1/29/09

Jet Flight Window Seat View in Timelapse




Boing Boing features this video made by Flickr user Ettubrute, showing cities passing by a jetliner's window in timelapse.

According to Ettubrute...  

On my night time flight back to SF from Amsterdam, I noticed that the lights from cities were making the clouds glow. Really spectacular and ethereal - it was really seeing the impact of urban environments from a different perspective. Each glow or squiggle represents one town or city!

Source: Boing Boing, Kottke, Flickr
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1/27/09

Cirrus Aircraft Announces New Aircraft Model Lineup For 2009


Cirrus Aircraft recently announced comprehensive new features, upgrades, and option packages to its best-selling SR20, SR22, and TURBO model aircraft lineup for 2009.


According to Cirrus Aircraft, new aircraft features include the introduction of “Known Ice Protection” on SR22 and TURBO models; well-equipped “S”, “GS”, and “GTS” packaged options available on all models; an all-new ‘X-Edition’ premium interior and exterior upgrade package, new paint schemes across the model line and more. Enhancing the Cirrus ownership experience, Cirrus also launched CMX, its new “assurance by the 100-hour” pre-purchased maintenance and service program.


In making the announcement to a live global media audience, Cirrus Chairman Alan Klapmeier summarized “From an SR20 S starting at $269,900 to a TURBO GTS with known ice protection for $598,500, we believe our lineup today is the most compelling ever offered in general aviation. More than ever, each Cirrus model addresses a unique market segment and we have listened to our owners to understand their preferred equipment and option packages both here and abroad. Today, our new lineup of SR20, SR22, and now simply ‘TURBO’ - with new S, GS, GTS and X-Edition option packages available on each - takes the unique Cirrus combination of performance, capability and value even further and well beyond any other airplane available in the GA marketplace today.”


Easily the most significant new component for new SR22 and TURBO models is the option for “flight into known icing” (FIKI). Cirrus Aircraft partnered with CAV Ice Protection Ltd. (formerly TKS) to develop the latest Known Ice Protection system certified in general aviation by re-engineering several features in new ways - as has become expected from the Cirrus engineering team.


Three new option packages - S, GS, and GTS - each offer an unprecedented collection of standard features and equipment and each are the result of world-class engineering and performance meeting world-class craftsmanship and luxury. And with the new piston model lineup in 2009, all Cirrus aircraft are now available with Cirrus Perspective by Garmin.


S Generously featured and characterized by value for the new pilot, fleet, or institutional operator. Ten-inch PFD and MFD screens and the S-TEC 55SR autopilot comes standard on our entry-level, full-featured model.GS Upgrading to a well-equipped “GS” model moves to 12” screens, S-TEC 55X autopilot, ‘basic’ ice protection for the SR22 and TURBO, unique exterior and interior scheme options and other features based on selected avionics platform.


GTS The Cirrus flagship comes comprehensively equipped with - or replaces - all components of the previous two levels and adds dual AHRS, Garmin GFC700 digital autopilot, Synthetic Vision Technology, upgrades to Known Ice Protection for SR22 and TURBO models, premium-level exterior scheme options and additional features dependent on selected avionics platform.Now standard on all products is a Mode S transponder and on aircraft with either the Basic or Known Ice Protection System, leading edge protectant is now included. Avidyne, the system that brought glass to GA and the Cirrus cockpit, remains available across all models.


An all-new and very distinctive choice available on all three aircraft models, “X-Edition”, provides customers with a unique combination of ultra-premium, personalized interior and exterior upgrades. X-Edition features include a striking new exterior paint scheme; the introduction of Alcantara™ into the cabin - another first for Cirrus Aircraft; contrasting seat, yoke and glare shield stitching; genuine carbon fiber instrument panel accents; an all new suede headliner; unique X-Edition interior and exterior badging and more.

Source and Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft
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1/23/09

Garmin GDU 370 and GDU 375 Offers Affordable and Expandable Avionics For Light Sport Retrofit and Experimental Aircraft


Garmin International Inc. recently announced the GDU 370 and GDU 375, full function multi-function displays (MFDs) developed for the light sport retrofit and experimental aircraft markets.
“The beauty of the GDU 370 and GDU 375 are that they are like building-blocks; they’re expandable and can be interconnected with other Garmin components,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “Customers will be able to choose one, two or three GDU displays – whatever works best for their aircraft. When customers are ready to expand upon the GDU’s MFD capabilities, they can install other Garmin components that will add PFD capabilities to the GDU’s. Since all components were designed and manufactured by Garmin, customers have added peace of mind knowing that they will integrate and communicate with each other.”


According to Garmin, the GDU 370 and GDU 375 are large, seven inch, portrait displays that incorporate Garmin’s latest technology to ensure that pilots can read the vibrant display day or night. The bezel that frames the bright screen has multiple keys on the bottom and right sides. The soft keys at the bottom of the display control the most commonly used features of the current page, such as turning the weather display on/off.

The dedicated keys on the display’s right side have specific functions such as nearest, direct to, flight plan, zoom in/out and menu. Also on the display’s right side is a rotary knob/joystick, similar to the G1000’s joystick, that lets pilots enter airport identifiers, pan the map, or scroll to page and sub-page groups.

Other features include a built-in obstacle and terrain database that gives detailed views of route displayed over realistic topography, terrain mode that gives TAWS-like warnings and alerts when proximity conflicts loom ahead, and AOPA Airport Directory data.

Source: Garmin
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1/21/09

Helicopter Sales Keep Flying Through a Tough Economy


Star-Telegram.com reports that helicopter manufacturer Bell Helicopter is having better luck with the rough economy than other aircraft manufacturers.

According to the story, helicopter manufacturers are feeling the effects as the once-booming aircraft market slows down, but not with the amount of pain that fixed-wing aircraft manufacturers are.

The slowdown does come with an upside, helicopter manufacturers that were straining to match the demand for orders have time to catch up.

Source: Star-Telegram.com
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1/16/09

Cessna Debuts 350 Corvalis and 400 Corvalis TT


Cessna Aircraft Company recently introduced the 350 Corvalis and 400 Corvalis TT during this year’s annual sales meeting in Wichita.

According to Cessna, the Cessna 350 Corvalis and 400 Corvalis TT (twin turbocharged), formerly the Cessna 350 and Cessna 400 respectively, have been renamed as part of Cessna’s acquisition of certain assets from Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Company in 2007.
“Our customers and sales team asked us to name these products like other popular Cessnas such as the Cardinal and Skyhawk. The name Corvalis, although spelled differently, was inspired from the name of a picturesque Oregon town about 120 miles west of Cessna’s Bend, Ore. manufacturing facility. It is a graceful word befitting the flowing lines of the aircraft and its unique Northwest heritage,” said Tom Aniello, vice president of marketing.
“The logo graphic evokes a stylized depiction of the Three Sisters mountains, part of the Cascade mountain range separating the Eastern and Western halves of Oregon, and clearly visible from Cessna’s Bend facility,” Aniello said. At a maximum cruise speed of 235 knots, the Cessna 400 Corvalis TT is the fastest fixed-gear single-engine piston aircraft on the market.

Equipped with a 310-horsepower Teledyne Continental TCM IO-550N, the Cessna 350 Corvalis has a certified ceiling of 18,000 feet and a maximum cruise speed of 190 knots. The twin turbocharger equipped, intercooled TCM TSIO-550C installed in the Cessna 400 Corvalis TT enables it to cruise as high as 25,000 feet while its pilot and passengers enjoy the convenience of the 400’s standard 4-place, built-in oxygen system.


Like all current Cessna single-engine piston products, the Caravan and the Citation Mustang, the 350 Corvalis and 400 Corvalis TT are equipped with the integrated Garmin G1000 avionics system and GFC700 autopilot, and are backed by Cessna’s extensive support network.

Source and Photo Credit: Cessna Aircraft Company
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1/15/09

Aircraft Companies Keep Developing New Models in a Tough Economy


As the U.S. economy encounters heavy turbulence, aircraft manufacturers are staying focused on the developing new models.

Cessna And Hawker Beechcraft have suffered slow sales and layoffs, but Business Today on The Wichita Eagle homepage reports that both companies are going forward with development programs for new planes.

Photo Credit: Cessna

According to the story, Wichita’s famous Cessna Aircraft Company is continuing development on the Citation Columbus (pictured above), Citation CJ4 business jets and the new light sport aircraft Model 162 SkyCatcher. Hawker Beechcraft recently launched the Premier II, the King Air 350i and the Hawker 450XP.

Aircraft manufacturers need new planes to keep the market active and to prepare for when sales pick back up again.

At Cessna, aircraft developed in the last economic slump now make up for 60 percent of the company’s current sales.

Source: Kansas.com
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1/14/09

Gulfstream G150 and G200 Aircraft Complete Back-To-Back Multi-National Missions


Gulfstream Aerospace recently welcomed back two mid-cabin demonstrators that spent more than 30 consecutive days supporting local and international sales demonstrations and air shows.

According to Gulfstream, the G150 traveled around the world. It crossed the Pacific then continued through Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe before landing in Savannah. Between Oct. 27 and Nov. 29, the wide-cabin, high-speed G150 flew 39,634 nautical miles and stopped in 17 foreign countries, including Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, France, Poland, Ethiopia and Ireland.

The super mid-size G200 traveled a total of 30,272 nautical miles between Oct. 21 and Nov. 25. It visited 19 countries throughout Europe and the Middle East, including Switzerland, Russia, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

“These demonstrators completed a challenging schedule of demo flights and air shows without missing a single event due to aircraft issues,” said Larry Flynn, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Gulfstream. “That kind of performance reinforces the reliability, quality, versatility, safety and durability of Gulfstream aircraft.”

Source: Gulfstream
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1/13/09

FAA Details Flight Restrictions Before and During Presidential Inauguration


AOPA Online reports on the special flight restrictions for Pre-Inaugural activities on January 18, 2009, and for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.

According to AOPA, the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone and Flight Restricted Zone will be closed to general aviation aircraft on Jan. 20 for the inauguration.

If you are planning to fly in to see the Inauguration, AOPA suggests their home airport, Frederick Municipal (FDK), as a convenient landing area outside of the no-fly zone.

The FAA’s official site has an official press release outlining the flight restrictions zone during the Inauguration.

Source: AOPA Online and The Federal Aviation Administration
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1/12/09

Embraer Sets New Record By Delivering 204 Jets In 2008


Embraer recently reported that the company delivered 59 jets to the Commercial, Executive, and Defense and Government aviation segments during the fourth quarter of 2008 (4Q08), totaling 204 jets in the year.


According to Embraer, the company set a new aircraft delivery record for the second consecutive year, delivering 20% more airplanes than in 2007 (169 jets). The last quarter of 2008 was also marked by the delivery of the first two Phenom 100 executive jets. The value of the firm order backlog came to US$ 20.9 billion, on December 31, 2008.

During 4Q08, Embraer delivered 44 E-Jets to Commercial Aviation, eight Legacy 600s, two Phenom 100s, and one EMBRAER 175 to Executive Aviation, and four jets to the Defense and Government segment.

Source: Embraer
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1/9/09

Private Aircraft Could Face New Security Regulations From The Transportation Safety Administration


The New York Times reports on concerns that The Transportation Safety Administration could impose new security regulations on private air travelers and pilots with The Large Aircraft Security Program.

According to the story, the regulations would be similar to those for commercial aircraft, ranging from fingerprint-based background checks to restrictions to which items passengers could carry.

The regulations would be based on the weight of the aircraft, affecting planes that weigh more than 12,500 pounds. Many of the planes in that weight range are jet aircraft, but that also includes some larger propeller planes.

AOPA Online reports on a January 6 hearing in Washington DC where pilots spoke out against the program. Opponents of the plan suggest there are better ways to protect the public without new and cumbersome regulations that would hurt the aviation business.

Source: The New York Times and AOPA Online
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Algae-Based Aircraft Fuel Gets First Test-Flight


The Green Inc. blog from The New York Times reports on the first experimental flight of a Continental Airlines 737 using biofuels made from jatropha and algae.

The test flight was performed using a Continental Airlines 737. The BBC reports that the flight lasted 90-minutes, using a 50-50 blend of biofuel and normal aircraft fuel to power one of the plane’s engines.

Green Inc. also reports it could be easier to switch aircraft than cars over to biofuel. Aicraft fuel specifcations are uniform, while the rules for car fuel vary from state to state. There are fewer fueling stations for aircraft than cars.

Source: BBC and Green Inc.
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1/1/09

Happy New Year!


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Happy New Year from Aero Trader Insider!
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