Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

CAE Acquires Oxford Aviation Academy

Adds Seven New Civil Aviation Training Centers, 40 Full-Flight Simulators

CAE has acquired Oxford Aviation Academy (OAA) for $309 million. The company says the acquisition strengthens its civil aviation training by increasing its training center footprint, growing its Ab-Initio flight training network and extending its portfolio by adding OAA's Parc Aviation.

Southwest Airlines, Dispatchers End Mediation

Tentative Agreement Announced, Vote Date Is To Be Determined

Southwest Airlines and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550, representing the carrier's more than 180 Dispatchers, announced today that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through November 2014, and will be presented to all Southwest Dispatchers pending a final review and approval from the TWU 550 Board of Directors.

X-47B Gears Up For Summer Milestones

Unmanned Combat Air System Set For Extensive Flight Testing

In recent months, Pax River personnel may have noticed a new, uniquely shaped tailless aircraft on the runway, the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D). “This summer will be full of activity as the team braces for X-47B’s first flight here and arrival of the second X-47B air vehicle from Edwards Air Force Base, CA,” said Matt Funk, UCAS-D lead test engineer.

USAF Global Strike Command Commander Details B-52H Upgrades

Coincides With “Year Of The B-52”

LT General Jim Kowalski, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command discussed upgrades to the B-52H during a recent visit to Edwards Air Force Base in California. The general said that modernizing and sustaining the nation’s long-range strike aviation capability is a top priority for the command.

TrueNorth Selected As 'Head-Of-State' Airborne Telecommunications Partner

L-3 Platform Integration Division To Install Products

TrueNorth Avionics has been selected by L-3 Platform Integration division’s (L-3 PID) Head-of-State Completion Center in Waco, TX, to provide its scalable Simphon e¯ OpenCabin airborne telecommunications system for one of L-3 PID’s VVIP and Head-of-State (HOS) projects.

Union Urges Extending Advanced TSA Screening Beyond Pilots

USW Provided Testimony Before The House Transportation Security Subcommittee

During testimony presented Wednesday, the United Steelworkers (USW) urged the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Transportation Security to expand advanced TSA screening programs used by pilots to airline flight deck and cabin crew members.

New Report Released Detailing Military UAS Acquisition

Frost & Sullivan: Unmanned Aerial Systems Procurement Tops Air Force's Spending List

The unmanned aerial systems (UASs) market accounted for $5.25 billion of the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD's) budget in 2010, with the Air Force emerging as the highest spender among all U.S. military services. Most of the $2.42 billion the Air Force has earmarked for UAS spending in 2012 is for the procurement of the MQ-9 Predator.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.20.12): St. Elmo's Fire

St. Elmo's Fire A luminous, and often audible, electric discharge that is sporadic in nature. It occurs from objects, especially pointed ones, when the electrical field strength near their surfaces attains a value near 1000 volts per centimeter. It often occurs during stormy weather and might be seen on a ship's mast or yardarm, aircraft, lightning rods, and steeples. Also known as corposant or corona discharge.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.20.12)

Aero Linx: AYA - The International Grumman American Pilots Association The AYA web site, www.aya.org, has a wealth of information for the new and seasoned members. You have access to your personal profile and photo gallery, join or renew online, messaging and online chat, downloadable issues of The American Star magazine, maintenance information and much more.

Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (05.20.12)

"Companies that can create and manufacture modular, multi-mission, SWaP-efficient UAS sensors and subsystems will remain competitive... Small UAS companies will need partnerships with larger companies, exposure to DoD contracts, or unique technologies to survive until the FAA irons out rules and regulations for UAS operation in the NAS." Source: Frost & Sullivan Senior Industry Analyst Michael Blades, in comments .associated with a report that the unmanned aerial systems (UASs) market accounted for $5.25 billion of the US Department of Defense's (DoD's) budget in 2010, with the Air Force emerging as the highest spender among all U.S. military services.