U.N. aviation agency to call for global drone registry

The United Nations’ aviation agency is backing the creation of a single global drone registry, as part of broader efforts to come up with common rules for flying and tracking unmanned aircraft.

While the International Civil Aviation Organization cannot impose regulations on countries, ICAO has proposed formation of the registry during a Montreal symposium this month to make data accessible in real time, said Stephen Creamer, director of ICAO’s air navigation bureau

continue reading http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49193&catid=74&Itemid=30

New TSA boss says better screening process, tech to speed up airport security lines

“Every time I visit a checkpoint, I learn a little bit more about what the processes are that we use,” said Pekoske, whose background includes a long career at the Coast Guard that culminated in him serving as the organization’s second-in-command. “It’s really an opportunity for me as the new guy to introduce myself ... and talk to them about the priorities I have for the TSA.” https://www.dallasnews.com/business/dfw-airport/2017/09/20/new-tsa-boss-says-better-screening-process-tech-speed-airport-security-lines

Boeing, Japan Airlines Announce Order for Four 787-8 Dreamliners

SEATTLE, Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced an order today for four 787-8 Dreamliners. The order, which was previously listed on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website, attributed to an unidentified customer, is valued at more than $900 million at current list prices and will expand JAL's Dreamliner fleet to 49 airplanes.

"This order for additional 787 Dreamliners, is a key part of our strategy as we look to bolster our existing route network and strengthen our position ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo," said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. "The superior noise performance of the 787 will play a critical role in meeting our commitment for quieter operations within our domestic network going forward."

Japan Airlines currently operates the second largest 787 Dreamliner fleet in the world, with 34 airplanes. The carrier is expected to receive its 35th Dreamliner, a 787-9 later this week. With this new order, Japan Airlines' 787 fleet include 29 787-8s and 20 787-9 airplanes.

"We are honored to partner with Japan Airlines once again as they further expand their world-class fleet with additional 787 Dreamliners," said Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "JAL has been able to successfully grow its business over the years, while generating healthy profits due to the efficiency and reliability of their 787 fleet."

Japan Airlines became the first airline in the world to take delivery of a 787 powered by fuel-efficient General Electric GEnx engines in 2012. In addition, JAL was one of the first airlines to launch new routes with the 787, as it launched its Boston and San Diego routes with the Dreamliner that same year.

The 787 Dreamliner family is being operated on more than 530 routes, with 150 brand new nonstop routes planned or in service since the airplane began commercial service in 2011. To date, 69 customers worldwide have placed orders for 1,278 airplanes, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.

Pilatus PC-6 Production To End In 2019

Pilatus is ceasing production of its PC-6 Porter multirole aircraft, which has been produced without interruption since 1959. Production will end in early 2019.

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Singapore Airlines Returns to Ultra-Long-Haul Flying. Ready?

Singapore Airlines’ ultra-long-haul route from Newark to Singapore — discontinued a few years ago — was truly a legendary flight. On the wings of an Airbus A340-500, it clocked in just shy of 19 hours westbound, making it the longest regularly scheduled flight in the world. But when fuel prices rose, Singapore Airlines was forced to get rid of the inefficient A340-500s, and the ultra-long routes with them... continue reading http://www.airlinereporter.com/2017/09/singapore-airlines-returns-ultra-long-haul-flying/

​Gripen Aggressor enters the fray in US red air competition [feedly]

​Gripen Aggressor enters the fray in US red air competition
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gripen-aggressor-enters-the-fray-in-us-red-air-comp-441330/

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[biggest aircraft] Stratolaunch Aircraft complets First Phase of Engine Testing

The Stratolaunch team is proud to announce that our aircraft is one step closer to providing convenient, reliable, and routine access to low Earth orbit.

We hit another important milestone this week by completing the first phase of engine testing. For the first time we started the aircraft’s six Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines.

Engine testing was conducted with a build-up approach and consisted of three phases. First as a ‘dry motor,’ where we used an auxiliary power unit to charge the engine. Next, as a ‘wet motor,’ where we introduced fuel. Finally, each engine was started one at a time and allowed to idle. In these initial tests, each of the six engines operated as expected.


It has been a busy, exciting, and productive several months since the aircraft left the hangar for the first time and began ground and flight line testing.


The team completed fuel testing, testing all six fuel tanks to ensure proper operations. Each of the six fuel tanks were filled independently to ensure proper operations of fuel mechanisms and to validate the tanks were properly sealed.

In addition to fuel testing, we began testing the flight control system. So far we have exercised the full limits of motion and rate of deflection of control surfaces on the wing and stabilizers.

Building up to this week’s engine tests, prerequisite testing of the electrical, pneumatic, and fire detection systems were completed successfully.

Over the next few months, we will continue to test the aircraft’s engines at higher power levels and varying configurations, culminating to the start of taxi tests.

As we work toward that milestone, we look forward to sharing additional details on the aircraft’s journey.

 press release

Text and image credits: Strato Launch press release

Sierra Nevada Corp. tapped for JCREW services | ATAC hoards Mirage F1s for USAF adversary tender | KC-46 schedule likely to slide, says Air Force [feedly]

Sierra Nevada Corp. tapped for JCREW services | ATAC hoards Mirage F1s for USAF adversary tender | KC-46 schedule likely to slide, says Air Force
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/sierra-nevada-corp-tapped-for-jcrew-services-atac-hoards-mirage-f1s-for-usaf-adversary-tender-kc-46-schedule-likely-to-slide-says-air-force-037956/

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