Flight Safety Information June 16, 2011 No. 123 In This Issue Pilot suffers minor injuries in Navy jet crash... Smoke reported on Glasgow-Stornoway aircraft... Most Air NZ flights expected to resume... FAA Signs Agreement with Mongolia... Press Release - FAA Proposes $425,000 Civil Penalty Against Atlantic Southeast Airlines... Collaboration Key to Flight Safety Decisions on Ash... Airlines Question Pilot Union Opposition To Safety Regulation... Iron Maiden: Bruce Dickinson Featured In Airline Safety Video... Safety under "crucial" focus at Jordan summit... Pilot suffers minor injuries in Navy jet crash KINGSVILLE, Texas (AP) - A Navy training jet crashed in a remote South Texas field, but the pilot ejected safely and suffered only minor injuries. Naval Air Station Kingsville spokesman Jon Gagne (gahn-YAY') says the pilot was alone aboard the T-45 Goshawk jet when trouble developed 10 a.m. Wednesday. He tells the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that there was no immediate word on what caused the jet to go down about 80 miles south of San Antonio in McMullen County, about 55 miles northwest of Kingsville. The pilot's identity hasn't been released. The newspaper reports the $17 million jet was part of Training Air Wing 2, to which about 200 flight students report each year for training. Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7612356.html#ixzz1PQjw32Cb Back to Top Smoke reported on Glasgow-Stornoway aircraft An emergency was declared at Glasgow Airport following reports of smoke coming from the engine of an aircraft. The Loganair plane was taxiing at the time, ahead of flying from Glasgow to Stornoway with 30 passengers. No-one was hurt in the incident. Loganair said the flight was halted and the fire service attended according to routine procedure. A spokesman said: "Loganair is carrying out a full investigation as we would for any technical fault." The passengers boarded a replacement aircraft about two hours later. The incident happened on the BST 1050 Glasgow to Stornoway flight on Thursday morning. Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13800018 Back to Top Most Air NZ flights expected to resume Air New Zealand expects to operate all domestic and trans-Tasman services from tomorrow morning, with the exception of Queenstown. Domestic services to and from Queenstown are cancelled until midday tomorrow, pending further ash forecasts from MetService in the morning. However, budget carrier Jetstar announced tonight that its scheduled domestic services for Auckland to Queenstown and Auckland and Wellington (from midday) would resume tomorrow. Its flights between Singapore and Auckland have resumed, but its domestic Christchurch services are cancelled tomorrow. The trans-Tasman routes operated by Jetstar from Auckland and Queenstown will also resume tomorrow as will its Australian domestic services. Its Christchurch service to Australia, however, will not. Passenger backlog While some airlines are back flying the situation can change at any time, leaving passengers in limbo. Air New Zealand resumed flights from Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill today but not Queenstown while Qantas cancelled all trans-Tasman flights for today. Its budget carrier Jetstar cancelled all domestic and international flights and Pacific Blue suspended flights in and out of Auckland and Hamilton. Meanwhile the volcano in Chile causing all the disruption is still violently spewing out ash and rock and its effect could last a while. More ash in the air means more chaos on the ground. But as nerves frayed and frustration kicked in, one old faithful was on the move today with 28 relieved passengers on board. The DC3 is not pressurised and has to fly below 10,000 feet, meaning it's below the ash cloud. "I can assure you that we would not be operating if there was even one percent of doubt," DC3 pilot Dave Horsburgh said. Safety first But Air New Zealand did have doubts this morning. "We've been operating successfully and safely up until now. This ash cloud appeared last night from the south and the only option is for us to curtail flying. We will not operate in ash. It is a hazard," Captain David Morgan, Air NZ's general manager of Airline Operations and Safety, said. When the decision was made to resume some flying the announcement prompted clapping and cheering at Christchurch Airport. But there was still chaos as people tried to find alternative flights. The backlog is huge with lots of passengers and not enough seats on the planes. Air New Zealand began checking in flights at Christchurch to Wellington, Invercargill, Melbourne and Brisbane at about 1pm and this was followed by other flights. The national carrier, which had been flying under and around the cloud until 11 flights were cancelled last night, was forced to cancel all domestic flights to and from Christchurch, Invercargill and Dunedin this morning as the ash was sitting at a lower level. All international flights were delayed. Morgan said at lunchtime: "Air New Zealand is continuing to work closely with both Civil Aviation Authority and Airways Corporation to identify safe flight paths which avoid areas of ash." MetService earlier said the ash was sitting at 10,000 feet and covering parts of the east coast of the South Island, affecting flights into and out of Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch. Qantas and Jetstar have not operated any flights between Australia and New Zealand since the weekend. "Air New Zealand will not fly through ash and will continue to take guidance from CAA and MetService to ensure we can carry passengers where safe routes and altitudes are available," said Morgan. Air New Zealand has operated almost 2000 flights and carried approximately 100,000 passengers since ash arrived in New Zealand airspace on Sunday. It is advising people to call 0800 737 000 for rebookings. Other airlines Jetstar says safety is its key reason for halting flights. "As a Qantas Group airline, Jetstar like Qantas has in place the same monitoring and assessment processes," a spokesperson said. "Our approach to flying is based on the Qantas Group's high standards of safety and risk assessment." Cathay Pacific flights into and out of Auckland International Airport were operating as normal. Cathay Pacific said earlier today it is "taking all precautions to ensure safe operations are maintained" and is adjusting flight routes and altitudes so that aircraft remain clear of any ash. But it warns the situation is changeable and flights could be cancelled at short notice. Pacific Blue is monitoring the situation. The New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association says while the aircraft manufacturers, airlines, service providers and the Civil Aviation Authority have an important role to play the ultimate decision about flying rests with the Pilot in Command. Mail delays New Zealand Post says there may be mail disruptions due to flight cancellations. In some areas New Zealand Post is transporting items by road rather than air which may cause delays it says. The company says it is trying to minimise delays and not all products will be affected. Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/most-air-nz-flights-expected-resume-4229681 Back to Top FAA Signs Agreement with Mongolia The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia intend to develop civil aeronautics and air commerce safety through technical assistance and training through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on June 16, 2011. This formal bilateral relationship, the first of its kind between the two countries, is an opportunity to enhance safety and improve system capacity in Mongolia. Aviation is an important element of the Government of Mongolia's efforts to broaden ties within the region and around the world for the landlocked country. The FAA may provide technical and managerial expertise to assist Mongolia in developing, modernizing, operating and maintaining its civil aviation infrastructure, standards, procedures, policies, training and equipment, as well as provide training to personnel from Mongolia under the MOA. Source: http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=63772 Back to Top Press Release - FAA Proposes $425,000 Civil Penalty Against Atlantic Southeast Airlines ATLANTA - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $425,000 civil penalty against Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), of Atlanta, for allegedly operating two Bombardier CRJ regional jet airliners when they were not in compliance with FAA regulations. The FAA alleges that ASA, a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. and flying as Delta Connection, failed to complete required inspections of the two aircraft after they were struck by lightning. One strike took place on July 21, 2008 and the other on July 23, 2008. The FAA alleges that ASA operated the two aircraft on a total of 13 revenue passenger flights between July 22 and 24 when they were not in compliance with regulations. FAA regulations require the carrier to conduct and document the detailed check for lightning strike damage mandated in the airline's aircraft maintenance manual. An FAA air safety inspector discovered both alleged violations. "All operators must comply with maintenance regulations and requirements in a timely fashion," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. Atlantic Southeast has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency. Source: http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=12824 Back to Top Collaboration Key to Flight Safety Decisions on Ash Press Release: New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association (NZALPA) Pilots' Association Say Collaboration Key to Flight Safety Decisions on Volcanic Ash Cloud With volcanic ash disrupting travel plans for many kiwis today, the New Zealand Air Line Pilot's Association (NZALPA) is working closely with its pilots to assess and determine the safest flight conditions. The Association's Technical Director, Captain Stu Julian, who is liaising with Pilots around the latest information on the volcanic ash cloud that's moved across New Zealand, says NZALPA and its members are working within the international framework that details all aspects of aviation safety. "While the aircraft manufacturers, airlines, service providers such as volcanologists, meteorologists, air traffic services and the Civil Aviation Authority have a significant and important role to play to ensure that pilots have access to the best and latest information so as to make an informed decision about flying to avoid volcanic ash, the ultimate decision rests with the Pilot in Command. "The Pilot in Command has the final decision to assure safety of any flight. Passengers should take comfort in the knowledge that in any situation, the pilot will take all factors into consideration and make their assessment based on the latest information." Airline Operators have a regulatory responsibility to conduct safety based risk assessments and develop acceptable mitigation strategies for operations near any volcanic ash. Once an airline makes a decision to operate then the Pilot in Command will have the authority and responsibility for the safe conduct of flight. This is why it's important for pilots to have adequate tools, training information and guidelines to deal with volcanic ash. "The international position is to avoid all volcanic ash as no aircraft is certified for flight into volcanic contaminants. More research and scientific evidence is needed to learn and better understand the implications and effect of ash on aircraft in the short and long term. In the meantime, the best scientific knowledge and accurate 3D modeling is required to ensure the best operational decisions are made. One day we may be able to treat volcanic contaminants as just another hazard." Mr Julian says that the NZALPA recognises the economic consequences for both airlines and passengers due to flight cancellations and delays, but will support the decision of its members as safety takes precedence. The NZALPA has asked its members to provide feedback on what they are experiencing so that they can pass the information on to relevant authorities. ENDS About NZALPA: The New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association is a professional union for New Zealand pilots and air traffic controllers. Established in 1945, NZALPA is an internationally affiliated professional trade union for New Zealand pilots and air traffic controllers. Our diverse membership includes General Aviation and commercial pilots, flight instructors and approximately 400 of New Zealand's air traffic controllers in the employ of Airways NZ. Read more about us here. NZALPA was one of the 13 founding states of IFALPA - the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations, an organisation founded to represent the interests of over 100,000 pilots worldwide. IFALPA membership is dispersed through 101 Member Associations who work together as the 'global voice of pilots'. In 1965, NZALPA joined the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA), which represents 50,000 air traffic controllers worldwide. NZALPA is one of 130 Member Associations affiliated to IFATCA, and has remained an active member in all aspects since joining. Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1106/S00513/collaboration-key-to-flight-safety-decisions-on-ash.htm Back to Top Airlines Question Pilot Union Opposition To Safety Regulation A demonstration by pilot unions on flight and duty time rules, planned to coincide with the EU Transport Council meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday 16th June, has been described by the Association of European Airlines (AEA) as a misguided attempt to influence safety rulemaking by manipulating passenger anxieties. In the past, different sets of rules have served Europe well in delivering an exemplary safety record. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has developed a regulatory proposal to unify these rules, effectively giving a cohesive framework of best practice. In developing this proposal, EASA sought the views of all stakeholders, including pilot unions. AEA Secretary General Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus Said: "The process has been intense and transparent. All stakeholders were given the opportunity to express their views. The safety regulator has done its job - regulating safety, which is the overriding priority for the airlines and their pilots alike.'' "Apparently the unions are concerned that the EASA draft proposal undermines safety; it does not. No safety regulator would in their right mind do such a thing," said the AEA Secretary General. "Utmost care has been paid by airlines to maintain a healthy relationship with their pilots without whom, evidently, the business could not function. Far better that the airlines and their employees join forces to address the massive issues which the industry is facing, threatening European competitiveness and consequently jobs and employment conditions." Source: http://finchannel.com/news_flash/Travel_Biz_News/88848_Airlines_Question_Pilot_Union_Opposition_To_Safety_Regulation/ Back to Top Iron Maiden: Bruce Dickinson Featured In Airline Safety Video Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson's done a ton of videos over the years, but his latest on screen effort is completely different from the rest. A well-traveled and experienced pilot, who flies Maiden around the world in the band's customized Boeing 757 called Ed Force One, Dickinson plays host in a new aviation safety program video for the U.K.'s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Tnooz reports the instructional video, entitled "Safety In The Balance" was commissioned by CAA's Ground Handling Operations Safety Team in an effort to reduce the safety risks during ground support activities. Dickinson outlines the intricate requirements needed to ensure aircraft, passengers, crew and ground staff stay safe. Maiden's "Final Frontier Tour" continues this month through Europe with a series of festival dates, including multiple Sonisphere gigs and the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) - "Safety In The Balance" (Hosted by Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden): Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eZbH62Bn0oM Source: http://www.ultimate- guitar.com/news/general_music_news/iron_maiden_bruce_dickinson_featured_in_airline_safety_video.html Back to Top Safety under "crucial" focus at Jordan summit A meeting, described at crucial to the development of aviation safety was held in Amman today. The 5th top level safety team (TLST) meeting, organised by the Middle East Aviation Safety Roadmap (MEASRM), brought together senior aviation officials from local, regional and international aviation authorities, air carriers and supporting organisations. The event was hosted by Royal Jordanian Airlines whose chief executive Hussein Dabbas who said that the meeting was crucial for addressing safety concerns and to generate safety initiatives. "The team has proved adept at offering useful advice to airlines and aviation authorities, and to improving safety in the region," Dabbas said Talking about his own airline, Dabbas announced that RJ had successfully met the requirements needed to become an European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) member and implementer, and renewed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) accreditations without a hitch. Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority Saif Al Suwaidi, who chaired the meeting, said: "The co- operation between the aviation industry partners and the governments is the key factor to obtain best results, therefore all stakeholders should commit resources in order to achieve good results in meeting our objectives and targets." Suwaidi said that in many cases, individual countries do not possess the resources or the expertise to act alone in resolving safety concerns making MEASRM best suited to coordinate and align multiple safety initiatives by strategically leveraging expertise and resources of the concerned countries. Chief Commissioner/CEO of Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission Captain Mohammad Amin Al-Quran said that the Middle East Aviation Safety Roadmap confirms the importance and necessity for meaningful partnerships between the regulators, industry partners, and regional and international aviation organizations. He pointed out that the aviation industry in the Middle East region is growing at unprecedented level, thus requiring collective and structured efforts amongst all parties in the aviation sector to find solutions to the various new and emerging challenges in civil aviation. Source: http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=air-transport&article=safety-under-crucial-focus-at-jordan- summit&utm_source=googleNews&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=news_feed Curt Lewis, P.E., CSP CURT LEWIS & ASSOCIATES, LLC