Your views about the aerospace industry and our reporting
Time for a reality check
In issue after issue we are regaled by tales of new companies planning the latest thing in private flying – electric, unmanned, hydrogen, supersonic – you name it and there is a product.
Every one of these companies claim they will be delivering aircraft to customers in a few years – and that certification will only take a year or so.
By contrast, we also read that Gulfstream, a company with over 50 years of experience and backed by some very serious investors, will be taking two and four years respectively to produce and field the G800 and G400 – derivative designs of existing conventional business jets (Flight International, November 2021).
Something doesn’t stack up here – and I don’t think it’s Gulfstream which is guilty of over-optimism.
Rob Wallace
Reading, Berkshire, UK
Life-saving response
As a result of my letter calling for the establishment of an independent body to co-ordinate rapid airlift response in times of crisis (Flight International, October 2021), I have been advised that the main obstacles will be agreement and funding.
So, let’s remove both. Every geographical area of influence will be manned by a virtual office of volunteers. When a call comes, they will assess the local need and inform the central office – again largely manned by volunteers – who will contact the appropriate operators of suitable aircraft for their assistance.
Funding for these extra missions will be provided by public donations, and contributions from the aircraft providers.
This would be simple, quick and cost-effective, with no threat of governmental delay and interference.
David Stevens
Woking, Surrey, UK
