Chris Narfundle


General aviation encompasses charter flights, bush flights, gliding, police, fire and emergency ambulance services, as well as any unscheduled flights with commercial airlines. In most countries, business jets and cargo jets are under the same regulations as most regularly scheduled commercial flights. Bush flying and air ambulances, charter flights and gliders have lower expectations and guidelines. They use smaller, often private, airports, and are subject to less government regulation.

Three quarters of all the planes that take off and land in the U.S. are general aviation planes. The National Air Transportation Committee says that general aviation pumped about $100 billion into the nation’s economy last year alone.

In recent years, security on general aviation flights has become increasingly important. However, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is busy checking people’s bags so they can load a commercial flight, and has little time for making monitoring the general aviation facilities. Therefore, generally speaking, small airport operators shoulder the bulk of the security burden for general aviation.

Still, there are lots of good reasons to use general aviation. Skipping the commercially scheduled flights and snagging a chartered jet or private plane to your nearest vacation spot can be a tempting proposition, especially in these days of higher prices and increased regulation on commercial flights.

For starters, if you rent a charter plane or have a personal plane, you are in control of and are responsible for, your own flight. You won’t run into a pilot canceling a flight or flight attendants at the end of their patience. Generally speaking, you’ll also have the pick of the seats in the plane, and there isn’t a bad view if they’re all window seats.

With general aviation flights, you are free from the “3 ounce restriction” on personal care products that the TSA has for commercial airlines. What’s more, many airlines are now charging for each bag, as well as charging an additional fee for a window seat or an aisle seat. These are non-issues with general aviation.

Besides being in control of your own flight, you set the schedule for your arrival and return. With airlines cutting capacity and sending flights to fewer and fewer destinations, you spend more time in the airport waiting for flights. With general aviation, you can leave after morning rush hour traffic if you’d like, or you can leave before anyone else is up. And, you’re not bound to an airline with a non-refundable ticket when they randomly choose to cancel or postpone a flight.

With small, general aviation airports all over the world, you don’t have to settle for landing at the nearest “big city.” A general aviation plane can land at any of the thousands of smaller airports. This could mean leaving from a spot closer to home, and will almost surely mean arriving at a spot closer to your destination.

Roger Green


Aviator Sunglasses are becoming ever so popular with the younger vibrant people. Young adults love the 70s appeal they can get from wearing aviator style sunglasses. Growing up in the 80s, Top Gun, Tom Cruise, and Aviator Sunglasses was the big hype, but aviator sunglasses were actually brought about in the late 1930s. Aviator Sunglasses are worn by men and women. Men typically wear Police Aviator Sunglasses, Polarized Aviator Sunglasses, and Latest Trend Sunglasses while women like Celebrity Aviator Sunglasses and Latest Trend Aviator Sunglasses. Aviator Sunglasses are popular with law enforcement, pilots and are very popular with men in the military. Aviator Sunglasses are made to be light and sturdy. Aviator Sunglasses come with the recognizable oval polycarbonate lenses made in various colors. Polycarbonate lenses that are made of plastic make for a much lighter pair of sunglasses, which enables you to wear sunglasses for a longer period of time without feeling uncomfortable. The silver mirrored police lens is one of the more popular colors, with the gun colored lens following right behind. Others colors offered in Aviator Style Sunglasses are charcoal, brown, blue/gray and smoke colored lenses. Lenses are usually UV 400 maximum protection to protect your eyes from UVA & UVB rays. Most Aviator Style Sunglasses have nickel frames and spring temples, but Aviator Sunglasses can also be found with high

quality poly frames in different colors. Poly frames make for really light sunglasses.

Aviator Sunglasses were made to completely cover all areas of your eyes shielding your eyes from UV rays and/or protecting your eyes from wind and debris. Although Aviator Sunglasses have a practical reason for wearing they are more chosen as many people’s choices because of the fashion statement they make. Wearing Aviator Sunglasses makes you feel like somebody. These sunglasses give off a vibe that you may have a little bit of a dangerous side to you and give you a very intriguing look. Be sure to check them out at Superflysunglasses.com!

Zip Aviation


Zip Aviation has taken delivery of its first Bell Helicopter 206L Long Ranger and plans to use the helicopter for charter service from

Manhattan’s West 30th Street Heliport. This will be the first time for a Bell helicopter to

be flown from the 30th St. Heliport.

Itai Shoshani, owner of Zip Aviation stated, “We are very excited about the opportunities

of operating out of this heliport and know we have the right product for the market. Each206L has a great cabin area, smooth ride and excellent visibility. This Bell helicopterallows realization of what I envision for my company; an All American state-of-the-art

product.”

“The 206L, like all Bell products, is a very dependable helicopter and on that is well

suited for this type of operations. Our customer’s know they can count on the 206 to

perform flight after flight”, said Bob Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President for Marketing and

Sales at Bell.

Zip Aviation has been operating in the New York area for 15 years and has built a

reputation as the premier charter company, specializing in discreet charter service and

aerial photography. “Many of our clients are celebrities, the rest are just treated like

one”, Shoshani added.

Zip Aviation has two more 206L’s on order and plans to use them in a similar manner.

For more information please contact Zip Aviation at 1.866.ZIPOVER (947.6837) or at

www.zipover.com .

Mike Freemen


There are many ways to get started in the world of aviation, from learning to fly your own plane to learning to work on the planes owned by the major airlines. In fact the world of aviation is a far reaching one, encompassing everything from crop dusters and private planes, to corporate jets, to of course the major and discount airlines.

One of the most exciting aspects of aviation takes place when you learn to fly a plane on your own. Many people automatically assume that learning to fly is beyond their means, but in fact there are private aviation programs that make learning to fly, and even owning a plane of your own, more affordable than you might think.

Those planning to get started in aviation may want to take a look at the resources in their local area. Small, private airports are often a great place to start exploring the world of aviation. Many of the owners of planes stored at these airports are certified aviation instructors, and you may be able to strike a deal for them to teach you the ropes of aviation.

Another great place to start learning about the world of aviation is on the Internet. There are a myriad of aviation related web sites, newsgroups, email lists and chat rooms, and these are a great place to meet and talk with other aviation enthusiasts. Many new aviation enthusiasts can learn a great deal simply by logging on to these web sites and reading the various aviation related newsgroups.

There are also a great many web sites on the internet that sell a wide variety of aviation related equipment and gadgets, ranging from scale models of famous planes to essential aviation equipment. As with all products, the prices on this aviation equipment will vary, so it is important to shop around for the best price. Shopping around has a great many rewards, whether you are shopping for aviation equipment or anything else.

The internet has always been a great source of information, and it continues to be a great source of information on all kinds of airplanes, helicopters, gliders, and just about anything else that flies. Whether your interest in aviation involves getting your pilot license, taking a scenic helicopter flight, cruising in a glider or just watching your favorite plane, chances are there is an Internet site or newsgroup for you. The world of airplanes and other flying vehicles is many and varied, so why not take a look and see what is available?

Jay Gaulard


Every aviator needs certain items. Without them, flight can either lack certain safety aspects or it can be rather inconvenient. Neither one of those things are anything that the aviator wants to deal with. So if you’re a beginner or you are a seasoned aviator, it is good to know what is available to you.

There are so many items coming onto the market every single day that can make your life easier, so it is good to know what those things are and to take advantage of those things.

Equipment needs

Chances are you have various equipment needs as an aviator. There are certain tools and so many other items that you need. For example, you need certain tools to maintain your airplane. Those tools may include:

- A left curve aviation snip or a right curve aviation snip. This is a tool that will help you in cutting aluminum and other materials that you may need to cut. This is an activity that is common in certain maintenance tasks.

- A flashlight - This is something that is needed whenever you’re traveling. You even need to have a flashlight in your car. Basically, you need a flashlight in your plane because you may have to look around in dark places. If an emergency occurs, you want to make sure you’re prepared. This isn’t saying that an emergency is imminent, but it is good to be prepared.

- A power punch - This is for when you need to punch holes in sheet metal and various other materials. You never know when you must do some sort of maintenance that may require you to do this.

These are just three examples of the tools that you may need. You also need to keep other things on-hand such as pliers, sealant to seal hoses and other gaps or holes that you may find, sprays to get rid of corrosion, and so much more. You can never be too safe when you’re going into the air. You have to make sure that you have the tools and the equipment needed to maintain your plane. That way you can feel secure when you’re in the air.

Apparel

Aviation apparel is also necessary. You may need a parka to help you stay warm when you’re working on your plane. You may wish to have flight gloves, waterproof boots, or overalls. Then again, you may want a shirt that says, “I’m a pilot” or something else that denotes this achievement such as a lapel pin.

If you want to, you can dress up the entire family. There is aviation apparel for the kids as well. The list goes on and on. It depends on what you find to be important to you, but remember that there are some apparel items such as gloves, hats, and jackets that are needed. You never know when an emergency is going to come about.

Miscellaneous items

There are also a number of miscellaneous items that you may find to be quite beneficial. First of all, you can purchase aviation books and DVDs that will help you in your flying endeavors. It is always good to learn as much as possible about flying, the industry, and even its history. The more you know, the better off you are. You can even look into getting magazines that keep you updated on the latest happenings within the aviation industry.

Knowledge is the key when it comes to aviation. It is a fun hobby to get into. It is literally a way for you to get away from it all and be on top of the world.

However, safety comes first. You have to make sure you have all of your basic emergency supplies such as water, clothing, blankets, flares, and a first aid kit. Although it is very unlikely for an emergency situation to come about, the fact is that they do. You always have to be prepared.

So if you don’t have all of the items that you need, it is a good idea to pay a visit to the Internet and deal with a website that puts everything you need into one place. This makes making sure that you have everything that you need a lot easier. You don’t have to run around all over the place trying to find the right items for you. This is simply a waste of energy. Why waste energy if you don’t have to?

Buying the right items

So make yourself a checklist. On this checklist, you need to list those items that you already have, and then list the ones that you don’t have. This is so you don’t waste your money buying something that you already have. Unless you can really benefit from having two of something, you can really save yourself a pretty penny by taking an inventory before you order anything.

From there, you’re going to check off your items as you purchase them. Now make sure this list includes tools, other equipment, first aid, an emergency kit, any informational materials you need, and any apparel items that you wish to purchase. You should make sure you have everything you need before you take flight. If you don’t have everything you need, then you’re taking a risk.

It is a known fact that you never know what is going to occur when you go up into the air. The same is true for when we get into our cars to go down the street.

That is why we are told to have supplies in our vehicles. You just never know. So if you don’t have everything you need, make that checklist and get it taken care of. Use the Internet because you’re going to be able to save money and you’re going to have your items delivered to your doorstep. Since there seems to be a shortage of physical aviation stores, there is now no excuse as to why you shouldn’t have all of the supplies that you need to make your flight a success.

Tony Jacowski


The air-transport aviation industry has grown tremendously over the years and includes all aspects of commercial airlines. The past few years, have been difficult for the aviation industry. The 9/11 attacks on World Trade Center and the subsequent security delays at airports dealt a major blow to the aviation industry.

However, with rapid globalization in this fast paced world, the aviation industry has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The upward trend in both aviation and travel industries has lead to an increase in job opportunities in the aviation, travel and hospitality industries. With the world getting smaller each day, there will be a constant demand for people trained in aviation careers.

Sound Education: A Must

If aviation is your choice of career, then you need to educate yourself to excel in this challenging field. Career options in this field are unlimited and you are required to learn the skills from a recognized institute to pursue them. Before you choose a particular field from the aviation line, you should be aware of the number of job options available and their individual scope.

Aviation careers can be divided into Flying Careers and Management Careers. Career options include Pilots, Flight Engineers, Flight Attendants, Cabin attendants, In-flight Supervisors, Technicians, Flight Coordinators, and Crew Schedulers. Other job options such as Airport Security, Line Service Personnel, Business Development, Cost Analysts, Aeronautical Engineers, Ground Instructors, Airport Managers, Technical Writers, and Air Traffic Controllers have also attracted a significant number of job seekers.

Once you have identified the field you are interested in, determine the educational qualifications and expertise required for that field. Most careers in this field require strong arithmetic skills and sound computer knowledge.

Pilot Training Lessons

Do not limit your aviation career by applying only at large airports and major airlines. You will be surprised to know that small and local airports strewn across the country also provide excellent job opportunities. Pilot training is constantly required in small aircraft. You can begin private pilot training even before you complete high school, and can offer you a BIG break in the personal aviation field.

If your inclination were towards military aviation, then Air Force would be the obvious choice. To become a pilot in the military, you need to undergo full-fledged training in college. The Service Academies would be evidently the first option, however you can also become a military pilot by attending an extensive college program, which offers ROTC training.

To become a commercial pilot, you must be qualified to obtain a commercial pilot license or CPL. This also involves many hours of flying, plus theory examinations. A new CPL holder would need either a command instrument rating or an instructor rating, in order to meet the requirements of the employer. You can also obtain professional training for aircraft repair and other mechanical jobs and acquire the necessary skills. Air traffic control is another promising and lucrative career option in the aviation industry.

Several aviation academies have emerged owing to the increasing demand for skill and expertise in aviation fields. Such academies chisel young minds and groom their careers. Most of them have specialized training programs for those aspiring to become Flight Attendants.

Sunil Kewalramani


Aviation industry :  Back into the ‘friendly skies’ by Farnborough 2010 ?

                                           SUNIL KEWALRAMANI                  February 18, 2009

As investments, airlines are best left to relentless optimists and colourful egomaniacs. Over the long term, a diversified portfolio of airline stocks has reliably lagged behind broader market averages. Airlines’ long-run operating margins have averaged just 2 per cent since 1950, says UBS.

In 2007, during the Paris Air Show, the aviation industry was flying high….the world economy was booming and credit was plenty.  Customers who had booked from Boeing and Airbus could get a premium for waiving their bookings in favour of companies interested to jump on the aviation industry growth story.  Today, airlines are happier returning their aircraft than taking delivery.  In 2008, the Amex Airline Index has plunged more than 70 %.   Not only has the game changed, the dominant players have changed as well. At Farnborough this year,  Middle-East’s Etihad Airways has ordered 45 aircraft from Boeing and 55 from Airbus, worth about $ 20 Billion at list prices.  It reinforces Middle East’s position as one of the few regions where airlines have the financial clout to expand aggressively.

Singapore Airlines, which reported its third-quarter results on 10th February 2009,, is one of the less terrible operators. It has the two qualities every carrier needs to withstand troughs: a strong brand and a patient majority shareholder (state-owned Temasek, in SIA’s case). On top of that, it has one of the world’s better-looking balance sheets: cash in the bank exceeds long-term liabilities by more than three to one; a youngish fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft; and one of the most highly rated management teams around. As such, the world’s largest airline by market capitalisation is an industry benchmark. If SIA is struggling, pity the rest.

SIA is indeed suffering. The September to December period, traditionally its most profitable, saw net income almost halve. Operating metrics were solid: passenger load factors down only 3 per cent, while costs (excluding fuel) fell 5.5 per cent. But it came a cropper on hedging, locking in purchases of jet fuel at much higher rates than the period’s average of $99 a barrel. Losses should widen: 44 per cent of fourth-quarter fuel requirements – well above the industry average – have been pre-bought at $131 a barrel, compared with today’s spot price of $56.

As those hedges fall away, however, SIA has a real opportunity to stand out from the pack by protecting its dividend. China Eastern had recently rejected Singapore Airlines’ bid to expand its operations. What is more, cash flow after capex over the first nine months almost covers last year’s dividend. In an industry that oscillates between varying degrees of over-capacity, preserving the payout would really hammer home the difference between the leaders and the laggards.

 

For Vijay Mallya—the self-proclaimed “king of good times” who patterns himself after Richard Branson, the launch of Kingfisher Airlines three years back seems to have come as a cropper. Slower economic growth due to unexpected world crisis along with dramatic fuel price rise earlier this year has taken the tails out of the airline industry. There are urgent demands being made for reducing sales taxes from 26 per cent to 4 per cent which could help reduce air fares.  A sanguine Mallya has called for India to ease its restrictive FDI policies, which currently prohibit foreign airlines from holding stakes in domestic Indian carriers.

 

Although oil prices have retreated of late, threats by OPEC to cut production coupled by the threat of inflation which could return in the wake of extremely expansionary monetary policies of the world central banks, could cause fuel prices to go up again.  Fuel costs make up about 65 % of costs on long-haul flights but only about 30 per cent of costs for short-haul flights. Qantas, one of the world’s most profitable airlines has recently grounded aircraft, suspended routes, chopped capacity, cut jobs and struck a deal with its long-haul pilots to lock in the company’s 3 per cent per annum wages policy until 2013.  In the wake of 9/11 and SARS, the Australian carrier had performed better than its peers, picking up market share as well as aircraft abandoned by airlines who could not afford them.

 

According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, the price of Indian fuel is based on international parity pricing, despite the fact that international crude is refined in India.  Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) rates in India, represent 40-45 % of ticket costs as compared to the global standard of 35 %.  In the backdrop of high fuel prices, domestic passenger numbers has fallen significantly from a year ago according to the Indian aviation industry.  Jet Airways  recently laid off 10 % of its workforce, only to relent and take them back under duress.  GoAir has laid off a significant chunk of its expatriate pilots. SpiceJet has announced reductions in its daily flights from 117 to 100.  Kingfisher Airlines is negotiating sale of two of the five A340-500 aircraft it had committed to buy from Airbus in 2007.  Both Spicejet and GoAir are returning planes to lessors.  It is also contemplating deferring taking deliveries of 29 narrow-bodied A320s .  In response, some have adopted the use of winglets on the wing tips to reduce fuel consumption, others are flying their aircraft at higher altitude, choosing parking bays closer to the runway to reduce taxing time.  Some are cutting down the amount of water in toilets and for human consumption they carry while others are carrying lighter plastic cutlery, food trays etc. Even the Indian government has recently pitched in by withdrawing the customs duty of 5 % on jet fuel.  In addition, oil companies are reducing ATF prices by Rs 9429.87 per kilo litre with immediate effect.

 

American, Continental and Delta have reduced flights to various destinations. Pratt and Whitney estimates that its EcoPower engine-washing process saves Hawaiian $ 1 million in fuel annually across 31 Boeing 767 engines.  Eight senior pilots and the US Airline Pilots Association have filed complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration stating that US Airways is pressuring pilots to use less fuel than they feel is safe, in order to save money. By removing six seats, JetBlue reduced an A 320 weight by approx 904 lbs.  Air Canada is considering removing paint and primer from its 767s to save 360 lbs per plane.   Alaska Airlines indicated in 2004 that removing just 5 magazines per aircraft could save $ 10,000 annually in fuel.  It’s new beverage cart, at 20 lbs lighter, could save $ 500,000 in annual fuel costs.  Yet, fashion favouring turbo-prop aircraft, the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly in the skies, should help sustain order books for the same. ONEWORLD alliance of various airlines will jointly explore options for collective buying of fuel. 

 

Mergers and Acquisitions enable capturing abandoned  territories :

In 2003, Air France bought rival KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and has succeeded in luring passengers away from European rivals by offering long-distance connections through its Paris and Amsterdam hubs.  Lufthansa acquired Swiss International Air Lines Ltd in 2005. It aims to match last year’s record profit by capitalizing on rivals’ weakness and by harvesting routes abandoned by competitors.  This is analogous to Southwest’s model, where Southwest is capitalizing on players who have pulled off during the downturn in the aviation industry precipitated by high oil prices. Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines are planning to merge.  Continental and United Airlines are also planning a close alliance.

 

Elite class of rising carriers emerges on the scene :

According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, the strength of this club (which includes Southwest, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Ryanair and Deutsche Lufthansa) underscores the growing gulf between the haves and the have-nots. These powerful players are able to hedge costs, borrow money, buy new planes and pamper high-paying customers while their poorer rivals cut routes and seek cash infusions. On Singapore Airline’s five new Airbus A 380 super-jumbo jetliners, first-class passengers sleep on sheets made by French fashion house Givenchy, while coach passengers have USB ports for connecting their own electronic devices next to their seat-back video screens.  In the face of a severe industry downturn, Singapore Airlines’ operating profit rose 60 % in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

 

Southwest Airlines  as a role model :  It’s discount-model has kept it profitable for 35 years.  It aggressively hedges fuel costs and thus has avoided current high fuel prices, to which most of the other carriers have succumbed.  It has hedged fuel at $ 51 a barrel.  The efficient hedges have enabled Southwest produce gains of $ 455 million in 2004, $ 892 million in 2005, $ 675 million in 2006 and $ 439 million for the first nine months of 2007.  It  has $ 3.7 Billion of cash in the bank and a market capitalization of $ 9.9 Billion, more than the combined market value of the six-largest conventional U.S. carriers. 

 

Next-Generation aircrafts :  Airbus has demonstrated its ability to fly its A380 aircraft with a synthetic liquid fuel processed from a gas called gas-to-liquid (GTL) in a three-hour flight between Filton, UK and Toulouse, France.  The new A380 has fuel efficiency of 2.9 litres a passenger for every 100 kms and carbon emissions of just 75g per passenger per km—17% less than that emitted by the Boeing 747.  Boeing 777 is the most fuel-efficient plane in its class.  The 747-8 will be 16 % more efficient than the 747-400 (and 11 % more efficient than the A380).  The A350 is the Airbus’s response to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Besides, EADS’s A400 M, once in service,will be capable of carrying a payload of up to 37 tonnes over ranges of up to 4700 nautical miles. Launched on July 8 2007—7/8/7 in US date format (date was chosen for impact), demand for the high-tech and futuristic 787 Dreamliner—a long-range 250 to 300-seat jet whose carbon-fibre body is set to make it 20 % more fuel-efficient than comparable models has been astounding. Dreamliner’s advanced aerodynamics (smooth wiring technology, spoilers that droop when flaps are deployed, and laminar flow nacelles lower drag) increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.  Higher bypass ratio allows engines to be quieter. Boeing has received orders from more than 60 customers for 892 aircraft, worth $ 145 Billion at list prices. Boeing’s energy use and carbon dioxide emissions at its major facilities are believed to have fallen 24 % between 2002 and 2007.  The Chinese white 90-seat ARJ21-700 jet is called “Xiang Feng” or “Flying Phoenix” and its appearance broadcast live on state television. 100 of the 180 bookings have come from Kunpeng Ailrines, a new venture between China’s Shenzhen Airlines and the US-based Mesa Air Group.  The arrival of the “Flying Phoenix” will truly mark the ascent of China as a leading world superpower and will energize growth in the Asian subcontinent.

 

Green Ross to SpiceJet’s rescue : indicative of sound contrarian call

Spicejet of India has chose as its suitor W L Ross & Co.  W L Ross has made his reputation on contrarian calls — buying into the steel industry in the US when no one would touch it, for example, and snapping up a Japanese bank when it was saddled with bank loans in 2000.

 

Low cost model here to stay

Air Deccan pioneered new ticketing channels at internet kiosks, petrol pumps and India post offices which helped bring down distribution costs by 12%-15% as compared to opting for a GDS (Global Distribution System) and for travel agents through the legacy system. If the motive is to cater to the large inclusive consumer base at the bottom of the consumer pyramid then the business model must create a scaleable product that delivers higher volumes at lower price points above very low costs with wafer thin margins.  The low cost model is about innovations, efficiency and enhanced asset utilization which are increasingly necessary in times of high fuel prices. The cost per available seat km of a low-cost carrier is significantly lower than that of full-service carrier.  The average revenue per seat for Ryanair, Europe’s biggest budget carrier, is Euro 39, as against Euro 247 for British Airways and Euro 57 for EasyJet, another low-cost carrier. It therefore implies that the airline with the lowest revenue per seat is at a comparative advantage and has significant cushion to tide over this rather cyclical industry.

 

The Indian aviation is still one of the country’s sunrise industries and both airlines and investors consider India as a compelling market. In my opinion, the oil bubble would have burst due to more durable demand destruction by the time the next Farnborough show is held in 2010.  The fundamentals viz. that India’s 1 billion people generate just 16 million domestic trips a year, is still very much intact.  This, coupled with the emergence of investors with deep pockets will ensure that the industry emerges stronger after the chastening shock. Equilibrium is expected to be found in the next two years as airlines are working to optimize capacity, rationalize routes and cut loss-making routes.

 

By simply raising fares, the distinction between low-cost and full-fare airlines will diminish, resulting in an undifferentiated business model. The government, on its own part, has to up its ante and improve its infrastructure. It is not uncommon to witness planes circling over destination zones in Mumbai and Delhi several times before being allowed to land, thus causing wastage of precious fuel.

 

The current scenario is almost reminiscent of the last downturn in the aftermath of 2001 terrorist attacks on the US.  That setback proved short-lived and so I believe will this one be.

Oil prices have retreated under the impact of unwinding of speculative positions by hedge funds and demand destruction is taking centre stage. The future belongs to the bold and daring, and not the timid and weak. The stage is set for survival of the fittest.  In the process, men will be separated from the boys.  The ongoing turbulence presents a tremendous opportunity for aviation industry players to emerge stronger than ever before.  The 2010 Farnborough air show promises to be dominated by a new set of industry players, ones that emerge victorious after trial by fire.

 

Note : Mr Sunil Kewalramani is a WHARTON BUSINESS SCHOOL MBA and CEO, Global Capital Advisors.  He may be reached at worldequity@sunilkewalramani.com. 

Bullet Points :

1)      The arrival of the Chinese “Flying Phoenix” will truly mark the ascent of China as a    leading world superpower and will energize growth in the Asian subcontinent.

2)          For Vijay Mallya—the self-proclaimed “king of good times”,  the launch of Kingfisher Airlines three years back seems to have come as a cropper.

 

3)          Launched on July 8 2007—7/8/7 in US date format (date was chosen for impact), demand for the high-tech and futuristic 787 Dreamliner—a long-range 250 to 300-seat jet whose carbon-fibre body is set to make it 20 % more fuel-efficient than comparable models has been astounding.

4)          The fundamentals viz. that India’s 1 billion people generate just 16 million domestic air trips a year, is still very much intact. 

5)          Rather than lean on the government for largesse, the aviation industry players need to pull up their socks, adopt global best practices, learn the art of effective hedging of fuel requirements, stimulate consumer demand and capitalize on battle-routes abandoned by their weaker rivals to strengthen their position in the world aviation industry. 

Ian Gault


The language for all aviators and air traffic control officers (ATCOs) who wish to operate internationally is English. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has produced a creditable and expansive manual, which details future English-language communication requirements for aircraft operators. Those requirements come into effect on 5 March 2008.

The ICAO document, which details the English-language proficiency requirements is, to all intents and purposes, a Statement of Requirement. Training providers Worldwide, and the aviation industry as a whole, therefore need to adapt to meet the demand and the challenge faced by all concerned. The requirement is to raise standards in aviation communications globally, commonly referred to as Aviation English. However, there needs to be greater understanding that the term ‘Aviation English’ covers a considerably wider field of knowledge and expertise than many currently appreciate. The following is designed to provide some indication as to the degrees of enormity and complexity that the industry faces in contributing to, and in meeting the task of imposing safe English-language communication skills among aircraft operators World-wide.

Pilots and ATCOs are at the front line of aircraft operations. The extent of the training that these personnel have to endure to achieve full operational status is enormous. Training can extend to periods of up to 2 years in the case of pilots and tends to comprise one long, uninterrupted process. In the case of ATCOs, however, because of the different specialisations involved in that function and their varying degrees of complexity, training tends to be conducted in phases, as controllers’ progress through their individual career paths and gain experience in the different specialisations open to them. In both cases, training is ongoing, not only because of the degree of knowledge required, due to ever-changing working locations, but also because of the continual updating of the equipment in use, ongoing revisions to the rules and regulations, and also frequent changes in the air traffic operating environment.

Following a rigorous selection process, whereby only very small percentages of individuals actually have the aptitude to be successful pilots or ATCOs, there begins a learning process that is extensive in respect of the degree of fundamental knowledge required by aircraft operators in a wide range of fields. In addition to the many practical skills required to perform their respective roles, pilots and ATCOs require extensive knowledge of the following: meteorology; physics; geography; navigation; maps and charts; theory of flight; mechanics; aircraft construction; airframes and engines; electrics, electronics and avionics; instrumentation; hydraulics; rules of the air; aviation rules and regulations, both in the air and on the ground; and air traffic control regulations. Aircraft operators are also required to have a precise and unambiguous knowledge and understanding of the following: a vast range of aviation-related definitions, some straight-forward, others quite complex; a wide range of very precise and unambiguous phraseology, to cover all routine and non-routine situations; a plethora of aviation-specific abbreviations; and a vast array of aviation-related vocabulary, which most native speakers of English seldom use in everyday life. In addition, all aircraft operators require an appreciation of medicine, biology, and human performance limitations. Furthermore, all concerned with aircraft operations are required to undergo daily briefings, both oral and written, and have to read and fully understand numerous daily and periodical publications: for example, Flight Information Publications, which provide essential information and warnings related to flight safety, and Notices to Airmen, which provide information concerning daily changes within the aviation environment. Comprehending these documents would prove a significant challenge to any aircraft operator who is not a native speaker of English. In addition to speaking and listening skills in English, therefore, reading comprehension is a skill that should also be given emphasis in any Aviation English training syllabus.

To become a successful pilot or ATCO, one requires a very high degree of a particular type of aptitude, coupled with a supreme mental agility of many different kinds. However, it is important to note that the aptitude required to be a successful pilot, is very different to that required to be an effective and competent ATCO. Nevertheless, both professions require individuals to have the ability to be extremely calm under pressure, to multi-task both mentally and physically, and to assimilate information quickly and effectively and to act upon it correctly and decisively. At the end of their rigorous and lengthy process of training, and when they have achieved full operational status, these individuals possess a wealth of knowledge and have well-honed and acute mental and physical skills. However, even fully-trained and experienced, pilots and ATCOs are continually operating at the extremes of effective human capability, whereby everyday, decisions they make as individuals can, in many cases, mean the difference between life and death for others. Therefore, at any stage within this ongoing process of professional development, to expect an aircraft operator to repeat the entire very demanding and complex training process in a second language, is a daunting prospect. Indeed, it is hard to assimilate the degree of difficulty involved, because, yet another factor comes into play: that of an individual’s degree of aptitude as a linguist.

When assessing the operational and international requirement within the aviation community for precise and accurate communications in English, both in the air and on the ground, there are several factors to be considered: the vast array of different communications and means of communication in use; the skills necessary to communicate effectively, by which ever means; and the difficulties faced by non-native speakers of English, who require to perfect those communication skills, with all their inherent complexities, in a second language. Those concerned face an extremely difficult and daunting task.

John Rivera


History of aviator sunglasses

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Have you ever wondered where that cool signature “pilot’s frame” also called the “aviators sunglasses” originated from? And most of you wouldn’t be aware as to how it got this name?

Well, in this article let’s know the history of the famous “pilot glasses (aviator sunglasses)” before you decide to get a pair for yourself.

The Aviator shades came into existence during the Second World War and were especially designed for fighter pilots as a part of their uniform and hence the name “pilot’s glasses”.

The “aviators” tag came much later after years of use. It wasn’t commercially available until about two years after its designing.

The company credited with the conception, design and manufacturing of aviator sunglasses is none other than Ray Ban!

The world over Ray Ban is known for its trademark aviator’s sunglasses.

As we all say “Necessity is the mother of all invention”. The necessity of protecting the eyes of pilot’s from the glare of the sun and also enemy bombing and shelling made it imperative to design glares that were sturdy, rugged and provided protection from sharp lights while giving distortion-free image even amidst light and smoke!

The World War II saw the need for a good pair of sun goggles escalating to great heights; that could drastically cut out the glare hitting the eye and keep the pilot focused on the target by cutting out the entire warp.

Ray Ban’s design team came up with the Aviator sunglasses which met all the requirements on all the counts perfectly.

Ever since they came to the aid of flyers around the world, the aviator’s trademark design has remained more or less unchanged and is still issued with the uniform to military pilots around the world over.

One interesting piece of information is that in 1937 the ordinary public was “banned” from wearing aviators!!

Down the years different companies started manufacturing their own version of “pilot glares” or aviator’s but none as popular as the original aviator’s from Ray Ban and the classic design is still as “hot” as it was almost seven decades ago! Some accomplishment that!

While aviators are still the flyer’s favorite, its excellent anti-glare defense has made it a hot favorite with police and other law enforcement officers. Even during the day the Aviator sunglasses protect the eyes from the sun and at night from bright, vehicular traffic lights.

Officers swear by the dark lenses of the Aviator sunglasses that impart an air of authority to its wearer and make him/her stand tall amongst the crowd.

The mirrored lenses version of the Aviator sunglasses adds to that dramatic aura effect and is one of the reasons for its popularity. Unlike other fashion sunglasses, the lenses in aviators are gently curved which makes it a great “wrap-around” sunglass.

You could easily say that today’s wrap-around is a modern version of the good ‘ol Aviator sunglasses. Good things never really get out of fashion. Do they?

At www.lawholesalesunglasses.com you can browse, select and purchase sunglasses from an array of fashion and performance eyewear.

Author- John Rivera. Author is director of Marketing and Advertising at LA Wholesale Distributors.

Zip Aviation


Zip Aviation has taken delivery of its first Bell Helicopter 206L Long Ranger and plans

to use the helicopter for charter service from Manhattan’s West 30th Street

Heliport. This will be the first time for a Bell helicopter to be flown from the 30th St.

Heliport.

Itai Shoshani, owner of Zip Aviation stated, “We are very excited about the

opportunities of operating out of this heliport and know we have the right product for

the market. Each 206L has a great cabin area, smooth ride and excellent visibility.

This Bell helicopter allows realization of what I envision for my company; an All

American state-of-the-art product.”

“The 206L, like all Bell products, is a very dependable helicopter and on that is well suited for this type of operations. Our

customer’s know they can count on the 206 to perform flight after flight”, said Bob Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President for

Marketing and Sales at Bell.

Zip Aviation has been operating in the New York area for 15 years and has built a reputation as the premier charter company,

specializing in discreet charter service and aerial photography. “Many of our clients are celebrities, the rest are just treated like

one”, Shoshani added.

Zip Aviation has two more 206L’s on order and plans to use them in a similar manner.

For more information please contact Zip Aviation at 1.866.ZIPOVER (947.6837) or at www.zipover.com