17 dead as plane plunges into river in South Sudan

        
        Passengers were travelling from the Juba International Airport to the city of Yirol in Eastern Lakes State on Sunday, September 9 when disaster struck. Local sources in the region confirmed the accident which is believed to only have three survivors 

Several other passengers are still missing from the wreckage which was thoroughly quelled by water after the plane came into contact with the river. An Italian doctor and a bishop were among those who were on board the ill-fated plane. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined. 

Airborne 08.06.18: OSH18 'Near Perfect', Stratos 716, New NASA Crews

“A ‘perfect’ event may be unattainable, but AirVenture 2018 came about as close as one could imagine," said EAA chairman Jack Pelton. The event drew approximately 601,000, nearly two percent above of 2017’s record total. Stratos Aircraft has introduced an update on its VLJ program and introduced the Stratos 716 model. The Stratos 716 is an evolution of the 714 Proof of Concept (PoC) aircraft. "When we introduced the Proof of Concept aircraft last year the marketplace feedback was tremendous," said Stratos CTO, Carsten Sundin. "It was clear that the market is looking for the performance and comfort we were offering, but in a true 6-place aircraft. We have achieved this with the 716." The Stratos 716 has a 31" longer and 3.5" wider cabin than the 714 PoC aircraft introduced at Oshkosh in 2017. The Stratos 716 is a "multi-role" VLJ designed to comfortably seat 6 people to support personal, business and air taxi use. NASA introduced to the world on Friday the first U.S. astronauts who will fly on American-made, commercial spacecraft to and from the International Space Station – an endeavor that will return astronaut launches to U.S. soil for the first time since the space shuttle’s retirement in 2011. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Airborne 08.06.18 is chock full of info in this Daily News Episode, Monday, August 6th, 2018... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Hosts Laura Hutson, Brianne Cross, and Christopher Odom, and is supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalist Tom Patton, this episode covers:

Latitude DL150 now certified on Gulfstream G450 & G550

Latitude Technologies has announced that Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Georgia, has finalised STC certification of the Latitude DL150 Satellite Data Unit (SDU) for Gulfstream G450 and G550 series aircraft.

This will support CPDLC/ADS-C/ACARS satellite data link services, the DL150 is a TSO-C159b approved communications link enabling Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS 1/A+).   

Already required for some air corridors, ATCs will continue to limit the busiest and most favorable routes to FANS 1/A-equipped aircraft up to its full 2020 implementation date. DL150-equipped Gulfstream aircraft operators now have an effective option when addressing their long-range data link communication requirements which also includes pole-to-pole global coverage as an added benefit. 

“Our team of engineers, programmers, and developers create quality products that fill a wide range of needs in the aerospace market,” Founder and President Mark Insley commented. “When an aircraft manufacturer places trust in your organisation and products, it is a tremendous vote of confidence.”

Embraer E190-E2 granted certification by ANAC, FAA and EASA

Embraer has announced some final flight tests results confirming the E2 as the most efficient single-aisle aircraft on the market. In fuel consumption, the E190-E2 proved to be 1.3% better than originally expected, a 17.3% improvement compared to the current- generation E190.

The E190-E2 also becomes the most environmentally friendly aircraft in its class, with the lowest levels of external noise and emissions. Flight test results also confirmed the E190-E2 to be better than its original specification in takeoff performance. The aircraft’s range from airports with hot-and-high conditions, such as Denver and Mexico City, increases by 600 nm compared to current-generation aircraft. Its range from airports with short runways, such as London City, also increases by more than 1,000 nm allowing the aircraft to reach destinations like Moscow and cities in the north of Africa.

The E190-E2 will also have the longest maintenance intervals among single-aisle aircraft with 10,000 flight hours for basic checks and no calendar limit for typical utilisation. This means an additional 15 days of aircraft utilisation over ten years compared to current generation E-Jets. Another key gain is with pilot transition training time. Pilots of current-generation E-Jets will need only 2.5 days of training and no full flight simulator to be qualified to fly an E2.

Bose introduces game changing headsets for commercial pilots

In an announcement simultaneously presented at Sun n Fun show in Florida and the Aircraft Interiors show at Hamburg, the American headquartered technology innovator unveiled the Bose ProFlight aviation headset featuring the active noise cancelling that is enjoyed with the A20 headset used by pilots of light aircraft and helicopters.

With more than 30 U.S. design and utility patents, ProFlight Headset features a lightweight and comfortable in-ear configuration, three user-selectable levels of active noise cancellation and a Tap Control for Talk Through communication function that allows pilots to hear anyone on the flight deck that is not connected to the intercom - without removing the headset or an earpiece. It is FAA TSO-C139a and EASA E/TSO-C139a certified, a requirement that is increasingly important for many airlines and corporate flight departments.
“We’ve spent over thirty years researching and developing active noise cancelling technology,” said Matt Ruwe, senior product manager for Bose Aviation and Military headsets. “The ProFlight Aviation Headset is the culmination of that experience and knowledge, and through the application of proprietary Bose technology, provides a real solution to many of the challenges pilots of crewed and turbine powered aircraft face.” 

Bose says the headsets are designed for the lower noise environments and unique needs of pilots who fly in airline flight decks and corporate jet aircraft.
With an on-head weight of only 139 grams (4.9 ounces), it combines a lightweight headband for stability with an ear bud configuration that rests lightly yet securely in the bowl of the ear, allowing the headset to be worn comfortably for hours at a time. It also has a 48-hour battery life.

“The ProFlight delivers a combination of noise reduction, communications clarity and comfortable fit. But it also addresses some real and long standing problems professional pilots have had to deal with for years” said Ruwe.

The headset will be available worldwide and sold in the U.S. for $995.95, although pricing may change for other regions. Initial customer deliveries will begin the last week of May, 2018. 
ProFlight will be sold through the European Bose eCommerce websites and select authorized Bose Aviation dealers in the EMEA region. The headsets will be demonstrated in Africa for the first time next week at the Aviation Africa exhibition in Cairo.

MH17 downed by Russian military missile system, say investigators

A Russian military missile was responsible for shooting down flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, an international team of investigators said on Thursday, for the first time pointing the finger directly at Moscow.

The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down over the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine on 17 July 2014. All 298 people onboard were killed.

In 2016, investigators announced they had evidence that the BUK systeminvolved in the incident had crossed the border into eastern Ukraine from Russia and returned after the plane had been shot down.

At a press conference in The Hague on Thursday, the investigators showed photo and video evidence that they said proved they had identified the specific BUK missile system responsible.

They said they had “legal and convincing evidence which will stand up in a courtroom” that the BUK system involved came from the 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade based in Kursk, in western Russia.

Previously, the investigative website Bellingcat has pointed to involvement of the same brigade using open-source information.

The joint investigation team (JIT) looking into the incident is made up of Dutch prosecutors and police and others from Australia, Malaysia and Ukraine. They showed photos and video of the convoy that carried the missile system over the border from Russia to Ukraine, and a series of distinctive markings and serial numbers which they said had enabled them to trace the exact system used in the attack, and trace it to the 53rd brigade.

He said there was other evidence that would be kept secret until a court hearing began. “We don’t want to tell everything we know because then we are opening our cards to the other side and we do not want to do that.”

The big question will be how a future court will operate, given Russia is likely to continue its policy of stonewalling and denial. Investigators had asked Russian authorities for information about the 53rd brigade but had been ignored, said Westerbeke. If specific Russian military personnel or commanders are indicted, Russia is almost certain to refuse their extradition.

Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said the countries that make up the JIT were now “considering options” about how to proceed. “That a sophisticated weapon belonging to the Russian army was dispatched and used to shoot down a civilian aircraft should be of grave international concern,” she said.

The JIT stopped short of saying it believed the BUK system was deployed as part of a Russian military mission, saying only that they had identified the base from which it came. In a sign that some evidence is still missing, the JIT repeated a call for those with information about the incident to come forward, including information about the 53rd brigade, promising anonymity. 

“The next crucially important step is to identify some members of the military in the 53rd brigade ... who can directly say who was involved in the transfer or operation of the BUK,” said Ukrainian army general Vasyl Hrytsak, a member of the investigation team, in comments to Reuters.

Bellingcat said it would hold a press conference on Friday to present new findings on MH17.

In the weeks before MH17 was shot down, the separatists had shot down a number of Ukrainian military planes over east Ukraine, and intercepted communications between separatist fighters made it clear that they initially believed they had hit another military plane, not a civilian liner.

Russia has repeatedly denied it was militarily active in eastern Ukraine, despite an overwhelming body of evidence to the contrary. In 2014, Russian troops and hardware were introduced at key moments to back pro-Russia separatists fighting against Ukrainian government troops.

After a series of Russian media claims of Ukrainian responsibility were all shown to be false, Moscow appears to have settled on the idea that it was “impossible to tell” which side was responsible. 

This week a group of families of the MH17 victims wrote an open letter to the Russian people before the World Cup begins next month.

“We are painfully aware of the dark irony that the Russian leaders who will profess to welcome the world with open arms are those who are chiefly to blame for shattering our world,” the letter says. “And that it is these same leaders who have persistently sought to hide the truth, and who have evaded responsibility ever since that dreadful day in July 2014.”

Ethiopian marks African aviation history with 100th aircraft in active service

On the planned delivery of the 100th aircraft, Ethiopian Group CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam said: “It is an immense honor for all of us at Ethiopian to reach the milestone of 100 aircraft. This milestone is a continuation of our historical aviation leadership role in Africa and a testimony of the successful implementation of our fast, profitable and sustainable growth plan, Vision 2025.

“Ethiopian was the first to avail jet service in the continent back in 1962, and operated the first African B767 in 1984, the first African B777-200LR in 2010, the first African B787-800 Dreamliner and B777-200 freighter in 2012 and the first African A350 in 2016 and the first African B787-9 aircraft in 2017.

“Ethiopian now operates one of the youngest and most modern 100 aircraft, with an average age of less than 5 years. Fleet modernization and expansion is one of the four critical pillars of our Vision 2025 strategic roadmap, in support of our fast expanding network, which has now reached over 110 international destinations covering 5 continents

“Our new and cutting-edge fleet composed of B787s and A350s offer unparalleled on-board comfort to our customers and offer the best possible connections when traveling within Africa and between the continent and the rest of the world.”

GebreMariam  added: “This 100 fleet milestone, which we have achieved ahead of our Vision 2025 targets, compels us to revise our plans with a view to phase in more aircraft and further expand our network so as to meet the growing travel needs of our continent and support its economic development and integration by facilitating the flow of investment, trade and tourism. We will continue to connect more and more Africans with their fellow citizens of the continent and with their brothers and sisters in the rest of the world to make life better every single day”

Pilatus obtains PC-24 Type Certificates

Pilatus has obtained type certificates from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US-American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the first ever Swiss business jet.

Certification of the Super Versatile Jet prepares the ground for initial customer deliveries, which will see the PC-24 business jet take off from Central Switzerland for its entry on the global market.

In any project to develop a new aircraft, certification by the aviation authorities is by far the most important milestone, given that it means deliveries to customers may go ahead, generating revenue for the manufacturer. The PC-24 development project was officially announced in 2013, but work on the Super Versatile Jet has in fact been in progress for the past eleven and a half years.

Complex project with a tight schedule

The first PC-24 prototype completed its maiden flight in May 2015. All three prototypes used in the certification programme have flown a total of 2205 hours worldwide so far. Some flight tests were conducted in extreme environments: in icing conditions and very hot temperatures, at altitudes and speeds not usually encountered in everyday operations. Other tests have included bird impacts, structural stress tests, noise tests and general function. All this to prove that customers may depend on this aircraft to operate safely and reliably at all times, in line with statutory requirements. In fact, Pilatus test pilots took the aircraft to the very boundaries of its limits and even beyond, flying it in configurations and maneuvers forbidden to the commercial pilots who will subsequently occupy the cockpit.

Dassault unveils new business jet to carry on where 5X left off

The new 5,500 nm aircraft was unveiled in Paris this morning and will make its first flight in early 2021 and begin deliveries in 2022. 

Pratt & Whitney Canada's Pure®Power PW800 engines have been selected to power the aircraft which offers more cabin volume than any other Falcon ever designed. 

The 6X is largely based on the Falcon 5X aerodynamics and system features which were validated during the 5X preliminary flight test program. It has been optimized to take advantage of the new engine, offering a greater range and a longer cabin.

"The industry has been moving towards ever wider and higher interiors, and customers told us what they wanted most in our new Falcons was more space," said Dassault CEO Eric Trappier. "So we designed the Falcon 6X from the cabin out, making it as passenger-centric as we could while still delivering the high performance and other flying qualities that customers value in Falcons."

The 6X will have top speed of Mach 0.90 and a maximum range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km), and can fly directly from Los Angeles to Geneva, Beijing to San Francisco or Moscow to Singapore at long range cruise speed. It can also connect New York to Moscow, Paris to Beijing or Los Angeles to London at a cruise of Mach 0.85.

The aircraft also comes with noise suppression systems, based heavily on experience with the new Falcon 8X - claimed by the company to be the current benchmark in noise comfort - and an all-new cockpit and third generation EASy III all digital flight deck.

It will be delivered with a full package of equipment, including Dassault's FalconSphere II electronic flight bag and the revolutionary FalconEye Combined Vision System - the first head up display to combine enhanced and synthetic vision capabilities.

The Falcon 6X is equipped with an ultra-efficient wing that minimizes the impact of turbulence and a next generation digital flight control system that controls all moving surfaces, including a novel control surface called a flaperon. The 6X is the first business jet to use a flaperon, which considerably improves control during approach, especially on steep descents.

Eric Trappier SAID  "Dassault Aviation is confident and optimistic that the 6X will interest a worldwide market. " He added that Dassault Aviation will be able to deliver two aircraft per month depending on the market evolution. " We will need to be very reactive, flexible and adapt our production capacity. We hope to get contracts in the coming days, months and years as we have the best model in this segment. Dassault Aviation would like to be more present in African which shows much prospect in business aviation in the coming years. "

Vertical take-off and landing business jet takes-off to the sky

The Starling Jet now has now taken off to the sky taking vertical flight to greater heights.

The disruptive vertical take-off and landing business jet is a product of SAMAD Aerospace, which is a UK-based technology start-up with the dream to revolutionise the way humans and goods fly around the world. 

To achieve that, a group of experts in their respective fields - be it Aerodynamics, Aircraft Design and Propulsion systems -  worked together and developed a range of products that will redefine air travelling experience. 

The company said: “Imagine a transportation which is safer than a car, completely flexible, as eco-friendly as an electric vehicle, less time consuming than any plane or train and as luxurious as a private jet. This is the unique combination of features that will be offered by e-Starling and Starling-Jet in a door-to-door human air transportation, while UAV Starling will transport goods at an unprecedented pace; thus, completely changing perspectives about air travels. The Starling fleet are designed to give back their user’s most valuable asset - time - hence allowing them to achieve more than they would have ever dreamt of.”

P&WC's new PurePower PW812D engine application to power new Falcon 6X

Pratt & Whitney Canada have announced that a new variant of its ground-breaking PurePower PW800 turbofan engine has been selected to power the new Dassault Falcon 6X business jet, unveiled by Dassault Aviation earlier today.

The PW812D engine, thrust 13,000-14,000 lbs, is set to offer exceptional performance, unparalleled reliability and sustainability. Ready to enter service on other aircraft, the PurePower PW800 engine is optimized for high-flying, fast, long-range business jets and shares the same proven, rigorously-tested core technology used in Pratt & Whitney's award-winning PurePower family of geared turbofan commercial engines. The advanced common core technology, employed in 16 different PurePower engine applications, has amassed more than 585,000 in-service hours.

“With the new Falcon 6X, our PurePower PW800 engine once again demonstrates its leadership in the long range business jet category,” said Irene Makris, Vice-President, Marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “The PW812D offers the highest level of technology available, paired with the reliability provided by an award-winning platform." 

Embraer E190-E2 granted certification by ANAC, FAA and EASA

Embraer has announced some final flight tests results confirming the E2 as the most efficient single-aisle aircraft on the market. In fuel consumption, the E190-E2 proved to be 1.3% better than originally expected, a 17.3% improvement compared to the current- generation E190.

The E190-E2 also becomes the most environmentally friendly aircraft in its class, with the lowest levels of external noise and emissions. Flight test results also confirmed the E190-E2 to be better than its original specification in takeoff performance. The aircraft’s range from airports with hot-and-high conditions, such as Denver and Mexico City, increases by 600 nm compared to current-generation aircraft. Its range from airports with short runways, such as London City, also increases by more than 1,000 nm allowing the aircraft to reach destinations like Moscow and cities in the north of Africa.

The E190-E2 will also have the longest maintenance intervals among single-aisle aircraft with 10,000 flight hours for basic checks and no calendar limit for typical utilisation. This means an additional 15 days of aircraft utilisation over ten years compared to current generation E-Jets. Another key gain is with pilot transition training time. Pilots of current-generation E-Jets will need only 2.5 days of training and no full flight simulator to be qualified to fly an E2.

Kenya Airways plans new economy plus class

Kenya Airways is planning to target high-level premium customers, as part of restructuring efforts aimed at returning the airline to operational profitability, new reports.

Chief executive officer of the airline, Sebastian Mikosz, said the airline is planning to roll out a new economy plus class by the end of the year.

Mikosz said the new class is targeted at business travellers, including American tourists and business executives on its new Nairobi-New York service.

SITAONAIR and DTN launches weather alerting to AIRCOM FlightTracker

Airline dispatchers using AIRCOM FlightTracker will now be equipped to help aircraft avoid inclement weather –including aircraft-specific turbulence, icing, and thunderstorm forecasts – supporting the smoothest and safest possible flight experience for those onboard, and maximizing fuel efficiency. 

Already adopted by airlines operating more than 250,000 flights every month, the FlightTracker is a ground-based software system delivering vital global real-time aircraft position alerting to airline operations teams. 

Paul Rainford, Senior Product Manager, FlightTracker, at SITAONAIR, said: "The responsibility of tracking aircraft is reliant on intensive manpower from an airline's operations and dispatch teams. But armed with FlightTracker's aircraft tracking alerting, and new, weather-based Flight Route Alerting capabilities, operations and dispatchers can focus their attentions on those flights that call for more detailed consideration. This in turn provides improved support to the pilots in the air, contributing to a better passenger experience."

Jon Reifschneider, senior vice president of weather at DTN, added: "We are excited to partner with SITAONAIR to provide additional layers of safety to all flights. The system allows you to take charge of your flight plan, planning routes up to 36 hours in advance, giving operators the confidence to schedule flights that keep passengers and crew safe, avoid turbulence, and use less fuel. DTN's insights also shed light on weather events that exceed the parameters for any planned routes, enabling flight planners to select the route that offers the best cost and the least chance of weather-related disruptions."

Kenya: JKIA Named Best Improved Airport in Africa

Nairobi — The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been awarded the best-improved airport in Africa by the Airports Council International (ACI).

The world Airports body has singled out JKIA's improved customer service based on the responses from passengers captured by the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey.

Kenya Airports Authority's Managing Director, Jonny Andersen says JKIA is currently undergoing major reorganisation and modernisation works set to stamp its position as a regional hub.

"Today's recognition shows that the measures we have put in place to improve services are beginning to bear fruit. The benefits of all agencies working as a team are clear to see. We still have a lot to do but I believe that we are on the right track." Mr. Andersen added.

JKIA recognition comes four weeks after the airport rolled out a service charter signed by all Government agencies committing to provide consistent and high-quality service.

Casablanca Airport was named the best airport in Africa with over 2 million passengers per year, followed by Mauritius and Durban.

In the Asia-pacific region, Mumbai scooped first place serving over 40 million passengers a year. In North America, this top spot goes to Toronto Pearson and in Europe to Rome Fiumicino.

Five dead as Helicopter crashes in New York river

A helicopter carrying six people crashed in New York City’s East River on Sunday, killing all passengers, while the pilot escaped, police said.

Two of the five passengers died at the scene and three were taken to two area hospitals where they later died, a spokesman for the New York City Police spokesman confirmed early Monday.

The pilot freed himself and was treated and released in good condition from a hospital, police said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Eurocopter AS350 went down near the northern end of Roosevelt Island at about 7 p.m. and was investigating. The National Transportation Safety Board said its investigative team would arrive on Monday.

“It’s a great tragedy,” said New York Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro at a press conference late Sunday. “It took a while for the divers to get these people out.”

Nigro said when the divers reached the helicopter it was inverted and in 50 feet of water with below 40-degree Fahrenheit water temperatures and four-mile-an hour currents.

the passengers were tightly harnessed and the harnesses had to be cut and removed to free the passengers in the helicopter, he added.

A Reuters photographer witnessed three people recovered by rescue divers being wheeled on stretchers onto a midtown pier shortly before 9 p.m.

New York City Police Commissioner James O’Neill said the aircraft was registered to Liberty Helicopters, a sightseeing and charter service in New York, and was on a private charter “photo shoot.”

The U.S. Coast Guard launched three boats to aid in the response, joining New York City emergency responders.
“It kind of hit sideways and just flipped over,” Brianna Jesme, 22, an Upper East Side resident who witnessed the crash, told Reuters TV.

Video of the incident filmed by an onlooker and posted on Twitter showed a red helicopter descending toward the water at dusk, then landing with a large splash before tipping onto its right side, its tail lights still flashing.

Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the footage.

The NYC Ferry said late Sunday on Twitter that service on the Astoria and East River routes was currently suspended until further notice because of the helicopter crash.

Boeing 737 MAX 9 awarded FAA certification

Boeing has announced that the 737 MAX 9 has received an amended type certificate (ATC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), officially certifying the aircraft for commercial service.

The certification marks the culmination of a successful flight test programme  that began in March 2017 with two Boeing flight test aircraft. The FAA certification affirms that the airplane's handling, systems and overall performance all comply with required aviation regulations.

"Our teams built superior capabilities into the MAX 9 and proved them all the way through flight test. We're looking forward to bringing this airplane to market for our valued customers," said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "I am proud of the entire team for helping us reach another important development milestone."

Boeing is now in the final stages of preparing the MAX 9 for its first delivery to launch customer Lion Air Group.

The 737 MAX 9 is designed for a capacity of up to 220 passengers and a maximum range of 3,550 nautical miles. With three additional seat rows compared to the 737 MAX 8, this airplane provides operators added capacity while maximizing profitability within their network.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market

Garmin introduces the GFC 600H helicopter flight control system

Garmin has launched the GFCTM 600H flight control system for helicopter owners and operators – a breakthrough in cost-effective technology that reduces pilot workload and improves mission effectiveness.

This attitude-based (AHRS-derived) flight control system has a number of helicopter- tailored safety features, including stability augmentation system (SAS), Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESPTM), dedicated return-to-level (LVL) mode, hover assist, as well as overspeed and low speed protection. The GFC 600H can operate as a full-featured standalone flight control system, but also offers integration with compatible flight displays, including the Garmin G500H and G500H TXi flight displays, instruments and navigation sources.

“Garmin designed the GFC 600H to significantly reduce inflight workload, fatigue and stress levels for helicopter pilots who are often faced with complicated missions in adverse weather conditions or degraded visual environments,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “The GFC 600H combines our industry-leading flight control capabilities with our helicopter experience and aviation safety technology expertise to deliver a system that ultimately allows pilots to focus more attention on accomplishing the multitude of missions they face while trusting their helicopter flight to us.”

With its advanced AHRS technology and redundant, cross-checking sensors, the GFC 600H was designed for smooth handling. The GFC 600H includes SAS that provides inputs to help stabilise the helicopter while hand-flying. The corrections provided by SAS serve to improve the helicopter’s basic handling characteristics by maintaining a commanded attitude. Designed with the pilot in mind, its cyclic-mounted trim controls allows for seamless interactions without taking a hand off of the helicopter flight controls during basic operations, including system initialization of the SAS in attitude mode, adjustments of the pitch and roll trim, and much more. While flying with SAS, pilots can easily “fly through” the flight control inputs for smooth maneuvers beyond the preset trim condition.

Thanks to the hover assist mode, the system will also automatically detect a hover condition and provide flight control inputs to help maintain position over the ground. When equipped with the optional yaw axis control, the GFC 600H will also hold heading in hover.

As a standard feature, Garmin H-ESP helps the pilot remain within a safe envelope when hand-flying the helicopter. Should the pilot exceed pre-determined pitch, roll or airspeed limitations, H-ESP provides a corrective force on the flight controls proportionate to the exceedance. H-ESP works in all modes – even when the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft with the system not engaged – and can be manually disabled to allow for maneuvering flight as needed. In potentially disorienting situations, the GFC 600H features a dedicated LVL mode that can be engaged by the pilot to automatically initiate recovery from unusual attitudes and return the aircraft to straight-and-level flight, helping to avoid a potential loss-of-control scenario.

The flight director can be displayed on an optional G500H or G500H TXi flight display to help guide the pilot’s hand-flown inputs toward the desired flight path, including heading, altitude, vertical speed, and airspeed modes. For enroute and approach navigation, the system uses guidance from a compatible Garmin navigator, such as the GTNTM 750/650 series, to automatically fly approaches and search and rescue patterns.

Additional vertical and lateral modes include altitude hold, altitude select, vertical speed, indicated airspeed and heading select.

The GFC 600H features a stack-width mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display. Its robust architecture allows for both 2-axis and 3-axis configurations to provide the features and handling characteristics needed for a helicopter. Integrated “smart” servos provide pitch and roll inputs as commanded by the system, and the available third servo and collective sensor provide yaw axis control capability and smooth flight control adjustments when the pilot moves the collective. Digitally controlled, high-torque servos allow for faster, crisper, more powerful response, which enables the GFC 600H to perform with smooth efficiency and advanced capability.

Ethiopian becomes Africa’s first A350 full-flight simulator operator

Ethiopian Airlines has achieved yet another milestone, becoming the first A350 XWB Simulator Operator in Africa and among the few in the world.

The machine is fitted with a full electrical motion system which delivers improved performance while providing energy savings and environmental benefits.

Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said: “The introduction of the A350 XWB Full-Flight Simulator is a continuation of our pioneering role in African aviation Technology. It is part of our Vision 2025 strategic roadmap to be fully self-sufficient in the provision of pilot training in all the aircraft type we operate. It complements the other full-flight simulators we are already operating such as the B787, B-777, B737, B757, B767 and Q400.

“All in all, we have invested over 125 million $ in the last 7 years to expand and upgrade all the facets of our training capabilities. These investments are meant to bridge the aviation skill gap in Africa and to avail well trained and qualified aviation professionals in the continent. Education is the biggest Equaliser of our time and our aim is to make Africa self-sufficient in aviation professionals.”

The Pilot Training School of the airline has trained pilots from over 52 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe for close to 50 years.

Iran plane crashes into mountain killing all passengers on board

An Iranian passenger plane has crashed into the country’s Zagros mountains with more than 50 people on board, the head of the country’s emergency services told local media on Sunday.

“This plane has crashed in the Semirom area and all emergency forces are on alert. The plane had 50 to 60 passengers,” Pir Hossein Koolivand told the Fars news agency.

The plane was reportedly travelling from Tehran to the small town of Yasuj in Isfahan province.

Semirom lies in the mountainous southwestern region of Iran, around 480 kilometres (300 miles) south of the capital.

“An ATR aircraft of Aseman Airlines with 60 passengers and about six crew disappeared from radar this morning,” Aladin Borujerdi, head of parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, told the semi-official ISNA news agency.

“Observation by people (in the area) indicates a crash,” he said, adding that he was still awaiting confirmation.
Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for the national emergency services, told the semi-official ISNA news agency that a helicopter had been sent to the area.

Kenya Airways becomes first airline to offer a non-stop flight between East Africa and USA

Kenya Airways starts ticket sales for its non-stop daily flight to New York Kenya Airways.

Kenya Airways today marks a milestone with the launch of a non-stop flight from Nairobi to New York.

The national carrier starts selling today tickets for the inaugural flight which is scheduled for October 28th this year.

The airline already serves Africa, Europe, Middle-East, Indian sub-continent and Asia. The opening of the US destination completes an essential piece for Kenya Airways’ network, cementing its position as one of the leading African carriers. 

“This is an exciting moment for us. It fits within our strategy to attract corporate and high-end tourism traffic from the world to Kenya and Africa. We are honored to contribute to the economic growth of Kenya and East Africa,” said Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Sebastian Mikosz.

RJ - second most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa

Royal Jordanian ranked second in terms of punctuality among Middle East and African airlines with 80.67% on-time performance rate last year, according to OAG's 2018 Punctuality League study, released earlier this year.

The Punctuality League report is based on 57 million flight records; it uses full-year data from 2017 to rank the world’s airlines and airports best on-time performance (OTP).

OTP characterizes flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival/ departure times.

RJ’s President/CEO Stefan Pichler commented: “Let me congratulate our operations team for this outstanding performance. Punctuality is a must for any world-class airline.”

The airlines and airports that qualified for inclusion in the Punctuality League have flight status data for at least 80% of all scheduled flights operated by the airline or for the airport.

Five regional categories rank the best airlines, mainline and LCC, which are operating in groupings of IATA-defined global regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa (where RJ ranked second), Latin America and North America.

In each category, airlines must be ranked among the Top 250 operators globally in terms of available seat kilometers (ASKs) and must have operated a minimum of 18,000 scheduled flights in 2017 to qualify for inclusion.

According to oag.com, OAG is the leading global provider of digital flight information. It provides accurate, timely and actionable information and applications across the travel sector to the world. Headquartered in the UK, OAG has global operations in the US, Singapore, Japan and China.

Kenya Airways becomes first airline to offer a non-stop flight between East Africa and USA

Kenya Airways starts ticket sales for its non-stop daily flight to New York Kenya Airways.

Kenya Airways today marks a milestone with the launch of a non-stop flight from Nairobi to New York.

The national carrier starts selling today tickets for the inaugural flight which is scheduled for October 28th this year.

The airline already serves Africa, Europe, Middle-East, Indian sub-continent and Asia. The opening of the US destination completes an essential piece for Kenya Airways’ network, cementing its position as one of the leading African carriers. 

“This is an exciting moment for us. It fits within our strategy to attract corporate and high-end tourism traffic from the world to Kenya and Africa. We are honored to contribute to the economic growth of Kenya and East Africa,” said Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Sebastian Mikosz.

Ethiopian to debut flight to Geneva

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa and SKYTRAX certified Four Star Global Airline, is pleased to announce that it will launch direct thrice weekly service to Geneva, Switzerland on June 3, 2018.

Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “Geneva hosts the highest number of international organizations in the world, making it a global hub for diplomacy. It’s a perfect complement to Addis our main hub and Africa’s diplomatic capital with the headquarters of the African Union and the UN-ECA (Economic Commission for Africa). 

Government officials and staff from regional and international organizations in Geneva and across our extensive African network will be able to enjoy seamless and convenient connectivity enabling to carry out their mission with ease and conveniences.”

The route will be operated with a Boeing 787-800, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the carrier’s fleet family, featuring up-to-date amenities with redefined travel experiences.

Africa World Airlines to add B767s for intercontinental routes

Africa World Airlines co-chairman Togbe Afede XIV has confirmed the Ghanaian carrier will introduce widebody aircraft to service intercontinental routes, reports ch-aviation.

Afede said three B767s would be added to enable the launch of flights to Europe, the United States, and South America.

"Subsequently we look forward to receiving three Boeing 767 that will enable us to connect Africa to London, New York, São Paulo Guarulhos, and Istanbul Atatürk ," he said.