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500th EC135 delivered (31 August)
 From Eurocopter: Today, the 500th EC135 helicopter built at Eurocopter’s German production facility in Donauwörth was delivered to the Austrian Motorist and Touring Club (ÖAMTC). General Manager of Eurocopter’s German sites, Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, handed over the aircraft to Mr. Kurt Noé-Nordberg, CEO of ÖAMTC Air Ambulance Services. This is the 25th EC135 for ÖAMTC, one of the largest private operators of this helicopter type in the world. Eurocopter web
DId you know? (31 August)
Helicopter pioneer Stanley Hiller died earlier this year. He became famous for becoming a pioneer in rotary flight as a teenager.
Hiller innovations in the technology of vertical flight included the first helicopter flown in the western United States, the world's first successful co-axial helicopter, the famed Flying Platform, the one-man foldable Rotorcycle, the unique Hornet helicopter powered by rotor-tip-mounted ramjet engines, and the first high-speed vertical take-off-and-landing tilt-wing troop transport. Stanley Hiller's company, Hiller Aircraft Corporation, started in 1949 as United Helicopters when he was 18 years old, and it was soon producing the first battlefield evacuation helicopters for the French Indochinese War and the Korean Conflict in the 1950s.
His co-axial helicopter, the XH-44, is held at the Smithsonian in the USA. See this link; plus, Hiller Aviation Museum
Beechcraft 1900s grounded (31 August)
Operators of Beechcraft 1900 series passenger craft have been advised to ground their machines until the wing spars can be checked for cracks. Some 600 planes worldwide are affected, with about half a dozen in Australia.
More info: Reuters; The Australian
Airlines gossip (1 September)
Local airline news from Airline Update:
Express Freighters Australia has been launched by Qantas to operate four B737-300Fs for Australian air Express (AaE) under 12-year wet-lease deal. The ex-Jetconnect aircraft are being converted by Qantas at Avalon under IAI Bedek, with first aircraft scheduled to enter service in Q4 2006 and the remaining three by March 2007.
www.expressfreightersaustralia.com
Our Airline, the new national airline of Nauru which replaces Air Nauru, will launch operations on 4 September using a B737-300 acquired with financial assistance from Taiwan. The new airline will initially provide a twice-weekly service from Australia, through Nauru and onto Kiribati and the Marshall Islands.
Qantas has signed a codeshare arrangement with Air China effective 15 September 2006. The arrangement would see Air China codeshare on three weekly return Qantas services between Sydney and Beijing. Qantas currently operates seven weekly services between and mainland China – four to Shanghai and three to Beijing Australia.
www.qantas.com.au
Regional Express has announced that the proposed acquisition of Brisbane-based Sunshine Express will not proceed. Rex Managing Director, Geoff Breust, said Sunshine Express had introduced new conditions which were not acceptable to Rex as they were not in the interests of its shareholders. www.regionalexpress.com.au
Qantas announced a profit before tax of AUD 671 million for the year ended 30 June 2006, a 26.6% decrease on the previous year. The result was achieved in an environment where jet fuel prices increased costs by almost AUD 1.1 billion before hedging benefits of AUD 282 million. Profit before tax included one-off restructuring costs of AUD 182 million under the airline’s Sustainable Future Programme and the recognition of AUD 104 million in liquidated damages from Airbus due to the delayed delivery of the A380. Net profit after tax was AUD 480 million, a 30.4% decrease on the previous year.
Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) reports Qantas has followed the lead of Singapore Airlines and segmented its international fuel surcharges into four route groups, with passengers on the longest haul routes to pay a significantly higher charge. The fuel surcharge on these routes is much smaller relative to the total fare than short haul routes - subject to variation on other non-fuel charges. For example, the Sydney- Auckland fuel surcharge for travel in September 2006 is 51% of the discount economy fare, compared to 16-17% for Sydney-London/Los Angeles. According to CAPA, Qantas must have assessed underlying demand is buoyant enough and consumers are willing enough to support the increases. Their size sets a precedent for other carriers in the region.
See AirlineUpdate.com (which also offers a free subscription service) for all the international airline news
CJ4 Citation for release soon (30 August)
 From Cessna: The CJ4, the newest member of the CJ family of Citation business jets, will be released at the annual USA National Business Aviation Association convention in October.
“The market success of the CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 (pictured) proves that Cessna’s basic philosophy for the family is right on target,” said Roger Whyte, senior vice president of Sales/Marketing for Cessna. “While the CJ4 shares many of the features of the smaller CJs such as the Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite, we’ve made some cabin and airframe changes, such as a new wing, to optimize its performance for this market segment.”
The main cabin features seating for seven to eight passengers, depending on layout, a large forward door, private lavatory, and large baggage compartment. Powered by two, electronically controlled (FADEC) Williams FJ44-4A engines, the CJ4 will be certified for operations up to 45,000 feet (13,700 meters). First flight of the CJ4 is scheduled for the first half of 2008 and entry into service is set for 2010.
Full release
Pilot shortage starts to bite (29 August)
Australia’s long-predicted pilot shortage is starting to bite in a big way, according to a number of small to medium operators.
Flying schools report having difficulty hanging on to mid-career instructors, who are being snapped up by airlines, while regional commercial operators say they are having difficulty recruiting qualified people.
The problem is not simply domestic, but stems in part from the growing shortage in the Asia region, with India notoriously short of commercial pilots, and rapidly growing training demands from China outstripping supply.
Stephen Lansell, an aviation and communications manager for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, recently told the Sunday Age newspaper that the situation has changed significantly in the last five years.
"We have gone from an enormous glut to getting towards a famine," he said.
Meanwhile Boeing reports the situation is likely to get worse, with its predicted demand for commercial aircraft growing at a phenomenal rate over the next 15-20 years.
Boeing report (PDF); Sunday Age home & news story
B787 technology to lead B737 replacement (28 August)
 The early success of the B787 Dreamliner has lead to ideas about replacing Boeing’s small-haul workhorse for the past thirty years, the trusty B737 series. Initial success with the 787, and Airbus’s continuing problem with designing a competitor to the 787 while handling the continuous delays in the deliveries of the A380, has helped Boeing land in the driving seat of the world commercial aviation manufacturing sector -- a postion which it lost to Airbus during the past few years.
Boeing is evaluation the time and type of airframe that the market requires to take against the current Airbus competitor in this section, the A320 series.
Industry reports suggest that Boeing has already started making enquiries with its manufacturing partners. The aircraft might see the skies by as early as 2013.
Although currently the 737 series continues to bag new orders for the company, the initiative taken by Boeing shows the confidence it has received with the success of the 787.
The 737 is the world’s most successful aircraft to date, with a total of 5900 or more in service with 225+ operators around the world. A B737 takes off every 5 seconds somewhere in the world.
By Kabir Taneja (Pic: Boeing)
Drug & alcohol testing seminars (25 August)
From CASA: A series of nationwide workshops are being held to help the aviation industry prepare for the introduction of mandatory alcohol and other drugs testing.
The workshops are part of the consultation process being conducted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on the development of alcohol and other drugs programs for the aviation industry.
Workshops will be held in all capital cities and seven major regional centres, starting at the end of this month.
Everyone involved in aviation is being urged to attend the workshops to learn about the dangers alcohol and other drugs can pose to safety.
The Federal Government announced earlier this year that regulations to impose mandatory testing would be introduced. Pilots, cabin crew, ground refuellers, baggage handlers, security screeners, air traffic controllers and other personnel with airside access at airports will all be subject to testing.
Testing can cover screening people applying for safety-sensitive aviation jobs, random on-the-job checks and monitoring the rehabilitation of people in safety-sensitive jobs.
CASA is developing a draft set of regulations for mandatory alcohol and other drugs testing in the form of a notice of proposed rule making. These draft rules are set to be released later this year to give the aviation industry ample time to make comments and suggestions.
The aim is for a range of aviation organisations to introduce alcohol and other drugs testing programs during 2007.
CASA’s project director for the development of alcohol and drug testing rules, Mike Higgins, says the special workshops being held over the next two months are an important step in getting the aviation industry ready for the new regime.
“CASA wants everyone in aviation to learn as much as possible about alcohol and drug testing before the draft rules are released for comment,” Mr Higgins says.
“This will make it easier for aviation people to understand what is being proposed and allow them to make insightful and practical comments.
“Aviation organisations will also start to learn about the steps they will need to take to develop alcohol and other drugs program for their employees.”
The series starts in Canberra, on 31 August.
See this link for the full details.
CASA promises better service at Airvan's 100th (24 August)
A fresh commitment to better regulatory services and support for the aviation industry has been delivered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
CASA chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, says high safety standards can be maintained while providing simple solutions to the legitimate needs of the aviation industry.
Mr Byron says in the years past CASA has sometimes made subjective judgements, been too slow or cumbersome and generally unresponsive to industry needs.
“While CASA is primarily a safety regulator and auditor, it also has an important role as provider of regulatory services to the aviation industry,” Mr Byron told a ceremony to mark the production of the 100th Gippsland Aeronautics GA8 Airvan.
“You can't sell your aircraft without Type Certification from CASA and you can't do much of your day-to-day work without delegations and approvals from us.
“But I have to admit that in years past CASA hasn't always provided these regulatory services in the best possible way.
“My commitment to CASA and the aviation industry has been to stamp out these problems by insisting we work with the industry and, just like Gippsland Aeronautics, look for simple solutions that meet the legitimate needs of industry, while maintaining high safety standards.
“It is CASA's job to make sure international and Australian safety standards are achieved by industry, but it is not our job to put roadblocks in the path of business development and innovation.
“CASA must make transparent and consistent decisions on issues of safety and empower the aviation industry to forge its own way ahead, here in Australia and on the international stage.”
Gippsland Aeronautics is based in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria and produces up to 25 GA8 Airvans each year, employing 110 staff.
The GA8 is an all-Australian designed and built single engine, light utility aircraft that seats eight.
The aircraft has been exported to operators in 14 nations across the world.
Read a full copy of Mr Byron's speech at this link; Airvan
NZ Alpha to become Australian owned (23 August)
 Alpha Aviation in Hamilton, New Zealand, has agreed to sell to local firm Gregory Australia, pending corporate regulator approvals.
The resultant company would then have dual stock exchange listing in Australia and NZ.
Alpha has the rights to build two-seater light aircraft using Lycoming powerplants, while Gregory is a furniture manufacturer.
Alpha NZ; Gregory Australia
India is the aviation hotspot (22 August)
From the Gulf Times: The Indian civil aviation industry, which is forecast to log robust double-digit growth for the next five years, has emerged as a hotspot for global players -- thanks to the entry of a host of low-cost carriers, mega mergers, orders for over 400 new aircraft by airlines and grand airport modernisation plans.
Full story
Unhappy landings (22 August)
What's that old saying? Any landing you walk away from is a good landing; And any landing where you can re-use the plane is a sensational one. We reckon this was just a good landing. Here's proof that airliners are built tough, in which the unfortunate pilot puts on an unwilling display of near-destruction testing at work. See this link for the Google-hosted video. And here's another to get the pulse racing...
Solomon Islands works on 10-year aviation plan (22 August)
Solomon Islands’ Minister of Finance and Treasury Bartholomew Ulufa’alu was presented with a ten-year Aviation Master Plan today. The Master Plan which will chart development in the Solomon Islands aviation industry from 2006 until 2015 was presented to the Minister of Finance by the Minister of Communications, Aviation and Meteorology, Patrick Vahoe.
Full release
Supersonic dream revived (18 August)
 While the Concorde supersonic passenger jet may be a fading memory, the dream of supersonic aircraft is far from lost. One manufacturer in the USA -- Aerion -- plans to use the technology for medium size business jets.
The company promises: In the near future, it will be possible to
take off from Paris at 8.00am for a breakfast
meeting in Manhattan. And to fly from the East
Coast of North America to Asia in just nine and a half hours.
It will be possible to traverse the United States at .98 Mach, with fuel consumption equivalent to today’s large business jets. And to access all the airports most business jets do now, while meeting the most stringent noise regulations.
A new approach to supersonic design makes it possible. It is like nothing that has come before, but may well herald the shape of business travel for decades into the future.
See this link
LSA makers can expect a shake-out (15 August)
From Flight Global: Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association President Tom Gunnarson predicts the number of USA companies willing to compete in the burgeoning Light Sport Aircraft market will eventually plateau and then drop. Cessna would be the eighth US LSA producer. "There are those who have been waiting in the wings and, I suspect, will do so for a while to see all this shake out and see if this is worth getting into," Gunnarson says. "Even without Cessna, the market can only support so much."
Some companies have already merged marketing departments to stay afloat. One EAA official predicts only five or six LSA companies will be in business in five years.
Flight Global home page; In-depth report
EU to hold aviation security talks (15 August)
From the EU Observer: The EU is to hold two meetings on internal and aviation security following last week's revelations of a suspected terrorist plot to blow up transatlantic flights from the UK to the US.
On Wednesday (16 August), justice commissioner Franco Frattini and interior ministers from Finland - as the current EU presidency - Germany, Portugal and Slovenia - as the upcoming EU presidencies - are to gather in London to assess the possible impact of the thwarted terror plans on EU security legislation.
EU Observer story
US orders more Ospreys (13 August)
 The US military has given the green light to Bell Boeing to build three more of the quirky but effective Osprey V-22 tilt-rotors at a cost of US$200 million.
Bell Boeing explains the V-22 Osprey is the first aircraft designed from the ground up to meet the needs of all four US armed services. The tilt-rotor design takes off and lands like a helicopter. Once airborne, its engine nacelles can be rotated to convert the aircraft to a turboprop airplane capable of high-speed, high-altitude flight.
Pic: Boeing Osprey page; Osprey overview at Globalsecurity.org
AOPA backs fight against squeeze on secondary airports (12 August)
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) says it fully supports Save Our Secondary Airports, the group that is campaigning about unjust practices against general aviation operators at Bankstown, Archerfield and Jandakot Airports. They are not a minority voice, but appear to speak for the majority of operators based at these airports, which have similar problems, and are growing in members, support base and stature, says AOPA.
"Jandakot, Archerfield, Moorabbin, Camden and Bankstown are just the beginning," said AOPA president Col Rodgers. "All Australian airports are potentially at risk; property developers see only dollars, not national assets."
AOPA statement
30 nations on show at Aero 2007 (11 August)
Media release: General Aviation show Aero Friedrichshafen, scheduled for 19–22 April, 2007, in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is continuing preparations for what is projected to be the largest and most successful run in the event's 28-year history.
Aero is Europe's leading tradeshow for the general aviation market and hosted 45,562 attendees, 543 exhibiting companies and 677 journalists on 359,000 square feet of display area in 2005.
According to surveys conducted on-site in 2005, 72 percent of exhibitors and 62 percent of attendees said yes when asked if they intended to exhibit at or visit the next show. Aero organizer MESSE Friedrichshafen is expecting roughly 750 participating companies from 30 nations at Aero 2007.
According to Aero project director Thomas Grunewald, " Aero consistently attracts leading companies from the general aviation sector because it is a high-quality event. Exhibitors know they will meet qualified contacts from throughout the industry and they know they will do it for a very reasonable price."
Aero 2007 link
Aviation still a terrorist target (10 August)
 Aviation is clearly still a terrorist target -- British authorities have tonight announced they arrested 23 people in connection with a terrorist plot to blow up several commercial aircraft on the UK to USA route. Three USA airlines are said to have been targeted.
The devices used are reported to be liquid, disguised as lotions or drinks and perhaps in electronic devices.
In response, the two governments have raised their alert levels to maximum and say they are not confident the threat has been completely neutralised.
England’s main airports, including Stanstead, Gatwick and Heathrow, were severely disrupted as a result.
The BBC reports: security correspondent Gordon Corera said the plot was thought to have involved a series of "waves" of simultaneous attacks, targeting three planes each time.
He also said the plan "revolved around liquids of some kind".
"Officials say the explosives would have been sophisticated and extremely effective," our correspondent said.
One of the (hopefully) short-term responses from airlines is to ban all hand luggage, with exception to some very basics in clear plastic bags.
BBC news; Home Office UK; Australian travel advisory index
Cessna may use kit plane techniques (9 August)
Cessna is considering using kit plane construction techniques for its new light sport aircraft, according to a report in the Wichita Eagle.
This method includes the use of pre-drilled skin panels and could assist in dramatically cutting production costs.
The newspaper reports: “We decided to experiment to see whether that would have a benefit for us," said Jack Pelton, Cessna president and chief executive. "For light, thin-gauged aluminum airplanes, it makes a lot of sense."
Cessna's proof-of-concept aircraft, unveiled at Oshkosh recently, features a high wing spanning 30 feet, side-by-side seating for two in a cabin with a maximum width of 48 inches (a half-foot more than the ubiquitous Cessna 152), tricycle gear, and a 100-hp Rotax 912 engine.
Cessna's sport aircraft incorporates dual control sticks, upward opening doors, toe brakes, and a castering nose wheel. Construction is primarily of aluminum, with selective use of composite parts for the cowl, wing and dorsal fin.
If the project gets the green light, production could start late this year.
Wichita Eagle home; Story (Pic: Cessna)
Gatton breakfast (9 August)
From the residents at Gatton Airpark in SE Qld: We would like to advise you that we are holding a breakfast at the Gatton
South airfield on Sunday, October 1.
Everybody welcome -- ultralights, home-builts and GA. Come and check out
progress on the Airpark.
$3.00 covers all-you-can-eat BBQ brekkie, tea & coffee.
The strip is 700m grass/gravel and located just 2nm south-west of the
Gatton township, as shown on the Brisbane VNC.
(S 27.35.0 E 152.15.5) Contact Beven on (07) 5462 4174 or Martin on 0419 368 696.
Airport development is wrong – Minister (8 August)
From Property Review online: New South Wales Planning Minister Frank Sartor said the Federal Government is abusing the Airports Act in approving non-aeronautical commercial projects like the current proposal to develop a massive mall at the end of Sydney’s third runaway.
State and Territory ministers have unanimously endorsed NSW’s push to overhaul planning rules for non-aviation developments on airport land.
Property Review home; Story
UK MPs want higher air taxes (8 August)
From The Times: Tax should be imposed on all international air tickets from Britain and the rest of the European Union in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gases, a committee of MPs has said.
The 17.5 per cent increase in prices would trigger protests from airlines and passengers, but the all-party group maintains that it is a price worth paying to protect the environment.
Times home; Story
NZ order takes NH90 to 400 units (5 August)
 New Zealand’s defence force has signed up for a batch of nine NH90 helicopters from AgustaWestland. The medium-size machines can carry 16-20 troops.
The manufacturer says NH90 is the biggest helicopter programme ever launched by Europe, with this order taking the totals to 400 units. They have been used by defence forces in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia and New Zealand.
Manufacturer link
Saudi aviation industry to boom? (5 August)
Saudi Arabia is to encourage expansion of its aviation industry, according to a report in Arab News.
“Opening up of the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector will create more than 50,000 jobs and contribute SR25 billion annually to the national economy by 2020, says Abdullah Rehaimy, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). He said 15 investors have voiced their desire to invest in the sector…
“Saudi Arabia has 27 domestic and three international airports, which have a capacity to handle 33 million passengers annually. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam is the largest,” the report says.
Full report
Eclipse 500 takes off (4 August)
Eclipse Aviation in the USA has completed FAA certification of its 500 Very Light Jet, which is competing in a rapidly-growing market sector dominated by twin-engined craft of around 6-7 seats, such as the Cessna Mustang, Diamond D-Jet and Honda’s new HondaJet.
The Eclipse version costs around $US1.6 million, at the lower end of the price range for this market. It has already found a solid customer in the form of Linear Air, which sees the future in providing an air taxi service with this type of craft. The company has already ordered 30 of the jets and will start taking delivery at the end of this year.
Eclipse Aviation; Linear Air
Holden takes to the air (3 August)
 Holden cars yesterday launched its new airship, a 54 metre-long American blimp powered by twin 360 Lycomings. It has a cruise speed of 74km/h, over 7 hours endurance and consumes avgas at 19lt/hr.
The craft carries a pilot and five passengers, and has a ground handling/capture crew of 19. In addition to acting as a floating billboard, the machine has a 21 by 9 metre screen on its side which the makers say can be seen from a kilometre away. It also acts as an airborne camera platform for major events.
The launch of the ship was timed to coincide with that of the new Holden Commodore VE series. GM Holden Marketing Manager, Large Cars and SUVs, Philip Brook, said today that being able to debut the Holden Airship at the launch of VE Commodore proved perfect timing.
“The launch of the all new VE Commodore, our first billion dollar car, is a huge event and we needed to make an equally huge impression for its launch,” Brook said.
“Being the first to secure the airship worldwide has been a marketing dream. We’ve broken the rules with the new Commodore in terms of styling, performance, safety and value. Similarly, with the airship, we’re breaking the marketing rules to promote the new Commodore.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to have a groundbreaking concept in marketing today but the Holden Airship, with its television screen, gives us exclusive access to an exciting new medium.
Mr Gary Walsh, of the Lightship Group, developers of the airship, is confident the technology used on the ship’s screen will impress the Australian public.
“Until now Airships and blimps have only been able to screen animation or basic graphic displays. The Holden airship is the first to use the technology that allows television footage to be broadcast on the airship screen. We anticipate the response from Australians, who will be the first audience worldwide, will be very favourable.”
The blimp took off for its first major voyage in Australia – from Tullamarine in Melbourne to Sydney – last Wednesday.
Holden airship website (pictured); Lightship Group site
UK GA faces pilot shortage (2 August)
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has released a review of the general aviation sector in that country, saying it is worth about £1.4 billion per year to the local economy and faces a number of issues, including a shortage of pilots. Click here to see our summary of the highlights.
Aero promises biggest-ever air show (2 August)
Europe’s largest general aviation trade display, Aero Friedrichshafen, is promising a bigger air show than ever as part of its offerings next April. Click here to find out more.
New 787 and 747-800 interiors (1 August)
US aerospace giant Boeing has unveiled new next-generation interiors at the recent Farnborough Aviation Week, at Farnborough airfield in UK.
The 787, which is the first aircraft to boast of an all composite fuselage will show many design changes from the existing fuselage frameworks by any manufacturer. It will feature larger windows and a very different cabin layout for first, business and economy class passengers. Boeing is offering new sleep beds and lounge options to there potential customers, very similar to what the Airbus A380 has on offer.
The usage of an all composite fuselage has given Boeing the freedom to create much more interior space for its passengers. Following on the design basics of the very successful Boeing 777 family, the 787 will offer more cabin luggage space and more space between the 3 isles of seating. The architectural aspect of the 787 will revolutionise the in-flight ambience with futuristic lighting that is very calm on the eyes and the mind, new LED technology is being used for the lighting systems.
Boeing hopes the 787 will cater best for the long haul direct flights market and taking the Dreamliner to the first place in this segement.
By Kabir Taneja (Pics: Boeing)
Boeing
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