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]

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.

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.

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]

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]

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]