Newsdesk – General Aviation

Canadair RJ on Schedule for First Flight:

The Canadair Regional Jet has undergone its first complete “power on” electrical testing.

The 50-seat aircraft’s entire electrical network – including all 32km of wiring, all electrical harnesses, circuit breakers and junction boxes have undergone testing to ensure all systems are working properly for eventual flight testing. In other developments, work on the hydraulic systems is nearing completion, with more than 80% of systems in the wings and fuselage now fully installed. The second is nearing completion and will commence static structural testing in March.

Once flying, the GE CF34-3A1 powered RJ, with its advanced technology high speed wing, will be capable of Mach 0. 85 cruise speeds. Two variants are proposed, the standard RJ Series 100 and the extended range 100ER. The Series 100 will feature a maximum takeoff weight of 21,523kg and a range of 845nm (1,564km), while the 100ER will weigh 23,133kg and will have a range of 1,415nm (2,620km). Both versions will have a normal cruise speed of 460kt (850km/h) and an operating altitude of up to 41,000ft.

As the RJ is slated to enter service in the final quarter of 1992 any further delays in the Embraer EMB-145 project will aid it greatly. The – 145 has been delayed by more than a year as Embraer cuts back heavily on its various programs.

 Spotters Delight No. 1 Winner:

The lucky winner of AA’s Spotters Delight No. 1 from our October issue (p. 45), is Mr Peter Whiffin of Vermont, Victoria. He wins one year’s subscription to Australian Aviation. The answers of course were: 1) Mustang: 2) F-111; 3) Concorde; 4) Stratofortress; 5) Hercules; 6) Shorts 360; 7) Beaver; 8) Sea King: 9) Sabre.

For those keen to test their recognition skills, AA hope to run Spotters Delight No. 2 in our March 1991 issue, which will be on sale on the newsstands on 22 February, so don’t miss it!

Aerospace Aviation Offers New Courses:

Aerospace Aviation at Banks- town Airport is offering new flight training courses designed specifically for the career aviator.

The courses have reportedly been structured to equip students with the best poss ible chance to secure employment in the increasingly competitive market place. From the outset of training the private syllabus is structured so that there is no adjustment required in a student’s approach to flying and learning is to the higher standards required of the commercial syllabus. The advanced training aspect of operations is especially well catered for, allowing commercial license holders to integrate training should it be desired to continue on with a multi engine command instrument rating or full instructor ratings. The syllabus has been structured with the assistance of professional pilots who are also tertiary qualified educators. Experienced pilots can improve qualifications with special upgrade courses.

Further information can be obtained on (02) 792 3240 or (02) 792 3241.

Malibu Mirage Offers Fully Integrated Efis:

Piper have announced the availability of a fully integrated electronic flight instrument and radar system (EFIS) for the Malibu Mirage.

The Bendix King EHI 40 single tube EFIS system provides a horizontal situation indicator with dual bearing pointers; 85 degree expanded arc display: 360 degree map display with weather radar information, and DME, distance, ground speed and time- to station. Piper offers the Bendix King RDS-81 or RDS-82VP weather radar systems to interface with the EFIS system. Both these systems offer four colour range displays from 10 to 240nm, while the RDS-82VP can also display a vertical profile cross section of storm cells. Both weather radar options are installed in a sleek, aerodynamic pod mounted under the aircraft’s right wing, with virtually no effect on speed, performance or handling. The EHI-40 can also be interfaced with the KLN 88 Loran to provide an integrated moving map display with real time navigational data and a flight planning computer offering accurate fuel flow data.

Excellence Rewarded in Caa Awards:

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the winners of its inaugural Airways Awards for Excellence.

The winners of the four separate categories were: Kendell Airlines – Best Airline; The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) – Best General Aviation Operator; the CAA’s Brisbane Air Traffic Services (ATS) Centre- Best ATS Centre; and the Bankstown ATS Unit – Best ATS Unit. Honorable mentions in each category were given to Qantas and Continental Airlines; Seaworld Aviation and Whitworth Aviation; Perth ATS Centre; and the Jandakot ATS Unit.

The Airways Awards were initiated by the CAA to encourage greater professionalism among airline and general aviation pilots and CAA ATS staff in their operations and dealings with each other. They were judged on criteria suggested by pilots and CAA ATS staff, which assessed performance in improving efficiency, courtesy and the use of operational procedures.

 Axis Offers Complete GA Service:

A new entrant into the general aviation market is set to make its mark, offering a complete range of activities ranging from flying training through to charter and American style FBO services. Axis Aviation has just been established at Bankstown Airport, where its new hangar/ office complex should be close to completion as these words are read. Flying training on all levels will be offered with special emphasis on instructor ratings and advanced techniques including the use of Flight Director Systems, R-Nav and radar for the professional pilot.

Axis’ large fleet consists of aircraft ranging from Cessna 152s and Piper Warriors through to 172RGs and various cabin class twins including pressurised types, one of which is a very fast Machem 700 Aerostar.

The FBO side of the company is a first for Bankstown, Axis offering VIP charter, the arranging of overnight accommodation, cars, office and meal faciliti. es, fuel and the servicing of aircraft which stay overnight. Axis Aviation is located at Hangar 650, Bankstown Airport, phone (02) 79 0022

Trade Fair a ND Convention a Success:

The Australian Aviation Trade Fair and Convention, held in Canberra 13-15 November, was generally rated a success, bringing industry together during these difficult economic times.

The general aviation industry was invited to advance the interests of the industry in the tightening economy, and some 50 exhibiting companies participated, while 100 delegates attended the Convention. Amongst the exhibitors were the CAA which provided a fairly large display explaining many of the organisational changes and equipment updates underway, the FAC and the Bureau of Transport & Communications Economics. Australian and international companies were represented by the likes of Aeromil, Aerospatiale General Aviation, Aviall Australia, BP Australia, British Aerospace, Global Aviation Support, Hawker de Havilland, Hawker Pacific, Melbourne Jet Base, Saab and Telecom Discovery.

The Convention included several interesting workshop sessions on various aspects of the industry. These included “Training for the Future”, “Global Positioning Systems and Satellite Navigation”, which fully explained the advances in aviation navigation via GPS (refer p. 63 this issue) that will ultimately improve flight safety. “Aircraft Financing – the benefits and pitfalls”, and “Tail Rotorless Helicopters” by MDH’s Terry Wesley-Smith.

Mr Don Kendell, managing director of Ken- dell Airlines, in his speech “Regional Airlines in a Liberalised Environment”, well pointed out areas of concern for rural travellers, it being noted for instance that the passenger uplift from rural ports has declined markedly over the past decade, a phenomena that deregulated airlines must reverse.

 Record Settlement for Malibu Crash:

In what is believed to be the aviation industry’s biggest personal injury settlement, some $US31m has been paid to a Piper Malibu pilot.

The pilot’s Malibu crashed at Long Beach, California in late 1987 following engine failure. A flying instructor was killed in the crash and the pilot was seriously injured. The pilot initially sought $US50m for the injuries he sustained, but settlement was reached at just over $US31m.

The settlement has affected several companies. Engine manufacturer Teledyne Continental has had to pay $US20m, while smaller GA companies have shared the rest. These include fixed based operator S&G Flight Services and the charterer Million Air, who have each had to pay out $US5m, the engine overhauler $US1m, the turbocharger maintainer $US100,000 and Allied Signal/ Garrett $US25,000. No liability was assigned or admitted.

 Sydney Examination Centre Now Running:

The Sydney Examination Centre (SEC) is now providing facilities for flight licence examinations for pilots.

The SEC began offering exam services because of the continuing demand for facilities in Sydney to accommodate examinations and because of the CAA’s closure of the NSW regional examination office.

The Centre is offering full examination supervision during office hours, there being two sittings per weekday. A set supervision fee of $15 will apply for each exam sitting. All exams will be supervised by experienced Independent Conducting Officers (ICOs). The SEC also offers for sale all saleable CAA publications including AIPS, CARS, CAOS and VFGs and aeronautical charts such as WACS, VECS, VTCs and ERCs; pilot supplies such as reference books, operating manuals, books and videos; lounge and coffee facilities; and pre-exam study rooms.

For further information or examination bookings contact the SEC on (02) 281 9099.

 Fairchild Back in Business:

Fairchild Aircraft has emerged from US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following its sale to a specially formed company. Fairchild Acquisition.

Fairchild Acquisition is a new corporation formed and controlled by Mr Carl Albert, a former chairman of Wings West, a US regional carrier which operates a large fleet of Fairchild Metros. Mr Albert reportedly pur- chased Fairchild Aircraft to enable production of the successful Metro series to continue, stating that he was “well aware of the aircraft’s capabilities. . . [Fairchild Acquisition] is committed to continuing the splendid tradition of producing the finest 19 passenger. aircraft”. It was noted that the quality of the Metro was never a factor in Fairchild Aircraft’s financial woes. Mr Albert blamed misdirection of funds into unrelated, unsuccessful business ventures and fighting among company directors.

With Fairchild Aircraft now out of the red, it has been suggested that the stretched Metro 25 may yet go into production.

Caa Wins NZ Contract:

The Civil Aviation Authority has won a contract to supply full navigational aid flight inspection services to the Airways Corporation of New Zealand.

The decision to award the contract to the CAA was made in Wellington and announced by Andrew Makin, Chief Executive of the Airways Corporation, after the ACNZ Board evaluated 12 worldwide tenders for the supply of a radio navigation aid flight inspection system or services. This highly specialised work will return $1. 6 million a year to the CAA over 10 years. Manager for ACNZ’s Technical Services, Rob Edwards, said contract negotiations would cover the domestic NZ net- work plus tasks throughout the Pacific on programs managed by the ACNZ.

The CAA submitted several offers in its response. The principal bid involved supply- ing navaid inspection services using the CAA’s existing systems employing its F28 aircraft. The CAA’S F288 could be deployed to NZ for 43 days a year and for a similar period throughout the Pacific, depending upon requirements. Ancillary testing may be done using the CAA’s G1000 aircraft or by hiring a local NZ aircraft under the operational management of the CAA Flying Unit.

Mooney Competing for Usaf Efs Contract:

The Mooney Aircraft Corp is developing the Mooney EFS to compete for the USAF’s Enhanced Flight Screener (EFS) contract.

The EFS program will determine a replacement for the aging Cessna T-41A (C172) trainers, which have been used by the USAF since 1965 for screening pilot candidates. Up to 125 of the new EFS aircraft may be procured, each costing about $US200,000. The aircraft will be used as part of the USAF’s two track, Specialised Undergraduate Pilot Training program, in which during the first 21 hours of instruction student pilots are evaluated for their suitability for fighter/attack or tanker/transport assignments.

The Mooney EFS candidate is built around the fuselage, cabin and empennage of the Mooney M20M TSE, and uses the wings of the M20K 252 TSE. Major assembly of the first prototype has been completed and first flight is scheduled for February 1991. The EFS is the first US military contract that Mooney have ever attempted to procure.

 Us GA Deliveries Decline:

Deliveries of US general aviation aircraft have reportedly suffered a 23. 7% decline since the beginning of 1990, despite a billings increase of 18. 7%.

According to the US General Aviation Manufacturers Association, in the first nine months of 1990 some 832 aircraft, valued at $US1. 4bn, were delivered to customers. In the same period of 1989, 1,090 aircraft with a value of $US1. 2bn were delivered. Deliveries of single engined piston aircraft suffered most in the drop in delivery numbers, just 436 being delivered in the first nine months, compared with 748 in the same period last year. Turboprop aircraft have performed markedly better with 177 delivered (up 13. 6% on last year), while 109 business jets have been delivered (up 8. 3%).

Much of the decline in single engined aircraft deliveries has been blamed on Piper’s financial difficulties, while higher US fuel taxes and a possible new excise duty on certain new aircraft may further affect delivery numbers and sales in the final quarter.