Aviation

China’s domestically built AG60E electric aircraft makes first flight

In a historic milestone, the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Corporation declared the successful maiden flight of the AG60E electric aircraft, a self-developed iteration based on the AG60 model. The noteworthy event took place at Jiande Qiandaohu Airport in Zhejiang Province, East China, on Wednesday. Marking a pivotal moment in the country’s pursuit of sustainable aviation.

The development team responsible for this milestone undertook a comprehensive range of tasks, from meticulously selecting the motor, electronic control system, and power battery, to conducting rigorous testing and verification of the electric propulsion system integration. Additionally, they focused on aircraft safety and airworthiness compliance, ensuring that the AG60E met the highest standards of performance and reliability.

The AG60E is the transformed version of the AG60 light sport aircraft, embodying a strategic shift towards low-altitude electric aviation. With a length of 6.9 meters, a wing span of 8.6 meters, and a ceiling of 3,600 meters, the AG60E boasts impressive specifications. It can cover a range of 1,100 kilometers, achieving a maximum level flight speed of 218 kilometers per hour.

More than a technical upgrade, the electrification of the AG60 into the AG60E represents a strategic move that propels the low-altitude economy into a new era. The success of the AG60E’s maiden flight serves as a testament to the significant strides made in electric aviation technology. It underscores the immense potential of electric aircraft to revolutionize the travel industry by providing cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable alternatives to conventional airplanes.

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Aviation

Lost Tool Found in Qantas A380 After 34 Flights

An Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation recently revealed that a Qantas A380 operated 34 flights with a 1.25-meter nylon tool lodged in one of its engines.

This turning tool, used during borescope inspections to rotate the intermediate-pressure compressor, was left behind during scheduled maintenance at Los Angeles on December 6, 2023. It remained inside the engine until it was discovered by maintenance staff during a subsequent check at Los Angeles on January 1, 2024.

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The ATSB report highlights two critical lapses. First, maintenance engineers failed to notice the tool during final checks for foreign objects after the borescope inspection. Second, the lost tool procedure was not activated when the tool was identified as missing.

The certifying engineer ultimately cleared the aircraft for service without accounting for the misplaced tool. During the time qantas films the tool was inside, the A380 completed 34 flight cycles, accumulating nearly 294 hours without any noticeable effect on engine performance.

Although the tool was deformed by high-energy airflow within the engine, there was no reported damage to the engine itself. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell commented.

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“This incident underscores the importance of following established maintenance protocols. Engineers missed the tool during foreign object checks, and the required lost tool procedure wasn’t started after realizing the tool was missing.”

Following the investigation, the airline issued a safety directive, urging all engineering and tool storage teams to adhere strictly to these protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A qantas spokesperson stated, “While the tool didn’t impact engine performance, we take this incident very seriously. It is critical to follow the correct lost tool procedures.”