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News -- June 2007
Caring for your Rotax (26 June)
 Adventure Productions in the USA has produced a DVD on the care and feeding of the popular Rotax 912 powerplant series. Here’s what the company has to say about it…
The Rotax 912 family of aircraft engines is the undisputed market leader among Light Sport Aircraft, and it is popular worldwide in other designs, from trikes and microlights to small twin-engine aircraft. It has proven itself for nearly 20 years in all kinds of applications. Yet a large part of the aviation community is unfamiliar with its proper care and feeding.
Like any precision mechanical device, it will last and deliver if treated right; and it won’t, if it isn’t. To that end, Paul Hamilton of Adventure Productions and writer/producer for Aviation Supplies & Academics, with the help of the Aero Technical Institute and Lockwood Aviation has prepared an owner’s DVD that shows and explains what it takes to treat these engines right. Lockwood is an authorized repair and overhaul station for Rotax, and the Aero Technical Institute provides Rotax training for owners and mechanics alike.
Rotax 912 Introduction steps the owner through what he needs to know: What oil should I use? How do I purge the air from the oil tank? What are those various tubes and hoses, unfamiliar to old-style aircraft engine mechanics?
What do I need to know about the coolant options? What about fuel filters? Oil filters? What gasoline is best, and why? What should I look for on a preflight, or on a more-extensive inspection?
Most-importantly, this DVD will steer those who are unfamiliar with the 912 (be they neophytes or experienced aviation mechanics) away from doing things that can damage these critical machines. The 912 isn’t fragile, but it is different, and treating it the same way one treats an old-tech airplane engine will not be good. (Nor should you manage an old-tech engine the way you manage the Rotax technology.)
See this link
Winter flying -- beware the dangers
From CASA: General aviation pilots are being reminded of the importance of being prepared for winter flying.
Less daylight hours, low temperatures and unpredictable weather can all be potential threats to safe flying in general aviation aircraft.
In Eastern Australia weather patterns have returned to more normal winter conditions, with higher rainfall, strong winds, ice and snow.
In general aviation aircraft these conditions can lead to carburettor icing, airframe icing and the need for diversions to avoid bad weather.
The latest edition of CASA's flagship safety publication -- Flight Safety Australia magazine -- examines the risks of winter flying in detail.
In a series of articles Flight Safety Australia says while the risks are clearly highest when flying in the mountainous areas of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, pilots need to plan for winter conditions right across the southern half of Australia.
"Generally it is best to plan your flight a few days in advance," Flight Safety Australia says.
"Watch the progress of the weather pattern along your route for a few days before your flight.
"Aim to be on the ground at least an hour before the end of daylight, unless you have the appropriate training and experience under your belt."
Unexpected bad weather is a real risk, so pilots must update weather in-flight and be ready to divert from the planned route.
"Have an escape route planned. Don't fly yourself into a situation where you have no alternatives but to look below you for a scrap of land to head for."
In that edition of the magazine, Flight Safety Australia analyses an accident at Mt Hotham in Victoria two years ago as part of the focus on winter flying. (Ed's note: worth a read, if you get a chance.)
XL2 gets Euro green light
Media release: Liberty Aerospace has received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for both VFR and IFR ratings of the
Liberty XL2.
With full VFR and IFR certification, Liberty Aerospace is excited to develop new overseas markets. Keith Markley states, “Certification was a milestone in bringing the XL2 to market on an international stage.
As Liberty’s global expansion continues I am confident that our aircraft’s unique mix of economy, affordability and modern technology will appeal to the world wide GA market.” Markely’s comments reflect the award of certification from Indonesia, China and now the European Union—all within the past 30 days.
Ivan Shaw, the designer of the XL2, commented, “The wait for European certification is finally over and I am confident that the XL2’s all round ability and economy of operation will be very appealing to European owners and pilots. On a more personal note it is very satisfying to be bringing the Liberty XL2 back home to Europe.”
XL2 online tour
Regional jets big news at Paris Show (23 June)
A host of new mid-sized airliner designs have flocked to the Paris Air Show to flog their wares.
Perhaps most notable is Mitsubishi with its 70-90 seat Regional Jet (pictured), due for release in 2012. When it is launched, it will be the first jet airliner completely built in Japan for nearly 40 years. Its predecessor was the JS-11 -- manufacturing ended in 1974.
Mitsubishi does a considerable amount of aviation construction work for several high profile manufacturers, including Boeing and Airbus.
Mitsubishi claims: The MRJ is currently planned to seat 70 to 90 passengers. The aircraft is to be 35.8 meters long (90-seat class), 30.9 meters in wingspan and 10.0 meters high, and will be the first regional jet to adopt composite materials for its airframe on significant scale. In combination with new engines also now under development, the MRJ is being designed to substantially reduce fuel consumption and greatly contribute to enhanced competitiveness and lower operating costs for the airline companies. By incorporating today's most advanced design methods, elemental technologies, materials and processing methods, the MRJ will also provide outstanding cabin comfort while reducing environmental burdens.
Also lining up for this market, which is predicted to be 5000 units over the next 20 years, is a Chinese consortium producing the ARJ21, which will be flying this year.
Last on the list is Russian maker Sukhoi, with its SUperjet 100 due for first delivery in 2008.
Between now and 2024, Sukhoi expects to sell 800 Superjet 100s, including 300 in Russia and 500 on the Western market," said the head of commercial plane operations for the Russian group, Victor Subbotin.
Mitsubishi Aerospace; MRJ
Suspended sentence for whistleblower
ABC News: A former Customs official who leaked classified reports on security at Sydney Airport has been spared jail.
Allan Robert Kessing, 59, faced a maximum of two years' jail after he was found guilty of leaking two internal customs reports to The Australian newspaper in May 2005.
Link
World’s biggest private jet
(From DNA, India) European plane maker Airbus said on Tuesday that it had received an order from an unnamed buyer who intends to use the company's A380 superjumbo, the biggest airliner in the world, as a private jet.
"It will be for personal use for him and his entourage," Airbus sales director John Leahy said on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show.
"I can't tell you who it is but he's not from Europe or the United States."
Leahy declined to say when or to where the jet would be delivered, but he said that fitting out the giant aircraft to the specification demanded from the buyer would take "more than a year."
An A380 sells for US$319 million, according to Airbus's most recently updated price list.
Ed’s note: This was one of 339 orders announced at the air show by Airbus, worth $45.7 billion at list prices. However bulk orders attract significant discounts.
Racers head for Switzerland
Red Bull Air Races: The beautiful mountain resort of Interlaken will be the setting for the fifth stop of the Red Bull Air Race World Series on 14 and 15 July and it will be the first time an Air Race has touched down in Switzerland.
American Mike Mangold, 2005 Red Bull Air Race World Champion, scored his first win of the season at the last race in Istanbul, Turkey but it is Britain’s Paul Bonhomme who is currently leading the championship with 20 points followed by Mangold just one point behind.
“The scenery around Interlaken is wonderful. We’ll be racing between the Thurnersee and Brienzersee with spectacular mountains as a backdrop”, said British pilot Nigel Lamb.
Link
Big players jump on green bandwagon
(International Herald Tribune) Boeing, Airbus, and dozens of airlines that fly their jets are jumping on the environmental bandwagon, touting "green" technology at the Paris Air Show and pledging to spew less noxious fumes into the planet's skies.
Full story
Plus…
(From PR-inside) EU researchers launched an ambitious plan Wednesday to slash aviation emissions and noise by about half, based on US$2.14 billion in research funded by the EU and the aeronautics industry.
Full story
Sea King report released
The results of a board of inquiry into the 2005 Navy Sea King crash at, Nias, Indonesia, have been released. Nine personnel were killed in an event that has raised questions about the maintenance of Navy aircraft. Missing split pins were the cause of the incident.
See this link
Whistleblower defended
(From the Australian & International Pilots Assn) Australia’s Airline Pilots have warned of increased airport safety and security risks following the prosecution of whistle blower Allan Kessing for leaking information about security breaches at Sydney Airport.
The NSW District Court is due to sentence Kessing on 22 June.
AIPA President Captain Ian Woods said the Federal Government must be careful that the prosecution of Kessing does not discourage an open reporting culture within such
a highly safety and security sensitive environment as aviation.
“The prosecution of Kessing should not be seen to contradict the steps taken by pilots over many years to develop an open and robust reporting culture,” he said.
“Prosecuting a person for highlighting safety or security concerns – where those concerns have previously been ignored - undermines this vital safety and security culture, which must be protected in order to maintain Australia’s world’s best standards in aviation.
“It is critical that we encourage reporting not stamp it out.”
In recent months pilots have worked alongside the Australian Transport and Safety Bureau (ATSB) to develop REPCON —Australia’s world-first, non-punitive, confidential reporting legislation.
Prosecuting a person who has highlighted safety and security concerns would be directly contrary to the spirit and intent recognised by this legislation.
“It’s time confidential reporting mechanisms were extended to cover other regulators responsible for airport and aviation safety, otherwise we run the risk of fear and silence leading to even great threats to our safety and security.
“Kessing has paid a high price for sharing information, which subsequently lead directly to the Wheeler Report and a massive program of identifying and rectifying shortcomings in Australian airport security,” said Woods.
Embraer VLJ breaks cover
Embraer’s entry into the rapidly growing very light jet segment has seen the light of day.
The company says: The first Phenom 100 was rolled out last Saturday, June 16, at the Company’s headquarters, in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
This event marks the completion of the aircraft assembly and systems integration phase. The first Phenom 100 moved to the paint shop, where it will receive its branded paint scheme, and will then begin a series of ground tests over the next few weeks in preparation for its first flight.
“We are thrilled to see the Phenom 100 become a reality,” saidLuís Carlos Affonso,
Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. “We are confident that the Phenom 100’s premium comfort, outstanding performance and low operating cost will impress our customers and will become the benchmark of the Very Light Jet segment.”
Embraer
Big show for Airbus
From Airwise News: European planemaker Airbus predicted on Tuesday it would exceed 600 firm orders for 2007 after bagging 219 on the first day of the Paris air show.
The figure would be down from 790 net orders in 2006 when Airbus surrendered leadership of the global order race to Boeing and saw its market share fall to 43 percent, following delays in building its A380 superjumbo and redesigning the mid-sized A350.
Full story
Talisman Saber gallery
These pics are from a recent refuelling exercise in northern Australia, as part of the biennual Talisman Saber exercises with the US military. The F/A-18s are being topped up by 33 Squadron’s Boeing 707 tanker.
More pics
Plus…
Australia’s maritime air warfare capability has reached a significant milestone today with the Government’s selection of the Navantia designed F100 as the next generation Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
At a cost of nearly $8 billion, and subject to successful contract negotiations, Navantia will work with the AWD Alliance (Defence Materiel Organisation, ASC and Raytheon Australia) to deliver three AWDs to the Royal Australian Navy.
The first of these Air Warfare Destroyers will be delivered in late 2014, followed by the second and third ships in early-2016 and mid-2017 respectively.
The Australianised F100 AWD Design is capable across the full spectrum of joint maritime operations, from area air defence and escort duties, right through to peacetime national tasking and diplomatic missions. The Royal Australian Navy will undergo a quantum leap in its air warfare capability when the F100 enters service.
Source: ADF
More info on the F100
US Cessna 402 fleet grounded
From the Boston Globe: Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines are suspending operations while mechanics work to identify and fix the cause of three recent engine failures on the two-engine piston-powered Cessna 402 planes the airline flies. Two failures happened on Memorial Day Weekend, a third on Tuesday afternoon on a flight from Nantucket to Logan International Airport. In all cases the planes were able to land safely using the remaining working engine.
Company president Dan Wolf said he decided to ground the airlines' entire 49-plane Cessna fleet while the problems are solved, which apparently involve excessive wear on a crankshaft counterweight.
Full story
Aviation tools defined
DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, splattering it against that freshly-stained heirloom piece you were drying…
It’s an old one but a good one –- see this link
EADS pitches for space tourists
Astrium, the aerospace division of European aviation giant EADS, is positioning itself as a player in the growing space tourism industry, unveiling its version of a sub-orbital, re-usable aircraft called the Spaceplane.
The company explains: “This business jet sized vehicle is designed to carry four passengers 100km up into space giving more than three minutes of zero G or weightlessness. Guests at the Paris event were shown a full sized mock-up of the forward section of the revolutionary craft including its Marc Newson designed cabin.”
The aircraft uses jet engines to get off the ground and fly up to an elevation of 12km, before switching to rocket power. Designed to use conventional runways, it will be funded by a consortium of investors. Passengers will be charged around $250-300,000 per seat.
"We are counting on some 20,000 space tourists by the year 2020," said Astrium head Francois Auque. "We want to serve a third of them. We have faith in this market." Virgin Airlines is so far the only other major player in this market, using a Rutan design. (Pics: NASA/Marc Newson)
EADS link
EU to build Galileo
The European Union has decided to go ahead and build its version of the US Air Force GPS, called Galileo, after a consortium of commercial organizations walked away from the idea.
Expected to cost several billion dollars, it will employ 30-plus satellites and is hoped to be operational by 2012.
See this link for the EU report on the system
Adam sells 50 VLJs
Hainan Zhong Hang Tai General Aviation Airlines, the Hainan, China based operating entity of Ameritech Aerospace has placed a firm order for 50 Adam Aircraft A700 Very Light Jets. It was formalised during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.
From the maker’s media release: Adam Aircraft was chosen because of its handling capabilities and innovative look. A leading designer and manufacturer of advanced carbon composite aircraft for the twin piston and very light jet (VLJ) markets, Adam Aircraft provides the largest cabin and greatest value for fleet customers.
"The business plan of the Chinese company has been developed with the goal of capitalizing on the fast growing general aviation market in China with fractional-share program and air taxi operation in mind," said Jason Fan, CEO, Hainan Zhong Hong Tai General Airlines LTD. "Due to the immediate charter and air taxi growth opportunities in China, we made the A700 our choice because it has the largest cabin space of all the VLJs. In addition, the aircraft combines prestige luxury and speed with its innovative twin tails that remind people of a Formula 1 racecar."
Full release
Lycoming class action stumbles
A class action against engine maker Lycoming has hit a technical hurdle, according to USA site AvWeb. While the presiding judge says the case has merit, the action has been brought by a Mooney owner, Richard Bristow, who technically does not own the aircraft – his company does. And the rules for lawsuits by companies are different. The California lawyer bringing the case, Robert Mills, is now looking for another owner.
Troubles with the 360 to 540 series engines were the subject of a number of airworthy notices, including this FAA item.
Navy chooses Agusta Westland
The Royal Australian Navy has chosen the A109 Power light twin helicopter to provide its aircrew with improved training capabilities. Three helicopters will be dedicated to operational conversion training for air crew transitioning from the AS350 Squirrel to the heavier Sea King, Seahawk and Seasprite aircraft. The aircraft will also be used for training pilots to perform shipborne operations. The helicopters will be leased by Raytheon Australia for four years.
Westland web
Don’t fly out of trim – Robinson
From Robinson Helicopter: RHC has received two R44 tail rotor blades with fatigue cracks at the leading edge in the most inboard white paint stripe.
The cracked blades were from police helicopters that frequently performed orbits with a nose-left yaw (using additional left pedal input). Using left pedal to force the helicopter to fly out of trim can cause high fatigue stresses in the blades.
See the Robinson support page
Airliner demand drives up carbon-fibre prices
From USA Today: Booming demand for new jetliners is driving up the cost of carbon fiber, a high-tech material used in products ranging from cars to hockey sticks.
Prices for carbon fiber now run as high as US$20 a pound, compared with as little as US$5 a pound three or four years ago, says Mike Musselman, managing editor of High Performance Composites magazine. Spot shortages have developed, too. Carbon fiber manufacturers are boosting production, but it may be another year before all the new lines are running.
Full story
Big promises from Lancair
USA-based Lancair, which makes several high-tech owner-build aircraft, is making some rash promises for the July 25 Oshkosh event: While the details surrounding this new model will not be released until the unveiling, this exciting new aircraft can only be considered evolutionary and in keeping with the true spirit of Lancair. Lancair has a tradition as a leader in the composite kit marketplace, which continues with this latest creation, borne of innovation, style and performance.
“We began this project three and half years ago with a clean piece of paper. The result is an aircraft that will be faster and safer than any other single engine aircraft in existence today,” said Timothy Ong, General Manager and VP of Engineering.
“Our customers will be amazed at the degree of sophistication engineered into this evolutionary new aircraft and will marvel at how little work will be required to take this kit from purchase to flight,” said Joseph Bartels, President and CEO.
Lancair web
New GM at Alpha
 Hot on the heels of receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of its Alpha 160A aircraft, Alpha Aviation has appointed a new General Manager with significant experience in the all-important United States aviation market.
Gretchen Jahn was appointed to the role a little earlier this year, replacing Managing Director Richard Sealy, who becomes the Deputy Group Managing Director of Gregory Australia Ltd.
Ms Jahn comes to Alpha Aviation following a successful stint as the CEO of both the Mooney Airplane Company and the Mooney Aerospace Group in the United States, where in two years, she more than doubled aircraft production and brought two new aircraft models to market.
Alpha Aviation Chairman Graeme Edwards says Ms Jahn’s appointment coincides with Alpha Aviation’s shift from start up to fully fledged aircraft manufacturer, boosting its ability to compete and succeed on an international stage.
“Gretchen is an influential figure with broad knowledge of manufacturing and the aviation industry.
“Her appointment gives a huge boost to Alpha Aviation’s efforts, as well as the aviation industry in New Zealand as a whole.”
Alpha Aviation
Good times at Boeing
From the corporate bunker:
Revenue grew 12 percent to $14.3 billion while operating cash flow increased 46 percent to $2.1 billion;
Earnings from operations rose 40 percent to $959 million;
Backlog rose 42 percent to a record $213 billion
2006 and 2007 outlook reaffirmed, reflecting commercial airplane market strength and company-wide growth and productivity initiatives.
Global market report
We’ve just added the Airbus long-term market report to our archives section. It says:
Between 2006 and 2025, some new 22,700 passenger and freight aircraft valued at US$2.6 trillion will be required by aircraft operators, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast. This represents an increase of some 5400 aircraft compared with the previous one.
The period will be marked by the increasing demand for more efficient airliners. Modern planes that make use of the most advanced technologies contribute to making air transportation the most environmentally friendly transportation means, be it in terms of fuel consumption, emissions and noise, while responding to today’s and tomorrow’s global economical and development needs. This factor will lead to the higher replacement rate of over 12,000 aircraft.
Archives
Also…
This collection of videos on the media launch of the A380 is worth a look.
Link
Sierra Leone grounds commercial helicopters
Sierra Leone President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah late Tuesday grounded all commercial helicopters and suspended the country's transport minister, and the director of civil aviation and his deputy. The president’s action followed the explosion Sunday night of a helicopter that was ferrying Togolese soccer fans and sports officials to the country's main airport following an African Cup of Nations soccer match in Freetown. The Togolese Minister for Youth and Sports was among those reportedly killed in the crash.
Full story
Mission complete – 65 years late
From AvWeb: A P-38 Lightning that was supposed to be in England in the summer of 1942 will finally get there in a few weeks. The P-38, now known as Glacier Girl, will launch from Teterboro Airport on June 22 on a multi-legged flight to Duxford, England, where it will take part in the Flying Legends Air Show on July 7 and 8.
Full story + Duxford web site
Airlines make peanuts – IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a US$5 billion projected profitability for airlines in 2007 at their Annual General Meeting in Vancouver.
In his keynote State of the Industry address, Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO said, “We expect airlines to make US$5 billion this year. The industry has changed tremendously in five years. Labour productivity is up 56%. Distribution costs are down 13%. Non-fuel unit costs dropped 15% and load factors are at record highs—76% in 2006. Airlines needed an oil price of less than US$20 per barrel in 2002 to break even. Today we are profitable at nearly US$70 per barrel.”
While the results are encouraging, Bisignani also gave an important reality check, “Airlines are a US$470 billion industry. A profit of US$5 billion is peanuts. We need US$40 billion just to cover the cost of capital. The industry is moving in the right direction, but with US$200 billion of debt, the financial hole is deep. The challenge for is to turn peanuts into sustainable profits.”
Full story
Dreamlifter gets green light
 From Boeing: The Boeing Dreamlifter, the specially modified 747-400 used to transport the major assemblies of the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was granted type certification on Saturday, June 2, from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The certification recognizes that the Dreamlifter has successfully passed all of the stringent testing and safety requirements required by the FAA. The Dreamlifter does not need to be certified by other regulatory agencies.
"This certification reflects not only the safety and reliability of the Dreamlifter but also its remarkable performance," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Definition and Production.
As part of the flight test program, FAA officials flew on board the Dreamlifter as it delivered major sections of the Dreamliner from partner sites around the world to the Boeing factory in Everett, Wash., for final assembly. The flights allowed the FAA to validate the overall delivery process and tools. The Dreamlifter is not certified to carry passengers beyond essential crew. The Dreamlifter completed 437 flight-test hours and 639 hours of ground testing since its first flight on Sept. 9, 2006.
With certification achieved, operation of the Dreamlifter fleet will soon be assumed by Evergreen International Airlines (EIA) of McMinnville, Ore. EIA must first complete the required New Airplane Process Document process proving it is ready to operate the aircraft. Boeing expects the transition to EIA to occur in June.
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