The aerospace division at General Dynamics, which includes Gulfstream and Jet Aviation, “held its own” in the first quarter, parent company chairman and CEO Nicholas Chabraja said during an investor conference call. “A noteworthy accomplishment, I think, in light of business market conditions.” As a whole, first-quarter revenues at General Dynamics rose to $18.3 billion, […]
Air Transport Association responds to Biden remarks
The Air Transport Association of America, the trade organization for U.S. airlines, wrote a sharp letter to Vice President Biden about advice to avoid air travel that he gave on NBC’s “Today” show, April 30. “Vice President Biden’s comment that people should avoid air travel in response to the H1N1 flu outbreak was extremely disappointing,” […]
Cessna kicks off Sun ‘n Fun with strong sales
Cessna opened Sun ‘n Fun with strong sales. Company officials reported that the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) ordered 19 Cessna 182T Skylanes. CAP has the largest fleet of Cessna single-engine aircraft in the world, with more than 500 used for missions in its disaster relief, cadet programs, aerospace education and search and rescue operations. The […]
ELT switch could save your life
What’s more important to you: Money in your bank account or a search and rescue operation if you go missing in your airplane? If your choice is for the search and rescue effort, you would be well-advised to switch your ELT from the old standby 121.5 to the newer 406 Mhz frequency. Lt. Col. Bill […]
Embry-Riddle unveils new bio-fueled jet dragster
The latest incarnation of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s student-designed Embry-Riddle Jet Dragster made its world debut at Sun ‘n Fun yesterday. Combining new aerodynamics and a General Electric J-85 fighter jet engine with an ultra-light tube chassis, the exhibition car is built to satisfy fans’ need for speed and demonstrate Embry-Riddle’s green technology initiatives, according to […]
Ohio State control system flies very fast jets
When a jet is flying faster than the speed of sound, one small mistake can tear it apart, and when the jet is so experimental that it must fly unmanned, only a computer control system can pilot it. For that reason, Ohio State University engineers have designed control system software that can do just that, […]
Cirrus increases production rate
In a communication to its employees, Cirrus Aircraft announced on April 30 that it is increasing its production rate to six aircraft per week, starting immediately. The increased rate follows nearly six months of significantly reduced production rates that averaged two to three fewer units per week than the new rate. “We continue to see […]
Cessna to suspend Columbus program, close Bend plant
Cessna Aircraft Co., the nation’s largest builder of corporate jets, is laying off 2,300 workers and closing its Oregon plant as it restructures its product line amid declining plane orders, the company’s CEO, Jack Pelton, told employees on April 29. In addition, Cessna is discontinuing development of its Columbus business jets, built in Wichita. Cessna […]
HMS Illustrious at Centenary of Naval Aviation
British aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious is to visit London to mark the Centenary Year of Naval Aviation during the first week of May, in case you’re a Naval Aviation enthusiast headed that way. It was on May 7, 1909, that the Admiralty set aside £35,000 for the development of an “airship,” which soon led to […]