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

TCM Announces Temporary Closures

More 'Signs Of The Times'

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: Canadian Pilots Take On Airline Industry Issues

Numerous Issues Get Extensive Study

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.

Business Aircraft Upgrade Market 'Mercurial'

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.

FAA Grants $10 Million For Gulfport-Biloxi Control Tower

New Tower Will Be "Hurricane Proof"

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.

Eurocopter, UK Ministry Of Defence Agree To Puma Life Extension Program

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.

Bombardier Signs Air Niugini Contract For Two Q400 NextGen Airliners

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.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (10.04.09): Lofting

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.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (10.04.09)

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.

Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (10.04.09)

"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...