GAMA Sees ‘Signs Of Recovery’

Although delivery numbers for general aviation aircraft manufactured in the U.S. were down by 3.5 percent in 2011 over the year before, the numbers do show "reasons for optimism," Caroline Daniels, chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association said on Wednesday. At the annual news conference for the release of industry data, Daniels said the hoped-for turnaround did not take place last year, "but we did see signs of recovery." Total billings were up about 0.4 percent. Deliveries were down in all segments, Daniels said, but the declines generally were in the "single digits." A few companies did show their deliveries were flat and several showed improvement, Daniels said.

Nigeria Plans ‘Aerotropolis’

In the U.S., airports generally are sited far beyond the outer edges of urban areas, but a new project in Nigeria aims to make the airport the very center of the city. The proposed Minna Airport City/Aerotropolis Project will consist of two runways that cross diagonally, with a control tower in the middle, and a city built in the areas between the runways, with hotels, shops, a conference center, a hospital, and a manufacturing district, according to a recent story in Miller-McCune. Currently there is a general aviation airport on the site, with an 11,000-foot runway, that handles fewer than 10 flights a day. The airport district would extend well beyond the airport boundary, and connect to other nearby urban areas. The country, which is the most populous state in Africa, is trying to diversify its economy and develop more agricultural and mineral exports.

Nigeria Plans ‘Aerotropolis’

In the U.S., airports generally are sited far beyond the outer edges of urban areas, but a new project in Nigeria aims to make the airport the very center of the city. The proposed Minna Airport City/Aerotropolis Project will consist of two runways that cross diagonally, with a control tower in the middle, and a city built in the areas between the runways, with hotels, shops, a conference center, a hospital, and a manufacturing district, according to a recent story in Miller-McCune. Currently there is a general aviation airport on the site, with an 11,000-foot runway, that handles fewer than 10 flights a day. The airport district would extend well beyond the airport boundary, and connect to other nearby urban areas. The country, which is the most populous state in Africa, is trying to diversify its economy and develop more agricultural and mineral exports.

Opponents Unite Against EU Carbon Tax

Government representatives from at least 26 countries are meeting in Moscow to discuss their opposition to the European Union's controversial aviation carbon tax. The group, which includes the U.S., China and Russia, says the carbon tax is really a trade barrier disguised as an environmental incentive and many, including the U.S., have passed legislation against participating in the scheme. But the EU says its plan, which sees airlines pay escalating taxes for going over diminishing allotments of emissions over the next eight years, is a necessary part of the global effort to fight climate change. Those opposed say Europe is welcome to carry that torch but airlines flying to and from European destinations shouldn't be subject to the tax. There are now signs the issue could blow up into a trade war.

Pilots Walk Away From R22/Bonanza Midair

Both pilots walked away after a Beech Bonanza and Robinson R22 touched in midair near Sacramento, Calif., on Sunday. The R22 lost its tail rotor in the collision but the pilot was apparently uninjured, and was sitting in the car of a bystander when rescue crews arrived. "She was a little shaken up, but she was completely with it," Capt. Brandon Wilson of the Rio Vista Fire Department told CNN. "Initially, she didn't want to go to the hospital." The Bonanza continued flying for about 20 miles before the pilot made either a forced or precautionary landing in a field near Byron. He was uninjured.

Chinese Pilot Wants To Form Aerobatic Team

Wei Chen, a Chinese citizen and Memphis resident who flew around the world in his TBM700 and became the first Chinese "earthrounder," says he wants to start the first civilian aerobatic team in his home country. Thanks to the growing number of airshows in China in recent years, aerobatic performance is in booming demand. Several western and Chinese military teams flew during different events last year and wowed crowds of spectators. Last month Wei inked a letter of intent with the Xi'An provincial government's aviation arm to jointly form an aerobatic team. The aircraft of choice are Nanchang CJ-6s and Extra 300s. Wei told AVweb in an interview that he plans to enlist all Chinese GA pilots for the team and borrow western experience and safety standards for its operation. Also in the plan is the formation of a GA exhibition company. "My goal is the same as always. I want to promote GA and the passion for flying in China," Wei said.

Bonus Depreciation Stripped From Bill

An extension of 100-percent bonus depreciation was stripped from the bill to extend payroll tax relief. The bill was approved by both houses last week and is now ready for the president's signature. It's a derivative of the same legislation that caused a major political crisis before Christmas as the polarized Congress finally agreed to a short-term extension of the tax cut and put off consideration of the entire bill for two months. In its original form, 100-percent bonus depreciation for business purchases was extended for another year but the bill that was finally approved does not contain that language.

Opponents Unite Against EU Carbon Tax

Government representatives from at least 26 countries are meeting in Moscow to discuss their opposition to the European Union's controversial aviation carbon tax. The group, which includes the U.S., China and Russia, says the carbon tax is really a trade barrier disguised as an environmental incentive and many, including the U.S., have passed legislation against participating in the scheme. But the EU says its plan, which sees airlines pay escalating taxes for going over diminishing allotments of emissions over the next eight years, is a necessary part of the global effort to fight climate change. Those opposed say Europe is welcome to carry that torch but airlines flying to and from European destinations shouldn't be subject to the tax. There are now signs the issue could blow up into a trade war.

Of Spitfires and Martial Music

Or how to waste an entire afternoon on YouTube looking for something you didn't know you wanted.

Boeing Hosts A Presidential Visit

Companies like Boeing that create jobs in the U.S. instead of shipping them overseas should be rewarded with tax breaks, President Obama said during a visit to the manufacturer in Everett, Wash., on Friday. Boeing has put "thousands of folks to work all over the country," Obama said. "We want to see more of this. We need to make it as easy as we can for our companies to create more jobs in America. And that starts with our tax code." He said he also wants to make it easier for companies like Boeing to export their products. Obama filmed his weekly address from the plant, with airplanes under construction in the background.