Hornet Fighter Finding a New Home

The Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum will soon have a new attraction. The United States Navy has just donated a supersonic F/A-18 Hornet fighter to the museum. This navy workhorse cost $60 million to build and has been used by the Navy since 1983. Only about 1,800 Hornets were built, this particular Hornet was a part of the Flying Gators squadron based in Atlanta and has recently flown missions in Iraq.

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum will spend about $18,000 to relocate the jet from Cecile Field in Jacksonville, FL. When it arrives at the museum, it will make its new home on the flight deck of the Yorktown aircraft carries I ‘Charleston Harbor.

This only the second plane to be added to the museum in 13 years. It will be ready public viewing at the end of September.

Does Our Air Traffice Control system need to be modernized?

Did you happen to be on one of the 80,000 commercial flights that were delayed this year? Maybe while you were setting on the tarmac waiting to take off, circling for hours waiting for Air traffic control to open up a spot so you could land or you might have found yourself on a jet that had to fly thousands of miles out of the way, you asked yourself, WHY??

Air traffic is projected to grow by 33% in the next ten years, with delays growing by 62%. Is Mother Nature responsible for all the delays? It is possible that she may be the cause of some delays; an antiquated air traffic control system is probably more at fault.

The current ATC system is a system that we have used since 1950. It is an aging analog and radar based network that forces aircraft to fly inefficient routes which add up to hundred of thousand of extra mile each year. This adds to delays, and burns millions of gallons of extra fuel.

Currently there are approximately 45,000 daily flights. Annalists expect that number to increase to 61,000 flights per day within 10 years. What can you do to encourage congress to turn loose funding to pay for upgrades in the aging ATC system? Go to www.smartskies.org, and enter your zip code. This will take you to a pre written letter and links to your congressmen. Just fill in your name, and www.Smartskies.org will forward a letter to your congressmen urging them to update our outdated air traffic control system.

AOPA Petition Against User Fees

AOPA Petition Against User Fees

https://www.aopa.org/faafundingdebate/petition_form.cfm

Air Venture Oshkosh

If you love aviation you must take in the Air Venture Oshkosh being held July 23 through July 29th. More than 750,000 flight enthusiasts will be in Wisconsin for the big show. Chuck Yeager will be there to talk about breaking the sound barrier and you won't want to miss the air show. For more info go to www.airventure.org or call 920-426-4800.

To Get To The Other Side

Why did the EU Transport Commissioner create a deadline for an open-sky agreement? Because he has the law on his side. At issue is an agreement between the EU and the US to allow airline access between any EU and US city.
On March 22, the EU must get a majority of votes from 27 member states to pass the open-sky agreement for flights across the Atlantic. Ultimately, airline traffic would increase and the creation of more jobs would follow. Currently, US relies on bilateral agreements with member states for flights. A failure to get a majority at the talks would subjugate the member states to the European Court of Justice for violating a law against such bilateral aviation pacts, according to Reuters.
Britain, however, has a potential veto and is likely to be the biggest deterrent. The problem is that it would result in greater access to London's Heathrow Airport. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic may lose competitiveness. The Transport Commissioner believes that a 2008 agreement would lead to access of the US domestic market, offsetting losses.
The US would face new restrictions in the investments of EU airlines. The US has no plans to alter the 49% maximum foreign-ownership policy and open investment opportunities.

Blowing Hot and Cold

Flight-planning software is the latest strategy for airlines in the evermore competitive airline industry. Increased fuel and operating costs have expanded the use of logic and logarithmic programs used onboard commercial airplanes and in dispatch centers. These traveling-salesmen-problem computations were not previously available, or at least not with the obvious savings, until recently. Now, airlines can benefit from real-time data of wind and weather information to consider the optimal route to save time, fuel, and overfly fees, the charges to fly over airspaces. As flight paths change daily, the Wall Street Journal reported today that airlines can make last-minute changes to reduce expenses.
British Airways, using Deutsche Luftansa's Lido system, reported a savings of $5,767 in overfly fees, one less ton of fuel usage, and 18 minutes for a one-way flight from SAO-Paulo to London. It is estimated that British Airways saves over $23 million each year from the use of alternate routes. Companies offering such software include Lockheed Martin, EDS, Sabre Holdings Corp, SITA, and Boeing's Jeppesen unit.

Ailing Airbus

The Wall Street Journal reported today that problems are developing concerning the restructuring plans of Airbus. Although, the CEO said these problems wouldn't affect deliveries, already Airbus employees in France in Germany are protesting in the streets.
The issue is the solicitation of foreign investors and the closing of three plants in the two countries. More than 10,000 jobs, nearly 20% of the workforce, are to be cut within the next four years and related costs in 2007 are expected to be nearly $1 billion. Employees are justifiably fearful of more closures in the future. Delays have already occurred in the production of the A380 and the development of the A350 twin-aisle jet has already exceeded expected costs.
These problems come amid a growing rivalry with U.S.'s Boeing. The A380 superjumbo jetliner proved to be effective in test flights and has nearly 200 orders. The quiet-running plane features wide seats and a bar. Production, however, is already two years behind, according to the Economist.

Mid-Atlantic Fly-In and Sports Aviation Convention

For those of you who enjoy the excitement of an air show/aviation convention, the Mid-Atlantic Fly-in and Sports Aviation Convention will be worth your efforts to see. Hotels are plentiful or bring your tent or RV, there is a campground on the Fly-In grounds. If you'd like to camp under the wind of your aircraft, go ahead!! There are shower facilities close by, fees are reasonable and a pancake breakfast will be served every morning thanks to EAA Chapter 1083.

Admission & Fees
General Admission - $10
Children 7 & under - FREE
Youth 8-16 - $5
Military Discount - $5
Camping per day - $10
Camping under the wing - $10

Red Baron Squadron
Red Baron 4-Plane Squadron TeamThe Red Baron Squadron celebrates their 27th year of flying aerobatics by participating in the Mid Atlantic Fly-In. In addition to the show in Lumberton, the Red Baron's will be flying over 80 airshows and barnstorming events in 2006. Check out these exciting, vintage Stearman biplanes performing their magnificent formation routine!
More Info at:Red Baron SquadronAirVenture 2007 - Red Baron Squadron

Chinese Passanger Jets

How long does the demand for large passenger jets continue? Without straining too appreciably, one might consider China and its population and quip; "Faster than Charles Lindberg with a ransom letter." Indeed, this growing country is ordering Boeings and Airbuses in galactic proportions, but long enough for China itself to get in on the production? In this week's issue, the Economist is without a doubt.
A Chinese jet that is strictly Chinese might take 10-15 years before being available. Some essentials have not yet been developed, but foreign help has been solicited and China is already involved at some point in the production line of nearly every aircraft manufacturer under the sun. China is more than able and definitely willing. Pilots are already training, as we speak.

Copied From NBAA.org

NTSB Hearing Addresses Safety Issues on Operating in Icing ConditionsJanuary 29, 2007On January 23, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a public hearing on the February 16, 2005, accident of a Cessna Citation 560 during approach to landing at Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB). The Board concluded the probable causes for the accident were "the flightcrew's failure to effectively monitor and maintain airspeed and comply with procedures for deice boot activation on the approach." The NTSB also found that the FAA contributed to the accident by failing to "establish adequate certification requirements for flight into icing conditions." NBAA generally supports the NTSB's findings, and the Association will advise the Board of any concerns with specific technical issues. NASA has developed two free online courses for pilots who make their own operational deicing and anti-icing decisions, available at http://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov/courses.html. The NTSB report, including safety recommendations to the FAA, may be found at http://www.ntsb.gov/Publictn/A_Acc1.htm.

Dire Desistance

The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday announced a pact between Boeing and Lockheed Martin to resolve the nation's palling air-traffic controller concerns. With "U.S. air traffic expected to double, or even triple, over the next 20 years" a new system is being developed to take advantage of the improved technology of airplanes, and to effectively exploit the use of satellites.
The FAA, however is keeping the deck shuffled, by allowing the opportunity for other companies to develop and bid on such management systems. Thus, the lamentable hardships of air-traffic controllers come to a conclusion. Demands have far exceeded the benefits bestowed upon this profession. Long hours and little relief have long plagued this industry. The end of the dirigisme brings relief to us all. I know I feel revitalized. Maybe even Brazil could come to understand something from these dealmakers.

Have Passport, Will Travel

Effective today, most U.S. residents traveling to all other Western Hemisphere countries will need to get a passport. The exceptions are those traveling by sea or land, and the 27% of Americans who already have a passport.

These restrictions are part of an effort to keep borders controlled under The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which extends its mandate to sea and land travel by the beginning of next year.

The Initiative might seem like a tough pill to swallow, yet in today's world, and with the consequences of rogue air passengers, I believe this policy is consensus. Still, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are great winter attractions.

After submitting all the proper paperwork, you can expect to wait at least six week to receive your new passport.

Great Lakes Aviation conference & Expo

Can’t get enough aviation info?? Check out the Great Lakes Aviation Conference & Expo to be held in Novi, Michigan on February 2nd and 3rd, 2007. This is the 7th year for this event which offers the greatest and latest of everything related to aviation.

Over 150 exhibitors are expected to attend with over 80,000 sq. ft. of exhibits and displays. Industry representative will be on hand to show you some of the latest in avionics, training aids, and the latest products on the market. Seminars will be available on a variety of topics from IFR flight issues to weather information.

Don’t for get to take in the FREE pancake breakfast on Saturday or Happy Hour on Friday! Make plans to attend at www.greatlakesaviationconference.com.

Springtime for Delta

The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, with nearly four pages of coverage, reported the significance of US Airways' 20% bid increase, which is effective until February 1. US Airways hopes to acquire Delta before a possible industry-wide shift of mergers begins, and before Delta's date of emergence. It is said that people familiar with the talk have an interest in that date to be sometime in the second quarter.
Nevertheless, the creditors and management participating in the decision making process must face the ambivalent contrasts between interests of rationality and the vehemence of the employees. Northwest and Delta have less route overlap, thus resulting in a better outlook for the unions. A private equity investment might be the best temporary solution, but a merger, either with Northwest (in bankruptcy-court protection itself) or US Airways, makes the combined entity preponderantly more competitive.

AOPA General Aviation Photography Contest

If you are an aviator/part-time amateur photographer, consider entering your unique general aviation photo in the AOPA 2007 General Aviation Photography contest.

If you have captured some great images, why not share them with others! To enter and to take a look at last years winning entries go to www.aopa.org/pilot/features/2006/photocontest0612.html