Flight Safety Information May 7, 2012 - No. 091 In This Issue Tourist charter airline grounded over safety fears (Australia) Rising bird populations threaten airports (China) Special European Workshop to Deal with Human Factors in Airport Safety PRISM CERTIFICATION CONSULTANTS Jet Airways freezes expat pilot hiring (India) ATR: 1,000 aircraft delivered 2012 GWBAA SAFETY STANDDOWN "A Practical Approach to Safety Management Systems" Course Tourist charter airline grounded over safety fears (Australia) An Alligator Airways plane approaches the Bungle Bungles from Kununurra in Western Australia. THE Civil Aviation safety Authority has grounded a West Australian charter operator because of worries about the safety of its operations. CASA has suspended both the air operator's certificate and the maintenance certificate of approval of Kununurra-based Alligator Airways because of concerns about aircraft maintenance, failure to report incidents, inadequate pilot records, a deficient safety culture and a failure to appoint key personnel. Alligator has been flying charter flights from both Kununurra and Broome, both tourism centres. It conducts air tours and scenic flights around the Kimberley. CASA said it issued a series of show cause notices this year and last but believed that allowing the charter company to continue to fly posed a serious and imminent risk to safety. "Since the last show cause notice there have been further incidents raising concerns about Alligator Airways' ability to continue to conduct operations safely," the authority said. ..."These incidents involved forced landings where CASA believes employees of Alligator Airways were aware of significant defects affecting the safety of aircraft prior to flight. "In the circumstances, CASA no longer has confidence in the ability of Alligator Airways to satisfactorily address the safety issues that have been identified." The suspension applies immediately for five working days during which time CASA can apply to the Federal Court for extension to the grounding. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/tourist-charter-airline-grounded- over-safety-fears/story-e6frg95x-1226346492091 Back to Top Rising bird populations threaten airports (China) The China Post news staff--Flight safety authorities should heighten their vigilance as the populations of birds of prey and large birds around the country's airports swell, an aviation safety advocacy group warned yesterday. A total of 159 bird strikes were reported last year, a four-year high, the Flight Safety Foundation-Taiwan (FSFT) said in a report, adding that 28 of the collisions caused damage to aircraft. The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TIA) reported the largest number of bird strikes last year with 64 in all, according to the report. The involvement of more species of birds of prey in a large number of such incidents around the TIA is a cause for concern, the FSFT said, noting that bird strikes involving nighthawks and fish hawks have been reported yearly over the last few years. The report blames a pond off one end of an abandoned navy airstrip adjacent to the TIA and an earth and muck dump within it for the creation of habitats for the two species. The number of bird strikes around the TIA involving such large birds as crested serpent eagles and crested goshawks also is increasing, according to the report. While the night hawks tend to gather in and around the navy airstrip in the daytime, the well-lit TIA draws insects, nighthawks and fish hawks at night, the report says, adding that Songshan International Airport in downtown Taipei is relatively free from the threat of bird strikes involving birds of prey and large birds, although the presence of a large number of stray pigeons remains a problem and potential threat. In Taichung, the tracts of farmland existing within the bounds of the airport are blamed for the occurrence of a considerable number of bird strikes involving nighthawks and other species around the local airport. According to the FSFT report, the black-winged kite, a prolific species normally found in the offshore island of Kinmen, has been attracted to the airport in Taichung over the last few years, where they could become a new hazard for airplanes that take off and land there. The ring-necked pheasant, another large bird, has also been seen several times crossing the taxiway at the Taichung Airport, the report said. The increasing presence of such birds around the country's airports may have been caused by the destruction of their original natural habitats as a result of excessive land development. http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national- news/2012/05/06/340170/Rising-bird.htm Back to Top Special European Workshop to Deal with Human Factors in Airport Safety The event, hosted by EU-funded BEMOSA on May 15, will present airport security managers with studies and their implications for security operations, false alarms and manager-employee relations HAIFA, Israel, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The BEMOSA consortium, a Europe-wide research project aimed at improving security in airports, will hold a special workshop for airport safety managers in Brussels on May 15, 2012. The half-day event will focus on the findings and implications of extensive research conducted in European airports. The workshop will discuss the implications of the human factor on daily airport management and training programs to enhance security decisions by airport employees. "From BEMOSA's research, it has become clear that the human factor will prove to be more decisive than technology in airport security and even the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recognizes that," said the Technion Israel's Prof. Alan Kirschenbaum, a world expert in disaster management and BEMOSA's initiator and coordinator. "It is here that the wide range of human nature, background, past behaviors and characteristics will play a key role in the decisions made," he added. At the workshop, specific case studies will be provided together with their implications for airport security operations and aviation regulation in general, and false alarms and manager-employee relations in particular. The workshop is specifically designed to meet the needs of airport security professionals, airport management officials, human resources and operations personnel, providers of airport security services and technology, providers of airport security training services, public officials and policy makers. The workshop will be held in the offices of DG Research of the European Commission in Rue du Champs de Mars 21 in Brussels. The event is free of charge, but registration is obligatory. About BEMOSA BEMOSA (Behaviour Modelling for Security in Airports) is a Europe-wide research project aimed at improving security in airports through enhancing the capability of airport authority personnel to correctly detect potential security hazards and reduce false alarms. Co-funded by the European Union under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, BEMOSA is developing a behavior model that aims to illustrate how people make security decisions in the face of reality during "normal routine" and crisis situations. This is expected to result in increased security, reduced false alarms and increased profitability. For more information about BEMOSA and to register for the workshop, visit http://www.bemosa.eu . Contact Simon van Dam Project Manager BEMOSA +972-54-4563384 bemosa@bemosa.eu SOURCE The BEMOSA consortium Back to Top Back to Top Jet Airways freezes expat pilot hiring (India) Jet Airways has stopped the sourcing of on-flight meals from certain international airports and decided not to hire foreign pilots, to save costs. The airline is implementing these measures as the rupee dropped to a four-month low last week. Said Nikos Kardassis, chief executive officer: "We are freezing all non-rupee expenses, including those on hiring of expat pilots and foreign advertising."' He said the airline had begun doubling the meal uplift from India on certain routes to the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Kardassis estimates these measures could result in savings of about $20 million annually (a little over Rs 100 crore). Jet has 183 foreign pilots, according to the civil aviation ministry. It had planned to hire more for its Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 fleets. There would be a saving in dollar costs, since foreign pilots are paid in this currency. Additionally the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had given airlines a 2013 deadline to phase out expatriate pilots. With a depreciating rupee, airlines troubles have deepened. Apart from salaries of expatriate pilots, they pay loan interest and lease and maintenance charges in dollars. Since last August, the rupee has fallen from Rs 44.08 to Rs 53.48 (last week) to the dollar. The rupee depreciation and rising fuel costs have knocked off revenue gains. Jet Airways and its no-frills brand, Jet Konnect, together have a market share of 29.2 per cent. The airline has made losses for the past three quarters; that in the third quarter has been Rs 101 crore (Rs 1.01 billion). Analysts feel fourth-quarter revenue would be better because of Kingfisher cancelling flights, pushing up domestic fares. But the impact of good numbers may not show in the financials due to a rise in operating costs. Compared to the last quarter of 2010-11, domestic fares were 15 to 18 per cent higher last quarter. But operating costs rose, as the price of jet fuel was up 15 per cent and the rupee had depreciated by 11 per cent. Brokerages expect Jet to post a fourth quarter loss of Rs 278 crore (Rs 2.78 billion) to Rs 549 crore (Rs 5.49 billion). http://www.rediff.com/business/report/jet-freezes-expat-pilot-hiring/20120507.htm Back to Top ATR: 1,000 aircraft delivered This success confirms the predominance of ATR and its turboprop technology in regional aviation ATR has marked an important stage in its history with the delivery of its 1,000th aircraft, an ATR 72-600 which will be decked out in the colours of the Spanish airline Air Nostrum, which has a commercial agreement with Iberia. This delivery symbolizes the success and sustainability of the ATR program and the ATR 42 and ATR 72 family of aircraft. ATR, which delivered its very first ATR 42 on December 3rd, 1985 to the French airline Air Littoral, today joins the exclusive ranks of aircraft manufacturers having delivered 1,000 planes. The delivery of this aircraft, which is configured for 72 passengers and powered by two PW127M turboprop engines, took place in Toulouse and was attended by many of the world leaders in aerospace, including the CEOs of the EADS and Finmeccanica groups, Louis Gallois and Giuseppe Orsi respectively. "Today, ATR planes are present in over 90 countries and are flown by 180 airlines. Few programs can boast such a global presence", said Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. "Over the years, ATR aircraft have established themselves as the benchmark in regional aviation on all continents. We are very proud of the resilience that ATR has demonstrated since the launch of the program. The perseverance, the unfailing commitment to our turboprop aircraft and their many benefits for regional airlines are what allow us to celebrate the 1,000th delivery today, and these same qualities will continue to provide us with opportunities in the years to come." Since the recovery of the turboprop market in 2005, ATR has recorded almost half of all of its orders and delivered nearly a third of its aircraft. In 2011, a record year for the Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer which posted 157 firm sales, ATR represented over 80% of international sales of regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. Concerning these figures, Filippo Bagnato added: "The trend in regional aviation shows an increasingly pronounced predominance of turboprop technology in the 90-seat or less aircraft segment. Turboprops and ATR planes in particular, are also the best suited aircraft to meet the increasing environmental requirements of airlines and passengers." And he concluded: "We would also like to thank all of our customers and ATR operators who, from the launch of the program, have placed their trust in us and who enable us today to look ahead to new, ever more ambitious opportunities." ATR aircraft offer some of the lowest fuel consumption rates and operating costs among all regional aircraft, for both jets and turboprops combined. The new -600 series ATR aircraft, like the one delivered today, are equipped with all the latest innovations in terms of passenger comfort, featuring, in particular, the Armonia cabin which was recently recognized at the "Good Design Awards" in Chicago. They are also equipped with a new glass cockpit avionics suite integrating all the latest tools in terms of navigational aids. Certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2011, the ATR "-600s" have become the new regional benchmark in terms of modernity, comfort and savings, thus further confirming the predominant trend of ATR planes worldwide. http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article/83689/atr-1000-aircraft-delivered Back to Top 2012 GWBAA SAFETY STANDDOWN Wednesday May 16th 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM NTSB Training Center Ashburn, Virginia Keynote Speaker Mike Mullane Astronaut and Author Guarding against a "Normalization of Deviance" TO REGISTER VISIT: http://2012gwbaasafety.eventbrite.com " No Refund" Policy Registration is $50 and and includes: Continental Breakfast, Lunch A raffle with great prizes and the following agenda: "Taking the Fear out of OSHA for Business Aviation" Andreas Bentz, Chantilly Air "EVAS - Emergency Vision Assurance System Demonstration" Kurt Poruks "Flight Plan for Excellence" Jim Garland "Crew Resource Management Briefing" Shannon Forrest, FlightSafety Back to Top Beyond Risk Management Ltd. in conjunction withCurt Lewis & Associates LLC are pleased to host "A Practical Approach to Safety Management Systems" a course designed for the aviation industry. With the ICAO recommendations and standards for the introduction of Safety Management Systems throughout the world - you can get ahead of the curve and save time and money by learning the potential pitfalls and challenges associated to its implementation. The Canadian large aircraft aviation industry has experienced many of the same challenges likely to be faced by others. To better prepare you and your organization to meet these challenges we are pleased to bring to you the Canadian 705 experience with regulated Safety Management Systems adapted to your needs. Dates - June 18 & 19, 2012 (Monday and Tuesday), SEATS ARE LIMITED - to ensure good discussion and time to question in a workshop environment class size is intentionally intimate. Register now to avoid disappointment. Important Details - This course covers the ICAO standards and the Canadian requirements and experience. The content is global in nature enabling participants from other nations and industries to find the material both useful and beneficial. For Canadian attendees this course fulfills the requirements for CASO training (non 705 operators.) Schedule Day One (Monday) 0730 - 0800 hrs. Registration & continental breakfast 0800 - 1200 hrs. Session #1 1200 - 1245 hrs. Lunch 1245 - 1700 hrs. Session#2 Day Two (Tuesday) 0730 - 0800 hrs. Continental breakfast 0800 - 1200 hrs. Session #3 1200 - 1245 hrs. Lunch 1245 - 1630 hrs. Session #4 1630 - 1700 hrs. Closing remarks and Presentation of certificates Overview - Improve safety performance by applying the fundamentals of SMS within your organization. Get past the barriers of independent departments to an integrated system. This two-day course gives you the comprehensive understanding of SMS and the tools to assist you in preparing for change in your organization. Who should attend - Any individuals who will be actively involved in the organization's Safety Management System (safety program). Individuals with previous experience and those with no knowledge in safety management will find this course useful for the formation or expansion of safety programs within their organizations. What you get - Participants will receive a consolidated reference binder of class material as well as an electronic version of the material which will provide guidance for setting up a system within their organization. Upon successful completion of the course a certificate will be issued. Subjects that will be reviewed are: * Safety and security * What Safety Management Systems is (definitions) * Corporate culture - The push for change (an overview of the proposed FAA Safety Management Systems, current ICAO and Transport Canada requirements) * Risk Assessment techniques * Data collection and processing * Front line involvement and committee process * Incident Reporting * Incident/Accident investigation techniques and process * Trend Analysis * Response to events and emergencies * Safety promotion * Implementing change (and the obstacles to change) * Documentation process. Location & Logistics - Calgary, Alberts, Canada. Tea/coffee/juice/water will be provided in the classroom at all times, continental breakfast and lunch on both days is included. Cost - $1,195.00 per person Canadian Funds SPECIAL OFFER: When you register three people from one organization they may bring a 4th person as our guest to this session! (Save $1,195.00!) for any given session the fourth attendee is our guest! DISCOUNTS: Option 1 - When attending the following CAP - Corrective Action Plan Course (June 20, 2012) and this course there is a special discount - the two courses for $1,600.00 a $345.00 savings! To receive this discount enter the code "CAP2012" when registering for the Safety Management Course, then register for the Corrective Action Plan Course and enter the discount code "SMS2012." Option 2 - When attending the following Quality Assurance and Auditing Course (June 21 & 22, 2012) and this course there is a special discount - the two courses for $2,000.00 a $390.00 savings! To receive this discount enter the code "QA2012" when registering for the Safety Management Course, then register for the Quality Assurance course and enter the discount code "SMS2012." Option 3 - BEST SAVINGS - When attending both the Corrective Action Plan Course & the Quality Assurance and Auditing Course (all three courses, five days) there is a bonus discount - the three courses for $2,500.00 a $540.00 savings! To receive this discount enter the code "ALL2012" when registering for the each of the courses. *all costs shown are exclusive of GST* Hosted by Beyond Risk Management Ltd. -Seating Restricted for better workshop discussion- -Registration is limited - Register now- Register on line at: http://www.regonline.ca/SMSYYCJune2012 For further information or questions: email - Brendan@beyondriskmgmt.com Or call: Brendan Kapuscinski 403-804-9745 Curt Lewis, P.E., CSP, FRAeS, FISASI CURT LEWIS & ASSOCIATES, LLC