AVweb has recently run two stories in which aircraft were tampered with or parts were stolen. Programs like Airport Watch work well when there are people around. This week, we'd like to know how you rate the night security at your airport. Plus: See how many single-engine personal jets AVweb readers think will be around in ten years' time.
In the latest installment of our blog, AVweb Insider, Paul Bertorelli opines on why GA is asleep at the switch when it comes to doing something about the escalating price of oil.
A Cessna twin crashed into a construction site in Ocean Ridge, Fla.... NTSB is investigating a near-midair between an ERJ-145 and a Learjet at O'Hare...Bombardier Challenger training should emphasize stabilizer trim, says NTSB...British pilots lead in Red Bull Air Race in Rotterdam, London is next.
Work-study visas that allow foreign flight students to train and work in the U.S. will no longer be granted, effective June 2010, according to a new policy issued by the U.S. State Department. The current J-1 visa program allows foreign students to train in the U.S. and work as flight instructors to build flying time. Eight U.S. flight schools make use of the program, and some of them could lose up to half of their revenue once the program is eliminated, according to AOPA. "While this only impacts a small number of students, we are deeply disappointed that the State Department believes that flight training programs no longer further the public diplomacy mission of the United States," said Craig Spence, AOPA vice president of aviation security. "This country has long been a world leader in flight training, and we want to see that continue."
The General Aviation Technology Challenge, hosted by the CAFE Foundation and funded by NASA, has announced the five teams that will take part in this year's event, coming up Aug. 5 to 9 in Santa Rosa, Calif. The competition aims to promote the development of "green" and efficient GA aircraft. CAFE will award $300,000 in prizes for achievements in noise reduction, fuel economy (mpg), safe handling, and speed. The five teams will be: "Team Pipistrel" flying a Pipistrel Virus 912, team leader Frank Vance Turner; "Team Aerochia" flying a modified Diamond DA20-A1, team leader Geoff Stevenson; "Team Wilkinson Aero Sport" flying a Dynamic WT9, team leader Neil Wilkinson; "Team Lambada" flying a UFM-13 Lambada, team leader John A. Dunham; and "Team Flight Refine" flying a Flight Design CT, team leader John Robert Basham. All of the competing aircraft are two-seaters, and four of the five are light sport aircraft. One will fly on biodiesel fuel.
"It was a great adventure," said Thierry Pouille, president of Air Journey, this week, after his small group of GA pilots completed the company's first-ever 10-week-long, 25,000-mile trip around the world. "We're all back -- and we're doing it again!" Pouille said the company will definitely offer the tour a second time in 2009. The six aircraft on this year's trip -- a PC12, two TBMs, a Cessna Conquest, a Cessna Mustang and a Duke Turbine conversion -- all completed the journey without any major mechanical problems or other setbacks, he said. "It takes a lot of organization and preparation and office support," Pouille said, to make the trip run smoothly and on time. "But it's been a fantastic experience." Since AVweb last checked in with the group, they have flown up the east coast of Asia via Taipei, Taiwan; Seoul, South Korea; and Vladivostok, Russia; then across the Bering Sea to Anchorage, Alaska. The pilots stopped in Juneau for a cruise and ended their journey in Seattle, then each aircraft headed for home.
Bruce Van Beek of Sioux Center, Iowa serves up this fantastic image of the AeroShell Team doing what they do best. Believe it or not — and, to be honest, we're not sure we would! — the fact that our top photo this week features the AeroShell Aerobatic Team is completely unrelated to the fact that we're giving away a chance to right with these guys during their Monday morning practice at Oshkosh. (But, of course, we will take the opportunity to link to the page where you can enter our drawing.)("POTW" will be on hiatus during the show, but we'll return with more of your pictures in two weeks. Don't forget to send 'em, though, or we won't have anything to share!)
Thieves were apparently in search of scrap metal when they made off with two irreplaceable vintage aircraft wings from a storage yard used by the Wingspan Aviation Heritage Foundation in Mesa, Ariz. When the theft was discovered, about a week ago, foundation director Robert Kropp went to the media in hopes of uncovering information about the wings' fate -- and he got lucky. An anonymous tipster led Kropp and police directly to both wings, hidden in two separate remote locations in the desert. "I really feel like I found a winning lottery ticket in the street," Kropp told The Arizona Republic. "I'm just absolutely elated. Without the media exposure, it was gone, baby, gone." The wings, from a 1940s-era Lockheed T-33 trainer and a 1950s Lockheed PV-2 bomber, were found intact and police dusted them for fingerprints.
When the first Lancair Evolution showed up at Sun 'n Fun earlier this year, still in its plain white undercoat, the design attracted plenty of attention. Pressurized and turbo-powered, the four-seat kit aircraft promised high performance, with 385-mph speed. Now prospective buyers will be able to find out for themselves how it performs. The company is bringing the newly painted prototype to Oshkosh, where it will be available for demo flights. Lancair also said this week it has delivered the first Evolution kit, and the buyer will participate in the two-week builder assist program at the company's facility in Redmond, Ore. Also, Forward Vision said this week its EVS-100 synthetic vision system will be offered as an option for the Evolution.
Diamond Aircraft will be exhibiting the new AE 300 Austro engine next week at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. The Austro is a jet-A-burning, 170-hp, next-generation turbo-diesel engine that soon will be available on the DA42 Diamond twin. The AE 300 offers 26 percent more power than the engines currently on the DA42, says Diamond, for better takeoff and climb performance, better single-engine performance and more speed. Diamond has been working with MB Tech (a Mercedes Benz daughter company) and Bosch to develop the engine, and they expect European certification within a few months. The "next-generation" features include a clutch-less gearbox, a cast-iron crankcase, integral oil/coolant heat exchanger and improved turbocharger air induction and cooling systems.
Over the next few days, AVweb's crew will be packing up our gear, heading for various airports, and winging our way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, ready to bring you daily news (including a full AVwebBiz edition next Wednesday) from the EAA AirVenture grounds all next week. The show promises to be an exciting one, with several aircraft making their debut, new products galore, a diverse lineup of unique aircraft on the flight line at Aeroshell Square, the unveiling of the Rocket Racing fleet, the latest experimental electric aircraft, the world's best airshow pilots, and much more. Staffers from Kitplanes and other Belvoir publications will be pitching in to help AVweb bring you the fastest, most complete, and in-depth coverage possible. Watch for frequent blog updates, daily videos and podcasts, and of course our daily AVwebFlash newsletter to bring all the news from the show straight to your desktop. And if you are in Oshkosh next week, check in with AVweb on your handheld device to be sure you are not missing a thing.
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDER CURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $5.65 (up 1¢ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $6.05 (up 2¢ from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to TAC Air at GMU in Greenville, South Carolina.AVweb reader John Hey hadn't stopped at GMU for six months, but he tells us "they still remembered me":Great, cheerful, and competent service — even though I had just saved $30 using their self-service pump. Call ahead, and they get you a great discount on the nice Phoenix Motel one block away with the best free full Southern breakfast ever!Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!
While on tower freq for VGT (North Las Vegas), I overheard the following:Cessna 1234N:"Tower, this is Cessna 1234N, 10 miles northwest with yankee, inbound full stop."Tower:"Cessna 1234N, tower. Continue inbound. Report 4-mile final for runway 12 right."Cessna 1234N:"Tower, Cessna 1234N reporting 4-mile final."Tower:"Cessna 1234N cleared for landing. Runway 12 right. Say type, Cessna."Cessna 1234N:"Tower, 1234N is a Cessna 152 Heavy!"Tower:"Cessna 1234N, roger!"(And before the mike keyed off, there was substantial chuckling in the background.)J. Brandonvia e-mail
A Sterling Boeing 737 ended up in an unnatural position (for a 737) at the airport in Malaga, Spain on Saturaday after a strange encounter with the airport bridge. For some reason, the bridge went up and caught the aircraft under its open door. Early reports didn't have a damage estimate. Thanks to AVweb reader Robert Reid, who turned us on to the video and also referred us to this incredible photo from Robert Campbell. (Click through to watch.)
Kalitta Boeing 747 Bogota crash rumored result of dual engine failure ...Xerion engine monitor approved for all light Cessnas and Pipers ...CASA moves to facilitate influx of experienced aircraft engineers ...A passenger tried to open the door of a 767 flying at 35,000 feet ...B-52 crashes off Guam, crew's fate unknown.
A British soldier and jump instructor participating in a parachute competition in Germany got hung up on the landing gear of his jump aircraft, reportedly a Britten-Norman Islander, and was rescued by the only person left on the aircraft -- its pilot. The aircraft was 3,000 feet above the Joint Service Parachute Centre at Bad Lippspringe when five soldiers successfully departed the aircraft. The sixth, the instructor, suffered a partially deployed chute that caught his rigging on the aircraft's gear. The aircraft's civilian pilot became aware of the situation and left his seat, cutting snagged lines until the parachutist fell free of his aircraft and deployed his reserve. The pilot's excursion left him out of the cockpit for approximately 30 seconds, according to initial reports. Claiming he was only doing his job, the pilot has so far asked to remain anonymous. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence told the Daily Mail, "The pilot showed significant bravery and skill. We are unaware of a rescue like this happening before." Initial reports did not indicate the type of aircraft involved in the incident.
If you want to win a vintage 1957 Cessna 172, your chances are one in 2,500 (as of Saturday). The 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas, Saturday announced the new contest along with the winner of its prior and first annual "Win Your Own Plane" raffle. Joe Montano of Pearland, Texas, won a 1947 Cessna 140 over the weekend. The 172 is up next. The museum's press release notes that, "The winner [of the 172] will be announced at the Museum's July 2009 Wings & Wheels open-house, or a sooner Wings & Wheels if all tickets have been sold." Both promotions are part of a fundraising program created by the museum. "At the museum, we meet people every day who have always dreamed of flying. This contest will give one lucky winner the chance to realize that dream," said museum president Drew Coats. Funds acquired through the promotion support day-to-day operations and museum expansion. We don't have a horse in this race, but will note that there are more than 110,000 people reading this right now and we'll remind you that no more than 2,500 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Translation: If you're interested, you might want to hurry up ... but there's one catch.
It's the economy, stupid. Bombardier's pre-Farnborough assertion that its Pratt & Whitney geared-turbofan-powered CSeries 100-149 seat regional jets (due in 2013) could be 20 percent more efficient than rival aircraft has rival aircraft manufacturer Embraer saying "not so fast." Embraer (the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world) has spun the argument to operating costs and says its 110-seat E195 would only fall behind a CSeries C-110 by 3 or 4 percent in 2013 -- after the E195 undergoes improvements. Speaking of the CSeries, Embraer CEO Frederico Curado said in an interview with the Montreal Gazette, "We're not making any assertion that the airplane will not deliver what it promises, nothing like that. We are assuming that it will." He then went on to add, "But we are disputing the figures they are promising, this 15 to 20 percent thing is really unreal." Curado believes that the Pratt's efficiencies exist, but are compromised by their attachment to an airframe in the real world. Bombardier says it has taken those considerations into account and stands behind its math.
Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS), maker of whole-aircraft parachute systems, Friday announced that its new 5000-series canopy complies with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. BRS has submitted to the FAA its plan for 5000 series Part 23 certification testing. This BRS system can support heavier piston airframes and higher-weight-category very light jets. It's not yet certified and the system's precise operating limitations have yet to be announced, but the system marks another step forward for the company (and, arguably, the rest of us) and makes inroads into the arena of "heavier aircraft." First applications of 5000-series recovery systems may include Diamond's D-Jet and the Lancair Evolution, according to BRS' financial statements for early 2008. The company has since 1981 delivered more than 29,000 parachute systems to aircraft owners worldwide, 3,500 of which reside on FAA-certificated aircraft including Cirrus Design's SR20 and SR22 aircraft. The company says its systems "have been credited with saving the lives of 213 pilots and passengers."
The National Aviation Hall of Fame Saturday conducted its 47th annual enshrinement in Dayton, Ohio, and along with an airline man, a WWII triple-ace and military commander, active air show pilot and general aviation ambassador Sean D. Tucker was on the list. Dr. Peter Diamandis and his X Prize Foundation were also honored, being awarded the "Spirit of Flight Award." As for enshrinees, Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson flew the P-51B "Old Crow" while assigned to the 357th Fighter Group. The 357th was credited with shooting down a record 609 1/2 enemy aircraft in only 15 months and produced 42 aces. Fellow military man, the late William A. Moffett, the "father of naval aviation," was also enshrined as was Herbert D. Kelleher, founder and retired chairman of Southwest Airlines.
The FAA is providing detailed pilot training for easier access and improved safety to Teterboro through a presentation that basically serves as pre-packaged local pilot experience available online, free of charge. We might hope to eventually see these for every airport, but Teterboro Airport is a 13-mile drive from the Empire State Building and that proximity makes it one of the busiest (and most expensive) general aviation airports in the country. The Teterboro Airport Flight Crew Briefing offers interactive graphics and a voiced briefing that presents pilots with an overview of the airport layout, its normal operations and relevant regulations, along with airport-specific safety and security procedures. Included are runway incursion hot spots and an interface that allows clickable access to the nuances of each one. Pilots are also given access to a review of frequently used air traffic control procedures, including common departures, and are briefed on the most common errors flight crews make while accessing the airport.
If easy is relative and "expedited access" run by the TSA are the guidelines, then the agency's crewPASS test program, launched Friday and expected to last two months, may ultimately provide easier access to secure areas for properly credentialed commercial flight deck crew members. The system employs a crew member database that provides transportation security officers with a picture and other information with which they may cross-check airline-issued identification and other ID provided by flight deck crew. Through what some may see as a better application of backwards thinking, crew members will enter secure areas via the exit lane of each area's corresponding checkpoints. And in conjunction with the new measures, "Flight deck crew members who utilize this program will be subject to random screening, observation by behavior detection officers and other layers of security."
Epic Aircraft, maker of turbine-powered kit and to-be-certified aircraft, says that its six-plus-two-seat twin Williams FJ-33-4 powered Elite jet has in test flights consistently logged cruise speeds "in excess of 385 KTAS." The company says that makes the Elite "the undisputed fastest very light jet in the world." For those who are interested in both apples and oranges, the claim doesn't yet make the Elite a certified option and Honda is expected to chime in with its 420-knot (and certified) eight-seat HondaJet sometime near 2010. Epic's Web site says that "current estimates point to certification of the 6-8 seat Elite in the next two and a half years." The aircraft falls in line with Epic's standing commitment to "take off with all the seats occupied, full fuel and luggage." Let the 1330 pounds of available payload after fuel be your ruler for that equation. Epic delivered well on its early promises of bringing aircraft from design to market and was rewarded for the work.
"Personal jets" are all the rage these days, but this week we want to know how you think they'll fare over the long term. How many single-engine jets do you think will be available 10 years from now? Plus: How fellow AVweb readers are making the trek to Oshkosh this year.
When Diamond Aircraft announced plans to offer a single-engine "personal jet" a few years ago, it's likely no one could predict the market nerve the Austrian/Canadian company had touched. There are now at least six aircraft in the same general genre under development and a Bend, Ore. company, Stratos Aircraft, entered the running on Wednesday with a four-place design, the Stratos 714, it says will go 1,500 nm at 400 knots, in sleek looking, $2 million carbon-fiber package pushed by a Williams FJ-44. It also coined a new acronym for its entry, the VLPJ, or very light personal jet. No other aircraft, certified or announced, can claim to achieve the speed, range and utility that make the Stratos 714 a practical, owner-flown Very Light Personal Jet (VLPJ).
Raytheon is leading a research team of industry experts that will examine the impact of new classes of aircraft on America's next generation air transport system – NextGen. Four new classes of aircraft, very light jets, super heavy transports, UAVs and supersonic transport will soon enter already overburdened skies.
This image from Gary Plummer of Burlington, Ontario (Canada) was one of the first we laid eyes upon this week, and it set the tone for all the photos that were to follow. Despite some stiff competition (and nearly not making it to the Top Five, if you can believe that!), Gary's shot is our "Picture of the Week," and we'll be sending Mr. Plummer one of those keen AVweb ball caps we're always going on about as thanks for sharing his pics with us.
Miami officials are courting an unnamed German aircraft manufacturer...A new, taller control tower will be open at Oshkosh in time for AirVenture...FAA posted a new online video promoting NextGen...NASA is working on technology that could change wing shape in flight.
AOPA says that about three-quarters of its members have scaled back their flight time due to the high cost of fuel. In an effort to take action, AOPA has joined a coalition called Stop Oil Speculation Now (S.O.S. Now). The S.O.S. group sent e-mails to millions of airline customers over the last week, alleging that "normal market forces are being dangerously amplified by poorly regulated market speculation." AOPA President Phil Boyer acknowledged that for AOPA to join forces with the airlines makes for "strange bedfellows." However, the S.O.S. effort is drawing support from many quarters, he said, such as labor groups, bus and trucking associations, and members of Congress. "We're all frustrated with these high prices, and this is a step in the right direction to do something about it," Boyer said. "We hope that it ultimately creates a national energy policy that Congress can adopt." EAA said it will "continue to explore measures aimed at containing the cost of personal flight" but stopped short of joining the coalition.
U.S. airlines are already reeling from high fuel prices and a slack economy, and on Wednesday the FAA dropped a $700 million cost into the mix -- that's the estimate to retrofit about 3,000 airliners with fuel-tank systems intended to prevent explosions like the one that destroyed TWA Flight 800 in 1996. New aircraft will be required to have the systems. "Our intent today is to close the door on fuel-tank explosions," said FAA Acting Administrator Bobby Sturgell at a news conference announcing the new policy. FAA engineers and scientists have developed an inerting system that works -- "Something early on people said could not be done," said Sturgell. The NTSB, which has listed such systems on its Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements since 2002, welcomed the decision. "The NTSB congratulates the DOT and the FAA on this important safety achievement," said NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker.
Say Hello To Senior Video Producer Sarah Curtiss! With the final days before the official start to EAA AirVenture 2008 counting down all too rapidly... and, not quickly enough... ANN's senior staff is all-too-aware of the Herculean task ahead of us in reporting EVERYTHING that's news at The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration.
One Step Closer To Production For KC-X Competitor The advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) destined for the Northrop Grumman/EADS KC-45 Tanker has performed multiple aerial contacts with an operational Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, confirming its ability to support large aircraft in US, NATO, and allied air forces.
"Our prayers are with Alan and his family, and we are hoping for him to have a speedy and full recovery... Alan will be missed terribly, but we will be there flying for him until he recovers." Source: Steve Gustafson, who flies Left Wing for the AeroShell Aerobatic Team. Alan Henley, lead pilot for the team, was injured Tuesday night in an accident while playing with his children at his home in Birmingham, AL. Henley was taken to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital's trauma unit, and remains there in ICU in serious but stable condition. The Aeroshell team plans to fly at EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI next week, but will fly a three-ship routine in Alan's absence.
NOTAM Number: FDC 8/9065 Issue Date: July 23, 2008 at 1941 UTC Location: HIBBING , Minnesota near HIBBING VOR/DME (HIB) Beginning Date and Time: July 24, 2008 at 1630 UTC Ending Date and Time: July 24, 2008 at 1730 UTC Reason for NOTAM: Temporary flight restrictions Type: Hazards Replaced NOTAM(s): N/A
NOTAM Number: FDC 8/9068 Issue Date: July 23, 2008 at 1944 UTC Location: Peoria, Illinois Beginning Date and Time: July 25, 2008 at 1605 UTC Ending Date and Time: July 25, 2008 at 1920 UTC Reason for NOTAM: Temporary flight restrictions for VIP (Very Important Person) Movement Type: VIP Replaced NOTAM(s): 8/8980: Due to language clarification.
NOTAM Number: FDC 8/9076 Issue Date: July 23, 2008 at 2012 UTC Location: JUNEAU , Alaska Beginning Date and Time: July 27, 2008 at 0700 UTC Ending Date and Time: Until further notice Reason for NOTAM: Temporary flight restrictions Type: Hazards Replaced NOTAM(s): N/A Pilots May Contact: ANCHORAGE (ZAN) Center, 907-269-1103
NOTAM Number: FDC 8/9091 Issue Date: July 23, 2008 at 2325 UTC Location: TWISP , Washington near MALAGA VOR/DME (EAT) Beginning Date and Time: Effective Immediately Ending Date and Time: Until further notice Reason for NOTAM: TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR FIRE FIGHTING Type: Hazards Replaced NOTAM(s): N/A Pilots May Contact: SEATTLE ARTCC (ZSE) Center, 253-351-3520
It's For Real! ANN REALTIME NewsBug Released To ANN Readers, Worldwide For those of you using a windows PC (MAC version in the works... we promise), a new REALTIME News Service from the Aviation World's DAILY News Service, the Aero-News Network (ANN), will let you know when our REALTIME, award-winning NewsFeed has been updated.
Michael Griffin To Speak To Oshkosh Audience NASA plans to continue its 50th anniversary celebration next week, with special recognition at EAA AirVenture 2008. One of the Experimental Aircraft Association activities commemorating five decades of NASA's aerospace achievements will be an appearance by NASA Administrator Michael Griffin.
'The Best Of The Best' The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) takes pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators. Recently, they were all accredited as Master Instructors by NAFI, their professional aviation education association.
Team Will Perform Three-Ship Show At AirVenture It was with sadness that ANN learned Wednesday Alan Henley, lead pilot for the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, was injured Tuesday night in an accident while playing with his children at his home in Birmingham, AL. A chin-up bar gave way while Henley was on it, resulting in a fall which caused severe injuries to his neck and head.
Will Be Donated To Red Tail Project For Fundraiser The Red Tail Project tells ANN noted aviation artist and enthusiast Sam Lyons has created, and will donate, an original painting of the red-tailed P-51C Mustang "Tuskegee Airmen" as it might have appeared during World War II. The picture, entitled "Red Tail By Request" shows the fighter being piloted by a Tuskegee Airman protecting five B-24s over Italy.
49 Reported Cases Of Dark Displays In Recent Years Few would argue that so-called "glass cockpits" are a major leap forward in cockpit management and crew safety... until those panels go dark in-flight, which the National Transportation Safety Board says has happened at least 49 times in recent years onboard several Airbus airliners.
Highest Fares In Cincinnati, Lowest Fare At Atlantic City Average domestic air fares in the first quarter of 2008 were up 4.4 percent from the first quarter of 2007 in the largest year-to-year increase since second quarter 2006, according to numbers released Wednesday by the US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Still, average fares remained 4.6 percent below the January-to-March high set in 2001.
Earlier Attempt Called Off Due To High Winds It took four hours -- and three months -- but the vintage Chance-Vought FG-1D Corsair that has greeted visitors to Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Bridgeport, CT since 1971 is now berthed in a hangar, awaiting restoration.
