Mexico’s Volaris continues to expand to the United States
September 23, 2009
The Mexican LCC has launched a daily nonstop flight between Tijuana and Oakland. According to Enrique Beltranena, CEO of the successful airline, this is part of the overall plan to expand service to the United States in preparation for its code sharing agreement with Southwest which will be launched in the first half of 2010.
Cessna Finance Corporation Offers New Finance Options
September 23, 2009
WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 23, 2009 Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its sister company, Cessna Finance Corporation (CFC), has initiated a new finance program with lower rates available for Cessna’s single-engine piston and Caravan aircraft purchased in 2009.
“We are finding many people are ready to buy a new aircraft but are unsure about where to finance the purchase, so CFC initiated this program to ease their concern with a smoother process and lower rates,” said John Doman, vice president, Worldwide Propeller Aircraft Sales.
“And since many of these aircraft are used for business, they may also qualify in the United States for accelerated depreciation, an option of the 2009 Federal stimulus package that is set to expire this year,” Doman said. “It really is an excellent time to buy a new Cessna.”
The CFC program offers new rates for the entire Cessna line of propeller aircraft: the Cessna 172, 182 and 206 high-wing pistons, the Corvalis and Corvalis TT high-performance pistons, and the 208/208B Caravan/Grand Caravan turboprops.
New Platform Approach System Offers Enhanced Safety, Reduced Pilot Workload in Sikorsky S-92® Helicopters
September 23, 2009
DUXFORD, England, Sept. 23, 2009 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the introduction of a new functionality offered on the S-92® helicopter to provide offshore oil operators with an automated approach that reduces cockpit workload and allows safer operations under challenging weather and operating conditions. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
The new platform-finding system provides a fully coupled and automated approach capability with a higher safety margin than currently is available with any other offshore approach procedure. Sikorsky introduced the new system during a press briefing at Helitech.
“Depending on the weather, landing a helicopter on an oil platform can be challenging,” said Ron Doeppner, project pilot on the S-92 helicopter program. “With the platform-finding system, the pilot programs the approach into the autopilot and the aircraft flies the approach. This allows the pilots to spend less time concentrating inside the cockpit and more time looking outside for visual cues. This feature is especially valuable in night and low visibility conditions, adding an extra element of operational safety.”
The system will allow the helicopter to land and take off in more weather conditions, maximizing flight availability and revenue potential.
“Sikorsky developed this feature with the encouragement of key S-92 helicopter customers and regulatory agencies looking to leverage precision navigation capabilities found in WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) and other national infrastructure investments,” said Tom Rychlik, Program Manager for the S-92 helicopter program. “It fulfills the promise of precision approach to offshore oil platforms utilizing the latest navigation technology and helicopter flight control systems engineering.”
With the current offshore approach procedure, at least 14 pilot actions are required to initiate an approach to an oil platform. The new software reduces that number to seven, all of which are conducted prior to departure or during cruise.
The system will be retrofitted to all existing S-92 helicopters in operation and can be ordered as an option on future deliveries.
“At PHI, we have the capacity to fly well over 1,000 passengers per day in our S-92 helicopter fleet,” said Pat Attaway, PHI Operations Manager. “Obviously, we want the best systems possible to fly our passengers. We expect the automated approach system in development by Sikorsky to meet that standard.”
Sikorsky is currently flight testing the system at its Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, and plans to have FAA certification by the end of 2009.
The S-92 helicopter is the first helicopter in its class certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to the most rigorous standards. The aircraft also is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency to its stringent safety standards. About 100 S-92 helicopters have been produced to date, and the worldwide operating fleet has accumulated more than 169,500 flight hours. The aircraft perform a variety of missions including search and rescue off the U.K. coast, and Head of State transport for the leaders of several nations. The S-92 helicopter also has become the helicopter of choice for transporting oil workers to offshore platforms.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Sikorsky Aircraft Unveils Enhancements for S-92® Helicopter and Updates Progress of S-76D™ Helicopter Program
September 23, 2009
DUXFORD, England, Sept. 23, 2009 –Increased maximum gross weight capability and advancements in automation for offshore navigation are among the enhancements Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has planned in the near future for its S-92® helicopter, the company announced today at the biannual Helitech exhibition. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
Marc Poland, Vice President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters, delivered a press briefing to outline Sikorsky’s plans for its commercial helicopter programs, which include the S-434™, S-300C™, S-92, H-92™ and S-76® helicopters.
Among the key improvements being planned for the S-92 helicopter are:
Increased maximum gross weight from 26,500 pounds to above 27,000 pounds
Improvements to the durability of the main gear box
Limited icing certification
A fully coupled and automated approach capability that will allow pilots to approach offshore platforms with greater safety and lower minimums.
“Sikorsky remains committed to improving reliability and operability, and these enhancements for the S-92 helicopter are the result of that commitment,” Poland said. “We continue to grow our products with a focus on customer satisfaction, safety and dedication to the innovative philosophy that has been the hallmark of Sikorsky Aircraft.”
Poland said further improvements to the Rotor Ice Protection System have been deployed and are the result of steady work on the system since the 2009 icing season. “We have worked hard to significantly improve the reliability and maintainability of all RIPS components and sub-systems,” he said.
Sikorsky’s S-76D helicopter, the next generation model in the S-76 helicopter series, also is continuing its flight envelope expansion, with more than 40 flight hours logged. Among the S-76D helicopter’s features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada 210S engines; a quiet mode for enhanced public acceptance; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability. The S-76D helicopter also will offer an increase in useful load and extended range performance versus the S-76C+™ and S-76C++™ aircraft currently fielded.
Other highlights noted by Poland:
The S-76D prototype D1 is in active flight test with prototype D2 in final check-out, preparing for flight in October. Build-up of a third prototype is under way at Sikorsky Global Helicopters’ Coatesville, Penn., facility, with anticipated delivery to the flight test center in Q4.
The S-434 helicopter produced by the Light Helicopter division of Sikorsky Global Helicopters is flying and pursuing FAA certification
The first production CH-148 helicopter, being developed for Canada’s Maritime Helicopter Program, is flying and scheduled to begin sea trials later this year
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Revista Aerea Agosto/Septiembre 2009
September 17, 2009
ABSOLUTE FIRE DELIVERS NEW TRACKING TECHNOLOGY TO HELICORP
September 16, 2009
CALGARY, CA, September 16, 2009 –
Helicorp Pty Ltd (Helicorp) of Melbourne, Australia is the first client to purchase new FASTTrack technology, which will record and transmit bucket and tank activity on its Bell 212 helicopters. This new technology is designed and manufactured by Absolute Fire Solutions (AFS) of Calgary, Canada. FASTTrack has the capability to measure, record and transmit in near real time, the quantity of water, retardant, or foam loaded and delivered to a particular location during fire fighting operations. Once data has been recorded, FASTTrack has the ability to transmit information over SATCOM and AFF systems, and display the data for near real-time data viewing.
Forestry and fire management agencies have been moving toward this type of data collection as a means to accurately measure aerial fire suppression effectiveness, and to conduct cost comparisons among complex wildland fires. This new capability is the result of a three year development project by AFS, and is now available to operators worldwide.
Expanding on a 20 year history of innovation and safety in aerial fire suppression, Helicorp is a leading provider of heli-firefighting services for Australian Federal and State Governments. Helicorp will use FASTTrack to record key drop information from both AFS’s powerful FAST Buckets, and from its Simplex Fire Attack belly tanks.
Mark Robertson, General Manager of Helicorp, comments, “FASTTrack technology offers valuable post-action data and will help our fire agency clients assess productivity and costs more accurately. It also places Helicorp in the forefront of operators working with the agencies to collect and display this data in the coming months and years. We look forward to implementing this new tool to assist fire agencies in increasing productivity and cost-effective use of both buckets and belly tank equipment on fires.”
Of the sale Steve Matthews, CEO of Absolute Fire Solutions, comments, “We began the project with the goal of being able to show how much more productive the cockpit volume-controlled FAST Bucket was compared to conventional cinched buckets. We soon realized that the software and hardware could be adapted for tanks as well as our buckets. Helicorp’s innovative attitude and Simplex’s technical expertise have helped us develop the first comprehensive hardware solution which provides both bucket and tank data to operators and fire agencies worldwide.”
Absolute Fire Solutions (AFS) of Calgary, Canada, manufactures the FAST bucket, the world’s first fire-fighting bucket integrating cockpit volume control in every size. In its third year of operation, AFS has clients in 16 countries operating the full range of FAST buckets and accessories, including FASTFill, FASTFoam and now FASTTrack. The introduction of FASTTrack continues AFS’s aggressive innovation in aerial fire suppression equipment.
Latitude Technologies to exhibit at Helitech, September 22-24, 2009
September 16, 2009
Latitude Technologies of Victoria British Columbia announced today that it
will exhibit at the upcoming Helitech conference in Duxford, UK, September
22, 23 and 24th. On display will be a full range of satcom products and
services offered by Latitude including the SkyNode S100 and S200 products as
well as the new Latitude/Technisonic S200-SG11 Satellite Gateway.
“Helitech has proven to be a productive show for us in the past” says Mark
Insley, President of Latitude, “Duxford Air Museum is an excellent venue
allowing us an opportunity to meet our European customers face to face in
one location”.
Please visit Latitude Technologies in Booth 706 during show hours.
Russian Flight Training Program Orders 12 Cessna Skyhawks
September 16, 2009
MOSCOW, Sept. 16, 2009 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the Jet Expo business aviation exhibit an agreement with Saint-Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation for 12 new Cessna 172S Skyhawks to be used for flight training.
SPSUCA is a federal, state-owned higher education institution in St. Petersburg whose history dates back to 1909. At any given time, there are about 7,500 students enrolled from 25 countries studying all areas of aviation. The 12 Skyhawks are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year and will be the first western-built aircraft to be used in the school’s flight training program. The order was facilitated by Prop Transfer, Cessna’s Sales Team Authorized Representative based in Moscow.
“This is a significant order for Cessna and for the school. This is our first government fleet sale in Russia, and we are confident the pilots at the university will benefit from learning in an aircraft equipped with the latest avionics technology and known for its safety, reliability and predictable flight characteristics. A fleet of brand new Skyhawks combined with the university’s long history of education excellence will distinguish SPSUCA around the world,” said Pana Poulios, Cessna’s European sales manager for propeller aircraft.
The Skyhawk has become the best-selling, most-flown airplane in the world with more than 43,000 delivered.
Cessna Citation Mustang Achieves Russian Certification
September 16, 2009
MOSCOW, Sept. 16, 2009 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has received Russian type certification for the Citation Mustang from Russia’s MAK (Interstate Aviation Committee, Aviation Register).
The Citation Mustang is now certified in 60 countries including the United States. Cessna has delivered more than 200 Mustangs from the company’s Independence, Kan., facility since April 2007.
“The Citation Mustang expands the sensible solutions any potential Russian purchaser will find with our line of Citation business jets, and the aircraft is proving to be as reliable and robust as other Citations,” said Cessna Vice President, International Sales, Trevor Esling. “The Mustang’s entry into service has been extraordinary around the globe and interest from the market continues to grow, including a fleet order announced in 2008 from a Russian operator.”
MAK previously certified five current production models: the Citation X, Sovereign, CJ3, CJ2+ and CJ1+.
The six-place Citation Mustang has a top speed of 340 knots (630 kilometers per hour), a range of 1,150 nautical miles (2,130 kilometers) with NBAA IFR Reserves and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet (12,497 meters), enabling more efficient operations above most weather and commercial traffic. The aircraft features a Garmin G1000 system that includes Synthetic Vision Technology, two 10-inch primary flight displays, one 15-inch multi-function display and the integrated GFC700 dual-channel, digital autopilot.
First Upgraded British Army Lynx Flies With New Engines
September 16, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the successful first flight of the British Army’s first Lynx AH Mk.9A fitted with more powerful CTS800 engines, just 10 months after contract award. The maiden flight, lasting 60 minutes, took place today at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility with the aircraft handling as expected.
Graham Cole, Managing Director, AgustaWestland, said after the flight “I am delighted that the first flight has been achieved in such a short period after contract award. The rapid progress we have been able to make on this programme highlights the benefits of partnering, under the framework of the Strategic Partnering Arrangement, which will see these aircraft being back on the front line supporting our troops in the shortest possible time.”
The first four of the 12 aircraft will be delivered in late 2009 and the remaining eight will be delivered in 2010. The CTS800-4N engines and associated equipment are being pulled forward from the AW159 Lynx Wildcat programme. The new engines produce 37% more power than the current Gem engines that are fitted to the Lynx AH Mk.9 giving the aircraft a significant increase in power which will allow the aircraft to operate in extreme hot and high conditions at high weights.
In December 2008 the UK Ministry of Defence signed a contract with AgustaWestland to pull forward AW159 Lynx Wildcat programme technologies to provide a rapid upgrade for 12 British Army Lynx AH Mk.9 aircraft with CTS800-4N engines to significantly improve the performance of these aircraft in hot and high operating conditions, such as those found in Afghanistan.
Under this Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) contract AgustaWestland commenced work even before contract award to ensure the programme could be completed as rapidly as possible. A written-off airframe supplied by the Ministry of Defence was used to trial the installation and changes required to the top deck structure of the aircraft, as a risk reduction exercise. Similarly AgustaWestland’s Super Lynx 300 demonstrator aircraft has been used to perform a range of trials in support of the programme to speed up the qualification process prior to entry into service.
The Lynx AH Mk.9A upgrade comprises the installation of CTS800-4N engines which require modifications to be carried out to the main gear box, top deck structure and rear fuselage. Additionally changes are carried out in the cockpit where the new engine controls and digital displays are installed.
AgustaWestland is also providing a comprehensive support for the Lynx AH Mk.9A aircraft including an initial spares package, integrated electronic technical publications and training. The training package includes training for aircraft and avionic technicians as well as aircrew and will be completed by the end of November 2009.
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