First production HondaJet takes to the skies

Honda Aircraft Company has announced that the first production HondaJet achieved its initial flight, marking another milestone toward aircraft certification and entry into service in 2015. The event took place at the company’s world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina.

“With this first flight, the HondaJet program has entered the next exciting phase as we prepare for delivery,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “Today’s celebration is the culmination of extensive engineering and production efforts, and this is an important achievement in bringing the world’s most advanced light jet to market.”

The first production aircraft lifted off from the Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO) at 10:18 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. During the 84-minute flight, the aircraft climbed to 15,500 feet and reached a speed of 348 Knots True Airspeed (KTAS). Following a smooth landing, the aircraft and its crew were greeted by more than 1,000 Honda Aircraft team members to commemorate the milestone.

The aircraft was flown by test pilot Warren Gould, pilot-in-command. The crew completed several checks during the flight including low and high speed handling characteristics, avionics and system functionality including landing gear, flaps and speed brake operations.

This aircraft is finished in the new signature HondaJet paint scheme in a deep green pearl with a gold stripe. The new color introduction is in addition to four exterior color options available to customers, which also include silver, red, yellow and blue.

Aircraft production continues its steady pace in advance of entry into service. This steady build-up supports the company’s objective to have aircraft ready for delivery immediately after Federal Aviation Administration type certification is achieved. The HondaJet will be single-pilot certified and is currently offered for sale in North America and Europe through the HondaJet dealer network.

The HondaJet is the world’s most advanced light jet, and its distinctive design incorporates advanced technologies and concepts. The HondaJet patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, natural laminar flow wing, and composite fuselage were developed from long-term research activities. These innovations combine to make the HondaJet the fastest, most spacious and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.

The HondaJet flies at a maximum cruise speed of 420 knots (483 mph) and has a maximum altitude of 43,000 feet. The aircraft seats up to five passengers in a standard configuration and can travel at an NBAA IFR range of 1,180 nautical miles (1,357 miles).

VIP charter carrier KlasJet marks the start of operations

KlasJet, a newly established VIP charter carrier specializing in private and corporate charter flights, is delighted to announce about its first successful commercial flight to one of the many luxurious Mediterranean resorts. The first carrier’s commercial flight follows the receipt of an air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the Lithuanian CAA in late June, 2014.

“We are extremely proud about the fact that we have managed to obtain such a widely desired Air Operator’s Certificate in such a relatively short period of time. It is all the more exciting that the company is ready and able to launch its operations during the high season,” shares his excitement Vitalij Kapitonov, the CEO of KlasJet. “The fact that our first 3-hour long commercial flight comes right after the receipt of the AOC proves the growing demand for VIP charters in the region. I am glad to share that our first passengers fully enjoyed their flight, conducted in one of our uniquely designed business jets - Bombardier Challenger 850. Whether it is London, Moscow, Rome or any other destination, our customers can expect nothing but the most extensive and flexible support possible – something they truly deserve”. 

KlasJet launched its operations with a fleet of two business jets - a Bombardier CRJ200 and a Challenger 850 – both outfitted with a unique livery and exclusive interior. In the long-term it is planned that the company will operate up to 10 corporate jets, including Embraer Legacy and Hawker aircraft. The carrier’s fleet is supported by Avia Solutions Group and its subsidiaries which hold EASA Part-145, EASA Part-147, EASA Part-21 and EASA Part-M certificates. This allows the carrier to control MRO, cabin refurbishment and modernization processes whilst ensuring European quality and comfort. 

Source and image: KlasJet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuvdcLDt2-Q:Captain Mwangi and his daughter flying KQ together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuvdcLDt2-Q

Published on Apr 20, 2013

And now to a very inspirational story ...captain Mwangi, has been a pilot with Kenya airways for 29 years. His daughter Emma Mwangi, has followed in his footsteps and is also a pilot. That's not unusual. It is also not unusual that even though they work together, they have never flown an aircraft together. Ktn's Edith Kimani got the unique opportunity to accompany them on their first and probably last flight together as pilot and co-pilot.
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Vauxhall helicopter crash a 'wake up call'

On the surface, the report into the Vauxhall helicopter crash is pretty stark.

Pilot error is blamed in the official report by the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau for the collision in south London that led to the death of two people including the pilot.

The phrase in the industry is the pilot was "overloaded". The pilot, Pete Barnes, may have been distracted by changing the radio frequency and should not have been in cloud so close to the tower when he hit the crane.

However, what is also very interesting is the policy gaps that exist in the planning of tall towers and helicopters. This will cause concern to many Londoners, especially those living along the Thames, as it is one of the main thoroughfares for helicopters.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has no input into planning decisions on tall buildings apart from in safeguarded areas around airports.

The councils are under no obligation to inform the CAA if they give the go-ahead to a tall tower.

Kate Hoey, MP for Vauxhall, has called the situation "laissez-faire" and says the crash is a "wake-up call" and has called on the processes to be tightened up.

Flying rules mean pilots should stay 500ft (150m) away from tall structures - known as Rule 5.

But because of the number of large towers along the Thames, a situation has now arisen where helicopters cannot pass both ways at the same time. To obey the 500ft rule helicopters have to zig-zag down the river.

The report also says that while buildings were under construction, air traffic controllers may have been giving incorrect guidance to helicopters and they may have been breaking Rule 5. That means air traffic controllers could have been telling helicopters to go within 500ft of tall buildings.

If that has been the case it is very clear the current procedures do not work.

With the growth in the number of high towers along the Thames, the report is calling for a tightening of those procedures.

How to do that now rests with the Department for Transport but helicopters and high rise buildings are under intense scrutiny.

Air France launches new private jet service

Take a seat in a private jet, fly off on time and with no constraints. Air France is offering its La Première customers with connections at Paris-Charles de Gaulle a new way to travel which is faster and easier. An exclusive trip from departure to destination with attention to detail: an exceptional offer.

Starting today, Air France, in partnership with Wijet, is offering a new range of private jet services. This service is exclusively dedicated to connecting passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, before or after their long-haul flight on Air France in the La Première cabin and their travel companions traveling in the Business cabin.

After revealing its new «haute couture» La Première suites, the Company is continuing to upgrade its most exclusive cabin. The trip is totally bespoke, from the customer’s departure to their arrival at desti-nation, including optimized connection time at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Sydney airport passenger accidently given bomb by police

A passenger in Australia has accidentally been given a bomb in a suitcase by staff at Sydney airport.

The training device was planted in the case by police in August to train sniffer dogs.

However, after the exercise, it was forgotten about and given to the unnamed passenger after her own case was damaged.

The bomb contained real explosives, but officials say it was deactivated.

Australian Federal Police have apologised to the woman.

According to an official statement, the device, containing 230g of plastic explosive, was originally placed in a case at the domestic terminal on August 14 to be used in a training exercise for sniffer dogs.

Planting real explosives, drugs and other items in real airport luggage is quite common practice - it's seen as an essential training tool for dogs.

Nearly a month later after the exercise, the passenger was handed the abandoned case as a replacement after hers was damaged in flight.

She took the bag, left the airport, and drove home with the bomb still inside.

When the passenger finally discovered it and handed it in to police in Cessnock, more 90 miles from the airport, the station had to be evacuated.

Federal police Sydney airport Commander Wayne Buchhorn told reporters: "Although the travelling public was not in danger at any time, we regularly review our processes in this area, and we will do again in the light of this incident.

"The police takes this error seriously and the canine instructor who inadvertently left this device behind has been identified and will be the subject of a formal professional standards investigation.

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