Aviation News at Fly Away Simulation

Aviation News at Fly Away Simulation http://flyawaysimulation.com Aviation news from the editors at Fly Away Simulation Aviation News at Fly Away Simulationhttp://flyawaysimulation.com/themes/FlyAway/style/logo.pnghttp://flyawaysimulation.com Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:06:36 GMT 30 AirNav Systems Releases AirNav RadarBox 3D http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4344/airnav-systems-releases-airnav-radarbox-3d/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4344/airnav-systems-releases-airnav-radarbox-3d/ Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:04:06 GMT <p> In February 2010, AirNav Systems announced its release of AirNav RadarBox 3D, a tri-dimensional worldwide flight tracking software.</p> <p> AirNav Systems is the leading provider of ADS-B real-time global flight tracking solutions. The company owns the only existing global ADS-B flight tracking network. The company’s new release, AirNav RadarBox 3D, is the world's first tri-dimensional worldwide flight tracking software.</p> <p> AirNav RadarBox 2010 is based on a highly popular virtual radar software. This product enables users to track flights in real-time and display them on a 3D graphical interface powered by Google Earth and set in the application.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images8/images/airnav-radarbox-3d.jpg"><img alt="AirNav RadarBox screenshot." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images8/images/airnav-radarbox-3d_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 125px;"></a></p> <p> AirNav RadarBox screenshot.</p> </div> <p> Included in the software are more than 600 aircraft models / airline liveries, and this makes the software as realistic as possible, which in turns enhances the simulation experience to the user. The software also includes Pilot's View and 3D Approach Views.</p> <p> For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.airnavsystems.com/radarbox/">http://www.airnavsystems.com/radarbox/</a> and <a href="http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=4359.0">http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=4359.0</a></p> <p> RadarBox is available in three alternatives:</p> <ul> <li> AirNav RadarBox 3D - the brand new system with the recently released software</li> <li> AirNav RadarBox Pro - the present RadarBox system with 2010 3.13 software (no 3D)</li> <li> AirNav RadarBox Upgrade - for current users to upgrade to 3D</li> </ul> <p> All you need to run AirNav RadarBox 3D is an internet connection and Microsoft Flight Simulator installed, and no hardware is required. </p> <p> Key features of this software are:</p> <ul> <li> 3D flight tracking in real time</li> <li> 3D Approach, Airport and Flight deck Views</li> <li> Precise aircraft information from the Gatwick Aviation Society</li> <li> ID if the flight, registration, altitude, speed, heading and vertical speed</li> <li> Navigraph-powered worldwide navigational aid information</li> <li> Simple plug and play USB connection</li> <li> Photos of all tracked aircraft in real time</li> <li> Weather information in real time</li> <li> ACARS Decoder interface</li> <li> Automated generating and sharing of reports</li> <li> My Log which enables you to log and share with your friends all the aircraft you receive</li> <li> Airport inbound and outbound flights in different colors</li> </ul> <p> AirNav Systems has a solid reputation for their ADS-B data reception and processing capability. Distributing information through the worldwide AirNav Systems Network Engine, the company has the capability to handle in excess of 20 million aircraft messages per day. AirNav RadarBox 3D has all these capabilities built into it. This new product is highly accurate and reliable, and is available in 8 languages.</p> <p> AirNav Systems indicated that they will continue to develop and improve this ground-breaking tracking product. One of the core principles of AirNav Systems is to provide high quality products that meet their customers’ needs at reasonable prices – and the company indicated that they will continue to follow this standard into the future.</p> <h2> Video demonstration of 3D mode</h2> <p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe height="360" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/videoembed/8957/" style="border:none;overflow:hidden;" width="640"></iframe></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2405/airnav-systems-releases-fs-live-traffic-x/">AirNav Systems Releases FS Live Traffic X</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/794/airnav-acars-decoder-21-released/">AirNav ACARS Decoder 2.1 Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/600/airnav-acars-decoder-2-to-be-released/">AirNav ACARS Decoder 2 To Be Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1023/airnav-live-flight-tracker-3-released/">AirNav Live Flight Tracker 3 Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1181/airnav-live-flight-tracker-6-released/">AirNav Live Flight Tracker 6 Released</a></li></ul> Aviation News Ink Pax Verification simplifies document checks http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4296/ink-pax-verification-simplifies-document-checks/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4296/ink-pax-verification-simplifies-document-checks/ Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:17:57 GMT <p> Alicante, Spain – November 10, 2011 - Airlines are responsible for verifying that passengers have the correct documentation before they travel. Failure to do so could result in formidable fines for each violation, easily wiping out the airline's profit from the entire flight.</p> <p> Around the world, many of these checks are still done by cross-referencing the go-to book for this information - IATA Timatic. This is time consuming, especially for multiple passengers, as check-in agents must search pages and then decipher the rules versus the documents in hand. And this discounts the possible drama of locating the book in the first place.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images8/images/ink-stock-photography.jpg"><img alt="Ink Aviation stock photography." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images8/images/ink-stock-photography_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;"></a></p> <p> Ink Aviation stock photography.</p> </div> <p> Electronic methods of using IATA Timatic often rely on private networks and are integrated into larger products. The TimaticWeb portal does not utilise the dedicated airport equipment available at check-in time. It is often unavailable where it is needed because Web access is frequently prohibited at check-in desks and boarding gates.<br> Ink Pax Verification, part of Ink Border Control, has been developed to greatly simplify this function. This product handles both arriving and departing passengers. Adding Ink Pax Verification to your check- in and border control processes verifies appropriate travel documentation in seconds using an authoritative data source.</p> <p> Ink Pax Verification is available as a standalone product or comes integrated within Ink DCS. This solution can run alongside your existing departure control system or your manually operated flights. But when integrated with Ink DCS, passenger details are transparently extracted from the passenger record without further entry steps.<br> All Ink products are available securely over the Web and over private airport networks on Common Use workstations and back office PCs. Agents on any desk at the airport, such as at check-in, sales desk or boarding gate can access Ink Pax Verification.</p> <p> Ink goes even further by running the system on tablets such as iPads and empowering agents to swipe passports and ID cards on Google Android Tablets. Document checks can now be done anywhere on modern devices that leave laptop, Windows Mobile and Pocket PC solutions looking their age.</p> <p> The layout is clear and simple to use and uniquely, travel documents are scanned, reducing or totally avoiding manual entry. A clear response and detailed supporting text confirms whether a passenger is allowed to travel or not.</p> <p> Ink is also integrating Timatic queries into its Ink Self Service products, allowing passengers to check their own documentation during the check-in process. Shawn Richards, CEO of Ink Aviation added, "In the future we also be extending support for scanning visas which will help support decisions dependent on visa validity. Even our basic visa scanning complementing our full passport scanning goes beyond anything I have seen running in a mobile Border Control app. And a laptop doesn't count as mobile in my books."</p> <p> IATA was pleasantly surprised by Ink's rapid integration, which was approved for operation within two weeks of the Technical Specifications first being supplied.<br> Ink Aviation is an independent provider of Next Generation Passenger Services Systems and hardware. They work with international and regional airlines and airports to increase capacity and streamline service delivery with cutting edge self-service, mobile and agent-based systems.<br> Ink is based in Alicante, Spain. Their highly skilled team delivers innovative systems that are real, practical and ahead of the industry curve in affordability, flexibility and capability.</p> <p> For more information, visit <a href="http://inkaviation.com/">inkaviation.com</a> or follow them on <a href="http://twitter.com/inkaviation">twitter.com/inkaviation</a></p> <p> <strong>Contact</strong>: Maria Turniak Communications and PR pr@inkaviation.com +34 965 680 955</p> <p> <strong>Ink Aviation Institucion Ferial Alicantina </strong><br> (IFA) N-340, KM 731 Torrellano 03320 Alicante Spain<br> </p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1160/pmsystems-video-and-introduction-document/">pmSystems Video and Introduction Document</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3779/vfr-reviews-awards-system/">VFR Reviews awards system</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3894/lure-of-flying/">The Lure of Flying</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/277/trackir-software-with-fs2004-compatibility-now-available/">trackIR Software With FS2004 Compatibility Now Available</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/376/flightjack-releases-simcontrol/">FlightJack Releases SimControl</a></li></ul> Aviation News A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4289/day-in-life-of-an-airline-pilot/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4289/day-in-life-of-an-airline-pilot/ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:36:46 GMT <p> <em>Roland Ondrus</em>, one of our aviation news editors talks us through a day in the life of a real airline pilot. If you're a keen aviation enthusiast, you will enjoy this article and if you're a dedicated flight simmer, you may enjoy it even more! He talks through a flight step by step, discussing each of the main points of the flight.</p> <h2> Morning</h2> <p> I wake up early in the Morning at 05:00 am and drive over to the Operations Center. The wet conditions and mid-strong wind promise a challenging day of flying. The image on the radar screens at the airport show me that a strong low is coming in from the West. This means that definitely the first part of the flight to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) will be affected by the weather. After closing the weather station, I take a 3 minute walk to the planning room where my co-pilot waits for me. Together we calculate that we need 5.9 tons of kersone including the holding reserve. The airplane is almost full ( 2 free seats) according to the documents received.</p> <h2> Takeoff</h2> <p> At 06:25, I go outside and check the A319 for any possible damage, the position of the wheel pants and look at the tires. After the outside check is complete, I walk to the cockpit door and greet the passengers, this morning flight looks like a business flight, few tourists board the plane. The start procedure begins as soon as all passengers are boarded and the flight attendant says "Boarding is completed". We undock, push back and taxi down to runway 07, the ATC tells me "Taxi into position and hold", i stop the A319 with the wheels lined up with the middle lines of the runway. After holding 1 minute, I receive the clearance to start, the engines roar and we begin the vertical thrust process. We accelerate down the runway and lift the bird at 300km/h.</p> <h2> Cruising</h2> <p> After a fairly turbulent 15 minute climb, we clear the clouds with a current speed of 580km/h. The co-pilot requests the Milano ATC for clearing us to cruising speed, after receiving the clearance, I accelerate the A319 to the cruising speed. Shortly after reaching the cruising altitude and the passengers enjoying their hated and loved airline food, we begin the preparations for landing.</p> <h2> Landing</h2> <p> The ATC in Fiumicino tells me that we are number 2 for landing and that we need to perform a short final because an A321 is right behind us. The co-pilot adjusts the flaps to landing position and I push the "gear down" button to get the bird ready for the landing. Shortly before dis-engaging the autopilot , I request a wind check from the ATC. The answer is slight crosswind coming in from the right. The machine tells me 300, I steer to the left, 200, I adjust the airspeed, 100, I check the monitors and position of the plane, 50, 40,30, 20, 10..Retard, Retard I touch down less gently, but safely. We exit the runway and wait for the ATC to give us the taxiway coordinates to the gate.</p> <h2> After Landing</h2> <p> We taxi to the gate in FCO, we dock next to a beautiful British Airways A320 to the right and a Boeing 737-300 with the livery of Lufthansa. I switch off the engines and move in front of the cockpit door to say goodbye to our guests. The cleanup starts immediately after the last passenger leaves the plane. During the cleanup, I enjoy a hot cup of coffee and prepare with the co-pilot for the flight back.</p> <p> This article was written by <strong>Roland Ondrus</strong>, an aviation news editor for Fly Away Simulation.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/70/day-in-life-of-motis-test-pilot/">A Day in the Life of a MoTIS Test Pilot</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3162/aero-files-releases-airline-pilot-germany/">Aero Files Releases Airline Pilot Germany</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3286/aero-files-releases-airline-pilot-great-britain-bundle-for/">Aero Files Releases Airline Pilot Great Britain Bundle for FSX</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3290/aero-files-releases-airline-pilot-netherlands-bundle-1-for/">Aero Files Releases Airline Pilot Netherlands Bundle 1 for FSX</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1734/just-flight-announces-cargo-pilot/">Just Flight Announces Cargo Pilot</a></li></ul> Aviation News New Slovakian Airline on the Horizon http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4258/new-slovakian-airline-on-horizon/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4258/new-slovakian-airline-on-horizon/ Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:58:41 GMT <p> <img alt="" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images4/images/slovakian-airlines-new_small.jpg" style="width: 83px; height: 50px; float: left;">After the bankruptcy of the national carrier <em>Air Slovakia</em> on June 1. 2010, a brand new firm is ready to enter the market. Air Slovakia was formerly owned by an Indian businessman who transformed the airline into an exotic carrier that was not very much used by Slovak citizens. The airline consisted of one Boeing 737-200 (ex Southwest aircraft) and two Boeing 757-200 until it went bankrupt. The primary Hub was <em>Bratislava International Airport</em> (Letisko Milana Rastislava Stefanika).</p> <p> The main destinations that were flown to were: Amritsar (India),Tel Aviv (Israel), Milano-Bergamo (Italy) and Barcelona-El Prat (Spain). Since the airline only operated two or three airplanes, the competitiveness against Ryanair or the no more existing Sky Europe who were also present at Bratislava airport, was very weak to almost non existent. Last but not least, during the holiday season when Slovaks did use the service of the airline it was almost never on time because of few planes available in the case one was not flyable. Therefore it is good that a new airline is ready to enter the market and offer Slovaks more travel choices directly from Bratislava airport.</p> <p> The new airline that will begin operations on December 1. 2011, it will hold the name <em>"Slovakian Airlines"</em> and will operate three Boeing 737-500. The number of airplanes in the fleet is expected to grow more rapidly after the destination contracts are finalized. The board of directors of Slovakian Airlines is planning to target the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Russia as their first destinations offered. According to the board " We chose the destinations for different reasons, economical reasons, competition weakening and passenger volume potential". One advantage for passengers flying to or from Slovakia is that they will have more choice when choosing their carrier. Today only Ryanair, CSA and Danube Wings offer flights from Bratislava. Another advantage is that employment in the aviation sector of the Slovak Republic will increase, after the shutdown of Sky Europe a lot of pilots, stewards, aircraft mechanics and airport employees lost their jobs because there was no replacement for Sky Europe. Most pilots and flight attendants are now working for Ryanair which took in people after the downfall of Sky Europe.</p> <div class="middle400"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images4/images/slovakian-airlines-new.jpg"><img alt="The new "Slovakian Airlines" Boeing 737 preparing for take-off." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images4/images/slovakian-airlines-new_large.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 240px;"></a></p> <p> The new "Slovakian Airlines" Boeing 737 preparing for take-off.</p> </div> <p> It will definitely be interesting to see how the new airline can compete in the fast moving market of the aviation industry. Bratislava as a home hub has advantages but also brings some disadvantages with itself. The airport is very close to the Vienna International Airport and is also geographically close to the Budapest Ferihegy International Airport. The main disadvantage is that many Slovak travelers got already used to flying from Vienna, where the competition of airlines is much bigger which for the passenger meant probability of lower prices for tickets. On the other hand, the main advantages are that if the destinations are attractive, corporations will want to create business contracts, passengers from Slovakia will welcome the saved money on the trips to Vienna or Budapest and last but not least the price competition at Bratislava Airport will increase because Ryanair will get forced to revise their prices from Bratislava. It will be very interesting to see what the airline can deliver, the potential is definitely there for a great airline to hit the sky.</p> <p> This article was written by <strong>Roland Ondrus</strong>, an in-house aviation news editor for <em>Fly Away Simulation</em>.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/489/dolphin-one-airline-launching-oceania-challenge/">Dolphin One Airline Launching Oceania Challenge</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/665/jet-city-aircraft-now-on-horizon/">Jet City Aircraft Now On The Horizon</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/822/announcing-horizon-flight-simulation/">Announcing Horizon Flight Simulation</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/851/jetstar-virtual-airline-sues-qantas-over-trademark/">Jetstar Virtual Airline Sues Qantas Over Trademark Infringement</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/886/horizon-flight-simulation-releases-model-67-yoke/">Horizon Flight Simulation Releases Model 67 Yoke</a></li></ul> Aviation News Airline Food: A Love/Hate Relationship http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4242/airline-food-love-hate-relationship/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4242/airline-food-love-hate-relationship/ Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:00:00 GMT <p> <img alt="Airline meal" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images3/images/basic-airline-meal_small.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 50px; float: left;">Everyone has an opinion about airline food. And it’s rarely good.</p> <p> Bryan Miller, a NY Times restaurant critic, once said, "The quality of food is in inverse proportion to a dining room's altitude, especially atop bank and hotel buildings. Airplanes are an extreme example.”</p> <p> Canadian actress Hermione Gingold (1897-1987) kept her guideline for airline food simple with a rhyme: "Anything that's white is sweet. Anything that's brown is meat. Anything that's grey don't eat."</p> <h2> Glory Days</h2> <p> Anyone who has reluctantly picked at wilted lettuce with a plastic “spork” (combination spoon and fork) while cradling a warm diet soda knows what she is talking about. Airline food has gone down with airline profitability.</p> <p> But it wasn’t always this way. In the glory days of air travel, just after World War II, when Pan-Am ruled the international skies and a pre-flight security pat-down meant checking your jacket to make sure you had your cigarettes with you, meals were special. Many flights had full galleys and top-rated French chefs.</p> <p> At that time mostly rich people took to the skies. And airlines began to compete for that clientele. It was a race to see who could make the experience more lavish and extravagant.</p> <p> And unlike the bone-rattling airplane of the 30’s, after World War II new airliners like Pan-Am’s “Jet Clipper” flew higher and smoother. Complete with air conditioning, recessed lighting, and luxurious powder rooms, it was the perfect blend of technology and up-market consumerism.</p> <p> No “mystery meat” was seen on either side of the Atlantic on these luxury liners in the sky. Airliners often had up to 4 working galleys working concurrently. Multi-course meals were prepared in-flight using 5 minute ovens. You could choose from roast beef, fresh lobster, spiced lamb, or perhaps you would like to start with some foie gras, madam?</p> <p> The only plastic on these aircrafts were the covers on the designer lamps. Real china, silver and glassware set on proper linen were the norm.</p> <h2> Cost-Cutting</h2> <p> And then, Corporate Man took over. One fateful day, Robert L. Crandall, the former head of American Airlines, decided to remove one olive from each salad that went aloft.</p> <p> The savings? $40,000 per year.</p> <p> The game was over. Cost cutting became the new mantra. As competition mounted and the costs of running an international airline sky-rocketed, each one looked everywhere to shave costs. Food service got caught in the net.</p> <p> In London, British Airways also made major moves over the years to contain costs. In the mid 1990’s they undertook a restructuring effort which led to union clashes. In the early 2000’s, CEO Rod Eddington slashed even further, symbolically ending the Concorde brand among other drastic moves. As recently as 2009, trade unions accused the airline as having an identity crisis, saying they were tarnishing their image trying to emulate hugely popular budget carriers like EasyJet.</p> <p> So, most passengers wish the in-flight meal would go the way of the dodo bird, right?</p> <p> Not exactly. Once in 2008, United Airlines announced a series of cost-cutting moves including higher fares, charges for checked baggage, reductions in frequent-flyer benefits, and more. Flyers grumbled. But when they cut out free food on some international flights, consumer reaction was loud, long and strident. United soon added the meals back.</p> <div class="middle400"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images3/images/basic-airline-meal.jpg"><img alt="A basic airline in-flight meal" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images3/images/basic-airline-meal_large.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 267px;"></a></p> <p> A basic airline in-flight meal.</p> </div> <h2> Familiar Ritual</h2> <p> Why do people insist on keeping a product of inconsistent quality? For many passengers, meal service is a comfortable part of the rhythm of flying.</p> <p> “It’s 80 percent entertainment and 20 percent hunger....a meal is one trick airlines use to keep passengers diverted during a long flight in a narrow, sterile metal tube," said Jack Foley, an Aer Lingus executive, as told to Joe Brancatelli for Portfolio magazine.</p> <p> He went on to say in-flight meals are a way for experienced passengers to mark time. Once he sat next to a passenger who put his shoes on as tea-and-scones were served because that meant the plane was starting to descend into New York and would land soon. Food service is familiar and comfortable—and passes the time.</p> <p> Why all the negativity about food service, anyway? What do you actually get to eat when you battle through security checkpoints for hours on end?</p> <p> The majority of airlines don’t even offer free meals anymore on domestic flights in coach, or economy class. The offerings vary by airline and length of flight.</p> <p> For example, Jet Blue offers limited complimentary snacks and beverages like Coke and bottled water. As can be expected, alcoholic drinks cost around $6 or more. If a flight is longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes, passengers can purchase a boxed lunch for a few dollars.</p> <p> On the other hand, United Airlines offers complimentary meals in coach on most flights flying internationally. But on most North American flights you just get a free soda or water and you can purchase snacks. On flights over three hours you can buy snack boxes, a sandwich or a salad.</p> <p> In first class, American Airlines offers complimentary food service on all flights over two hours that operate within normal breakfast, lunch and dinner hours. Any flights over two and half hours outside of common meal times will get snack service.</p> <p> On some airlines you get the choice of two meals in first class. And many frequent fliers report that the airline often runs out of their first choice. And, as some wag pointed out “it still tastes like airline food.” The meals are pre-cooked, flash frozen and reheated.</p> <p> Still, you get real linen, china and glasses. Wine selection is a cut above the mass market brand in the back of the plane. And best of all, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.</p> <h2> Real Kids and Height Cuisine</h2> <p> British Airways used seasonal produce and introduce local flavors where possible. Twice a year they organize a “Kids’ Council” that provide “real kid” feedback on menu items. They introduced “Height Cuisine” to make sure food tastes good at 38,000 feet--passengers really dehydrate at that elevation, affecting their ability to taste—the food preparation team figures the average person loses 30% of their taste. They try to add back the lost flavor.</p> <p> On UK Domestic flights, British Airways offers breakfast with coffee and tea. For the rest of the day they hand out drinks and snacks. For flights in and out of Heathrow, they provide complimentary beverages mid-morning and afternoon. For all European flights they also serve breakfast with coffee and tea at no charge. Drinks and snacks are handed out the rest of the day.</p> <p> If you can afford World Traveller (a private dedicated cabin with a maximum of six rows) you get a three-course meal with complimentary alcoholic drinks. After your meal you can take a nap by breaking open your free amenity kit with earplugs, flight socks and eye mask.</p> <p> Club World flyers get a four-course meal. First Class flyers enjoy made-to-order meals that are served when the customer says they are ready to eat, not when the crew wants to serve it.</p> <p> Now that’s something you never could tell your mum when you were a kid.</p> <p> At Virgin Atlantic, all meals are complimentary in Economy Class. In Premium Class you’ll get a pre-flight drink and then be able to choose your meal from three different options. Your feast is served on china with stainless steel cutlery. In Upper Class you can order what you want, when you want. But you may be too busy to eat when you are having fun at the private bar built for you and your fellow Uppers.</p> <p> Dessert in the air is a special treat. This is usually reserved for Upper Class. For example, at Virgin you can select “butterscotch pudding with vanilla bourbon mascarpone.” </p> <p> Americans might turn their heads a bit if they hear a British native asking for “fairy cake.” Fairy cake is simply cupcakes. Cupcakes are rarely served on airline flights--although Air Tran Airways did commemorate the 50<sup>th</sup> Birthday of “Little Debbie” snack cupcakes by designing a special logo for each of their Boeing 717’s. For more information on <a href="http://www.cherylscustomcakes.co.uk/cake-range/cupcakes/">cupcakes in Essex, UK, click here</a>.</p> <h2> The Chef is Where?</h2> <p> So who is cooking all this food? LSG Sky Chefs is the largest provider of airline catering in the world. They capture anywhere from 30-40% market share depending on the country. Their corporate name is LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG and the world headquarters is near Frankfurt Germany. </p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images3/images/lsg-sky-chefs-working.jpg"><img alt="LSG Sky Chefs employees packing airline aisle carts." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images3/images/lsg-sky-chefs-working_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 134px;"></a></p> <p> LSG Sky Chefs employees packing airline aisle carts.</p> </div> <p> LSG Sky Chefs is in 50 countries serving more than 200 airports. Their 28,499 employees serve over 460,000,000 meals a year on over 300 airlines. In 2010 they had revenues of over € 2.2 billion.</p> <p> One LSG Sky Chefs operation can churn out 46,000 meals a day. It's not that easy to find food that serves well at 38,000 feet in the air. For example, soufflés do not rise at that altitude and so are never served. Another time in the 1990’s, McDonald's did a Happy Meals promotion with an airline. The cheese had to be reformulated because it tended to liquefy in-flight. Even coffee is difficult because it is hard to bring water to the correct temperature.</p> <p> All of the food is cooked on grills that measure more than 5 feet in length. They cook potatoes on one hand and vegetables on the other. Recipes for each meal vary according to the airline route they will be placed on. International flights to exotic destinations get more spicy dishes while domestic flights usually feature moderate seasoning.</p> <p> Meat is cooked on completely different grills. Flight crews will get different meals than passengers. On most airlines the pilot and copilot will be served different meals to minimize the risks of possible food poisoning.</p> <p> Once it is cooked, the food is blast chilled and placed in special refrigerators. First, they pack the food that needs to be re-heated on the plane in foil containers. All of the food is then covered with a vented lid. These trays are placed onto a cart and rolled into a big refrigerated room where they are organized according to flight number. They don't spend long inside the big refrigerator because all meals are made to be served the same day.</p> <h2> Health Concerns</h2> <p> It can't be easy to safely serve thousands of meals every day. In 2010 the United States Food and Drug Administration cited LSG Sky chefs and two other airline food preparers, Gate Gourmet and Flying Food Group, for health and sanitation violations. This followed investigations in 2009 and 2010. According to USA Today, the two companies combine serve over 100,000,000 meals to US and foreign airlines at US airports.</p> <p> The report said that food was stored at improper temperatures, unclean equipment was used and some employees did not practice proper hygiene. Roy Costa, a public-health sanitarian and consultant, told USA Today that the food safety situation with in-flight meals in the U.S. is getting worse, not better.</p> <p> Poor sanitary conditions pose a risk of food poisoning of thousands of passengers. All 3 companies stated that they work continuously to make sure their food is safe and have multiple levels of quality control in place. Both Gate Gourmet and Flying Food Group use independent auditors to ensure the quality of their food service.</p> <p> And it is not just food preparation that is dangerous. Recently a New Zealand man died from choking on some beef during a flight from Singapore to Auckland. And there were nurses and a doctor on board.</p> <p> How could that happen? People don't realize how fast a human being can choke. Death can result within 5 minutes if the air passageway is blocked. In the United States alone, over 3000 people die each year from choking. You better do what your mum told you and chew your food well.</p> <p> Responding to consumer demand for healthier food, airlines are offering nutritional information and lighter fare. British Airways took steps to use organic ingredients that had less salt and saturated fat. Served in First Class, these choices are available on flights between London and many major cities.</p> <p> Business class fliers can also get healthy, low-fat selections but the menus don’t provide the extensive nutritional information found in First Class.</p> <p> Experienced fliers often use the tactic of ordering special meals in order to get healthier, fresher fare. You have to plan ahead and reserve your meal. Just tell them that you have special diet requirements. But you can get fresher meals because special dietary selections are prepared differently. Virgin, for example, offers a variety of special meals—among them are:</p> <ul> <li> Asian Vegetarian</li> <li> Diabetic Meal</li> <li> Gluten Free Meal</li> <li> Hindu Meal</li> <li> Kosher Meal</li> <li> Muslim Meal</li> <li> Low Salt Meal</li> <li> Vegetarian Lactose Meal</li> </ul> <h2> Expecting Too Much?</h2> <p> Are we expecting too much from airline food? Comedian David Brenner might agree. He said once, “I don’t go to a diner expecting a flight to Los Angeles, so why should I get on a flight expecting an omelet?”</p> <p> It is easy to blame the airlines but they aren’t cutting costs just for fun. Consumers want low fares. The trick is to find the balance. </p> <p> As Rico Gagliano reported in American Media Marketplace on NPR.org, “Today, a round-trip ticket from D.C. to San Francisco costs about 300 bucks. Back in 1938, the same ticket also cost about 300 bucks. You got a free meal, but for that money you could've also bought a car.”</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3533/atlantic-international-announces-now-hiring-status-and/">Atlantic International Announces Now Hiring Status And Current Airline Update</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4289/day-in-life-of-an-airline-pilot/">A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4258/new-slovakian-airline-on-horizon/">New Slovakian Airline on the Horizon</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/489/dolphin-one-airline-launching-oceania-challenge/">Dolphin One Airline Launching Oceania Challenge</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/772/virtual-airline-actual-friendship/">Virtual Airline/Actual Friendship</a></li></ul> Aviation News Terror in the Sky: The Top 5 Biggest Air Disasters in History http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4176/terror-in-sky-top-5-biggest-air-disasters-in-history/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4176/terror-in-sky-top-5-biggest-air-disasters-in-history/ Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:10:52 GMT <p> <strong><img alt="Top 5 Air Disasters" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/plane-crash.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 80px; float: left;">Why is there a huge hole in the side of the <em>World Trade Center</em>?</strong></p> <p> On the morning of <em>Sept 11, 2001</em> I flipped on the Today Show morning news program in Los Angeles a few minutes before 6am. They were showing a video of a huge gaping hole in the side of one of the World Trade Center buildings, with a massive black cloud billowing out. One of the anchors, Katie Couric said, “As Matt just mentioned we have a breaking news story to tell you about. Apparently a plane has just crashed into the World Trade Center here in New York City.”</p> <p> A few minutes later, at 903am, out of the side of the screen, a second plane screamed into view and then slammed into the side of the other tower at full speed.</p> <p> The worst aviation related disaster of all time was happening live on my television.</p> <h2> World Trade Center Attacks – New York City, 2001</h2> <p> When factoring in deaths on both aircraft and the ground, the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001 was the worst aviation related disaster of all time. The two planes involved were American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175. In addition to the New York airplane attacks, there were two other planes involved in the terrorist operation.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/second-plane-crash-wtc.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Second aircraft crashing into the World Trade Center" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/second-plane-crash-wtc_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;"></a></p> <p> Image shows second aircraft (UA Flight 175) crashing into the World Trade Center.</p> </div> <p> The first of the second group of planes was American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. – 184 people were killed. In Pennsylvania, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into an open field, killing 44—that brought the total number of deaths due to the September 11 terrorist attacks to 2,996 (which included the 19 terrorists).</p> <p> The terrorists were tied to al-Qaeda and their leader Osama bin Laden. At first he denied involvement but finally admitted responsibility in 2004. The initial U.S. armed response was the War on Terror, targeting the Taliban in Afghanistan, as they were protecting and helping many al-Qaeda terrorists.</p> <p> At home the American government started the Patriot Act, which radically increased government and police power to monitor personal communication and information including email, phone conversations, medical records and more. Critics said that Americans had lost many of the civil liberties that they had fought long and hard for and that the new rules invited government over-stepping. However, polls at the time showed many Americans believed the possible loss of privacy was part of the price to try to locate and apprehend terrorist cells.</p> <p> Despite massive intelligence efforts, Osama bin Laden could not be found. Over the years he taunted his pursuers with periodic videotape messages released to worldwide media. On May 11, 2011 American Navy Seals dropped into a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan where recent intelligence led them to believe bin Laden was living. In the ensuing firefight, bin Laden was killed, his body taken to Afghanistan to be fully identified, and then was buried at sea.</p> <p> At the World Trade Center, many people died from the initial impact of the planes crashing--American Airlines Flight 11 flew into the North Tower at 846am and United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower at 903am. Many more died when the buildings fell due to the internal structural failing from the intense heat of the fires. The South Tower fell first at around 959am, while the North Tower fell at 1028am.</p> <p> In Washington, American Airlines Flight 77 smashed into the side of the Pentagon at 937am while United Airlines Flight 93 crashed at Shanksville, PA 1003am. On Flight 93, various passengers were on cell phones getting reports from friends and families that other planes had crash landed in NYC.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/pentagon-rescue-workers.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Rescue workers at the Pentagon after the crash of Flight 77" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/pentagon-rescue-workers_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;"></a></p> <p> Rescue workers at the Pentagon after the crash of Flight 77.</p> </div> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/remains-world-trade-center.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Remains of the World Trade Center at ground zero" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/remains-world-trade-center_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 160px;"></a></p> <p> Remains of the World Trade Center at "ground zero".</p> </div> <p> With this knowledge, several passengers decided they might as well try to overtake the terrorists by force. One cell phone line was open when a GTE operator heard passenger Todd Beamer say, “Are you guys ready? Let’s roll.” The terrorists responded to the passenger stand by crashing the plane.</p> <p> The United States initiated SCATANA (Plan for the Security Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids) for the first time. This is an emergency system where all American flights are grounded immediately, international flights are diverted to Canada and Mexico, and U.S. airspace is set to ATC Zero.</p> <p> The U.S. also created the Department of Homeland Security to manage anti-terrorism within the country. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also mandated that cockpits be reinforced so that terrorists or hijackers could not get control of the plane.</p> <p> They also ordered special undercover officers, dubbed sky marshals, to ride on various flights. The Aviation and Security Act gave more responsibility for airport security from airport operators to the federal government. New rules and procedures were implemented to beef up airport security, resulting in long lines and controversy over potentially invasive screening procedures.</p> <h2> Tenerife Airport- Tenerife/ Canary Islands, 1977</h2> <p> On March 27, 1977 two Boeing 747’s crashed into each other on the runway of Los Rodeos Airport (now Tenerife North Airport) on the Spanish island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. 583 people died making it the second largest and deadliest disaster in aviation history.</p> <p> The two airplanes were:</p> <ul> <li> KLM (Dutch) Flight 4805</li> <li> Pan Am Flight 1736</li> </ul> <p> Both were diverted to Tenerife from Grand Canaria Airport after a bomb exploded at that location. After Grand Canaria received the threat of a second bomb, authorities decided to close the airport and conduct a search.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/crash-klm-747.jpg"><img alt="Wreckage of KLM Flight 4805 after crashing in Tenerife" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/crash-klm-747_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;"></a></p> <p> Wreckage of KLM Flight 4805 after crashing in Tenerife.</p> </div> <p> In the meantime airplanes were diverted to the much smaller Tenerife airport. So many airplanes were coming in that air traffic controllers were parking many of them on the single taxiway itself. Adding onto all of this confusion a dense fog moved in and visibility was reduced to almost zero.</p> <h3> Misunderstandings in Communication & Thick Fog – Recipe for an Air Disaster</h3> <p> When Canaria finally opened up, ATC told the KLM plane to taxi to the end of the runway and wait for approval to leave. The Pan Am captain was told to taxi to the 3<sup>rd</sup> turn-off and wait. However, the Pan Am pilots were unfamiliar with the airport and continued taxiing toward the KLM plane which was facing right at them but enclosed in the thick fog.</p> <p> ATC told the KLM captain to wait. However, he took off the break and accelerated. Due to the fog, neither airplane could see the other, nor could the controller see the runway or either of the two airplanes! Also the airport did not have ground radar. The only way the controller could identify where their planes were was by voice reports over the radio. On top of all that, there were several misunderstandings in communication.</p> <p> The KLM flight attempted takeoff but the Pan Am flight was still on the runway. The collision destroyed both airplanes and killed all 248 aboard the KLM flight and 335 out of the 396 people aboard the Pan Am flight. 61 people on the Pan Am flight survived (including the pilots and the flight engineer).</p> <div class="middle400"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/tenerife-747-crash-simulation.jpg"><img alt="A CGI rendering of the two 747s that were destroyed in the Tenerife Disaster, just before the collision." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/tenerife-747-crash-simulation_large.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 196px;"></a></p> <p> A CGI rendering of the two 747s that were destroyed in the <span class="extiw">Tenerife Disaster</span>, just before the collision. Image sourced from: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tenerife747s.png">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tenerife747s.png</a></p> </div> <p> The investigation into the accident was conducted by a team consisting of members from Spain, the Netherlands and the United States. They determined that the main cause was the KLM captain taking off without clearance from ATC. They found that due to miscommunication, the pilot thought he did have authorization. KLM took responsibility for the accident and the payment of compensation to the victims or their families.</p> <h3> Subsequent Changes in the Airline Industry</h3> <p> The tragedy impacted a lot of changes in the airline industry, mostly to do with communication. The industry started to use standardized phraseology so that ATC, pilots and ground crew all understand the same communication. For example, “take-off” is never uttered by any personnel except ATC when a plane is actually cleared for a take-off.</p> <p> In addition, rather than positioning more experienced captains as omnipotent overseers that cannot be questioned, less experienced crew members were taught to challenge decisions when they felt something was wrong. Along with the change, Captains were trained to listen to all information available.</p> <h2> <strong>Charkhi Dadri- India, 1996</strong></h2> <p> A 1996 midair collision at Charkhi Dadri, India occurred on November 12, 1996 when Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight 763 (a Boeing 747 168 B) which was en route from New Delhi to Dhahran collided with Kazakhstan Airlines flight 1907. This occurred over the village of Charkhi Dadri in India. All 349 people on board each airplane were killed.</p> <p> Flight 763 was leaving New Delhi at about 6:30 PM. Flight 1907 was descending to land at the same airport. These flights were being controlled by the ATC controller VK Dutta. Flight 1907 was cleared to move to 15,000 feet when they were 74 miles out while Flight 763 was traveling on the same airway. However, they were coming from the opposite direction and they were cleared to climb to 14,000 feet.</p> <p> About 8 minutes later around 6:40 PM, Flight 1907 reported reaching its assigned altitude of 15,000 feet but it was actually lower at around 14,500 feet and still descending. At this time ATC Dutta advised them that the Saudi plane would be passing the Kazakhstan aircraft and to be on the lookout. Since the airplanes themselves did not have radar, they relied on Dutta to apprise them of their whereabouts in relation to other aircraft.</p> <h3> A Warning Too Late</h3> <p> When the controller called 1907 again he received no reply. He warned them of the other flights distance but it was too late—the two aircraft had collided. The tail of Flight 1907 sliced through the left wing of Flight 763. Flight 763 had lost the horizontal stabilizer in its left wing and it went into a spiral motion towards the ground resulting in failure of the super-structure.</p> <p> They slammed into the ground going around 1135 km/h. The fuselage of Flight 1907 remained intact until it too smashed into the ground. Four critically injured passengers were soon found but their injuries were too severe and they all soon died afterward. When it was all over, all of the 37 passengers on Flight 1907 died as well as the 312 people on Flight 763. </p> <p> An American Air Force pilot, Captain Timothy J. Place, was making an approach in a Lockheed Starlifter when he witnessed the crash. He described seeing “the cloud suddenly flashing to bright red.” The Kazakh aircraft went down near Birohar while the Saudi plane crashed in what is known as the Bhiwanni district near Dhanni.</p> <p> The crash was investigated by a special Indian commission. Statements were taken from the air traffic controllers and the 2 airlines. The flight data recorders were decoded by both Kazakh Airlines and Saudia under supervision of air crash investigators from Russia and England respectively. They found that the fault lay with the Kazakh captain who had descended well below his approved flight level of 15,000 feet.</p> <p> The investigators made several recommendations:</p> <ul> <li> Complete separation of inbound arrivals and outbound departures.</li> <li> Secondary radar in ATC to determine aircraft altitude data.</li> <li> Collision avoidance equipment on commercial flights.</li> </ul> <p> From that time the Indian Civil Aviation Authority made it a mandate that all airplanes coming in or out of India must have the collision avoidance equipment. It was the first time in the world that a country made this technology mandatory.</p> <h2> <strong>Turkish Airlines Flight 981- Paris, 1974</strong></h2> <p> On Mar 3, 1974, Turkish Airlines Flight 981 left Orly France bound for London. Just after flying over the town of Meaux, one of the pilots said, “The fuselage has burst.” The airplane then vanished from radar. It crashed into the Ermenonville Forest near Fontaine-Chaalis, Oise.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/turkish-flight-981-paris.jpg"><img alt="Turkish Flight 981 after crashing in Paris" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/turkish-flight-981-paris_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;"></a></p> <p> Turkish Flight 981 after crashing in Paris.</p> </div> <p> The plane was broken up into millions of pieces--the most extensive disintegration of an airplane ever seen at a crash site. There were 346 people on board and only 40 of the bodies were able to be identified by sight—nine were never identified at all.</p> <p> The wreckage of the plane was so severe that the there was some speculation that a bomb was to blame. This theory gained momentum as two terrorist groups claimed responsibility soon after the crash.</p> <h3> Failure of the Rear Cargo Hatch Latching System Started It All</h3> <p> The sequence of events leading to the crash started when a rear cargo hold hatch failed. This caused the cargo area to decompress. The passenger area above the cargo hold was still compressed, putting extreme pressure on the floor of the cabin.</p> <p> This could not hold for long and eventually a section of the passenger compartment blew through the floor and was sucked out the rear. Six passengers’ bodies were later found along with sections of the floor in a field 15 kilometers from the crash site near Saint-Pathus, still buckled in their seats.</p> <p> When the floor gave way and the passenger section flew out the back, it severed the control cables that run to the stabilizer and the elevators. The pilots lost complete control of the aircraft—the number two engine was also lost.</p> <p> The plane turned nose-down and began to pick up speed. The increased speed created lift and the nose began to rise. The Captain yelled “Speed!” and tried to level off. These efforts proved futile and the plane crashed at a speed of 420 knots (approx 497 miles per hour). </p> <p> The NTSB mandated adding vents in the rear cabin floor to make sure the cargo and cabin were equal in pressure in case of a problem where one or the other may become destabilized. They also directed that there were to be mandatory upgrades to the locking mechanism as well as the latching actuator electrical system. Later, McDonnell Douglas argued that the vents would be too expensive and the FAA agreed—they were never added.</p> <h2> <strong>Air India Flight 182- Atlantic Ocean, 1985</strong></h2> <p> On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 was en route from Montreal to London to Delhi in India. In Irish airspace, at an altitude of 31,000 feet, it blew up. Total dead- 329 people: 280 Canadians, 27 British, and 22 Indians. Believed to be the work of the Sikh militant group Babbar Khalsa, it was an act of terrorism and the largest mass murder in Canadian History.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/air-india-flight-182-before-crash.jpg"><img alt="Air India 747 before crash." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/air-india-flight-182-before-crash_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 134px;"></a></p> <p> Air India 747 before crash.</p> </div> <p> The only person arrested in connection to the bombing was Inderjit Singh Reyat, who pled guilty to manslaughter in 2003. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Observers point out a litany of legal and investigative errors by the government of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).</p> <h3> An Act of Air Terrorism by Members of the Sikh Militant Group, Babbar Khalsa</h3> <p> Various reports surfaced over the years that Air India flights coming out of Montreal would be bombed. Some of the reports were rumors and others were wild ramblings of the lunatic fringe. Much of the tension in the Sikh community stemmed from the Partition of India in 1947. Not only was there a line separating the two countries, the state of Punjab was separated as well. The Khalistan movement began as an effort to create a Sikh homeland in the Punjab region.</p> <p> Sikh settlement, including members of the Babbar Khalsa, grew rapidly in Canada during the 1970’s, especially in metropolitan areas like Vancouver. Reyat lived in Duncan, British Columbia, just north of the capital of Victoria on Vancouver Island. With influence from members of the Babbar Khalsa, Reyat began to take steps to build a bomb, the purpose of which he later claimed he did not know.</p> <p> According to informants, in 1984, the Babbar Khalsa made their first plans to bomb Flight 182 and then abandoned the effort. In 1985, Reyat began his bomb making activities in British Columbia, buying dynamite and blasting caps ostensibly to “clear tree stumps.” He also studied how to create the timers and triggers that could activate a bomb. At the same time, he was not shy about voicing his overall desire for revenge against India for transgressions against Sikhs, including Operation Blue Star, the 1984 raid on the most sacred of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple.</p> <p> By June of 1985, the plan was back on. Flight 182 departed for London out of Montreal. On board was a piece of luggage that originated from Vancouver and was transferred to the plane (that became Flight 182) in Toronto. The Sikh passenger that was supposed to be on board with their luggage had never shown up. This suitcase was stored in the forward cargo hold when it exploded while the plane was at 31,000 feet. The explosion forced rapid decompression and the subsequent breakup of the frame and fuselage in mid-air. The parts fell in deep water off the south-west coast of Ireland, about 120 miles offshore.</p> <p> The wreckage was located by the ship Laurentian Forest—they found airplane parts and bodies in the water—131 bodies were recovered and 198 were lost. The flight recorder and cockpit voice recorders were eventually located by the British ship <em>Guardine Locator</em>, which had high tech sonar that could reach the sea floor. Once located, they were retrieved by the French cable-laying ship <em>L</em><em>è</em><em>on Th</em><em>è</em><em>nevin</em>.</p> <p> Worldwide investigations of the bombing lasted as long as six years. Most pointed blame at Sikh terrorist groups like Babbar Khalsa with members in North America, England and India. The groups were angry at Operation Blue Star and were agitating for the greater goal of an independent Sikh state. Reyat was found guilty of two counts of manslaughter related to a similar bombing of another Air India flight that killed two Japanese airport workers—he received 10 years in prison. Later he received 5 years in prison for one count of manslaughter for the bombing of Flight 182. Prosecutors could not find enough legal evidence to convict him (and other conspirators) “beyond a reasonable doubt” for Flight 182.</p> <p> In 2006 a full public inquiry was begun to “answer key questions” in the tragedy. In 2010, the long-awaited report of the inquiry recommended sweeping changes to Canada’s air security system (CBC.ca 6/17/10). They pointed to a “cascading series of errors” by government ministries, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service).</p> <p> The report also claimed that to this day, 25 years or more after the tragedy, there are still huge holes in Canadian national security. According to the Toronto Sun, Supreme Court Justice John Major said Canada should beef up the powers of the national security advisor to co-ordinate between agencies like the RCMP and the CSIS. Unfortunately, the government would not commit to make any of the recommended changes.</p> <h3> Wide range of Causes</h3> <p> As these five biggest air disasters show, aviation accidents can be caused by a wide range of factors – the most common being mechanical failure, human error and terrorism attacks. There are relevant agencies that provide the necessary standards and regulations to be followed in manufacturing and maintenance of aircrafts, and in flight operations.</p> <ul> <li> Failure to adhere to agency, federal and state laws that govern aircraft and aviation activities, as well as other factors, can cause an aviation disaster:</li> <li> Structural or design issues with the aircraft and faulty equipment</li> <li> Piloting error</li> <li> Air traffic controller error</li> <li> Poor maintenance of aircrafts</li> <li> Atmospheric and weather conditions</li> <li> Violation of standard flight operator regulations</li> </ul> <h2> Improvements in Airline Safety</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-720-controlled-impact-demonstration.jpg"><img alt="Boeing 720 controlled crash and explosion." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-720-controlled-impact-demonstration_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 90px;"></a></p> <p> Boeing 720 controlled crash and explosion.</p> </div> <p> Airline safety procedures and equipment have improved over the years. Partially due to the air disaster listed here, and many others, here are some of the changes the industry has implemented:</p> <ul> <li> Landing gear that can be lowered manually without hydraulics.</li> <li> Evacuation slides- help speed passengers from a downed aircraft.</li> <li> Improved turbine engines with failsafe features.</li> <li> Computerized auto-recovery and warning systems.</li> </ul> <p> While the air disasters detailed here are harrowing, remember that air travel is actually the safest form of transportation other than busses. A 2007 Popular Mechanics study determined that if you sit in the back of the plane, you have a 40% better chance of survival in a crash. The airline industry says there is no area on the seating chart that is safer than another. Make your own decision on that one but this may help—the flight recorder “black box” is located in the tail!</p> <h2> Additional Resources</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/images/49/aircraft-crash-photos/">Aircraft crash photos on Fly Away Simulation</a></li> <li> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/images/48/aircraft-crash-videos/">Aircraft crash videos on Fly Away Simulation</a></li> <li> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_recorder">Black Box (Flight Recorder) on Wikipedia</a></li> </ul> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1892/wild-hare-entertainment-signs-air-battles-sky-defender/">Wild Hare Entertainment Signs Air Battles: Sky Defender</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/14/m22-air-taxi-review-and-screetshots/">M22 Air Taxi Review and Screetshots</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/113/project-opensky-atlas-air-b747-400f/">Project Opensky Atlas Air B747-400F</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/187/history-of-flight-simulation/">The History of Flight Simulation</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/304/flight-simulator-air-racing-announces-plans/">Flight Simulator Air Racing Announces Plans</a></li></ul> Aviation News Cockpit Fatigue - Are Pilots Asleep at the Controls? http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4128/cockpit-fatigue-are-pilots-asleep-at-controls/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4128/cockpit-fatigue-are-pilots-asleep-at-controls/ Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:51:05 GMT <p> <img alt="Pilots in cockpit" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/pilots-cockpit-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 85px; float: left;">As the airplane banked over the Swiss Alps, Kurt looked out his window. He could see them all in a little line: Samedan, St. Moritz, Silvaplana and Chamfér. He smiled to himself – he just ended the greatest skiing weekend of his life. He turned his head to the pillow to<em> take a nap</em>.</p> <p> The co-pilot asked for permission to do the same – instead of skiing, he has been working constantly for two weeks – he was allowed a ten minute break. The plane leveled off and settled in for the long flight.</p> <p> What Kurt, the co-pilot and 200 other passengers didn’t know was that the pilot also was taking a nap. Shortly after the co-pilot fell asleep, the pilot dozed off as well for around 10 minutes. Suddenly the pilot woke up, grabbed the controls and checked all instruments. The plane had been flying itself on autopilot without incident.</p> <p> Is this scenario possible? A similar incident actually occurred, according to a pilot (who remains unnamed) who spoke with BBC television. You might be wondering how the plane flies itself for so long. According to the anonymous pilot, the plane warns them if it exceeds preset height and speed parameters. Unfortunately he said the alarm is not very loud and anyone could easily sleep through it. And what then?</p> <p> How prevalent is "cockpit fatigue?” In September of 2010, the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) came out with a new proposal for limiting flight time in the United States. This came after pilot fatigue was named as a very key factor in a Colgan air crash in Buffalo New York which killed 50 people in February of 2009.</p> <h2> Pilot Fatigue – A High-profile Issue</h2> <p> Pilot fatigue has become a high-profile issue for pilots associations and airlines around the world. The British Airline Pilots Association found that one in five EasyJet pilots admitted to sleeping while on duty. Almost 50% say they suffer significant fatigue and 20% say their abilities are compromised more than once during a flight.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/pilots-cockpit.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Pilots in cockpit" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/pilots-cockpit-200.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;"></a></p> <p> Image shows two pilots in the cockpit of their passenger aircraft preparing for the flight.</p> </div> <p> In Australia, a Qantas airline captain issued an internal memo that appeared to admit tiredness from shifts during the night had affected the safety of flying at the airline’s Perth base.</p> <p> In India, pilots have been requesting scientifically backed rest rules for cockpit crews for years. They might have their wish answered in the form of a new iPhone app that predicts pilot alertness. It calculates pilots physiology time zones traveled and other factors to predict alertness levels.</p> <h2> Air Traffic Controller Fatigue – Also an Ongoing Concern</h2> <p> And it may not be just the pilots. Just last month, at Reagan National Airport in California, an air traffic controller fell asleep while two airplanes landed without assistance from the tower.</p> <p> In a 2006 investigation of a crash in Lexington, Kentucky that killed 49 people, the NTSB (National Traffic Safety Board) found that a controller admitted to having only 2 hours sleep when the jet attempted takeoff on a door closed runway.</p> <p> In 2006 an air-traffic controller at Chicago's O’Hare International told pilots by mistake that an Airbus A320 should cross a runway. Shortly after that, he cleared a Boeing 737 to takeoff on the same runway. Fortunately the pilots figured out the mistake and aborted their instructions. The controller in question admitted to working on only 4 hours sleep.</p> <p> In 2004, an air-traffic controller at Los Angeles International Airport gave instructions to a Boeing 737 to go ahead and take off. At the same time, a Boeing 747 was making final preparations to land on the same runway. Again the pilots figured out what was happening and veered off. In that case, the controller told investigators she had slept only 5 hours.</p> <p> Recently the US Department of Transportation criticized the FAA for not being quicker to alleviate air traffic controller fatigue at three air traffic facilities in Chicago. The report said controllers don't have enough time off between shifts and the result is fatigue which could lead to safety issues.</p> <h2> It’s Not Just Lack of Sleep, But Also Poor Quality Sleep</h2> <p> ABC News reported in February of 2011 that, contrary to statements by the airline industry, many pilots reported to duty after only getting a few hours sleep. Not only was the sleep time short, it was of poor quality. The television network interviewed fatigue experts, who called sleeping in crowded crew lounges and so-called crash pads "destructive sleep", a type of poor sleep that does not refresh like normal sleeping patterns. Critics say poor sleep and lack of sleep is putting airline passengers at risk.</p> <h2> The New Aviation Bill</h2> <p> Just this month (April 2011), the U.S. House of Representatives passed a new aviation bill that cuts funding for the FAA, and protects industry from new safety regulations being proposed by the Obama administration. The bill, which was put into motion by Republicans, said that the government could spend less on aviation oversight but still keep air travel safe. Opposing Democrats said the cuts would force layoffs including safety inspectors who could help prevent dangerous incidents like sleeping air-traffic controllers</p> <p> The bill also targets 8 sets of new rules being drafted by the FAA that were required by the safety law enacted by Congress last year. This includes rules adjusting how many hours a pilot can be required to work, and how much rest they must get between flights.</p> <p> Groups opposing the bill included families of victims of the Colgan crash near Buffalo, as well as Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the now famous captain who landed his plane in the Hudson River after hitting a flock of geese. Sullenberger told the Associated Press he felt that the less restrictive safety provisions would cost lives.</p> <p> In the world of national politics there are many agendas and voices attached to each change in the law. Meanwhile, everyday consumers are wondering how much sleep their pilot has had, and more importantly, was it quality sleep in decent accommodations or stretched out on a couch in a crash pad.</p> <p> Until safety regulations and industry need for profit find a suitable balance, pilots will find situations where lack of sleep is affecting their performance. And airline passengers will wonder just how safe they really are.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3435/digital-simulation-services-australia-home-cockpit-shell/">Digital Simulation Services Australia Home Cockpit Shell</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1144/pc-pilots-ireland-computer-flight-simulator-and-aviation/">PC Pilots Ireland Computer Flight Simulator And Aviation Show</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1928/flight-level-productions-releases-cockpit-secrets/">Flight Level Productions Releases Cockpit Secrets</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1992/microsoft-flight-simulator-x-for-pilots/">Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2132/aopa-not-just-for-real-pilots/">AOPA - Not Just For Real Pilots</a></li></ul> Aviation News Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Takes to the Skies http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4119/boeing-747-8-intercontinental-takes-to-skies/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4119/boeing-747-8-intercontinental-takes-to-skies/ Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:16:23 GMT <p> <img alt="Boeing 747-8" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-747-8-intercontinental-artist-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 91px; float: left;">Boeing's newest and biggest passenger plane took off for the first time at 9.59am on Sunday Mar, 20, 2011. The newest model of the 747 line, the <em>747-8 Intercontinental</em> was resplendent in orange and white as it took off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington under a canopy of blue skies. It was followed by two T-33 chase planes and the cheers of a throng of Boeing workers gathered for the event.</p> <h2> Low Glitch Count</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-747-8-intercontinental-artist.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="An artist impression of the Boeing 747-8." src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-747-8-intercontinental-artist-200.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 142px;"></a></p> <p> An artist impression of the Boeing 747-8. Created by Boeing.</p> </div> <p> The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental landed at 2.25pm the same day in Seattle, at Boeing Field. Boeing reported only about a dozen technical glitches on the maiden flight, remarkably low for any modern plane. </p> <p> Tests conducted during the flight included taking it up to 20,000 feet, running at various speeds, testing the landing gear, basic control systems and stability variations.</p> <p> The letters “JFS” were written in bold print on the nose landing gear in honor of Joe Sutter, a Boeing engineer thought as the “father” of the first 747 over forty years ago.</p> <p> Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein said, <q>What a great privilege to be at the controls of such a great airplane on its first flight--and what an honor to share this day with the thousands of men and women who designed and built this airplane.</q></p> <h2> Strong Competition</h2> <p> Industry competitors have attacked the Boeing 747-8. Last month, Chief Boeing competitor Airbus held a press conference questioning the safety of the 747-8. Chief Operating Office for Customers at Airbus, John Leahy, told Dow Jones that U.S. civil aviation authorities should conduct emergency evacuation tests of the 747-8 Intercontinental.</p> <p> He said evacuation tests had been “grandfathered in” from the Boeing 747-400 and that was wrong. (Airbus was able to evacuate 873 passengers from the A380, the main competitor to the 747-8, in 78 seconds in 2007 testing.)</p> <h2> Months of Testing</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-747-8-first-flight.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Boeing 747-8 first flight with world press" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-747-8-first-flight-200.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;"></a></p> <p> Image shows the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental on it's first test flight with the World's press watching in anticipation.</p> </div> <p> In terms of safety and reliability, Boeing commented that part of the reason for the low “glitch count” on the passenger version’s maiden voyage is that there has been a cargo version of the 747-8 undergoing flight tests for the last 12 months. This new jet features a radical wing design and refurbished flight deck. It can carry up to 467 people and has a range of almost 7000 miles. It has a wingspan of around 224 feet and is about 250 feet long.</p> <p> The first freight customer to get custom Boeing painting was CargoLux, a Luxembourg-based cargo operator. They have purchased several Boeing 747-8s.</p> <p> Companies that are flying the new 747-8 include Air Bridge Cargo, Atlas Air, Boeing Business Jets, New Bond Cargo Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa.</p> <p> Stock shares of Boeing went up more than 3% the day following the successful passing of the test flight of the 747-8 Intercontinental. Boeing has received upwards of 30 orders for the new player including an order of 20 from Deutsche left Anza AG.</p> <p> Air China has agreed to order 5. That transaction is pending government approval. Currently the Boeing 747-8 will cost you a measly $317 million US. Some analysts point to these orders as more evidence of faith in a growing economy, despite lingering fears that high fuel prices could affect airline travel.</p> <h2> Improved Aerodynamics</h2> <p> The 747-8 has a new advanced rake wing design with extensive improved aerodynamics, the very latest flight deck tools, and much lighter materials. It has GEnx engines featuring primary and fan Chevron's, and a digital bleed air system.</p> <p> Increased capacity for cargo includes 2 pallets forward and 2 LD – 1/LD – 3’s aft. There is room for 51 more passengers than previous 747 models. The landing gear features new materials including new wheels, brakes, and tires. The wings are 16.4 meters across and feature fly-by-wire spoilers and outboard ailerons, as well as new technology airfoils.</p> <p> Boeing has designed a new high lift system for the 747-8 as well as new passenger amenities including a new cabinet architecture and lavoratories, a new upper deck stair and custom built LED lighting.</p> <h2> State-of-the-Art Flight Deck</h2> <p> The 747-8 is a 100% digitally integrated aircraft with new environmental control systems and attend bunk cabin crew rest. The state-of-the-art flight deck includes the Boeing Class III Electronic Flight Bag, which brings digital information management right to the flight deck and reduces the need for paper, as well as improves communication among crews, dispatchers and air traffic control.</p> <p> The Vertical Situation Display gives the crew a clear look at the airplane's current and projected flight path. A specially designed early warning alert tells the crew if the airplane trajectory is in conflict, or deviating from the desired approach path. Graphs of the vertical situation make it easy to detect path errors including missed glide slope intercepts.</p> <p> The new Flight Management Computer has significantly increased storage and has been built with much more speed. It can store all data available from the worldwide navigation database and it is made to accommodate any anticipated increase in data for 20 years.</p> <p> The Electronic Checklist is standard on the 747-8 flight deck. These electronic checklists increase safety, save time and bring down the amount of paper the pilots and flight crews carry on board. They are easy to update, change and distribute. Airlines can customize the checklist to conform to local procedures.</p> <h2> Boeing Family</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-747-8-freighter.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Boeing 747-8 Freighter version" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-747-8-freighter-200.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;"></a></p> <p> Image shows the Boeing 747-8F or Freighter model being unveiled from the hangar.</p> </div> <p> The flight deck commonality between Boeing airplanes brings down training time that pilots need to put in to transition between models, and it makes it easier to fly mixed fleet, which lets operators use a single pilot pool for all 3 jets: the 747-8, the 777 and the 787. Mixed fleet flying also helps crew productivity because it makes it possible for airlines to operate with fewer pilots.</p> <p> The 747-8 has the same pilot type rating as other 747s and uses the same simulator which brings down pilot grant training time and operator investment.</p> <p> The 747-8 wing design is the result of thousands and thousands of hours of studying the latest in fluid dynamics. By testing the computations in the world's most advanced wind tunnels Boeing designers were able to produce a wing with incredibly increased aerodynamics and significantly better fuel capacity without compromising speed. The 747-8 has a cruising speed of Mach 0.86 which is as fast as any commercial airline today.</p> <p> The double slotted flaps inboard and single slotted flaps on the outboard improve performance and bring down noise considerably. The fly-by-wire spoilers and outboard ailerons save weight while the rake wingtip reduces aerodynamic drag. The airfoil has a new supercritical design for high speed and efficiency while new Gapped Krueger flaps provide high lift gapped configuration.</p> <h2> GEnx Engine</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/genx-engine-testing.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="GEnx Engine under testing" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/genx-engine-testing-200.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;"></a></p> <p> Image shows the General Electric GEnx engine under testing. This will power the 747-8 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.</p> </div> <p> The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger and the 747-8 Freighter both use the GEnx engine. This is one of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient, quietest turbo fan engines ever produced. It is based on the 787 Dream Liner engine but optimized for the 747-8. The GEnx incorporates the latest materials and is designed to improve performance, reduce maintenance, and minimize fuel consumption. It is built to comply with all environmental regulations now and for years to come.</p> <p> The 747-8 extensively uses new generation aluminum alloys – the same as those on the 777 – and graphite composites in the rudder, spoilers and flaps. These materials are more durable, stronger, and better able to resist damage and corrosion, which brings down maintenance costs and increases the time an airplane is available to fly. They are also very light, which helps minimize airplane weight. Lighter airplanes are more efficient, they consume less fuel, cost less to maintain, and are subject to lower weight-based navigation and landing fees.</p> <p> The 747-8 Intercontinental is the only jetliner in the 400 to 500-seat market. It is 18.3 feet longer than the 747-400, and provides seats in a 3 class configuration. The engine is quieter, produces lower emissions and achieves better fuel economy than any competing jetliner. It will provide nearly equivalent trip costs and 13% lower seat mile costs than the 747-400, plus 26% greater cargo volume. Both the 747-8 Intercontinental and the 747-8 Freighter can use existing infrastructure ground equipment at most airports around the world.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4316/microsoft-flight-takes-to-skies/">"Microsoft Flight" Takes to the Skies</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/746/ai-aardvark-releases-boeing-747-400/">AI Aardvark Releases Boeing 747-400</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1302/jsgpanels-releases-boeing-747-400-panel/">JSGPanels Releases Boeing 747-400 Panel</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4068/cls-boeing-747-200-300-for-fsx-fs2004/">CLS Boeing 747-200/300 for FSX & FS2004</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1072/ai-aardvark-releases-boeing-747-100-200-models/">AI Aardvark Releases Boeing 747-100/200 Models</a></li></ul> Aviation News Crisis in Japan Will Affect World Aviation Industry for Months to Come http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4117/crisis-in-japan-will-affect-world-aviation-industry-for/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4117/crisis-in-japan-will-affect-world-aviation-industry-for/ Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:50:55 GMT <p> <img alt="Airport terminal showing JAL Japan" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/airport-terminal-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 95px; float: left;">The aviation industry has been directly hit by the triple blow of the Japanese earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor crises. Fuel costs have risen, travel to Japan has been reduced, tourism from Japan to other countries has dropped, freight rates have increased by upwards of 50% and the airline manufacturing supply chain has been severely tested.</p> <p> And yet it is still too early to know what the full impact will be until several months have passed and Japan has had a chance to rebuild the massive destruction to their infrastructure in the northern part of the country.</p> <h2> Nuclear Reaction</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant after explosion" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-small.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 121px;"></a></p> <p> Image shows the damage after Reactor 3 exploded at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant.</p> </div> <p> Although the International Civil Aviation Organization on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Association, the International Maritime Organization, the World Health Organization, and the World Meteorological Organization have issued a joint statement stating that travel to Japan is completely safe from any nuclear radiation concerns, world travelers have a different view. Many tour operators have cut junkets to Japan through April and May 2011, based on consumer fear and trepidation when traveling to the troubled island.</p> <h2> Flight Cutbacks</h2> <p> A total of 71 airlines service Japan and most made schedule changes in response to the crisis according to the Center for Asia-Pacific Aviation. Japan accounts for 6-7 % of global premium aviation traffic.</p> <p> The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that it was too early to understand the impact of the crisis on a long-term basis but the damage will be significant in the short term. A major slowdown is expected, IATA chief executive Giavanni Bisignani said recently. He went on to say that things will not get better for the industry until the second part of the year when the country has had a chance to rebuild. The IATA said Japan accounts for 10% of global commercial aviation revenue. </p> <p> Countries that are most affected include China, which counts on Japan for almost a quarter of its international revenue, as well as the US, Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan.</p> <p> The IATA said that important fuel infrastructure points were affected by the earthquake but also said that most Japanese airports had enough fuel for up to 10 days after the crisis. Japan accounts for 3 to 4% of global jet fuel supplies. Due to refinery damage, the IATA said jet fuel prices could rise.</p> <h2> Supply Chain</h2> <p> According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, several American airlines announced they are cutting flights due to excessive fuel costs and the Japanese crisis. Scott Kirby from US Airways said that bookings dropped 20% in the days following the March 11 crisis. Many people just wanted to stay home and watch the news footage on TV, Kirby told the J.P. Morgan Aviation Transportation and Defense Conference. General Motors put a stop on all nonessential travel until they sorted out their supply chain.</p> <h2> Travel</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/kansai-international-airport.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Kansai Internation Airport in Japan" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/kansai-international-airport-200.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 156px;"></a></p> <p> Kansai Internationl Airport from the air. Kansai airport is an engineering feat, built on a man-made island off the coast of Japan.</p> </div> <p> Delta Airlines has seen significant drop in demand for flights to Japan after the crises. As a response, they are reducing their capacity by 15 to 20% by cutting flights to Tokyo, which is a Delta hub, and that the change will last at least through the end of May 2011, Delta's president Ed Bastian told CNN. He said that Japan is a $2 billion market for the airline and that the crises may cost the company up to $400 million.</p> <p> MarketWatch reported that the US travel industry, which was already in an economic downturn, is very likely to take another blow in the aftermath of the Japanese crisis. Although Japanese tourism to the country was already declining for several years, it was the fourth-largest source of international visitors.</p> <p> Peter Greenberg, travel writer, reported on BNet.com that that the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council announced that tours from Hong Kong to Japan were canceled until mid April. Also the National Tourism Administration in China has warned against tourism to Japan. Tour agencies in South Korea have reported many vacation packages being canceled due to the crisis. This will have a significant effect on the country as tourism was expected to make up to 7% of their gross domestic product, or just over $400 billion.</p> <p> Business travel, while originally flat, is expected to climb as the country seeks to re-establish supply chains. At this point, most airlines are still operating in and out of Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo, although at reduced capacity.</p> <h2> Freight</h2> <p> Because of the reduction in flights coming in and out of Japan, air freight rates have increased 50 to 60%. While the main airports in Tokyo are in operation, their fuel supplies are low and as a result capacity is reduced, inflating freight rates around the world.</p> <h2> Manufacturing</h2> <p> Although Japan was the pioneer of the just-in-time manufacturing process and lean inventory control, Japanese suppliers adjusted their approach after the 1995 Hanshin earthquake (which hit 6.8 on the Richter scale). Instead of excessively lean inventories, they built up extra supplies of components at various levels of the supply chain to continue manufacturing even in the event of a large earthquake or similar disaster. This has proven to be a huge advantage.</p> <p> <q cite="http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/avd/2011/03/15/06.xml">The industrial base has implemented significant disaster preparedness plans since then</q> (1995), says Tom Captain, leader of Deloitte’s global A&D practice told Aviation Week. (3-15-11).</p> <h2> Japan Earthquake Has Far-reaching Effects on Aviation Industry</h2> <p> It's hard to imagine that following the devastation of an earthquake a country is then subjected to a tsunami with waves as high as 30 feet. And then the unthinkable happens - a possible nuclear reactor meltdown.</p> <p> The aviation industry has taken a major hit in the process. Manufacturing will be affected due to possible supply chain interruptions, fuel supplies in the country are being carefully monitored, air freight rates are up, and tourism both to and from Japan is way down.</p> <p> Even more difficult, the real impact will not be known for several months. And for a global economy that was already fragile, the impact of a disaster this size will affect the aviation industry for a while to come. Fortunately, Japan has learned from previous earthquakes, for example, increasing fuel and suppy inventories after the high machine quake of 1995. This type of planning and preparation is a bright spot in an otherwise bleak picture.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3400/could-swine-flu-affect-aviation-industry/">Could Swine Flu affect the aviation industry?</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2289/world-airline-industry-to-face-slow-growth-in-2008-iata/">World airline industry to face slow growth in 2008: IATA</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3902/brief-look-at-wonderful-world-of-aviation/">A Brief Look at the Wonderful World of Aviation</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/511/announcing-norstar-virtual-aviation-products/">Announcing NorStar Virtual Aviation Products</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1778/airbus-set-to-restructure-after-a380-crisis/">Airbus set to restructure after A380 crisis</a></li></ul> Aviation News NASA prepares to launch R2 into space http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4057/nasa-prepares-to-launch-r2-into-space/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4057/nasa-prepares-to-launch-r2-into-space/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:58:23 GMT <p> <img alt="NASA R2" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/nasa-robonault-2-r2-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 85px; float: left;">What exactly is R2? R2 is a robotic helper for the space station. With hands and arms and stereovision, is expected to perform some of the repetitive or more mundane functions inside the orbiting laboratory to free astronauts for more complicated tasks and experiments. It could one day also go along on space walks.</p> <p> Making sure the first humanoid robot to head into space still works when it gets there has been the focus of workers at NASA's Kennedy and Johnson space centers. Engineers and technicians with decades of experience among them packing for space have spent the last few months devising a plan to secure the 330-pound machine against the fierce vibrations and intense gravity forces during launch.</p> <p> Eventually this robot helper will assist Astronauts in space walks with its sophisticated software and electronics this robot can perform any number of tasks programmed into it.</p> <p> This Robonaut was not meant to fly at first. Instead, it was strictly a developmental model to be tested and perfected on the ground. However, it was adapted for flight and has tested well for launch.? This opens up many possibilities for NASA and the future of space station operations. My only question is Does it do dishes?</p> <p> This aerospace article was written and complied by resident news editor <strong>James Abbey</strong>.<br> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/nasa-Robonaut-2-r2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="NASA's R2 Robonaut" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/nasa-robonault-2-r2-400.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 266px;"></a><br> <em>NASA's R2 Robonaut</em></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3970/nasa-meets-today-to-determine-readiness-of-space-shuttle/">Nasa Meets Today to Determine the Readiness of The Space Shuttle Discovery</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1061/airsidetv-announces-launch-of-flying-news/">AirsideTV Announces The Launch Of Flying News</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2032/announcing-space-shuttle-mission-2007/">Announcing Space Shuttle Mission 2007</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2761/space-shuttle-takes-off-fsx/">Space Shuttle Takes Off (FSX)</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3037/space-shuttle-mission-2007-atlantis-mission-sts-122/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007: Atlantis Mission STS-122</a></li></ul> Aviation News Space X reveals its goals for the Future http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4054/space-x-reveals-its-goals-for-future/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4054/space-x-reveals-its-goals-for-future/ Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:19:03 GMT <p> <img alt="Space X" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/space-x-falcon-9-rocket-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 85px; float: left;">Space Exploration Technologies Corp, <strong>Space X</strong> has announced its goals for heavy lift vehicles, beginning with the Falcon X and Super X family of launch Vehicles. At the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Joint Propulsion Conference in Nashville, Space X unveiled its exploration vision. Until recently Space X focused on (LEO) Low earth orbiting vehicles, but now they want to help get us to Mars and beyond! To get to Mars, it would take as many as 15 chemical-powered vehicles to perform the same mission as two nuclear-powered Earth-departure stage vehicles. The nuclear thermal vehicles would also be capable of faster transit times in the order of 170-210 days, With standard chemical rockets it would take up to 6 months and perhaps more!</p> <p> Basic technology for the nuclear option could be derived from the Nerva (nuclear engine for rocket vehicle applications) program, Markusic says. Nerva was a joint NASA/Atomic Energy Commission effort of the 1960s. The program included more than 17 hr. of hot-fire tests and restarts, and will provide a suitable jumping-off point for a new development, he argues. “We don’t feel there would be any politically sensitive nuclear hot-fire testing needed,” he adds, saying that electric heating could be used to simulate the reactor core in future tests.</p> <p> Some NASA propulsion specialists concur with SpaceX’s view of the potential of nuclear thermal systems for Mars missions. NASA Glenn Research Center’s chief propulsion and control systems analyst, Stanley Borowski, says that nuclear “technology was ground-tested 40 years ago, and it was better then for a Mars mission than our best chemical rockets today. Based on a comparison with a conventional liquid oxygen/hydrogen chemical rocket sized for a Mars mission, Borowski says the application of a high-power-density fission reactor core results in a 100% increase in specific impulse from 450 sec. to 900 sec.</p> <p> I am certainly glad someone out there is considering the future, now maybe NASA teaming up with Space X could give our Space program the “boost it needs"!<br> <br> Excerpts taken from Aviation week and the input of <strong>James Abbey</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <strong><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/space-x-falcon-9-rocket.jpg"><img alt="Space X Falcon 9 rocket on launch pad" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/space-x-falcon-9-rocket-400.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 267px;"></a></strong><br> <em>Space X Falcon 9 rocket on launch pad</em></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2052/space-shuttle-mission-2007-web-site-updated/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Web Site Updated</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2288/india-can-send-crew-to-space-in-seven-years/">India can send crew to space in seven years</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3037/space-shuttle-mission-2007-atlantis-mission-sts-122/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007: Atlantis Mission STS-122</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3306/space-shuttle-mission-2007-service-pack-released/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Service Pack Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3993/x37-space-plane-launches-successfully/">The X37 Space plane launches successfully</a></li></ul> Aviation News Laser Attacks on Pilots http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4051/laser-attacks-on-pilots/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4051/laser-attacks-on-pilots/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:21:58 GMT <p> <strong><img alt="Laser attack" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/laser_jet-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 96px; float: left;">Bern, Switzerland</strong> - 40 laser attack's on airline pilot's are reported around Switzerland for the year 2009. This year has proven even more shocking, over the running 7 months 40 attack's are reported, that's much more than over the whole last year. These lasers are not given enough of a "danger rating", but in reality these lasers are very dangerous.</p> <p> According to aviation expert Hansjörg Bürgi "the laser lights are especially dangerous during the takeoff and landing phases". First of all the pilots have to concentrate during these phases the most and whats far more shocking is the fact that the lasers are very strong and they can blind the pilots for a paralization duration time of over 15 seconds. 15 seconds may not seem alot but in reality for aviation this is a very long time. The problem is that these lasers are not legaly sold like the ones the "civilized" people use to make presentations.</p> <p> These lasers are especially strong and are only available in illegal internet shops that sell these lasers without a license. In order to imagine what I am talking about imagine a laser light that you can see in discos that gets flashed into the sky and you can see from over 1km. The one thing that separates these from the disco is the thin but strong laser line. First of all what we have to see is the fact that these criminals are usually close to airports so that they can target as many pilots as possible.</p> <p> Imagine the fact that Zürich airport has been targeted the most, this airport has planes taking off and landing every 40 seconds. The problem is deeper if we imagine mislandings or more professionaly said "go arounds" where 3-5 planes have to go around, not only it messes up all the slots but costs airlines and the airport money. What's sad that these people see this "idiotism" as "fun".</p> <p> This article was written by <strong>Roland Ondrus</strong>, an in-house aviation news editor for Fly Away Simulation.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Green laser attacking landing aircraft" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/laser_jet.jpg" style="width: 370px; height: 278px;"><br> <em>Green laser attacking landing aircraft</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Green and red laser pens" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/laser-pens-1.jpg" style="width: 310px; height: 307px;"><br> <em>Green and red laser pens</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/green-laser.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image of the supposedly "illegal" green laser pointers that have been used to blind pilots" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/green-laser-400.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 300px;"></a><br> <em>Image of the supposedly "illegal" green laser pointers that have been used to blind pilots</em></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1144/pc-pilots-ireland-computer-flight-simulator-and-aviation/">PC Pilots Ireland Computer Flight Simulator And Aviation Show</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1560/virtual-pilots-association-announces-fly-in/">Virtual Pilots Association Announces Fly-In</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1894/flight1-opens-pilots-club-in-second-life/">Flight1 Opens Pilots' Club In 'Second Life'</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1915/pilots-sue-us-airways-over-contract-dispute/">Pilots sue US Airways over contract dispute</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1992/microsoft-flight-simulator-x-for-pilots/">Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots</a></li></ul> Aviation News Boeing vs. Airbus http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4037/boeing-vs-airbus/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4037/boeing-vs-airbus/ Mon, 05 Jul 2010 05:20:09 GMT <p> <img alt="Boeing and Airbus logos" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/boeing-vs-airbus.jpg" style="width: 117px; height: 64px; float: left;">The battle between <strong>Boeing</strong> and <strong>Airbus</strong> is one with long tradition and one that never loses on it's interestingness. The airplane manufacturer industry is one that requires the companies to be flamboyant, adaptable and aggressive. The most famous manufacturer battle was when Boeing introduced the 737 series and Airbus had problems coming up with a adequate answer that would bring it up to even terms. The Airbus family of the A318, A319, A320, A321 is today seen as direct competition, but in today's world the spotlight shifted away from the short-haul airplanes to the long-haul planes.</p> <p> Many people eagerly awaited the two manufacturers to unveil their technological masterpieces, on one side we had Airbus who came out with the Superjumbo A380 and on the other side we had Boeing coming out with the 787 Dreamliner. The question remains: Who is currently adding large black numbers to their bank account?</p> <h2> Airbus A380</h2> <p> The A380 is a technological masterpiece that looks like an double-decker Avro RJ 85 on steroids, with a face-lift that Michael Jackson would be proud of. The airplane itself was long awaited by many manufacturers such as Singapore Airlines who were the first airline to commercially fly this airplane. But the positive aspect of this airplane, which is its size and leisure offer for the passengers is coming at a high cost for Airbus. Many airports will need to remake their Gates, Security Checks and safety standards in order to effectively serve this airplane. This is something that may discourage airlines from ordering this plane, the reality of airports being either owned by investors or governments could raise maintenance costs due to construction and adaption costs of the terminals/gates. The one aspect that really speaks for the A380 is the huge passenger capacity and the great results of the safety tests that have been made on this aircraft.</p> <p> My personal perception of the Airbus A380 is very positive, although my criticism and maybe over sarcasm might not indicate this as much.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/airbus-a380-paris-large.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="The Airbus A380 at Paris" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/airbus-a380-paris.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 300px;"></a><br> <em>The Airbus A380 at Paris</em></p> <h2> Boeing 787, AKA-Dreamliner</h2> <p> Boeing has chosen a different path than Airbus who chose to make a Superjumbo. The reality shows that two "think models" collided, Boeing set its bet on direct point to point connections from two airports for which the 787 is ideal, while Airbus chose to continue the pursuit of "Large transition airports". According to the data of Boeing the following data should be true for the Dreamliner.The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210 - 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250 - 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers).In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane. It will also travel at speeds similar to today's fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity.</p> <p> According to a Boeing manager the "the A380 will be a similar financial flop as the legendary Concorde was".</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/Boeing-787-Dreamliner-large.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="The Boeing 787 Dreamliner in flight" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/Boeing-787-Dreamliner.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 300px;"></a><br> <em>The Boeing 787 Dreamliner in flight</em></p> <h2> Data and Numbers</h2> <h3> At current Boeing has the following large scale orders</h3> <ol> <li> Air Canada ordered 18 Boeing 777,14 Boeing 787. To this Air Canada ordered another 18 Boeing 777 and an option for ordering another 46 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and this for a total order of 6.1 billion dollar's.</li> <li> Airbus received so far 154 orders and 15 options for the A380, Airbus wants to make a profit of 150 billion euro over the next 40 years with the A380.</li> <li> Air India wants to modernize its Fleet and it gave the business to Boeing instead of Airbus, the company ordered 50 machines including the 787 Dreamliner, this business is worth of 7 billion euro.</li> </ol> <h3> Who uses the A380 for passenger transport?</h3> <ul> <li> Singapore Airlines</li> <li> Emirates</li> <li> Qantas</li> <li> Air France</li> <li> Lufthansa</li> </ul> <h3> Which european airports are adapting or adapted to the A380?</h3> <ul> <li> Zürich International Airport adapted</li> <li> Munich-Was the first airport who got the license to handle the Airbus A380</li> <li> Frankfurt</li> <li> Hamburg</li> <li> Saint Petersburg</li> <li> Vienna International Airport</li> <li> Berlin</li> <li> Leipzig Halle</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/airbus-a350-large.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Airbus' A350 computer model" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/airbus-a350.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 250px;"></a><br> <em>Airbus' A350 computer model</em></p> <h2> My Conclusion</h2> <p> I believe that Airbus will need to adapt to the introduction of Boeing's Dreamliner, maybe the A350 will be a good answer, however Airbus has complications with the airplane. It is said that the complications are very similar to be the same as Boeing had with the 787 Dreamliner. What would be interesting to see is how the 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 will compare face to face.</p> <p> This article was written by resident aviation news editor <strong>Roland Ondrus</strong> for Fly Away Simulation..</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1434/airbus-invited-to-build-in-boeing-heartland/">Airbus invited to build in the Boeing Heartland</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1476/airbus-boeing-row-could-end-up-in-court/">Airbus-Boeing row could end up in court</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1515/airbus-boeing-eye-production-rate-boosts-across-product/">Airbus, Boeing Eye Production Rate Boosts Across Product Lines</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1408/airbus-unveil-new-superjumbo-a380/">Airbus unveil new Superjumbo A380</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1517/boeing-chairman-sanguine-about-finding-new-ceo/">Boeing Chairman Sanguine About Finding New CEO</a></li></ul> Aviation News Bratislava International Airport has a brand new terminal http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4031/bratislava-international-airport-has-brand-new-terminal/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4031/bratislava-international-airport-has-brand-new-terminal/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:43:55 GMT <p> <img alt="Bratislava International Airport logo" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/Bratislava_Airport-logo.jpg" style="width: 90px; height: 90px; float: left;">The International Airport at Bratislava, Slovak Republic has had a historic moment in the last month. This moment is has been historic because a brand new terminal has been opened up. The previously used one has been built in 1970 and could not handle the growing passenger volume that has been generated by the largest active airline flying to the airport, Ryanair.</p> <p> In 2004 a first version of the project arose and is becoming reality today, albeit in a significantly modified version. During this year the airport handled almost 900,000 passengers, the presumed volume was set at 1.5 million.<br> <br> However we must remember that during this time SkyEurope which ceased operations, was the largest competitor of Ryanair, meaning the airport handled its peak of flight movements per day, now the situation is drastically different.</p> <h2> The new terminal a win or huge mistake?</h2> <p> The question that remains is that if this new terminal was a good idea or a reconstruction of the old one would have been a more wise decision.</p> <p> We have to take into account 2 factors, the first one being the geographic closeness of Vienna International Airport which is more attractive to large foreign airlines and airline associations like Star Alliance.</p> <p> This airport ironically also has a new terminal, however the building process has been stopped due to expenses running over the budget in a large scale manner.</p> <p> The second factor we have to think about is that Slovakia has no real airline at current, Air Slovakia has announced financial problems and as a result it lost its international air traffic carrier licence and as a addition the Slovak government called for a judicial process against the airline, a possible reason behind the bankrupcy could be the dubious business deal with Albanian International Airlines last october.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Bratislava International new terminal with entrance and road" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/Bratislava-Airport-terminal-1.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 283px;"><br> <em>Bratislava International new terminal with entrance and road</em></p> <h2> Is there hope?</h2> <p> Yes and No, to be honest the only hope that is left for the airport is Ryanair, however this is just optically good, since Ryanair demanded Bratislava Airport to sink its fees by 70%! This is very bad for a airport that is in governmental control like LZIB is at current. On the other hand having a carrier at least active is good for the passengers who do not have to travel to Vienna for a change.</p> <p> Another good sign is that the high summer season is about to start and charter airlines like Travel Service from the Czech Republic are going to be interested in the Slovak holiday travelers, this larger passenger volume can test the true qualities of the new terminal.</p> <p>This article was written and submitted by resident aviation news editor <strong>Roland Ondrus</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Aerial image of the new terminal at Bratislava International Airport" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/Bratislava-Airport-terminal-2.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 283px;"><br> <em>Aerial image of the new terminal at Bratislava International Airport</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Aircraft landing and ILS beacons at Bratislava International Airport" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/Bratislava-Airport-landing-1.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 176px;"><br> <em>Aircraft landing and ILS beacons at Bratislava International Airport</em></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1740/dreamscenery-indianapolis-international-airport-released/">DreamScenery Indianapolis International Airport Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2694/dreamscenery-releases-indianapolis-international-airport/">DreamScenery Releases Indianapolis International Airport KIND X (FSX)</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3247/fwi-releases-bermuda-lf-wade-international-airport-for-fsx/">FWI Releases Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport for FSX</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3589/nmg-johannesburg-international-airport-now-available-for/">NMG - Johannesburg International Airport Now Available for FSX/FS2004</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3991/bishop-international-airport-kfnt-control-tower-fire/">Bishop International Airport KFNT Control Tower Fire</a></li></ul> Aviation News Cecil Field As A Spaceport http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4030/cecil-field-as-spaceport/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4030/cecil-field-as-spaceport/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:16:52 GMT <p> Back In January The FAA The federal government has granted the Jacksonville Aviation Authority a license to operate a commercial, horizontal launch spaceport at Cecil Field. Living around Cecil Field (KVQQ) all my life, this is a real exciting prospect, The Ex Navy Master jet base has been a part of my life since 1969 and to see it listed, as a spaceport is good for the local economy and for our Countries space tourism/space research. </p> <p> This is the eighth commercial spaceport license awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the first in Florida.</p> <p> During a horizontal launch, a spacecraft takes off and lands horizontally like an airplane. With a 12,500-foot runway -- the third-longest in Florida -- and its proximity to airspace over the Atlantic Ocean, Cecil Field was deemed a suitable site.</p> <p> “Cecil Field has come a long way in the past 10 years. This property, which was once a Naval Air Station, continues to be reused and redeveloped in innovative ways,” JAA Board Chairman Deborah Pass-Durham said. “We’re hopeful this commercial spaceport license will help take Cecil Field to the next level in attracting new business, especially within the space industry.”</p> <p> Commercial uses for space are expected to include suborbital space tourism, travel and cargo operations. The best known player in the commercial space industry is Virgin Galactic, which is based at New Mexico’s Spaceport America. The CEO of another industry leader, Oklahoma City-based Rocketplane Global Inc., has visited Cecil Field.</p> <p> Other Companies Such as Scaled Composites, Virgin Galactic and other has visited this Air port. All have expressed interest in Cecil as a primary launch facility.</p> <p> The airport is located on the site of the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field, which opened in 1941 and closed in 1999 following the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision. Covering a total area of 22,939 acres (92.8 km²), it was the largest military base in the Jacksonville area and supported all Atlantic Fleet F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter squadrons and S-3 Viking sea control squadrons.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/906/lago-releases-emma-field-2004/">Lago Releases Emma Field 2004</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3428/floyd-bennett-field-for-fsx/">Floyd Bennett Field For FSX</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2462/blueprint-simulations-releases-kdal-dallas-love-field/">BluePrint Simulations Releases KDAL, Dallas Love Field</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/94/b-25j-briefing-time-released/">B-25J ''Briefing Time'' Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3496/sea-checklist-managerx-released/">SEA CheckList ManagerX Released</a></li></ul> Aviation News Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Flies Again http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4021/virgin-galactics-spaceshiptwo-flies-again/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4021/virgin-galactics-spaceshiptwo-flies-again/ Tue, 25 May 2010 15:02:11 GMT <p> <img alt="SpaceShipTwo" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/virgin-space-ship-2-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 74px; float: left;">Space ship two, officially names VSS Enterprise Completed it’s second Captive test flight over the Mohave Desert Sunday May 16th All test goals where achieved in this test flight. Spaceship two was pressurized and powered by the mother ship and climbed to 51,000 ft .The ship was flown to that altitude to test its flight worthiness and to test it’s descent from a space flight.</p> <p> Spaceship two will ferry civil passenger to the edge of space and back. Spaceship two will be part of Virgin Galactic growing fleet of civil spacecraft.</p> <p> The spaceship is powered by a hybrid rocket motor. This type of system is not a new idea but offers important safety and environmental advantages over liquid or solid systems that are more commonly used on manned space vehicles. In particular, it means that the pilots will be able to shut down the SpaceShipTwo rocket motor at any time during its operation and glide safely back to the runway.</p> <p> Spaceship two will be taken aloft by the Aircraft, White knite 2 ,A dual fuselage 4 enginged aircraft with Space ship two nesseld in between the two fuselages. Each of WhiteKnightTwo's fuselages has a dihedral wing and the spaceship will be placed centrally between them, where the wing tips are joined at the highest point of this elongated 'W-shape' wing. With its fuselages some 50ft apart, WhiteKnightTwo's payload area is large and readily accessible from the ground - an open architecture approach which maximizes its future utility. The extraordinary result looks appropriately out of the ordinary, as one might expect from a piece of 21st century space launch hardware.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Virgin Galactic's Space Ship Two in the hangar" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/virgin-space-ship-2.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 231px;"><br> <em>Virgin Galactic's Space Ship Two in the hangar</em></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul></ul> Aviation News Why Space Shuttle Retirement is a Bad Idea http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4016/why-space-shuttle-retirement-is-bad-idea/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4016/why-space-shuttle-retirement-is-bad-idea/ Wed, 19 May 2010 06:24:33 GMT <p> With the last launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis I am reminded that there are two more scheduled flights left in the Shuttle program. What Alternatives do we have? Well there is the Russian Soyuz ships and that is it!<br> </p> <p> With The cancellation of the Constellation program by Mr.Obama, We are left with nothing of our own to ferry Astronauts back and fourth to the international Space Station. This puts the United States in third place in manned space exploration!</p> <p> Even Astronauts are commenting on The Obama Administration’s decision the Scrap The Constellation program. Neil Armstrong said in an interview with Fox news “The ... decision to cancel the Constellation program, its Ares 1 and Ares V rockets, and the Orion spacecraft, is devastating,"</p> <p> The Obama Administration Defended it’s stance by saying "We wanted to take the best of what was available from Constellation,” Claiming that They want to still use “The best parts of The Constellation program “ is, in my opinion is a cop out. To get us back to the moon or even Mars a Constellation type program is needed to get there. The Obama plan is short sighted and diminishes our ability to get to space and maintain the ISS.<br> <br> Contrasting views are welcome.</p> <p> This opinion article was written by resident editor <strong>James Abbey</strong>.<br> </p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4191/space-shuttle-mission-2007-free-mini-service-pack-405/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Free 'Mini' Service Pack 4.05 Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2032/announcing-space-shuttle-mission-2007/">Announcing Space Shuttle Mission 2007</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2052/space-shuttle-mission-2007-web-site-updated/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Web Site Updated</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2116/space-shuttle-mission-2007-store-now-open/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Store Now Open</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2161/space-shuttle-mission-2007-video/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Video</a></li></ul> Aviation News The X37 Space plane launches successfully http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3993/x37-space-plane-launches-successfully/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3993/x37-space-plane-launches-successfully/ Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:17:28 GMT <p> <img alt="Nasa X37" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/nasa-x37-space-plane-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 90px; float: left;">The US Air Force launches it’s X37 from Cape Canaveral Air force station Thursday night. This space plane was originally to carry up to 6 astronauts but since being handed over to the US Air Force it has been relegated to testing for unmanned purposes</p> <p> The orbiter looks a little like a space shuttle only smaller, with a payload bay for cargo and experiments. The Air Force is looking for a better way to fly instruments and experiments cheaper and faster.</p> <p> Unlike NASA’s Space Shuttle, which can only stay in orbit for two weeks, The X37 can stay in orbit for up to nine months.</p> <p> The vehicle is expected to eventually land at Vandenberg Air Force base in California, but officials are not saying when.</p> <p> Could it be that this may be President Reagan’s “Star Wars” Project , revisited? Time will tell and this vehicle has a big future in The US Air Force and possibly Civilian use.</p> <p> This article was written by resident aviation news editor <strong>James Abbey</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Nasa's X37 Space Plane takes flight" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/nasa-x37-space-plane.jpg" style="width: 392px; height: 275px;"><br> <br> <em>Nasa's X37 Space Plane takes flight</em><br> </p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3969/x37-space-plane/">X37 Space Plane</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2052/space-shuttle-mission-2007-web-site-updated/">Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Web Site Updated</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3365/passenger-safely-lands-plane-after-pilot-dies/">Passenger Safely Lands Plane After Pilot Dies</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3661/its-your-plane-reviewed-by-pc-flight-magazine/">It's Your Plane Reviewed By PC Flight Magazine</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4118/x-plane-10-what-can-we-expect/">X-Plane 10: What Can We Expect?</a></li></ul> Aviation News Ryanair to charge to use the toilet http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3992/ryanair-to-charge-to-use-toilet/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3992/ryanair-to-charge-to-use-toilet/ Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:13:29 GMT <p> <img alt="Ryanair" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/ryanair-toilet-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 96px; float: left;">Pay to pee? <strong>Ryanair</strong> may begin charging for passengers to use the toilet, which amounts to One pound or $1.43 just to use the bathroom. Michael O'Leary Ryanair's CEO commented on BBC television and also said <em>"One thing we have looked at in the past and are looking at again is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door."</em></p> <p> Though Mr. O'Leary was speaking off the cuff and just amounts to thinking out loud.</p> <p> This seems to be a trend in most airlines around the world, charging for all those extras.</p> <p> I would not conceder the toilet as an extra, like a bag of peanuts? Many airlines are charging for carry on bags, purses and laptops. I do not understand why not include it in the ticket price?</p> <p> Mr. O'Leary, later stated that, <em>"...a separate toilet fee would lower ticket costs and make flying, somehow, easier for all."</em></p> <p> This article was compiled by resident aviation news editor <strong>James Abbey</strong> with sections taken from (USA Today, Today in the sky)</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="The cabin of a Ryanair aircraft" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/ryanair-toilet.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 300px;"><br> <em>The cabin of a Ryanair aircraft</em></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/924/ryanair-virtual-around-world-in-two-days-update/">Ryanair Virtual Around The World In Two Days Update</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1757/ryanair-sends-ultimatum-to-uk-government/">Ryanair sends ultimatum to UK government</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1797/ryanair-buys-10-cae-flight-simulators-worth-80m/">Ryanair buys 10 CAE flight simulators worth $80M</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3019/ryanair-still-keeping-aer-lingus-in-takeover-sights/">Ryanair still keeping Aer Lingus in takeover sights</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3021/united-drops-meals-charge/">United drops meals charge</a></li></ul> Aviation News Bishop International Airport KFNT Control Tower Fire http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3991/bishop-international-airport-kfnt-control-tower-fire/ http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3991/bishop-international-airport-kfnt-control-tower-fire/ Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:06:54 GMT <p> <img alt="KFNT" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/kfnt-tower-fire-small.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 96px; float: left;">On March 26<sup>th</sup> at 10:15am local time the FAA Great Lakes Region office was notified that the Tower at Flint Bishop Airport (KFNT) was on fire and that the fire dept was enroute. All Air Traffic Controllers from the 5<sup>th</sup> floor was evacuated safely. The fire was found to be on the 1<sup>st</sup> floor.</p> <p> During the incident there was only one flight that was diverted to KDTW Detroit Metro Airport. All other aircraft was reported to have continued on course. There were no reported delays. Per the FAA Spokeswomen Air Traffic Controllers maintained control of local traffic from the field, while Cleveland Center handled the airspace.</p> <p> As to the cause of the fire there has been no official word from fire officials, nor the FAA. However, due to smoke damage it is expected that the Tower at Flint Bishop Airport will not reopen for about a week.</p> <p> This article was written by resident aviation news editor <strong>Stephen M. Collopy</strong> with sources from FAA Great Lakes Office Spokeswomen Ms. Correy.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="The control tower at Bishop International Airport" src="http://flyawaysimulation.com/media/images1/images/kfnt-tower-fire.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 301px;"><br> <em>The control tower at Bishop International Airport</em></p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1740/dreamscenery-indianapolis-international-airport-released/">DreamScenery Indianapolis International Airport Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/2694/dreamscenery-releases-indianapolis-international-airport/">DreamScenery Releases Indianapolis International Airport KIND X (FSX)</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4031/bratislava-international-airport-has-brand-new-terminal/">Bratislava International Airport has a brand new terminal</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/1725/secrets-of-ferihegy-airport-video-released/">Secrets of Ferihegy Airport Video Released</a></li><li><a href="http://flyawaysimulation.com/news/3247/fwi-releases-bermuda-lf-wade-international-airport-for-fsx/">FWI Releases Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport for FSX</a></li></ul> Aviation News