Aero Milestone
Aero Vodochody is completing the 200th Sikorsky S-76C since the Czech airframer began subcontract work on the twin-engine helicopter eight years ago. The S-76C programme is Aero Vodochody's largest aerostructures project. "The pace of S-76C production rises every year," says Monika Vajnerova, Aero's vice-president for aerostructures. "This year, we will deliver more than 50 units." The company produces the complete S-76C helicopter excluding dynamic parts. Following ground testing the helicopters are transported from its Ololena Voda base by land to Bremerhaven, Germany, from where they are shipped to Sikorsky's Stratford, Connecticut base in the USA for interior outfitting and final preparation work.
Diamond Deal
Diamond Aircraft has clinched a contract from Indian flight training school Indira Gandhi Rashtveni Urani Akademi for four Garmin G1000-equipped DA40-TDI piston singles and two DA42-TDI twins. The school has also ordered three simulators from Diamond's sister company Diamond Simulation.
Accidents Fall
Fatalities involving general aviation aircraft fell by 30% to 491 last year compared to 2007, according to preliminary data released by the US National Transportation Safety Board marking the lowest annual total in more than 40 years. "The US aviation industry has produced an admirable safety record in recent years," says NTSB chairman Mark Rosenker. "However, we must not become complacent. We must continue to take the lessons learned from our investigations and use them to create even safer skies for all aircraft operators and their passengers." The overall number of GA accidents was up, rising from 1,518 in 2006 to 1,631 in 2007. Estimated flight hours were down slightly, and the overall accident rate per 100,000 flight hours showed a slight increase.
Source: Flight International
