Study Finds Head-up Guidance Technology Increases Flight Safety

The Rockwell Collins homepage reports on a study conducted by the Flight Safety Foundation on how head-up guidance system technology could have prevented or positively influenced 38 percent of all commercial aircraft accidents that occurred over the past 13 years.

"Head-up guidance systems technology is a great safety tool for the prevention of runway excursions, loss of control, and approach and landing accidents," said Bob Vandel, foundation fellow for Flight Safety Foundation. Vandel co-authored the study with Earl Weener, Ph.D. and foundation fellow. "This technology provides extremely useful data to the flight deck crew which allows them to be the pilot they always thought they were."

A complete copy of the report can be downloaded on the Flight Safety Web site at http://flightsafety.org/files/hgs_nov09.pdf. (Note: PDF File)

 

Source: Rockwell Collins

Gulfstream Announces Second Mid-Range G250 Completes First Flight

Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently announced that a second large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250 completed its first flight. Gulfstream designed and built the super mid-size business jet in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The aircraft flew for 1 hour and 57 minutes, reaching an altitude of 20,000 feet (6,096 m) and a speed of 195 knots. “We are very pleased with the progress that we’ve made,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Both aircraft have performed wonderfully. We have a lot of work ahead, but we are excited about where we are.”

Source: Gulfstream

Cessna’s Pelton Issues Aviation Industry Call to Action for Environmental Issues

Photo Credit: Cessna

The Cessna Homepage reports that Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton issued a call to action to the general aviation community to take a leadership role in defining solutions to environmental issues so that responsible stewardship works in conjunction with economic considerations required for industry growth.

Pelton made the remarks in a speech after receiving the 2010 Lindbergh Award, given annually to individuals whose work over many years has made significant contributions toward Lindbergh’s concept of balancing technology and nature.

Photo Credit: Cessna

The award was presented here Wednesday at a dinner at the Sun ‘n Fun fly-in and trade show. “Aviation has established an outstanding track record in reducing its environmental impact as we grow to meet rising demand for transportation around the world,” Pelton said. “To further reduce aviation’s impact on climate change requires partnerships between industry and government, and a commitment to find realistic solutions . . .technically and financially viable solutions everyone can live with.”

Source: Cessna

Swift Enterprises Develops "Greener" Aircraft Fuel

While previous research on aircraft biofuel focused on powering jet aircraft, small planes are now getting chance to “go green”.

Wired magazine’s Autopia blog reports on Swift Enterprises and demo flights of a test aircraft using a new fuel called 100SF.

The fuel contains no lead or ethanol and is originates from feedstocks ranging from sugar beets to sorghum.

AOPA Online also has a story on the new fuel. Here is YouTube video of an interview with Swift Enterprises co-founder John Rusek.



Source: Wired Autopia, Swift Enterprises, AOPA Online, and YouTube

Cessna Celebrates International Learn To Fly Day

Cessna Aircraft Company announced today at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida that it is partnering with its global Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) network to celebrate EAA’s International Learn to Fly Day May 15.

Anyone who visits and registers with a domestic CPC on May 15 will be eligible for two drawings. First prize is a $10,000 flight training credit at a CPC; second prize is a $5,000 flight training credit at a CPC.

In addition, participating CPCs around the U.S. will hold local drawings for a free Cessna Sport/Private kit and their first flight lesson. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s International Learn to Fly Day is designed to raise interest in flying and encourage current pilots to get individuals involved in aviation.

To find the CPC nearest you or for more information about Cessna’s Learn to Fly program, visit our Web site at www.cessnaflighttraining.com or follow Cessna Pilot Centers on Facebook or on Twitter at GetInTheAir.

Source: Cessna