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Aviation pollution to rise – scientists (June 29)
 Aviation will account for 5 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions by 2050, according to the latest climate change study by UK scientists.
In 2000, air traffic contributed 2 per cent of global carbon emissions, but that figure will grow to 5 per cent by 2050, according to climate modellers at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
Scientists at MMU’s Centre for Air Transport and the Environment (CATE) calculated C0² emissions based on traffic predictions from sources including the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Their study produced two broad baseline scenarios representing an increase in total emissions between of four and six-fold on 2000 levels.
The forecasts account for improvements in technology and air traffic management as total air traffic is predicted to increase by six-eight times 200 levels by 2050.
But they say technological solutions to increased pollution lag well behind growth of the industry.
Preliminary results will be presented to the Transport, Atmosphere and Climate conference jointly staged by CATE and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) at Oxford University on June 26-29, in the presence of Minister for Transport Douglas Alexander.
CATE’s David Lee, Professor of Atmospheric Science at MMU, said: "This research confirms the message from the Aviation White Paper that the aviation sector is forecast to make up a considerable proportion of global emissions in the future.
"The results highlight that the rate of growth of aviation is far outstripping the rate of technological progress and improvements in efficiency, he said.
The results are part of a huge EC audit of emissions called QUANTIFY which is looking at the relative effects of different modes of transport – road, rail, air and sea – on the climate.
The study also indicates that shipping could have a stronger effect than aviation from its CO².
Professor Lee said much more research was needed into the non C0² effects of aviation emissions –ozone, contrails, cirrus clouds – which have been described as "potentially more worrying".
More time for medicals comment – CASA (June 27)
From CASA: Pilots are being given an extra month to provide comment on a set of proposals to overhaul the way private and student pilot medical certificates are processed.
This follows a strong response by pilots to the class 2 medical certificate discussion paper issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in early June.
Already more than 400 people and organisations have provided feedback on the options paper.
CASA has extended the comment period until Friday 28 July.
More info
Crash landing for unmanned eye in sky (June 26)
From the LA Times: Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca's plan to use unmanned, remote-controlled surveillance planes hit unexpected turbulence last week. It wasn't just the crash landing of a drone at a media demonstration or the opposition of privacy rights activists; it was the Federal Aviation Administration's objection that the drones had never been cleared for takeoff.
LA Times story
China soaks up foreign pilots (June 26)
From TV NZ: China's airlines are opening up their cockpits to foreigners in a bid to solve a serious pilot shortage, state media have reported.
TV NZ story; China Daily story
Airfield codes online (June 23)
Today we’ve added a complete listing of Australian airfield codes, which you will find useful when checking ahead for weather at Airservices. See this link. We've also added the first of our series of learner articles at this link.
Mustang takes wing (June 21)
 Cessna has been testing its Mustang Citation variant, with number 003 recently going through a 140-minute function test.
The company explains: “Cessna consistently goes beyond what is required when testing and certifying an aircraft, often more than doubling or tripling the hours or cycles considered baseline for certification,” said Russ Meyer III, Citation Mustang Program Manager. “For example, instead of the fatigue test article completing the baseline durability test of two lifetimes (30,000 hours) with no damage to the aircraft structure, we will continue testing to five lifetimes (75,000 hours). Many parts of the aircraft are tested to the same levels as commercial airliners. Ensuring Cessna customers have the safest possible aircraft is always top priority.”
Cessna
EU & NZ sign open skies deal (June 21)
From EUROPA: Today the EU and New Zealand signed an aviation agreement which allows European airlines to fly between New Zealand and any EU Member State. The agreement removes nationality restrictions in the bilateral air services agreements between EU Member States and New Zealand and therefore allows any EU airline to operate flights between any EU Member State where it is established and New Zealand. It acknowledges the existence of the single market for air transport in the relations between the EU and New Zealand and demonstrates that there is an external dimension of the single market for air transport.
EUROPA media release
Airbus delay helps Boeing (June 15)
 An announcement by European manufactuer Airbus that production of its giant A380 double-decker will be delayed has boosted both the orders and share value of American rival Boeing.
According to Airbus: “Airbus has informed its customers that a review of the A380 programme has shown that the delivery schedule will undergo a shift of six to seven months due to production ramp-up issues. In parallel, Airbus confirmed to its customers the satisfactory progress of the flight test campaign, which is expected to lead to certification and delivery of the first aircraft by the end of the year. The shift in the production ramp-up is likely to limit aircraft delivery to nine in 2007.
“The new delays are caused by industrial issues only. They are mainly traceable to bottlenecks formed in the definition, manufacturing and installation of electrical systems and resulting harnesses.
“A recent programme review has led Airbus to the conclusion that 2007 deliveries will likely be limited to nine, and that a shortfall of five to nine aircraft deliveries in 2008 and around five aircraft in 2009 could be expected, compared to initial delivery planning. The review also concluded that further actions are required to secure a ramp-up recovery in 2008 and 2009.”
Singapore Airlines, which is due to take delivery of the first operational A380 later this year, subsequently announced an order for 20 Boeing 787-9 aircraft (pictured), with an option on 20 more. This helped to drive up Boeing’s stock price by 5.5 per cent. The 787 series now has over 380 orders, with the first aircraft due for delivery in 2011.
The A380 delay will also have an impact on local carrier Qantas, which may experience a shortfall of seating as a result – or be forced to explore short-term solutions.
Stretched 380 on way? (June 14)
Airbus has confirmed that its giant double-decker A380, which is due for its first customer delivery (to Singapore Airlines) this November, was designed to allow for further expansion.
The aircraft could be stretched to accommodate an additional 100 seats over its current 550 capacity or, in cargo form, have its range extended by 700nm for a total 8700nm.
Airbus
Virgin confirms 737-800s (June 14)
 Virgin airlines has confirmed it will take delivery of nine Boeing 737-800s.
Deliveries of these airplanes to the Brisbane-based low-cost carrier begin in 2008. The order is valued at $634.5 million at average list prices. Virgin Blue operates an all-Boeing fleet of 52 Next-Generation 737s and will use the new aircraft to replace leased planes in its fleet.
"The Next-Generation 737 is a reliable and cost-efficient aircraft, which is essential in our competitive low-cost market," said Brett Godfrey, Virgin Blue's CEO. "Combined with its passenger comfort and appeal, the Next-Generation 737 is the right choice for Virgin Blue. The Next-Generation 737 is an integral part of our growth strategy."
The airline's fleet is a mix of 737-700s and 737-800s, running a route network stretching from Darwin in northern Australia to Perth in the West and Hobart in the South, and includes high-frequency east coast services between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Boeing
Two Oz pilots survive unexpected swim (June 13)
From AVweb: Two Australians are relaxing in Hawaii after they were rescued uninjured from a Piper Seminole they ditched in the Pacific last Thursday, 535 miles northeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Pilot Lyn Gray told the Honolulu Star-Bulletin they were about 1000 miles from Santa Barbara, California, when she noticed one engine "was using far more fuel than it should".
Full story
Are old planes dangerous? (June 10)
AVweb columnist Mike Busch this week talks on a topic that will have plenty of resonance in Australia. He writes: The average GA airplane is now more than 35 years old. The FAA believes this represents a significant threat to safety, but most owner associations and type clubs disagree.
AVweb column
Open up the skies – BRW (June 9)
 Business Review Weekly writer Paul Kerin yesterday published a column arguing for a more open sky policy in Australia – particularly on the trans-Tasman route. He wrote: Fifty-one years ago, the then president of General Motors, Charles Wilson, was famously misquoted as saying "what's good for General Motors is good for the country". Substitute "Qantas" for "General Motors" and you have the basis on which Australian governments have mostly made aviation decisions for the past 86 years. The Federal Government's recent decision to preclude Singapore Airlines from the Pacific was a doozie. Buoyed by its lobbying success, Qantas (in cahoots with Air New Zealand) has cooked up what it calls the "Tasman networks agreement" (TNA). This is a grossly anti-competitive price-and-capacity-fixing contrivance…
Full story
Wanted: Virgin space cadets (June 7)
Virgin Blue is reported to have advertised internally for pilots interested in training for its upcoming Galactic service, which offers a brief experience of travel outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
An ad doing the rounds of the gossip sites on the internet says: Virgin Blue and Virgin Galactic have announced an “out of this  world opportunity” whereby two pilots now flying for Virgin Blue could become astronaut pilots of the future! Six Virgin Blue pilots will be short listed and sent to the United States to undergo final selection by NASA.
All Virgin Blue 737 pilots with a minimum of 500 jet hours are invited to apply for the 27 month secondment to train as fully-fledged astronaut pilots and fly space tourists on the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo from 2008/9 onwards.
The successful candidates will relocate to the USA and will undergo highly specialized training including nine months of aerobatic, fast jet and executive aircraft for zero gravity flights training. They will then spend the next nine months flying the Virgin Galactic mothership named “White Knight” and will also participate in Mission Control work – the last nine months will be spent flying Virgin Galactic Spaceship missions into space. Once they have completed their 27 month secondment they will return to Virgin Blue as Australia’s first qualified pilot astronauts.
The two selected Virgin Blue pilots will have the opportunity to command SpaceShipTwo on its missions.
Virgin Galactic
Singapore to Sydney first for A380 (June 7)
Singapore to Sydney will be the first commercial route for the giant Airbus A380, and services may start late this December.
Singapore Airlines is the first carrier to take delivery of the double-decker jet, and is expecting its first example – which conducted its maiden flight on May 7 – this November.
It will be configured for 480 passengers, well below the 555 maximum load for the type.
Airbus; Singapore Air
Sikorsky turns to China (June 6)
 From Sikorsky: Sikorsky Aircraft and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) announced they will collaborate on the development and manufacture of civil helicopters.
The companies will discuss helicopter manufacturing, assembly, flight test, engineering design and analysis, and new product development in the light, intermediate, and medium classes. They will also explore establishing Changhe Aircraft Industry Corporation under AVIC II as a second source for the S-76 airframe.
"China is a dynamic country, AVIC II is a company with great technical capabilities, and Sikorsky Aircraft is an international company committed to developing business relationships and strategic partnerships globally," said Steve Estill, Sikorsky vice president and chief marketing officer. (Click to visit Sikorsky)
Boeing trials RFID parts tracking (June 6)
 Boeing and FedEx have jointly
initiated an in-service evaluation of active radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags on some major airplane parts for a FedEx
MD-10 Freighter.
"The RFID technology is designed to help airlines reduce ownership costs
by managing repairs and tracking assets," said Kenneth Porad, RFID
program manager for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "On-airplane use of
active RFID technology is making history and setting the stage for
wireless sensor networks in the future.
"
Similar to a bar code, RFID is an automated identification and data
collection technology that uses radio frequency waves to transfer data
between a reader and items that have RFID devices affixed. RFID offers
significant advantages over other types of identification, specifically,
no line-of-sight requirement and a dynamic read/write capability. These
tags store data such as part and serial numbers, manufacturer codes,
date of installation and country of origin. In addition, the tags can
also store maintenance data so airlines can better understand the
consumption of parts to ensure adequate inventories are on hand.
The active tags -- created by Identec Solutions -- are battery powered
and contain a microchip and transmitter that operate at 915 MHz, an
internationally recognized standard frequency. The read-range capability
of these active tags is 300 feet compared to the 10-foot read range of
passive tags. Active tags also operate more quickly and provide more
storage memory than passive tags. They provide the ability to inventory
an aircraft without opening access doors.
The duration of the in-service evaluation is 120 days (until September
15, 2006).
Links: Boeing, Identec Solutions
Cautious Optimism for Air Transport Industry (June 6)
 "We are starting to see some light at the end of a five year tunnel—some cautious optimism" said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association at the opening of the World Air Transport Summit and IATA Annual General Meeting in Paris.
Bisignani noted tremendous progress in airlines since crisis struck the industry in 2001. "Labour productivity improved 33%. Sales and distribution costs dropped 10% and non-fuel unit costs reduced 13%," said Bisignani.
"Oil remains the wild card. The break-even fuel price increased from US$14 per barrel to US$50 since 2001. But in just one year, the fuel bill ballooned US$21 billion and is expected to top US$112 billion this year," said Bisgnani.
"While the fuel price continues to race ahead of efficiency gains, it is truly amazing that profitability has not deteriorated from last year. Losses for 2006 will be US$3 billion, slightly less than the US$3.2 billion recorded for last year," said Bisignani.
"We must remember that the strong revenue environment—10% annual growth over the last three years—is also fragile. A weaker global economy could change our prospects dramatically. Change is more important than ever," said Bisignani.
Link to the full story
Private pilot medicals under review (June 4)
From the ministerial bunker: Australian Government Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss has released a discussion paper which proposes options for reforming the class 2 medical certification system, which applies to private and student pilots only.
“The Australian Government is seeking feedback from the aviation industry and stakeholders about how to further improve the medical certification system, with a view to eliminating any unnecessary administrative costs currently borne by General Aviation pilots,” he said.
Mr Truss said that while CASA has a clear policy of concentrating on the sectors of the aviation industry that carry 96 per cent of people who fly – airlines, charters and other passenger-carrying flights -- CASA currently makes no distinction between the medicals required for private pilots, commercial or air transport pilots.
“This lack of distinction means private pilots are facing the same costs for medicals as their professional counterparts and many people say this is unfair.
“The discussion paper puts forward a number of options ranging from fees based on actual time taken to assess each application, to a new system delegating private pilot medicals to properly qualified doctors who are Designated Aviation Medical Examiners,” he said.
Comments are invited before June 23. The discussion paper is available on-line at CASA’s website (www.casa.gov.au/class2avmed) and includes an on-line comment form.
Chinese passenger liner to fly in 2008 (June 2)
 China's first independently developed passenger jet will take off on its maiden flight in 2008.
The 70-seater ARJ21 turbofan aircraft is due to make it's first flight in March 2008 after being fully assembled by the end of next year.
The plane, slated to run regional lines and now being built by the China Aviation Industry Corporation 1 (AVIC 1), will become available to buyers in September 2009, said the company's President Liu Gaozhuo at a working meeting in Beijing.
He added that the corporation aims to produce 11 ARJ21s a year by 2010, taking a lion's share of the world's fiercely-competitive civil aviation market.
Design work began on the aircraft in March 2002.
AVIC I Senior Vice-President Yang Yuzhong said the plane entered the final trial production stage yesterday, having already completed a feasibility study, preliminary development, and development period.
Zhang Yunchuan, head of the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defence (COSTIND), said more than 40 orders have already been placed for ARJ21s, despite production having yet to begin.
Buyers include Shanghai Airlines, he said.
"This is a milestone for China's aviation industry, in that it is the country's first independently-developed civil aviation programme and a prerequisite for future trunk-liners," Zhang said.
Zhang said 19 foreign suppliers have become risk partners in developing the ARJ21.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, there are only 74 feeder liners planes suitable for use on non-trunk lines currently available on the Chinese mainland, although more than 600 will be needed in the coming two decades.
Demand from the international feeder line transport market is expected to exceed 4000.
Wu Guanghui, chief designer of ARJ21 and president of the AVIC I First Aircraft Institute, said after all types of experiments last year the plane has finally met its designed flight characteristics.
"Ninety per cent of the plane's components will be made by the end of this year," he said.
AVIC 1 set up shareholding firm Commercial Aircraft Co Ltd (ACAC) in September 2002 to develop civil aircraft. ACAC is now the co-ordinator in developing the ARJ21.
Wu said they plan to develop a series of ARJ21 planes, seating between 70 and 110, in order to meet the diverse air industry's demands.
He added that passengers would be very comfortable onboard the turbofan aircraft, which will have a range of 3,600 kilometres.
Shao Xiaoyun, vice-president of Shanghai Airlines, said they are fully confident on the success of ARJ21, and as a buyer the airline will offer its full support to the feeder liner.
China's air transport industry has expanded at an annual rate of 18 per cent since 1978.
Source: China Daily
Murphy’s big homebuilt (June 1)
 Murphy in Canada is developing another full-size civil home built aircraft. The company writes:
“We started this airplane ten years ago, but it grew into something else,” said designer Darryl Murphy, as he planned the public introduction of the Yukon, Murphy Aircraft’s newest creation. Murphy and Dick Hiscock started the design in 1996, but before it could become the Yukon, the design morphed into the Super Rebel 3500, affectionately dubbed “The Moose.” Now, Murphy has made the airplane that his instincts always told him would be a hit.
The Yukon, as its name implies, is a big homebuilt airplane. Its interior dimensions are identical to those in the Moose, with room for four six-foot people and 30 cubic feet of heated cargo room as well as a tail cone access that can accommodate long things like fishing rods and skis.
Click here to see the full release
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