NewsCommercial
Boeing rolls out first United 787-9
The first Boeing 787-9 bound for United Airlines rolled out of the factory in Everett, Washington, on 8 April. The aircraft will be one of five participating in the flight test program for the 787-9. Chicago-based United plans to take delivery of the aircraft in July with domestic proving flights beginning in September or October. International service between Los Angeles and Melbourne, Australia, will start on 26 October.
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Two More Pings Detected In Search For MH370
Australian officials said on Wednesday that two new ping signals had been detected in the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, injecting fresh confidence into the search that had been struggling with a lack of information. The signals, which could be from the plane's black box recorders, bring to four the number of overall ping signals detected in recent days within the search area by a Towed Pinger Locator. Angus Houston, head of the Australian agency coordinating the search, struck an optimistic tone when announcing the information, but urged caution as the task of searching the remote Indian Ocean region remained enormous.
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WW1 Artillery Shells Found in Chicago Airport Bags
Two World War One artillery shells packed in the checked baggage of two American teenagers returning from a European trip were confiscated by security officers at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The 75-mm military grade shells, which were determined to be inert, were discovered after the teens arrived from London on Monday and were headed for a connecting flight home to Seattle, a Transportation Security Administration official said.
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Phoenix Airport Shuttle Bus Drivers Strike
Striking shuttle bus drivers at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport walked off the job on Tuesday in a dispute that could affect the 25,000 people who use rental cars and travel within the airport's terminals daily. Union officials said an estimated 180 drivers and other related workers took to the picket lines at the off-airport rental car facility that serves the US's 10th busiest airport, protesting a contract proposed by Veolia Transportation. "We don't want to put anybody in the general public out, but Veolia is giving us no choice," Bob Bean, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433, told Reuters news agency. The union represents the striking workers. "They continue to bargain with us in bad faith," said Bean, adding that medical insurance increases and working conditions are at the heart of the impasse.
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Panasonic promises revolution in IFE sound quality
Panasonic is promising a revolution in on-board audio quality with a world-first all-digital headset system offering what the in-flight entertainment systems giant claims is a breakthrough in noise cancellation and cinema-quality sound. Because the HD-Audio system breaks new airline industry ground by taking digital sound technology all the way to the ear and is fully integrated with the IFE system, it also brings the superlative sound quality of an “open ear” headset to a “closed ear” system that prevents sound from disturbing other passengers. Neil James, executive director sales, flags up the HD’s unique ability to switch between open and closed modes and exploit the microphone built into each earpiece – a capability which allows the wearer to hold a comfortable conversation with, say, a cabin attendant while being encouraged to speak at a “normal” level; no more shouting headset-wearers, promises James.
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Some American Airlines investors find hefty returns
American Airlines Group distributed final payouts to shareholders on Tuesday, and some investors made a hefty return on investment after the carrier's stock soared post-bankruptcy. When American Airlines entered bankruptcy in November 2011, its shares dropped to as low as 20 cents. On Tuesday, shares of American Airlines Group, trading under AAL, closed at $35.98.
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Southwest PRASM, load factor rose in March
Southwest Airlines reported a 1.6% increase in system traffic for March, as compared to the same month last year. Passenger revenue per available seat mile also rose by around 1% for the month, and Southwest's load factor also rose by 0.7% to 82.7% for March.
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United reports increase in March traffic
United Continental Holdings said passengers flew 17.47 billion miles in March, a 0.7% increase from March 2013. United boosted capacity by 2.7% in March, and the carrier reported a load factor of 82.8% for the month.
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Gogo Inflight will launch faster airplane Wi-Fi next year
Gogo Inflight CEO Michael Small announced that his company will roll out a faster in-flight Wi-Fi that will use satellite connections instead of air-to-ground technology. "It's fast: 70 mega-baud per second today, and it will grow in speed as new satellites get launched -- up to 100 mbs," he said. Japan Airlines is expected to be the first to try the new service.
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Boeing to deploy robotic assembly technology on 777X
Boeing plans to deploy robotic assembly technology on the 777X that will dramatically change the way the plane’s metal hull is built, documents submitted to the city of Everett indicate. The automation technology, replacing a crane and a giant cylindrical fixture now used to laboriously turn the half-built fuselage midway through its production, should allow Boeing to increase its 777 production rate beyond the current 100 jets per year. The technology, refined and tested last year in a secret facility in Anacortes, will be incorporated into a new 777X fuselage-assembly building described in the city planning documents.
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Blog examines role of Ex-Im Bank
The Cranky Flier blogger examines how the U.S. Export-Import Bank lends money to foreign carriers to purchase aircraft made in the U.S. "You can expect to hear more and more about it as the bank comes up for re-authorization yet again next year," he writes. In a separate news story, ALPA President Capt. Lee Moak sent a letter to Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, and Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., advocating that House members look into the harmful effects of Ex-Im bank financing on U.S. airlines and their employees. "The Bank’s unnecessary financing of widebody aircraft provides state-sponsored foreign airlines, many of which have ample cash reserves and top tier credit ratings, an annual economic advantage of about $2 million per aircraft," said Moak.
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Courts side with airlines in dispute with skycaps
The U.S. Supreme Court sided with United and US Airways in a dispute with skycaps, declining to review an appeals court ruling that the Airline Deregulation Act preempts Massachusetts common law. United and US Airways argued that a Supreme Court review was unwarranted because every federal circuit court to address the issue correctly has ruled the Airline Deregulation Act preempts state common law claims related to airline prices and services.
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FAA keeps limits in place on flights at NYC airports
The Federal Aviation Administration is extending strict limits on the number of flights at New York City's airports for at least another two years, and critics say the move is bad for the industry and for travelers. In late March, the FAA published notices in the Federal Register extending current limitations on hourly flights at Newark Liberty International, Kennedy and LaGuardia airports during peak times, set at 81 scheduled flights per hour at Kennedy and Newark, and 71 at LaGuardia. The limits, which apply to both departures and arrivals, are designed to curb congestion and flight delays at the busy airports, the FAA says. They have been in place since 2008 and now will be in effect until October 2016. But the Port Authority is calling for the limitations to be repealed, saying they hurt job creation, limit travel options and increase fares for passengers after the agency has spent billions investing in airport infrastructure -- including improving and lengthening runways to allow for more flight capacity.
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United launches new app for Android smartphones
United Airlines debuted a new version of its mobile app for Android smartphones on Thursday. The app includes a "travel wallet" to hold information such as reservations and status updates for flights. United optimized the new app for Android's latest operating system.
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LAX officials highlight revamped emergency management plans
Los Angeles International Airport officials say that staff training, communications and emergency management are improving, with more expected changes on the way. The measures, which include additional staff training and an expanded emergency notification system, are designed to facilitate better communication and coordination between airport and public safety command centers.
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American to divest 2 gates at Chicago O'Hare
American Airlines plans to divest two gates at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. The divestiture is part of the carrier's settlement with the U.S. Justice Department for its merger with US Airways. The Chicago Department of Aviation said the divested gates will probably be on Terminal 3 of the L concourse.
LinkMilitary
Israel welcomes arrival of first C-130J transport
The Israeli air force's first Lockheed Martin C-130J "Samson" tactical transport has been formally delivered to its Nevatim air base, during a 9 April ceremony. "This first C-130J represents a new generation of transport aircraft that will bring unique capabilities and superior performance," says Lockheed chief executive Marillyn Hewson. Israel has operated earlier examples of the Hercules since 1971, the company says.
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Sikorsky attaches rotors to CH-53K ground test vehicle
Sikorsky has attached main rotor blades to its CH-53K ground test vehicle (GTV) and will soon attach the tail rotor blades, according to officials from the company and the US Marine Corps. The program is on track to turn the rotors using the aircraft's GE38-1B turboshaft engines – the so-called "shakedown light-off" tests — by the end of the month, says Michael Torok, Sikorsky’s vice president of the program.
LinkCorporate
Eclipse launches EA550 to European market
Aeris Aviation, Eclipse Aerospace’s exclusive European distributor, formally launched the latest version of the EA550 for the European market at the 9-12 April Aero Friedrichshafen show, and says it hopes to clinch EASA certification for the twin-engined very light jet before the end of the year. “We have received a number of deposits for the 550 but we can’t begin deliveries until it has been approved,” says Aeris founder and chief executive David Hayman. “We could deliver an N [US] registered aircraft but the owners are limited to private operations,” he continues. “While many of our customers will operate the aircraft privately, they want the opportunity to charter the aircraft when it is not being used, to help cut the running costs.
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Learjet 85 enters flight testing as Bombardier reviews delivery schedule
Bombardier flew the Learjet 85 on 9 April to launch the flight test campaign after a one-year delay, moving the company closer to establishing a new target for entry-into-service of the primarily-composite, mid-size business jet. The first aircraft – registered as N851LJ – rolled onto the runway in Wichita, Kansas, after emerging from Learjet factory on the western side of Mid-Continent Airport. After taking off at 08:13 in Wichita, the crew landed 2h13min later.
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Aviation Quote
The best way to defend the bombers is to catch the enemy before it his in position to attack. Catch them when they are taking off, or when they are climbing, or when they are forming up. Don't think you can defend the bomber by circling around him. It's good for the bombers morale, and bad for tactics.
— Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.
On This Date
---In 837 A.D... Comet 1P/837 F1 (Halley's Comet) approaches within 0.0334 AUs of Earth.
---In 1837... The earliest known aeronautical experiment in Canada is conducted by Canadian schoolteacher John Rae. He successfully launches a paper balloon able to carry weight. Its lift is provided by the heating of its blackened surface by the sun.
---In 1926... Lindberg becomes chief pilot for Robertson Aircraft Corp, flying a Saint Louis to Chicago mail route.
---In 1945…The Luftwaffe flies its final sortie over the United Kingdom, a reconnaissance mission from Norway by an Arado Ar 234.
---In 1960… BOAC resumes scheduled air service from London to Cairo (Egypt), suspended in October 1956 at the time of the Suez Crisis.
---In 961…Radar tracking of planet Venus for 7 weeks by Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists had proved astronomical yardstick of 93,498,125 miles as the distance between the Earth and Sun (within 1,000 miles of error).
---In 1964…First flight of the EWR VJ 101C, world's first supersonic V/STOL aircraft.
---In 1967…The first flight of the McDonnell Douglas DC-8-63.
---In 1969... The Royal Norwegian Air Force is the first European air service to take delivery of the Lockheed P-3B Orion.
---In 1979…Soyuz 33 launched with a Russian and a Bulgarian.
---In 1981…First flight of the SIAI Marchetti S.211 I-SITF.
---In 1981…Computer glitch keeps Space Shuttle Columbia grounded.
---In 1984…Damaged Solar Max satellite snared by Challenger shuttle.
---In 2010…A Polish Air Force Tupolev Tu-154M carrying the Polish President Lech Kaczyński and many other Polish officials crashes on approach to Smolensk, Russia.
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Rules For Dating The DI’s Daughter
Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.
Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose his compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four:
I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five:
It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is "early."
Rule Six:
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven:
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight:
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns within eyesight. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine:
Do not lie to me. On issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten:
Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
Trivia
General Trivia
1. What was the longest-duration passenger flight ever made by an airline using an airplane powered by reciprocating engines?
A. 23 hours 19 minutes
B. 20 hours 19 minutes
C. 17 hours 19 minutes
D. 14 hours 19 minutes
2. Which of the following was the only operational Century-series fighter not deployed over Vietnam?
A. Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
B. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
C. Convair F-106 Delta Dart
D. McDonnell F-110 Spectre
3. Multiengine pilots know that it can take substantial rudder-pedal force to arrest the yaw created by a failed engine when operating at minimum-controllable airspeed (VMC). The maximum force allowed by aircraft certification regulation Part 23.149 is
A. 75 pounds.
B. 100 pounds.
C. 150 pounds.
D. 200 pounds.
4. True or false; For instrument-rated pilots: A pilot is cleared to “cruise at 9,000 feet,” for example. This means that the pilot is cleared to execute the instrument approach at his destination airport.
5. True or false; The Beech King Air was the first civilian turboprop airplane produced in the United States.
6. True or false; American pilots know that when two airplanes are on converging courses, the airplane on the other’s right has right-of-way. In England (and a few other countries), however, the airplane on the other’s left has right-of-way.
miamiair wrote: Rules For Dating The DI’s Daughter
