The Future of Aviation Medicine in Europe: Untangling the Web

In April 2008 the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), an executive agency of the European Commission, became responsible for the Licensing and Medical Standards of pilots in Europe.

The advent of a pan-European legislative structure for the regulation of aviation medical assessments in Europe is an exciting and challenging prospect. The objective of improving flight safety for the citizens of Europe by the harmonisation of medical standards is laudable and well supported.

On the eve of the 2010 Singapore Air Show, RICHARD GARDNER looks at evolving air power in the Asia-Pacific defence market.

Defence and aerospace leaders from all over the Asia-Pacific region will be heading towards the Changi exhibition site in February to see what is of interest in one of the world’s most dynamic defence markets. For the global giants, especially those based in Europe, suffering from a general downturn in home defence business, this region represents a highly valuable export outlet which can play a key role in extending production flows through the recession period.

A submission from the Royal Aeronautical Society

Summary
It is axiomatic that the UK needs broad and effective access to the world air transport system; this is a necessary function of maintaining a competitive national economy as well as encouraging economic growth in the British regions.

Ballantyne 2010 - Flying out of a Recession

The Royal Aeronautical Society is pleased to announce its annual 2010 Ballantyne event sponsored by Boeing. This years theme “Flying out of a Recession” will give 14-18 year olds a unique opportunity to hear first hand from industry experts on starting and progressing a career in aerospace, during a time of financial downturn.

On a battlefield, integrity of a weapon system is paramount. In addition, interoperability is rapidly becoming mandatory. The way in which they interact, positively or negatively, is now therefore of crucial importance.

As a diversion to the normal hot air and Rozier balloon exploits, Janet will present her experiences in long distance competitive gas ballooning. At the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race in 2009 Janet and Ann Rich broke the female duration world record flying for almost 70 hours, covering 1,100 kms from Geneva to Madrid. The gas used was hydrogen and the balloon was a traditional “old” gas balloon.

In 2010, Arianespace celebrates its 30th anniversary. Since our creation in 1980, we have focused on a single goal: guaranteeing assured access to space for all satellites, whether they help further the progress of science, contribute to the understanding of our planet, maintain the peace, or support telecommunications in our connected world.

Beyond the horizon: the convergence of swords and ploughshares

Seldom, if ever, has the RAeS conference been held in times of such challenge for the profession of aeronautics, both civil and military.

Since the conference last year, we have seen a global financial crisis of an unprecedented severity. This has resulted in most nations having to take dramatic action to maintain stability in their economies, leading to significantly elevated levels of government debt and the consequent need for major public budget constraints. Equally, major companies have also reconsidered investment in new equipment, none more so than the airlines.

The current ‘Space Age’ arguably began in the immediate post war ‘40s when V2s began to carry instruments above the atmosphere to determine Earth’s environment at high altitudes. A decade later orbital spaceflight began and yet another decade or so led to the first human presence on the moon. Since then there has been a more or less permanent, if small, human population in orbit around our planet.

We look around at a complex and uncertain world; a world of contradictions. We are now a global village where it is easy to communicate but difficult to understand. Where the wonder of flight has brought people together yet highlighted the difference in point of view.

Flight has fascinated man from the moment early homo sapiens watched in envy the flying creatures of the past swiftly cross enormous distances in search of food – probably the only commodity of value at the beginning of mankind. Different things have value today and aviation is key to getting these things to us quickly, economically and safely.

In March of 2007 the United States and European Commission signed into effect the next round of Open Skies legislation. Using this legislation as the back drop, British Airways’ Willie Walsh sanctioned a project to look at and evaluate the feasibility of starting a new airline, within the group, that would seize the opportunity.

Innovation has always been the life blood of aviation and space development. From the most entrepreneurial of beginnings to massive corporations the contributions to advancing aerospace that have come from innovations can not be understated. Yet as the industry has matured innovation has become increasingly difficult to achieve.

The current expectation is that the demand for air transport will continue to grow throughout the next century. Aviation is an enabler, serving many market sectors and contributing to improved quality of life for many millions of people around the world. There are brand new markets emerging in India and China and in the mature markets new business models have increased demand substantially.

Lord Drayson assesses the role of government in the achievements of the UK’s aerospace industry to date.

He outlined the challenges facing the sector over the next few decades – those affecting scientists, business leaders and policy makers before considering how lessons from the past should inform a successful and strategic approach to the future.

Dr Billings will discuss his 60 years as a physician, flight surgeon and teacher, using as examples some research studies in which he has been involved to illustrate the breadth of research needs of the civil aviation community that have motivated his work.

The history of aviation is filled with individuals, companies and governments tapping into the spirit of innovation to address the many challenges that stood before them. Today the global aviation community is called upon to do the same to deal with the trials we have before us today and the tests to come in the future.

Aeronautics and aviation rely heavily upon science and technology for their success. The complexity and level of the intellectual challenges that are put down has meant that, from the very beginning, academics have made many important contributions and academia has provided bespoke, high quality training for those people who wish to work in the associated industries.

Concorde was awarded a full Certificate of Airworthiness by the French authorities on 9 October 1975, followed by the UK on 5 December. The aircraft, now an airliner, was technically complete and in all respects ready for service. A bitter sweet occasion; the successful climax to six and a half years of intensive flying and testing, but with little prospect of developing the “B” model. The baton had passed to the operators.

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) is a small aerospace business with more than sixty (60) years experience in research, aerospace technology development, rapid prototyping, testing for military and civilian aerospace industry worldwide.
Its founder, Frank Nicholas Piasecki, was a pioneer in the vertical aviation industry and served as PiAC President until his death in February 11th 2008.