05 NOV 2009 _______________________________________ *Military plane crash-lands at airport *Babbitt Says FAA Working To Adjust NextGen *FAA Issues Airport Pavement Strength AC *Airbus A320 Engine Parts Departed Aircraft (Turkey) *Babbitt defends revoking licenses of Northwest pilots *Qantas suspends two pilots for failing to deploy landing gear *Airbus A330-200F undergoes rejected takeoff testing *New Zealand to impose safety levy on Australian carriers *Air Transport International Crewmembers Vote to Join ALPA *Nigeria's airspace is safe, aviation minister says *Aircraft Lessor Babcock & Brown Sees Signs Of Global Airline Recovery *************************************** http://images.townnews.com/mywesttexas.com/content/articles/2009/11/04/news/ top_stories/doc4af2030cd5acc826064107.jpg Military plane crash-lands at airport Fire department officials and the crew of a jet from Laughlin Air Force Base inspect the plane after it crashed during landing when it's landing gear malfunctioned. photo by Gary Rhodes 11/04/09 Midland emergency crews responded to a military airplane that had trouble landing Wednesday afternoon at Midland International Airport. Officials said an Air Force T-1 jet had landing gear issues and the gear appeared to collapse when the plane landed. The incident happened around 1:15 p.m. Two people were on board the plane but suffered no injuries. Airport crews were waiting with the aircraft for military crews from Del Rio to come and move the plane off the runway. Read more: http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/04/news/top_stories/doc4af2030cd 5acc826064107.txt#ixzz0VwnOKwOi *************** Babbitt Says FAA Working To Adjust NextGen FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt today sought to reassure doubters that the agency is genuinely committed to working quickly to absorb the findings of an RTCA industry/government task force on ATC modernization and use them to shape NextGen priorities. There is a lot of "energy" being spent in harmonization and "FAA is adjusting our plans accordingly," Babbitt said during an International Aviation Club luncheon in Washington. "Interest is very keen" in ATC modernization and NextGen "at the highest levels of our government." He endorsed the findings of the task force nearly a month ago, calling them "an excellent headstart on the acceleration" of the modernization program (DAILY, Oct. 6). The task force report, made public in September, was aimed at mid-term initiatives that could be completed by 2018 using technology already in hand. But NextGen has produced dozens of roadmaps and implementation plans in the past, and as recently as last week, House aviation subcommittee members felt compelled to call on FAA to follow through on the task force recommendations (DAILY, Oct. 29). "We have no plans to go it alone," Babbitt said, insisting that full transparency and cooperation with all international partners is vital to moving the efforts forward. "Without our partners, we can't get there," he said, noting that ATC modernization "can't be an international competition." He cited the need for common processes, sharing data and best practices, consistency in rules, and "working together to determine the need for new rules," as ways to ensure "a seamless weave" of both NextGen and the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) technologies. http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=new s/BABB110409.xml&headline=Babbitt%20Says%20FAA%20Working%20To%20Adjust%20Nex tGen ************** FAA Issues Airport Pavement Strength AC FAA has issued Draft Advisory Circular (AC) No 150/5335-5B, which provides guidance for using the standardized International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) method to report airport pavement strength. The draft AC cancels AC 150/5335-5A, Standardized Method of Reporting Airport Pavement Strength-PCN, dated Sept. 28, 2006. FAA will consider comments that are received by Dec. 28, 2009, for inclusion in the new AC. The AC may be viewed at http://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/draft_advisory_circulars/media/draft_1 50_5335_5b.pdf. www.faa.gov *************** Airbus A320 Engine Parts Departed Aircraft (Turkey) Date: 04-NOV-2009 Time: 11:32 (GMT + Type: Airbus A320-232 Operator: Turkish Airlines Registration: TC-JPA C/n / msn: 2609 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 110 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Istanbul (IST) - Turkey Phase: Take off Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: IST/LTBA Destination airport: CAI/HECA Narrative: While taking off, the upper cover of the left engine broke off and fell onto the runway 18-36. The pilots of an other airliner, preparing to take off , saw the piece and announced the tower. The 320 turned back to the airport and made an emergency landing. No panic, no injuries. (aviation-safety.net) *************** Babbitt defends revoking licenses of Northwest pilots FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt is standing behind the agency's decision to revoke the licenses of two Northwest Airlines pilots that overflew Minneapolis while using personal laptops despite concerns raised by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) that the agency acted too quickly in the suspension of the pilots. The incident occurred in 21 October when the Airbus A320 (N02374) was enroute from San Diego to Northwest's Minneapolis hub. During the ensuing investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) the pilots admitted to being immersed in a discussion about new scheduling procedures, and each crew member told investigators personal laptops were used during those talks. After the suspensions ALPA President John Prater swiftly sent a note to Babbitt warning that a voluntary disclosure scheme, the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), adopted by a majority of US carriers in conjunction with FAA could be in jeopardy by FAA's actions. "Widespread pilot support of these programs has prevented the recurrence of accidents and incidents," says Prater. "Deviations from protection and proper processing of self-disclosed information cannot be tolerated, particularly in a rush in judgement to satisfy insatiable news media demands that are more often than not based on incomplete information." Today during an address to the International Aero Club in Washington, DC Babbitt, a former pilot and head of ALPA, said FAA used air traffic control tapes rather than ASAP data to determine the revocation was necessary. Babbitt stresses he remains 100% supportive of ASAP, but after looking at the Northwest situation carefully, "the decision I made was the decision I made". In more formal comments Babbitt stressed that the situation was "extremely disappointing" with respect to the quality of training those pilots received. "I can't regulate professionalism," says Babbitt, who adds that with all the emphasis placed on human factors common sense at times is still ignored. Babbitt explains there have been several recent incidents where pilots lost focus including the February crash of a Colgan Air Q400 on approach to Buffalo. But he also juxtaposes that with the successful execution of the ditching of a US Airways A319 in the Hudson river after both engines were struck by Canada geese. "Occasionally we have to remind ourselves it is a privilege to operate in the National Air Space," says Babbitt. "We need to take responsibility to operate safely in that airspace." Source: Air Transport Intelligence news ************** Qantas suspends two pilots for failing to deploy landing gear Qantas Airways has suspended two pilots over an incident in which they failed to deploy the landing gear on a Boeing 767 and this meant the aircraft had to do a go-around at Sydney Airport. The aircraft's ground proximity warning system alerted the pilots to the problem, when the aircraft was about 700ft off the ground, confirms a Qantas spokesman. The incident occurred on 2 November as the Qantas 767 was coming into land at Sydney Airport, after completing a flight from Melbourne. Normally the landing gear is deployed at 1,500ft to 2,000ft. Because the aircraft was so low to the ground, the pilots had to boost power to the engines and do a go-around, adds the spokesman. The failure to deploy the landing gear was due to "a brief communication breakdown" between the pilots, says Qantas. It says the two pilots are still on the payroll but have been suspended from flying duties while the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigates. "We are supporting the ATSB's investigation and our own investigations will determine what further action might be warranted," it adds. Source: Air Transport Intelligence news *************** Airbus A330-200F undergoes rejected takeoff testing Airbus' A330-200F underwent rejected takeoff testing today ahead of its scheduled 5 November first flight. The RTO tests, which took place at the European airframer's Toulouse facility, were part of a final series of checkouts on the aircraft's brakes and thrust reversers. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways will take delivery of its first A330-200F in the third quarter of 2010. Airbus holds 67 firm orders from nine customers for the new freighter. Source: Air Transport Intelligence news ************** New Zealand to impose safety levy on Australian carriers New Zealand will begin charging Australian-licensed carriers operating on domestic routes a passenger safety levy from 4 December. Australian safety-certified airlines operating within New Zealand will pay New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority an additional NZ$1.66 ($1.19) per passenger for each leg flown, says the New Zealand government. This is 83% of what New Zealand carriers pay, given that the New Zealand's CAA is not solely responsible for direct regulatory oversight of Australian carriers, it says. The only carrier affected is Australia's Jetstar, which had avoided the levy as it operates domestic services in New Zealand under an Australian air operator's certificate, instead of a New Zealand AOC. On 27 October, Jetstar said that it objected to the CAA's proposal to impose the levy. It contended that it already pays Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the oversight of Jetstar's operations, which involves audits, inspections, certifications, assessments and approvals for the carrier's operations in New Zealand. "We believe a more equitable path forward would be for each regulator to recover costs from each other for any services they provide to each other," said Jetstar. "This would remove duplication and ensure we maintain an alignment between the charges and the regulator with responsibility for an airline." Source: Air Transport Intelligence news **************** Air Transport International Crewmembers Vote to Join ALPA WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)-- The Air Line Pilots Association, Int`l (ALPA), welcomes today`s announcement by the National Mediation Board (NMB) that the crewmembers of Air Transport International (ATI) have selected ALPA as their collective bargaining representative. An overwhelming 91% of 170 eligible ATI crewmembers cast votes in support of joining ALPA. ALPA received 155 of the 156 votes cast. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) represented the ATI crewmembers prior to the election. "ATI crewmembers realized that the world`s largest pilots union will best represent their interests in all aspects of the aviation arena and give them every available resource to negotiate a fair contract," said Capt. John Prater, ALPA`s president. "We are extremely pleased to have the flight deck crewmembers of ATI become part of the ALPA family." "I am excited about working with other pilot groups and the ALPA staff, and leveraging the other resources ALPA provides to its members, to ensure that my fellow ATI crewmembers can negotiate the contract they deserve and better protect our careers and industry," said Capt. Tom Rogers, Temporary Master Executive Council chairman of the ATI unit of ALPA. "We did not have the resources under the IBT that we have now with ALPA, and we plan to take full advantage of this opportunity." The crewmembers of ATI fly McDonnell Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 767 aircraft for passenger, military, and cargo operations around the world. Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world`s largest pilots union, representing nearly 53,000 pilots at 36 airlines in the United States and Canada. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS246149+04-Nov-2009+BW2009110 4 *************** Nigeria's airspace is safe, aviation minister says The Federal Government has again given Nigerians the assurance of the safety of their airspace just as experts have also been invited to take a look at the Traffic Collition Avoidance System (TCAS) and all aircraft and make sure the system is not epileptic. This assurance came on the heels of a near air mishap that involved a plane carrying the Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, and another plane last Friday in Calabar, Cross River State. Speaking to journalists after the federal executive council meeting alongside the Information Minister, Dora Akunyili, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fidelia Ngeze, the Minister of Aviation, Babatunde Omotoba, said investigations are still going on to finally ascertain the cause of the mishap. He said preliminary investigations have showed that it was the fault of the air traffic controller who had misguided the pilots of both aircraft. "Investigation revealed that this was due to Air Traffic Controller's (ATC) error," Mr. Omotoba said. "When we looked at his logbook, actually when he asked the pilot that was coming to land to descend to a level of 21,000 feet whereas what he put on his log was 25,000 feet, and he asked the one taking off from Lagos to descend at 24,000 feet. "So they had to cross paths, but what saved the situation was the line of defence we have in our airspace; on every aircraft in Nigeria we have the Traffic Collision Avoidance System. One of the aircraft was able to notice that there was an oncoming one and then it came down 5,000 feet to avoid collision," Mr. Omotoba said. Meanwhile, the air traffic controller has been suspended and the supervisor queried while investigations are still going on. The tapes of both aircraft and their logbooks have been collected for further investigations. From the investigations so far, it was also noticed that only one aircraft was able to receive signal. "we are inviting an expert to come and look at all our aircrafts to make sure that the TICAS we have on all our aircrafts are not epileptic," he said. Again, award of contracts Mrs. Akunyili, who also briefed journalists on the approved memos of the council, said they approved the implementation of an addendum to the main contract of Ajaokuta-Warri Rail line for the completion of the remaining portion of the road, approximately 22km, including sidings from Ovu village to Delta Steel Jetty, Aladja: construction of six stations and rehabilitation of the completed line up to 254km. The council also considered and approved the award of contract for the construction of the Inland River port and ancillary facilities in the sum of N3.5 billion with 20 months as completion period. "Recall that the contract award for the dredging of the lower River Niger spanning over 520 kilometres was purposely made for water transportation. In this vein, government has awarded the building of a new port terminal and ancillary facilities at Baro, Niger State, which will help in easing pressure on our existing ports and will also reduce pressure on the roads because large cargoes will be transported through water via this port. " http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5477832-147/Nigeria's_airspace_is _safe,_aviation_minister.csp *************** Aircraft Lessor Babcock & Brown Sees Signs Of Global Airline Recovery CHICAGO (Dow Jones)--Steven Zissis, Chairman of Irish aircraft leasing company Babcock & Brown Air (FLY), said he's seeing signs of financial recovery in the global airline industry. After months of bearishness, "the tone of discussion with airline clients is improving", he said during a conference call with analysts Wednesday. He said more airlines are talking about renewing their leases, and some are planning to add seat capacity in 2010. However, airlines face headwinds from higher oil prices, he said. In the aircraft leasing industry, lease prices are stabilizing, Zissis said. But since quite a few leasing companies are up for sale by financially-distressed parent companies, some lessors are "desperate" to lease aircraft at any price. "They're practically giving away older aircraft," he said. And even newer, more efficient planes are being offered at prices below reasonable market rates, he said. Babcock, a relatively small leasing company, with a fleet of 62 aircraft, reported third quarter net income of $14.4 million, or 48 cents per share, compared to $16 million, or 48 cents per share a year ago. Revenue rose slightly to $67.8 million. The company leases Airbus and Boeing Co. (BA) aircraft to 36 airlines in 19 countries. Airbus is a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. (5730.FR). Zissis said Babcock is looking at adding more aircraft to its fleet, but overall is focused on adding shareholder value. This could include buying aircraft, increasing its stock dividend or paying down more debt. The executive said the recent merger between Aercap Holdings NV(AER) and Genesis Lease Ltd. (GLS), two publicly-traded aircraft lessors, won't spur Babcock to look for a merger partner. "We're focused on our own business," Zissis said. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091104-712063.html ************** Curt Lewis, P.E., CSP CURT LEWIS & ASSOCIATES, LLC