Sungai Besi Airport to end aircraft operations. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: The control of airspace over the Sungai Besi Airport here will revert to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) air-traffic control from Dec 1, marking the end of fixed-wing aircraft operations at the 70-year-old airfield.

With this decision, both the police Air Wing and the Royal Selangor Flying Club will have to relocate their fixed-wing aircrafts from the airport to Subang. However, helicopter operations will continue at Sungai Besi until further notice.

The Air Wing operates three fixed-wing aircraft from Sungai Besi, namely, the Pilatus PC-6, Cessna 208 Caravan and the Beechcraft Super King Air.

The Royal Selangor Flying Club operates three Cessna 172, mostly for training and leisure flights. The police also operate Squirrel helicopters for various duties. When contacted, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, responded via text message: “We have to find space in Subang then.” He declined further comment.

Meanwhile, an official of the Royal Selangor Flying Club confirmed they were still negotiating terms and conditions with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) which will transform the Sungai Besi airport into Bandar Malaysia.

Ironically, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) units which operates and has overall control of the Sungai Besi airport, is expected to remain on the site until February next year or even longer.

RMAF chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud told reporters yesterday they will conclude an agreement with 1MDb for its replacement site in Sendayan, Negri Sembilan, by February.

He said some of the units based at Sungai Besi will be relocated to the Subang Air Base in the meantime.

He also said the RMAF Museum which houses various historical aircraft will remain at the present Sungai Besi site as part of the attractions of Bandar Malaysia.

On April 7 last year, The Malay Mail front-paged a report on plans to redevelop the Sungai Besi Airport into a commercial business hub, complete with a heliport.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had initially denied the report, although he later said the air base would soon be closed to make way for the “Greater KL” development project as laid out under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Sungai Besi Airport is the country's first international airport. The 162-hectare airport, also known as Simpang, served as the main air link from 1952 to 1965, before Subang Airport was opened.

Sungai Besi Airport was originally used as an airstrip in the 1930s but was turned into an airport after World War II.

RMAF designated the airport as the Kuala Lumpur Air Base which hosts two operational command headquarters, the No.1 Air Division and the Air Logistics headquarters.

The 10th Squadron, which flies Nuri and Blackhawk helicopters for utility and VVIP purposes, and the Aerospace Medical Institute are also located at the base.

Source: http://www.mmail.com.my

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Russia to develop new early warning plane by 2016

MOSCOW - Russia is expected to develop a new airborne warning and control system (AWACS) plane by 2016, Air Force chief Col. Gen Alexander Zelin said on Tuesday.

The general said the new A-100 plane will have an advanced active phase array capable of detecting and tracking airborne and land-based targets.

The Russian Air Force has 20 A-50 Mainstay AWACS planes based on the Il-76 transport aircraft.

Zelin also said the Russian Air Force will increase its bases from 8 to 14 by 2020, adding that more than 1,000 helicopters would be purchased under the state procurements program.

With regards to the deployment of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, he said the Russian Armed Forces will receive four S-400 Triumph systems in 2011.

"We have received the second S-400 air defense missile regiment this year. It has entered combat duty last week. We will receive two more S-400 regiments this year," Zelin said.

The general also confirmed that Russia's Aerospace Defense Forces will be supplied with another six Pantsir-S anti-aircraft artillery systems

"Four Pantsir-S systems have been delivered to an anti-aircraft missile regiment of the Fourth Air Force/Air Defense Command in Novorossiysk. Another six systems will be delivered to the Operative Strategic Command of the Aerospace Defense Forces," he said.

Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn

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Singapore Airlines Orders 8 Boeing 777-300ERs For US$2.3 Billion.

-- New aircraft to operate medium- and long-haul routes

-- Order is part of airlines' growth and aircraft replacement plans

-- Delivery of aircraft to start in the 2013-2014 financial year

 

SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Singapore Airlines Ltd. said Wednesday it is ordering eight more Boeing Co. (BA) 777-300ER aircraft worth US$2.3 billion at list prices, as part of its growth and aircraft replacement plans.

The carrier will receive the new aircraft starting in the 2013-2014 financial year, and will operate them on medium- and long-haul routes, it said in a statement.

The new aircraft, to be powered by General Electric Co.'s  GE90 engines, will join Singapore Airlines' existing fleet of 19 Boeing 777-300ERs, it added.

"These aircraft are being ordered for SIA's growth purposes as well as for replacement, in line with our longstanding policy of operating a young and modern fleet," a company spokeswoman said.

The average age of Singapore Airlines' fleet--comprising 106 aircraft currently--is six years and four months, as of July.

Singapore Airlines last month posted a sharper-than-expected 82% decline in first-quarter net profit after soaring crude-oil prices pushed up its fuel bill, and warned of a difficult period ahead.

In May, the carrier said it will start a no-frills low-fare subsidiary next year that will operate flights on medium- and long-haul routes, initially using Boeing 777-200 aircraft from the parent.

Source: http://www.foxbusiness.com

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RAW VIDEO: Cessna 182C, N8718T. Near Boulder Municipal Airport (KBDU), Colorado. Video by Paul Aiken / The Camera.

http://youtu.be/wzJCkWdkfE4

http://registry.faa.gov/N8718T

http://www.airnav.com/airport/KBDU

BOULDER, Colo. — Boulder County sheriff's officials say a pilot suffered only minor injuries from landing her single-engine plane after it lost power about 3 miles from the Boulder airport.

Sgt. Lori Cox says the pilot was returning to the airport after dropping off some skydivers Tuesday evening when her plane lost power at 8,000 feet above ground. Cox says the pilot wasn't able to regain power and landed short of the airport runway, not far from a home.

Cox says the plane had some front-end damage but landed safely.

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Cheap flights, but be careful of high booking fees.

JETSETTERS are saving hundreds of dollars surfing the net for the cheapest flights.

But some travellers are getting caught in a web of excessive fees on top of airline surcharges, a review warns.

A consumer road test has found that for domestic trips, comparison sites are often best used to check costs, but not necessarily to buy, because of steep booking, cancellation and flight change fees.

However for overseas flights, sites offered savings of hundreds of dollars, or up to 25 per cent, even when booking.

The Choice research reveals passengers dealing with some sites are being slugged up to $50 to book online, up to $110 to change flights, and up to $500 to cancel.

It rated jetabroad.com.au, zuji.com.au and wotflight.com (to/from New Zealand only) as top picks in a snapshot survey of international economy return flights to the UK, US and across the Tasman.

Spokeswoman Ingrid Just said travellers could save hundreds of dollars by expanding searches beyond best-known flight comparison sites.

''Don't treat any site as a one-stop shop, even those that compare the greatest number of carriers won't necessarily quote the lowest price,'' a Choice report advises.

''Flight comparison sites are a great starting point - they're a fast and convenient way to compare flights across dozens of airlines, as well as alert you to sale fares.

''But given their sometimes exorbitant fees and charges, they're not always the most cost-effective way to book your ticket.

''They also won't necessarily compare all fares on the market, and the fares they advertise to entice traffic may not be available as soon as you start searching.''

Choice suggests plugging in different flight combinations, carriers and dates; scouring airline sites directly as well as comparison sites; considering breaking up journeys with an overnight stay then using a different airline for the next leg; and checking whether quoted prices include basic insurance.

The consumer body compared costs for identical overseas flights on the same dates. It noted quotes can depend on a range of factors including availability and airline sales, and may vary from day to day.

Sites were assessed on price, charges and user-friendliness.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au

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Cebu Pacific Airlines expands fleet

FOR the convenience of Filipino travelers, both domestic and international, Gokongwei-owned budget carrier Cebu Pacific Airlines is set to acquire more Airbus aircraft.

In a statement issued yesterday by Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer, to the Philippine Stock Exchange, he said the airline had finalized its order with Airbus for 30 A321neo aircraft, increasing its total firm orders for the A320 Family to 71, of which 16 have already been delivered.

“The A321neo will enable us to increase capacity on our key routes while benefiting from the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in this size category,” said Gokongwei. “With these aircraft we will continue to build upon our reputation for offering high quality low fares service with one of the most modern and youngest fleets in Asia.”

The airline currently operates 25 A320 Family aircraft, including the 16 purchased from Airbus and nine leased aircraft.

Cebu Pacific plans to configure its A321neo fleet with 220 seats in a single class layout and will fly the aircraft across its expanding pan-Asian network. This network presently includes 34 domestic and 16 international destin

Source:  http://www.journal.com.ph

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Mexico and Canada Agree to Expand Airline Routes

MEXICO CITY – Mexico and Canada signed an air transportation agreement that allows any airline to offer commercial routes linking the two countries, the Communications and Transportation Secretariat said.

Carriers will now have the freedom to determine “the frequency of flights and the type and size of planes used to offer air transport service,” the secretariat said in a statement.

The agreement “represents a significant increase in the number of airlines that will have the opportunity to offer transportation service between the two countries, moving from a system of double to multiple designation,” the secretariat said.

The prior system allowed just two airlines per country to operate a route.

“More firms from Mexico and Canada will be able to participate in the current destinations being covered between both territories; moreover, it opens the possibility of developing new routes, offering more alternatives to passengers,” the secretariat said.

The agreement removes restrictions on the number of airlines that can fly a route, the number of flights a carrier can offer and the type and size of aircraft allowed.

The air transportation agreement will help improve “the operation and development of air services between Mexico and Canada,” the secretariat said. EFE

Source: http://www.laht.com

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American Eagle sees good year in Augusta, Georgia.

American Eagle Airlines has been in Augusta for a year, and airport officials say it has been a good year.

The airline has two flights each day between Augusta Regional Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth. Over the past year, the airline has served 51,358 passengers.

"Those are very strong numbers for their first year, with only two flights per day," said Diane Johnston, the director of marketing for Augusta Regional.

American Eagle flew out of Augusta in the early 1990s but stopped in 1993 because of a national schedule adjustment.

As an American Airlines affiliate, Eagle feeds traffic to larger markets and larger planes. Eagle currently flies to 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The two Augusta-Dallas flights were 76.4 percent full on average, Johnston said, and demonstrate a strong demand for the flights.

"We are very happy with those flights, and we believe the community has been very pleased as well," she said. "They've certainly supported them well."

Source: http://chronicle.augusta.com

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Hainan Airlines Co enters bidding for Hochtief's airport assets

HONG KONG - The parent of Hainan Airlines Co, China's fourth-biggest airline by revenue, said Monday it is bidding for Frankfurt-based construction company Hochtief AG's airport assets, which it values at more than 1 billion euros ($1.43 billion).

The bidding is the latest development in Hainan provincial government-backed HNA Group Co's push to expand overseas amid falling global asset prices. Last week, the unlisted company said it was joining Bravia Capital of Hong Kong to buy a shipping-container lessor co-owned by General Electric Co in a deal valued at $1.05 billion.

In July, HNA, which owns a majority stake in Hainan Airlines, disclosed plans to buy a stake in Turkish air-cargo carrier ACT Airlines.

Adam Tan, an executive director at HNA Group, said HNA's airport unit is among the bidders that have been short-listed to move to the second round of bidding for Hochtief's airport assets. The assets include stakes in airports in Athens, Budapest, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Sydney and Tirana, Albania.

"The deal may have to go through another round of bidding and we expect the seller to assign a winning bidder within two months," Mr Tan said.

People familiar with the matter said last week that other bidders for the assets include airport operator Fraport AG of Germany and its bidding partner, Deutsche Bank AG's RREEF infrastructure fund, as well as French construction company Vinci SA and a bidding consortium made up of Allianz SE's investment arm Allianz Capital Partners and the infrastructure fund Global Infrastructure Partners.

The bids all valued the portfolio of airport stakes at more than 1 billion euros.

Mr Tan said HNA Group's plan to expand abroad won't be deterred by recent stock-market volatility and a slower global economic recovery amid concerns about the European debt crisis and health of the US economy.

HNA Group, whose businesses include airlines and airport operations, hotel management and logistics, has also been stepping up its efforts to tap the equity markets in recent years.

The Chinese conglomerate's Grand China Air aviation-investment arm, which counts billionaire financier George Soros as a major shareholder, holds aviation assets including Hainan Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines Ltd.

Grand China Air and Hong Kong Airlines are considering share listings, according to Grand China Air. American Aviation Ltd, backed by Mr Soros, also directly owns a stake of about 2.62 percent in Hainan Airlines.

Mr Tan said HNA Group will need to invest a total of about $500 million to $600 million from its internal capital for the three overseas transactions, with the rest to be funded by bank facilities.

Eyk Henning in Frankfurt contributed to this article.

Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn

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Muskegon County Airport spared from cuts to federal subsidy. Muskegon County Airport (KMKG), Muskegon, Michigan.

MUSKEGON COUNTY — Muskegon County Airport is not one of the unlucky 13 when it comes to a federal subsidy for commercial air service.

The local airport, which currently receives $660,000 per year through the Essential Air Service program, was not on the list of rural communities targeted for federal subsidy cuts as part of recently approved legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration's operating authority. Muskegon County officials credited the federal money with making commercial service to the local airport possible over the last couple of years.

Muskegon County Airport Manager Marty Piette said county officials appreciate the subsidy, essential for maintaining local commercial service during the economic downturn, but he said the goal is to make it unnecessary in the future. One version of the legislation, approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, would have eliminated much of the program, including the funds for Muskegon service.

“We're trying to get it profitable so we don't even need it if it is voted out,” Piette said.

Muskegon County Airport's subsidy supports SkyWest Airlines in providing commercial service. SkyWest, operating as United Airlines, flies 50-passenger jet service daily to and from Chicago O'Hare.

The Essential Air Service program currently provides subsidies for commercial air carriers serving about 110 airports in rural communities and small towns across the lower 48 states. The program was established in 1978 when the government deregulated the airlines, enabling them to drop lightly traveled routes that lose money.

Conservatives have targeted the $200 million program as wasteful spending for years.

The deadlock over the FAA bill between Republicans and Democrats was broken Friday, when an agreement was reached to end a partial two-week shutdown of the FAA. The shutdown led to the furlough of nearly 4,000 workers and delays to several airport construction projects.

The air service subsidies were a factor in the political stalemate.

Republicans achieved the subsidy cuts in the final law, but with a major caveat: Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has the authority to continue subsidized service to the 13 communities if he decides it's necessary.

Communities targeted for the proposed air service subsidy cuts are Morgantown, W.Va.; Athens, Ga.; Glendive, Mont.; Alamogordo, N.M.; Ely, Nev.; Jamestown, N.Y.; Bradford, Pa.; Hagerstown, Md.; Jonesboro, Ark.; Johnstown, Pa.; Franklin/Oil City, Pa.; Lancaster, Pa.; and Jackson, Tenn.

More rural airports, including Muskegon County's, also were proposed for cuts in the initial House legislation. Even if the program was eliminated, the funding for the airline serving Muskegon County Airport would have continued until Oct. 1, 2013.

Source: http://www.mlive.com

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Ohio: 3 killed in plane crash in Holmes County, wreckage found 14+ hours later. (With Video)

MILLERSBURG, Ohio - Three people were killed in a small plane crash in Holmes County Monday night, but the wreckage wasn’t discovered until at least 14 hours later.

Elizabeth Cory, spokeswoman for the Great Lakes region of the FAA, said the Piper 23 plane took off from the Holmes County Airport at some point on Monday, and was later reported missing at 10 p.m. She said the plane was originally headed to Jefferson County, Ohio.

Cory said the plane’s wreckage was discovered at noon on Tuesday --- possibly in the Millersburg area. She also confirmed three fatalities in the crash, but said their identities have not been released yet.

Holmes County Sheriff Timothy Zimmerly said the plane went down near the airport where it took off. It flew from Terre Haute, Indiana Monday. He said the victims are two men and one woman.

A neighbor reported seeing the plane circling before the crash.

No other details about the crash have been released.

Keep checking newnset5.com for more information.

Watch Video: http://www.newsnet5.com

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“The Hidden Charm” Beckons in Cathay Pacific’s Allure of Vietnam Sweepstakes. Win a Trip for Two to Hanoi and Halong Bay.

SAN FRANCISCO -- An eclectic experience awaits the winner of Cathay Pacific’s Allure of Vietnam sweepstakes to Hanoi. From the relaxing comfort of the luxurious InterContinental Hanoi Westlake to the unbridled beauty of mysterious islands visible from the decks of a Halong Bay river cruise, amazing memories are there for the making.

“I’ve taken this very trip and had such a great time that I encouraged our team to make it possible for others to experience it,” said Dennis Owen, Cathay Pacific’s vice president, marketing, Americas. “Vietnam is an amazing country with much to see and do. This will likely just whet the appetite of the winner to return on a regular basis as I do.”

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com

  

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Plane diverted to Charleston airport after severe turbulence, passengers injured

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - An American Airlines flight that hit  severe turbulence landed in Charleston, S.C., and officials say one  flight attendant and two passengers were treated for minor  injuries. American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith said Flight 734 hit rough  air near the Florida-Georgia border. The flight was headed from  Miami to Reagan National Airport in Washington with 152 passengers  and a crew of six.

The Boeing 737 landed shortly before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Smith said emergency medical crews met the plane and treated  those who were hurt. He said a replacement plane was being flown to Charleston and  the passengers would continue on. Smith said the plane made a normal  landing and added that mechanics will check out the aircraft for any damage.

Source: http://www2.counton2.com

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Colorado pilot killed in Afghan chopper crash died 'a hero'

 

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Colorado National Guardsman David Carter is being remembered as an accomplished helicopter pilot, an expert flight instructor and a reliable comrade.

Air Zimbabwe: Hundreds stranded in China for weeks

OVER 200 Air Zimbabwe passengers have been stranded in China for the past two weeks after the airline’s pilots went on strike demanding unpaid salaries, officials said on Monday.

The pilots have vowed not to return to work until they are given US$200,000 each as full payment of arrears and salaries pending from last year.

Air Zimbabwe, which is struggling with $100 million debts, will be paying the stranded passengers’ hotel bills until it starts servicing the route.

“The situation is that we have not been flying to China for the past two weeks,” Air Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer Innocent Mavhunga said.

“We have been accommodating the passengers in hotels and those who we can re-route we are doing so. The cost varies from one hotel to another.”

The strike has affected some of the airline’s international services besides domestic and regional flights which have also been cancelled.

This is not the first time this year the pilots have downed tools.

They went on strike in January demanding to be paid their outstanding salaries and allowances.

They also embarked on another job boycott on March 22.

Source: http://talkzimbabwe.com

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MidAmerica Airport losing chances for international cargo flights

St. Claire County may lose $250,000 on MidAmerica Airport with a major deadline approaching.

Watch Video: http://www.kmov.com

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Canton, Ohio: Man charged with interfering with plane.

CANTON — A 24-year-old man faces felony charges of shining a laser light at aircraft after he was arrested by Stark County Sheriff’s deputies early Tuesday.

Richard J. Davis, who has home addresses listed in both Canton and Washington Township, according to Stark County Common Pleas Court records, was arrested at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of interfering with the operation of an aircraft with a laser.

A pilot with Ultimate Jet Charters said he was hit with a green laser beam Tuesday morning. The sheriff’s office report said Davis had been shining the light at passing cars, and the plane, between 12:50 and 1:22 a.m..

Davis was arrested in the 15000 block of Cenfield Street NE in Washington Township.

The charge, a second-degree felony, carries a 2- to 8-year prison term and fine of up to $15,000 on conviction.

Source: http://www.cantonrep.com

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St. Cloud Tries to Attract Airline.

The effort is underway to try and convince a new airline to serve St. Cloud. Delta pulled out in late 2009.

The city is applying for a $750,000 federal grant, local businesses have also pledged support to help draw an airline.

The new carrier would most likely not serve Minneapolis-St. Paul, but instead fly from St. Cloud to Chicago.

Source: http://kstp.com

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Piper Cherokee: Pair swim to safety after plane crashes. Stewart Island, New Zealand.

A pilot and his passenger were left floating on a wing after their plane hit the water at a remote part of Stewart Island yesterday afternoon.

The Rescue Co-ordination Centre received a distress call from a South East Air beacon at 2.45pm at Doughboy Bay, in the southwest corner of Stewart Island.

A spokesman said a helicopter and a plane were dispatched to the area and located the Piper Cherokee plane in 2m of water near the mouth of the bay.

The pilot and passenger were found on the beach near the scene of the accident.

Bill Moffatt, of South East Air, said the incident occurred immediately after the experienced Invercargill-based pilot attempted to take off from the sandy beach at low tide.

"It is pretty hard to speculate [about the cause] at this stage. The engine didn't stop or anything like that."

The Civil Aviation Authority would investigate the case of the incident, he said.

The pilot and his passenger were left standing on the wing of the floating plane, before "deciding whether they would get wet or not".

They both eventually decided to swim to the beach. They were wet and cold but unhurt.

"We probably won't charge [the passenger] now."

Mr Moffatt said he visited the site yesterday, where the wingtip of the plane was still visible, and assisted the helicopter with retrieving the plane.

It was too early to conclude if the $150,000 plane was a write-off, but confirmed it was insured.

"We are just happy everyone is fine, and it is a good outcome really."

Source:  http://www.odt.co.nz

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PRESS RELEASE: Biggin Hill Airport revised application rejected at Executive. (UK)

Published on 9 August 2011

The revised Biggin Hill Airport Limited (BHAL) request to vary the lease during Olympic Games period was rejected last night.

The Executive decision not to grant the application followed a discussion about the nature of the application itself and the business case surrounding it. BHAL approached the Council in its capacity as landlord of the airport.

"We listened very carefully to the case put before us and we were simply not convinced. We just do not believe that the benefits being spoken about were strong enough when compared to the adverse impact of additional flights. We continue to want to see a viable airport which is commercially successful. The Council originally purchased the airport to ensure that its airport use continues and to protect residents' interests. There are already significant business opportunities for the airport as the Olympics approaches and BHAL can take advantage of these within the context of the existing lease" said Leader of Bromley Council, Councillor Stephen Carr.

BHAL approached the Council in its capacity as landlord of the airport. BHAL, as the tenant, needs the Council's permission to change operating hours which are set out in the lease and operating schedules.

Following discussion of the revised BHAL proposal at Executive in June, the Council began consulting local residents and groups. The revised proposal was circulated widely, with details being sent either by e-mail or post to all the groups and individuals on the Biggin Hill consultation register. Details of the application were also published on the Council's website and in the local media. A total number of 1741 responses were received with 690 (40%) responses supporting the BHAL proposal and with 1046 (60%) responses against it.

The revised BHAL proposal included:

Easing the current restrictions applied to the shoulder opening hours which permit morning departures and evening arrivals for based aircraft on weekdays to allow arrivals from 0630 in the mornings and departures until 2200 in the evening. The number of movements between 0630 and 0700 would be restricted to a maximum of 3. This would make the proposed weekday operating hours 06.30 to 22.00 hours, changed from the existing 07.30 to 21.00 hours (excluding the shoulder hours for planes normally based at the airport).
 

The proposed weekend and bank holiday operating hours would be from 08.00 to 21.00 hours on Saturdays and 08.00 to 22.00 hours on Sundays and bank holidays, changed from the existing 09.00 to 20.00 hours. This would mean an extra hour in the mornings on all days, and one extra hour on Saturday evenings, two on Sunday and the August bank holiday evenings.

BHAL's proposals would operate from Friday 13 July to 19 August and from 28 August to 12 September, which encompasses both the Olympics and Paralympics. The volume of flights proposed would be within the existing limit in the lease.

Biggin Hill Airport is let to Biggin Hill Airport Limited (BHAL) for 125 years by a lease dated 6 May 1994. The use permitted by the lease is restricted to specific aviation uses including, in particular, business aviation. While hired air taxis do fall within that use, flights for the use of fare paying passengers are not permitted. The hours of operation of the airport are also restricted by the lease.

Source: http://www.bromley.gov.uk

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Denver International Airport using new equipment for airspace makeover.

DENVER -- Denver International Airport's aviation manager says the airport is one of a handful in the country beginning to work with technology to switch from a radar-based system of tracking planes to a more precise satellite system.

Kim Day told Colorado lawmakers in a briefing Tuesday that the new system will allow airplanes to safely fly closer together and increase traffic capacity.

Day says the new satellite system is part of a plan by the Federal Aviation Administration that is as much as 20 years away from full implementation. Part of the so-called airspace redesign will also rely on airplanes getting new computers installed to make landings easier.

Day says other airports starting to test the new technology include Los Angeles, Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Source: http://www.sacbee.com

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Hamilton Sundstrand to Make Parts for New Military Plane

Hamilton Sundstrand has put years of work have gone into making parts for a next generation military plane. The F-35 will soon be part of the Air Force, Navy, and Marines.

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Some workers at Hamilton Sundstrand have their work cut out for them.

Years of work have gone into making parts for a next generation military plane. The F-35 will soon be part of the Air Force, Navy, and Marines.

Click here to find out more!

Lockheed-Martin buys parts from Hamilton Sundstrand for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. They were visiting Rockford today showing what the plane can do using a flight simulator. The trip is to build even more support for the program from employers, taxpayers and congressmen.

Rep. Robert Schilling said, "It's expensive to have our freedoms and protect the U.S. so the big thing is that we have to appropriately spend money and I think something like this is putting us at the top. [This is] who we are and what we are about."

Hamilton Sundstrand manufactures electrical control systems--pumps and a variety of other parts for the plane. About 50 other suppliers in Illinois also make parts for the F-35.

Source: http://www.wifr.com

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Ontario: Aerotropolis experiencing turbulence. Airport plans appeal pushed to 2012.

The earliest date that an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing will be held to determine the future of the airport employment growth district (AEGD) is March 2012.

But before that happens, the city and two appellants agreed August 8 during an OMB pre-hearing at the downtown McMaster University Learning Centre to argue in October whether the planning approvals were valid to create the so-called aerotropolis.

Environment Hamilton and Flamborough resident Victor Veri appealed council’s October 2010 decision to approve the 830-hectare airport employment land’s secondary plan, arguing the entire process was flawed.

Veri said planning approvals were given, such as new parking restrictions, that will have an impact on the entire city of Hamilton and the public wasn’t aware of those changes.

Both are asking the Official Plan amendment and rezoning applications be dismissed for the development.

Solicitor Nancy Smith, who is representing the city at the OMB, said the appeals are beyond the jurisdiction of the government body.

“It’s going to the legality of the bylaw,” she said. “The board has no authority.”

OMB chair Jason Chee-Hing agreed to hear the legal issue on October 28.

Chee-Hing also agreed he will hear a settlement motion December 2 by the city, and possibly by some of the 16 parties that have appealed the aerotropolis decision.

Guy Paparella, director of airport and industrial land development said there is a possibility up to half of the parties could agreed to a settlement with the city. So far, he said three parties have approved of tentative settlements.

Paparella said Environment Hamilton, and Hamiltonians for Progressive Development, another opponent of the development, are not expected to agree to a settlement.

“The board encourages you to look at on-going discussions,” said Chee-Hing.

Another pre-hearing has been scheduled for December 9 at 10:30 a.m. to draft procedural orders, and to formalize an issues list. Smith said a proposed hearing could start in March next year.

“It depends upon how the matters are dealt with,” she said.

Other parties that agreed to take part in the OMB proceedings, included Craig Smith, a landowner on Smith Road, Dr. John Bacher, a researcher for the St. Catharines-based Preservation Agricultural Lands Society, Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, and the Living Ward Christian Fellowship.

The majority of the appellants are local property owners with specific objections to the planning regulations contained in the AEGD, city officials say.

City officials argue that by 2031, the AEGD will create 24,300 direct jobs, and 11,500 spin-off jobs, while creating $66 million in net tax revenue annually.

The infrastructure needed for the development, including sewers and roads, will cost about $353 million, with about $227 million identified for roads. Developers are expected to pay $114 million of the cost. Opponents of the project argue the true cost for the infrastructure is about $1 billion if you include the needed sewer and road improvements along Centennial Parkway.

The AEGD is identified as being bounded by Upper James to the east, Fiddler’s Green Road to the west, Garner Road to the north and Whitechurch Road to the south. The development will include prestige business, commercial and some industrial.

Councillors last fall approved in a 13-2 vote the planning recommendations after nearly six years of contentious debate.

Mayor Bob Bratina voted against the recommendation, arguing the politicians were approving a risky proposition.

“There is no absolutely no reason to take this decision today,” he said. “It is a wrongheaded move in so many ways. It’s a huge gamble.

Source: http://www.sachem.ca

The city’s proposed aerotropolis is still hovering on the edge of a full-blown Ontario Municipal Board hearing.

A pre-hearing was held Monday over the controversial plan to transform about 700 hectares of farmland near the Hamilton airport into an industrial and commercial business park.

The plan, approved by council last fall, is being appealed by 16 community groups, landowners and developers at the OMB.

Guy Paparella, the city’s project boss, said a potential settlement hearing is scheduled for Aug. 30.

It is possible some parties, although probably not all, will reach an agreement with the city to drop their appeals at that hearing, he said.

Additional pre-hearings are scheduled for Sept. 30, Dec. 2 and 9.

A full OMB hearing, if required, likely won’t happen before March, Paparella said.

Some of the parties appealing the so-called aerotropolis want the city to allow more residential land use around the airport.

Other appellants, like Environment Hamilton, argue the city is ignoring its own land-use policies, and those of the province, by giving valuable farmland to manufacturers that could set up shop within the city’s existing urban boundaries.

The Hamilton Spectator

Source:  http://www.thespec.com

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Air Canada to hire hundreds for new discount airline.

Air Canada plans to hire hundreds of flight attendants at a lower wage scale to help create a discount leisure airline, saying the new division must be competitive against tour operators.

The Montreal-based carrier’s proposals are contained in a letter of understanding signed with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 6,800 flight attendants at the “mainline,” Air Canada’s existing operations.

Flight attendants at the low-cost carrier would start at $22.99 an hour, according to the letter, which is attached to a 53-page tentative labour agreement reached on Aug. 1. CUPE leaders began providing details of the document to its members this week during union meetings in Toronto and Montreal.

It would take four years for new hires at the discount division to attain the highest wage level, listed at $36.03 an hour.

By contrast, Air Canada flight attendants started at $22.99 a hour in 2008, or the monthly equivalent of about $1,494 based on a formula for 65 hours of paid working time, the union said. On that mainline pay grid, the wage is $36.03 an hour after four years.

The top rate at the mainline is higher – $48.27 an hour after completing nine years of service under the now-expired labour contract, or the monthly equivalent of about $3,137. (Unionized service directors in charge of flight attendants are paid a premium.)

CUPE’s bargaining committee, which will also hold meetings this week in Calgary and Vancouver, is unanimously recommending acceptance of the five-year agreement and hopes to assuage concerns from some flight attendants about job security at the mainline.

“We feel that we did the very best job possible in preserving important benefits and working conditions,” the committee said in a four-page newsletter. Management’s plan to place new hires on defined-contribution pensions will go to arbitration.

Under the tentative pact, which would be retroactive to April 1, Air Canada flight attendants would receive wage hikes of 2 per cent in each of the first three years, and 3 per cent in each of the final two years.

The letter of understanding confirms Air Canada’s view that the launch of a low-cost carrier (LCC) is crucial to win a share of the leisure markets in North America and overseas, but stresses that “mainline cabin personnel shall not be forced to transfer to the LCC.”

The letter also says: “The mandate of the LCC will be limited to the market segment seeking low-cost air travel. The LCC is not intended to replace mainline routes the company considers to be financially viable.”

Air Canada recognizes “the union as the sole bargaining agent for all cabin personnel assigned to the LCC,” the letter adds.

The letter says that the budget airline needs flexible work rules to compete against tour operators, noting that “the working conditions applicable to cabin personnel assigned to the LCC shall be similar to those in place” at rivals. Competitors include Transat A.T. Inc., Sunwing Travel Group and WestJet Airlines Ltd.

Air Canada still needs to win approval for the discount division from the Air Canada Pilots Association, whose members rejected a tentative contract in May that would have established a lower wage scale for pilots at the budget carrier.

About 460 pilot jobs could be created at Air Canada’s low-cost division by 2015, plus new employment for up to 1,400 flight attendants, according to the carrier’s internal analysis.

Air Canada has experimented with discount carriers in the past, notably the Zip Air Inc. fleet. In 2004, just two years after its startup, Air Canada closed Zip, which had 12 Boeing 737s for short- and medium-haul domestic routes.

Stephen Smith, former chief executive officer at Zip, said in an interview Tuesday that Zip hired nearly 200 flight attendants – all from outside Air Canada. Zip attracted 100 pilots who transferred from the mainline because they were drawn by the prospect of more flying hours on the 737s, he said.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com

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RAW VIDEO: Man at Dulles airport performs S.S. Leibstandarte display. Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD), Washington, District of Columbia.

http://youtu.be/weuyzCEvI2o

by ufsparky on Jul 29, 2011

"Ordinarily I side with demonstrators and against the oppressive statist security/police forces, but this guy didn't seem to be making a statement. I have no idea what his motivation was for doing this. I have to assume he was mentally ill. Apparently he was saying, "S.S. Leibstandarte, Hitler's bodyguard regiment." He also says quite clearly, "I am not on any medication," when the agents ask him if he's on meds, and he says "Yes sir!" when they order him to come with them."

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Colin McRae 'to blame for copter accident that left four dead'.

A HELICOPTER crash which claimed the lives of Colin McRae, his young son and two family friends could have been prevented if the former rally champion had not flown the aircraft at high speed and low altitude, an inquiry has heard.

 The Crown Office has urged a sheriff to find McRae at fault for the fatal crash nearly four years ago, claiming he showed poor judgment while behind the controls of his Eurocopter Squirrel aircraft.

Official documents submitted by the Crown Office claim the most likely cause of the accident was the way the Scot piloted the £500,000 aircraft, arguing that the way it was positioned proved a "significant contributory factor".

In its final submissions to a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the tragedy, the Crown also called on the Civil Aviation Authority to consider introducing regulations requiring pilots to seek parental permission before flying with children.

The crash took place on 15 September, 2007, near McRae's home at Jerviswood, Lanark, turning his helicopter into a fireball after it struck trees.

The motorsports star, who was 39, died along with his son Johnny, five, and family friends Graeme Duncan, 37, and Ben Porcelli, six, whose parents did not know he was to be joining the flight.

However, the legal team for the McRae family insisted the cause of the accident could not be "positively determined," adding in its own written submissions that there had been no "obligation" for McRae to seek permission from Ben's parents before taking him on the ill-fated trip.

The FAI has now closed after the submissions were lodged with Lanark Sheriff Court, and Sheriff Nikola Stewart has retired to consider her determination.

Earlier this year, the inquiry, which began in January, played a dramatic video-camera recording of the doomed flight, which showed the helicopter engaging in a series of risky manoeuvres before it cut out 55 seconds prior to the crash.

In her written submissions, Kate Meikle, the fiscal depute who conducted the investigation on behalf of the Crown, said the accident could well have been avoided.

She wrote: "The accident resulting in the deaths was caused by a combination of the pilot engaging in low-level flying when an unknown occurrence took place which caused the aircraft to deviate from its intended flight path, causing said aircraft to crash.

"It is respectfully submitted, that from the evidence advanced during the course of the inquiry, the position of the helicopter in the valley played a significant contributory factor.

"Evidence was given that the helicopter was, at the time the crash occurred, in near level flight. This indicated that the pilot had recovered or was recovering from whatever unknown event occurred and if he had not been flying at that height and speed, there was a significant probability that the pilot would have been in a position to safely land the aircraft and evade the accident which caused the death."

Ms Meikle also asked Sheriff Stewart to find that Ben's death might have been avoided if McRae had sought the consent of the six-year-old's parents, pointing out that it would have been "reasonable" for such a precaution to have been taken, given the "spirited and low-level flying" which "increased the risk of an accident occurring".

The inquiry heard earlier in the year how the youngster's parents, Mark and Karen, had not known their son was going to be travelling on the helicopter.

Ms Meikle also urged the Civil Aviation Authority to consider introducing regulations requiring pilots to seek parental permission before flying with children.

However, papers lodged by McRae's legal team to Sheriff Stewart reasoned that there was no clear cause for the crash, and added that the rally icon had no duty to inform the Porcellis of the trip.

"The cause of the accident could not be positively determined," they stated.

"The reason that the aircraft was flying at the height that it was in the valley is not known. It is accepted that if the aircraft had been flying higher there is a possibility that the accident might have been avoided."

They went on: "It is accepted that Mr McRae did not obtain or request parental permission to take Ben flying in the helicopter."

But they added: "There is no evidence that if parental consent had been sought then it would not have been forthcoming.

"Whilst it may have been good practice for Mr McRae to have sought permission from Ben's parents before taking Ben in the helicopter, there was no obligation or express requirement on him to do so."

McRae's helicopter did not have a flight data recorder fitted, but both his family and the Crown have called for all private aircraft to be fitted with the devices, known as black boxes, to help determine the cause of accidents.

Source: http://www.scotsman.com

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Pacific Blue pilot elects trial by jury for 'late takeoff'

Judge gives last chance to 'arrogant' young man British man gets month's jail Pacific Blue pilot elects trial by jury for 'late takeoff' Jury told punch thrown but intent disputed by accused Husband guilty of assault Stop giving finger or else: judge $300 offer 'an insult' Scott Guy case delayed More offending by thief may be uncovered Man loses appeal

The Pacific Blue pilot who denied breaching civil aviation rules during a late takeoff from Queenstown Airport has elected trial by jury.

The 52-year-old Papakura airline pilot, who was granted interim name suppression, appeared before Judge Dominic Flatley in the Queenstown District Court yesterday.

In June, the pilot's lawyer entered not guilty pleas to charges of operating a Boeing 737 in a careless manner that caused unnecessary danger to persons, passengers and crew and operating an aircraft in a careless manner.

The Civil Aviation Authority laid the charges against the pilot after a Sydney-bound flight departed Queenstown at dusk on June 22 last year.

Queenstown Airport is surrounded by mountainous terrain and the airline's rules say aircraft must not take off with less than 30 minutes of twilight.

The airline and the flight's first officer were not charged.

Lawyer Phena Byrne, appearing on instructions, said the charge of causing unnecessary danger was electable and her client wished to elect trial by jury.

Crown prosecutor Michael Morris said the summarily laid careless manner charge would run alongside the indictable charge.

Judge Flatley granted an order for interim name suppression and remanded the defendant to a post-committal conference on October 7 in Queenstown.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz

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During Bangor, Maine, refueling wing visit, Governor LePage calls for cuts ‘until it hurts’

BANGOR, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage said the recent events in Washington related to the nation’s borrowing ability serves as a perfect reminder for why Maine needs to continue looking for ways to cut spending.

“We’ve been saying it for two years now that you can’t spend what you don’t have and it’s coming to roost,” LePage said Tuesday at the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor.

LePage and his wife, Ann, spent Tuesday morning aboard a KC-135 conducting a refueling mission to several F-16s based in Vermont. Once the two-hour mission was over and the massive gray plane landed safely on the tarmac in Bangor, the governor spoke with media members about the experience and about recent events.

Read More: http://bangordailynews.com

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GREAT READ! Plane crash survivors live to tell harrowing tale. C-185 Floatplane, Forced Landing. Cook Inlet, Alaska.

BY ZAZ HOLLANDER

For the Frontiersman

Published on Thursday, August 4, 2011

MAT-SU — As soon as the floatplane’s engine dropped from a roar to an idle 3,000 feet over Cook Inlet, everyone in the Cessna 185 knew something was very wrong.

Nobody said a word.

Nobody panicked.

The plane began dropping out of the sky.

Pilot Scott Johannes set to work looking for what had suddenly gone so wrong with the fuel system: valves, pumps, controls, breakers — the aviator’s checklist when the power cuts out.

“I immediately realized it was something serious. I looked — we were 20 miles off the coastline and four to five miles the other way. I just immediately turned the plane toward Kalgin Island,” said Johannes, a 48-year-old from Wasilla.

In fewer than five minutes, Johannes would have to bring the plane down in wind-chopped, six-foot seas and hope for the best.

Johannes, a vice president with Criterion General Inc., helped build the AT&T Sports Center on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. His wife, Karis, 48, is a popular soccer coach there. She sat in the back of the plane the day of the crash, July 24.

Read More: http://www.frontiersman.com

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American Airlines Flight 734 makes emergency landing after severe turbulence.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates:  http://www.wjla.com

An American Airlines flight bound for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Miami made an emergency landing Tuesday after at least three people were injured during severe turbulence.

American Airlines Flight 734 landed in Charleston, S.C. at about 4:20 p.m. after it encountered bad turbulence over north Florida. 152 passengers and six crew members were on board.

Passengers were taken off the aircraft in Charleston, where it was met by EMS units on the runway. They were loaded onto another plane, which is scheduled to arrive at Reagan just before 7 p.m.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates:  http://www.wjla.com

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United States Seeks Ways for LightSquared, GPS to Coexist, FCC Says

Regulators are trying to find ways for Philip Falcone’s LightSquared wireless service to co-exist with global-positioning system users who have complained of potential interference, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski said.

“We’re not going to do anything that creates problems for GPS safety and service as we explore technical solutions that will both protect GPS and allow a new service to launch,” Genachowski said at a news conference today after the agency’s monthly meeting in Washington.

The FCC is considering whether to grant final approval to LightSquared, which plans a wholesale network for 260 million subscribers using airwaves previously reserved mainly for satellites. Makers and users of GPS devices, which use satellite signals, say LightSquared would disrupt navigation equipment on aircraft, boats, tractors and automobiles.

The agency is conducting “an engineering, fact-based process,” Genachowski said.

The FCC is taking comments until Aug. 15 on LightSquared’s proposal to lessen interference by initially limiting operations to part of its allocated airwaves. The agency hasn’t set a deadline for its decision, and is considering whether more testing may be needed, Julius Knapp, chief of the agency’s technology office, said in a briefing for reporters today.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com

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