Newsdesk – General Aviation

The FAA is not suggesting that the Malibu has a technical defect in its design. Like Piper it believes the breakups have been the result of recovery attempts following loss of control, rather than breakup as a direct result of turbulence. Piper are quick to point out that the aircraft has proven to be structurally sound, and In testing has even surpassed FAA standards. However it agrees that handling errors as a result of loss of control may be major contributing factors in the spate of accidents, and therefore supports type ratings for pilots. There are six Malibus in Australia.

Pacific Aviation Expands Terminal Facilities to Bankstown:

Pacific Aviation’s Sydney airport terminal – Flight Facilities – has recently opened a fixed base operation (FBO) at Bankstown airport. The new FBO is situated in the Pacific hangar near flight briefing and includes a full range of passenger services for visiting or resident corporate and charter aircraft. The FBO is also the BP agent on Bankstown operating both avgas and avtur tankers

General Flying Services Moruya Easter Flyaway Biggest Yet:

In what is believed to be the biggest flyaway ever organised by a single Australian flying organisation, Moorabbin saw the Easter Friday massed departure of over 50 aircraft from Moruya in NSW.

Aerobatic Decathlons, a Chieftain and a wide range of Piper, Cessna and Beech aircraft flown by Moorabbin Aviation Academy, Combined Flight Training and Southern Air Services instructors and students departed in scheduled groups from Moorabbin, subsequently refuelling at Orbost and arriving at Moruya in the early afternoon. What followed were two days of very intensive flying and three nights of very active partying.

A day long flying competition was held, the Decathlons working overtime flying aerobatic joyflights, demonstrations and training flights, while Warriors flew formation training flights and many other aircraft departed for joyflights in the area. Impressive aerobatic displays were flown by SAS instructors in the Decathlons and a low level Search and Rescue delivery demonstration was flown by the specially equipped Chieftain. Even a pair of Bonanzas were harnessed into formation flying. As a fitting end to a magnificent weekend a curious CAA chairman, Dick Smith, flew his Jetranger in to find out what was happening at Moruya.

The aggregate hours flown during the weekend exceeded 500, with a peak of 965 movements at Moruya on Easter Sunday: nearly 200 people participated creating a minor tent city in the camping ground. General Flying Services management have indicated that this will become an annual event.

 Japan Airlines Buys Beech A36s:

Japan Airlines has purchased 23 Beech A36 Bonanzas for use in its Califomia based Flight Training College.

The Bonanzas will serve the College as primary trainers for JAL’S ab initio pilot program. Delivery of the Bonanzas is already underway and should be completed by the end of this year. JAL is thus one of a number of airlines worldwide which have purchased the Beech aircraft for the airline training role in recent years, others including Lufthansa, Finnair, Saudia and Singapore Airlines, as well as the Government Civil Aviation Flying School of the Netherlands and the Japan Civil Aviation College.

The Bonanza remains as one of Beech’s true success stories. First flown in 1947 and in production ever since in several variants. the aircraft remains one of Beech’s top sellers, ranking well beside its range of biz- jets and commuter airliners. In its current version the six seat, 300hp Continental 10-550-B powered A36 has a maximum speed of 184kt and a range of over 900nm.

Embraer Reconfigures 145:

Embraer has commenced wind tunnel testing of a radically reconfigured EMB-145 regional jet.

Development of the EMB-145 as originally configured was suspended late last year when it was revealed that several problems did exist with the new aircraft, most noticeably with the above wing mounted engines, which were found to be less aerodynamically efficient than anticipated, noisy and more difficult to maintain. Along with moving the engines, it was also decided to redesign the wing, which had originally been a slightly modified EMB-120 Brasilia unswept wing but which is now a supercritical section wing with a sweepback of 22. 3 degrees at 25% of the mean aerodynamic chord. The aircraft will also feature double slotted Fowler flaps and flight and ground spoilers. As a result of the redesign, wing area has been reduced from 50m3 to 47m2, the aspect ratio from 9. 3 to 8. 4, and the sweepback by almost two metres to 20. 5m. Structural changes to the wing include introducing a fixed metal leading edge instead of the Brasilia’s composite unit.

The EMB-145’s nose has also been lengthened to facilitate the longer landing gear. made necessary by the placing of the engines under the wing. Overall fuselage length has therefore increased from 25. 8m to 26m. With the aircraft now standing higher, Embraer have also redesigned the doors to take advantage of airport aerobridge access.

Beech 1900D Certified:

The Beechcraft 1900D 19 seat commuter/regional airliner has been awarded its FAA type certificate.

The new 1900D, with raised cabin te passengers to stand up, is now clear airline service, and deliveries will com to first customers later this year. In addi its primary role as a regional airlin 1900D is expected to serve corpor with a need for a high density seating: aircraft and specialist operators.

The 1900D is developed from the su ful 1900C twin engine turboprop though its cabin is 36cm taller, prov stand-up cabin for most of the 11 sengers. The increased height also pr for a larger cabin entry door with Im passenger access, as well as a larger door for bulkier loads. The aircraft fee maximum speed of 290kt at 13,000 cruise of at least 285kt at its optimum ing altitude range of between 22,000ft, a 15kt cruise advantage 1900C. The 1900D’s initial climb ra sea level when loaded to its maximu Australian Aviation June 1991 off weight of 7,695kg is 2,625ft/min, compared with the 1900C’s 2,360ft/min. The 1900D replaces the 1900C on Beech’s production lines.

Aerospatiale, Alenia Buy Dhc:

Aerospatiale (France) and Alenia (Italy). joint owners of ATR, have formally signed an agreement to purchase De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) from Boeing.

The sale is now only subject to ratification by the Canadian Government, depending on whether it considers the deal to be of “net economic benefit to Canada. ” Though specific details of the agreement have yet to be released. Alenia’s chairman has signalled that DHC will continue as an aircraft manufacturer, taking part in the development of a new aircraft for the 80 to 130 seat market. It is also considered likely that DHC will build parts under contract for both ATR and Airbus Industrie. Up to $US1bn is expected to be spent on research and development work at DHC during the next decade, almost certainly with financial assistance from the Canadian govemment.

Vector Cancellation Rumours Denied:

Brazi’s Embraer and Argentina’s FMA have quashed rumours that their jointly developed CBA123 Vector regional twin tur- boprop airliner is threatened with cancellation.

The Vector, despite officially not being under threat, has had a production decision delayed pending a reassessment of market studies and possible changes in airframe materials. The aircraft is both heavier and slower than originally anticipated, though moves are underway to lessen the consequences of this realisation. The aircraft for instance originally featured much equipment considered not really necessary for commuter airliner operations, so these are being removed from production aircraft to remain only as options, to be purchased for instance by corporate and business operators.

Vector tooling is now about 80% complete. so both Embraer and FMA are confident that production of the aircraft will proceed. The first prototype has completed over 280 hours of fight testing during evaluations of basic flying characteristics and performance, and the first FMA constructed prototype is scheduled to fly in June. The structural test airframe has completed over 50% of its test noram, which is due to be completed by

General Flying Services Moruya Easter Flyaway Biggest Yet:

In what is believed to be the biggest flyaway ever organised by a single Australian flying organsation, Moorabbin saw the Easter Friday massed departure of over 50 aircraft from Moruya in NSW.

Aerobatic Decathlons, a Chieftain and a wide range of Piper, Cessna and Beech aircraft flown by Moorabbin Aviation Academy. Combined Flight Training and Southern Air Services instructors and students departed in scheduled groups from Moorabbin, subsequently refuelling at Orbost and arriving at Moruya in the early afternoon. What followed were two days of very intensive flying and three nights of very active partying.

A day long flying competition was held, the Decathlons working overtime flying aerobatic joyflights, demonstrations and training hights, while Warriors flew formation training fights and many other aircraft departed for joyflights in the area. Impressive aerobatic displays were flown by SAS instructors in the Decathlons and a low level Search and Rescue delivery demonstration was flown by the specially equipped Chieftain. Even a pair of Bonanzas were hamessed into formation flying. As a fitting end to a magnificent weekend a curious CAA chairman, Dick Smith, flew his Jetranger in to find out what was happening at Moruva The aggregate hours town during the weekend exceeded 500, with a peak of 985 movements at Moruya on Easter Sunday: nearly 200 people participated creating a minor tent city in the camping ground. Gen- erat Flying Services management have indicated that this will become an annual event.

Japan Airlines Buys Beech A368:

Japan Airlines has purchased 23 Beech A36 Bonanzas for use in its California based Flight Training College.

The Bonanzas will serve the College as primary trainers for JAL’S ab initio pilot program. Delivery of the Bonanzas is already underway and should be completed by the end of this year. JAL is thus one of a number of airlines worldwide which have purchased the Beech aircraft for the airline training role in recent years, others including Lufthansa, Finnair, Saudia and Singapore Airlines, as well as the Government Civil Aviation Flying School of the Netherlands and the Japan Civil Aviation College.

The Bonanza remains as one of Beech’s true success stories. First flown in 1947 and in production ever since in several variants, the aircraft remains one of Beech’s top sellers, ranking well beside its range of bizlets and commuter airliners. In its current version the six seat, 300hp Continental 10-550-B powered A36 has a maximum speed of 184k and a range of over 900nm.

Embraer Reconfigures 145:

Embraer has commenced wind tunnel testing of a radically reconfigured EMB-145 regional jet.

Development of the EMB-145 as originally configured was suspended late last year when it was revealed that several problems did exist with the new aircraft, most bly with the above wing mounted engines, which were found to be less efficient than anticipated, noisy and more difficult to maintain. Along with moving the engines, it was also decided to redesign the wing, which had originally been a slightly modified EMB-120 Brasilia unswept wing. but which is now a supercritical section wing with a sweepback of 22. 3 degrees at 25% of the mean aerodynamic chord. The aircraft will also feature double slotted Fowler flaps and flight and ground spoilers. As a result of the redesign, wing area has been reduced from 50m2 to 47m, the aspect ratio from 9. 3 to 8. 4, and the sweepback by almost two metres to 20. 5m. Structural changes to the wing include introducing a fixed metal leading edge instead of the Brasilia’s composite unit.

The EMB-145’s nose has also been length-ened to facilitate the longer landing gear made necessary by the placing of the engines under the wing. Overall fuselage length has therefore increased from 25. 8m to 26m. With the aircraft now standing higher, Embraer have also redesigned the doors to take advantage of airport aerobridge access.

Beech 1900D Certified:

The Beechcraft 1900D 19 seat commuter/regional airliner has been awarded its FAA type certificate.

The new 1900D, with raised cabin to allow passengers to stand up, is now cleared for airline service, and deliveries will commence. to first customers later this year. In addition to its primary role as a regional airliner, the 19000 is expected to serve corporations with a need for a high density seating shuttle aircraft and specialist operators.

The 1900D is developed from the successful 1900C twin engine turboprop airliner, though its cabin is 36cm taller, providing a stand-up cabin for most of the 19. The increased height also provides for a larger cabin entry door with improved passenger access, as well as a larger cargo door for bulkier loads. The aircraft features a maximum speed of 290kt at 13,000ft and a cruise of at least 285kt at its optimum operating altitude range of between 11,000- 22,000ft, a 15kt cruise advantage over the 1900C. The 1900D’s initial climb rate from gea level when loaded to its maximum take- off weight of 7,695kg is 2,625ft/min, compared with the 1900C’s 2,360ft/min. The 1900D replaces the 1900C on Beech’s production lines.

Aerospatiale, Alenia Buy Dhc:

Aerospatiale (France) and Alenia (Italy). joint owners of ATR, have formally signed an agreement to purchase De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) from Boeing.

The sale is now only subject to ratification by the Canadian Government, depending on whether it considers the deal to be of “net economic benefit to Canada. ” Though specific details of the agreement have yet to be released, Alenia’s chairman has signalled. that DHC will continue as an aircraft manufacturer, taking part in the development of a new aircraft for the 80 to 130 seat market. It is also considered likely that DHC will build parts under contract for both ATR and Airbus Industrie. Up to $US1bn is expected to be spent on research and development work at DHC during the next decade, almost certainly with financial assistance from the Canadian government.

Vector Cancellation Rumours Denied:

Brazil’s Embraer and Argentina’s FMA have quashed rumours that their jointly developed CBA-123 Vector regional twin turboprop airliner is threatened with cancellation.

The Vector, despite officially not being under threat, has had a production decision delayed pending a reassessment of market studies and possible changes in airframe materials. The aircraft is both heavier and slower than originally anticipated, though moves are underway to lessen the consequences of this realisation. The aircraft for instance originally featured much equipment considered not really necessary for commuter airliner operations, so these are being removed from production aircraft to remain only as options, to be purchased for instance by corporate and business operators.

Vector tooling is now about 80% complete, so both Embraer and FMA are confident that production of the aircraft will proceed. The first prototype has completed over 280 hours of flight testing during evaluations of basic flying characteristics and performance, and the first FMA constructed prototype is scheduled to fly in June. The structural test airframe has completed over 50% of its test program, which is due to be completed by October, while testing of the fatigue test airframe will begin later this year.

Aeromil Expands:

Sydney based Aeromil, regional distributors for Embraer and well known corporate jet specialists, have purchased a large FBO in the USA. Situated at Austin, Texas, the FBO is located on a 20 acre site and includes five large hangars and a spares business that will greatly assist the Australian end of the operation via access to a larger inventory of spares than is presently available. The new centre will also specialise in refurbishing. Bandeirantes and corporate aircraft Aeromil presently supports 42 Embraer Bandeirantes in the SE Asian and Australasian regions and most recently sold three to Wellington (NZ) based Astril Aviation. Aeromil MD, Steve Padgett, sees the move offshore

Hawker Pacific Appointed Pilatus Britten Norman Sales Rep:

Hawker Pacific has been appointed as regional sales consultants for Pilatus Britten Norman (PBN) in China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka and will act as the PBN spare parts distributor for South East Asia.

In announcing the new marketing agreement, Hawker Pacific Aviation Marketing Director, Mr David Bell, claimed that it “consolidates the position of Hawker Pacific as the leading aerospace marketing and product support company in the Pacific rim region”. Hawker Pacific will handle sales of the aircraft from Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore while spares holdings and distribution will be centred on the company’s warehouses in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The piston engined PBN BN-28 Islander and the Allison 250 turbo powered BN-2T Turbine Islander have already established for themselves something of a niche in Asia, being “ideally suited to third level commuter and remote area cargo operations”.

Interest in Two-Centre Ats Project Invited:

Six international companies have been invited by the Civil Aviation Authority to submit registrations of interest to be selected as prime contractor for its project to provide a two-centre system to deliver air traffic services to Australian aviation.

The six companies invited to register interest in the project, which will see Melbourne and Brisbane being the two ATS centres in Australia, are: Hughes; IBM: NEC; Alenia, Siemens-Plessey, and Thomson-CSF. The six companies have been asked to respond in writing by mid-June. The responses will be evaluated and a short list will be prepared for two or three companies to be asked to participate in the full tendering process.