Tuesday, December 26, 2017

US rare coin sales did well in 2017

U.S. rare coins selling for $50,000 or more and those selling for $500 or less generally did well during 2017, according to the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), a nonprofit organization composed of many of the top rare coin and paper money dealers. Four historic, vintage U.S. coins sold for $1 million or more during the year; two at public auctions and two by private transactions.

The PNG estimates the overall U.S. rare coin market in 2017 was between $3.4 and $3.8 billion, not including sales by the United States Mint or bullion coins, such as gold and silver American Eagles.

The aggregate prices realized for U.S. coins sold at major public auctions in 2017 totaled $306,199,305.  Two auction houses accounted for nearly 80 percent of the overall total with Heritage Auctions reporting $169,100,000 sold at auction and Stack's Bowers Galleries at $74,099,305. 

Stack's Bowers sold at auction an 1804-dated U.S. Class I silver dollar for $3,290,000 and a 1794 silver dollar for $2,820,000.

"Some of the investment money that may have gone into numismatic purchases went into the booming stock market and the speculative cybercurrency market," explained PNG President Barry Stuppler. "Despite that, demand for extremely rare investor-collector coins rose in 2017."

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Coinbase support team increased 640 percent to handle digital currency trades

The last few weeks has seen an unprecedented increase in the price of digital currencies with Bitcoin at $17,000, Ethereum at $497 and Litecoin at $166, just to name a few. More and more people are engaging with online platforms than ever and that bodes well for the future of the digital currency. At the same time, it does create extreme volatility and stress on systems handling trades of the online currency. Users of the popular trading platform Coinbase received an email on Saturday where the company shared some important thoughts on the future of digital currency trades.

Over the course of this year we have invested significant resources to increase trading capacity on our platform and maintain availability of our service,” the company said in the email. “We have increased the size of our support team by 640 percent and launched phone support in September. We have also invested heavily in our infrastructure and have increased the number of transactions we are processing during peak hours by over 40x.”

Despite the sizable and ongoing increases in technical infrastructure and engineering staff, Coinbase reminds customers that access to services “may become degraded or unavailable during times of significant volatility or volume. This could result in the inability to buy or sell for periods of time. Despite ongoing increases in our support capacity, our customer support response times may be delayed, especially for requests that do not involve immediate risks to customer account security.”

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Sunday, October 15, 2017

Video: Atlas rocket launches satellite for National Reconnaissance Office

An Atlas V rocket lifts off with the National Reconnaissance Office's NROL-52 payload. This was the 60th Atlas V to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-41 in Florida.





Skyjet flight struck by drone

On Oct. 12, a Skyjet flight was struck by a drone while inbound to Jean Lesage International Airport in Québec City, Canada. In a statement released Sunday, the Minister of Transport in Canada, Marc Garneau, said, “This is the first time a drone has hit a commercial aircraft in Canada and I am extremely relieved that the aircraft only sustained minor damage and was able to land safely.

"Although the vast majority of drone operators fly responsibly, it was our concern for incidents like this that prompted me to take action and issue interim safety measures restricting where recreational drones could be flown,” Garneau said. “I would like to remind drone operators that endangering the safety of an aircraft is extremely dangerous and a serious offense. Anyone who violates the regulations could be subject to fines of up to $25,000 and/or prison. This applies to drones of any size, used for any purpose. All airports, helipads and seaplane bases are 'No Drone Zones' if you do not have permission from Transport Canada. For 2017, to date 1,596 drone incidents have been reported to the department. Of these, 131 are deemed to have been of aviation safety concern.”

Friday, October 13, 2017

FAA sets requirement for quieter aircraft

Beginning Jan. 1, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will require newly designed aircraft to be quieter which will help toward lowering noise around airports and surrounding communities. Called “Stage 5 Airplane Noise Standards,” this FAA rule ensures that the latest available noise reduction technology is incorporated into new aircraft designs. As a result, new airplane type designs in the subsonic jet airplanes and subsonic transport category large airplanes will operate at least seven decibels quieter than airplanes in the current fleet.

In 1975, there were about 200 million people flying in the United States, with about seven million people exposed to what is considered significant aircraft noise. Since then, an FAA study conducted in 2015 showed that the number of people flying in the United States had almost quadrupled yet the number of people exposed to aircraft noise had dropped to around 340,000, or a 94 percent reduction in aircraft noise exposure.

The FAA continues to meet its reduction in aircraft noise and other environmental aviation goals through the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program.  CLEEN is the FAA’s principal Next Generation environmental effort to accelerate the development of new aircraft, engine technologies, and advance sustainable alternative jet fuels.

Monday, October 2, 2017

SkyWest orders 20 E-Jets from Embraer

Embraer announced a firm order from SkyWest, Inc. for 20 E-Jets on Monday. The order has a value of $914 million, based on current list prices, and will be included in Embraer's 2017 third-quarter backlog. Combined with last month's announcement for 25 new aircraft, Monday's order results in a cumulative order of 45 new aircraft placed by SkyWest with Embraer in 2017.

Of the 20 aircraft, SkyWest will receive 15 E175 SC (Special Configuration) aircraft, in a 70-seat configuration. The E175 SC aircraft features an E175 airframe, which can be retrofitted to 76 seats in the future. SkyWest will also receive five E175s, in a 76-seat configuration, similar to aircraft SkyWest
has previously ordered.

Including this new contract, Embraer has sold more than 380 E175 jets to airlines in North America since January 2013, earning more than 80 percent of all orders in the 76-seat jet segment. Since entering revenue service, the E-Jets family has received more than 1,700 orders and over 1,300 aircraft have been delivered. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleets of 70 customers in 50 countries.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Atlas Dynamics takes first step in drone market with Atlas Pro

Atlas Dynamics, a leading provider of drone-based solutions for the professional user, announced Tuesday that it will showcase live demonstrations of its market-ready autonomous professional drone, the Atlas Pro, at InterDrone 2017. On the heels of the company's recent funding round announcement, Atlas will partner with U.S.-based, Pentagon Performance Inc. to deliver the first Pros to customers in the third quarter of 2017.

Atlas Dynamics' first product offers a market-leading combination of capabilities, including:
  • 55-minute flight time
  • 50 kilometer range
  • Compact size for portability and accessibility
  • Highly durable, light-weight carbon frame
  • Weather resistant
  • Autonomous, easy to integrate operating system
  • Versatile exchangeable payloads
"After founding the company just two years ago, we are launching our first product today," said Ivan Tolchinsky, CEO and Co-Founder of Atlas Dynamics.

Atlas Pro will be commercially available in North America this quarter, with Atlas' first U.S.-based customer receiving the platform this month. Atlas Pro will address several market segments, including infrastructure inspection, security, precision agriculture and emergency response.

Atlas Dynamics will be demonstrating Atlas Pro at InterDrone 2017 in Las Vegas, Sept. 6-9.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Virtual investment website UpDown closing in July

UpDown, a financial social media website operating in the U.S. that provides users with a virtual investment platform is closing its doors next month. The decision comes after a lot of deliberation about what the company believes is the future of the industry and what users are telling them.

“We are sorry to inform you that after many years of helping traders improve their investment strategies we will be closing updown.com,” the company said in an email to users. “We have decided that in order to be able to provide you with a better service, we want to focus all of our resources and efforts into building the best global platform for investors from all around the world: sharewise.com.”

Updown will be closing down on July 31. Its service will be transferred to Sharewise.

UpDown was a full-fledged trading simulation with a virtual portfolio function that allowed investors to test and improve their skills through collaboration, competition and aggregated wisdom.

“Global markets are now more intertwined than ever before, what happens on the other side of the world will have an influence on your investments and outcomes,” UpDown officials said in their email. “Therefore it is now more important than ever to be able to have access to the insights of investors in their own local markets. If you want to know what is going on in the Chinese markets, you should just be able to see what Chinese investors are talking about and which stocks or subjects they consider important at a specific moment.

“This is precisely our goal in building and expanding sharewise.com, a global platform where investors from the USA can connect with Chinese, Korean, German, French, British or Indonesian investors (and we are constantly working on making this list longer). We are certain that the change will have a positive impact on our users in the long run.”

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

DCNewsroom launches new virtual startup company through online game

Last month the DCNewsroom held the first ever board meeting for its new company that’s been launched to develop virtual utility water for players on the popular online game My Profit Land.

It’s a company that has no staff, no fixed premises and no expensive laboratory equipment, but this company marks the exciting start of a new way to make real money from selling virtual products to virtual companies on My Profit Land.

The new company, DCNewsroom Water, produces virtual water for players to buy in the game. It requires no raw materials and the production is automated. Water is needed by companies in order to work in the game.

“It doesn't require workers, it operates by itself and it starts producing as soon as you open it,” said jasmir7, a player on My Profit Land based in Portugal. “All companies require electricity and water, so it is really easy to sell both ,electricity and water, whichever one you choose.”

My Profit Land is a strategy game in which you have a chance to convert your virtual currency into real money. It is an online browser game, therefore you do not need any other programs installed in order to play. It is one of the few business games where you are rewarded for your daily activity. As a simulation game, it offers you the possibility to fight, work, open companies or start wars to earn cash. It is a very complex game, and the more you play it, the more options you will find for your own development.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Video: F-35 at 2017 Paris Air Show

The F-35A made its aerial demonstration debut on Monday at the Paris Air Show in front of thousands of spectators. Watch this impressive display of 5th Generation innovation in aviation.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Video: Boeing 737 and 787 soar together

Watch the Boeing 737 MAX 9 and 787-10 Dreamliner soar together as they show off their advanced designs, superior performance and sheer beauty.

"This is a real video of our Boeing 737 MAX 9 and 787-10 Dreamliner being flown by our test pilots," The Boeing Company said in a description of the video on YouTube. "No CG effects were used in any of the footage. Video was captured mostly from a chase plane and helicopter as our newest airplanes flew together for the first time over Washington earlier this month."

Sunday, June 4, 2017

DailyWin app lets users earn real cash

I just won 50 cents on DailyWin, a free app for Android and iPhones that lets users earn real cash.

DailyWin is a chance to win real cash every day. The app offers users a unique opportunity to play free scratch card games daily for a chance to win real money. Thousands of users are winning real cash prizes every single day, the company says in the app's description. “Not to mention there are extra ways to earn cash by completing simple daily tasks such as watching videos, taking surveys, and much more coming soon.”
  • Free scratch card tickets everyday.
  • Watch videos to earn money.
  • Surveys
  • Make money for every scratch card you complete (even if you don’t win).
  • Daily Prize Wheel (Coming Soon)
  • Cash payouts using Paypal or Checks.
  • Always free to play, no in-app purchases required to play & win.
  • The app has already paid out over $2,465 to users.
Editor's note: I earned a total of $11 from DailyWin so far this year.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Four space launches planned in the next 24 hours

If all goes according to plan four space rockets will launch from three different countries between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 8 p.m. Thursday Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

First, a Japanese H-2A rocket will launch at 8:17 p.m. EDT Wednesday carrying the Michibiki-2 navigation satellite, part of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. The launch will take place at the Tanegashima Space Center on Tanegashima Island, Japan.

Second, a NASA Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket will launch at 4:27 a.m. EDT Thursday and release ten canisters into space about the size of a soft drink can. The canisters will produce blue-green and red vapor clouds visible in the sky. These clouds, or vapor tracers, allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space. The launch will take place at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va.

Third, a SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle will launch at 5:55 p.m. EDT Thursday carrying a Dragon cargo ship for the International Space Station. The launch will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Fourth, a European Ariane 5 rocket will launch at 7:45 p.m. EDT Thursday carrying the ViaSat-2 and Eutelsat 172B communications satellites. The launch will take place at the Guiana Space Center, French Guiana, South America.

Keep an eye on the DCNewsroom Live Video Events page to watch these launches.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Rocket launch from Virginia will light up mid-Atlantic coast

The morning skies along the mid-Atlantic coast will light up with luminescent clouds as NASA tests a new system that supports science studies of the ionosphere and aurora with a sounding rocket launch June 29 from the Wallops Flight Facility on the eastern shore of Virginia.

During the flight of a two-stage Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket at 4:15 a.m. EDT, ten canisters about the size of a soft drink can will be deployed in the air.

The canisters will deploy between four and five minutes after launch. Blue-green and red vapor forming artificial clouds should be visible. These clouds or vapor tracers allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space.

The development of the multi-canister or ampule ejection system will allow scientists to gather information over a much larger area than previously allowed when deploying the vapor just from the main payload.

Ground cameras will be stationed at Wallops and in Duck, N.C., to view the vapor tracers. Clear skies are preferred, but not required, at both sites for the launch to occur.

The vapor tracers are formed through the interaction of barium, strontium and cupric-oxide. The tracers will be released at altitudes 96 to 124 miles high and pose absolutely no hazard to residents along the mid-Atlantic coast.

The vapor tracers could be visible from New York to North Carolina and westward to Charlottesville, Va.

The total flight time for the mission is expected to be about eight minutes. The payload will land in the Atlantic Ocean about 90 miles from Wallops Island and will not be recovered.

Video: New unmanned aircraft runway in Virginia

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe visited NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility May 18 for a ribbon-cutting on a new Unmanned Aerial Systems runway, a $5.8 million state-funded project officially known as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airfield.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, McAuliffe boarded an Aurora Centaur, an optionally piloted aircraft that can be operated remotely from a ground control station, and flew in the plane over Wallops Island, Va.

“This new facility at Wallops provides government and commercial users with a runway under restricted airspace on a secure federal facility – discreetness that is of high interest for research and development,” Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne said.

Additional details about the runway:
  • The runway is 3,000 feet long and 75 feet wide.
  • Its concrete pad measures 130 feet by 120 feet and is rated to 5,000 psi for Vertical Take Off and Landing operations.
  • The airfield is surrounded by 75 square nautical miles of restricted airspace that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to unlimited altitude.
  • The Virginia Department of Transportation managed construction of the $5.8 million, state-funded project.
  • A 90-foot-by-50-foot hangar with a 70-foot-tall rollup door, lab space, communications and broadband connectivity will be under construction this summer.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

SkyRanger drone supports disaster response efforts in Oklahoma

A team from Textron Systems Unmanned Systems provided its personnel and operations in support of disaster response efforts for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management last week. Textron's Civil & Commercial team provided full-motion video in real-time to the Emergency Operations Center in Oklahoma City and the National Weather Service in Norman, Okla. The video was used to rapidly and safely assess the tornado damage from an EF-2 tornado that took place in Elk City on May 16.

Textron Systems' operators, as well as representatives from Aeryon Labs, traveled 120 miles to the impact site and began operations within 20 minutes after the tornado's impact. Once on-site, the team operated an Aeryon SkyRanger small unmanned aerial system to collect more than one hour of high-definition video and georeferenced still imagery over the tornado damage.

With more than one million flight hours of unmanned systems experience, the Textron Systems Civil & Commercial team consists of highly experienced professionals who are armed with some of the most capable platforms in the world. In addition to this recent operation in support of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, Textron's team also provides aerial solutions in oil and gas pipeline inspection and security, precision agriculture, as well as other natural disaster efforts.

Monday, May 22, 2017

Seasonal flights begin from Philadelphia to Portland for Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is inaugurating seasonal flights from Philadelphia to Portland, Oregon, starting Monday. The nonstop, daily flights will operate through Aug. 26.

"With this new flight, we now offer Rose City residents nonstop access to 58 destinations, more than any other carrier serving Portland International Airport,” said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines.

Flights will be operated with fuel-efficient Boeing 737 aircraft.

Alaska Airlines, together with Virgin America and its regional partners, flies 40 million guests a year to 119 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Cuba.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Saudi Arabia agrees to buy Chinook helicopters from US

Several defense and commercial agreements announced Saturday will further strengthen Boeing’s partnership with Saudi Arabia, create or sustain thousands of jobs in both the United States and Saudi Arabia, and enhance national security in the region.

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson were joined by King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif Al Saud and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud at a signing ceremony that included Boeing products and services. Among the announcements:

  • Agreements to purchase Chinook helicopters and associated support services as well as guided weapon systems.
  • Saudi Arabia’s intent to order P-8 maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which are based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.
  • A joint venture with the Kingdom to provide sustainment services for a wide range of military platforms. The agreement also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to grow its indigenous aerospace industry and ecosystem through its Vision 2030 initiative.
  • A commercial registration certificate for the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company, a newly formed joint venture between Boeing, Alsalam Aerospace Industries and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries with bases in both Riyadh and Jeddah that will provide support for both military and commercial helicopters.
  • An agreement between Boeing and SaudiGulf Airlines to negotiate the sale of up to 16 widebody airplanes.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

New satellite will expand Inmarsat's Global Xpress network

The fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite, launched Monday and built by The Boeing Company, will noticeably expand the high-speed broadband service available through Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network after the satellite becomes fully operational later this year.

The Inmarsat-5 satellites are uniquely able to provide seamless communications coverage through fixed and steerable beams that can be adjusted in real time to accommodate demand surges.

The Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite launched Monday will be part of the existing Global Xpress constellation, which is already being adopted as the new standard in global mobile broadband connectivity by companies, governments and communities around the world,

After reaching its final orbit, the satellite will undergo testing and checkout before being declared operational.  

“Our partnership with Inmarsat has enabled the creation of the world’s only commercial global, mobile Ka-band network,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International.

Boeing has a strategic marketing partnership with Inmarsat and currently provides both military Ka-band and commercial Global Xpress services to U.S. government customers.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Video: Preparing to launch Starliner to the International Space Station

United Launch Alliance (ULA) is working with Boeing to launch astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft atop ULA's Atlas V rocket. Here's what's in store for 2017 as they prepare to launch astronauts to the International Space Station beginning in 2018.



Thursday, March 9, 2017

Jazz Aviation amends Dash 8 aircraft operating procedures following landing accident

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that the continuation of an unstable approach following a loss of visual reference led to a Jazz Aviation LP aircraft contacting the surface short of the runway at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, Ontario, in February 2015. There were no injuries, but there was significant damage to the aircraft. The TSB released their investigation report on Thursday.

The accident

On Feb. 24, 2015, a de Havilland DHC-8-102, operating as Jazz Aviation LP flight JZA7795 and carrying 15 passengers, departed Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario, for a scheduled flight to Sault Ste. Marie Airport, Ontario. While on approach to runway 30, in conditions of twilight and reduced visibility due to blowing snow, the aircraft touched down approximately 450 feet prior to the runway threshold. Following touchdown, the aircraft struck and damaged a runway approach light before coming to a stop approximately 1,500 feet past the threshold.

Investigation

The investigation determined that a significant power reduction and subsequent decrease in airspeed, while flying below the minimum stabilization height of 500 feet, resulted in an unstable approach. This rapid deceleration steepened the aircraft's vertical path. The crew had reduced power in order to reach the target airspeed for the final approach and landing.

The crew had followed what they understood to be the correct speeds for the approach according to the company's guidance material. “Due to ambiguity in the guidance and uncertainty as to the required speed during the approach, the flight crew did not recognize that the approach was unstable and continued the approach to a landing,” TSB said in a press release Thursday.

The investigation also found that the rapidly changing weather decreased the flight crew's visibility of the runway, and that the steepened vertical profile created as a result of the power reduction went unnoticed, and uncorrected. Although the loss of visual reference required a go-around, the flight crew continued the approach.

An examination of over 500 similar flights on Jazz DHC-8-102s showed that company aircraft routinely fly decelerating approaches below the minimum stabilization height of 500 feet. If approaches that require excessive deceleration below established stabilization heights are routinely flown, then there is a continued risk of an approach or landing accident.

Changes

Following the occurrence, Jazz Aviation LP undertook a number of safety actions such as making amendments to the Jazz DASH 8 Aircraft Operating Manual, by introducing significant changes to the "Stabilized Approach Factors" subsection and adding simulator scenarios to the training syllabus.

FAA certifies Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet for commercial service

Boeing announced Thursday that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the 737 MAX 8 airplane for commercial service. Boeing is now in the final stages of preparing for the first 737 MAX 8 delivery to customers in the coming months.

To earn certification for the 737 MAX 8, Boeing undertook a comprehensive test program that began just over one year ago with four airplanes, plus ground and laboratory testing. Following a rigorous certification process, the FAA granted Boeing an Amended Type Certificate for the 737 MAX 8, verifying the design complies with required aviation regulations and is safe and reliable.

The 737 MAX 8 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by an additional 14 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes.

The MAX 8 and 9 will be followed in 2019 by the smaller MAX 7 and higher capacity MAX 200, while studies and discussion continue with customers on growing the family.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements. It is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 3,600 orders to date from 83 customers worldwide.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Contractor intelligence aircraft needed for Marine Corps training exercises

The Regional Contracting Office-MCI WEST, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., has a requirement to provide a manned, fixed-wing propeller driven aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support semi-annual three-day training exercises for Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 (MAWTS-1), Marine Corp Air Station, Yuma, Ariz.

The service requested is to provide real-time electro-optical and infrared sensor full-motion video while integrating with close air support aircraft to locate and simulate attacking opposing forces, simulated by live role-players. The aircraft must have capability of five hours on station time at an altitude of 24,000 feet.

“The intent of this effort is to provide familiarization of flight characteristics, capabilities and limitations of ISR aircraft for MAWTS-1 instructors and prospective instructors,” Marine Corps officials said in contract documents released Wednesday. “This is a pre-solicitation notice that a solicitation is scheduled to be released on or around March 24.”

NASA orders avionics and autopilot upgrade for research aircraft

NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center operates a Beechcraft B200 aircraft, tail number N801NA, serial number BB-1164. The current avionics and autopilot suite, a critical aircraft system that projects rely on for accuracy, on the aircraft has been problematic for reliable operation and have been known to cause issues during research flight campaigns. Additionally, the aircraft needs RVSM capability, ADS-B In/Out, and TCAS/TAWS capabilities. “These are requirements for future projects, and they need to be addressed,” NASA officials said in contract documents released Wednesday.

The avionics and autopilot upgrade to N801NA will include:
  • G1000 Platinum Package with Synthetic Vision, including RVSM capabilities. Includes standby ADI, airspeed indicators and altimeter. Headset compatible, tie-in to audio panel.
  • Weather Radar upgrade (GWX-70).
  • ADS-B In/Out upgrade.
  • TCAS/TAWS upgrade, replace Skywatch 497 with Garmin GTW 825.
  • ADF compatible (currently ADF-60, upgrade to ADF-60A for compatibility with G1000).
  • Tie in the existing UHF radio to the G1000 suite.
  • Update the current DME-40s and Radio Altimeter (not compatible with G1000) to a DME-42 and Garmin Radio Altimeter and tie-in to G1000 package.
  • Retain the existing equipment that was removed to keep as spares for other B200 aircraft.
The work necessary to complete the avionics and autopilot upgrades shall be completed at a contractor’s facility.

All work should be completed within 20 business days of the arrival of N801NA to the contractor.

Video: Airbus showcases H135 helicopter with Helionix avionics system

Airbus Helicopters showcases H135 Helionix at Heli-Expo 2017.

Helionix is an innovative avionics system that offers operators exceptional mission flexibility and safety. Its design is based on a family concept with standardized features, so it can be installed on nearly all new commercial helicopters. Helionix is fully modular and can be installed with one to four screens, meaning it can just as easily be adapted to light helicopters or to the EC175.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Analysts estimate over 8000 space payloads to be launched between 2017-2036

Coinciding with the Satellite 2017 Conference & Exhibition held in Washington, D.C., this week, Teal Group space analysts have identified 8,607 satellites, probes and capsules to be built and launched to earth or deep space orbits between 2017 and 2036. They estimate the value of these space payloads at more than $250 billion. Teal Group is an aerospace and defense consultancy based in Fairfax, Va.

The payload count for 2017-2036 reflects a 41 percent increase compared to the 5,095 payloads identified last year for 2016-2035 and 46.5 percent more than the 4,067 payloads for the 20-year look forward in 2015.  The trend in the future market for space payloads continues upward, and it is being driven largely by the introduction of thousands of small, nano and pico (mainly "Cubesats") commercial satellites designed to provide everything from broadband and mobile communications to meteorological, imaging and position location & tracking services.

Teal analysts identify 443 payloads "proposed" for launch in 2017, followed by 583 in 2018; 727 in 2019; 926 in 2020; 731 in 2021; 1,222 in 2022; 1,201 in 2023; 968 in 2024; 730 in 2025; and 298 in 2026.

In their latest update by spacecraft type, Teal analysts classified 6,786 (79 percent) of the payloads as commercial, 921 (11 percent) as civil (government non-military), 579 (6.5 percent) as military, and 321 (3.5 percent) as university and non-profit.

Of the payloads, more than 75 percent of them are proposed for low earth orbits; 17 percent for medium earth orbits; six percent to geostationary orbits; and the rest to deep space or elliptical orbits.

Demand for Eagle 407HP helicopter conversions is growing

Honeywell will deliver a total of 10 HTS900 helicopter engines to Eagle Copters Ltd. in 2017. Eagle Copters placed a new order for eight additional engines in January 2017, adding to the two engines from a previous order, which are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter.

"The global helicopter market recognizes the many benefits of replacing the standard engine on the Bell 407 helicopter with the more powerful and reliable Honeywell HTS900," said Rick Buchanan, senior director of retrofit, modifications and upgrades, Honeywell Aerospace. "The HTS900 has a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared with the standard engine and a 22 percent increase in shaft horsepower, making it ideal for lifting heavy loads under hot-and-high flying conditions."

"We have already completed eight conversions, have more in the pipeline, and are in regular conversation with other operators looking to upgrade their fleets either by converting their existing Bell 407 or acquiring a new Eagle 407HP from Eagle Copters," said David Whiting, vice president, Technical Sales, Eagle Copters.

The Honeywell HTS900 is a new engine design that provides an additional 500 pounds of payload, improved dash speed and 12 percent lower maintenance costs compared with the original Bell 405.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Most popular posts February 2017

1.) Air Canada flight runs through grass during landing - On Feb. 25, Air Canada Flight 623 was traveling from Halifax to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson airport with 118 persons on board. [Full story]

2.) 10th annual Routes Americas conference to plan new flights in North and South America - The aviation industry came together last month in Las Vegas at the 10th annual Routes Americas conference to plan new flights in North and South America. [Full story]

3.) EarnHoney.com issues millions of bonuses to members due to crediting issues - EarnHoney.com, an online rewards website, paid out millions of bonuses to users in February due to “crediting issues,” the company said in an announcement on their website. [Full story]

4.) Virginia is the most romantic state, according to Ibotta - Virginia really is for lovers. [Full story]

5.) Video: Coast Guard overflight of New Orleans tornado damage - An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans conducted an overflight in eastern New Orleans to assess the damage caused by tornadoes in February. [Full story]

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Gas station app aims to give out $1 million in cash back

Forget coupons and loyalty cards. To earn cash back on gas all you need is your phone and a receipt from a gas station listed on the Upside app. [Full story]

Sikorsky transfers S-70i prototype helicopter to Aselsan

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has transferred to defense electronics firm Aselsan an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter for use as the prototype aircraft for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP). The aircraft will enable Sikorsky to integrate an Aselsan-developed avionics suite into the Republic of Turkey's new T70 utility helicopter, and later into Turkish-built Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk aircraft to be sold internationally.

Called the Integrated Modular Avionics System (IMAS), the new avionics suite is a collaborative design by Aselsan, Sikorsky, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and pilots serving the Turkish Armed Forces to meet the requirements of Turkish T70 operators and other potential customers.

TAI leads a team of Turkish aerospace companies that will build at least 109 helicopters with the T70 designation for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program. The IMAS suite is expected in time for initial deliveries of T70 aircraft to Turkish end users in 2021.

The Sikorsky-owned S-70i aircraft arrived at Aselsan facility in Ankara on Saturday after nine hours of flight from Sikorsky's PZL Mielec aircraft factory in southern Poland. During the 930 nautical mile journey, the aircraft crossed Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria with two fuel stops along the way.

Sikorsky TUHP Program Director Jason Lambert presented the aircraft's keys to Aselsan President and CEO Dr. Faik Eken during an arrival ceremony Wednesday. Also attending were officials from the Turkish Government's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, the Turkish defense industry, Sikorsky, and an international diplomatic delegation with missions in Ankara.

Aselsan and Sikorsky are co-developing the IMAS suite to provide Turkish pilots with powerful smart displays, point-and-click functionality to speed input of pilot commands, and ergonomic enhancements to the Pilot Vehicle Interface that will reduce pilot workload. Navigational improvements tailored to Turkish requirements will include an integrated Terrain Avoidance Warning System, an integrated advanced digital map, and coupled flight control functions for guided approaches to landing zones.

The TUHP program is valued at approximately $3.5 billion for 109 T70 aircraft, inclusive of the work to be performed by Sikorsky, TAI and other suppliers.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Air Canada flight runs through grass during landing

On Saturday, Air Canada Flight 623 was traveling from Halifax to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson airport with 118 persons on board. Towards the end of the flight, the aircraft (an Airbus A320) was flying an Instrument Landing System approach to runway 15R. Just after midnight, during the landing sequence, the aircraft traveled through the grass on the western side of the runway, eventually coming to a stop on the runway centerline. The passengers were deplaned on the runway and transported by bus to the terminal. There were no reported injuries, and apparent damage to the aircraft at this point is minor. The aircraft will be thoroughly examined to further determine the extent of the damage. Five runway edge lights were also damaged.

Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigators were deployed in the early morning to Pearson Airport to examine the aircraft and gather information. The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. To date, TSB have:
  • Taken possession of the CVR and FDR. These will be sent to the TSB Lab in Ottawa for further analysis.
  • Gathered airborne radar, ground radar and audio data from air traffic control.
  • Gathered the initial weather information.
  • Examined and took measurements of the occurrence site.
  • Conducted preliminary examination of the aircraft.
Next steps

The investigation is ongoing and the next steps include the following:
  • Interviewing the flight crew, air traffic control and other witnesses.
  • Gathering all information surrounding this flight, such as: weather, the approach, navigation systems, communications, the crew, training, the organization.
  • Analyzing data from FDR/CVR.
  • TSB investigators have to examine all the information before drawing any conclusions. It is too early to say what the causes and contributing factors of this occurrence might be.

Monday, February 20, 2017

ClixSense launches promotion to celebrate 10-year anniversary

On Feb. 22, the popular rewards website ClixSense will celebrate its 10-year anniversary. In celebration of this, the company is running a special promotion starting Monday that will run until the end of the month. [Full story]

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Name change for WalletBuffet app

WalletBuffet, a free app for Android and iPhones that lets users earn real cash, has changed its name to DailyWin.

We have changed our name to DailyWin,” said app developer Peace Party Studios. “Thank you so much for all of you who play, stay tuned for cool new features coming soon!” [Full story]

Friday, February 10, 2017

EarnHoney.com issues millions of bonuses to members due to crediting issues

EarnHoney.com, an online rewards website, paid out millions of bonuses to users on Friday due to “crediting issues,” the company said in an announcement on their website. EarnHoney.com operates a rewards network which offers multiple ways to earn virtual currency called HoneyDollars (HD). Members can redeem their HDs for Amazon gift cards, PayPal gift cards or donate their earnings to charity. [Full story]

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Virginia is the most romantic state, according to Ibotta

Virginia really is for lovers. That's according to Ibotta, the mobile shopping app whose users have earned more than $170 million in cash-back rebates on everyday purchases. On Thursday, Ibotta released results from its first-ever Valentine's Day shopping data analysis, and found that Virginia is the most romantic state based on wine and chocolate sales. [Full story]