Week in brief February 18 2011

US website General Aviation News reports that American Jabiru dealer Jabiru USA has been forced to rescind its approval of fuels containing up to 10 per cent ethanol for use in Jabiru aircraft. The decision relates to 2009-released Jabiru Service Letter JSL 007-3, which states that levels of ethanol of up to 10 per cent were tested with no ill effects in airframe and engine, but that higher levels were not tested and should not be used. Jabiru USA says, “No amount of ethanol is to be used in any Jabiru aircraft. Use of any fuel other than 100LL is at the sole risk of the operator. Until the government mandates a pure, ethanol and additive-free premium automotive or recreational fuel, we must recommend that only 100LL Avgas be used in Jabiru aircraft." Read more here.


Avweb reports that German LSA manufacturer Flight Design has confirmed it's working on a new four-seat aircraft dubbed the ‘C4’, but is waiting for the final design to be be decided with input from dealers and customers worldwide. Flight Design is said to be unveiling a full-size proof-of-concept model at upcoming German airshow Aero 2011 in mid-April, where attendees will be able to contribute their thoughts on the C4. For interested parties who won’t be at Aero 2011, Flight Design is setting up an online survey to accept feedback on the C4's design features. The website won’t go live until March, but for now the URL is www.flightdesign.com/C4Survey.


To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the RAAF is staging a number of activities over the coming weeks. If you’re heading to the Avalon Airshow you’ll undoubtedly already be aware of how the RAAF plans on celebrating the occasion there, but beyond that our Air Force is:
- Partnering with Australia Post to publically release (on Febraury 22) a commemorative stamp collection recognising the retirement of the F-111s (the ‘Pig’). The stamps will also feature the Super Hornet, Wedgetail and Globemaster.
- Showcasing a selection of Air Force artworks, titled Our art, your heritage, at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne from March 25 – May 28.
- Conducting an air pilgrimage (leaving Temora March 28 and arriving at Point Cook March 31) of antique and historic aircraft in conjunction with the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia.
- Holding a commemorative ceremony and addition of Battle Honours to the RAAF Memorial, Anzac Parade Canberra March 31.
- With the help of the Air Power Development Centre releasing several publications that highlight different facets of the RAAF’s history.


If you’re heading to Avalon this year and want to be in the midst of excitement, be sure to rock up at the Aeromil Pacific stand on the Thursday (March 3) at 1100 for the official Australian launch of the Cessna Citation CJ4 business jet and the long-awaited Cessna C162 Skycatcher LSA. If you happen to miss it, both aircraft will remain on display at the Aeromil stand for the duration of Avalon.


The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts that the US GA fleet will increase from 224,172 aircraft in 2010 to 270,920 in 2031, which represents an annual average growth rate of 0.9 per cent. According to a recently released FAA report, US fixed-wing turbine aircraft sales will grow by 3.1 per cent over the next 20 years, but fixed-wing piston aircraft sales will only grow by 0.2 per cent annually, with rotary wing sales improving by 2.6 per cent year on year. And for the record, the FAA sees GA flying hours in the US increasing from 24.1 million in 2010 to 37.8 million in 2031 – an annual growth rate of 2.2 per cent.


Safeskies Australia has appointed Ray Pearson as its new General Manager. Pearson holds both rotary and fixed-wing ATPLs and his 8000 flying hour career to date has seen him serve as an Australian Army helicopter pilot, flying instructor and air safety investigator, regional airline captain, aeromedical helicopter captain, and more. Pearson is also currently serving as the Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Aircraft Confederation.


Do you love Cirrus aircraft? Do you love commercial country music? If so, you might be interested to hear that US country music man Tim McGraw has just picked up a new Cirrus SR22, and someone at Cirrus has gone to the trouble of posting this video interview with McGraw with his aircraft on Youtube. For the record, if we’re talking country music we here at Australian Flying would take Johnny Cash over any and everyone else. On a more serious Cirrus matter, the manufacturer has just announced a few new upgrade packages for its aircraft for 2011. To read all about these click here. 


Piper staff got the chance to come face to face with the new owners of the iconic manufacturer when the Ambassador to the United States from Brunei Darussalam toured the facilities at Piper HQ in Vero Beach last week. In 2009 Brunei-based Imprimis Strategic Investment Corporation (NBD) Sdn Bhd (ISIC) and the Ministry of Finance of Brunei Darussalam purchased a major controlling stake in Piper Aircraft, a cash injection which has enabled Piper to pursue exciting new developments like the PiperJet Altaire light jet. Here’s hoping Piper someday soon returns to its former glory.