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South Carolina’s First 787 Destined for India

Editor — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:01:33 +0000

The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner to come out of the Chicago-based airplane manufacturer’s South Carolina plant was celebrated recently at a function in North Charleston. The aircraft will undergo a string of systems checks and engine runs before taking to the air locally, in preparation for its flight across the Atlantic Ocean to India’s Mumbai International Airport and delivery to Air India. Speaking at the event, Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer, Jim Albaugh noted that the rolling out of an airplane from the company’s third final assembly site in South Carolina was a proud moment for Boeing.

Air India will take delivery of the history-making aircraft in mid-2012. It will be the second Boeing 787 Dreamliner of its 27-aircraft order, with the first having been delivered in March from the aircraft manufacturer’s Washington plant. Three more 787′s are to be delivered by the end of the year, with the balance expected in 2013.

Launched in April 2004, with initial orders for 851 airplanes valued at more than $175 billion, from sixty customers, the 787 goes on record for the most successful launch of a new commercial airplane in Boeing’s history. Following a number of delays in manufacture, the first 787 Dreamliner flight took place on 15 December 2009, with the first airline to fly the plane, All Nippon Airlines of Japan, taking delivery on 25 September 2011. Although the company has reportedly had 25 order cancellations this year, they have secured 19 new orders for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Private Russian airline, Transaero, has ordered four of the airplanes, while Japan remains the biggest buyer.

Boeing South Carolina vice president and general manager Jack Jones noted that every one of the teammates at the South Carolina plant should be proud of the historic accomplishment of building airplanes to meet Boeing’s high quality standards, while at the same time maintaining an exceptional workplace safety record. Jim Albaugh endorsed this view by welcoming the South Carolina team into a “small and elite fraternity … of workers who have built one of the most complex machines in the world – a commercial airplane.”

Sir Frank Whittle – Innovative Aviator

Editor — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:41:19 +0000

Sir Frank Whittle was an RAF officer attributed for starting the Jet Age. Born in Coventry on 1 June 1907, Whittle was accepted into the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1923. By 1928 he was a qualified pilot officer. By working alongside his father, Whittle learned much about engineering from a young age and it greatly interested him. Combining his love for flight and engineering, Frank Whittle began to develop revolutionary ideas.

Prior to graduating as a pilot officer, Whittle wrote a brilliant thesis. Entitled “Future Developments in Aircraft Design”, the thesis put forward that airplanes could achieve high speeds and long ranges only if they fly at high altitudes. In order to do this, he determined that rocket propulsion and propellers driven by gas turbines were necessary.

While studying at the Central Flying School to become an instructor in 1929, Whittle began developing the turbo-jet engine idea. This involved a gas turbine moving a plane due to the jet caused by hot exhaust gas. The Air Ministry rejected his idea. Nonetheless, Whittle patented the turbo-jet in 1930.

In 1932 Whittle began attending the Officers’ Engineering Course. He averaged 98% in his exams, so the RAF sent him to study Mechanical Sciences Tripos at Cambridge University. At the time he was also working on his turbo-jet engine. With the assistance of some friends and investment bankers, Power Jets Limited was established in November 1935. Whittle had to overcome a number of development issues, along with working hard to promote his ideas. In two years (normally it takes three), Whittle completed his Tripos, but was given another year at the university to conduct research. He now began to gain government backing for his project, though this brought its own challenges, it also provided him with access to top technicians and graduates.

Following development of the W1 turbo-jet engine, work began on the more powerful W2. Whittle encountered some problems with the Air Ministry. Despite this, in May 1941, the allied’s first turbo-jet, the Gloster E28/39, took to the air. Power Jets introduced the W1X to General Electric in the U.S.A, after they expressed an interest. The Americans created the Bell XP-59A Airacomet, which had its first flight in October 1942. Frank Whittle designed the Rolls Royce Welland engine that was used in a British jet fighter called the Meteor by 1944.

Power Jets was nationalized in 1946 and Frank Whittle decided to join RAF’s Gas Turbine section. In 1948 Whittle was knighted, and also retired from the RAF. During the 1950s he assisted various aviation companies as a consultant, later moving to the U.S.A. A true visionary, he continued to write articles throughout his life. Sir Frank Whittle OM, KBE, CB, FRS, FRAeS passed away in August 1996.

Dayton Air Show 2012

Editor — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:29:59 +0000

The 2012 Dayton Air Show has a thrilling schedule planned. Featured performers at the event will include the US Navy Blue Angels, Tora Tora Tora (a Pearl Harbor reenactment), USMC C-130 Hercules “Fat Albert” Demo, Sea Harrier F/A2, Mike Goulian, Misty Blues (all-women skydiving team), P-51 Mustang Quick Silver, Gene Soucy Wingwalking and Solo and A-4B Skyhawk. The Dayton Air Show will also offer helicopter rides, static aircraft displays numbering over 100 aircraft, Aerospace Adventures, Vectren Kids’ Hangar, the Dayton Air Show Parade and more.

Dates: 7 & 8 July 2012
Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Venue: Dayton International Airport
State: Ohio
Country: United States of America

2012 Indianapolis Air Show

Editor — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:19:21 +0000

The 2012 Indianapolis Air Show will be a memorable event with many talented performers taking to the air to astound the crowds. Catch the following in action: USAF Thunderbirds, Tim Weber Airshows, Jacquie B Airshows, Billy Werth, Jan Wicker Airshows, The Hoppers Jet Formation Team and a variety of exquisite airplanes. On the ground, visitors can check out the following at the Indianapolis Air Show: the Civial Air Patrol, UH-60 Blackhawk, Grace on Wings, a KC-135R Cockpit mockup and boom simulator, FedEx ATR-42, Mooney Ambassadors, A-10 Thunderbolt II, T-6 Texan II, various warbirds, ultralights, the kid zone, a car show, hot air balloons, RC planes, USS Indianapolis Survivors, Indiana Aviation book signing, Military History Exhibit and more.

Dates: 22 to 24 June 2012
Time: Friday from 10:00 am; Saturday and Sunday from 06:15 am
Venue: Indianapolis Regional Airport
State: Indiana
Country: United States of America

PNC Air Show 2012

Editor — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:08:07 +0000

Spectators at the PNC Airshow 2012 can look forward to a number of fantastic performances and displays. Performers will include Red Star and The Dragon Jet, Clyde Zeller, Mike Vaknin, Bill Leff, John Klatt, Skip Stewart and the Air Combat Command Heritage Flight. Static displays on offer will include commercial aircraft, military planes, historical airplanes, tanks, simulators and helicopters. Other attractions at the Prairie Air Show are the PNC Mobile Learning Adventure, helicopter rides, monster truck rides, a WW II vehicle display, Aviation Education display, the Navy ” Accelerate Your Life” Experience, Souvenir booths, food vendors, simulators, 182 Air National Guard Display and more.

Dates: 8 & 9 June 2012
Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Venue: Peoria Riverfront
State: Illinois
Country: United States of America

Boeing and Airbus Dominate Global Market

Editor — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:26:03 +0000

With Boeing and Airbus dominating a global market valued at US$100 billion annually, the two aircraft manufacturers continue to vie for first place in this lucrative business sector. First quarter results for 2012 reveal that Boeing appears to be on course to recapture the top spot, as it delivered 137 commercial airplanes, compared to the 131 delivered by Airbus. Airbus has held the coveted number one spot since 2012, and with both manufacturers intent on increasing production of their best-sellers – the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 – they will be competing in emerging markets where medium-haul airplanes are becoming more in demand.

Boeing’s position was aided by the launch of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the enhanced version of its Boeing 747 – both of which had encountered major production delays. Among the airplanes delivered by Boeing were six Boeing 747-8s and five of the innovative carbon-composite Dreamliners. European manufacturer Airbus delivered four of its A380 superjumbos and has recently begun assembling its competitor to the Boeing 787 – the A350 – in its factory in Toulouse. It is anticipated that the A350 will enter service in mid-2014.

While airlines snapped up the fuel efficient model of the A320 in 2011, Boeing is reportedly ahead of Airbus in new orders for 2012. Furthermore, Airbus may lose some of its orders placed by China if the current conflict over emissions between the European Union and a group of countries including China is not resolved.

Just this week London Heathrow became the 200th airport welcome the Boeing 747-8, after having determined that the new airliner meets requirements for operating safely within an airport environment. Currently the Boeing 747-8 is the only airplane with a capacity of more than 400 seats approved by over sixty airports worldwide.

While cost-cutting may be a priority for commercial air travel, the world’s super-rich are offering Boeing and Airbus a new source of revenue. In early March this year a bespoke Boeing 747-8, dubbed the 747-VIP, took off from Paine Field near Seattle for delivery to an unnamed customer in the Middle East. Airbus is reportedly working on an A380 for the Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal, with the original plans making provision for transporting two Rolls-Royces, horses and camels, and a rotating prayer room which will always point toward Mecca. Business people in emerging and fast-growing economies such as China and Russia are also entering the market for larger long-range planes providing direct service to their destinations.

Wings, Wheels & Warriors 2012

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Combining the thrill of aviation with the excitement of land vehicles and the feel-good factor of running, the second annual Airshow and Open House – Wings, Wheels & Warriors 2012 – will take place on 12 May 2012. For more information visit the Wings, Wheels & Warriors Website.

Date: 12 May 2012
Venue: Manassas Regional Airport
City: Manassas
State: Virginia
Country: United States

Central Texas Airshow 2012

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:41:23 +0000

The Central Texas Airshow will be featuring a restored vintage WWII B-17 Bomber as part of its line-up for an exciting and funfilled weekend. Airshow and movie pilot, Corkey Fornof, will demonstrate his skills as he pushes his single-engine, retractable-gear, two-seat sport aircraft to the limit. Fireworks, aerial acrobatics and much more will keep the whole family entertained. For more information visit the Central Texas Airshow Website

Date: 4-6 May 2012
Venue: Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport
City: Temple
State: Texas
Country: United States

Rockford Airfest 2012

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:29:25 +0000

Promoted as a “Celebration of Freedom”, the Rockford Airfest will be taking place on 2-3 June 2012 at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. The highlight of the show will be a performance by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds – America’s Ambassadors in Blue. Other features of the program include the Black Diamond Jet Team and the US Army Golden Knights Black Team. Static displays will include both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. For more information on this exciting event visit the Rockford Airfest 2012 Website.

Dates: 2-3 June 2012
Venue: Chicago Rockford International Airport
City: Rockford
State: Illinois:
Country: United States

Goodwood Aviation Exhibition 2012

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:07:06 +0000

As part of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Goodwood Aviation Exhibition offers aviation and aircraft enthusiasts to view, and even experience, the latest aviation models, as well as innovations and technical developments, all within a spectacular setting. Prospective buyers can organise demonstration flights with leading manufacturers, and fixed-wing and rotary flying school representatives will be on hand to offer advice. For more information visit the Goodwood Aviation Exhibition Website

Venue: Goodwood Estate
City: Chichester
County: West Sussex
Country: England
Date: 28 June to 1 July 2012