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July 6, 2009
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
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Business Aviation Will Help Companies Not Only Survive
But Prosper During the Current Financial Crisis
To be your most productive, and your most efficient, you must keep flying. Because in so doing, you will emerge from these times even stronger than before. And you will replace the uncertainty that
surrounds many, with the confidence and courage to light the way for all.
Visit
CessnaRise.com. 
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Top News: FAA's Flight Plan Database Gets
Smarter |
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 The FAA is nearing completion of a hardware update that "virtualizes" its flight plan infrastructure. The new National Airspace Data
Interchange Network (NADIN) will soon be fully integrated, helping process the more than 1.5 million messages that are part of the national traffic system each day. In the new system, both general
aviation and airline pilots will not file their own flight plans but will file through a service provider or flight station, according to DailyTech.com.
The new system aims to reduce system computer crashes and the system's overall vulnerability to hackers. Virtualization means that the system allows one server to provide services "to provision
services across that server, in a much faster manner, without having to perform modernization upgrades or hardware installations," according to FAA IT administrator Jim McNeill. Among other things,
the system will handle flight plans, weather information and other messages coming into international airports from FAA control centers.
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Is There Anything More Important than Protecting Your Family?
Be certain you have the right life insurance coverage. Get the information you need to find the right policy for your family's protection at the Pilot Insurance Center. Call PIC at (800)
380-8376 or
visit
PICLife.com. 
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 Boeing has scrubbed its schedule for the production of its all-composite 787 Dreamliner as it works to reinforce the aircraft's wing section
while customers have scrubbed orders for about 72 of the jets this year, including 15 dropped by Qantas last week. Still the order book for the untested, unfinished aircraft stands at roughly 850 for
a list price total of more than $151 billion. The aircraft's first flight has seen four delays that have so far put the jet two years behind schedule, and the cascade of reactions to that reality
include Boeing's bartering with carriers who still hold orders for the aircraft. Among those, All Nippon Airways has actually added five more of the jetliners to its orders, which may give a glimpse
into the complicated contracts that manufacturers create with their clients. Media reports say some customers are seeking compensation for the delays as Boeing's delays disrupt their strategic
operating plans amid volatile oil costs and a depressed economy. On the upside, Boeing has the opportunity to avoid penalties with remaining customers as they gain some flexibility in delivery
schedules among fewer buyers. On the downside, the jet hasn't flown yet and after extensive computer modeling, ground tests have detected structural flaws that require structural changes. Wednesday,
new rumors surfaced.
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Boeing has entered talks to buy a South Carolina plant where the 787's rear fuselage sections are built, but noted that both Boeing and the supplier
declined to comment. The move could provide Boeing more production capacity, which may be favorable when it begins to address its significant order backlog and what may become a foreshortened delivery
schedule.
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3 Airplanes ... 3 Levels ... 1 Edition ... Ice
New for 2009, Cirrus Aircraft shakes the lineup with a new way to spec out your new Cirrus. SR20, SR22, and Turbo models are now available in three
well-equipped trim levels - "S," "GS," and "GTS"; Known Ice Protection is ready to go on SR22 and Turbo models; or choose an all-new premium interior and
exterior upgrade package dubbed "X-Edition."
Visit
CirrusAircraft.com for details. 
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 The BEA Interim Report (PDF) released Thursday covering the crash of Air France Flight 447
shows a span of more than nine hours between the last message received from the flight's crew and the launch of a first rescue aircraft. Though communications on oversea flights can be sparse, the
rescue launch order was still a full eight hours from the interval at which time the aircraft sent 24 messages showing onboard faults and system failures. When debris was found, it consisted mainly of
light items from all areas of the plane. No evidence of fire or explosion has yet been discovered. Distortions in the metal vertical reinforcements of specific debris "showed evidence of great
compressive forces" with crumpled walls and ceilings that were deformed downward while the floor "was curved under the effect of a strong upward pressure from below." This suggests, and investigators
have publicly stated, that the aircraft hit hard in a rather level attitude. The translated report summarizes it less obviously stating, "Visual examination showed that the airplane was not destroyed
in flight; it appears to have struck the surface of the sea in a straight line with high vertical acceleration." (There is some speculation as to the exact meaning of "in a straight line," which may
have translated directly to "in the line of flight," but may have been intended to mean "in a level attitude," or simply that the aircraft had negligible yaw at impact.)
Weather at the time of the accident as depicted by infrared images seven minutes before and after the last ACARS message show "the general conditions and the position of Inter-tropical Convergence
Zone over the Atlantic were normal for the month of June." However, investigators publicly announced that experienced teams working in simulators struggled to maintain control of the aircraft at
cruise in turbulence with faulty air data. Messages sent automatically by the Airbus A330 accident aircraft show the aircraft was providing unreliable or conflicting air data to the pilots. The pilots
were operating the aircraft at high altitude in turbulent conditions with forecast temperatures that were higher than normal (standard plus 13 degrees Celsius) making the thin air thinner and trimming
controllability margins for the two co-pilots. Normal procedures suggest the captain may have been in the crew rest quarters at the onset of system failures. Without voice and data recorders, we may
never know.
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The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread:
The $299 McMurdo FastFind!
AeroMedix is pleased to present our latest find — the new McMurdo FastFind. Quickly revolutionizing the market and saving lives, this PLB is the size of most cell phones and fits easily
into any pocket. Best of all — it's only $299!
Visit
AeroMedix.com and save today!
"Now there is no excuse to fly without the security and peace of mind a PLB provides you and your family!"
— Dr. Brent Blue.
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 The FAA is working with several specialized aviation groups to create terrain-awareness simulation training to improve air tour safety in
Alaska and Hawaii. The training would target new commercial pilots flying air tour routes and involves visual cue-based simulator training to acclimate new air tour pilots with their route of flight
under various meteorological conditions from CAVU to severe weather. The goal is to familiarize pilots from outside the state or new to a geographical area with conditions that warrant a turn-around
or a landing at an alternate airport. Visual checkpoints are highlighted in the simulator and pilots are trained to revise their decisions based on conditions at each point and are graded on their
decision-making. The training developed from authorities seeking an end to avoidable CFIT accidents in the region and relies heavily on accurate 3-D realistic geographic data, which, in Alaska, isn't
always easy to come by.
Working together with the Alaska Aviation Safety Project, E-Terra LLC (a geographical information company) is working to enable three-dimensional imagery to provide the most realistic simulation
environment. E-Terra hopes to also provide services to operators in the Hawaiian Islands. Manager of the Alaska Regional FAA Safety Team, David Karalunas, told the Alaska Journal, "We believe that by
providing realistic flight simulations to these pilots, we have cut down the CFIT (controlled flight into terrain) crashes because pilots are aware of how it looks before they fly into these passes or
if they are rusty and just don't remember, they can look before they fly."
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Sensenich Expands Its Revolutionary Line of Propellers for Light Sport and Experimental Aircraft
Lighter in weight, easier to navigate and less expensive to fly, Sensenich's composite props are also stronger than similar props. Their carbon construction allows the propeller's
weight to aerodynamically optimize flight and minimize its susceptibility to harmonic vibration damage. Pitch-adjustable, their built-in stops ensure selection of the most efficient pitch.
Click here to check
'em out. 
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 One of the themes of this year's EAA AirVenture is the recognition and promotion of public benefit flying and the call is out to
everyone who uses their airplane to help others to stand up and be counted in Oshkosh. EAA and the Air Care Alliance, co-sponsors of Fly4Life, are hoping at least 1,000 volunteer pilots and aircraft
owners register at the Fly4Life tents on the south side of Aeroshell Square to get recognition for their own efforts and to promote the cause. "Our focus is to provide an awareness-generating
opportunity for you and/or your organization and to recognize the GA community for its positive influence on the lives of others," the groups said in a news release.
Those who register will get a badge for themselves and a prop card for their airplane explaining their involvement in public benefit flying. An interactive Web site will run throughout the show
showing other pilots how they can join a group in their area and there will be static and flying displays of aircraft. Of course, the whole thing is run by volunteers and for those whose selflessness
can include a shift or two at the AirVenture booth, the help would be welcome. Morning, midday and late afternoon shifts are available throughout the show and more information can be obtained by
e-mailing Brendan@AngelFlightCentral.org.
 For 2009, the National Aviation Hall of Fame will induct astronauts Eileen Collings, the late Edward White and movie legend the late
Jimmy Stewart, alongside Russ Meyer, who led Cessna Aircraft as chairman and CEO from 1975 to 2003. Cessna had halted production of its piston-powered aircraft amid liability issues that held the
manufacturer responsible for aircraft over its entire life. Meyer is credited with helping pass the 1994 General Aviation Revitalization Act, limiting liability for manufacturers and leading Cessna to
re-enter the general aviation market. Today, the company has delivered more than 40,000 Cessna 172s to market, making it the most-produced aircraft model in history. Meyer played a role in the
development of the "Be A Pilot" program and went on to oversee expansion of Cessna's Citation line, which holds claim to the title of most popular bizjet line in the world. He also originated the
Citation Special Olympics Airlift that organized hundreds of Citation owners in their transport of athletes from around the country to the National Special Olympics games. Winner of two Collier
Trophies, Meyer was in 1996 inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame and served on three Presidential Commissions. He is a commercial instrument-rated pilot with more than 15,000 hours
logged.
Russ Meyer remains an active participant in national aviation issues through his position as chairman emeritus of Cessna.
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Share Your Thoughts on Aviation Headsets
What's important to you when choosing an aviation headset? Please take a few moments to complete an online survey. Help influence the headset industry.
Go to
survey. 
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We get a lot of news releases, and Glenn Pew admits that when some press notes about a tiny wing-flapping drone came across his desk, he didn't give it the time of day. In the latest installment of
the AVweb Insider blog, Glenn explains why he's having second thoughts — and shares the details.
Read more.
In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, editor Mary Grady laments that it can be tricky to be both an aviator and an environmentalist but is thankful for new technologies (and new
ways of thinking) that help bridge the gap. When we talk about airplanes getting greener, notes Mary, it's not just emissions that make the difference.
Read more.
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Rediscover Jet City!
Make King County International Airport/Boeing Field your flight destination! Conveniently located just 5 miles from downtown Seattle, KBFI is positioned in the center of the growing
economy of the Puget Sound region, serving as a hub for business travel, private jets, and general aviation travel. Partner with aviation experts when you fly to Seattle. Make your destination
King County International Airport/Boeing Field!
For more
information, visit online. 
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The Top Reporter on Our Crack Staff ... Is
You! |
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 Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something 200,000 pilots might want to know about, tell us. Submit news tips
via email to newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best part.
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Jeppesen Pilot Training
Smart pilots never truly fly solo. For 75 years, pilots have taken their aviation partner along for the journey — Jeppesen. Pilots (and future pilots) look to us for the tools and
training they need to fly safely and effectively. Throughout your career flight path, you can count on Jeppesen. Choose the learning tools best for you with our integrated system. Learn more
at
Jeppesen.com/pilottraining. 
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Advanced Flight Instruction
Career CFIs Anthony Cirincione and Scott Felton reveal the techniques world-class instructors use to stand out among the best. Over 24 years, they have developed their skills and
practice what they preach. Advanced Flight Instruction is organized by the various settings in which they teach, allowing you to refine your individual style to be the best possible.
Available in book and eBook format for just $19.95.
Click here for more
information. 
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File Size 8.9 MB / Running Time 6:30
Podcast Index
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How to Listen
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Subscribe Via RSS
Aviation Safety magazine editor Jeb Burnside talks power-off landings with Gary Hemphill, executive director of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), which conducts
regional and national spot-landing contests.
To read a related article — and others like it — subscribe to Aviation Safety.
Click here to listen. (8.9 MB, 6:30)
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Traditional Tactics Need a Fresh Approach
Doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Isn't it time to initiate a digital marketing program with AVweb that will deliver traffic and orders
directly to your web site? Discover several new and highly successful marketing options to use in lieu of static print or banner campaigns.
Click now for
details. 
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Nominate an FBO
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Rules
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Tips
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Questions
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Winning FBOs
Last week, the Cessna Pilots Society held their annual fly-in at Spearfish, South Dakota, bringing over 50 Cessnas to bear on today's "FBO of the Week," Eagle Aviation.
We were flooded with comments from pilots who attended the event, many of whom told the tale of an overwhelmed FBO pulling off the near-impossible without breaking a sweat. Apparently the FBO
offered a special rate on fuel to attendees and were johnny-on-the-spot when it came to assisting pilots with their tie-downs, serving up tasty barbecue, keeping the facilities "spotless" in spite of
the crowds, and (according to one attendee) even resolving some issues with a rental car company on pilots' behalf. Jeffrey Chipetine writes, "A full ramp coupled with a full field of
airplanes didn't faze them in the least. ... No matter what we needed (including such odd things as a PA system), Eagle came through for us."
Congrats to Laurie, Ray, and all the rest of the crew who got name-checked in this week's nominations. There's no doubt you guys worked hard to earn a nod as AVweb's "FBO of the Week"!
Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.
AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!
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Many years ago, I had just landed at Cairns in Far North Queensland, when an incoming DC-9 called over the radio:
DC-9:
"Cairns Tower, TN 123. Request a wheelchair to meet the flight on arrival. It's the Captain's last landing."
Tower responded appropriately. I thought this was too good to miss, so I stayed on the air. Eventually the DC-9 appeared, touched down, and bounced spectacularly before finally getting under
control and rolling through.
DC-9 (a different voice this time) :
"Tower, can you make that 98 wheelchairs?"
Terry Wesley-Smith
via e-mail
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AVwebFlash is a weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service.
The AVwebFlash team is:
Publisher
Timothy Cole
Editorial Director, Aviation Publications
Paul Bertorelli
Editor-in-Chief
Russ Niles
Contributing Editors
Mary Grady
Glenn Pew
Features Editor
Kevin Lane-Cummings
Webmaster
Scott Simmons
Contributors
Jeff van West
Mariano Rosales
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