The economic malaise continues... During a recent chat with
TCM's Rhett Ross, ANN has learned that Teledyne Continental Motors
will close its factory for one week in response to reduced demand
from new aircraft manufacturers for engines and related parts. The
closure will start this Monday, 05 October 2009. The plant will
reopen for normal business on Monday, 12 October 2009.
ALPA’s Canada Board convened in Toronto
last week with nearly 50 members in attendance. The Toronto meeting
attracted leaders from ALPA-represented Canadian pilot groups
including Air Canada Jazz, Air Transat, Bearskin, Calm Air, CanJet,
First Air, Kelowna, and Wasaya.
Forecast International Says R&M Market Healthy, But Hard To
Predict
In its analysis "The Market for Light Aircraft Retrofit &
Modernization," Forecast International estimates that nearly $1.7
billion will be spent on upgrades for fixed-wing aircraft weighing
less than 70,000 pounds during the 2009-2018 period.
The FAA has made a $10.1 million grant to Gulfport-Biloxi
airport for a new control tower to replace the current facility
that was built in the 1970's. The new tower will be 120 feet tall,
and will be topped with a 395-square-foot cab, giving controllers
more room to work.
Deal Could Bring The Airline's Total Number Of Bombardiers To
11
Bombardier Aerospace announced Friday that Air Niugini, the
national airline of Papua New Guinea, has placed a firm order for
two Q400 NextGen high speed turboprop airliners. The airline has
also taken an option for an additional Q400 NextGen airliner.
Contract Signed With RAF For New Engines, Glass Cockpits
Eurocopter UK Ltd. and the British Ministry of Defence have
signed a contract for the Life Extension Program for 28 of the
Royal Air Force’s fleet of Puma Mk1 helicopters. The upgraded
Pumas will be designated Puma HC Mk2, and remain in service until
at least 2022.
Lofting
Design or fabrication of a complex aircraft component, as with
sheet metal, using actual-size patterns or plans, generally laid
out on a floor. The term was borrowed from boat builders.
Aero-Linx: Wings of
Rogallo
The Wings of Rogallo hang gliding club was founded in the
mid-1970's to serve the interests of hang gliding pilots in the San
Francisco Bay area. Since that time, the club has grown to be one
of the largest in the country, with a typical roster of 500-600
hang gliding and paragliding pilots.
"Throughout 2009, Continental Motors has focused on a
number of marketing and factory improvement initiatives to drive
sales and cost control during the current economic downturn. These
initiatives have worked resulting in more stable aftermarket engine
and parts sales, improved delivery from the factory and lower
costs. However, the combination of lower OEM orders and improved
performance means the factory has outstripped demand. The closure
will allow order backlog to grow to a level that supports efficient
factory operations."
Source: From a statement by Teledyne
Continental Motors...