GOVERNMENT JET
The Israeli government is to buy an aircraft that will serve the prime minister and senior government officials during official trips. In the past, such flights were performed by an Israeli air force Boeing 707, but most recently the government has chartered aircraft for short journeys and used an Israeli airlines-owed type for long-haul flights. A decision on the type has yet to be made, but an official source says the government is likely to buy a used aircraft and convert it into VIP configuration.
FAA RULING
The US Federal Aviation Administration has published a final rule that prohibits Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91K, Part 135 and Part 121 operators from taking off with "polished frost" - frost buffed to make it smooth - on an aircraft's wings, stabilisers and control surfaces. The new rule will take effect on 20 January. The FAA already prohibits commercial airlines from operating with polished frost. The FAA previously recommended removing all wing frost before take-off, but allowed it to be polished smooth if the airframer's recommended procedures were followed.
Source: Flight International