CONFUSION BLAMED FOR CARBON OFFSET APATHY
Passengers are dissuaded from paying carbon offsets by wildly varying offset costs for particular flights, according to a UK study. For example, from London to Sydney different offset companies' charges range from £9.48 ($17.62) to £643. The Omega universities research group estimates the potential value of the global carbon offsetting industry at £18 billion, and says there is an "urgent need" for a common carbon calculator.
EGNOS-AUGMENTED APPROACH TRIALS SUCCEED
Spanish avionics company INECO reports that an Air Nostrum Bombardier CRJ200 with an integrated avionics fit has carried out "several perfect" satellite-guided, EGNOS-augmented LPV (localiser performance with vertical guidance) approaches at Valencia airport. Spanish air navigation service provider Aena, Air Nostrum, Rockwell Collins, Jeppesen and the Spanish civil aviation authority and European Aviation Safety Agency are also involved in the project. The next LPV trials will take place in Bologna in September.
BOEING SWEETENS MACHINISTS CONTRACT OFFER
Boeing has presented a best and final offer to its largest union that retreats from its most unpopular benefits proposals and adds new financial incentives, yet remains silent on the key issue of job security and global outsourcing. The deal would give nearly 27,000 Boeing workers represented by the International Association of Machinists a 14% overall wage increase over three years, including a cost of living adjustment. Boeing's starting offer was 9.5%. Boeing is also offering a $2,500 bonus if the new contract is approved on 3 September, the day the current contract expires.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT STRIKE ENDS
Machinists at Hawker Beechcraft have accepted a revised, three-year contract offer, ending a three-week strike that stopped production in Wichita and Salina, Kansas. Salary increases remain at 4% each year for three years and pension benefits will increase by $7 a month per year of service. The union says the breakthrough came with Hawker Beechcraft agreeing to freeze employee contributions to healthcare, vision and dental premiums at 2008 rates over the next three years, taking on rising costs itself: "That makes our raises real raises."
ROCKET RACERS PRIMED FOR LIFT-OFF
Armadillo Aerospace's liquid oxygen and alcohol engine completed three test flights on 25-26 August in Burns Flat, Oklahoma in a modified Rocket Racing League Velocity XL. Each flight averaged about 10min and the top speed was 190kt (350km/h). The engine has been selected by the Rocket Racing League for its six registered teams, although a rival engine, developed by Xcor Aerospace, could be used by teams if its performance improves. A demonstration race is set for the 2008 Reno Air Races this month, pending approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration.
COMPOSITE BUSINESS JETS
Our "Who'll take a bet on a composite jet?" Comment (Flight International, 26 August-1 September) referred to the Grob SPn as the only all-composite business jet. Spectrum has asked us to clarify that its S-33 has flown and development of its Freedom S-40 continues.
Source: Flight International
