Planenews Aviation News Portal

Boeing and Jeppesen Technology Expand China Market for China Eastern Airlines.

SEATTLE: A China Eastern Airlines (CEA) Boeing [NYSE: BA] Next-Generation 737-700 today completed a flight into China’s Lijiang Airport to validate the capability and benefits of an advanced navigation method known as Required Navigation Performance (RNP).

U.S. Aviation Cut Emissions by 13 Percent Since 2000.

Greenhouse gas emissions from domestic commercial aviation have fallen 13 percent between 2000 and 2006, according to recently released figures from the Environmental Protection Agency. Is it enough to fend off the imposition of crippling emissions controls? Full Story.

SWA's Herb Kelleher Delivers Lindbergh Lecture.

The legendary founder of Southwest Airlines, Herb Kelleher, recounted the stories behind his airline, explained the philosophy and corporate culture that makes Southwest so successful, and offered some thoughts on current developments in the airline business. Full Story.

Moscow Builds Helicopter Parkings.

A new project implying construction of helicopter pads close to the Moscow Ring Road has been approved by the expert council at the Russian Ministry of Transportation. Full Story.

Pratt and Whitney Canada Wins Contract to Power Learjet 85.

LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC (Marketwire via COMTEX News Network):Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW307B engine has been selected by Bombardier Aerospace(i) to power the all-new composite Learjet 85(i) midsize business jet. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. Full Story.

Airline Terror Trial Shown Liquid Bomb Exploding.

The destruction caused by an improvised liquid bomb exploding has been showed to a jury in the case of eight men accused of trying to blow up transatlantic airliners. Full Story.

Helicopter Shortage: An Investment Opportunity?

In the May 12th edition of Fortune Magazine, there is an interesting article titled "Copter Crisis" that delves into how the growth in offshore drilling for oil and gas has led to increased utilization of helicopters to get to and from the offshore platforms. This offshore drilling boom combined along with increased usage of choppers for private travel has led to a shortage of helicopters and their parts. Full Story.

China Starts Producing Russian Mi-171 Helicopters.

MOSCOW: A manufacturing plant in southwest China has started to assemble Russian-designed Mi-171 transport helicopters, one of Russia’s key arms exports, the Russian business daily Vedomosti said on Monday. Full Story.

LSA Trainers Cut Costs and Increase Student Pilot Starts.

By Scott Spangler on May 8th, 2008 - www.jetwhine.com On the ground and in the air, ever increasing fuel costs are eviscerating the disposable income of wannabe pilots and the profit margins of flight schools who teach them to fly. Looking forward, many schools are wringing their hands and searching for viable solutions. May I suggest the light-sport aircraft.

On the Record: Max Trescott - CFI, Entrepreneur.

By Robert Mark on May 11th, 2008 - www.jetwhine.com Are you serious about a flying career? Then you’ve probably already heard someone speak to the value of a Flight Instructor rating because it offers an opportunity to build flight time until you get hired by the airlines or with a corporation. Almost without question though, if a pilot mentions teaching people to fly for a living, the laughter is bound to be loud. That’s because many of the folks who work hard for their CFI only make the effort because they want to fly, not teach.