The World of Aviation

An F-35A static test aircraft has completed full-scale static testing five month ahead of schedule and with zero structural failures. The aircraft, dubbed AG-1, was used to test the structural integrity of the F-35A design and was taken to 150 per cent of its design limits or 13.5 Gs in 174 critical load condition scenarios.

Helicopter rescue operations provided by the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad (SPRS), based at Sorrento, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, will cease during mid July because of a reduced number of call-outs, high running costs and the retirement of its chief pilot. SPRS management decided to cease helicopter operations and sell its Bell 206L LongRanger, VH-BLV, during

Gulfstream Aerospace has announced that the US FAA has approved the use of the FANS 1/A  datalink on its G450 aircraft, making it the first large cabin purpose built business jet to use FANS. The ability to use FANS 1/A applies to G450 aircraft equipped with the enhanced navigation package, which is available as part

The AirAsia Group has announced a restructuring that will see AirAsia X operate more independently from the Malaysian carrier, while the long haul affiliate is also aiming to launch an initial public offering during the second half of 2011. “After more than two years of operation, we have begun to notice some dilution of the

EADS unveiled a model of a hybrid helicopter concept at the ILA Berlin Airshow on June 8 which it says could cut emissions and fuel consumption in half while improving safety margins. One of several projects that form part of EADS Innovation Works’s eCO2avia program, the helicopter concept would use four diesel-electric motor generator units,

The Queensland government announced as part of its budget on June 8 that it will provide an additional $1.64 million per year to assist Toowoomba Airport based CareFlight South West upgrade its part-time operations to a full time service. CareFlight Group Queensland CEO, Ashley van de Velde, said the new government funding is a major