Thursday, May 29, 2008

Cebu Pacific bags tax incentive,other perks for fleet expansion

May 12, 2008 (The Manila Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- -- CEBU Air Inc. has bagged tax incentives and other perks from the Board of Investments (BOI) for the company's plan to acquire brand new aircraft in the next two years.

In its application for fiscal incentives, the operator of Cebu Pacific said it will invest P5.52 billion for the acquisition of eight new ATR-72-500s and five new Airbus A320s.

Come September, the Gokongwei-owned airline will purchase the five Airbus A320s, and by December next year buy the ATR-72-500s.

Once the acquisition is completed, the 13 brand new aircraft will boost Cebu Pacific's international and domestic passenger traffic.

At present, Cebu Pacific has 14 A319s, all of which were bought using BOI-registered tax perks, as part of the airline's re-fleeting program. The carrier plans to position itself as the country's top domestic airline come 2011. Last year, it overtook rival Philippine Airlines as the country's leading domestic airline, having flown more people than the flag-carrier.

Read Full Article from TradingMarkets.Com

Cessna plane crashes at Lingayan

LINGAYEN -- A two-seater, single engine Cessna plane owned by Flight and Simulator Training (Fast), Inc. crash land at Lingayen airport Sunday morning. Nobody was reported injured. (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)

The pilot was identified as Nachikita Raval, 19, an Indian national. 

Mariano Trinidad of the Air Transportation Office (ATO) said they are waiting for the report of the ATO Safety Investigating Team (which was to arrive Monday afternoon) on the matter. 

It was at 10:25 a.m. Sunday when the Cessna plane (RP C-8204) approached runway 08 of Lingayen airport for Raval’s third and final pattern of her solo flight. 

It touched down on the spot of the threshold slightly to the runway 08 centerline, causing the aircraft to nose dive on the left side of the runway. 

The aircraft skidded for about 300 meters. It suffered damages on the right wing, landing gear, nose, engine and propeller. 

The hanger of Fast Flight is at the Manila Domestic Airport Complex General Aviation Area in Pasay City. 

Trinidad said about 20 light planes land everyday at Lingayen airport. 

The Lingayen airstrip was built in 1945 by the Americans during the liberation of Luzon. Its current runway measures 920 meters. 

One of the pet projects of Governor Amado Espino Jr. is the conversion of Lingayen airport into a domestic airport to boost the economic activities in Pangasinan Province. 

Read the Full Article ..

Gov't fast-tracks San Fernando Airport upgrade; PAL to fly starting August

The San Fernando Airport upgrade with an estimated cost of P500 million is being funded by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

The project is one of the major infrastructure projects committed by President Arroyo under her Super Regions development blueprint. It began on May 29, 2007 and is expected to be completed end of 2008.

The upgrading project entails the improvement of the landslide facilities including the expansion and extension of the present runway of 1,320 meters to 3,100 meters; airside facilities; air navigation systems and support facilities based on the requirements of the International Civil Aeronautics Organization.

The airport is presently classified as secondary airport, an alternative to the Loakan Airport in Baguio City. It could only accommodate turbo prop aircraft and the C-130 cargo plane of the Philippine Airforce. The upgrade is expected to turn the San Fernando Airport into a modern facility that complies with the international civil aviation standards to accommodate the international flights from the Asia-Pacific region.

Based on the report of Project Engineer Virgilio M. Salayog, the over-all physical accomplishment as of end April 2008, is 54.52 % as against the target of 54.13% or 0.39% ahead of schedule.

Earlier, the Thunderbird Resorts Inc., an international property developer who is operating a resort complex at the Poro Point Freeport Zone has contributed P55 million to the airport upgrade.

The rehabilitated San Fernando Airport will provide the infrastructure to propel tourism, commerce and trade especially in La Union and Baguio City.

Recently, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) expressed its interest of expanding its domestic operations service in San Fernando Airport starting August this year. This welcome development was relayed by Atty. Felix S. Racadio, President and CEO of PPMC, which operates and manages the San Fernando Airport.

Initially, PAL will fly thrice a week to and from Manila using Q300 and Q400 aircrafts, which can seat 56 and 74 passengers, respectively.

"PAL's decision to include San Fernando in its expansion program is a big boost to the ongoing efforts of transforming the Poro Point Freeport Zone into a world-class tourism and commercial destination", Racadio said. "In no time, Poro Point and the rest of La Union including the nearby provinces will be more accessible to the domestic and foreign tourism markets, he added.

Read the Full Article ...


Training aircraft to be built in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- An Italian defense contractor and a Filipino aviation firm here have signed an agreement for the manufacture of training aircraft. 

Alenia Aermacchi of Italy and Aerotech Industries Philippines, Inc. (Aipi) signed on April 25 an Assembly and Parts Manufacturing Agreement for 18 new SF 260 F basic trainer aircraft to be used by the Philippine Air Force (PAF). 

The 18 primary training aircraft will cost the government US$13.8 million. The amount includes the SF 260 F piston engines, pilot and technician training, technical assistance and the supply of ground support and spare parts. 

Teresa Parian, Aipi chief operating officer (COO), said the general agreement signed by the two firms "will definitely boost the aviation industry of the country." 

She noted that the general agreement is up to 2015 "which means that all orders that Alenia Aermacchi will receive in these next years worldwide will be assembled in and supplied out of the Aerotech Philippines facility." 

"Considering that 27 armed forces use SF 260 trainer aircraft all over the world, with about 1,000 units in operations, Alenia Aermacchi estimates 100 new units of this aircraft type to be sold in the next five years," Parian said. 

Alenia Aermacchi said delivery will start one year after the April 25, 2008 signing of the agreement and will be concluded within 18 months. 

Parian said Aipi, a registered locator based at the civil aviation complex of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), has pioneered in the commercial support program of the PAF through its in-country major structural inspection of the S211 aircraft fleet. 

Also, Aipi has conducted maintenance and leasing of SF 260 M for the PAF's military pilot training for the past seven years and the inspection and services of Martin Baker ejection seats on S211 jets. 

Parian also said the firm provides representation and technical support to Singapore Technologies Aerospace Engineering's supply of 20 refurbished UH-IH helicopters and has aircraft spares inventory of about 5,000 line items. 


Sun Star Pampanga Article ..

BRIEFING - ASIA AVIATION - MAY 28, 2008

An executive briefing on aviation for May 28, 2008, prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities.

  • INDONESIA'S MERPATI TO RETURN 7 AGEING AIRCRAFT TO LESSOR 
  • JAL EXPANDING HAND-CARRYING TO SPEED BUSINESS PACKAGE DELIVERY 
  • DEPARTING AUSTRALIA TO COST A$9 MORE UNDER PROPOSED BILL 
  • ABU DHABI AMONG THE REGION'S TOP AVIATION INVESTORS: SURVEY 
  • INDIAN IT PROVIDER JOINS AI-SATS FOR CARGO HANDLING SYSTEMS 
  • UPS TO MOVE ASIAN AIR TRANSIT HUB TO CHINA'S SHENZHEN AIRPORT 
  • MOST AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS TRAVELLERS GO ECONOMY CLASS: POLL 

Read the Full Briefing from TradingMarkets.Com

No closure yet to Naia-3 case (Manila Airport)

About six years ago, the nation was agog over the opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal-3 in Pasay City. The private contractor, Philippine International Air Terminals Co., announced in November 2002 that the “world class, state-of-the-art” airport was about 95 percent complete and was ready for a soft opening in a few weeks’ time.

But the opening of Naia-3 was repeatedly postponed after the Piatco contract was reviewed by MalacaƱang and alleged infirmities and terms disadvantageous to the government were uncovered. The bulk of the construction cost for the aviation terminal was found to have been shouldered by German firm Fraport in alleged violation of the anti-dummy law. Subsequently, the Arroyo administration declared the contract null and void and took over the facility in 2004. The Supreme Court in 2005 upheld the government’s drastic action but ordered it to grant just and fair compensation to Piatco.

Today, the Naia-3, which Piatco claimed was built at a cost of more than $600 million, remains mothballed. Whenever motorists pass through the Villamor Air Base and catch a glimpse of this imposing white elephant, they can only shake their heads in frustration. Why has such an expensive facility stayed idle for an inordinately long time, when the country is badly in need of bigger and modern airports to cope with the ever-increasing volume of air travelers?

The fiasco over the terminal is perhaps the biggest failure of the Arroyo administration in the sphere of infrastructure, setting back the growth of tourism and investments, and giving our country a black eye before the international community.

Read the Full Article from the Manila Standard Today

Incident: Philippine Airlines A343 at Vancouver on May 25th 2008, rejected takeoff

A Philippine Airlines Airbus A340-300, registration RP-C3430 performing flight PR107 from Vancouver,BC (Canada) to Manila (Philippines), rejected takeoff on runway 26L. Blue smoke was seen coming off one of the port engines. 

The aircraft taxied off the runway on its own power, the flight had to be cancelled. The aircraft is still seen at Vancouver airport awaiting repair.

Posted Wednesday, May 28th 2008 09:42Z

Full Article from
Aviation Herald

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Covert, secret missions along the ‘Ho Chi Minh Trail’


Another interesting article about aviation during the Vietnam War. Worth a read ...

For 30 years, Michael P. Smith Jr. could say nothing about his service while based in Thailand during the Vietnam War. It is a story about a group of men who worked covertly on missions that saved the lives of many of their fellow servicemen. 

While not the official designation, the squadron is nicknamed the “Ghost Squadron.” Its official designation was Observation Squadron 67, or VO-67, though observation had basically nothing to do with why the squadron was created and deployed in 1967. The real mission of the squadron members was so secret that not even the personnel at the Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base in Thailand knew why they were there.

The mission was declassified in 1998, 30 years after the squadron was disbanded, and about two weeks ago the squadron received a Presidential Unit Citation during a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“The trail was regarded as one of the most heavily defended areas in the Vietnam War. Many 37 and 57mm radar controlled AAA guns and small arms awaited the slow lumbering OP-2E Neptunes as they made there long straight line run in to implant the coded sensors. The squadron would eventually implant several thousand ‘Acoubuoys’ (electronic listening devices) along the trail. At times approaching the target area at 50 feet above the terrain then popping up to 500 feet just before the target, implant sensors, and then a max-power jinking clime out. VO-67 was also the only aircraft squadron, of any service, to use the famous Norden Bombsight during the Vietnam War. The sight was used to implant the ‘Adsid’ sensor, Air Delivered Seismic Detection Sensor, at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 feet. 

Read the Full Story ..

For more information on the Squadron, check out its WebSite ..

PGMA to lead inauguration of Poro Point Tourism Complex


President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leads today's (27 May 2008 – Tuesday) inauguration rites for a luxury hotel and a world-class nine-hole golf course here meant to put San Fernando City, La Union at the world map of major tourist and recreation destinations.

The President is expected to arrive at the Poro Point Freeport Zone in the morning and will be accompanied by members of her official family, notably Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila.

On hand to welcome Mrs. Arroyo are Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Aloysius Santos, BCDA President and CEO Narciso Abaya, Thunderbird Resorts Inc. Chief Executive Officer for Philippine Operations Raul Sueiro, La Union Gov. Manuel Ortega, Rep. Victor Ortega, San Fernando Mayor Pablo Ortega, and the BCDA and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) Board of Directors.

The Poro Point Freeport Zone is under the stewardship of the BCDA through its subsidiary, PPMC.President Arroyo is expected to lead in the unveiling of the Thunderbird Resort-Poro Point Hotel and Golf Course marker.Thunderbird has leased some 65.5 hectares of land in the Poro Point Freeport Zone that it is developing into a leisure resort, sports, entertainment and tourism complex.Thunderbird has so far infused some P700 million in the development of the Poro Point over the past three years. 

Thunderbird has committed to invest $100 million over a 25-year period. It has also contributed P55 million for the upgrade of the San Fernando Airport to enable it to accommodate larger aircraft like Airbus 320 and Boeing 737. The expansion project is slated for completion by year-end.Underscoring the significance of a fully developed Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone, Abaya said that with the tourism infrastructures in place, Poro Point will attract both local and foreign tourists. "Increased tourist spending will augur well for the economy of La Union," Abaya said.

Prior to the completion of the hotel and golf course in Poro Point, Thunderbird already operates a 75-seat fine dining restaurant and entertainment complex.With Thunderbird's all-out pursuit of its program to develop Poro Point into an "ideal tourist destination," complemented by BCDA's upgrading of the San Fernando Airport to ensure easier access to Poro Point, trade and commerce in San Fernando and its neighboring areas are likely to increase significantly.Among the major benefits of Thunderbird's investment in Poro Point is the increased number of permanent, full-time job opportunities to the people of La Union.

Thunderbird is committed to source at least 85 percent of its workforce from San Fernando City and the Province of La Union.Thunderbird Director for Marketing Cheryl Arnold said, the resort features 36 well-appointed luxury suites. Each of the hotel's 45-square meter suite comes with exclusive amenities such as double-sized beds, a walk-in closet, a bathroom with separate shower and hot tub, hi-speed wireless internet, iPod with docking station & surround sound system, coffee and tea maker, in-room electronic safe, and a balcony that offers breathtaking view of the South China.

The Cliffs Golf Course, on the other hand, is a nine-hole, par 72 all-weather championship golf course, designed by the International Management Group (IMG) and maintained by Sta. Elena Properties, Inc.The golf course features a unique ocean hole that is undoubtedly one of the best Par 3 holes in Asia. Playing from a variety of lengths, this medium to short Par 3 will require precise club selection as the golf ball might end up flying over the cliff and landing on the sea.

See Thunderbirds WebSite for more information on what they are up to ..

Poro Point Freeport Zone (27 May) 

ASEAN nations to sign MOU on Cooperation to Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation


The 10-member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation to Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation on Thursday, the last day of the three-day 25th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) that kicks off today at the Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapulapu City, Cebu.

Under the MOU, the participating ASEAN member countries will cooperate in aircraft accident and incident investigation, investigation training and sharing of information and expertise, consistent with the standards and recommended practices, aircraft accident and incident investigation, contained in the Chicago Convention.

The MOU will be signed by authorities responsible for the investigation of aircraft accident and incident investigations of each of the ASEAN member nations which, aims to enhance the capabilities and professionalism of their respective aircraft investigators, and strengthen, promote and develop cooperation to enhance aviation safety.

Member states of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Thailand, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.
ASEAN was first established in Bangkok, Thailand on August 8, 1967 by the five original member-countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined on January 8, 1984, Vietnam on July 28 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on July 23, 1997 and Cambodia on April 30, 1999

Cebu City (27 May) --

Monday, May 26, 2008

Weeks was a pilot in the Central Intelligence Agency flying the super-secret A-12


Whilst not directly related to the Philippines, this is worth a read ..

Weeks was a pilot in the Central Intelligence Agency flying the super-secret A-12 high-level surveillance aircraft from 1963 until his death in 1968. A couple of weeks before his death, he became the pilot who located the USS Pueblo, the American intelligence-gathering ship, after it was captured by North Korean patrol boats. The incident pushed the U.S. dangerously close to a confrontation with the communist country.

Read the full story ...

Gatchalian eyes new airline


The following article appeared in the Manila Standard Times today.

Plastics king William Gatchalian wants to go back to the airline business two decades after he sold Air Philippines to taipan Lucio Tan, who also owns Philippine Airlines.

Read the entire article ...

More information on Mr. Gatchalian is here ...

Friday, May 23, 2008

Asean open skies - Is it Real?


The Manila Times International published an Editorial and Opinion today about the Asean Open Skies Policy due to be signed in December. The Philippines has agreed to sign it along with China, Japan, India, and South Korea as well as the nine other Asean Countries.

In essence, the open skies is supposed to allow airlines freedom of movement amongst the countries, unlimited and unrestricted maintenance or technical stops but they cannot disembark passengers en-route.  (This protects the domestic markets of the signatory countries)

Airlines of the signatory countries can basically fly point to point to any other destination in another signatory country, subject to the provisions mentioned in the previous paragraph

GMA (our president) has apparently stated that DMIA (Clark International Airport) will be the focus for this movement in the philippines.

Lets see what happens


Thursday, May 22, 2008

Central Luzon officials, traders push for Open Skies at Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Officials and traders in Central Luzon have joined hands in asking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to issue Executive Order 500-B, which will allow unlimited flights at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). 

A group of local officials and businessmen issued a manifesto on Wednesday urging the President to fast-track the passage of EO 500-B that will allow more international flights at the 2,500 hectare Civil Aviation Complex. 

"We appeal to our President to issue EO 500-B so that our country can enjoy the fruits of a liberalized air policy that will create more employment and economic developments not only in Clark and Subic but as well the entire country," said Pampanga first district Representative Carmelo Lazatin. 

Lazatin vowed that he would seek an audience with President Arroyo this week and present to her their manifesto seeking to restore the passage of EO 500B, which is expected to save the airline industry in the Philippines. 

The manifesto was unanimously signed by major stakeholders of Central Luzon headed by Lazatin who are lobbying for the passage of EO 500B. 

Other signatories include Mario Lazatin, director of the Metro Angeles Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Carmen Mctavish, chairperson of the Greater Clark Visitors' Bureau; Jeanie Del Rosario, president of the Clark Investors and Locators Association (Cila); Frankie Villanueva, president of the Association of Business Chambers in Central Luzon; James Dale, president of the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Pampanga; Freddie So, president of the Angeles City Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated; and Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales. 

In their manifesto, the group wants the President to schedule air talks so as to attract foreign air carriers to operate in the country. 

The stakeholders stated that this would benefit the partners in tourism, trade and overseas employment nd the acceptance of proposals by other countries for liberal air access including pocket open skies in Clark and Subic, which will guarantee a long-term growth in the aerotropolis. 

The manifesto also said the liberalization of the Philippine Aviation Industry through the passage of a law on developing all gateways outside Manila through pocket open skies. 

"The holding of more bilateral and multilateral air talks with other countries is also a critical element in securing more favorable and more relevant Air Service Agreements with our trade and tourism partners for the benefit of all Philippine gateways," the manifesto stated. 

DOTC and CAB approval 

"EO 500B endorsed by the Clark International Airport Corporation (Ciac) has undergone the process required by the Office of the President including the review and approval by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) through the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) prior to its submission to President Arroyo," the group said. 

Lazatin also criticized efforts by other local air carriers in stopping the passage of EO 500B saying: "they only protect their own interest and not the interest of the Filipino people." 

He was referring to the nation's flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), which has been opposing an open skies policy for Clark and Subic. 

Lazatin noted that DMIA in Clark Freeport has been experiencing a growth of passenger flights since 2003. But when MalacaƱang issued EO 500A in August 2006, flights at DMIA have decreased tremendously. 

This, the lawmaker, is hampering the development of the airport and its surrounding communities. "EO 500B is the best alternative to save our airline industry," he said. 

The President recently declared DMIA as the premier gateway of the country. 

Among the carriers operating at DMIA are TigerAirways of Singapore, Air Asia of Malaysia, Asiana Airlines of Korea, China Southen Airlines and Deer Air of China, Southeast Asian Airlines (Seair), Asian Spirit and Cebu Pacific. 

Airport developers like the Changi Airports International of Singapore and the Al Kharafi Group of Kuwait have shown interest in DMIA. 

President Arroyo recently led the inauguration of the Expanded Terminal of DMIA, which costs P112 million. It is expected to increase its passenger capacity to two million passengers annually. 

Ciac, the operating arm of DMIA, also plans to embark in an ambitious project, the development of the Terminal 2. 

The new terminal would increase passenger capacity to seven million to eight million annually

Sun Star Pampanga
Saturday, May 17, 2008
By Reynaldo G. Navales

Philippines Canada sign air rights deal

MANILA, Philippines--Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) scored a victory for the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) by obtaining an agreement for unlimited all-cargo flights between Clark and Canada, with fifth freedom rights thrown in."(It is) very positive for Clark.
Canada recognized the thrust of DMIA as a logistics hub so it is going to grant liberal all-cargo rights between Clark and Canada with fifth freedom rights," CIAC president Victor Jose Luciano told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a text message shortly after the completion of the RP-Canada cargo air talks in Vancouver during the weekend.

Under an agreement signed at the meeting, the two countries will allow at least one flight daily with no capacity limit.As much as 200 tons of cargo can be flown daily by the airlines of both countries. They can also lift and deliver cargo coming from a third country, under fifth freedom rights.
CIAC has long anticipated cargo growth in Clark, which is being positioned as a logistics hub. Clark's DMIA is preparing to develop an P8-billion new complex in anticipation of a boom in both cargo and passenger volumes.The proposed area for Terminal 2 would have ancillary facilities, including a ramp, parking, express and general freight facilities and heavy aircraft maintenance area.

There should also be a cargo terminal, especially in anticipation of the entry of large aircraft. Terminal 2 will have the tubes and air bridges for that, and the cargo terminal beside it will take care of the cargo.Clark's agreement with Canada adds momentum to the government's thrust to draw more cargo traffic through the Philippines to spur more business for airlines, multi-modal logistics providers, small cargo players and allied businesses such as aircraft repair.

In April 2008, Singapore Airlines Engineering Co. (SIAEC), part of the Singapore Airlines Group that provides maintenance services to Singapore's Changi Airport, said it was planning to infuse $100 million into a project involving the setting up of a world-class aircraft repair facility at the DMIA complex.

The Philippines is also gearing for Asia-wide cargo liberalization.The government nominated PAL and Pacific East Asia Cargo Airlines as the country's official carriers under an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) memorandum of agreement for liberalized airfreight services.
The Civil Aviation Board (CAB) said in May 2007 that the memorandum allowed designated airlines of each Asean member to operate all-cargo services up to 100 tons weekly with no limitation on frequency and aircraft type

By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:21:00 05/18/2008

UPS to move Asian hub from Philippines to China

US freight and logistics firm United Parcel Service (UPS) said Wednesday it is relocating its Asian hub from the Philippines to China in the next three years.

Andy Connelly, UPS senior vice president for South Asia Pacific, said the new intra-Asia hub in Shenzhen, China will be operational by 2010.

The new facility, with a total land area of 89,000 sq mts, will launch 100 flights per week and employ 400 people. It has the capacity to process 18,000 packages an hour, Connelly said.

'In the past few years, the increase in trend was moving towards north of Asia,' he said. 'About 75 percent of the intra-Asia package volume shift to North Asia, and the decision was made to handle the packages close to our clients.'

Connelly noted that China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan now account for more than half of UPS' total intra-Asia volume.

'Given the growth in shipping in southern China, it makes sense to sort and dispatch this volume from a hub closer to our customers,' he said.

Connelly said UPS will retain its operations in the Clark industrial zone in the northern Philippines, but on a scaled-down level.

In the next three years, UPS will downsize the number of employees in Clark to 70 from the current 200. Flights will also be reduced to two a day from the current nine. 

Wednesday 21st May, 2008
IANS     Wednesday 21st May, 2008   

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

CAAP Draft CAR's Summary of Parts 1, 2 8, 11


I have spent the last few hours going through the Draft CARS Parts 1, 2, 8 and 11 and have listed below items that I feel are relevant to the General Aviation Community. Please feel free to comment on your own interpretations or email me and I will add your comments to this discussion.

As I see it, the single biggest benefit so far is the removal of the old aircraft type rating on each aircraft type. I can see lots of issues on how it works in practice, but likely, the proficiency check would take place on the highest horse power as it does now. Open to comments!!!! I cannot see where this is specifically stated.

=================================================

Part 1 - General Policies, Procedures and Definitions

Generally Quite straight forward 
Pilots must possess License and medical when in command of an aircraft.
CAAP and Police hae the right to demand the license be produced
Civel and Criminal penalalties can apply as prescribed by the Civel Aviation Act
There is a copmplete list of sanctions/penalties listed for offenses (Some still not 

finalized)

Part 2 - Personnel Licensing

Licenses issued will be: PPL, CPL, MPL, ATPL, Glider, Balloon
Category Ratings on a License may be: Airplane, Helicopter, Glider, Balloon
Class Rating on a Airplane License will be: Single Engine Land, Single Engine Sea, Multi 
Engine Land, Multi Engine Sea, High Performance Airplane
Type Rating Issued for: Each type of aircrfat certified for min two crew operation, each 
type of helicopter, any aircraft considered necessary by the authority
Instrument Ratings: Airplane, Helicopter

Instructor Ratings: Flight, specialist Class/Type/Instrument ratings
Authorizations: Studen Pilot, Examiner, Cat II Pilot, Cat III Pilot, Inspection

Validity:

Log Book is primary source for csatisfying competency requirements
Validity of Licenses is two years

Validation of Foreign Licenses
Based upon validity of foreign license
Must complete a Skills Test for each rating requested
Must have a current medical
Must demonstrate knowledge of Air Law, Human Performance Weather COdes, Flight performance 

and Planning
Speak English
Several Options available - Conversion based on Foreign License, Recipricla Grreement 
between two states, and some more complicate ones
Foreign Medicals ccan be validated
Experience requirements may be reduced if Training is conducted by an approved training 
organization

If you are 60 and operating commercial air transportation, then no more license. However, if 
in a multi-crew envirinment, then you can operate until 65
Private Operation age limitations are not specified

RECENCY REQUIREMENTS

3 take offs and landings in last 90 days
At Night, if no instrument rating, 3 takes offs and landings in last 90 days (Does this mean 
Night VFR is OK???)

RATINGS

Class Rating validity is 1 year for Multi Engine and 2 years for single engine
Single Engine Class Rating Renewal - 12 hours in last 12 months. Complete a Profeciency 
Check in last 24 months
Multi Engine Class Rating Renewal - 10 route sectors withinlast 3 months, profeciency check 
within last 12 months

Type Ratings - 100 hours PIC in aircrfat Category, Instrument Rating if necessary, CRM 
Course, ATPL Knowledge
Single and Multis require Flight Instruction, Instrument Procedures if applicable
All ratings require a Skills Test
Type Ratings are valid for one year
Renewal as per Class Rating, Multi Engine
(This all applies applies to multi engine only as per Ratings section above me thinks)
cat II and III - apply to airlin operation.

LICENSES

Student Pilots
PPL - requires instructor to endorse that student is ready for Knowledge Tests (Looks like 
no more school !!!) 40 hours flight time, 5 of which may be in a Simulator. Valid for two 
years.
CPL - Received and Logged Ground Training from an Authorized Instructer, pass the knowledge 
test, 200 hours or 150 hours if approved training organization, if use dat night, 5 hours 
night, 25 hours dual instruction s opart of 200 hours, can include 5 hours in sim), Class 1 

Medical, Valid for One Year
ATPL - Lots of stuff in here
MPL - Lots of stuff in here

Instrument Rating - Ground Training from an Authorized Instructor, 40 hours total, 10 hours 
in the air, 30 hours sim, Pass a Skills Test, Special Medical Reuirement to pass a hearing 
Test for PPL Medical Holders, pass a knowledge test. (There is a comment about 20 hours 
Ground Time instaed of teh 30 hours sim time, not sure what it means). Valid for one year. 
renewal requires profeciency check.

PPL Helicopter - General teh same as PPl with a few Heklicopter provisions
CPL Helicopter - generally same as CPl with some specific Helicopter provisions
ATPL Helicopter - generally the same as ATPL with some specific helicopter provisions
IR helicopter - generally the same as Ir except for some specific helicopter provisions

INSTRUCTOR RATINGS
Knowledge to CPL Standard, Ground Training from an Authorized Instructor, Pass KNowledge 
Test, min 200 hours single pilot experience, in flight instruction by an acceptable 
instructor, pass skills test
Instructor can issue Train for PPL initially, require 500 hours, plus 200 hours 
instructional time for CPL training
Single Engine CLass Rating Training requires 15 hours in same Class and applicable type in 
last 12 months
Multi Engine Class Rating Training requires 500 hours total flight tiome. 15 hours on same 

type in last 12 months
Flight Instructor Training requires 500 hours of instruction in same Category
Instrument Rating Instruction requires 200 hours actual IFR and passed knowledge test
Synthetic Flight Trainer Instruction requires min 2 yearsexperience in Synthetic Flight 

Trainers. Authorization is validd for two years
Flight Instructor Rating renewals require min of 30 hours logged instructional flight time  
in last two years in last 12 months plus profeciency check

EXMAINERS RATING/LICENSE

Must hold licenses and ratings for which they are  examining
A minimum of 1000 flight time plus a minimum 200 hours of flight instructional time
Pass a Skills Test by an inspector of the Authority

GLIDER PILOTS LICENSE

Requires Ground Training on Knowledge and pass the knowledge test
6 hours of flight time, including 20 launches (and hopefully landings) and including 2 hours 
of solo time
(I think it requires a skills test but it is not specifically stated)
If you have a PPL, 3 hours can be credited
Class 2 Medical Required
Valid for 2 years

FREE BALLOON LICENSE

Requires Ground Training on Knowledge and pass the knowledge test
16 hours flight time, including 8 launches and ascents of which one must be solo
Pass a Skills test
Class 2 Medical Required
Valid for 2 years


PART 8 - Operations

(I have only noted points that MAY be different from the existing regs or of specific 
interest)

LSA (Light SPort Aircraft) is included in the definitions section
Progressive Maintenenance Inspections are allowed for aircraft less than 5700Kg MTOW
Authorization in lieu of Type Rating for 60 days for ferry flights, test flights, training 
to get a type rating, skill test to get a type rating. Can be extended for additional 60 
days
Foreign Registered aircrfat must be operated on license belonging to foreign register (Not 
new, but clearly stated now)
3 take offs and landings in last 90 days, including night. If tail wheel, must be full 
stops, not touch and goes.
If not current, a recurrency training is required. (Make sure you fly every 90 days)
IFR Currency - 6 hours in last 6 months, 3 on type of aircraft or profeciency check doen 
recently. 6 Instrument Approaches. Profeciency Check is good for 6 months currency.

Flight Plans - It appears that Flight Plans are only required for flights in COntrolled 
airspace or if it requires ATS during any part of the flight. Authority can nominate routes 
where flight plans are required irregardless.

Night VFR - 8.8.1.6 states minimas for Night VFR (Hooray) (However, have ssen no rating for 
it anywhere yet)

Formation FLights are allowed if all PIC's are involved. In controlled airspace, it is 
allowed subject to some sensible requirements in terms of aircraft maximum seperation and 
Flight Leader Responsibilities. No Passengers allowed ot be carried for Hire.


Specifies right of Way Rules for Water Operations

Simulated Instrument Flight is allowed ina Dual COntrol aircraft with a Safety Pilot, who 
can hold a PPL, rated in same aircraft and current

Aerobatic Flight is allowed except fo rteh following conditions: Below an Altitude of 1500 
feet, Visibility less than 3 miles, Not in Class B, C, D, E Airspace, over a town, over a 
group of people. Waivers may be applied for. Parachutes must be worn if bank Angles exceed 
60 degrees

VFR Crusiing Altitudes apply above 3000 feet

Special VFR is allowed, pilot must be instrument rated as must the aircraft.

Night VFR; Ok here it is: No Person may operate a VFR FLight between sunset and sunrise 
unless authorized by teh appropriate ATC Authority and operating in accordance with any 
conditions prescribed by the authority (Oh well, we did have hope for a while ... )


Single Pilot Ifr Day or night is allowed if 9 pax seats or less, flight manual allows single 
pilot ifr, must be propellor driven, MTOW less than 5700Kg, equipeed appropriately, pic is 
current ifr. Turbines are alowed if a trend Momnitoring system is in place.

Single Pilot IFR Day or Night require minimum of 50 hours on aircraft type. min of 10 pic.25 
hours of which must be ifr as well. In last 90 days, 5 Ifr flights, including 3 instrument 
approaches. AIrcraft must have undergone an Instrument Approach check in last 90 days

PART 11

Of specific interest is teh permitting of Glider Towing and teh recognition of Sport Aircraft Category. 
As I can see it, th Sport Aircraft Category is pretty much as it stands now. It is in a section called Non-Type 
Certificated Aircraft; Operating Limitations
There appears to be no mention of exoperimental, however the term Home Built is used.


Monday, May 19, 2008

Notice of Public Hearing for new CAAP CAR's

 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ALL A.O. 121, A.O. 135 OPERATORS AND GENERAL AVIATION

ALL PILOTS AND MAINTENANCE SCHOOLS

ALL CONCERNED

The Air Transportation Office (ATO) will hold a public hearing on 26 May 2008, Monday, 1:00 PM at its Conference Room, Main Building, MIA Road, Pasay City. Said public hearing will deliberate on the proposed Civil Aviation Regulations. 

We would appreciate your presence on said activity so that we could hear your views, comments and recommendations.

You can log on at www.ato.gov.ph for advance information on the proposed regulations.

Please confirm your attendance with the Office of the Assistant Secretary at telephone number 8799-104 on or before 23 May 2008.

By Authority of the Secretary, DOTC:

 DANIEL A. DIMAGIBA

Executive Director

Final Draft CAAP CAR's now available for Download on the Aviation Philippines Web Site

Thanks to a good friend of mine (Liam) who saved the drafts before the ATO website went away, we have made the Drafts  of the new CAAP CAR's available for download on the Aviation Philippines web site.

The files are available as Pdf's in the members area, under the ATO section

If your remember you old http://Aviation.ph login, that will still work. If you have forgotten your password, there is a link at the left of the home page to reset it.

If all else fails, simply join again.

We hope to see some lively discussion on what they contain ..

Liam and I will be scratching our heads over what they mean and I will post our thoughts on my blog Aviation in the Philippines over the coming couple of weeks.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

GMA Opens WCC's new Airfield in Binalonan

This is the Press Release from http://www.gov.ph/news/printerfriendly.asp?i=20129

PGMA eyes Binalonan as future investment and dev’t center in North Luzon 
Saturday, February 16, 2008 


BINALONAN, Pangasinan – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured residents of this town that she would help them make Binalonan more attractive for investment and development within the North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle.

The President made the assurance in her speech at the inauguration this morning of the Binalonan Airfield owned and managed by Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico and family and on the occasion of the annual town fiesta.

But the President was quick to add that before Binalonan could be made more attractive for investment and development, there is a need to improve its airport and seaport.

As a first move, the President ordered the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Air Transportation Office (ATO) to make feasibility studies so that the WCC Aeronautical College and its airfield can qualify to operate a cargo fleet.

She assured the residents that ATO is prepared to give license to WCC or World City College so that their airfield can operate a cargo fleet to transport their agricultural produce to Metro Manila and nearby provinces soon.

As of today, WCC is a registered and licensed flying airfield school only.

The airfield was constructed to complement the operations of the WCC Aeronautical College and Aviation Company. The company operates Motors Flying School, Flight Attendants School and Binalonan Airfield.

To date, the company has a fleet of 26 trainer airplanes engaged in the Southeast Asian aviation business such as charter flights, airport operation, airport handling services, accommodation, aircraft and parts sales, and community outreach, among others.

Destined to become the newest architectural and tourist landmark in Binalonan, the airport of the WCC Aeronautical College is now the home of future pilots and aircraft mechanics from other Asian countries and the Middle East.

WCC now has 176 student pilots from India (100 students), Nepal (26), China (20), Myanmar (10), Malaysia (10), Pakistan (3), Russia (2) and the Philippines (5).

In a parallel move to further help the farmers of Binalonan, the President directed Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to release the P100 million intended for the construction of downstream irrigation system from San Roque Dam down to the agricultural fields in San Manuel and Binalonan.

She also ordered the DOTC and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to make a separate study to extend the Subic-Tarlac Expressway up to Rosario in La Union province.

In addition, the President ordered Transportation Undersecretary Aneli Lontoc to make another study to extend the operation of the North Luzon Railways from Caloocan City to Malolos City in Bulacan to Dagupan City in Pangasinan.

The President also assigned the DOTC and Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) president and Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico to draw a master plan and look for the best place for the construction of seaports in the province.

After the inauguration of the airfield, the President inspected its facilities, including its hangar. 

New FBO Opens in Dumaguete

The following press release was supplied by Mr. Blair Saceda, one of the principles involved with a new FBO and flight training opreation to start at  Dumaguete airport, Negros Oriental.

The School name is Aviation Link Asia Flight Training Center, its main office is at Pilipinas Aero Hangar, Plaridel Airport, in Bulacan. The school owns 2 Cessna 150's and is also leasing 2 other Cessna 150's. Right now the school is awaiting the release of its Air Agency Permit and the certification of its aircrafts.

When opened, the school will offer PPL,CPL,FI,GI Programs. It will also lease planes for other purposes such as aerial video/photography, coastline project inspections for NGO's & intro flights for aspiring pilots.


Blair Saceda