Latest news with #Bauer
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The complex life cycle of giant aircraft – and why you might be better off in an older model
At 19, the world's oldest commercial A380 is hardly ancient but – in aircraft years – it's reached an age at which most large jets (the affectionate nickname for all wide, long bodied aircraft) retire to the great boneyards of the desert. Not this one though: after a five-year hiatus, it's back ploughing the skies for Emirates, according to The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) says that most planes have a life cycle of around 25-30 years, but that includes a long period of research and development before their first commercial flights take off. If you find yourself on a comparatively ancient aircraft, don't worry: planes are subjected to frequent tests to ensure safety and usually retire because they become less commercially competitive rather than dangerous. A wide-body aircraft's journey involves a long period of incubation and subsequent nurturing before it can go out into the world. 'The journey from the design board to commercial service for a commercial aircraft is one of the most complex undertakings in modern industrial engineering,' says Linus Benjamin Bauer, founder and managing direction of the aviation consultancy BAA & Partners. 'Typically, the aircraft development programme takes up to 15 years to bring a new aircraft such as the A380 to market.' The original jumbo, Boeing's 747, was conceived in 1966 and began to fly commercially four years later thanks to tight deadlines imposed by its first purchaser, Pan Am. But, before paying passengers can get onboard, planes face 'initial conceptual studies, customer consultations, digital modelling, prototype development and regulatory certification,' according to Bauer. 'Certification itself is particularly rigorous,' he says. 'Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with thousands of airworthiness requirements. Each new aircraft must pass a full-scale evacuation test – where all passengers must exit within 90 seconds using only half the available exits. Structural integrity is validated through static testing, where airframes are pushed 50 per cent beyond their design limits, and fatigue testing, which simulates decades of flight cycles.' These tests can make or break a plane's popularity: when they uncovered issues with weight in some of Boeing's earliest 787 aircraft (nicknamed the 'Terrible Teens'), the planes were rejected by airlines including All Nippon Airways and Royal Air Maroc, according to the website (though they now take to the skies with Ethiopian and Air Austral). The A380 also had a complicated conception. 'While technologically advanced, it was delayed by nearly two years due to a major production issue,' says Bauer. 'The wiring systems designed in Germany were incompatible with the French-built fuselage sections because they used different 3D modelling software versions. This misalignment triggered an expensive and [potentially] reputationally damaging cascade of redesigns.' Running costs affect the lifespan of an aircraft, as well as advancing technology and trends. The A380 is a hulk of a plane and its days have long been numbered, thanks to expenses linked to its size. In 2021, Emirates, the biggest fan of the aircraft with 121 in its fleet, took delivery of the last one ever made. It meant that the A380 had a much shorter run than the 747, which only went out of production in 2022, after more than five decades. Born out of a desire to fit more passengers into the cabin and raise per-seat profits, the 747 has been a huge success, with no competitors to match it in terms of seat capacity until the A380 came along 37 years later. Both aircraft continue to fly, with Forbes claiming there are 400 747s still in service (almost double the amount of A380s ever made). Keeping older planes going requires meticulous maintenance and careful piloting. New tech is retro-fitted and they often have makeovers to bring their cabins or liveries up to date too: in May 2025, Korean Air unveiled a 747-8i sporting its smart new blue look and logo. 'Over the course of a jet's life, it will undergo extensive maintenance and repair, but these do not imply degradation in safety,' says Bauer. 'On the contrary, aircraft become more stringently monitored as they age. Airlines conduct daily line checks, periodic A- and B-checks, and deep-dive C- and D-checks where the aircraft is virtually dismantled, inspected, and rebuilt every six to ten years. Engines are overhauled or replaced, flight control systems updated, and any structural fatigue is carefully monitored using non-destructive testing techniques. Safety margins remain extremely high, and ageing aircraft are continuously evaluated under regulatory oversight from authorities such as the Federal Aviation Authority and EASA.' But the shadow of retirement always lingers, because aircraft manufacturers are endlessly innovating to make their products lighter and more sustainable. It's been impossible to fly from the UK in a 747 since 2020, when both BA and Virgin Atlantic retired theirs (hop to Frankfurt, however, and you can board a Lufthansa 747-8 to one of 12 destinations, including Tokyo Haneda, Buenos Aires and Newark). President Trump also travels on the two, heavily customised 747s in the Air Force One fleet, and was recently gifted another one by the Qatari government. It will, however, require a bit of retrofitting if it is to serve in the fleet. 'The President and his travel companions enjoy 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, including an extensive suite for the President that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. Air Force One includes a medical suite that can function as an operating room, and a doctor is permanently on board,' the White House website reveals. For normal passengers, A380s remain attractive: roomy, with a smooth ride, they're renowned for being comfortable on long-haul journeys while their First Class and Business cabins have space for plenty of onboard luxuries. There are even proper showers on some Emirates' A380s – which goes some way to explain the reluctance to decommission them by some airlines, despite 787s and A350s being more economical. In 2024, IATA revealed that the average age of a commercial aircraft was 14 years and 10 months, and the EASA states that almost a third of all of Europe's planes are due to be retired in the next decade. The lucky ones will live out their days in aerospace museums such as Paris's Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace in Paris Le Bourget. Others are dismantled so that approved working parts can be reused, and some cabin furniture finds its way into films and TV shows, offices and even homes. Much of what can't be reused, including titanium, aluminium and rubber, can be recycled, though about 15 per cent of waste ends up in landfill, according to the EASA. Among the retirees, there are bound to be more A380s and 747s because, in 2026, another giant is expected on the scene: the 777-9. Longer even than the 747-8, with the largest engines of any passenger plane, it should still cut fuel consumption by 10 per cent and has been ordered by British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa amongst others. 'The aircraft features new carbon-fibre composite wings, advanced GE9X engines, and a reimagined passenger cabin,' says Bauer. 'From my point of view, the 777X will effectively mark the end of the 747 in passenger service. While some 747-8is may remain in limited use, and freighter versions will continue for years due to their payload advantages, the age of four-engine passenger aircraft is over. It is not sentiment but economics – as well as evolving regulation on noise, emissions, and sustainability – that has redrawn the map. In this new landscape, efficiency, not size, is king.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nashville SC beats Chattanooga Red Wolves 1-0 to advance to the U.S. Open Cup round of 16
Nashville SC started strong in its quest for its first trophy. Josh Bauer scored the lone goal in Nashville's 1-0 win over the Chattanooga Red Wolves in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 at Geodis Park on May 6. The victory put NSC in the round of 16, where it will travel to face either Orlando City SC or the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 20 or 21. Advertisement Chattanooga, which plays in the third-tier USL League One, hung tough even though Nashville dominated the ball and had the better of opportunities throughout. An 80th-minute red card on forward Alhassan Alhassan reduced the Red Wolves to 10 men and dealt a severe blow to their upset hopes. "You got to give credit to Chattanooga," Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan said. "The way they were set up, the way they came into the game was really good, made it very difficult for us to play and get some rhythm. But I thought what we saw tonight is the depth of our team, and the versatility of our team was a nice positive." Nashville returns to action May 10 at home against Charlotte FC. Charlotte beat Nashville 2-1 in the team's previous meeting this season. Opportunity for reserves, young players With Chattanooga the second of nine games Nashville will play this month, Callaghan went with an entirely changed lineup from the team's most recent game, a 1-1 draw at Atlanta United. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake and midfielder Bryan Acosta made their NSC debuts, and center back Chris Applewhite became the first player from NSC's academy to start a game. Rookies Matthew Corcoran and Wyatt Meyer also drew starts. Advertisement Forward Jonathan Perez was a menace throughout the game, using his speed and creativity off the dribble to beat Chattanooga defenders on the wing. In the 18th minute, Perez cut into the penalty box and slipped while trying to shoot, but managed to redirect it towards Bauer, who volleyed it home for his third goal of the season. "He's been working really hard the last couple weeks," Nashville assistant coach Michael Nsien said. "He's showing really well in training, scoring goals, really demanding the ball, starting to show a lot of character, a lot of his personality on the field. He looked very comfortable today expressing himself. That's the Johnny that we want to see. "Josh, maybe he's underrated at times because he's kind of the center back-fullback profile. But he's very comfortable with his feet. When he gets in those little side pockets of space and gets a shot off, it can be a goal at any moment." Nashville can't add to lead Even with over 70% possession, Nashville was quiet after Bauer's goal, especially during the second half. The Red Wolves set up with five defenders and two defensive midfielders, which Nsien said limited space and forced Nashville's attack to the outside of the field. Advertisement "We were able to get ourselves into good final pass opportunities, spaces in the penalty box, but I don't think we executed that well," Callaghan said. "Looking back, we probably needed to get our runs a little more spaced out and try to open up a couple areas in front of goal a little better." MORE: Nashville SC creates new position for GM Mike Jacobs, extends contract through 2028 Taylor Washington injured The scariest moment of the game for Nashville came midway through the first half. Left back Taylor Washington had to leave the game with an injury when a Chattanooga player landed on his leg during a tackle attempt. Advertisement Callaghan didn't have an immediate update on Washington, who is Nashville's longest-tenured player and was making his season debut. Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@ and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: US Open Cup: Nashville SC beats Chattanooga Red Wolves 1-0
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Naperville-based Alive Center for Teens to start franchising
In 2020, Grey Bauer was headed into the eighth grade. At the time, between the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges personally, they weren't in the best headspace, Bauer, now 17, recalled. But then they discovered the Alive Center for Teens in Naperville. The sense of comfort Bauer felt was immediate, they said. 'I completely fell in love with Alive,' said Bauer, who graduated from Metea Valley High School over the weekend. 'You're immediately welcomed with open arms.' Now, Alive is looking to expand its reach. The nonprofit is ready to start franchising, the center has announced. With locations in Naperville, Aurora and Hanover Park, the organization has launched a social franchise model and is hoping to 'significantly expand its proven teen support system statewide,' the release said. 'That's really the message we're (giving) out, that we're here,' said Kandice Henning, CEO of The Alive Center. 'That we have a solution that is proven and works and we are willing to share it. We really want to help more kids and impact more kids in a positive way. (We want to) help more families and more communities ultimately.' The Alive Center opened in 2015. Designed for students in fifth through 12th grade, it offers free school and summer programming spanning a wide range of subjects and focus areas, including leadership, nutrition, stress management, meditation and creative expression, among others. It also offers free tutoring services. At the core of the center's mission is to create the 'confident, impassioned and resilient leaders of tomorrow,' according to its website. As part of that vision, the nonprofit has a 20- to 30-member Teen Advisory Board that gives youth the opportunity to try their hand at leading their own initiatives and projects. On the whole, the aim is 'preventative mental health care,' Henning said. In last year's Illinois Youth Survey, 27% of DuPage County 10th- and 12th-graders said over a 12-month period, they had felt 'so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row' that they stopped doing some usual activities. The Illinois Youth Survey is a self-report survey administered in school settings across the state every other year. The Illinois Department of Human Services has funded the administration of the survey since 1990. 'It's all about protective factors. … (It's about giving them) a space to be safe,' Henning said, 'and to feel where they belong because the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says the number one thing that helps with positive mental health in youth and adults is connection.' Franchising Alive's method has been a long time coming. The idea grew out of the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn approaching the nonprofit three years ago about wanting to establish a franchise, Henning said. Originally, Alive's intent had been to work with the YMCA to do just that. Ultimately, though, the Glen Ellyn facility instead ended up becoming certified by the Alive Center to take a teen-driven approach to programming rather than building out a full-blown franchise. But by that point, the Alive Center had already started creating the materials necessary to facilitate franchising, Henning said. Initially, the Alive Center plans to focus on potential franchisees in Illinois, specifically the Chicago metropolitan area. Franchisees could include someone wanting to build out a new standalone center or a 'fractional franchise' as part of an already existing entity, Henning said. For the latter, she used the example of a Target offering a Starbucks franchise inside its store. In the case of the Alive Center, a fractional franchise could look like a center integrated into a library or park district, or even a municipal building, she said. Long-term, franchising will allow the Alive Center to grow faster, Henning said. 'If we went (with) the model of satellites … we might be able to do one a year but probably more likely one every two years,' she said. 'A franchise model enables us to do this much more quickly because it's not all on us.' Franchisees will have access to training, consulting, standardized processes and procedures, customizable templates and ongoing collaborative support, according to Alive. Since its inception eight years ago, the Alive Center has recorded more than 85,000 teen visits, serving more than 8,000 teens. If it wasn't for the Alive Center, Bauer said, 'I truly don't think that I would be in a good headspace now.' Post graduation, Bauer plans to attend College of DuPage for the next two years and after that transfer to Illinois State University. They want to be a teacher. tkenny@
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville-based Alive Center for Teens to start franchising
In 2020, Grey Bauer was headed into the eighth grade. At the time, between the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges personally, they weren't in the best headspace, Bauer, now 17, recalled. But then they discovered the Alive Center for Teens in Naperville. The sense of comfort Bauer felt was immediate, they said. 'I completely fell in love with Alive,' said Bauer, who graduated from Metea Valley High School over the weekend. 'You're immediately welcomed with open arms.' Now, Alive is looking to expand its reach. The nonprofit is ready to start franchising, the center has announced. With locations in Naperville, Aurora and Hanover Park, the organization has launched a social franchise model and is hoping to 'significantly expand its proven teen support system statewide,' the release said. 'That's really the message we're (giving) out, that we're here,' said Kandice Henning, CEO of The Alive Center. 'That we have a solution that is proven and works and we are willing to share it. We really want to help more kids and impact more kids in a positive way. (We want to) help more families and more communities ultimately.' The Alive Center opened in 2015. Designed for students in fifth through 12th grade, it offers free school and summer programming spanning a wide range of subjects and focus areas, including leadership, nutrition, stress management, meditation and creative expression, among others. It also offers free tutoring services. At the core of the center's mission is to create the 'confident, impassioned and resilient leaders of tomorrow,' according to its website. As part of that vision, the nonprofit has a 20- to 30-member Teen Advisory Board that gives youth the opportunity to try their hand at leading their own initiatives and projects. On the whole, the aim is 'preventative mental health care,' Henning said. In last year's Illinois Youth Survey, 27% of DuPage County 10th- and 12th-graders said over a 12-month period, they had felt 'so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row' that they stopped doing some usual activities. The Illinois Youth Survey is a self-report survey administered in school settings across the state every other year. The Illinois Department of Human Services has funded the administration of the survey since 1990. 'It's all about protective factors. … (It's about giving them) a space to be safe,' Henning said, 'and to feel where they belong because the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says the number one thing that helps with positive mental health in youth and adults is connection.' Franchising Alive's method has been a long time coming. The idea grew out of the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn approaching the nonprofit three years ago about wanting to establish a franchise, Henning said. Originally, Alive's intent had been to work with the YMCA to do just that. Ultimately, though, the Glen Ellyn facility instead ended up becoming certified by the Alive Center to take a teen-driven approach to programming rather than building out a full-blown franchise. But by that point, the Alive Center had already started creating the materials necessary to facilitate franchising, Henning said. Initially, the Alive Center plans to focus on potential franchisees in Illinois, specifically the Chicago metropolitan area. Franchisees could include someone wanting to build out a new standalone center or a 'fractional franchise' as part of an already existing entity, Henning said. For the latter, she used the example of a Target offering a Starbucks franchise inside its store. In the case of the Alive Center, a fractional franchise could look like a center integrated into a library or park district, or even a municipal building, she said. Long-term, franchising will allow the Alive Center to grow faster, Henning said. 'If we went (with) the model of satellites … we might be able to do one a year but probably more likely one every two years,' she said. 'A franchise model enables us to do this much more quickly because it's not all on us.' Franchisees will have access to training, consulting, standardized processes and procedures, customizable templates and ongoing collaborative support, according to Alive. Since its inception eight years ago, the Alive Center has recorded more than 85,000 teen visits, serving more than 8,000 teens. If it wasn't for the Alive Center, Bauer said, 'I truly don't think that I would be in a good headspace now.' Post graduation, Bauer plans to attend College of DuPage for the next two years and after that transfer to Illinois State University. They want to be a teacher.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Gerling murder case begins with pretrial motions
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The trial of the man accused of murdering a Utica City School District principal last summer began in earnest on Friday with pretrial hearings. Lawyers for Jeremy Kirch and District Attorney Todd Carville stood before Judge Robert Bauer on Friday, May 23 to be heard on several motions. While Judge Bauer did deny the suppression of several pieces of evidence, several hearings were granted to determine the validity of certain pieces of evidence. Kirch was arrested in August of 2024 and was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend — Elizabeth Gerling, a former principal at Columbus Elementary in Utica. Kirch was found in the city of Rome soon after her death and subsequently arrested. Scholarship fund established for former Utica teacher Bauer granted a motion for a Sandoval-Ventimiglia hearing, which will determine if behavioral evidence can be used in the trial. A mental evaluation — to determine Kirch's fitness to stand trial — was conducted, but Carville said that evaluation is under review. Bauer denied a motion to suppress statements Kirch made to law enforcement. Bauer did grant a Huntley Hearing to determine if the statements being used by the prosecution were voluntary or not. Bauer also denied motions to suppress other evidence, including identifying testimony and physical evidence. However, hearings have been granted to determine the admissibility of both the testimony and evidence. A Mapp-Dunaway Hearing was granted to assess the circumstances of Kirch's arrest. It will also be used to assess the seizure of Kirch's trailer and truck, which were impounded for the reasons of executing the search warrant. Bauer granted the other following motions: To have the court review search warrants for Kirch's truck, trailer home and phone, as well as the defendant's blood, and A review of the grand jury minutes to assess the sufficiency of the legal instructions given. Bauer denied the following motions: Search warrants to Blink and Ring cameras at Gerling's home A change of venue, citing that the defense had not proven a reasonable cause of unfair or impartial ruling. However, Bauer said, if circumstances change, that ruling can be reconsidered. Directing the prosecution to supply defense with an electronic copy of all of their evidence. The case is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday, July 17 at 10:30 AM for suppression hearings. Also up for discussion during the suppression hearings will be a claim by the defense that Kirch did not know his calls from the jail were being recorded. After the suppression hearings, both sides will discuss going to trial. You can look at the full hearing from Eyewitness News Reporter Kayla Bruce below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
