Delta Flight 60 Lands on Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport's Taxiway

On Monday, October 19, 2009 Delta Flight 60, was cleared to land on Runway 27R at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, but instead the pilot landed on Taxiway M, which runs parallel to the runway. The flight had 194 passengers and crew on board. But, the good news is that their was no other aircraft on the taxiway and that the airplane and the passengers are ok.

Bravo BP Debuts Bravo Rewards Points Program

Photo: Bravo Rewards Points Program
Air BP has debuted a new rewards program Bravo. Bravo members can spend their points on more than 45 million merchandise options, travel, savings bonds and event tickets.

For more information: http://www.mybravopoints.com/start.aspx

The San Diego Air & Space Museum Unviels Lockheed Vega 5B used in Movie "Ameila"

Photo: Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart in the movie, "Amelia" which opened in theaters 10-23-2009
On Friday, October 23, 2009, The San Diego Air & Space Museum unvieled the Lockheed Vega 5B used in the Movie "Amelia," which opened in theaters on October 23, 2009. Hilary Swank played Amelia Earhart.

The plane was created as a prop for the film and was donated to The San Diego Air & Space Museum by Avalon Pictures. Amelia Earhart flew a Lockheed Vega 5B on her historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

This movie features vignettes from her early years when Earhart was captivated by the sight of an aircraft flying overhead on the Kansas prairie where she grew up, her life over the preceding decade gradually unfolds. Also talks about her husband and her historic first women to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Also about when she failed and needed repair on the Lockheed L-10 Electra.

NBAA & GAMA "E-Valuation" Toolkit Debuts

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has debuted a new service online to help businesses of all types and sizes to calculate and explain the value a business aircraft brings to a company's overall business objectives.

GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce agreed, adding: “With this toolkit, we’ve put the information for articulating the value of a business aircraft literally at people’s fingertips. We’re confident that this resource will be indispensible in helping the industry clearly communicate the benefits of business aviation.”

Presented as part of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, the new Business Aircraft E-Valuation Toolkit identifies five basic resources every company should have for measuring an aircraft’s value – regardless of the size or type of the business involved, which are:

• A policy statement for use of the company’s aircraft.
• A method for establishing metrics to quantify an aircraft’s value.
• A document-retention program to catalogue relevant information about the missions conducted with the aircraft.
• A presentation for a company’s internal audiences, so that employees can become advocates for the flight operation.
• A presentation for external audiences – including the news media, lawmakers and others – so that a company can promote the benefits of business aviation.

The toolkit contains documents outlining best practices, sample templates and other resources. The documents are accompanied by a series of tutorial videos that walk viewers through the key considerations for developing the five resources. Each of the video presenters outlines the best practices currently used to measure and explain business aviation value; the presenters also provide tips and tools for applying those best practices.

NBAA and GAMA launched the No Plane No Gain advocacy program earlier this year to educate policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities across the United States. As part of its mission, the campaign provides advocacy resources for people within the industry.

For more information: NBAA.org/e-valuation.

PiperJet has Garmin G3000

Photo: PiperJet
Piper Aircraft's PiperJet will have an option for customers to have the new Garmin G3000 in the aircraft. The Garmin G3000 is a 5.7-inch touchscreen controller, GTC 570 for entry. The Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) are large, high-resolution, wide-aspect ratio displays. It has an enhanced Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) for displays three dimensional terrain, obstacles, pathways, and traffic. The PiperJet can reach 360 knots and a maximum altitude of 35,000 feet. It also can seat six passengers.

Sean D. Tucker on the Oprah Show

Photo: Sean D. Tucker
In October of 2009 aerobatic pilot, Sean D. Tucker made an appearance on the Oprah Show hosted by Oprah Winfrey.


Video

Pentastar Aviation of Okland International Joins Avfuel Network

Pentastar Aviation of Oakland International Airport in Pontiac, Michigan has joined Avfuel network. Pentastar Aviation offers AVTRIP fueling rewards program and the Avfuel Contract Fuel program for jet fuel savings.

Oregon Aviation Director Resigns

Oregon's aviation director resigned Monday, October 19, 2009 citing his desire to run for political office.

Sorry Guys I Haven't Posted in a While

Sorry guys I haven't posted aviation news for the past week. I've been busy with school work. I had a bunch of papers I had to write and due. I'll start posting on Sunday, November 22, 2009.

NBAA 09: Piaggo Aero Planning Strong 2010

Piaggio Aero is planning to plan to build 27-30 aircraft next year.

NBAA 09: Doriner Seastar to Market Soon

Photo: Doriner Seastar
The Seastar is all-composite 12-seat, 10,000 pounds amphibious flying boat. It is LBA and FAA certified to FAR Part 23 amendment 34.

More information at: http://www.dornierseaplane.com/

NBAA 09: EMS Sky Connect Unveils Forte AirMail

At NBAA 2009 EMS Sky Connect has unveiled Forte AirMail. The Forte AirMail is for owners and pilots of business aircraft who wants to access email via Blackberry smartphones, iPhones and other handheld devices. The Forte AirMail allows the user to manage airtime usage through several access modes and also allows the user to control the connection behavior in the aircraft on ground.

Includes: Wi-Fi access point, Forte AirMail Iridium transceiver, Iridium antenna
Price: $25,995

NBAA 09: Eclipse Aviation Sue former Officers, Directors and Employees

A lawsuit was filed on October 9, 2009 in New Mexico District Court on behalf of plaintiffs SM Aircraft Leasing and 136 other Eclipse 500 deposit holders against defendants Vern Raburn, plus other former Eclipse Aviation directors, officers and senior employees, seeking unspecified damages resulting from Eclipse's failure to deliver aircraft they ordered or return their deposits.

The suit, filed by attorney Gregory Chase of Albuquerque's Shapiro Bettinger Chase LLP, alleges that this resulted from the defendants being involved in "negligent representation, negligent failure to oversee and control, constructive fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, civil conspiracy and violations of the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act".

The $75-million D & O insurance policy is a main target of the lawsuit, according to one of the plaintiffs and one of the defendants. But, individual defendants also could be held liable for additional damages. It is likely that the plaintiffs will seek both compensation for actual loss of their cash deposits for new Eclipse 500 aircraft that were never delivered, as well as punitive damages against the defendants.

One plaintiff told Aviation Week that Chase will collect at least one-quarter of any settlement or court judgment. However, Hub International, the lead insurer for Eclipse Aviation before its insolvency, and other high net-worth defendants, are likely to fight the case in court, if a quick and reasonable settlement cannot be reached. If the case does go to trial, final resolution of the matter might not be achieved in less than five to seven years, according to one defendant.

Not mine copied from: http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_airshow.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/NBSUE101509.xml&show=nbaa2009

NBAA 09: Bill Garvey Wins Dave Ewald Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award

At NBAA 2009, Bill Garvey has won NBAA's Dave Ewald Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award.

NBAA 09: HF120 GE Honda Aero Engine Light Turbofan Engine Completes First Tests

HondaJet's HF120 GE Honda Aero Engine light turbofan engine complete its first test on October 8, 2009. GE Honda Aero Engine showcased them at NBAA 09 the lightweight, fuel-efficient low-emission HF120 turbofan engine for the HA-420 HondaJet.

HF120 GE Honda Aero Engine

• Engine type: 2-spool turbofan, 1-stage fan, 2-stage compressor, 2-stage turbine
• Take-off thrust: 1,880 lbf
• Bypass ratio: 2.9
• Engine pressure ratio: 24
• Thrust/weight ratio: More than 5
• Maximum diameter: 21.2 inches
• Length**: 44 inches
• Weight: Less than 400 lb
• Noise: Achieves CFR36 stage 4 requirements with substantial margin
• Specific fuel consumption: Less than 0.70 lb/hr/lbf
• Control: Dual-channel FADEC

* Specifications provided by GE-Honda Aero Engines, LLC.
** Length does not include center body.

NBAA 09: Embraer Unveils Legacy 650

Photo: Embraer Legacy 650
At the NBAA convention Embraer has unveiled their Legacy 650. The Legacy 650 is a business executive jet. This aircraft can fly 3,900 nmi. further than the Legacy 600 and can carry 2,500 pounds of payload over the same 3,400 nm. range as the 600. It has improved cabin sound comfort, the most comfortable cabin in its class and three spacious cabin zones. It is also the largest baggage compartment in the market. The seats are comfortable and the seats also recline.



Legacy 650 Engine

• • AE 3007A2 – Intelligent Innovation
• • Optimized for the Legacy 650
• • The latest AE 3007 model combines an advanced wide-chord fan with a service-proven
  core and updated software that optimizes engine fuel consumption for long range cruise.
• • Higher thrust and lower fuel burn – 9,020 lb ISA, SL, all engines
• • ISA+15ºC Flat Rating
• • More payload and increased range
• • Superior aerodynamic performance and mechanical robustness
• • Proven reliability, performance and safety record
• • Over 35 million flying hours on all AE 3007 models
• • Incorporates the latest Rolls-Royce technology
• • World-class services solutions – CorporateCare®
• • On-condition maintenance

Honeywell Primus Elite
Upcoming new features* on Legacy 650 cockpit:

• • New LCD Displays
• • CCD - Control Cursor Device
• • Coupled VNAV
• • RNP 0.3
• • Charts and maps capability
• • FANS 1/A CPDLC + Datalink Recorder
• • WAAS / LPV
• • XM Weather capability (US only)
• • Honeywell SmartRunaway^TM and SmartLanding^TM
• • Data loader – DL1000

Weights

		Pounds		/Kg
Maximum Ramp		53,727		24,370
Maximum Takeoff		53,572		24,300
Maximum Landing		44,092		20,000
Maximum Zero Fuel		36,156		16,400
Basic Operating		31,284		14,190
Max Payload		4,872		2,210
Usable Fuel (mass)		20,728		9,402
Payload Full Fuel		1,715		778
Maximum baggage weight *		1,000		454

Legacy 650 Cost

Fuel (@ US$ 4.25 /gal) (1)			1,434.67
Airframe Maint. Labor (2)			89.93
Airframe Maint. Parts (2)			90.04
Miscellaneous Expenses (3)			417.79
DOC Total			2,032.43

Aviation Career Conference Nov. 21, 09

Aviation professionals will talk about security, maintenance, administration, air traffic control and piloting at the annual Aviation Career Conference on November 21, 2009 from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. at Lewis University's Harold E. White Aviation Center in Romeoville, Illinois. Breakfast will also be served at 8 A.M.

New SOLIDFX10 Charts

SOLIDFX, has unveiled bundled pricing for JeppView subscribers who purchase the SOLIDFX FX10 chart reader.

Their are free updates of its SOLIDFX FX10 on FXVIEW software. It'll read e-books, newspapers and PDF files.

SOLIDFX FX10: $1,595

FlightSafety at LaGuardia Airport Offers King Air Training

Photo: Hawker Beechcraft King Air 200
FlightSaftey International's Center at New York's LaGaurdia Aiport (LGA) will offer training for the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 200.. LaGuardia Airport also has FlightSafety's King Air 200 flight simulator.

Spirit of St. Louis Airport Goes Under Development

Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) in Chesterfield, Missouri has unveiled plans to develop a 27-unit, multi-phase hangar. The project will cost $8.5 million. It'll be located northeast corner of North Bell and Edison Avenues. The executive box hangars will range from 1,8000 square feet (46 by 40) to 3,780 square feet (63 by 60 feet). The hangars can hold single-engine piston aircraft to mid-size corporate jets. The price of the hangar lease will be $157,000.

Heese Family Could go to Jail

The Heese Family called police telling that their 6-year old son, Falcon, was trapped in their balloon. Well the Heese family could go to jail for the hoax because they made the balloon. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office could charge Richard and Mayumi Heene Class 3 misdemeanor charge for their false reporting of a crime falls under that class of misdemeanor.

AvConnect Launches iPhone Application

AvConnect has released an iPhone application, AvConnect Mobile--Pilot & Aircraft Management. The pilots will have the ability to update and track every logbook, flight and maintenance record anywhere.

FlightSaftey Debuts International Procedures Training

FlightSaftey International, introduced an online International Procedures Recurrent course. The course uses variety of flight scenarios and regulatory requirements. The customers will benefit from it.

The course meets all FAA training objectives for MNPS, RVSM, RNP-4, RNP-10, B-RANV and P-RNAV Special Use Airspace.

The customers who take the program will have access to it for one year to update on their knowledge on current and future items.

Cessna Pilots Association Releases “Cessna 210 Centurion Inspection Guidelines”

Photo: Cessna 210 Centurion
The Cessna Pilots Association (CPA) has released "Cessna 210 Centurion Inspection Guidelines" to help Cessna 210 owners. The guidelines were created by CPA Executive Director: John Fran and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator after a crash. The cause is some cracks in the airplane. The "Cessna 210 Centurion Inspection Guidelines" shows the aircraft owner and mechanic how to determine what to inspect on a Cessna 210 Centurion, how to perform the inspection and when to do the inspection.

To order a copy of "Cessna 210 Centurion Inspection Guidelines," you must Cessna Pilots Association member. It is available for $60.00, plus shipping or order 805-934-0493.

San Diego Flight Training International Turns 20

San Diego Flight Training International (SDFTI) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It launched in 1989. Congratulations!

Official Site: http://www.sdfti.com/

Tanis Introduces Rotax Preheat System

Tanis now have Rotax preheat system for the 912/914 Series. It is a 110v electric heat system.

Warriors and Warbirds Air Show Nov. 7-8, 09

The Warriors and Warbirds Air Show is November 7 through the 8, 2009 at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport in North Carolina. It's from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Aerobatic Performers
Pilatus P-3
P.149
Nakajima B5N
North American B-25 Mitchell
C45 Expediter
Douglas C-47 Skytrain
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Douglas A-26 Invader
North American P-51 Mustang
Curtiss SB2C Helldriver
Douglas SBD Dauntless
North American Aviation T-28 Trojan
North American T-6 Texan
Mitsubishi A6M Zero
North American A-T6 Advanced Trainer

Admission
Adults: $10.00
Veterans: $5.00
18 & Under: FREE

Wings Over Homestead Nov. 7-8, 09

The Wings Over Homestead is November 7-8, 2009 in Homestead, Florida from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Aerobatic Performers
United States Air Force Thunderbirds- Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Air Combat Command Heritage Flight
Air Combat Command F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team
United States Air Force Reserve Jet Car
Sky Soldiers A Tribute To Patriots
United States Screaming Eagles
B-2 Spirit Bomber
GEICO Skytypers- SNJ
United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team
Navy F-18 Demonstration Team
Glider- Dan Buchanan
Decathlon- John Black
Pitts S2C- Fred Cabanas
Otto the Helcopter
Brute Force Air Show- Pitts
YAK 52 TW- Harvey Meek lead, Paul Hornick left wing and David Monroe right wing

Admission
FREE

Randolph Air Force Base Airshow Nov. 7-8, 09

The Randolph Air Force Base Airshow in San Antonio, Texas is November 7-8, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M

Aerobatic Performers
F-22 Raptor Demonstration
A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration
C-17 Globemaster III Demonstration
United States Air Force Academy Parachute Team
United States Air Force Academy Glider Demonstration
Air Combat Command Heritage Flight
Disabled American Veterans Flight Team - B-25
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Aeroshell Aerobatic Team- Bryan Regan lead, Mark Henley right wing, Steve Gustafson left wing & Gene McNeely slot- North American Advanced Trainer AT-6 "Texan"
Mig 17- Randy Ball
MX-2 Greg Poe
Interstate Cadet- Kent Pietsch
Clipped Wing T-Craft- Warren Pietsch
Extra 300S- Tim Weber
T-33- Chris Rounds
Pitts Special S2-C- Ed Hamill
Lonestar Flight Museum F4U Corsair, B-17 Bomber and F6F
Navy Tailhook Legacy Flight- Wildcat and F/A-18 Hornet
Collins Foundation F4D and TA-4
CAF A-26 Lady Liberty

Admission
Free

Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular Nov. 6-8, 09

The Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular in Jacksonville, Florida is on November 6-8, 2009.

Aerobatic Performers
Extra 330SC- Michael Goulian
Czech Six Formation and Demonstration Team - L-39- Geoff Hickman & Scott Kelly
Red Bull Aerobatic Helicopter- Charles Aaron
Black Daggers United States Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team
Red Eagles Air Sports- Red Eagle II & Christian Eagle II- Dan McClung & Buck Roetman
F-14- Dale Snodgrass
Showcat Biplane- Gene Soucy & Teresa Stokes - Wingwalking act
Eagle 580- Matt Chapman
MX2- Rob Holland
Oracle Challenger II biplane- Sean D. Tucker
Air Force Heritage Flight
H60 SAR Demonstration
Navy Legacy Flight
F-16 Falcon Demonstration
United States Navy Blue Angles - F/A-18 Hornet

Admission
FREE

Hours
Friday, November 6, 2009: 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 10 P.M.
Saturday, November 7, 2009: 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 10 P.M.
Sunday, November 8, 2009: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Cheyenne I Upgrade

Blackhawk Modifications has received FAA approval for another XP engine upgrade option for Cheyenne I operators. The new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) allows for instillation of the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28 engines on the Cheyenne I. The new improvements include greater climb rates, lower time, distance and fuel to clime and faster cruise speed.

House of Representatives Passes Bill

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 aiming at enhancing flight standards for airline pilots that may have repercussions affecting all of aviation. The bill also states that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has to set up a databank with information about every pilot. The Senate has to pass the bill before becoming a law.

Runaway Balloon

Authorities in Colorado are chasing a home-made helium balloon because Mr. and Mrs. Heese called the them saying that their six year old son went inside the balloon. Authorities chased it for two hours and the balloon finally landed in a Colorado field. The six year old son was actually hiding in his parents attic. This appears to be a hoax by Mr. and Mrs. Heese

Balloon

Cloud Nine Exhibt in Las Vegas, Nevada

Photo: Cloud Nine
Sightseers that visit Las Vegas, Nevada can visit its new attraction Cloud Nine Balloon, World's Largest Land Tethered Helium Balloon ride. It is 60-foot tall balloon and can hold 25-30 passengers for the 10-minute flight viewing attractions such as the Las Vegas Strip




Ticket Prices (Daytime)
Adults: $22.50
Children 5-12: $17.50
Children 4 & Under: Free
Adult Fast Pass (No Waiting): $35.00
Child Fast Pass 5-12: $30.00
Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children): $69.50
-Additional Children: $12.50
VIP Private Flight (Solo or Up to 25 Guests): $500.00

Ticket Prices (Nighttime)
Adults: $27.50
Children 5-12: $22.50
Children 4 & Under: Free
Adult Fast Pass (No Waiting): $40.00
Children Fast Pass 5-12: $35.00
Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children): $89.50
- Additional Children: $17.50
VIP Private Flight (Solo or Up to 25 Guests): $600.00

Hours
Sunday-Thursday: 10:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Friday - Saturday: 10:00 A.M. - Midnight
*FAA rules do not permit Cloud Nine to fly in rain or winds in excess of 20 mph

Location: 3951 Las Vegas Boulevard South (directly across from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino)
Phone: (800)-585-8688
Website: http://www.cloud9vegas.com/index.htm