Marc Joel Atrero

The Virgin Blue group of airlines appears on the verge of major expansion that may bring an entirely new dimension long range travel to Australia. As Contrails was closing for publication it learnt that the airline’s executives were closing on an order for up to 70 jets that would include up to six 777-200LR to

New Allocations REGISTRATION/TYPE/SERIAL NUMBER/DATE/OWNER OR OPERATOR/PREVIOUS REGISTRATIONS ALY Corby CJ‑1 Starlet 354 2/10/09 Derek Hardie, 117 Empire Bay Dr Empire Bay 2257 BBS Jabiru J430 699 24/9/09 Gregory Morris, 41 Cooma Rd Narrabri NSW 2390 BDL Robinson R44 Raven II 10858 14/10/09 Jeff Harris Aviation, PO Box 386 Lennox Head NSW 2478 VH‑JJH BQY SIAI

While the number of commercial pilots is down (see November AA) the number of grade 1 flight instructors is also down but overall the number of instructors is up. Figures recently obtained from CASA show that for the first time in several years the total number of aeroplane and helicopter instructors is up. This content

…Twin Otter due to be certified shortly (with production in full swing at Calgary – pictured) and Ruag Aerospace’s 228 NG, but both are likely to be confined to relatively niche markets. (Viking) A vanishing resource. Less than 900 Jetstream 32s, Metro 23s and Beech 1900Ds remain out of more than 2000 built, and as

The much anticipated national aviation policy White Paper is yet to make an appearance at the time of publishing, but the risk for the Government in getting it wrong or underwhelming the industry remains high. The Green Paper offered up as a draft did nothing to address major issues in the general aviation and particularly

At the many meetings I attend representing regional aviation I do not notice many youthful faces. There are exceptions but by and large the gatherings are dominated by people who have given long and enthusiastic service to the aviation industry. This is no bad thing to have so much experience available but we must also