Geoff R.

Heard a rumour they are going to be Sarawak bound, possibly after some work at Eurocopter Malaysia. Geoff

Germany: ADAC retires Bo105 after 35 years of service - last four off to Malaysia The non-profit ADAC (General German Automobile Association) air rescue today retired its last four Bo105 helicopters, thus ending a 35-year era in Germany. They have been handed over to their new owners, and they will be used for further EMS work in Malaysia. The Bo 105 entered service with ADAC in November 1970 as their first rescue helicopter, and they operated a total of 14 - known locally as "yellow angels". The helicopter provided extremely reliable with ADAC, while remaining agile and economical - no surprises then that it became the most frequent assigned EMS helicopter in the world. Howver, the European JAR OPS 3 rules meant that the Bo105 no longer meets the prescribed performance requirements and thus need replacing by more modern types. ADAC currently operates 43 helicopters of the types BK117, EC135 and EC145 at 33 rescue stations across Germany. The last four Bo105s have now been packed into containers and moved to Hamburg, from where they will continue by ship to Malaysia. Source: Rotorhub.com editorial team Anybody have any more information? Who will operate the aircraft, where will they be based? Geoff

Although these restriction are a further inconvience, if anyone has any doubts why they have been imposed just have a look at the video on the BBC website released today http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6442017.stm The bomb was made using "chipatti flour and hydrogen peroxide". Without these restrictions it is quite easy for any terrorist to get everything he/she needs onboard an aircraft undetected. Geoff

Figures of survivors and fatalities still seem to be unconfirmed with numbers varying in press reports between 20 and 50, but thankfully most of the 140 on board seem to have got out. Here is a report from a journalist that was onboard - pretty scary stuff. http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Seven-...3166789861.html geoff-r

When I flew KUL-AUH on the 16th February the aircraft was virtually full. So maybe Etihad have got a good money earning route already. I flew in business class and all seats were taken - great service and the 340 is real nice to fly in. Flying time was 8 hours 10 minutes. G