The World of Aviation

General aviation aircraft shipments fell 2.1 per cent while billings tumbled eight per cent during the first quarter of 2012, according to figures released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Piston-powered aircraft shipments fell from 188 in the first quarter of 2011 to 184 this year while business jet shipments fell from 128 to

Virgin Australia has had to scramble to get one of its new Airbus A330s ready for its maiden service this week after the aircraft clipped a stationary Jetstar A330 while being towed around Melbourne Airport late last week. Virgin said the wingtip of the A330 (reported to be VH-XFC) was slightly damaged, and the carrier

Queensland based RACQ CareFlight Rescue has taken delivery of a pair of custom built Bell 412 helicopter simulators. The simulators, built by Flight Simulators Asia Pacific in consultation with CareFlight, are specifically configured for air-medical evacuation missions and feature a full dual cockpit and instrumentation as well as additional observer seats. CareFlight said the simulators,

Russian investigators have launched a criminal probe into the crash of a Sukhoi Superjet 100 during a demonstration flight in Indonesia on Wednesday. A law enforcement spokesman said the investigation would focus on crew training and the technical condition of the aircraft before it left Russia. As many as 50 people were killed when the

The Federal Court has ruled against Qantas long haul pilots in a case seeking to reinstate the pilots’ ability to launch industrial action against the airline. While dismissing the case, however, the court said Fair Work Australia should not have ordered the Australian and International Pilots Association to halt industrial action in the first place.

The RAAF will buy 10 Alenia C-27J transports to fulfil the AIR 8000 Phase 2 Battlefield Airlifter (BFA) requirement, Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare have confirmed today. The announcement – which comes just 36 hours after the 2012-13 federal budget confirmed the RAAF’s eight remaining C-130H Hercules would be