Aircraft

Heathrow Airport Discovers A380 Can Increase Passenger Traffic While Decreasing Costs Via Fewer Aircraft Operations

News Analysis: The Large A380 is helping Heathrow Airport by Increasing Passenger Traffic but lessening Airplane Operations per year. Increased traffic means more Direct Revenue to the Airport Authority by passenger counts; as well as expenditure by passengers while at the Airport for Food, Entertainment, and the like. Taxis, etc, which are charged for Airport Passenger Drop-offs and Pick-ups contribute also to the Revenue Stream.

For Intercontinental Routes of either ‘Hub’ or Point-to-Point Configuration, the A380 will make “Cents” and Sense for Wise Airlines. Passengers will certainly benefit with the added Comfort and Space afforded by the A380; No “Sardine Can” Configurations for them (as on lesser Aircraft).

Reality.

Reference: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-13/heathrow-defies-capacity-cap-as-superjumbo-aids-passenger-surge.html

★ Big Aircraft Sales, Small Passenger Seats Rile Passengers, Etc.

News Analysis: The Two Largest Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers are gleeful of their Sales Performances in 2013. The market for the World’s Largest Airliner has improved. The Smaller Single Aisle Aircraft Sales are performing very well. Their Common Stocks are up measurably as a result.

An area of interest for 2014 in Aviation is: It becomes a blot on the records of  Airlines as to wide-spread Customer Dissatisfaction with the smaller seats on the Single-Aisle Aircraft in particular. The Airlines increasing call for greater profitability (at the cost of passenger discomfort) has the Airframes ordering more of the smaller seats to “Cram Into” the fuselages. “More Passengers, More Revenue” is the Airlines’ Mantra. Since the “Me Too” Management of the Airlines copy what other Airlines Managements are ordering for their airplanes, passengers have little choice in seating. If they do want a little extra space, (which had been ‘normal seating’ for years) they now have to pay extra  for it; Extortion?

The “Fisticuffs” (of passengers against passengers or against flight crews) is due, in part, to “Minimalist Thinking” by Airline Managements regarding “Proper Passenger Environments”.

Discomfort breeds Hostility. Many people think the ‘Airlines Quest For Increased Profitability’ will only have the effect of “Charging More But Getting Less” for Airline Passengers.

The “Cookie Cutter” Mentality of Airlines’ Management some say is evidenced by the fact that the Most Unique Difference of Airline to Airline (Anywhere in the World) is their Aircraft Liveries!

The World’s Airline Passengers Deserve Better.

In 2014, Carbon/Carbon Matrix Composite Aircraft by Both of the Airframes will be Operational around the World. This “Advanced” Technology will bring it own “Advanced Failures” with it. What has been utilized on physically smaller “Shorter Life” Military Aircraft does not necessarily represent what is best for large Commercial Aircraft. A CERTAIN BENEFIT to the Airframes will be the fact that the Composite Planes will have shorter ‘Mean Times Between Failures’ than Metal Aircraft, Structural Engineers say. Airframes will be able to sell more Aircraft as a result some think.

Perhaps, as an example, the recent Ethiopian Airlines ‘Small Battery Fire” caused an alleged TWO MONTHS of “SECRET” Repair by its Airframe. Will this particular airplane have ‘normal life expectancy’; how can one be sure?  That a metal aircraft would be a much simpler fix is certain Maintenance Repair Organizations say.

Investors who have “Gone Long” on the two Airframes might expect Significant Problems to arise with Composite Technology on Commercial Aircraft resulting in a possible very quick diminution of their Common Stock Values.

The Short Term Benefits of flying ‘marginally lighter’ Composite Aircraft” might be upset by the ‘Inherent Frailties” of Composites used in Commercial Aircraft (De-lamination, Fire, and Impact Detonation). One should ask “Aircraft Structural Engineers” about this matter before investing or ask those who have actually bonded Composites. Ask “How does Bonding using Vacuum Bagging in an Autoclave differ from “Cold Bonding” in an Aircraft Hangar? What are the benefits of each process? If there is Landing Gear Failure what will happen to a Composite Fuselage hitting the runway?” The Aircraft/Power Plant Mechanics who presumably worked on the Ethiopian Airlines Aircraft should know.  Investors in Aircraft Insurance (or Re-Insurance Underwriters in particular) should pay attention to this probability. There could be Catastrophic Insurance Losses if a couple of Aircraft Events occurred through Fire or Crash or both.

Reality.

Reference: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/airbus-logs-record-2013-still-behind-boeing

When Landing Gears Fail, A Metal Aircraft Fuselage Outperforms Composites

News Analysis: Landing Gear Failure of a Metal Fuselage Boeing 767-300ER of Saudi Arabia Airlines,  illustrate a safety concern many Aircraft Structural Engineers have been concerned about Composite Fuselages: “Detonated ‘Egg-Shell’ Energy Transfer”. In this incident, because it HAS a Metal Fuselage, only ‘Crushed Deformation’ occurred on the ‘Aircraft’s Underside. The Metal’s Deformation Process converted the Kinetic Energy back to Potential Energy. 

A Composite Fuselage, experiencing the same event, would evidence, the Kinetic Energy causing Embrittlement of the Adhesive/Fabric Matrix (Plasticizer Failure) with a Energy Release causing  the Composite Material to ‘fly apart’, typically, along Energy Vectors. Visibly, there would not be ‘Denting’ like metal. An appearance of Detonation, like a small explosion had taken place would prevail; pieces of the underside of the fuselage would be strewn everywhere.

In this particular Airliner crash due to faulty landing gear, 29 people were injured. One might reasonably expect a Composite Fuselage Incident to be far worse.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.arabnews.com/news/503901

☆ United Arab Emirates Reluctance Over British Typhoon Aircraft Grows

News Analysis: Arab Aircraft Purchasers, just like others “Big-Ticket” Buyers in the World, want Good Fundamentals to be offered to COMPEL THEM to choose a particular Weapon System. These Basics are not limited to, but include: Performance, Reliability, Cost To Purchase, Cost To Maintain, Deliver-ability, and, Manufacturer/Purchaser Affinity. 

All too often, the Naïve Western Business Community (NWBC), think because a “Voted-In- Politician”(VIP) is going to meet with  Arab  Customers, these ‘Prospects’ will be “Emotionally Joyous” as to the visit. That they will immediately ‘Sign on the Dotted Line’ and buy the Weapon System the ‘NWBC’ have no doubt. In fact, upon hearing about a ‘VIP’ visiting an Air Show, for example, the Air Frame’s Stock is purchased immediately by the Naïve. The ‘NWBC’ forget that the Decision Makers for such purchases are the Royalty of the Country. As such, Monarchs being impressed by a ‘VIP’  visiting them as a mere salesman is laughable indeed; How Naïve! It is disrespectful of the Monarchy. Inappropriately, in Weapon System Procurements of any kind, the Arab Culture has often  been very poorly judged by the ‘NWBC’.

The United Arab Emirates, in its wisdom, will purchase what IT considers best for itself (as must be the case).

The ‘NWBC’ should stop looking at the others with ‘blinders’ on and instead use “Panoramic Vision”.

As the Financial Growth of the Arab World continues to rapidly accelerate, the Leaders of the ‘NWBC’ will have to admit their past failed approaches to Arab Customers. Once there is Real Contrition by these ‘Failed’ Leaders, they may ‘Wise-Up’ and treat their Middle-East Customers with Actual Respect. Arab Customers have the ENTIRE WORLD from which to purchase what they want. For the ‘NWBC’ to continue treating the Arabs as “Naïve” by sending them ‘VIPs’ , to impress Monarchs, will gain them nothing.  

Reality.

Reference: http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae-pulls-out-of-bae-eurofighter-typhoon-deal-1.1269109

Another Forced Landing in Russia of a Bombardier Canadair CRJ-200; Cold Weather Problem?

News Analysis: Another Forced Landing In Russia Of A Bombardier Canadair CRJ-200 jet; Cold Weather Problem? Some have suggested since it is Allegedly the 3rd Forced Landing in 4 Days, due to a variety of Components failing, maybe the Aircraft Systems are sensitive to the Cold? In any event, Public Safety Concerns have to mandate the Aviation Authority in Russia review this Numerically Unique set of rapidly occurring Negative Events of the CRJ-200 by Canadair.

Perhaps, Temporary Grounding of all CRJ-200 Aircraft in Russia would give the Air Authority time to engage in Due Diligence in investigating this troubling situation. If so grounded, during this brief period, at least no crew or passengers would be at risk. Prudence is superior to Peril in Aviation. Reality.

Reference: http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/710861

Illogical Logic Makes for Preposterously Expensive Bomber Projects

News Analysis: Illogical Logic Makes For Preposterously Expensive Bomber Projects is based on U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Ignoring The National Security Agency’s (NSA) and National Reconnaissance Organization’s (NRO) Proven Capabilities. The adage of old: “A War is Won or Lost Before It Begins” applies in this case.

NSA and NRO monitor both the  Communications and Whereabouts of EVERYONE ON THE PLANET who utilize Electronic Information Exchange (as widely reported in the world media).

Ergo, THERE SHOULD BE NOTHING planned by an Enemy that the U.S. Government would Not be Aware. This apparently has been the case for Decades! As such, Preemptive Air Strikes with Drones could counter EARLY ON Belligerent Behavior of Enemies. Preceding that, communications with the Hostiles could occur (letting them be advised to “Cease and Desist” since their plans are known). Only Fools would proceed under such a warning. If they did anyway, the Drones could De-Activate them.

The Key to Successful Warfare is Correct Anticipation of an Enemy’s Behavior and then Neutralizing his Physical Engagement Capabilities. The United States obviously has the Information Flow from Around the World. All it has to do is correctly assess one’s Intentions and Abilities;  then act accordingly.

The existing Inventory of B-52s, B1Bs, and B2 Bombers are more than sufficient if used in Conjunction with the Present “Early Warning System” provided by  U.S. Intelligence Systems; which are Second To None,  people say.

Since Air Force Planners are always historically  asking for Preposterously Expensive Weapon Systems, Who REALLY BENEFITS from the Public Expenditure: Defense Contractors (who employ former Air Force Generals), many people think. Unfortunately this Vested-Interest Situation(s) occurs at a horrendous cost to hard working Taxpayers.

Those in Washington, D.C. are very proud of the Performance of their “WORLD SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM”(WSS), at an alleged cost of $100 Billion Dollars +/- a Year.

It is interesting to note that the Air Force does not publicly Extol the Virtues of this ‘WSS”; perhaps since it Defuses its argument for the ‘ACTUAL NEED’ for New Bombers.

Since the United States’ Intelligence Goliath works Superbly, Everyone should realize the Chance of an “ACTUAL” ‘Sneak Attack’ on America is as likely as “Catching a ‘Yeti’ in a Butterfly Net”. Reality.

Reference: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-06/u-s-bombers-seen-costing-81-billion-47-more-than-plan.html

★ Carbon/Carbon Composite (CCC) Cremations Could Create Customer Chaos

Premium News Analysis: Carbon/Carbon Composite (CCC) Cremations Could Create Customer Chaos by its Inherent Fire Capacity. Carbon is Flammable as are the Petrochemical Adhesives used to bind the Carbon/Carbon (CC) Textiles together. Automobiles, such as the Incinerated Porsche Carrera GT widely discussed in the Los Angeles County, California is one example. The tragedy of the  Actor’s alleged “Cremation” from a fire last week in a One-Car Accident, is that the Porsche’s Body and Under Carriage was built from ‘CCC’ like some New Aircraft.

The Fuel of the Aircraft Fuselages, ‘CCC’, being added to the abundant Air surrounding the Airliner only needs the Third Element for a Conflagration: Heat. The Engines or the Auxiliary Power Unit are more than capable of providing that Element. In fact, Mere Electrical Wiring has actually Caused Fuselage  Fire on ‘CCC’ Airplanes! Once a fire commences, the Adhesive weakens and the ‘CC’ Fabric commences to De-laminate (thereby weakening the aircraft). 

Passengers riding in a Commercial Aircraft built of Carbon/Carbon Composites today is Analogous to passengers riding in a Hay Wagon of Yesteryear, some people would say. The main benefit to those in the Hay Wagon is they would merely Jump Off  of it if there was a fire; Airline Passengers typically do not have that luxury (especially while in flight).

If an Aircraft  fire develops and the Landing Gear becomes dis-functional a “Belly Landing” will evidence a Shattering of the Fuselage, like a cracked Egg Shell. How many passengers might be expected to be tossed out of the Aircraft thereafter?

Airframes have sold the Airlines and the Public the “Lighter Weight” Benefits of Composite Aircraft. They Absolutely Ignore the Inherent Frailties of  this Flammable Material. If possible, they want the Mass Media to not discuss (nor show photographs of) the Electrical Wiring Fires Damages that have occurred in their Airplanes to date.

Metal Aircraft (or Automobile Construction) does NOT provide “Fuel For Fires”; but in Terms of Product Marketing, ‘Metal’ is not “Sexy”. Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/n69zejr

Russian Aircraft are to be Russian Sourced

News Analysis: Russian Aircraft Are To Be Russian Sourced per President Vladimir Putin. His Appropriate Decision will mean Long-Term Benefit to the Russian Aircraft Industry. In Russia: Aircraft Design and Engineering Capabilities are present; Fabrication Equipment exists; Metal Resources are prodigious;  Personnel are available. Now, an important element of the ‘Aircraft Fabrication Industry’ has been provided: Presidential Direction.

The Purchasing of Aircraft Componentry made by others is a ‘Short-Term Solution’ which does NOT provide a Nation with ‘Long-Term Benefits’. By manufacturing most Componentry in Russia, employees of this industry gain necessary experience. Better quality aircraft can be manufactured at Lesser Costs in a Russia than that of Out-Sourced Supplied Aircraft. Non-Duplicatable Systems should be Out-Sourced, as, once in a while, might also be Aerospace Consultancy, if appropriate.

Antonov, Beriev, Ilyushin, Mikoyan, Sukhoi, Tupolev, Yakovlev, and other Russians have preceded Today’s Russians. The Men and Women of present Russia have the excellent histories of these Aircraft Predecessors to emulate.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/n2enqo4

Tall Building Construction Near Airports Requires Careful Scrutiny

News Analysis:  Tall Building Construction Near Airports Requires Careful Scrutiny so that  “Aircraft-Into-Building” Events do not occur. All too often, in Cities around the World, Tall Buildings are sought to be constructed adjacent to Airports. “Location, Location, Location” [A Real Estate Axiom] is supplanted by “View, View, View” where there are Airports. As such, the Ease of Leasing: Offices to possible Tenants and/or of Apartments to Lessees are  enormous incentives to Investors.

A Important Element which must be reviewed in the ‘Airport-Tall Building’ Matrix is “Weather Conditions”. For example: ‘High-Rise’ Construction Next to Airports, in geographies Prone to have Fog, is questionable; Erecting the same, in large canyons where very strong Prevalent Winds may precipitate aircraft being “pushed” towards high  structures in inadvisable.

Another important consideration is: “What type of Aircraft will Predominantly using the Airport?” Fixed Wing: Prop or Jet, Single Engine or Multi-Engine, Aircraft Size; Rotor: Piston or Turbine, Single Engine or Multi-Engine, Single Rotor or Twin Rotor, Aircraft Size. The typical flight characteristics of the aforementioned should be evaluated relative to “Weather Conditions” as discussed.

Governments should remember that once a Tall Building is erected in Close Proximity to an Airport it is a Possible Perpetual Peril to All Aircraft Flying in its Vicinity. Reality.

Reference: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2013/11/116_146406.html

Moscow, Russia, Seeks Investors for a New Airport

News Analysis:  Moscow, Russia, Seeks Investors for a New Airport  [of 40 Hectares (98.8 Acres)] which will help Alleviate Congestion at its three other airports. This new facility, which shall be Multi-Tasked [Passenger, Charter Passenger, and Cargo], will provide many Financial  Opportunities. Since it is intended to serve 10,000,000 Passengers and 25,000 Tons of Cargo per Year, Entrepreneurs with foresight can Extrapolate Possible Investment Rewards from the Airport’s magnitude. Hotel[s]’, Restaurant[s], Retail Shop[s], perhaps even a Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Facility are apt Investment Possibilities at this Moscow location.

A big assurance to this Project’s Future Success is that President Vladimir Putin, a Man who does NOT Equivocate, supports its Development. Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/k2v7zh5