CSeries makes first flight
Bombardier’s new Cseries narrobody airliner made its first flight on September 16 from the company’s Mirabel, Quebec facilities. CS100 flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1), registered C-FBCS, departed Montreal-Mirabel International Airport at approximately 9:55 local time before landing at approximately 12:25, during which time it reached an altitude of 12,000ft and a speed of 230kt. The flight
New helipad approach system improves low-vis safety
Eurocopter has commissioned a high precision GPS-supported instrument approach procedure for the helipad at its corporate headquarters at Donauwörth in Germany, becoming the first helipad in Europe to make use of Localiser Performance with Vertical (LPV) guidance. The new procedure supplements conventional lateral guidance systems by adding the vertical component, which enables approach guidance to be
Chinooks complete Afghanistan deployment
The Australian Army’s detachment to Rotary Wing Group – Eight (RWG-8) has completed its mission in Afghanistan, marked by an end of mission ceremony at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) on September 14. The KAF-based RWG consisted of two CH-47D Chinook medium lift helicopters operated throughout the Afghan summer months as part of the American-led Regional Command South
Virgin launches wireless inflight entertainment streaming
Virgin Australia has formally launched the rollout of wireless streaming of entertainment content to passengers’ portable devices as its inflight entertainment system for domestic and short-haul international flights. The airline began trialling the technology in August 2012 and has already fitted 37 aircraft with the system. It expects rollout across its 737-800 and E190 fleets
World first for ‘Planes’ movie premiere
Qantas has claimed a world first with the Australian premiere of the Disney move Planes taking place at 30,000ft on one if its 767s on Saturday. The movie was streamed to iPads via the aircraft’s QStreaming system, with passengers on the flight comprising celebrities and guests, such as Jessica Marais, who voiced the character Rochelle
RFDS progresses Adelaide centre of excellence
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is progressing its plans to build a new “Centre of Excellence” at Adelaide Airport to upgrade and consolidate its aeromedical services and administration. The organisation is still discussing a site with Adelaide Airport Ltd but hopes to complete negotiations by the end of October. The major project is part of
