (lift or weight divided by drag or thrust). Higher L/D ratios are directly related to enhanced speed, fuel economy, climb performance, and glide ratio. The flight also resulted in an advance ratio of 0.85. The advance ratio is calculated by dividing the forward airspeed of the aircraft by the tip speed of the rotor. As the rotor rpm (i.e., the tip speed) is reduced, the advance ratio increases. As the advance ratio increases, drag on the rotor decreases dramatically, resulting in increased efficiency. Carter Aviation Technologies says that these key achievements clear the way for the POC to achieve speeds in excess of 200 knots at 25,000 feet and 350 HP with the current test weight of 3,950 lbs. Additionally, the POC has proven its VTOL capability, achieved speeds in excess of 140 knots on 200 HP and an altitude of 12,000 feet. The company will continue to expand the high speed/slowed rotor envelope at ever-increasing altitudes, and will gather more data on flight efficiencies under those conditions. (Photo provided by Carter Aviation Technologies) FMI: www.cartercopters.com/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=a9a1937a-2dad-4c1c-b507-bc6db38e6e3f ----------------------------------------------------------------- GE To Acquire Aviation Business Of Avio S.p.A Move Will Strengthen GE Supply Chain, Engine Manufacturer Says GE has agreed to purchase the aviation business of Avio S.p.A., an Italy-based manufacturer of aviation propulsion components and systems for civil and military aircraft, for $4.3 billion. The announcement was made Thursday in Milan, Italy, by David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation, and Nani Beccalli, president and CEO of GE Europe. GE plans to acquire Avio's aviation business from Cinven, a leading European private equity firm that has owned Avio since 2006, and Finmeccanica, the Italian aerospace group. The transaction is subject to regulatory and governmental approvals. GE will not be purchasing Avio's space unit. The acquisition of Avio's aviation business, which provides components for GE Aviation and other engine companies, would further GE's participation in jet propulsion, one of the most attractive sectors of the aviation industry. Avio will strengthen GE's global supply chain capabilities as its engine production rates continue to rise to meet growing customer demand. Avio and its customers will benefit from GE's planned investment in expanding Avio's products and services. Additionally, GE sees excellent opportunity in the acquisition of Avio related to margin expansion. Founded in 1908 and headquartered in Turin, Italy, Avio operates in four continents and employs about 5,300 people, 4,500 of whom are in Italy, including approximately 800 in the space unit. In the jet propulsion industry, Avio is a provider of low-pressure turbine systems, accessory gearboxes, geared systems, combustors and other components. Avio's 2011 revenues in the aviation sector were $2.4 billion with more than 50 percent of that revenue derived from components for GE and GE joint venture engines. The purchase price to be paid by GE for Avio's aviation business represents a multiple of approximately 8.5x based on 2012 estimated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Avio has supplied components to GE Aviation since 1984 and has content on engines ranging from the large GE90 and GEnx turbofan engines for the commercial aircraft sector, to the smaller CT7/T700 turboshaft engine family for civil and military helicopters. These GE engines are among the best-selling in aviation and are expected to provide a profitable, long-term revenue stream for the company. This acquisition will create additional opportunities to offer Avio's products and services beyond the aviation industry. GE plans to pursue new opportunities for Avio in power-generation, oil, and marine products. For example, Avio's capabilities in transmission systems present potential growth opportunities in multiple sectors. "We look forward to Avio joining the GE family," said David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation. "We have worked closely with Avio for decades, and we anticipate a bright future together. This acquisition is a great strategic fit with our existing portfolio. Avio has technologies, capabilities and outstanding engineers to help grow our business. GE is an excellent corporate citizen in Italy, and we are very excited to grow the relationship." FMI: www.ge.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=be2c6a56-8ce8-4ee1-b0f4-5ea9fed2b79e ----------------------------------------------------------------- WingX Pro7 Version 6.9 Adds Multiple Features Includes Advanced SmartTaxi, Search And Rescue Grids, Search Patterns, XGPS170 ADS-B Support Version 6.9 of WingX Pro7 has been released by Hilton Software of Parkland, FL. The new version includes three significant enhancements including SmartTaxi, Search And Rescue Grids and Search Patterns, and is the first iPad app to support the Dual XGPS170 Bluetooth ADS-B Receiver. SmartTaxi is a patented technology developed by Hilton Software that was initially introduced several years ago on the WingX Windows Mobile solution. SmartTaxi has been enhanced to take advantage of the iPhone/iPad platform and is now enabled at over 4000 airports. When the aircraft is on or near a runway the entire runway is highlighted in red or yellow respectively on the airport diagram. In addition WingX Pro7 intelligently displays the runway identifiers for takeoff and displays the distance remaining in real-time – this even works when departing from co-located runways. This additional layer of intelligence was added to prevent accidents similar to the fatal KLEX take-off accident in which the NTSB’s findings indicate: “The implementation of cockpit moving map displays or cockpit runway alerting systems on air carrier aircraft would enhance flight safety by providing pilots with improved positional awareness during surface navigation.” WingX Pro7 supports about ten WiFi ADS-B receivers including the new XGPS170 Bluetooth ADS-B receiver. “With runway incursions becoming an increasing issue, SmartTaxi is a great feature. The WAAS GPS in the XGPS170 and XGPS150 ensures that SmartTaxi keeps you accurately informed of your position,” said Greg Lukins, VP Business Development for Dual Electronics. WingX Pro7 Version 6.9 significantly expands its Search And Rescue (SAR) functionality by adding SAR grids and patterns – both are fully compatible with WingX Pro7’s Track Up and Split Screen features. WingX Pro7 generates and displays search patterns on the VFR Sectional based on a few pilot-entered parameters. WingX Pro7 even has an Auto mode that generates the optimal search pattern for a grid cell. Both new and old grid cell formats are supported. “We are excited that Hilton Software is willing to include our grid references and search patterns in this release of WingX Pro7. These features will provide our personnel with enhanced situational awareness and accuracy augmenting our ability to provide inland search and rescue. We look forward to continuing a relationship with Hilton Software to better our crews with tools that will increase our volunteer’s safety while also increasing effectiveness,” said Capt. Shane Terpstra, Deputy Director Operations, Group 7 - Civil Air Patrol. WingX Pro7 Version 6.9 is a free update on the App Store and iTunes. (Image provided by Hilton Software) FMI: www.hiltonsoftware.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=cded9bdb-427f-4ed5-97e1-9ddec8e502df ----------------------------------------------------------------- Alaskan NORAD Region Keeps Santa Safe, On Schedule Fifteen Radar Stations Will Track St. Nick Across The Northern Latitudes Children around the world know the role the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, plays in tracking Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world. What many don't know is the role an organization in Alaska plays in ensuring Santa makes his deliveries. U.S. and Canadian servicemembers of the Alaskan NORAD Region, or ANR, utilize 15 radar stations to monitor Santa as he traverses the airspace around the northern latitudes of North America, a mission ANR has successfully accomplished for 50 years. "One of the things we do to help ensure Santa's safety is to track him and make sure we know where he is in case he needs help," said Lt. Col. John Oberst, 176th Air Control Squadron operations officer, Alaska Air National Guard. "During Santa's flight, we send frequent reports on Santa's position to NORAD headquarters." Like other regions within NORAD, aircraft are on stand-by at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to intercept and fly alongside Santa and his reindeer to assist in any way. The aircraft assigned to ANR for this mission are part of the 44th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron based at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The tradition of NORAD tracking Santa dates back to 1955. According to the noradsanta.org web site, "the tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement misprinted the telephone number for children to call Santa. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations 'hotline.' The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born." At ANR, servicemembers look forward to the annual opportunity to ensure Santa's safety. "It's definitely a team effort here at ANR, and we look forward to it each year," added Colonel Oberst. When not tracking Santa, the ANR mission is to continuously provide warning of an aerospace attack within the region and will maintain aerospace control to include peacetime air sovereignty and appropriate aerospace defense measures in response to hostile actions within ANR's area of operation. The Regional Air Operations Center (RAOC) component of ANR is comprised of all Active Guard members, Canadian Component servicemembers, and active duty augmentees. (Image provided by NORAD) FMI: www.noradsanta.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=de769389-03ff-4710-a318-d59211c56421 ----------------------------------------------------------------- CSF Applauds House Passage Of ITAR Reform Provisions Amendment Allows Removal Of Satellites And Related Technologies From U.S. Munitions List The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed the National Defense Authorization Act conference report with an amendment that will give the President the authority to remove satellites and related technologies from the U.S. Munitions List (USML), a significant step that strengthens American industries and preserves our national security. The amendment will return to the Executive Branch the authority to remove satellites and related technologies from the State Department controlled USML, and place them on the Commerce Control List to be regulated by the Department of Commerce as dual-use items. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation issued a statement thanking Rep. Howard Berman, Rep. Buck McKeon, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Senator Michael Bennet, Senator Carl Levin, Senator John McCain, Senator John Kerry, Senator Lugar, Senator Tom Udall, Senator Barbara Boxer, and the staffs of the Senate and House Armed Services, Senate Foreign Relations, and House Foreign Affairs committees, among many others for their leadership on this issue. “This is a remarkable success, achieved by a coalition that included industry, researchers and the foreign policy community. By rationalizing export controls, Congress has simultaneously improved our national security and created an environment that will keep high-tech jobs here in America,” stated Michael Lopez-Alegria, President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. “It has been very encouraging to see industry, including CSF members, academia, and many others working closely together to find a solution to a regulatory problem that impacts jobs, STEM education, and America’s leadership in space. I look forward to the Senate passage of the NDAA today as well.” “It is exciting to see progress on export reform at such an important time for the industry,” said CSF Chairman, Stuart Witt (pictured). “Removing unnecessary regulations will allow companies to spend their valuable resources on testing and developing their technologies, allowing the U.S. to retain its leadership as an innovator. We hope progress in this area will encourage the removal of manned suborbital spaceflight systems from the U.S. Munitions List. These vehicles have innumerable civilian uses, and should be on the Commerce Control List, where many dual-use technologies with predominantly civilian uses are already regulated.” FMI: www.commercialspaceflight.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=cf6896a3-df85-4da4-933b-1ee80fc0a4c8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- airBaltic Signs Firm Order For Up To 20 CSeries Airliners Latvian Airline Transitions To An All-Bombardier Fleet A firm purchase agreement has been signed between airBaltic and Bombardier for the acquisition of 10 all-new Bombardier CS300 airliners. The Riga, Latvia-based airline also has purchase rights on a further 10 CS300 aircraft. The purchase agreement represents the conversion to firm orders of a Letter of Intent (LOI), announced at the Farnborough Air Show on July 10, 2012. The LOI also included the purchase rights on the 10 additional CS300 aircraft. Based on the list price of the CS300 airliner, the firm-order contract is valued at approximately $764 million and could increase to $1.57 billion should the 10 purchase rights be converted to firm orders. “A modern and efficient fleet is one of the fundamentals of the airline business, and this order is a progressive and exciting move forward for us. Following an in-depth analysis of existing and re-engined aircraft, as well as the new technologies offered by Bombardier’s all-new CSeries aircraft, the results were clear and we selected the CSeries airliner,” said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. “Earlier this year we launched our “ReShape” business plan that calls for the replacement of older aircraft and the transition to “greener flying” with an exclusive all-Bombardier fleet that will eventually involve taking on more Q400 NextGen aircraft together with the new CSeries aircraft. The C300 airliner and the Q400 NextGen turboprop – each being the most efficient aircraft in its class - will optimize airBaltic’s network and fit perfectly in our “ReShape” business plan due to their performance, economics, environmental benefits and passenger comfort.” “Recognized as one of the world’s most innovative airlines, airBaltic demonstrates the growing demand and need for unmatched technologies, operational flexibility and efficiencies,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are delighted that airBaltic is complementing its fleet of eight Q400 NextGen turboprops with the CSeries aircraft to implement its new initiatives and integrate new levels of passenger comfort and greener flying.” (Image provided by Bombardier) FMI: www.bombardier.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=4534d30d-2fbc-4bf9-b70a-6a09c5700dec ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unnamed Air Carrier Signs Letter Of Intent For Up To 30 CSeries Airliners Airline Based 'In The Americas' Places Firm Order For 12 Of The Airplanes An airline, which is based "in the Americas," has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire 12 CS100 airliners with options on an additional 18. Bombardier said in a news release that at this time the airline has requested to remain undisclosed. Based on the list price of the CS100 airliner, a firm-order contract would be valued at approximately $870 million US and could increase to $2.08 billion US should the 18 options also be converted to firm orders. “We are thrilled with the worldwide momentum of interest being shown for the CSeries aircraft program and we are pleased that customers in both our traditional aviation markets and growth markets are exploring opportunities and centering business cases around the use of the CSeries jetliners,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “As the CS100 aircraft readies for a milestone year of firsts, we look forward to welcoming yet another customer to the CSeries aircraft family. This customer selected the CS100 jetliners based on the flexibility and superior operational efficiencies offered only by the CSeries aircraft family.” As of September 30, 2012, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 352 CSeries aircraft that include firm orders for 138 CSeries airliners. (Images provided by Bombardier) FMI: www.bombardier.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=16d3caf7-92df-4ba1-b789-e12f4de9ab8f ----------------------------------------------------------------- Santa Arrives By Seaplane In Marin County, CA Traded His Sleigh For A 172 On Floats For The Appearance We all know Santa's a pretty good pilot, and his certifications apparently extend to a seaplane rating. The jolly old elf reportedly flew a Cessna 172 on floats to Marin City in the San Francisco Bay area's Marin County, taxiing up to a dock at Seaplane Adventures with a delivery of toys. About 60 children between the ages of 4 and 8 were waiting for Santa as he docked his seaplane, according to a report in the Marin Independent Journal. They had to wait a little longer than they had expected, as Santa's 172 reportedly had a dead battery that delayed his flight by about half an hour. But in the end, the children swarmed the pilot in his iconic red suit and presented their wish lists. The event was organized by Felecia Gaston, director of the Marin City Performing Stars, and coordinated with local fire departments and the Marin County Sheriff's office, CHP, Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department, and others. Aaron Singer ... the owner of Seaplane Adventures who reportedly bears a passing resemblance to Santa ... came up with the idea. He said while it was Santa's first visit to Marin City by seaplane, he hopes that it won't be the last. (Image from Seaplane Adventures YouTube video) FMI: www.seaplane.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=88c8abb1-4a20-4d93-91ee-226995288fc8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Venezuela Validates Bell 429 Certification Approves Gross Weight Increase Venezulae's Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (INAC) has validated the Bell 429 to operate in in that country. Additionally INAC has endorsed the operation of the Bell 429 at 7,500 pounds. This approval, based on Transport Canada’s certification, makes Venezuela the thirteenth country to endorse the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429. The additional 500 pounds of fuel and/or payload allows operators to take advantage of the aircraft’s full capabilities. "Venezuela’s validation is an important milestone for the Bell 429. We’re excited to offer customers in Venezuela a superior product that can meet their challenging mission demands,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter's executive vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “From the Caribbean coast line to the Amazon Basin and across the Andes Mountains, the performance boost of the increased gross weight will allow customers to fully utilize the capabilities of the Bell 429 to carry more fuel and vital equipment.” Transport Canada approved operation of the Bell 429 at 7,500 pounds in December 2011 after conducting an extensive technical evaluation. The increased gross weight of the Bell 429 will allow customers to take full advantage of the aircraft’s capabilities, and operate longer and heavier missions. To date, The Bell 429 increased gross weight has been approved by Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand, Venezuela and Vietnam. The FAA has still not approved the weight increase. The Bell 429 is certified for Single or Dual Pilot IFR, Cat. A / JAROPS Performance Class 1 at maximum gross weight; has a state of the art fully-integrated glass cockpit; an advanced drive system that delivers power and superb performance; best in class WAAS navigation & IFR capability; and is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators. The increased gross weight configuration includes Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System (HTAWS), a radar altimeter, cockpit voice/flight data recorder and forward flashing lights. FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=1e35fe31-ca55-4a98-bf99-66f056ce4f79 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Centurion Celebrates A Decade Of Diesel Aircraft Engines After 10 Years Of Serial Production, 3,500 Engines Have Accumulated 3.5 Million Flying Hours Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) is celebrating a series of anniversaries at the end of this year. Centurion series engines for General Aviation aircraft have been manufactured in serial production for ten years. A total of more than 3,500 new engines have been delivered during this period, resulting in production figures of Centurion engines that are higher than that of all other manufacturers of diesel aircraft engines in the history of aviation combined. Officially, Centurion engines have accumulated more than 3.5 million flying hours to date. In September 2000, an aircraft with a TAE diesel engine took off for the first time from the Altenburg airport in Thuringia, Germany. At the time, the engineers used a Valentin Taifun motor glider for testing purposes. By the spring of 2001, the Centurion 1.7 had found its place under the engine cowling of a small aircraft: the legendary D-EPAT, a Piper PA-28 (pictured). Additional installations quickly followed, including in the Cessna 172 and the Diamond DA40, which became a sales success with the innovative diesel engine. Then, in 2002, serial production of the Centurion 1.7 began – based on the “one person, one engine” production principle. The upgraded Centurion 2.0 produced today is assembled on an automated, computer-monitored production line. The fuel-efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly Centurion diesel engines became a success story in a challenging market environment. Since the start of production, more than 3,500 new engines of the models Centurion 1.7, Centurion 2.0, and the more powerful Centurion 2.0s have been manufactured and delivered, and a fleet of well over 2,600 aircraft has been equipped with them. The Robin DR400 Ecoflyer Remorqueur, which is equipped with the Centurion 2.0s, just obtained certification for glider-towing operations. High-frequency flyers in particular, such as flying schools, benefit from the Centurion engines, which can run on diesel as well as jet fuel which is the standard aviation fuel. Pilots operating aircraft in regions of the world where no leaded aviation gasoline is available also appreciate the fuel-efficient diesel engines. Accordingly, the annual utilization of each Centurion engine is over 250 hours and is thus nearly three times higher than the overall average in General Aviation. As a result, the users of Centurion engines will have reported over 3.5 million accumulated flying hours to TAE over the course of maintenance by the end of 2012. (Image provided by Centurion Engines) FMI: www.centurion.aero For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=6654924d-77d4-4392-b179-617159dcc50b ----------------------------------------------------------------- Lockheed Martin Marks 100th Anniversary Company Founded December 19th, 1912 Lockheed Martin this week commemorated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lockheed Company, which was originally incorporated on Dec. 19, 1912, in San Francisco, CA. To mark the occasion, Lockheed Martin has made donations in honor of Lockheed's founders to the Burbank Historical Society's Gordon R. Howard Museum and the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. Both organizations work to preserve the history of the early aerospace industry in CA. Today's milestone is part of a year-long campaign, during which the company is highlighting 100 stories from its history and conducting 100 community service projects, from packing 2,400 Thanksgiving dinners for needy families to stuffing 20,000 care packages for troops overseas. One hundred years ago, brothers Allan and Malcolm Lockheed founded their company out of a garage, where they worked nights and weekends building their Model G seaplane, the largest in the world at the time. Allan, a naturally gifted pilot, and Malcolm, a savvy engineer and mechanic, overcame several early setbacks and turned the Model G into a success. "It took the Lockheed brothers two years of hard work to get their first plane airborne, and they faced innumerable technical and operational challenges along the way," said Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO. "But they pressed on, because they knew that pushing the boundaries of innovation is neither simple nor easy. A century later, that same dedication still propels us to take on our customers' toughest challenges." The Model G's breakthrough sparked a string of innovations that helped usher in the golden age of aviation. The brothers' second plane, the F-1 Flying Boat, earned the fledgling company its first military contract. "Our founders – the Lockheed brothers and Glenn L. Martin – were visionary and relentless innovators," said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin President and COO. "It's no coincidence that both Lockheed and Martin chose a bold, dynamic star as their company logo. To them, the star represented performance, leadership and integrity – the same principles it represents for us today." In 1995, Lockheed Corporation merged with Martin Marietta, also founded in 1912 as the Glenn L. Martin Company, to form today's Lockheed Martin. The corporation also celebrated the Martin anniversary on Aug. 16. (Lockheed Model G image courtesy Lockheed Martin) www.lockheedmartin.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=321a4773-e3e2-42ec-9944-89aaf76d24b3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Certifies Santa's NextGen-Equipped Sleigh For Christmas Eve Just Don't Call Rudolph's Nose A 'Squitter' FAA safety inspectors at the North Pole certified Santa One, the reindeer-powered sleigh piloted by Santa Claus, for its Christmas Eve round-the-world delivery mission.Santa One, led by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, is outfitted with new satellite-based NextGen technology, which will allow Santa to deliver more toys to more children with improved safety and efficiency. “Children around the world will get their gifts on time, regardless of the weather, thanks to NextGen,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We’re proud to say NextGen is bringing Santa Claus to town.” Rudolph’s red nose has been outfitted with avionics that will broadcast Santa One’s position via satellites to air traffic controllers around the world with improved accuracy, integrity and reliability. “Santa’s cockpit display will help improve his situational awareness by showing him and his reindeer flight crew their precise location in relation to other aircraft, bad weather and terrain,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “NextGen will help make this an extra-safe Christmas Eve.” The sleigh’s onboard systems have been upgraded with state-of-the-art, NextGen technology that will allow Santa One to maintain cruising altitude for as long as possible before making a continuous descent into cities and towns around the world. While maneuvering on rooftops, an advanced, onboard runway safety system will help reduce the risk of incursions between the sleigh and chimneys. Santa’s reindeer-powered sleigh is already energy-efficient, but the NextGen technologies will further reduce Santa One’s carbon hoofprint. The shorter, faster routings means that Rudolph and the other reindeer will consume less hay, resulting in fewer greenhouse gases. Unlike any other pilot, Santa has special permission from the FAA to fly thousands of domestic and international short-haul and long-range flights in one night. In keeping with the FAA's science-based proposal to give pilots more rest, Santa will arrange his flight plan based on his circadian rhythm. Mrs. Claus also assured FAA safety inspectors that she’ll make sure he gets plenty of rest before the flight on Christmas Eve. FMI: www.faa.gov/go/santa For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=e1e5ed84-47ec-41e1-9a2d-a6e64b7a45f4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN FAQ: Have You Tried The ANN News Ticker? One of ANN's Most Popular "Freebies" Several years ago, ANN's first web-geek, Al Pike, designed a small "portable" News Ticker that offers current ANN headlines detailing what is happening in the aviation world. It can be copied to virtually any Web site (including YOURS!) on the Internet by simply requesting the code from us. In addition to staying abreast of the latest headlines, you can click on any one of these News Tickers, no matter which site it is on, and then go directly to ANN to read the news, in-depth, anytime you choose. You may get the code using our request form by logging on to www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm. Installation is a simple matter of copying the code into the HTML source code on a page on your site (and it IS simple... if Campbell can do it, anyone can...). For those of you with web sites, be sure to drop us an e-mail at editor@aero-news.net and let us know where you've installed the ticker, so we can share that info with other ANN readers. AND... don't forget to send your news and press releases to us via news@aero-news.net ! We want our coverage to include EVERY facet of aviation... so we need ALL the feedback we can get! FMI: www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=4094790d-7049-41fe-91f9-097da139c758 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (12.22.12) Aero-News: Quote of the Day ANN's Quote of the Day usually derives from current news, though we reserve the right to pick quotes out of history that have a bearing on the day's events and issues. Sometimes, you'll find them timely and in keeping with the content of the day's news... and sometimes, they'll just be thought-provoking. Reader suggestions and comments are welcome... and if particularly intriguing, timely, or poignant, may themselves become future Quotes of the Day. Let us hear from you, folks! Aero-News Quote of the Day "One of the things we do to help ensure Santa's safety is to track him and make sure we know where he is in case he needs help. During Santa's flight, we send frequent reports on Santa's position to NORAD headquarters." Source: Lt. Col. John Oberst, 176th Air Control Squadron operations officer, Alaska Air National Guard. FMI: www.noradsanta.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=842766c7-5d09-4710-bb21-608c1ca06b9e ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.22.12): Flap Extended Speed Aero-Terms! Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game. Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms. Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term. Flap Extended Speed The highest speed permissible with wing flaps in a prescribed extended position. FMI: http://aviationglossary.com/flap-extended-speed-14-cfr-1-1/ For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=3a434397-c7ff-4c63-adc4-31b2f34c96a3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.22.12) Aero-Linx! Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough, if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this is done on the Internet. The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into cyber-aero-space for awhile. Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via Aero-Linx. Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always welcome, as well. Aero Linx: Aviation Digital Data Service The Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS) makes available to the aviation community text, digital and graphical forecasts, analyses, and observations of aviation-related weather variables. ADDS is a joint effort of NCAR Research Applications Program (RAP), Global Systems Division (GSD) of NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL), and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Aviation Weather Center (AWC). FMI: http://adds.aviationweather.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=73a79d82-2c9a-411b-ba27-77f0b32cd15c ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Senior Staff Roster J.R. 'Zoom' Campbell CEO/Editor-In-Chief jim@aero-news.net Glen Moyer Aero-Cast Producer gmoyer@aero-news.net Tom Patton News Editor editor@aero-news.net Nathan Cremisino Ashley Hale Aero-TV Video Production Team Aero-TV HQ MKTG Inquiries Marketing Director mktg@aero-news.net Note: This newsletter is supported solely by sponsors like the one(s) listed herein. We stand 100% behind every ad that we run. If you ever have a problem with a company that advertises here please contact us and we will try to get it resolved. -- Aero-News Network Aero-News Network POB 305, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043. 863-299-8680, www.aero-news.net ANN Aero-Casts /podcasts Provided to registered subscribers, Daily. ISSN: 1530-9339 For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures: Click here to manage your subscription To ensure future delivery of Aero-News Network's "Propwash" E-Mail newsletters to your inbox (and NOT to your junk or delete folders), please add our "From" address (either propwashtext@aero-news.net , propwashhtml@aero-news.net , or propwashpdf@aero-news.net -- depending on the type of newsletter you subscribe to) to your address book or e-mail whitelist. editor@aero-news.net For General Mail, Story Ideas, Questions or Concerns mktg@aero-news.net For Advertising and Marketing Topics news-spy@aero-news.net For Hot News Tips and Story Leads news@aero-news.net For Calendar Items, Press Releases or Questions about ANN News Coverage publisher@aero-news.net For All Web and Html Related Topics- Corrections Welcome! jim@aero-news.net Want to Get Right to the Boss? This Is His Address Get ANN's Free News Ticker We have designed a small "portable" News Ticker that will offer current ANN headlines about what is happening in the aviation world. It can be copied to virtually any Web site (including YOURS!) on the Internet by simply requesting the code and permissions from us. In addition to staying abreast of the latest headlines, you can click on any one of these News Tickers, no matter who's site it is on, and then go directly to ANN to read the news, in-depth, anytime you choose. You may request the code using our request form by logging on to www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm For those of you with web sites, be sure to drop us an e-mail at editor@aero-news.net and we'll be sure to check out your site for inclusion in our link sites, shortly. AND... don't forget to send your news and press releases to us via news@aero-news.net ! We want our coverage to include EVERY facet of aviation... so we need ALL the feedback we can get! Please Forward This Issue If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or business associates. Thanks so much! Copyright (c) 1998-2012: Please do NOT reprint, publish, or host on your Web site without our explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it (unmodified) to a business associate or a friend. Thank you. "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." Marion Wright Edelman | ||||
| Obamas Offer Holiday Wishes, Call for All to Remember Vets Posted: 22 Dec 2012 06:59 AM PST
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| Posted: 21 Dec 2012 11:19 PM PST Dear Sirs,- This is Tangshan Blue Cat Beverage Group Co.,Ltd ,China who is making and exporting the drinks of agrestal chinese date,as you might know that is the king of Vitamin C which has been acknowledged worldwide for its natural healthy drinks and it mainly specified to be suitable for those hard working people from high risk group who has got neurasthenia in order to present them a perfect sleep every night once drink it befor sleeping. It also has got medical functions: soften the blood vessel,fall blood-fat; nourish heart and tonics the blood, increase appetite and is good for the spleen,enhances the memory and self immunity and so on. For more than a decade conscientious research along with the helps of modern scientific technological means, the technicians of group have developed the unique resources of wild Chinese date 3 types of flavors of the series of wild Chinese date juice. These are the sugar-free taste which is suitable to diabetes, the original taste and the tea taste which is suitable to neurasthenia. Different contents in the packaging and over 100 varieties can meet the different requirement for the consumers. In particular, the king of Vc is twice higher than kiwi fruit which can gratly conbine with internal free redical so as for people to prevent occuring from the Cancers. Why not to taste this unique drink worldwide of wild chinese date now？ We herein welcome drinking distributors-wholesales-sole agent and importers worldwide to us in Hebei province, China to finalize this profitable business. Thanks your viewing and I am online waiting for your interest. Best wishes, Deng Qing, Vice G/M Tangshan Blue Cat Beverage Group Co.,Ltd Website: http://www.lmjt.net Email: df1987033100@yahoo.com
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