Iran Claims First Flight of Reverse Engineered RQ-170

    Iran claims to have flown an unmanned aircraft copied from a Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel that crashed in that country in December 2011. It plans to place four copies into service by the end of the Iranian calendar year in March, the semi-official Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.


     The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the first flight of a reverse engineered RQ-170 on November 10, and state-run television showed footage of the purported aircraft in flight. Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC aerospace force, then declared that “at least four indigenized RQ-170 drones” will begin operations by next March, FNA said November 12.


    The Iranian version of the unmanned surveillance aircraft “has been built through a combination of the U.S. designs and ideas and those of Iranian experts,” according to the report. Unlike the RQ-170, the Iranian aircraft will “have a bombing capability” and be used for both surveillance and strike missions, Hajizadeh said.

    Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works advanced development arm is thought to have developed the RQ-170 by around 2005, and the U.S. deployed the stealthy aircraft to Afghanistan by 2008. However, the U.S. Air Force did not officially acknowledge the program until December 2009.

Airbus A350-900 Receives FAA Type Certification

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration awarded the Airbus A350-900 type certification on Wednesday at FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Peggy Gilligan and Airbus Group chairman Allan McArtor joined FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to take part in the official signing ceremony. The milestone follows the A350-900 type certification awarded by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on September 30.

     American Airlines, which holds an order for 22 A350-900s, expects to take first delivery in 2017. Another one-time U.S. customer, United Airlines, last year replaced an order for 25 A350-900s with an order for 35 A350-1000s.

    The A350-900's respective FAA and EASA certification awards come after a fleet of five test aircraft accumulated more than 2,600 flight-test hours since first flight on June 14 of last year. The family of aircraft, which still officially includes the A350-800, has drawn firm orders for 750 airplanes from 39 customers. Launch customer Qatar Airways plans to take first delivery in early December and place it into service on a route linking Doha with Frankfurt in January.

EC Approves Etihad-Alitalia Partnership

   The European Commission on Friday cleared the merger of Alitalia and Etihad Airways under EU Regulation 139/2004, allowing the airlines to proceed with the strategic partnership they announced in August. Valued at €1.76 billion ($2.35 billion), the deal will see Etihad take a 49-percent stake in Alitalia with a view to restoring the troubled flag carrier to profitability by 2017.

   Following the completion of its review, the EC confirmed that the partnership complies with the European regulations on competition. In line with previous cases, the airlines undertook commitments aimed at facilitating the entry of new airlines on the Rome to Belgrade route. The airlines continue to work together with a view to completing the transaction before the end of the year, they said in a joint statement.

 “We are delighted to be able to move forward with this process and look forward to a positive outcome and the final conclusion of our transaction with Alitalia,” said Etihad Airways president and CEO James Hogan. “An equity investment in Alitalia will be beneficial not only for the both airlines, but, more importantly, it will give more choice and broader travel opportunities to business and leisure travelers into and out of Italy.”

   Under the agreement, Etihad will invest €560 million ($750 million), including €387.5 million for the equity stake in Alitalia, €112.5 million to acquire a 75-percent interest in the airline’s frequent-flier program and €60 million to acquire five slot pairs at London Heathrow Airport, which plans to lease back “at arm’s length” to Alitalia.

    Existing Alitalia shareholders will invest another €300 million in the carrier. Financial institutions and bank shareholders have agreed to restructure €598 million in short- and medium-term debt and extend Alitalia a €300 million credit line.
  
  “This is an excellent outcome for Alitalia,” said Alitalia CEO Gabriele del Torchio. “This investment will provide financial stability and a foundation for impressive long-term growth for the company and for the travel and tourism industry in Italy, in which Alitalia is a fundamental player.”

FAA changes pilot pairing policy

       FAA announced today final rule on pilot pairing enforcement policy "Part 121 Pilot Age Limit". Currently, while the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards allow a person between the age of 60 and 65 to serve as pilot in command (PIC) of an airplane with two or more pilots, in international commercial air transport operations, the PIC must be paired with a pilot younger than 60 years of age.

      Parts 61 and 121 of title 14, of the Code of Federal Regulations contain similar limitations. However, a recent amendment to the ICAO standards would remove this pilot pairing requirement. Instead, all pilots serving on airplanes in international commercial air transport operations with more than one pilot may serve beyond 60 years of age (until age 65) without being paired with a pilot under 60 years of age. This ICAO amendment triggers the sunset of the statutory authority that provides the basis for the crew pairing limitations in title 14.

FlySafair announces a second base and new routes

From the 3rd of December, FlySafair will launch their second base at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport, allowing passengers to fly from Johannesburg to George and Port Elizabeth, from as little as R499* one way.

"Our intention has always been to grow our schedule of operations and it makes most sense for us to open a second base and connect all of our current destinations, therefore offering flights from Johannesburg as well as from Cape Town. Further, we have had overwhelming feedback from our passengers to introduce these routes, we have listened to their suggestions and we have great pleasure in being able to now offer these routes," explains Lorna Terblanche, vice president of passenger services for FlySafair. 

Although a new entrant into the commercial market, the airline is backed by nearly 50 years of aviation experience from holding company, Safair. Furthermore, FlySafair has established itself as SA's first true low cost carrier in that they allow passengers to tailor their own tickets.

Based on international best practices, the airline offers passengers a base fare which secures them a seat to their destination, along with two carry on items weighing no more than 7kgs. Any additional checked-in luggage, along with the option to pre-select preferential seats or extra-space seats such as those in the front rows or at emergency exits as well as onboard catering, will be charged for according to passengers’ specific needs. 

"Our aim has always been to not only bring affordable fares to the market, but to also allow new flyers to experience the love of flying. With this announcement of a new base and new routes, we believe that we are opening up the opportunity to fly to many more people - just in time for the December holidays," concludes Terblanche.

- See more at: http://www.africanaerospace.aero/flysafair-announces-a-second-base-and-new-routes.html#sthash.ipbY2Ao3.dpuf

"Our intention has always been to grow our schedule of operations and it makes most sense for us to open a second base and connect all of our current destinations, therefore offering flights from Johannesburg as well as from Cape Town. Further, we have had overwhelming feedback from our passengers to introduce these routes, we have listened to their suggestions and we have great pleasure in being able to now offer these routes," explains Lorna Terblanche, vice president of passenger services for FlySafair. 

Although a new entrant into the commercial market, the airline is backed by nearly 50 years of aviation experience from holding company, Safair. Furthermore, FlySafair has established itself as SA's first true low cost carrier in that they allow passengers to tailor their own tickets.

Based on international best practices, the airline offers passengers a base fare which secures them a seat to their destination, along with two carry on items weighing no more than 7kgs. Any additional checked-in luggage, along with the option to pre-select preferential seats or extra-space seats such as those in the front rows or at emergency exits as well as onboard catering, will be charged for according to passengers’ specific needs. 

"Our aim has always been to not only bring affordable fares to the market, but to also allow new flyers to experience the love of flying. With this announcement of a new base and new routes, we believe that we are opening up the opportunity to fly to many more people - just in time for the December holidays," concludes Terblanche.

- See more at: http://www.africanaerospace.aero/flysafair-announces-a-second-base-and-new-routes.html#sthash.ipbY2Ao3.dpuf

Jet Aviation, new Fixed Base Operation at Munich Airport

Jet Aviation now offers handling and ground support services from its newly opened FBO at Munich International Airport. The newest addition to Jet Aviation’s global FBO network will be managed by Klaus Besold.

The new Jet Aviation Munich FBO at Munich International Airport is the company’s third handling facility in Germany, including Berlin and Dusseldorf, and began operation in November 2014. 

Klaus Besold has been appointed as station manager of Jet Aviation Munich and reports directly to Frank Kusserow, Jet Aviation’s FBO managing director in Germany.

Source and image: Jet Aviation

SMBC Aviation Capital order 80 737 MAXs

Boeing and SMBC Aviation Capital announced an order for 80 737 MAX 8s, valued at more than $8.5 billion at list prices. This is the largest single order for 737 MAXs from a leasing company and will help SMBC Aviation Capital grow its portfolio of high-demand, fuel-efficient airplanes.

With this agreement SMBC Aviation Capital becomes the 50th 737 MAX customer and grows the program's order book to more than 2,400 airplanes.

SMBC Aviation Capital and Boeing celebrated the announcement earlier today at a signing ceremony in Tokyo.

Boeing's Current Market Outlook forecasts that airlines will need more than 25,600 single-aisle airplanes like the 737 MAX over the next 20 years.

Source and image: Boeing

FL Technics Training spruces up its Online Training with a training management tool for industry employers

FL Technics Training, a global provider of aviation technical training services, is delighted to announce further extension of its online EASA-compliant training platform. A recently introduced training management tool is designed specifically for MROs, airlines and other industry employers seeking to plan, track and manage the online training of their personnel more efficiently.

Being integrated with the Online Training platform, the new tool allows employers to create personal profiles for technicians, engineers, NDT-specialists and other employees in order to digitalize and consolidate the HR needs for online EASA-compliant courses. Moreover, the tool sends automatic reminders regarding all upcoming expiration dates when it comes to the relevant certificates of employees while allowing to track the performance of students during training and monitor the entire history of one’s online courses.

The training management tool provides employers with the possibility to form student groups and acquire relevant training in just a few clicks instead of performing lengthy ordering procedures for each employee separately. Following an order, the tool automatically sends invitations to the employees via e-mail or generates e-tickets which can be printed and shared manually. With either an E-invitation or a printed ticket, the company’s specialists will be able to sign onto the Online Training platform and receive the required course at the most convenient time and place. Upon the successful completion of a course, the employer receives digital certificates of completion for each of the student and, upon request, the relevant hard copies.

“Online courses allow to achieve significant savings on travel-related costs, not to mention the time various specialists spend on training trips. Furthermore, Online Training offers various courses which can be received from anywhere at any time. One only needs an Internet connection and a computer, a tablet, or a smart phone”, shares Kestutis Volungevicius, the Head of FL Technics Training. “While the initial version of the Online Training was more suitable for individuals seeking to meet their personal training needs, the latest extension is designed specifically for those who manage the training of an entire organization, i.e. employers. We hope that the new tool will facilitate MROs, airlines and other industry companies with managing online training of their professionals while making the entire HR function run more smoothly and effectively.”

Online Training™ was launched earlier this year and currently comprises a set of initial and continuing training courses in the areas of Human Factors and Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (Target Group 1-2 and 3-8). By the end of the year the platform is to be supplemented with additional courses, including the training on FTS Phase I and Phase II, FTS (continuation), Aviation Legislation i.a.w Part-66 M10, Aviation Legislation (continuation), Human Factors i.a.w Part-145 Initial, Safety Management Systems, IR Part-145 and IR Part-M areas.

In order to gain access to the courses and/or learn more about Online Training™, please visit https://147training.com/.

Source and image: FL Technics Training

Plane Crash Kills Myles Munroe, Bahamas' Best-Known Pastor

     En route to the international leadership conference he was hosting today, the Bahamas' best-known pastor, Myles Munroe, died with his wife and seven others in a plane crash Sunday.

    The 60-year-old founder and president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International was an alumnus of Oral Roberts University and a past speaker for Promise Keepers. He helped author more than 100 books, many of which were bestsellers in the Caribbean and Africa, according to NBC. CT noted how Munroe was the opening speaker for the 1996 National Religious Broadcasters conference.

     “It was an honor having Myles Munroe speak on our platform in the early 2000s,” Promise Keepers said in a Facebook post Monday. “We have peace knowing that he is with the Lord. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, noted on his Facebook page that Munroe “lived for the kingdom and helped us understand that we can change the world.”

 
  “I remember when he spoke to me and gave me a word so on point. He will be missed,” Rodriguez said on Facebook. He noted on Twitter that “Myles Munroe breathed, lived and died expanding the kingdom of God. His passion for Christ made him a true ambassador of grace and righteousness.”

Financial guru Dave Ramsey noted on Twitter that Munroe’s “spirit was contagious.”

Evangelical Preacher Myles Munroe Mourned Around the World

   
Religious and political leaders across the globe on Tuesday continued to mourn Myles Munroe, the evangelical pastor and motivational speaker with a devoted following who was killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas Sunday.

      Munroe, 60, founder and president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, died along with his wife, Ruth, co-pastor Richard Pinder and six other people when the small plane they were flying in struck a shipping crane on approach to landing in stormy weather Sunday night at Grand Bahama International Airport, the ministry and Bahamian authorities said.

       Prime Minister Perry Christie called Munroe "indisputably one of the most globally recognizable religious figures our nation has ever produced." In a briefing with reporters Tuesday, he said, "I ask myself why would God take the life of someone who was one of his angels, one his disciples, one of his apostles."

An investigator with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board was arriving

U.S. Air Force reports of military aircraft crash in Gulf of Mexico

      The Coast Guard is responding to a report of a downed military aircraft approximately 57 miles south of Panama City, Florida, Thursday.

Watchstanders at the 8th Coast Guard District received a call from the Air Force at approximately 9:30 a.m., reporting a downed military aircraft with one person aboard.

   

      The pilot's identity was being withheld until 24 hours after his relatives have been notified, the base said in a message on its official Facebook page.

The aircraft and pilot, assigned to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, was performing a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico when the base lost contact. 

Source and image: U.S. Coast Guard