Introduction About China

Where is China Located ? China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a sovereign state located in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of over 1.35 billion. Read more

Monday, December 31, 2012

News-Travel agiency - Trekking agency

News-Travel agiency - Trekking agency


Today in the Department of Defense, 1/2/2013

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 02:10 PM PST

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This information has recently been updated, and is now available.


Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, January 02, 2013

 

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules.

Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more.


What's New in DefenseLINK


Contacts
Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132.
Media Questions
News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131.
Public Inquiries
All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details.
Duty Officer
A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross.
 

Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 1/1/2013

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 02:09 PM PST

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Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, January 01, 2013

 

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules.

Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more.


What's New in DefenseLINK


Contacts
Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132.
Media Questions
News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131.
Public Inquiries
All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details.
Duty Officer
A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross.
 

Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Contracts for December 31, 2012

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 02:08 PM PST

You are subscribed to Contract Announcements for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

12/31/2012 04:00 PM CST


FOR RELEASE AT
5 p.m. ET
No. 1009-12
December 31, 2012


CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Akron, Ohio, (FA8621-12-R-6256) is being awarded a $253,381,949 firm-fixed-price contract for the Saudi Arabia F-15SA modernization program.  The location of the performance is Akron, Ohio.  Work is expected to be completed by June 2020.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WNSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Contract involves foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia 

            MacAulay-Brown Inc., Dayton, Ohio, (FA0021-11-F-0005) is being awarded a $30,913,181 contract modification that exercises the first option year of the original contract.  The option modification provides the same intelligence services to process, exploit and disseminate support services for Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command.  The location of the performance is Hurlburt Field, Fla.  Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 15, 2014.  The contracting activity is AFSOC/A7KQ, Hulburt Field, Fla. 

            DTS Aviation Services, Fort Worth, Texas, (FA8106-05-C-0001) is being awarded a $15,467,175 contract modification for C-21A contractor logistics support.  The location of the performance is Joint Base Andrews, Md.; Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Oklahoma City, Okla. and Battle Creek, Mich.  Work is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2013.  The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WLKLC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. 

CORRECTION

AIR FORCE

            Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., (FA8808-12-C-0010) is being awarded a $1,936,500,000 contract modification contract for Advanced Extremely High Vehicle (AEHF) Space Vehicle 5 and 6 Production Launch Operations.  The location of the performance is Sunnyvale and El Segundo, Calif.  Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 24, 2022.  The contracting activity is SMC/PKJ, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

 
Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

How to Celebrate the Holidays with Veterans

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 01:01 PM PST

US Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration Update:
Inside Veterans Health
Doctor smiling at Veteran
12/31/2012 08:00 AM EST

Parades, presents, music and special visits. VA staff, young soldiers, generous volunteers and an appreciate community made this holiday season a wonderful time for the Veterans at the VA Medical Center in Dublin, Ga.

Two young soldiers deliver gift bag to elderly Veteran

Sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)

Panetta Praises Security Transition Progress in Afghanistan

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 11:36 AM PST

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12/31/2012 01:20 PM CST

Panetta Praises Security Transition Progress in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta lauded Afghan President Hamid Karzai's announcement that Afghanistan has entered the second to last stage of the transition of security responsibility from NATO's International Security Assistance Force to Afghan security forces.

"It is another sign of steady progress that the Government of Afghanistan has announced the fourth tranche of the transition process," Panetta said in a statement issued today.

Afghanistan's security transition is designed to take place in five tranches, or stages. The transition is in line with the plan set forth at the Lisbon summit, ISAF officials said in a news release issued today.

"I congratulate President Karzai, his national security team, and the Afghan National Security Forces for their commitment to taking even more of a lead role for the security of the Afghan people," Panetta said.

As part of the fourth tranche, 12 Afghan provinces entered the security transition process, ISAF officials said. Afghanistan now has 23 of its 34 provinces entirely in the transition process. The provinces added in tranche four are primarily in the north and interior of the country, said officials, noting that one district in Helmand province is also included in the announcement.

"This step demonstrates the success of our strategy and the progress that the men and women of ISAF, working closely with our Afghan partners, are achieving every day in Afghanistan," Panetta said.

"President Karzai's announcement of the fourth group of provinces to enter transition is another historic step for Afghanistan as it gets closer to taking full responsibility for security of the entire country," said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of ISAF and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

"With the addition of these 12 full provinces to the transition process, Afghan National Security Forces are now taking the security lead in areas where 87 percent of the Afghan people live," Allen said.

This is a strong indicator that Afghanistan is on the path to full self-governance, Panetta said.

"Going forward, our efforts in Afghanistan will continue to ensure that the Afghan people can secure and govern themselves, and to deny safe haven to al-Qaida. Today's announcement marks another major advance toward those goals," he said.

It is expected that all parts of Afghanistan will have begun transition by the summer of 2013, ISAF officials said, putting the Afghan forces in the lead for security nationwide.

Ambassador Maurits R. Jochems, NATO's senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, recognized that the progress made in professionalism and confidence by the Afghan National Security Forces has enabled the transition strategy to succeed.

Speaking about NATO and ISAF's commitment to Afghanistan, Jochems said, "ISAF will continue to support the Afghan National Security Forces until the end of 2014, and after that NATO and its partners remain committed to Afghanistan's future stability through a new mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces."
 

Biographies:
Leon E. Panetta
Ambassador Maurits R. Jochems
Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen

Related Sites:
Panetta Statement
ISAF News Release
NATO International Security Assistance Force

Related Articles:
ISAF Congratulates Afghan Government on Transition of Security
Obama Welcomes New Stage of Afghan Security Transition



Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 10:58 AM PST

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12/31/2012 12:38 PM CST

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained one other suspected insurgent during an operation in the Nad 'Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The arrested Taliban leader planned and coordinated improvised explosive device attacks and ambushes against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force arrested a Haqqani leader in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani leader coordinated IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitated the distribution of weapons, IEDs and suicide vests to insurgents.

-- A combined force arrested two suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Andar district of Ghazni province. The sought-after Taliban leader commands a large number of insurgents and directs IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed several armed insurgents in the Ghaziabad district of Kunar province.

-- In the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province, a combined force arrested a Haqqani facilitator, detained one other suspect and seized some Afghan National Army uniforms. The arrested Haqqani facilitator supplied weapons and IED-making materials to insurgents. He is also linked to rocket, IED and direct-fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

And in a Dec. 29 operation, a combined force arrested two local Taliban leaders and detained one other suspect in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province. The arrested Taliban leaders provided IED-making materials to insurgents and conducted attacks in the district.

Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force


Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Face of Defense: Army Captain Recalls Journey from Cambodia

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 10:37 AM PST

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12/31/2012 12:12 PM CST

Face of Defense: Army Captain Recalls Journey from Cambodia

By Army 1st Lt. Will Martin
49th Military Police Brigade

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 31, 2012 - Army Capt. Thoeuth Duong's life story is a study in contrasts. Parts tragedy and providence, it is torn from the annals of history and speaks to the authenticity of the American dream.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
Army Capt. Thoeuth Duong, a California National Guardsman serving with the 49th Military Police Brigade in Fairfield, Calif., escaped war-torn Cambodia and is now living the American dream. Courtesy photo

(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
For Duong, now serving with the California Army National Guard's 49th Military Police Brigade, that dream has become reality -- but before the dream, there was the nightmare that was his Cambodian childhood.

Born into stark, agrarian poverty in 1969, Duong could have just as easily grown old as a farmer in rural Cambodia, but destiny had different plans for him. Chaos in his homeland, where Pol Pot energized a revolution that bloodied Cambodia, thrust darkness into Duong's childhood.

"I remember I had to work on a boat downloading food, and we had to harvest the leftover rice in the fields," Duong said of his forced labor at the hands of the Khmer Rouge revolutionaries, who seized his country in 1975 before carrying out a three-year genocide that claimed an estimated 1.7 million lives.

Just 5 years old when the Khmer Rouge claimed power, Duong's father was murdered and three of his brothers were forcibly relocated to communist-run factories. Only Duong, his 7-year-old brother and his mother -- now a widow -- remained at home. Soon, his mother was forced to spend her waking hours at a nearby labor camp, allowing her neither the energy nor income to care for her starving sons.

"For a whole year, it was just me and my brother. We did everything; we took care of ourselves," Duong said. "Once in a while my mom stole some stuff for us, fruit or whatever, but I got sick all the time. She didn't think there was any chance I was going to make it. I had a bloated stomach -- I looked like I was going to die."

Duong's first rays of hope came from an unlikely source: the North Vietnamese. Though brutal in their own right, the invading Vietnamese deposed Pol Pot in 1979 and brought order to the chaos that had saturated Duong's life.

"I remember when the Vietnamese came, they dropped propaganda leaflets. And after the leaflets, they dropped bombs," said Duong, who recalled hiding and watching tracer bullets fly overhead in the darkness of night. "But they kicked out Pol Pot and allowed us to move around wherever."

Reunited with all her children, Duong's mother saw a window of opportunity in their newfound freedom of movement. His mother quickly gathered her children, Duong said, and for two weeks traversed westbound on foot -- in slippers -- in an effort to reach neighboring Thailand.

At the border, the Duong family narrowly escaped pirates and Vietnamese troops before reaching a United Nations rescue station. From there they were bused into Thailand and found a temporary home in a U.N. refugee camp. For the first time in his memory, the 10-year-old Duong experienced something resembling a normal childhood.

"It was the first time going to school and brushing my teeth," Duong said. "I was excited about being in a stable environment and getting to go to school. There was stuff there I had never seen before -- gum, candy, painting -- I learned a little English."

The English soon proved useful. Duong's family lived as refugees in the camp for three years, until 1983, when an educated Cambodian who had fled to America to escape Pol Pot's wave of terror brought the Duongs to Long Beach, Calif. Embarking on a new life in an unknown land, Duong was struck by the strangeness of it all.

"I started school in the last half of the 7th grade, didn't speak hardly any English, in the middle of big city," Duong said. "People thought I was in 3rd or 4th grade because I was so small and skinny [because of malnutrition]. The craziest part was to see all those buildings. It was very interesting."

With the help of a Cambodian classmate who pointed him from class to class, Duong soon picked up the language and excelled in his classes. His surroundings, however, were marked by violence and despair, encouraging Duong to seek out a way to further improve his station in life.

"In high school, the environment was really, really bad. Many of my friends joined gangs and used drugs. In the late '80s, crack was big, and people I knew were getting shot," Duong said. "After graduating [from high school], I had nowhere to go, no destination, so I joined the Army. Nobody wanted me to do it, but I had to do what was best for me."

Duong's decision to enlist in the Army was "the best decision I could have made," he said. Multiple combat deployments, a two-decades-long marriage, a college degree and an officer's commission through the California National Guard stand out as highlights of a life rooted in military service.

"When I came back to Long Beach after Desert Storm, I found out three of my best friends had been shot and killed [in California]," Duong said, reflecting on how easily he could have shared their fate.

"The Army saved me," he said.

Duong will soon retire from the Army after 22 years of service. He plans to spend more time with his family and put more energy behind his civilian career as a probation officer. But in reflecting on his nightmarish childhood, when death and poverty were the norm, his gratitude is obvious.

"I came out from a war zone," Duong said, "and then to have a commission in the best army in the world, a college degree, married with kids, a house, a good civilian job ... Yeah, I'm living the American dream."



Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Statement by Secretary Panetta on the Government of Afghanistan's Security Transition Announcement

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:29 AM PST

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This information has recently been updated, and is now available.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 1008-12
December 31, 2012

Statement by Secretary Panetta on the Government of Afghanistan's Security Transition Announcement

            "It is another sign of steady progress that the Government of Afghanistan has announced the fourth tranche of the transition process.  I congratulate President Karzai, his national security team, and the Afghan National Security Forces for their commitment to taking even more of a lead role for the security of the Afghan people.  This step demonstrates the success of our strategy and the progress that the men and women of ISAF, working closely with our Afghan partners, are achieving every day in Afghanistan.  As part of this fourth phase of transition, Afghan security forces will have lead responsibility for the safety of 87 percent of the Afghan population, which is a strong indicator that Afghanistan is on the path to full self-governance.  The Afghan people, as well as their American and ISAF partners, should take pride in what they have accomplished and in their ability to effectively carry out this transition process.  Going forward, our efforts in Afghanistan will continue to ensure that the Afghan people can secure and govern themselves, and to deny safe haven to al-Qaeda.  Today's announcement marks another major advance toward those goals."

 

Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 06:02 AM PST

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This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

12/31/2012 07:44 AM CST


IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 1007-12
December 31, 2012

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

            Pfc. Markie T. Sims, 20, of Citra, Fla., died Dec. 29 in Panjwal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. 

            For more information, media may contact I Corps Public Affairs, Joint Base Lewis-McChord at 253-208-0576.

 

Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Propwash

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 01:07 AM PST

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Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary
A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN:
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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!

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12.31.12 Edition: Classic Aero-TV: Col. Mark Tillman (1)--The Most Important Left Seat In Aviation An Honored Flyer Tells Of His Service To America (Part 1 of 4)


OK... we gotta tell you... this one was one of the best speeches we have
EVER heard at any aviation event... and it occurred this year at the 2012
AEA Convention and Tradeshow.



The kind folks of Universal Avionics pulled off quite a coup and arranged
for a truly inspiring speaker for one of the most important gatherings in
all of aviation -- the opening ceremonies of the 55th Annual AEA
International Convention and Trade Show. And Universal's choice knocked it
out of the park. Former Air Force One Command Pilot Colonel (ret) Mark W.
Tillman, the United States’ 12th Presidential Pilot, served as
Commander of Air Force One from 2001-2009.


Col. Tillman was at the controls of Air Force One on September 11, 2001,
keeping President Bush out of harm’s way and connecting the flying
oval office to the nation’s first responders. He was also the first
pilot to fly the Commander-in-Chief into a war zone. The challenge was
unprecedented – it was a “Zero Fail Mission”.



A truly amazing aviator, in 2004 Tillman was awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross. He was also promoted to brigadier general by the President of
the United States -- the first military line officer to receive this honor
(not confirmed by the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee). One of his more
extraordinary adventures took place as he became the first pilot to fly the
commander in chief into Baghdad. The challenge was unprecedented -- safely
transport the most targeted man in the world into the heart of terrorism.
One mistake would have left the president vulnerable to attack and would
have cost the lives of U.S. service members. Tillman personally orchestrated
and executed this covert operation with flawless success. His planning, done
entirely in secrecy, allowed for a complete surprise to the world.


Please join ANN in this four part tribute and presentation of Col. Tillman's
exciting speech at the 55th Annual AEA International Convention and Trade
Show.
FMI: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=19148,
http://www.universalavionics.com, www.aea.net, www.aero-tv.net,
www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=8a1017c4-629d-40bb-a162-7c0ca8d6fcda
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Airborne 12.28.12: SpaceX Leaps Tall Bldgs, NM Permits Seaplanes, G650 Delivers Also: SpaceShipTwo Progress, Seaplane City, 3K WAAS Approaches,
ForeFlight/WingX Updates, Carter VTOL Slows Down, Happy New Year!


SpaceX's Grasshopper took a 12-story leap towards full and rapid rocket
reusability in a test flight conducted December 17, 2012 at SpaceX’s
rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas. Score one for grassroots
advocacy.



The State of New Mexico, which had proposed a general ban on amphibious
aircraft and seaplanes from all of its state parks, relented following an
effort spearheaded in part by 'The Seaplane Forum' online. The first fully
outfitted ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 aircraft has
been delivered to its new owner... a U.S. customer. This important first
delivery came just hours after Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. received two
important certifications for its new flagship aircraft. All this... and MORE
in today's episode of Airborne!!!

Airborne 12.28.12 is chock full of info about the half-week period ending
Friday, December 28th, 2012... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and
Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim
Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom
Patton, and Glen Moyer, this episode covers:


1) SpaceX Grasshopper Test
2) New Mexico Relents On Proposed State Park Seaplane Ban
3) Gulfstream Receives FAA PC, Begins Deliveries Of Outfitted G650s
4) SpaceShipTwo Completes 1st Glide In Powered Flight Configuration
5) Florida City Banking On SeaRey Production To Solidify Brand As 'Seaplane
City'
6) Prepar3D Now Compatible With ForeFlight Mobile
7) FAA, NPS Release Air Tour Reporting Guidance
8) Carter Slowed-Rotor VTOL Demonstrates Impressive Lift-To-Drag Values
9) FAA Exceeds 3,000 WAAS LPV Approaches
10) WingX Pro7 Version 6.9 Adds Multiple Features
11) Happy New Year From ANN and Airborne!



Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and
aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again
next week for the next edition of "Airborne" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for
watching. See you, again, in just a few days!


© 2012, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved.
FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork,
http://twitter.com/AeroNews, The Full ANN/YouTube AIRBORNE Roster --
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42E90078D99B1053&feature=view_all

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=1ef8133b-5837-4ae6-8f63-37eb46c61d9a
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Klyde Morris (12.31.12) Klyde's Not Impressed With 'APOO'

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=e999b47b-f102-4f14-a339-a8ff9e81cd9a
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Solar Impulse Team Plans CA To NY Flight In 2013 Details Still Being Worked Out, But Solar Aircraft Designers Hopeful


While nothing is yet set in stone, the United States may get its first
up-close look at the Solar Impulse solar-powered airplane in 2013. The Solar
Impulse Team confirms on its website that plans are in the works for a
flight from California to New York City by way of Washington, D.C. next
year.



According to the site, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, along
with Marking and Communications director Gregory Blatt, have been meeting
with relevant government officials and agencies in an effort to move the
effort forward. Switzerland's Ambassador to the U.S. has worked to
facilitate meetings with key government and political representatives, as
well as airports along the planned route of flight.


At an event at the Swiss Embassy in Washington, D.C., earlier this month,
Ambassador Manuel Sager hinted at a possible time frame. "We are very happy
to support the flight from the west to the east coast of the United States
in the early summer of 2013," he said.


The Solar Impulse team said on the website that a flight across the U.S.
would "be a great occasion to bring our message to a country which is in the
forefront of innovation and pioneering spirit, and we are all very excited
about the prospect of being able to share these values with a country that
embraces our own DNA."


More details will be released as they become available.


(Image of Solar Impulse from its tour of Morocco in 2012)
FMI: www.solarimpulse.com

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=b2dcc879-0c83-4c16-ae1c-074b241532a8
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Wichita Looks For More Stable Bizjet Environment But New Report Says Long-Term Outlook Still Depressed From Peak Levels


In a report on the business jet industry released earlier this month, J.P.
Morgan indicates that there are "intermittent signs of stabilization" in the
market "suggesting demand could improve this coming year."



That news is being welcomed by business and government leaders in Wichita,
KS, where more than a third of all business jets sold worldwide are built.


But the Wichita Eagle reports that signs point to a stabilization of the
market at levels far below the 2008 peak. Honeywell's annual forecast
indicated that 2013 shipments would be at about the same level as 2012. Also
playing into the equation is the emergence of Hawker Beechcraft from
bankruptcy. The company has already stopped building new jets, and plans to
focus on its piston and turbine products as Beechcraft Corporation. While
King Air, Bonanza, and Baron models as well as military products will still
be built in Wichita, actual employment levels have not been determined after
the loss of the jet business. However, most of those workers have reportedly
already been idled. Boeing Wichita also plans to pull out of the city in
early 2014, but most of its employees will depart next year.


In its report, J.P. Morgan said that "the industry should turn up
eventually," but that "the business jet market is finishing another tough
year its fourth since the 2008 peak."


(Citation Latitude image from file)
FMI: www.gwedc.org

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=2be98808-7e43-407b-9143-518145c85a2f
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Bombardier Aerospace Secures Orders For Six Learjet 75 Aircraft Transaction Valued At $81 Million Based On List Prices


Bombardier Aerospace has received orders for a total of six Learjet 75
business jets from an undisclosed customer. The transaction is valued at
approximately $81 million based on the 2012 list price for typically
equipped aircraft.



“The Learjet 75 aircraft is a blend of innovative technology, modern
cabin design and legendary Learjet aircraft performance,” said Steve
Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We look forward to
delivering the first aircraft next year, as Learjet celebrates its 50th
anniversary.”


The Learjet 75 jet features the pioneering Bombardier Vision Flight Deck
with an interior influenced by its bigger stablemate, the Learjet 85
aircraft. The jet will have a maximum altitude of 51,000 ft., and is capable
of flying more than 2,000 nm.


The Lear 75 is being built in Wichita, KS. In August, it hit a production
milestone with the first power-on of its electrical systems.


According to Bombardier, there will be a total of five flight test aircraft:
a modified Learjet 40 XR jet and a modified Learjet 45 XR aircraft are
flying and focusing on avionics certification; a modified Learjet 45 XR jet
will be used primarily for the interior and cabin management system; an
existing Learjet 45 XR aircraft will be modified and utilized for testing
and validating the performance improvements; and finally, the first
production Learjet 75 aircraft.


Entry into service is planned for 2013.


(Image provided by Bombardier)
FMI: www.bombardier.com

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=f733b90f-8b8f-4a4f-a658-4b477e3b814b
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BAE Inks Contract With Sultanate Of Oman Deal Covers Multiple Typhoon And Hawk Aircraft


In the first contract to be closed since BAE and EADS ended merger talks,
BAE Systems says it has reached an agreement with the Sultanate of Oman to
provide 12 Typhoon and eight Hawk aircraft, a deal with about $4.1 billion.
Deliveries are expected to commence in 2017.



BAE said in a news release that the contract "is further recognition that
both Typhoon and Hawk are leading aircraft in their class, providing the
best capabilities available." As well as supplying aircraft, BAE will
provide in-service support to the Royal Air Force of Oman's (RAFO)
operational tasks.


“Receiving this contract is an honour and is excellent news for both
BAE Systems and the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium," said Guy Griffiths,
Group Managing Director for BAE Systems' International business. "BAE
Systems has a long history of working in Oman and we are delighted this
contract will enable us to continue to work together. We believe that Oman
has now added the most advanced fighter jet and proven training aircraft,
available in the world, to its military portfolio.


“We look forward to working in partnership with Oman's Ministry of
Defence, and the Royal Air Force of Oman, to ensure this is a highly
successful programme that maximises the potential of both Hawk and
Typhoon.”



Oman becomes the seventh country in the world, and the second in the Middle
East, to operate the Typhoon, joining the air forces of the United Kingdom,
Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia.


The order of Hawk AJT's follows an order from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in
May of this year. The total number of Hawk aircraft sold, or on order, to
has climbed to 998.


BAE said the announcement also strengthens the long standing relationship
between the company and the Sultanate of Oman. Oman currently operates
Jaguar fighter aircraft and trains pilots on an earlier variant of the BAE
Systems Hawk.


(BAE images top: Typhoon, bottom: Hawk)
FMI: www.baesystems.com

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=bbbd2607-4b43-4ca9-8e64-c52555232b8a
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Bell Helicopter Signs Agreement With Air Methods Air Medical Transport Company To Acquire 20 Bell 407GX Helos


Bell Helicopter has reached an agreement with Air Methods for the supply of
20 Bell 407GX aircraft. Air Methods will dedicate the helicopters to air
medical transport for critically ill and injured patients throughout the
United States. "Air Methods' order for 20 new Bell 407GXs is part of our
commitment to having the most modern fleet in the helicopter emergency
medical services industry and to support future growth opportunities," said
Archie Gray, senior vice president, Air Methods Aviation Services. "The Bell
407 airframe strikes a good balance between speed, performance and operating
costs."



Air Methods, established in 1980, is one of the most experienced air medical
operators in the industry. The company began with a single Bell 206
helicopter in Englewood, Colorado and has since grown to serve 48 states.
Air Methods provides air medical transportation for hospitals and
communities nationwide and operates eight maintenance centers. "We have over
30 years of history with Air Methods and we are honored they continue to
place their trust in Bell helicopters to perform their life-saving
missions," said Danny Maldonado, executive vice president of Sales and
Marketing at Bell Helicopter. "Integrating reliability, speed, performance
and advanced technology, the Bell 407GX is unlike anything else on the
market today. Its next-generation cockpit and rugged airframe has made it
the first choice for air medical transport missions."


Air Methods' Bell 407GX aircraft will be equipped with United Rotorcraft
emergency medical services interior, designed with air critical care
operators in mind. The interior can accommodate a single patient or
specialty transport, and comes standard with the Articulating Loading System
for easy patient-loading. The United Rotorcraft interior also provides
integrated medical systems such as medical oxygen, suction, air, storage and
electrical power.


(Bell 407GX image from file)
FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=27666bb4-38c1-4a15-b826-30eefa2814fa
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Facing Consolidation And Budget Cuts, Middle Georgia Aviation Campus Looks Ahead Continuing Projects For NASA, Pursuit Of Sikorsky Prize


Middle Georgia College in Eastman, GA, has a lot going for it, according to
its administration. In fact, some call it the best-kept secret in the
region. It boasts the only four-year program to own and operate its own air
traffic control tower, has a fleet of 18 aircraft, and is one of only five
colleges in the nation to offer a helicopter program, according to aviation
campus director David Brockway.



But the Middle Georgia Telegraph reports that due to state budget cuts, the
college is scheduled to be consolidated with Macon State College. That
prospect, however, has not dampened the enthusiasm at Middle Georgia for the
projects on which it is currently working. Those projects include work on
drones, NASA's Webb telescope, and a human-powered helicopter they hope will
be able to claim the elusive Sikorsky prize.


The college will merge with Macon State in January, forming a five-campus
institution, but fortunately for the aviation program, the interim president
has not made noises about its elimination. Rather, they have been directed
to reach out to K-12 schools through STEM programs which could eventually
lead to additional grant funding for the aviation campus.


The college has about 500 enrolled students, with about 115 living on
campus, according to the paper. Chad Dennis, a program coordinator with the
Georgia Centers of Innovation for Aerospace, said the upcoming consolidation
would mean an influx of resources and more visibility in the state. All of
that, officials say, could lead to more money to keep the program not only
afloat, but thriving.
FMI: www.mgc.edu/aviation

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=5b30008e-c964-4d1c-b1fd-f25db77055a8
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Air China Honored With Canada's Outstanding Enterprise Award Cited For Work Towards Improvements In Relations Between The Two Countries


Air China received the Outstanding Enterprise Award-Bronze Prize at the 34th
Canada China Business Council (CCBC) annual meeting in Montreal, Canada for
its continuous efforts to improve products and services and contributions to
relations between China and Canada. Mr. Xu Junhong, Air China Vancouver
Office GM, received the "2011-2012 Outstanding Enterprise Award" plaque from
Zhang Junsai, the Chinese Ambassador to Canada, in front of Canadian
Governor General David Johnston and more than 300 guests from the business
sectors of both countries.



CCBC is a non-governmental, nonprofit business association founded by
Chinese and Canadian enterprises in 1978. It aims to develop deeper
understanding of China-Canada trade, investment issues and establish
business contacts. In 2008, it launched the biennial Outstanding Enterprise
Award to recognize member companies that have promoted economic and trade
relations between China and Canada. Prize winners are selected by an
independent judging panel composed of experienced experts based on a set of
stringent scoring rules.


Air China's Vancouver Office has continuously improved its services on the
China-Canada route. The Premium Business Class was launched in 2011 to meet
the demand of high-end customers and enhance Air China's competitiveness.
Air China is also the first Mainland China carrier that has been granted
Canada's TWOV/CTT status. Additionally, the Office supports local
communities by participating in activities organized by local associations
and chambers of commerce. It has cooperated with the BC Provincial Tourism
Board to take advantage of local tourism resources, and has promoted and
developed Canadian travel packages. The Office has also worked with the
Canada Chamber of Commerce to promote Air China's Program for Small and
Medium Enterprises.


Air China and the Vancouver Office's achievements are widely recognized by
partners and travelers.
FMI: www.airchina.com

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=9f577759-c347-47d1-bcc0-2e256e2fdc98
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Massachusetts Town Says Model Airplane Club Violates Farm Zoning RC Club Leases Land From Local Farm Owner


The owners of Long Hill Farm near West Newbury, MA, are apparently in
violation of local zoning codes and state law for allowing a model airplane
club to lease some of the farm's land.



The farm receives state tax exemptions for agricultural purposes under the
state Agricultural Preservation Restriction law. Town Counsel Michael
McCarron told the town's selectman that allowing the Cape Ann RC Model
Airplane Club to lease some of its land is in violation of that law, as well
as the town's zoning code, according to a report appearing in the
Newburyport Daily News.


While McCarron did not say that flying model planes from the farm was
illegal, the owners, John and Cindy Adams, needed to get permission from
state and local officials to undertake "non-farm activity" on the land. The
selectmen said they would send a "cease and desist" letter to the couple,
but that action was delayed until after the first of the year following a
request from Mrs. Adams, who could not attend the meeting.


According to the paper, the club has been flying from the farm for 18 years,
but a nearby resident recently made a formal complaint about noise on the
weekends. The club had said on its website that it was planning to extend
its runway at the farm, and the homeowner, Stephen Shepard, questioned the
legality of the activity in a letter dated December 10.


Cindy Adams told the paper that the couple does not want to alienate their
neighbors, and hopes that a compromise solution can be found to allow the
club to continue operations from the farm. But the road to that compromise
may be long and bureaucratic, involving multiple local and state government
entities, formal hearings, and likely a lot of paperwork.
FMI: www.wnewbury.org/pages/index

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=6d60ede4-0c8a-4bd3-826e-3a6d461f1a65
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Life Flight New Zealand Accomplishes Difficult, And Dirty, Rescue Man Was Injured In A Quad Bike Accident


After the story about a Southwest 737 getting stuck in the mud on Long
Island, NY, comes this story from down under. At about 1830 local time
December 27, a New Zealand Life Flight team responded to a quad bike
accident in the Northern Wairarapa. Life Flight responded with a Wellington
Free Ambulance Paramedic onboard the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.



On arrival, the crew found a Wairarapa man in his 60’s who was
suffering from fractured ribs and possible internal injuries after his quad
bike rolled on a muddy hill. The helicopter was able to land about 160 feet
from the man, but the extremely slippery and muddy hill made reaching him
difficult. Once he was assessed by the paramedic, the man was winched into
the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and flown to Wellington Hospital.


“Patches of low cloud made reaching the area difficult for our pilot
and the mud at the scene made it very difficult for the entire team on
scene,” says Life Flight crewman Dave Greenberg. “The rescue
itself took about 2.5 hours but it took well over 3 hours cleaning the
inside of the helicopter."


The man was assessed and treated in the Emergency Department upon arrival
and has been admitted to hospital.


The Life Flight Trust is a charity providing air rescue and air ambulance
services. It operates the Wellington based Westpac Rescue Helicopter and a
national air ambulance service. It relies on support from the public and
sponsorship from partners such as Westpac to provide these services.


(Photo courtesy Life Flight)
FMI: www.lifeflight.org.nz

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=2afe2813-929d-498c-a034-704bcb363352
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No Decision From FAA On Missouri's St. Clair Regional Airport Mayor Had Asked In August For A Ruling On Its Closure From The Agency By
Thanksgiving


The city of St. Clair, MO, wants to close its airport, but is still waiting
for word from the FAA about whether it can do so. Mayor Ron Blum's reasons
for wanting to close the airport are familiar. He says it has been losing
money for several years, and the city has plans for development of a retail
shopping complex on the site. Blum has been trying to close the airport
since 2007.



The city sent the final narrative analysis requested by the FAA to the
agency in August, and requested that it respond within 90 days. The mayor
told the newspaper The Missourian that he is still waiting for that
response.


In its narrative, the city requested "release from all past grant
obligations, subject to a requirement to repay the unamortized portion of
such grants, and requests closure of St. Clair Regional Airport and
authorization to sell the land by sealed bid, subject to a requirement that
all proceeds from said sale be provided for disbursement at the direction of
the Federal Aviation Administration." It most recently received an AIP grant
for the airport in 2006.


Mayor Blum said that the city has provided the FAA with all of the
information it requested before it could make a decision as to whether to
allow the airport to be closed, which the city has said does not provide any
benefit to the community. They argue that the FAA's attempts to blame the
airport's state of disrepair and low usage as "a lack of proactive measures
by the city are unwarranted."


Mayor Blum told the paper that he hopes to have an answer from the FAA early
next year.
FMI: www.faa.gov, www.stclairmo.com/stclairmo/cityhall.htm

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=a0f63b7c-d597-4e8d-9581-bfe61bce93c1
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'Drowsy' Driver In Valdosta, GA, Plows Through Airport Three Airplanes Damaged As Car Hit Two Hangars


Normally when you park your airplane in a hangar, you think it's pretty
safe. But that turned out not to be the case at Valdosta, GA, Regional
Airport Monday night when a driver described as "drowsy" crashed through the
airport fence, across a parking lot, and through the walls of two hangars
damaging three airplanes along the way.



According to a report in the Valdosta Daily Times, the driver, 24-year-old
Brandon Cowart, first went through a ditch beside the highway after which he
said he remembers nothing about the accident. The car traveled another 1,100
feet into the airport, and the driver did not appear to have attempted to
stop the car ... authorities report no skid marks along its path.


To get to the hangars, the car had to travel through the ditch, a fence, and
a row of shrubbery. It reportedly jumped a parking block, threaded through
trees and light poles, and then plowed through the wall of the first hangar
where the three airplanes were damaged, striking two directly. It then went
through the wall of a second hangar, and stopped in an office being used to
store paint cans, according to police.


The airplanes were owned by Valdosta Flying Services, Antofia Flying
Services, and Ferrell Scruggs Co., according to the paper. The Valdosta
Police said that Cowart told them he fell asleep while driving. He has so
far been charged with failure to maintain his lane. He reportedly suffered
only a chipped tooth and a bump on his head.
FMI: www.valdostacity.com/index.aspx?page=177

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=3102e46f-308f-4774-a33f-4d4248949131
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Las Vegas Airline Back On The Horizon Management Team Says It Is 'On Track' For A 2013 Start


An airline promising "Las Vegas thrills, holographic image safety briefings,
as well as full reclining luxury beds in first class" is back on the
horizon. LV Air says it is moving towards a 2013 launch with "over $35
million, a soft aircraft market, and an experienced management team."



The company plans to have offices in Las Vegas and New York City. "We're
completely on track for 2013," says CEO and Founder Eneliko Sean Smith. "An
offer has been made to acquire a fully certified carrier. Our designer Edese
Doret has begun designs and features for First Class to include state of the
art reclining beds, a live plant wall and a shower/changing room. In Club
Class, translucent bulk heads, a Circle Bar, and 3D Surround Sound will be
the norm. Every flight will feature an online and private network gaming
experience."


Leading the LV Air launch team is Andrew Cowen, Managing Director of Mango
Aviation partners, the company which helped launch other luxury airlines
such as Silverjet, Eos and Duo. "I feel sure that with a properly structured
offering, LV Air could become very successful…I would also highlight
that Eneliko Sean Smith, LV Air's founder, is a successful entrepreneur
focused on bringing fresh thinking and innovation to the airline market.
Aviation is liberalizing fast bringing much needed competition to
established carriers."


Smith, originally from the hotel industry, is known for his creative style,
intense work ethic and willingness to think outside of the box. Interest
from private investors, gaming companies, and celebrities worldwide have
surged the company forward with publicity, products, and cash. "It's a new
strategy," says Celebrity Public Relations Director George Cotton Jr. "Think
of Jay Z's synergistic effect on the Barclay Center, and multiply it by 10."
Cotton has received numerous calls from celebrities that see brand and
product sales value in the LV Air association with youthful, high tech,
luxury customers and its innovative handheld and social media 1 to 1
marketing focus. "It's not about Degrees anymore, it's about creative minds
and innovative ideas," says Derrick Ellis, VP, Social Media of LV Air. The
airline expects to hit the ground running with an intense social media
campaign in early 2013.
FMI: www.lv-air.com, www.facebook.com/flylvair

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=83c73963-752f-4dd5-8304-0b43e3c5662f
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Republic of Korea Seeks To Acquire Global Hawk UAVs Estimated Cost For Four Aircraft Is $1.2 Billion


The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Dec. 21 of a
possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for four RQ-4 Block
30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft and associated equipment,
parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.2
billion.



The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale of four (4) RQ-4
Block 30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft with the Enhanced
Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS). The EISS includes infrared/electro-optical,
synthetic aperture radar imagery and ground moving target indicator, mission
control element, launch and recovery element, signals intelligence package,
an imagery intelligence exploitation system, test equipment, ground support,
operational flight test support, communications equipment, spare and repair
parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical
data, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support
services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated
cost is $1.2 billion.


The Republic of Korea says it needs this intelligence and surveillance
capability to assume primary responsibility for intelligence gathering from
the U.S. led Combined Forces Command in 2015. The proposed sale of the RQ-4
will maintain adequate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
capabilities and will ensure the alliance is able to monitor and deter
regional threats in 2015 and beyond. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing
these systems into its armed forces.


The Republic of Korea is one of the major political and economic powers in
East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in
ensuring peace and stability in that region. The proposed sale of this
system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any
additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Korea.


Notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has
been concluded.


(USAF Global Hawk image from file)
FMI: www.dsca.mil

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=20067c9b-40ab-43d3-9105-739810e0e051
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ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.31.12): Anomalous Propagation 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.
Anomalous Propagation


Non-standard atmospheric temperature or moisture gradients will cause all or
part of the radar beam to propagate along a non-normal path. When
non-standard index-of-refraction distributions prevail, "abnormal" or
"anomalous" propagation occurs. When abnormal downward bending occurs, it is
called "superrefraction." If the beam is refracted downward sufficiently, it
will illuminate the ground and return signals to the radar from distances
further than is normally associated with ground targets. The term
"subrefraction" is applied when there is abnormal upward bending of the
radar beam.
FMI: www.weather.gov

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=976b6283-9cd8-4179-ae9e-756879bc1d3b
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ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.30.12): Aleutian Low 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.
Aleutian Low


A semi-permanent, subpolar area of low pressure located in the Gulf of
Alaska near the Aleutian Islands. It is a generating area for storms and
migratory lows often reach maximum instensity in this area. It is most
active during the late fall to late spring. During the summer, it is weaker,
retreating towards the North Pole and becoming almost nonexistent. During
this time, the North Pacific High pressure system dominates.
FMI: www.weather.gov

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=43bd363c-6bd4-42bb-bf05-565bba06c551
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ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.31.12) 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: Civil Reserve Air Fleet


A unique and significant part of the nation's mobility resources is the
Civil Reserve Air Fleet. Selected aircraft from U.S. airlines, contractually
committed to CRAF, support Department of Defense airlift requirements in
emergencies when the need for airlift exceeds the capability of military
aircraft. The CRAF has three main segments: international, national and
aeromedical evacuation. The international segment is further divided into
the long-range and short-range sections and the national segment into the
domestic and Alaskan sections. Assignment of aircraft to a segment depends
on the nature of the requirement and the performance characteristics needed.
FMI: http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=173

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=a4887d5e-f9d7-43ab-be9a-81156ced2c28
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ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.30.12) 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: Air Force Space Command


Air Force Space Command, activated Sept. 1, 1982, is a major command with
headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. AFSPC provides military
focused space and cyberspace capabilities with a global perspective to the
joint warfighting team.
FMI: http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=155

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=a0693368-b1af-4796-ac9f-e7666734f67f
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Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (12.31.12) 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



"...release from all past grant obligations, subject to a requirement to
repay the unamortized portion of such grants, and requests closure of St.
Clair Regional Airport and authorization to sell the land by sealed bid,
subject to a requirement that all proceeds from said sale be provided for
disbursement at the direction of the Federal Aviation Administration."


Source: From remarks made by the city of St. Clair, MO, -- which wants to
close its airport, where it has plans for development of a retail shopping
complex on the site. The city has been trying to close the airport since
2007.
FMI: www.faa.gov, www.stclairmo.com/stclairmo/cityhall.htm

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=244972dd-c616-44dc-a798-97a746165d04
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Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (12.30.12) 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



"We're completely on track for 2013... An offer has been made to acquire a
fully certified carrier. Our designer Edese Doret has begun designs and
features for First Class to include state of the art reclining beds, a live
plant wall and a shower/changing room. In Club Class, translucent bulk
heads, a Circle Bar, and 3D Surround Sound will be the norm. Every flight
will feature an online and private network gaming experience."


Source: CEO and Founder Eneliko Sean Smith, in remarks associated with LV
Air's claim to be moving towards a 2013 launch with "over $35 million, a
soft aircraft market, and an experienced management team."
FMI: www.lv-air.com, www.facebook.com/flylvair

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=c19c15e7-b139-42cc-b6a1-8dca7473bda1
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AD: Boeing Company Airplanes (737) AD NUMBER: AD 2012-25-05


PRODUCT: Certain Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series
airplanes.
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive AD 2012-25-05
ACTION: Final Rule



SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by reports of escape slides failing to deploy
from the forward and aft right-hand doors during scheduled maintenance slide
deployments.


This AD requires modifying the escape slide. Also, for certain airplanes,
this AD requires modifying or replacing the Vespel piston. For certain other
airplanes, this AD requires an additional modification of the escape slide.


The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of an escape slide to deploy,
which could result in the slide being unusable during an emergency
evacuation and increased likelihood of injury to passengers or crewmembers
due to the difficulty in evacuating the airplane.


DATES: This AD is effective January 31, 2013.
FMI: AD

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=f5348a24-17f8-4f4e-896f-a9b23744f2b2
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AD: Rolls-Royce AD NUMBER: 2012-25-08


PRODUCT: Certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent
768-60, 772-60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines.
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-25-08
ACTION: Final Rule



SUMMARY: This AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing or in-shop
inspections of the high pressure/intermediate pressure (HP/IP) turbine
bearing support oil feed tube outer heat shield. This AD also requires
installation of a revised HP/IP turbine bearing support structure as
terminating action to the repetitive inspections of the HP/IP turbine
bearing support oil feed tube outer heat shield.


This AD was prompted by a report of high oil consumption due to an oil leak
from the HP/IP turbine bearing support oil feed tube. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the HP turbine disc, uncontained engine
failure, and damage to the airplane.


DATES: This AD becomes effective January 10, 2013.
FMI: AD

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=163eb25c-0350-498a-9121-1be163d6eec1
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