Aviation

Comac C919 Moves Closer to Securing EU Certification with EASA

China’s first home-grown passenger jet, the C919, is edging closer to receiving certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), following a crucial on-the-ground inspection by the regulator.

According to a report from the South China Morning Post, Chinese sources disclosed that EASA provided positive feedback after their second visit in July, a critical phase in the jet’s certification process.

During this visit, EASA inspectors engaged in hands-on evaluations using COMAC’s full-size level-D simulators, marking the third round of EASA’s four-step compliance demonstration process. This phase is particularly significant as it focuses on ensuring that the aircraft’s structure, electrical systems, and overall design meet stringent regulatory standards.

Aircraft comparisons between the comac C919 and the B737 max 8:Click here

The visit also included testing a Chinese-made complete flight simulator, which rivals the simulators used for the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max. comac c919 vs boeing 737 price

The positive feedback from EASA is a promising indicator, suggesting that the C919 may be on track for preliminary approval. While full certification remains distant, with European approval anticipated by 2025, this feedback is a critical milestone in the aircraft’s journey towards entering the international market.

Chinese media has expressed optimism about the C919’s progress, particularly as EASA has shown keen interest in the aircraft’s commercial operations within China. COMAC is expected to begin flight testing for EASA later this year or early next year, aligning with their goal of achieving full certification by 2025.

Is China’s COMAC C919 better than B737max and A319neo?:Click here

Currently, China Eastern Airlines, the only airline operating the C919, has seven of these jets in service, connecting major cities across five routes. As of the end of July, the C919 has flown 3,100 flights, carrying 420,000 passengers, underscoring its growing role in China’s aviation industry.

With EASA’s positive response and continued testing, the C919 is steadily moving closer to earning its place in the global aviation market, representing a significant achievement for China’s aerospace ambitions.

Aviation

Two Russian Schoolboys Arrested for Destroying Mi-8T Helicopter

In a shocking act of sabotage, two Russian teenagers, aged 13 and 14, have been arrested for burning down a Mi-8T military helicopter at an airport.

The boys, Timur and Sasha, reportedly used flammable liquid and cigarettes to ignite the helicopter, resulting in a fiery explosion that caused severe damage, leaving the aircraft almost completely destroyed.

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According to reports by Russian media outlet BAZA, which has close ties to law enforcement, the teenagers claimed they were promised around £42,000 through the Telegram messaging app in exchange for carrying out the attack.

Two Russian schoolboys, aged 13 and 14 years, burned down a Mi-8T helicopter (RA-24519) at the airport of the city of Noyabrsk, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of Russia on 11 September 2024.

Russian authorities arrested the teenagers on charges of blowing up a Mi-8 helicopter by… pic.twitter.com/MvVeoZFoZU— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 15, 2024

While the source of the offer remains unknown, one theory suggests the boys may have been motivated by the hope that the act could somehow help bring home the father of one of the teenagers, who had been conscripted to fight in the war in Ukraine.

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The destruction of the £1 million helicopter led to their immediate arrest, as the boys suffered significant facial and hand burns during the incident. After fleeing the scene, they sought medical assistance, which ultimately revealed their involvement in the attack. Both teenagers are now under armed guard while receiving treatment in a local hospital.

Authorities revealed that this was not the first act of sabotage carried out by the boys. Earlier, they confessed to being paid £250 to destroy a mobile phone mast, which they successfully completed before targeting the helicopter. During their interrogation, they admitted to receiving 30,000 rubles for setting fire to the cell tower and were promised 5 million rubles for the helicopter attack.

The Mi-8T helicopter, used for military purposes, was reportedly left “almost completely wrecked,” with only the tail remaining intact following the explosion.