Spotting & research

Argentine registrations illustrated: From LV-AXA to LV-AXZ

Carlos Ay

As anticipated in our introduction to this new Gaceta Aeronáutica special section, we update and illustrate more profusely our listing of Argentine registrations in the LV-AXA to LV-AXZ range, spanning through nearly three decades of turbulent, traumatic and erratic Argentine aviation history from the late 1980s to the first decade of the 21st Century. Check our story to notice its improved graphical layout and review the several interesting items getting Argentine markings in this block.

Spotting & research

Lima Victor register illustrated

Carlos Ay

Reviving, updating and spicing up a project inherited from our forerunner, Pista 18, we are pleased to introduce a brief summary to the history and operation of the Argentine Republic National Civil Aircraft Register, from its first implementation in 1926 to the present day. This first story is both an introduction to, and the launching of, an ambitious project aimed at rescuing images and information on all Argentine civil-registered aircraft so as to present them in a graphically attractive layout illustrating the rich “aeronautical fauna” populating Argentine skies throughout the years.

Defence & security

Agusta 109 in Argentine military service

Carlos Ay

Shortly after beginning a story that has seen it flying for nearly four decades, the Agusta A-109A Hirundo joined the ranks of the Argentine Army to form the nucleus of a dedicated attack and scout helicopter force within the service’s aviation branch. In the following quarter of a century, the type was to serve under the Argentine flag in developing and attack and scout helicopter employment doctrine, experiment with a number of local and foreign weapons integration projects and eventually see action against British ground forces in the 1982 Malvinas War. Read on and get to know this sleek Italian helicopter’s background while in Argentine military service.

General aviation

Executive aviation comes of age at FIDAE 2012

Carlos Ay

After decades overshadowed by their military peers, executive aviation exhibitions appeared to come of age at FIDAE 2012. Chile’s steady economical and business evolution has sparked a surge in interest from executive aircraft manufacturers, which have identified an attractively growing market among South American economic groups now doing business on a regional or global basis. And Chilean aerospace firms, either seasoned aviation natives or new business ventures, have positioned themselves smartly as value added partners offering a variety of integrated services to their local customer base. Check our in-depth debriefing to learn about the key industry players at the show, their local counterparts and the products they showcased in Pudahuel.

Media & publications

Argentine civil aircraft register unveiled!

Carlos Ay

Published and sold by Ediciones Argentinidad since March 2012, is the first of two volumes revealing complete data on close to 9,000 registrations in official Argentine civil aircraft records. The result of a massive research effort by historians Michael Magnusson and Gabriel Pavlovcic, “Complete Civil Aircraft Argentine Register 1938-2011 (Volume 1: LV-A to LV-M)”, opens up an informed window to registrations in Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Agency records, complemented by author’s research elsewhere. Attaining the highest score in our media rating system, this book is a must for any serious Argentine civil aviation expert.

Commercial air transport

Two LAN Boeing 767s to Caribbean

Carlos Ay

After sixteen years serving long-distance and high-traffic routes from Santiago de Chile or Lima (Peru), two of LAN Airlines’ oldest Boeing 767-300ERs are finding their way into warmer weather with Caribbean Airlines. During June 2012, they will commence non-stop services linking Trinidad and Barbados with the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe through the London’s Gatwick gateway. Aimed at offering reliable travel options to European customers looking for non-stop flights to the Lesser Antilles and/or onward connections at both ends of the new routes, these new Caribbean Airlines services represent a major strategic move by the Trinidad & Tobago carrier.

Defence & security

King Air vigilantes in FIDAE 2012

Carlos Ay

In line with World-wide trends, FIDAE 2012 was an ideal stage for a number of modern intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance companies to promote both their manned and unmanned airborne solutions for a wide range of military and government applications. Heralded by the renowned Wichita manufacturer and populated by American, European and Middle Eastern offerings, industry was marketing a variety of systems turning long range King Airs 350/350ER aircraft into cost-effective solutions for battlefield surveillance, signal intelligence, maritime patrol, search and rescue and border surveillance, enforcement of terrorism, piracy, contraband and anti-narcotics legislation and environmental protection against pollution, illegal fishing and forest fires.

General aviation

Live long, King Air?

Carlos Ay

Even with its manufacturer navigating stormy financial weather through and after the show, the King Air family was again on display and featured its largest FIDAE appearance in 2012. Learn the latest offerings in the half-century King Air legacy, get acquainted with their newest Chilean dealer and representative, Aviasur, and take a peek at the Wichita manufacturer’s delicate cash-flow situation, immediate plans and business forecasts.

Air shows & aviation events

FIDAE 2012 day by day…

Carlos Ay

Gaceta Aeronáutica correspondents were in place and started gathering information and images four days before the show’s official opening on Tuesday 27 March 2012. Take a look at our “quick daily log” reviewing the most relevant activities recorded day by day, a selection of images captured on-site and our complete table of aircraft participating in the XVII International Air & Space Fair (FIDAE 2012).