fly_tornado

how good are April 1 jokes that blow up

Subscribe to read | Financial Times Air safety agencies rush to draw up rules for flying taxis Several companies aim to begin services within the next 5 to 10 years Lilium’s battery-powered, five-seater prototype air taxi, which it hopes to bring into service by 2025 © Reuters Share on Twitter (opens new window) Share on Facebook (opens new window) Share on LinkedIn (opens new window) Save to myFT Josh Spero and Sylvia Pfeifer in London and Nicolle Liu in Hong Kong June 3, 2019 Print this page 31 Aviation safety agencies around the world are rushing to draw up regulations for flying taxis, with a wave of companies promising to be ready to launch services within the next five to 10 years. In Europe, aviation regulator EASA said it was preparing a set of tests to ensure the safety of both the vehicles and the software that will run them. It said its approach to flying taxis, which is at an early stage, would cover operations and maintenance, the competence of operators, noise pollution, and making sure that the software used by the taxis is scrutinised “with the level of robustness needed”. “This new certification approach would allow EASA to understand how the software behaves in different circumstances,” it said. In the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority has set up a virtual space where flying taxi companies can test their technology, while China’s regulator has authorised five companies to explore airworthiness standards and certification by the end of the year. The market for transporting humans around cities could be worth $674bn by 2040, according to a 2018 study by bank Morgan Stanley, and transport company Uber wants to launch an “Uber Air” aerial ride-sharing network by 2023. There are more than 170 companies developing aircraft powered by electricity, consultancy Roland Berger found earlier this year, half of which are for urban air taxis. Manufacturers say that the first air taxis will have human pilots, before they create artificial intelligence powerful and safe enough to fly the aircraft by itself. The Civil Aviation Authority of China also recently issued draft guidelines that suggested China will develop regulatory standards and co-ordinate demonstrations of UAV by 2020, then build an actual aviation management system by 2035. Regulators are also giving developers the ability to explore how their tech will work in cities. In May, the UK’s CAA announced it had created a virtual “sandbox” for organisations to test their technology. Of the first six, one was innovation charity Nesta, which will explore the future of urban drone use in the UK; another was Volocopter, which is developing its own urban air taxis. Another project in the CAA’s sandbox was from Altitude Angel, which is developing an unmanned traffic management system for automated drones, akin to air traffic control for aeroplanes. Lilium launches city travel electric air taxi The Morgan Stanley study envisaged the market starting as “an ultra-niche add-on” to established modes of transport, before becoming “a cost-effective, time-efficient method of travelling short to medium distances”. Richard Aboulafia, analyst at the Teal Group in the US, said cost will be a key barrier, noting that the market for helicopter travel remains small. “This is not a question of regulation or technology. It’s a question of economics. Very few people can afford to use vertical flying technology on a regular basis,” he said. Companies from Airbus to Uber have announced plans for flying vehicles, or aircraft that can hop from one building to another, driven by breakthroughs in electric motors and battery power. The four-passenger CityAirbus electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft made its first tethered flight on May 3 in Germany. Uber does not want to build its own vehicles, but has recruited manufacturers including Bell, Boeing and Embraer to develop Uber Air. Embraer is in the early stages of developing its eVTOL through its subsidiaries EmbraerX and Atech. Last July, the UK aero-engine group Rolls-Royce announced plans for an electric aircraft with rotating wings that could take off or land vertically, and which it thinks could be available by the early to mid-2020s. Recommended Lex Lilium/electric aviation: wing and a prayer Lilium, a Germany-based start-up, last month unveiled what it claimed was the world’s first all-electric, five-seater plane that it plans to use as a public air taxi service from as early as 2025. The company is already in talks with EASA about certifying the plane. But a spokesman said the aircraft, which will be piloted and has a fixed wing, is designed in such a way that it could fly under existing certification that covers “light aircraft”. “We would prefer not to do that and EASA are working on a specification specifically for our sector,” said the Lilium spokesman, adding that “whichever certification route we go down, it will be as rigorous as today’s large commercial aircraft”. Elaine Whyte, UK drones lead at consultancy PwC and a former safety and airworthiness engineer in the Royal Air Force, said air taxis would need the same safety standards that a century of aviation had already established. “This is likely to be a significant barrier to entry and require different skill sets for those potential manufacturers new to this sector,” she said. Anita Sengupta, co-founder of Los Angeles-based start-up Airspace Experience Technologies, which wants to popularise “private air mobility”, said: “Cyber security needs to be sorted in the air just as it does on land . . . Currently you would be cleared by air traffic control but in future you could imagine a different system” involving AI and machine learning. Additional reporting by Tim Bradshaw and Leyla Boulton in London and Andres Schipani in São Paulo

there seems to be some movement on regulation although you wonder if Uber isn't trying to play off countries to get somewhere to legalize short range, low altitude commercial flying. [/url]https://www.ft.com/content/13a8bd1e-82be-11e9-9935-ad75bb96c849

one interesting thing I read in the comments of the mainstream media reporting of this is how everyone thinks that even if it was reliable, even if it was safe, even if it was quiet, even if it was cheap, CASA would still kill it because CASA can't help themselves. we really are comfortable being the lucky country

71 hectares is a lot of weed Mathew, you'll need some help

They will get medals because they managed to get it down without tipping it over and destroying more gear. If I was the base commander at Oakey I would map out all the obstacles around the base before letting the boys cut loose with the toys

It won't happen till someone from CASA lands a VP at Uber

but they must know where the wires are, our Tiger pilot must have gotten a bit lost.

Expensive mistake

do we know why was a Tiger flying that low?

Army helicopter makes emergency landing after 'wire strike' alt=A%20Tiger%20helicopter%20made%20an%20emergency%20landing%20in%20a%20paddock%20near%20Maclagan%20about%2011.45am%20Tuesday.https://media.apnarm.net.au/media/images/2019/06/11/helictoper-ukldvb5mm4kknozbgs2_fct857x481x17.0x136.0_ct834x465.JPG[/img] A Tiger helicopter made an emergency landing in a paddock near Maclagan about 11.45am Tuesday. WIN News Toowoomba THE Department of Defence is looking into an emergency landing of an Australian Army helicopter during a routine training exercise on the Darling Downs today. The Tiger helicopter made a safe landing in a paddock near Maclagan about 11.45am. A Defence spokeswoman confirmed the incident to The Chronicle, and said the aircraft experienced a "wire strike" during routine training. "The aircraft landed safely and all members of the crew are safe," the spokeswoman said. "Defence is currently looking into further details of the incident."

Looks like everyone is safe

Rex mulls northern expansion as Airnorth looks uncertain 2-3 minutes Australia's Regional Express is considering establishing a new base in Darwin as uncertainty surrounds the future of local carrier Airnorth. The Sydney-based turboprop operator says that its board resolved during a 23 May meeting to consider expanding into the Northern Territory. alt=Asset%20Imagehttps://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getasset.aspx?itemid=76265[/img] AirTeamImages “Following Airnorth’s parent company, the Bristow Group, going into Chapter 11 in the United States, many concerned stakeholders have approached Rex to ensure the long-term viability of regional air services in the Northern Territory," says deputy chairman John Sharp. Cirium schedules data shows that Airnorth operates several flights to regional destinations in the Northern Territory, including Gove, Maningrida, Elcho Island and Groote Eylandt using Embraer EMG-120 turboprops. It also flies from Darwin to Dili, Townsville and Kununurra, among other destinations, using E170 regional jets. Sharp says that a delegation of the Rex board plans to visit Darwin in coming weeks to hold discussions with key stakeholders. Rex operates in most Australian states and territories, having expanded into Queensland and Western Australia in recent years after being awarded protected route rights. Cirium's Fleets Analyzer shows that the regional carrier operates 55 Saab 340 turboprops. US-headquartered Bristow entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 May, however that does not extend to most of its overseas operations. Before it entered protection, activist shareholder Global Value Investment had proposed a rescue plan for the global helicopter operator, which included selling its two fixed-wing operations – Airnorth and UK-based Eastern Airways. The latter operation was sold on 10 May, but it is not clear what it has planned for Airnorth. Bristow acquired the Darwin-based airline in February 2015.

WAGNER'S WIN: The war that costs millions in legal fight Tara Miko 2-3 minutes alt=Tara%20Mikohttps://media.apnarm.net.au/account/88/88181/Tara%20Miko_ct30x30.JPG[/img] 30th May 2019 5:00 AM Subscriber only ONE of the region's most powerful developers has strongly encouraged the Toowoomba Regional Council to review its decision-making processes to avoid wasting ratepayers' funds. The suggestion follows Wagner Corporation this week winning a labyrinthine legal dispute with the TRC over levied infrastructure charges at Wellcamp Airport and Wellcamp Business Park. The Planning and Environment Court found the TRC had not and had no intentions to provide stormwater infrastructure at the developments, and agreed the company should not be charged the levies. The legal dispute between the Wagner company and the TRC had lasted more than three years. Wellcamp Business Park director Denis Wagner welcomed the court's decision which he said agreed with the company's view the TRC should not charge for "infrastructure and services that it does not provide". "We are still absorbing the court's decision," he said. "It is really disappointing that millions of dollars have been spent on the legal process to achieve an outcome that was offered to council three years ago." Mr Wagner has been a vocal campaigner for equal infrastructure levies for all businesses and developments, and warned the company would take its business elsewhere unless charges were made fairer. "Wagners is committed to bringing new enterprises into this region," he said. "Enterprises that will enhance opportunities for growth as well as creating jobs and prosperity for the wider community. "There is a community expectation that our council share this vision and ensure charges are relevant, fair and equitable for the community as a whole." The council was asked how much the legal battle cost, but the figure was not immediately available. When asked if the council would review its decision-making process, council CEO Brian Pidgeon said: "Council is still considering the decision before determining its formal response to the ruling and is therefore unable to make any comment at this stage." How much council spent fighting Wagner Corp Tara Miko 3-4 minutes alt=Tara%20Mikohttps://media.apnarm.net.au/account/88/88181/Tara%20Miko_ct30x30.JPG[/img] 8th Jun 2019 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:41 AM Subscriber only THE Toowoomba Regional Council has defended spending more than $1 million of ratepayer funds in a legal stoush against Wagner Corporation over infrastructure charges at the Wellcamp Business Park. The Planning and Environment Court last month ruled, in part, the council had erred in calculating infrastructure charges at the business site anchored by Wellcamp Airport. Others were referred back to the TRC in the latest step of a labyrinthine legal fight which has lasted more than three years and cost the council about $1,185,000. TRC CEO Brian Pidgeon said the 39-page judgement was "not black and white, is complex in nature and found partial wins and losses for both council and the applicant". "In this case, the litigation was instigated by the applicant," he said. "In response, council sought expert advice and, based on this advice, determined it had limited options but to defend its policy and the financial sustainability of the council. "Council was also mindful of the bigger picture, where an adverse judgement could also potentially affect the total amount of infrastructure charges that would ultimately be received by council as the applicant's 800 hectare (approx) Wellcamp site is incrementally developed. "The recent judgement could have significant implications in creating a shortfall of income from the charges to fund future trunk infrastructure for the region in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars." Mr Pidgeon said the council was considering its options with regard to the court's decision, not ruling out appealing it at a later date. He said the council must balance the wider interests of all ratepayers and the community with supporting the development industry and "the ensuing economic benefits of development and growth". "The recent decision of the court, as it currently stands, reverberates way beyond Toowoomba Regional Council boundaries as it has the potential to adversely affect all local governments in Queensland." "The State Government introduced the current capped infrastructure charges framework in 2014, in response to lobbying by the development industry who wanted certainty around charges," Mr Pidgeon said. "Council acknowledges the importance of the development industry to the growth of our region and has a responsibility to treat all developers in a consistent and equitable manner." Nothing stopping Wellcamp now!

analgesics are a bit hit and miss, what works for one person may not be as effective for someone else. MM looks like a risky business to get into.

Shire issues Stop-Work Letters to Tyabb 7 June 2019 Comments 0 Comments One of Victoria's most vibrant GA airports, Tyabb on the Mornington Peninsula, has been effectively ordered to shut down by the local Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. The shire has issued letters to all operators on the base including the Peninsula Aero Club (PAC) and maintenance companies telling them to stop work because the council can't find the permits that have allowed the airport to operate for more than 50 years. "PAC is facing one of our most important fights to defend our rights to be an airport," PAC president Jack Vevers told club members. "We are under a blunt and aggressive attack by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. "On Monday this week, without warning or consultation, the club and other businesses on the airport received letters from the shire to stop work. "The Shire has raised concerns that it is unable to locate permits which allow the Club to continue to operate as it has been doing for more than 50 years." These missing permits are believed to include those that allow: the use of the land as an Airport or Airfield the operation of the flying school a transport terminal a place of assembly a major sport and recreational facility a major events facility (the biennial air show). A number of the maintenance facilities have also been directed to stop work, which PAC believes could impact families and jobs. "If these stop-work notices were to be enforced it would mean a massive loss of jobs and damage to local families and surrounding businesses," Vevers said. "This is a direct response to the continuous attacks from the anti-airport faction and the shire appears to be attempting to thwart the potential for these businesses to access their existing use rights. "The shire’s approach has been bombastic to say the least, and in some instances over the past few weeks, may have been unlawful with regards to our permit applications. "It is our contention that PAC has permits and rights to support all of these functions and we will be defending our rights of existence after more than 55 years." A meeting of all members of PAC has been called for Tuesday 11 June to discuss the council action.

the management will see this as a win, raise membership another $20p/a + the usual $5 and throw on another $5 for the aircraft.

Cessna 210 carry-through spar failure The ATSB has published an update on its investigation into the collision with terrain of Cessna 210 VH-SUX near Mount Isa, Queensland, on 26 May. alt=Right%20wing%20viewed%20from%20inboard%20end%20showing%20section%20of%20carry-through%20structurehttps://www.atsb.gov.au/media/5776401/ao2019026_update_wingspar_news.jpg[/img] Evidence at the accident site indicated that the aircraft’s right wing had separated while in flight, resulting in a rapid loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain. The two pilots on board were fatally injured. Subsequent technical examination confirmed the aircraft’s wing spar had fractured due to fatigue cracking, which reduced the spar’s structural integrity to the point where operational loads produced an overstress fracture. “The ATSB has notified the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the US National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft manufacturer and operator of the initial finding of fatigue cracking with the wing spar carry-through structure,” ATSB Executive Director Nat Nagy said. "The ATSB is working closely with those parties to ensure the continued safe operation of the the aircraft type." The Cessna 210, which had been manufactured in 1976 and had accumulated over 12,000 flight hours, had been conducting a geological survey flight while flying at about 200 feet above ground level at the time of the accident. The ATSB is working closely with those parties to ensure the continued safe operation of the the aircraft type. The aircraft had been modified for geological survey work and had also been fitted with approved integral wing tip fuel tank and non-standard engine and propeller modifications. “The ATSB notes that there is no evidence to indicate a connection between this accident and other recent investigations it has conducted involving this aircraft type,” Mr Nagy said.

Wagners to advise company behind medicinal cannabis farm Michael Nolan 31st May 2019 9:08 AM TOOWOOMBA businessman John Wagner has been appointed as a strategic adviser to Asterion Australia, the company building Australia's largest medicinal marijuana farm. Mr Wagner had been an early supporter of the project, helping Asterion secure 71 hectares for its medicinal marijuana farm. "I am very pleased to support Asterion and its plans to develop a state-of-the-art facility at Wellcamp Airport, it is an exciting opportunity and one that will bring many economic benefits to the region, he said. Mr Wagner is one of the co-founders of Wagners and developed it into one of the leading construction materials producers in South East Queensland. Asterion Chairman and CEO Stephen Van Deventer said Mr Wagner was the right pick, as he knew how to lead a major company. "We are extremely pleased to have established a strong following of support from Wagners," he said. alt=John%20Wagner%20was%20appointed%20as%20a%20strategic%20advisor%20to%20Asterion%20Australia.%20https://media.apnarm.net.au/media/images/2018/09/12/imagev168431c64f9222cf46ce8742fe6bb8235-rwzep3km6pdtizewxq2_ct460x258.jpg[/img] John Wagner was appointed as a strategic advisor to Asterion Australia. "They are globally recognised as one of Queensland's largest construction materials and service providers who add value across several industries. "Having John Wagner as an adviser will assist in fostering long-term and deeply-rooted community and strategic relationships for Asterion in Australia." Asterion lodged its development application with Toowoomba Regional Council two weeks ago. According to documents filed with the council, the facility will consist of four glasshouse "modules", capable of producing 500 tonnes of dried cannabis each year. My personal views on the medical marijuana industry is its heading to a big crash, lots of suppliers but the AMA is warning Doctors off prescribing it. A lot of people are look forward to 500 tonnes of cheap weed being made available for the recreational market.

Posting on this thread is an inexact science

WAGNER'S WIN: The war that costs millions in legal fight Tara Miko 2-3 minutes ONE of the region's most powerful developers has strongly encouraged the Toowoomba Regional Council to review its decision-making processes to avoid wasting ratepayers' funds. The suggestion follows Wagner Corporation this week winning a labyrinthine legal dispute with the TRC over levied infrastructure charges at Wellcamp Airport and Wellcamp Business Park. The Planning and Environment Court found the TRC had not and had no intentions to provide stormwater infrastructure at the developments, and agreed the company should not be charged the levies. The legal dispute between the Wagner company and the TRC had lasted more than three years. Wellcamp Business Park director Denis Wagner welcomed the court's decision which he said agreed with the company's view the TRC should not charge for "infrastructure and services that it does not provide". "We are still absorbing the court's decision," he said. "It is really disappointing that millions of dollars have been spent on the legal process to achieve an outcome that was offered to council three years ago." Mr Wagner has been a vocal campaigner for equal infrastructure levies for all businesses and developments, and warned the company would take its business elsewhere unless charges were made fairer. "Wagners is committed to bringing new enterprises into this region," he said. "Enterprises that will enhance opportunities for growth as well as creating jobs and prosperity for the wider community. "There is a community expectation that our council share this vision and ensure charges are relevant, fair and equitable for the community as a whole." The council was asked how much the legal battle cost, but the figure was not immediately available. When asked if the council would review its decision-making process, council CEO Brian Pidgeon said: "Council is still considering the decision before determining its formal response to the ruling and is therefore unable to make any comment at this stage."

How you can apply to join Qantas pilot academy FUTURE pilots can now apply to study at the Qantas pilot academy, with the Wellcamp Airport-based school to welcome its first intake of students in September this year. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said Qantas had been progressing the development of the academy's facilities, together with the Wagner Corporation and support from the Queensland Government. "More than 22,000 people have so far registered their interest in the academy so we expect there to be some exceptional talent amongst them, putting their hand up to commence their pilot training," Mr Joyce said. "We've partnered with Flight Training Adelaide, a leading training provider, and will offer purpose-built facilities and student accommodation. The Toowoomba site will be a world-class training school for future pilots. "We look forward to welcoming the first students to the academy later this year." Construction is expected to start on classrooms, hangars and student accommodation in coming months. The first intake of students will be accommodated at the University of Southern Queensland while construction occurs. Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) will be the training provider for the Wellcamp Airport school. FTA will bring a mix of modern single and twin-engine aircraft with glass cockpits to support the training with a mentoring program that will involve of some of Qantas' most senior pilots. The academy course has been designed to train students with little to no flying experience and includes both theory and practical components. Students will graduate with a number of qualifications including a commercial pilot licence, ready to commence a career in commercial or general aviation. State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the Qantas pilot academy would open up new aviation career pathways in regional Queensland. "The (State) Government's $105 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund has supported this exciting project, and I'm delighted a training provider has been appointed and applications are now open for the first intake of students," Mr Dick said. "Now, it's time for take-off, and we're excited to keep working with major project partners Qantas, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport and Toowoomba Regional Council to deliver and maximise this project." Qantas will offer a scholarships program to make a number of grants available. These range from covering the cost of accommodation through to full training. About 790,000 more pilots will be required globally over the next 20 years with about one third of them in the Asia Pacific region. The national carrier said addressing the gender imbalance among pilots - which globally stands at just five per cent women - will be key to meeting market demand for aviators. About 17 per cent of the 22,000 people who have registered their interest in the Toowoomba-based academy are female. A Qantas spokeswoman said the location for the second academy would be announced soon. Budding pilots can apply at qantas.com/pilotacademy. Information for students: The application process consists of a pilot aptitude test, core skills test and an interview. Testing will be held in selected cities, including Toowoomba and Adelaide. A $200 fee will be payable and any travel will be at the applicant's own expense. The following training programs will be offered at the Toowoomba site: AVI50215 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) AVI50415 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) AVI60216 Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command) All three qualifications can be completed in 52 weeks (and may be extended if weather conditions affect flying hours). Copyrighted Image  1 / 19 An artist impression of what the Qantas Pilot Training Academy at Wellcamp Airport will look like. Photo: Contributed. On successful completion of the qualifications above, students will also qualify for the following CASA licences and ratings: CASA Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) CASA Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME IR) CASA theory credits for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and CASA Multi-Crew Cooperation Certificate No minimum academic qualifications are required, however a strong understanding of maths and science at a senior high school level is desirable. Students need to be at least 18 years of age to apply for a CASA Commercial Pilots Licence. After graduation, students will automatically join the Qantas group's pilot talent pool and have access to opportunities with other partners which will help fast track placement in the aviation industry. Students will have access to funding options and access to a range of scholarships.

Red Bull Pulls Plug On Its Air Races News from the energy-drink race organizer sends shock waves. But why did they do it? By Plane & Pilot Published May 29, 2019 alt=Red%20Bull%20Air%20Racehttps://cdn.planeandpilotmag.com/2019/05/red-bull-race-web-640x427.jpg[/img] 2019 will be the last year of the Red Bull Air Races. It’s supposed to be “sweet 16,” but the news coming out of Red Bull headquarters is “bittersweet.” For 16 years now, since its inception in 2003, the Red Bull Air Races have given the aviation world the kind of star power that other motor sports are all about. But the expensive and logistically difficult-to-produce events haven’t created household names, as is the case with other motor sports, though the company didn’t cite that as a cause for its decision. The news came as a shock, with the company suddenly announcing today (Wednesday, May 29) that 2019 will be its last year. Three races remain for this year’s series, with events in Russia, Hungary and Japan. In all, the series has included more than 90 races. The release said that, “Red Bull has decided not to continue the Red Bull Air Race World Championship beyond the 2019 season.” The explanation it gave should come as little surprise to those who have seen racing events come and go in aviation. With the exception of the National Championship Air Races at Reno, there haven’t been successful races since the Golden Age of racing that ended with the beginning of the US involvement in World War II. So why is Red Bull pulling the plug? (And it does sound like done deal, unfortunately.) In its short statement, the company said that the races never generated “the level of outside interest as many other Red Bull events across the world.” The company ended the release by thanking all of its pilots and their teams, as well as Red Bull employees “for all they have done to make these enjoyable and memorable events.”

an outstanding argument