≡

Photos & Video: Airbus A350 XWB Conducts Extreme Temperature Testing in Florida

By

The Airbus A350 endures -40 deg C during cold testing - Photo: Airbus

The Airbus A350 endures -40 degrees Celsius during cold testing – Photo: Airbus

Airbus took MSN002, A350-900 test bed aircraft, to the US Air Force’s McKinley Climatic Laboratory to give it a bit of a chill. Eglin Air Force Base, which hosts the lab, is located in the sunny state of Florida, but is able to provide low temperature testing. The A350 XWB was subjected to “multiple climatic and humidity settings,” including temperatures from 113 deg F (45 C) down to -40 deg F (-40 C).

During engine tests, to keep the aircraft in place, it had to be chained down. But it was important to make sure the engines could start up and operate at different temperatures.

Many of the A350 systems were checked during the tests including the in-flight entertainment, air conditioning, galleys, and water & waste systems. Luckily for us, Airbus did a great job documenting the process via photos and video.

EVA Air Takes Delivery of Two 777-300ERs With a New Cabin Product

By

Seeing double. Two EVA Air Boeing 777-300ERs at the Everett Delivery Center - Photo: Boeing

Seeing double. Two EVA Air Boeing 777-300ERs at the Everett Delivery Center – Photo: Boeing

Representatives from EVA Air, along with Taiwanese media, recently came to Seattle for a special double delivery of a pair of Boeing 777-300ERs. They weren’t the first for the airline (actually, the 16th and 17th), but they were still special. They were the first ones to offer Panasonic’s new eX3 in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and Global Communication Suite (GCS).

I have always been a fan of the green and orange livery on the outside of EVA’s 777s, but now there is more to love on the inside.

’œOur new Boeing 777-300ERs equip us to initiate significant changes in the flying experience we offer. We are going to make flying more fun and more comfortable than ever for our passengers,’ said EVA Air Chairman K.W. Chang.

EBACE – 2014 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition

By

EBACE is the largest business aviation event in Europe held annually in Geneva Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter

EBACE is the largest business aviation event in Europe, held annually in Geneva – Photo: Jacob Pfleger | AirlineReporter

Every May, Geneva plays host to the annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE). This annual event brings together the largest gathering of business aircraft operators, manufacturers, and a host of other companies associated with business aviation in one way or another. The event is the largest of its kind in Europe and is co-hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA).

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this years EBACE and, for me, as with last year, it was an excellent show with many new concepts unveiled within the business aviation sector.

Paine Field Aviation Day 2014 Recap

By

Flying Heritage Collections P-47 Thunderbolt "Tallahassee Lassie" doing a very low pass at Paine Field Aviation Day

Flying Heritage Collection’s P-47 Thunderbolt “Tallahassee Lassie” doing a very low pass at Paine Field Aviation Day

2014 marked my third Paine Field Aviation Day (PFAD) and it signaled a great start to what is rumored to be a very extensive flying season.  Both Historic Flight Foundation (HFF) and Flying Heritage Collection (FHC) put in some effort to make this one of the best days yet.

Sadly, the clouds and rain loomed in the morning, which kept away a lot of the crowds.  Great for photos, not so great for attendance.  From the HFF side of the airport, it did seem very quiet compared to previous years.  But this year I joined the crowds on the berm for some amazing photos.