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November 10, 2011

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 11.10.11

The RAF Red Arrows have had another fatal accident.
A flight training organization in the UK has students holding their financial breath.
And congratulations to Mayor Barb Tolbert!

More AERO-Casts

TSA Announces New Aviation Security Advisory Committee Members

Industry Representatives Serve Two Year Terms On The Panel

TSA Administrator John S. Pistole announced the appointment of 24 new members to the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) on Monday. ASAC is TSA’s sole Federal advisory committee that gives the agency recommendations for improving aviation security methods, equipment, and procedures.

$470K In Awards To Be Announced In March 2012

Just a few days remain to apply for one of the many Women in Aviation, International (WAI) scholarships which will be distributed at WAI’s annual conference. For 2012, 68 individual scholarships valued at $470,431 will be awarded to WAI members.

Ceremony To Be Held November 16th In Washington, D.C.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Members of Congress will hold a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on November 16, 2011 to honor astronauts John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin.

Former Trans. Secretary Says Funding Issues Nothing New

If US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is tearing his hair out over the serial budget impasses in Congress, at least he can take comfort in knowing it's nothing new, and nothing personal. Former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta told The Hill in an interview published Monday that the situation could "make a grown man cry."

Fantasy Of Flight Features Planes, Boats & Cars

Fantasy of Flight, an attraction in Central Florida based on the extensive and meticulously restored aircraft collection of Kermit Weeks, has announced its Fifth Annual Roar n' Soar, described as a signature two-day racing extravaganza showcasing the finest classic racing machines ever built for land, sea or air.

NASA Administrator Names Mason Peck To Chief Technologist Post

Cornell Professor's Credentials Span 20 Years Of Aerospace Experience

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden has named Cornell University Professor Mason Peck to be the agency's chief technologist, effective in January. Peck will serve as the agency’s principal advisor and advocate on matters concerning technology policy and programs.

Legacy Jets Finding New Life In A Difficult Market

Sierra Industries’ Williams FJ44 re-engining programs are rapidly approaching a total of 60 aircraft, with the input of two more legacy Citation aircraft for modification. Number 58 in the series is a Citation S550, slated to become the 12th aircraft fitted with 2820 lb. thrust FJ44-3A engines. No. 59 is a Citation I and boasts the Sierra Stallion FJ44-2A upgrade.

Fleet Replacement Program Underway For Trinidad And Tobago’s National Flag Carrier

Caribbean Airlines has taken delivery in Toulouse of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft. The Port-of-Spain-based carrier, which becomes one of the first operators of the new ATR -600 series, booked a contract earlier this year valued at $200 million (US) for the purchase of a total of nine of these aircraft.

Will Allow Independent Engagement Of 'Hostile Targets'

A program to outfit the U.S. Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter with a weapons system is being undertaken by Northrop Grumman. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System laser-guided 70mm rocket, in production for the Navy since 2010, will allow ship commanders to identify and engage hostile targets without calling in other aircraft for support.

Administration Says Airport Revenue May Have Been 'Improperly Allocated'

The FAA has opened a review of payments made by Burlington International Airport (KBTV) to the city of South Burlington and the Burlington Department of Public Works for operation and management of a parking garage on the airport grounds.

Cattle On Runway, Downwind Landing Attempt Preceded Stall

Authorities in New Zealand are placing at least part of the blame for the October 17 crash of a Cessna 172 on cattle on the runway. The passenger in the front seat made a video recording of the landing attempts using his iPhone, which has aided investigators in piecing together what happened.

Gone West: Lear PR Director Jim Greenwood

Helped Make 'Learjet' A Household Word

For many years, the term "Learjet" was synonymous with business aviation. The man largely credited with making that connection was Jim Greenwood, a former PR Director for Bill Lear. ANN has learned that Greenwood passed away last Friday in Green Valley, AZ at the age of 91.

This is a previously unreleased video from the ANN archives.

While at the NBAA convention 2011, ANN’s Paul Plack visited with Jerry Henry, the director of sales for Sandel Avionics. The topic in this discussion was the Sandel ST3400 terrain avoidance device created specifically for helicopter operation.

More Videos

Aero-TV: Veteran's Airlift Command -- Serving Those Who Served

One Of Aviation's Most Positive Efforts... The VAC!!!

In all the doddering, misleading, anti-aviation blather we've had to deal with over the last few years, we've been waiting for the world to wake up and discover just how cool aviation, and its pilots and aircrews, are. We present a case in point and while it was a quick impromptu interview amid the heights of excitement at NBAA 2011 (a more extensive interview is coming shortly!), the message is clear, that aviation has a heart, that pilots are citizens of the world and that if you want to show aviation in its best possible light, a good place to start is the veteran's Airlift Command and its consummate Airboss Walt Fricke -- himself a vet who served this nation with distinction.

More Videos

Cabair - The Next Silver State?

UK Flight Training Organization Invites Unflattering Comparison

A crisis which sounds a little like the Silver State Helicopters case in the US is playing out in the UK. Cabair International Aviation describes itself as "a global provider of professional pilots to airlines worldwide for over forty years." The school operates in multiple locations in the UK and also has a base in Kissimmee, Florida. On October 23, Cabair reportedly suspended training operations as reports circulated of financial problems.

One Of Aviation's Most Positive Efforts... The VAC!!!

In all the doddering, misleading, anti-aviation blather we've had to deal with over the last few years, we've been waiting for the world to wake up and discover just how cool aviation, and its pilots and aircrews, are. We present a case in point and while it was a quick impromptu interview amid the heights of excitement at NBAA 2011 (a more extensive interview is coming shortly!), the message is clear, that aviation has a heart, that pilots are citizens of the world and that if you want to show aviation in its best possible light, a good place to start is the Veteran's Airlift Command and its consummate Airboss Walt

Labor Board Returns To September 20 Tentative Agreement

A final and binding ruling has been issued by Elizabeth MacPherson, Chair of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), regarding unresolved matters between Air Canada and CUPE, the union representing the airline's 6,800 flight attendants.The ruling orders the implementation of the second tentative agreement reached September 20, 2011 as the new binding collective agreement between the airline and its flight attendants.

Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors Backs Berman Helo Noise Bill

Congressman Seeks Federal Legislation Restricting Helicopter Traffic Over LA

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has gone on record supporting a bill proposed by Congressman Howard Berman (D-Van Nuys) which calls for the FAA to designate helicopter flight paths over the county and set minimum operational altitudes.

Residents Brace For 10X Increase In FedEx Flights From KGSO

Plans by FedEx to step up operations at Piedmont Triad International Airport have NIMBYs up in arms, and there's no denying the company's plans could have a significant impact on their quality of life. WGHP-TV notes that FedEx currently operates nine-to-ten daily flights from the airport known locally as PTI. That could reach 126 per day, and many of those flights would be at night.

Aircraft To Fly Veterans Airlift Command Missions

Cessna has joined forces with Veterans Airlift Command to provide free transportation for injured veterans. Cessna has designated a Citation Mustang, named the "American Patriot," to fly VAC missions, the first of which will occur November 10, 2011.

New Aircraft To Be Flown By Frontier Airlines

Republic Airways Holdings has confirmed its order with Airbus to purchase 60 A320neo and 20 A319neo aircraft. Republic had signed a letter of intent for the purchase in mid-June.

2005 YU55 Passed Closer To Earth Than Our Own Moon

Asteroid 2005 YU55 passed closer to the Earth than our own Moon Tuesday afternoon. On Monday at 1145 PST, NASA’s Deep Space Network antenna in Goldstone, California captured new radar images of the asteroid when it was still about 860,000 miles away.

"Our commitment of the 'American Patriot' to support the Veterans Airlift Command allows us to demonstrate our gratitude and provides Cessna with a way to give back to our wounded warriors." Source: Scott Ernest, Cessna president and CEO.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.10.11): Nowcast

A short-term weather forecast, generally out to six hours or less.

Mid-America Antique Airplane Group

Mid-America Antique Airplane Group is a local chapter of the Antique Airplane Association. The group is based at Wiebe Airfield/Halstead Airport (SN05) located on Hwy. 50 north of Halstead, KS.