Virgin Blue Expands CFM56-7B-powered 737 Fleet with New Order for 50 Airplanes
April 16, 2010
CINCINNATI, Ohio — 5 April 2010 — Australian domestic carrier Virgin Blue has placed a firm order for 50 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737 airplanes as part of a new fleet agreement comprising 50 Next-Generation aircraft, with a further 25 option aircraft, as well as securing 30 additional future purchase rights. The firm engine order is valued at approximately $700 million U.S. at list price.
Virgin Blue, which already has a fleet of 83 aircraft, has been a CFM customer since its official launch in August 2000. The airline is scheduled to begin taking delivery of the new aircraft in mid-2011, and all the CFM56-7B engines will be the CFM56-7BE configuration.
The CFM56-7BE-powered Next-Generation 737 enhanced airplane/engine combination will provide a 2 percent improvement in fuel consumption, which, in turn, equates to a 2 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, the enhanced -7B will provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs, depending on the thrust rating.
The CFM56-7BE engine enhancement program was launched in April 2010 with fleet introduction designed to coincide with Boeing Next-Generation 737 airframe improvements
CFM is using advanced computer codes and three-dimensional design techniques to improve airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines to improve engine performance. In addition, CFM is improving engine durability and reducing parts count to achieve lower maintenance costs.
CFM is a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran Group) and General Electric Company. CFM is the world’s leading manufacturing of commercial aircraft engines and has produced more than 20,250 engines to date.
Texas Aviation Appoints Latin Representative
April 16, 2010
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 1, 2010 — Texas Aviation Services (TAS), a leader for over 39 years in helicopter and aircraft services, announced today the addition of Ms. Maria Isabel Perdomo to the marketing and sales team.
Maria Isabel Perdomo has accepted the position of Independent Representative for Texas Aviation Services, Inc. and will be based in the country of Colombia. Maria has decades of civil and military experience in the aviation sector and most recently worked for Northrop Grumman – Nightline, Inc. In addition, Maria has held key management positions in human resources, wholesale aviation fuel, training and instruction, and marketing. Her primary focus upon joining the team will be business development for new rotor-wing completions and maintenance support with additional focus on Engineering and kit sales for sister companies: RSG AeroDesign and Integrated Flight Systems. Maria brings with her strong market intelligence, excellent customer relations, and an understanding of first-class aviation services.
TAS plans to expand its in-depth experience and market presence throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. With the addition of Maria to the marketing and sales team, The Rotorcraft Services Group will have an onsite representative in Latin America to work with clientele face to face.
Certification Testing Underway for GE Aviation’s H80 Turboprop Engine
April 16, 2010
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – March 30, 2010 – The first H80 turboprop engine began its certification testing on March 8 in a test cell at the GE Aviation Czech facility in Prague in the Czech Republic.
“The first H80 engine to test met or exceeded all power ratings in multiple runs,” said Paul Theofan, president and managing executive of GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Aviation. “Certification testing will continue this spring with endurance testing starting next month and EASA type certification anticipated this summer.”
The H80 turboprop engine will produce up to 800 shaft horsepower (shp) and power business and general aviation, utility and agriculture aircraft. A total of five development engines will take part in certification testing. Component, aeromechanical and performance testing of the H80 engine have been underway for several months. A hot section demo engine has accumulated more than 4,500 cycles of flawless performance.
By combining the elegant, robust design of the M601 engine with GE’s 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials, the H80 engine is a more powerful, fuel-efficient, durable turboprop engine with no calendar limit and no hot section inspection. The H80 engine will also feature an extended service life of 3,600 flight-hours and 6,600 cycles between overhauls, significantly enhanced hot-day takeoff performance and high-altitude cruise speeds. The H80 will provide the option of a single or dual acting governor, allowing customers to select their propeller.
The H80 engine will enter service on the Thrush 510 this summer. The engine will be the first of the new H80 engine series family.
Colombia ideal for investment
April 16, 2010
Speaking as he received the “Entrepreneur of the year” award from President Uribe from Colombia’s business publication La Republica, Efromovich stated: “The country’s results in its political safety and regulatory rules of the game, have created a record in debt payments and sustainable economy ahead of the region”. His Synergy Group, which includes Avianca, Tampa, Ocean Air, Aerogal and the Alliance with TACA is aiming to become the largest airline group in Latin America. Efromovich also announced new investments for a total of $8 billion in Colombia through 2014.
Pilatus Partnership with PZL Swidnik S.A.
April 16, 2010
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is pleased to announce its partnership with PZL Swidnik S.A.
for the assembly of PC-12 fuselage and wing cells.
Following in-depth and extremely detailed assessments of various suppliers,
Pilatus is confident that PZL Swidnik S.A. will prove to be a partner capable of
meeting the highest standards of quality, and one with the requisite experience
and certifications in the aviation industry.
Located in the Lublin region to the south-east of Warsaw, PZL Swidnik S.A. of
Swidnik was recently acquired by AgustaWestland, the air transport Group. The
contract between Pilatus and PZL Swidnik S.A. has been signed for a ten year
period, and provides for delivery of the first complete PC-12 structures during
the second half of 2011. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd will continue to produce detail parts
in Stans, and these will be made available to PZL Swidnik S.A. for assembly
work.
The PC-12 positions Pilatus Aircraft Ltd as the market leader in the singleengine
turboprop aircraft segment. With a view to safeguarding and further
expanding PC-12 production rates in the future, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has been
seeking another partner in addition to the existing relationship with OGMA –
Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal. The long and excellent partnership of many
years with OGMA will continue on its present basis.
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd looks forward to working with PZL Swidnik S.A. and is
confident of having found a strong and reliable partner for the future.
Eurocopter firma nuevos contratos por 7 helicópteros en FIDAE 2010 y recibe la certificación para su centro de formación regional
April 16, 2010
Santiago, 25 de marzo de 2010
Eurocopter Chile y Eurocopter Cono Sur, filial de Eurocopter, líder mundial en la fabricación
de helicópteros, han anunciado durante FIDAE 2010 la firma de nuevos contratos de
adquisición para 7 helicópteros y la entrega de 5 aparatos para varios operadores, para
públicos y privados, de Argentina y Chile. Además, ha sido certificado oficialmente por la
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Chile (DGCA), el centro de formación de pilotos y
personal técnico de Eurocopter para el Cono Sur. Es el único centro de formación autorizado
de Eurocopter en el Cono Sur de América Latina.
En el transcurso de FIDAE 2010, Eurocopter Chile y Eurocopter Cono Sur han firmado contratos
con distintos operadores para público y privados de Argentina: La Provincia de Córdoba por un EC
135 para transporte de pasajeros y misiones de rescate y un AS350 B3, la Provincia de la Rioja por
un AS350 B3 para operaciones de rescate y lucha contra incendios, la Policía Federal de Argentina
(PFA) por 1 EC 135 para operaciones policiales, la Provincia de Misiones por un EC130 B4 para
misiones de rescate y transporte de pasajeros y un EC120 para un cliente privado. Por su parte,
Eurocopter Chile firmo un contrato por un AS350 B3 adicional para operaciones comerciales.
Además, 4 AS350 B3 para patrulla fronteriza y misiones de control de tráfico fueron entregados a la
Gendarmería Nacional de Argentina (GNA) y un EC135 para misiones policiales a la PFA.
Por otra parte, se ha anunciado la certificación oficial del centro de formación de pilotos y personal
técnico de Eurocopter Chile por la Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil del país.
Henri Pesquidous, CEO de Eurocopter Chile y Eurocopter Cono Sur, ha declarado:” Estamos
especialmente orgullosos de recibir la certificación oficial de la Dirección General de Aeronáutica
Civil de Chile para nuestro centro de formación. Es una muestra de la confianza depositada por la
DGAC en las capacidades de Eurocopter para responder a las necesidades de sus clientes en
términos de formación”.
Entre los cursos de piloto que se imparten en este centro, se encuentra la formación inicial y
permanente de los helicópteros EC120, AS350 B3, AS355 NP, EC130 B4 así como cursos de
procedimientos de emergencia. El personal técnico recibe formación inicial y permanente de los
helicópteros EC120, AS350 B3, AS355 NP, EC130 B4, BK117 y BO105. 26 pilotos y 58 técnicos
fueron formados en nuestro centro en 2009.
El centro de formación está equipado con las últimas herramientas de instrucción disponibles, como
el Software Interactivo CAI, y las ventajas de la experiencia de unos instructores altamente
cualificados tanto para la formación de los pilotos como para el personal técnico. Nuestros clientes
tienen la posibilidad de recibir clases en nuestras instalaciones en Chile o en cualquier centro de
formación de Eurocopter en el mundo, bajo un sistema de créditos de cursos.
INNOCON’S MICRO-FALCON UAV HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL WITH CONTROP’S NEW STAMP PAYLOAD ONBOARD
April 16, 2010
Micro Falcon’s test-flight proven day or night capability, utilizes the same Controp camera payload selected by the IDF for its Sky Rider program
Israel, March 25, 2010…Innocon, designing and manufacturing a wide range of innovative and unique UAVs, announced successful conclusion of flight tests for its lightest UAV, Micro Falcon, featuring STAMP day or night stabilized camera payloads onboard. A Controp Precision Technologies product, STAMP (Stabilized Miniature Payload) systems have been selected by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) for its Sky Rider program.
With a high quality day and night vision capability, Innocon’s Micro Falcon has now proven its flexibility in carrying both less expensive lightweight payloads as well as the heavier payload required for day/night applications. Before this successful conclusion to the new payload tests, Micro Falcon was already recognized as a remarkable UAV featuring Bental’s MicroBat stabilized payload onboard. With Controp’s STAMP, Innocon has now been able to increase Micro Falcon’s payload carrying capacity to 1Kg thereby demonstrating a substantially increased versatility for its ultra lightweight UAVs. The tests were conducted with Controp’s payloads of D-STAMP type for day vision, and U-STAMP for night vision.
Innocon’s lightest UAV at 6kg, Micro Falcon was designed for soldier level missions of over the hill observation. Along with the company’s other UAVs, Micro Falcon features Innocon’s Naviator Flight Computer which is responsible for all flight aspects including take off and landing. Naviator frees operators to concentrate on payload tasks exclusively thereby optimizing mission success. Operating at an altitude of 1000 feet the UAV can stay airborne for 2 hours day or night. Remarkably rugged, with boxed type wings, Micro Falcon can land upside down using a parachute for increased survivability and reduced redeployment turn-around times.
CONTROP Precision Technologies is a world leader in stabilized camera payloads. Its STAMP systems have been selected as the EO/IR payloads for one of the IDF’s most important strategic mini UAV programs Sky Rider. Designed to be carried by a miniature UAV for tactical over-the-hill day/night reconnaissance missions, STAMP includes D-STAMP with a CCD camera for daylight applications and U-STAMP with an uncooled IR camera for night applications. These gyro-stabilized, user friendly miniature payloads boast a stabilized image of unmatched quality on lightweight gimbals weighing up to 990 grams.
BLR Aerospace Winglets Earn ANAC Certification for Installation on Brazilian King Air 90s
April 16, 2010
EVERETT, Wash., March 25, 2010 — BLR Aerospace has received Brazilian Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) approval for its King Air 90 Winglet Systems. The approval comes on the heels of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification achieved earlier this month.
Brazilian operators of King Air 90s may now significantly increase aircraft performance and cost savings by installing Winglet Systems. Deliveries will begin immediately, according to Dave Marone, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the company.
The initial certification will apply to all King Air C90As, C90GTs and C90GTis. Follow-on certifications will expand coverage to earlier C90s and C90Es.
Already certified and installed on King Air 200s, 200GTs, and 300s, Winglet Systems deliver impressive improvements in stability, cruise speed, and rate of climb. Some 200 Systems have been delivered to date. Additionally, Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) offers a Beechcraft King Air 90x upgrade package, including BLR Aerospace winglets, to enhance handling and performance for King Air C90GTi aircraft. The HBS upgrade package also includes a gross weight increase to 10,485 pounds.
Operators are increasingly interested in the financial benefits of Winglet installation, Marone said. “With rising fuel prices and economic pressures, Winglets are a solid financial decision,” he said. “Customers benefit from immediate increases in asset value and ongoing reductions in direct operating costs.” For example:
In some areas of the world, tax codes make it possible to profit from the installation of Winglets. Operators should speak with their accountants for details.
King Air 200 Winglet operators will realize a 100 percent return on investment — data documented in the Aircraft Blue Book. King Air 90 operators can expect similar returns.
Depending on mission profile, Winglets can reduce fuel consumption by more than 5%.
In terms of performance, Winglets deliver increased range, cruise fuel savings of approximately 5% and time to climb reduction to flight level 250 in excess of 10%. Additional benefits include reduced drag and improved handling qualities. The performance improvements are a direct result of an increase in effective wingspan and associated increase in aspect ratio combined with the beneficial impact of the Winglet acting as a physical pressure barrier, conserving valuable lift. Winglets are available from a worldwide dealer network, including many HBS authorized locations.
Avidyne EX600 RECEIVES BRAZIL/ANAC STC APPROVAL
April 16, 2010
ANAC approval makes EX600, with innovative QuickPan™ Map Panning,
CMax™ Approach Charts, and Worldwide Airport Diagrams, uniquely suited
for Brazilian helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operations.
Lincoln, MA. – March 25, 2010–– Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight decks, displays, and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced they have received an Approved Model List – Supplemental Type Certification (AML-STC) approval from the Agência Nacional De Aviação Civil –Brasil (ANAC) for their recently-introduced EX600 Multi-Function Display (MFD). This AML-STC authorizes Brazilian installation of the EX600 MFD, and is applicable for more than 350 Part 23 Class I, II, and III aircraft makes and models.
“Brazil is proving to be a growth market for Avidyne, and this ANAC certification allows helicopter and fixed-wing operators in the region to have access to the most capable MFD available,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer.
“With 20 different radar interfaces, worldwide approach charts and map panning capability, the EX600 is our most capable MFD yet,” said Rob Higby, Avidyne’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. “Our recent addition of the RDR1400 radar interface, along with DO-160E Helicopter vibration approval and its easy-to-use pilot interface, make the EX600 even more attractive for the high concentration of helicopter operators in the region.”
Bell Names New Leader of Commercial Business
April 16, 2010
FORT WORTH, Texas (March 24, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the appointment of Larry D. Roberts as senior vice president, Commercial Business, responsible for the sales, marketing and program development of Bell’s line of proven, reliable, commercial helicopters.
“Larry is a dynamic leader with unparalleled expertise in the commercial helicopter market,” said Bell President and CEO John L. Garrison. “He’s clearly been a force in shaping the helicopter market and we’re proud to have him join the Bell team. I’m confident that, with his experience and commitment to the industry, he will enhance Bell’s ability to exceed the expectations of our commercial customers throughout the world.”
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Roberts will report to Garrison and oversee Bell’s international Sales and Marketing organization and its Commercial Programs organization, which manages development of current, new and upgraded commercial helicopters. He joins Bell from American Eurocopter, where he served as vice president of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. He simultaneously served as director of U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Development for EADS North America, the parent of American Eurocopter.
Prior to joining that company in 1997, Roberts had served as captain of criminal investigations for the Citrus County, Fla. Sheriff’s Department from August 1996 to October 1997 and as patrolman and watch commander with the Gainesville, Fla. Police Department for the preceding 13 years. He was a founding member of the Gainesville Police helicopter unit, which provided air support for ground operations of both agencies.
Roberts holds U.S. FAA licenses and ratings as a single- and twin-engine commercial pilot and rotorcraft instructor. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Florida.
<Comentarios de Elenita
 |
Estimados lectores:
La historia que sigue es sobre una carrera aérea que se realiza la semana entrante. O sea, que se enterarán del resultado después de leer este artículo. Todos... Read more » |
 |
|
 | ||
