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

First Flight For Fourth AW169

Aircraft "Performed As Expected" According To The Company

The fourth prototype of AgustaWestland's new generation light intermediate AW169 helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy Thursday. During its flight, the aircraft performed as expected with an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling and basic systems being made. The event is a major milestone for the AW169 program as the last of four prototypes now enter the flight test program.

Air KBZ Introduces First ATR-600 Into Its Fleet

ATR Key To Myanmar Airline's Fleet Expansion And Modernization Program

The first ATR 72-600 aircraft was handed over Tuesday to Myanmar's domestic carrier Air KBZ. The Danish finance and leasing company Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) is providing financing for the transaction. The official ceremony which took place at the ATR Delivery Center in Toulouse, France, was attended by senior management from Air KBZ, NAC, and ATR.

NASA Hosts Workshop For Study On Applications For Large Space Optics

Will Help Develop Concepts Aligned With Five Principal Areas

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will host a national workshop for the Study on Applications for Large Space Optics (SALSO) Feb. 5-6. The workshop will feature presentations on concepts for the use of two large space telescopes that were transferred to NASA last year.

NASA To Launch Ocean Wind Monitor To Space Station

Re-Purposing Hardware That Was Built For Another Mission But Never Launched

In a clever reuse of hardware originally built to test parts of NASA's QuikScat satellite, the agency will launch the ISS-RapidScat instrument to the International Space Station in 2014 to measure ocean-surface wind speed and direction.

Night Vision Awards Final Call For Entries

Will Be Presented At HELI-EXPO In Las Vegas Next Month

The Night Vision Awards selection committee announce that they are now taking final nominations for the 2013 Night Vision Awards Show to be held in Las Vegas at Helicopter Association International's HELI-EXPO. Awards will be presented at an awards dinner to be announced at a later date.

Embraer Delivers First 3 A-29 Super Tucano To Angola AF

Part Of A Total Order For Six Of The Airplanes

Embraer Defense and Security has delivered the first three light attack and advanced training A-29 Super Tucano turboprops to the National Air Force of Angola, at a ceremony held in its facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil, as part of an total order for six aircraft. Upon this delivery Angola becomes the third operator of the Super Tucano in the African continent.

Australian DoD Announces Initial Operational Capability For A330 MRTT

Final Airplane Delivered To The RAAF Last November

The Australian Department of Defence has declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the Airbus Military KC-30A - its designation for the A330 MRTT. The announcement was made on the opening day of the Australian International Airshow, Avalon, by Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Mike Kelly.

Blackcomb Aviation Appoints President & Chief Operating Officer

Johnathan Burke To Take Leadership Role At Aircraft Management Company

Jason McLean, Chairman of Blackcomb Aviation and President & CEO of the McLean Group, has named Jonathan Burke President & Chief Operating Officer of Blackcomb Aviation. This appointment follows a 6 month executive search in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (02.03.13): Severe Weather Avoidance Plan

Severe Weather Avoidance Plan An approved plan to minimize the affect of severe weather on traffic flows in impacted terminal and/or ARTCC areas. SWAP is normally implemented to provide the least disruption to the ATC system when flight through portions of airspace is difficult or impossible due to severe weather.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (02.03.13)

Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) is a Council of business aviation associations from around the world. Governance is established through the IBAC Governing Board, with representation from each of the Member Associations. The Board meets twice per year to establish business aviation policies and priority activities for the industry. Ongoing activity of the Council is managed by an IBAC Secretariat consisting of the Director General, assisted by a staff of experienced specialty managers responsible for ICAO Liaison, Safety Standards, Regulatory Affairs and Office Management.

Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (02.03.13)

“The selection of the Super Tucano by the National Air Force of Angola demonstrates the great potential of this aircraft in Africa. It is a robust, versatile and very efficient combat-proven aircraft with low operating costs and has generated great interest among other African nations.” Source: Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security, following the delivery of the first three light attack and advanced training A-29 Super Tucano turboprops to the National Air Force of Angola, at a ceremony held in its facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil, as part of an total order for six aircraft.