Flight Safety Information December 13, 2012 - No. 249 In This Issue Airlines Headed for Safest Year to Date, Africa Apart, IATA Says FAA orders GE to repair regional-jet engines after fires Inside China: What's in a fighter jet crash? American Airlines is first in USA to get new Boeing 777-300ER FAA's medical institute marks 50 years Safety tops the agenda at new conference PROS IOSA Audit Experts Mitsubishi Aircraft in 100 jet deal with SkyWest Qatar Executive receives European Air Safety Agency certification approval Russia shelves hypersonic aircraft project Database helps experimental-aircraft pilots find instructors GRADUATE RESEARCH REQUEST Airlines Headed for Safest Year to Date, Africa Apart, IATA Says Airlines are on track for their safest-ever year after the loss-rate for western-built jets fell 54 percent in the first 11 months compared with a year earlier, the International Air Transport Association said. Aircraft from manufacturers including Airbus SAS, Boeing Co. (BA) and Bombardier Inc. (BBD/B) suffered 0.19 "hull loss" accidents per million flights during the period, IATA said today. Across the airline industry, the rate of accidents involving losses or damage for planes built by all manufacturers was 2.14 per million flights, the organization said at a Geneva briefing, continuing a downward trend since 2008. Safety at African carriers deteriorated, with 12.69 losses per million flights, 57 percent worse than a year earlier. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-13/airlines-headed-for-safest-year-to-date-africa- apart-iata-says.html Back to Top FAA orders GE to repair regional-jet engines after fires The Federal Aviation Administration is ordering General Electric Co. to repair 300 of its turbofan engines because bad valves have caused two engine fires without hurting anyone. The CF34-8C and CF34-8E engines are on Bombardier CRJ700/900 and Embraer 170/175 aircraft. The order affects about 15 percent of the fleet for these engines, which were built from 2001 to 2006, when General Electric switched valve suppliers. The repairs are projected to cost $7.55 million according to FAA's order, to be published Thursday in the Federal Register. The order is to prevent "engine fuel leakage, uncontrolled fire and damage to the airplane," FAA says. The flaw involves a piece of equipment called the operability bleed valve, which takes air out of the engine's compressor during start-up. As the valve fittings aged, FAA found they occasionally leaked and twice caused an engine fire. One fire occurred on takeoff, and the pilot shut down the engine and activated the fire- extinguishing system before landing safely, according to GE. The other fire occurred after landing a plane, when the pilot noticed a fire alert and shut off fuel to the engine before taxiing safely to the gate. Deborah Case, a GE spokeswoman, says the engine has flown more than 25 million hours and that the company continues to monitor them for safety. "Based on the engine fleet's service history, we are not aware of any operational issues that would impact the continued safe flight of aircraft powered by these engines," Case says. http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2012/12/12/ge-engines/1765035/ Back to Top Inside China: What's in a fighter jet crash? A Chinese-made J-7 fighter-interceptor jet crashed into a civilian residential area earlier this month, injuring four people on the ground. The pilot successfully bailed out seconds before impact near an air force base in Guangdong province Dec. 4. Such news is considered routine in the West. But the Chinese government usually responds by being secretive - except for this incident. The story was given special treatment by state-run media, and it was promptly and widely reported throughout China. Even the always cheery PLA Daily, the official People's Liberation Army newspaper, took the initiative and announced the crash, as did the Chinese Defense Ministry website. For China, the J-7 represents the longest and most expensive PLA reverse engineering project. With an estimated 350 aircraft still flying, the J-7 is also the second-most numerous type of aircraft currently in service in the air force and navy. The J-7 was directly reverse-engineered from the Soviet-design MiG-21 that was built in the 1950s. Moscow gave the Chinese sample planes and technical data in the early 1960s in exchange for China's support for Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev's international gambits, including the deployment of Soviet missiles in Cuba. However, the Chinese complained that the data given by Moscow was incomplete and many parts accompanying the first sample planes were defective. Nevertheless, the Chinese engineers stuck with the MiG-21 design and arduously sought to replicate it. After many years of trial and error - mostly during the tumult called the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s - the J-7 finally became operational in the early 1980s. The Chinese called their replica the J-7 and began serial production for its army. A foreign export version, known as F-7, was sold to China's many "brother countries" in the Third World, including Albania, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The J-7 remains an inexpensive second-generation combat aircraft with a maximum speed of Mach 2 and a combat radius of 530 miles. Its primary role is air-to-ground assault. One of the most likely reasons behind China's rare openness on the J-7 crash is an intensification of internal debate within the Chinese military high command about the present and future role of the J-7. Over several decades of reverse-engineering the jet, many current PLA leaders shared the experience of the process. They have vested interests in preserving the plane for Chinese pride and favor keeping the remaining units in the service much longer, despite the fact that the J-7 appears out-of-date and needs to be replaced. Production stopped in 2006. After China acquired the much more advanced Russian Su-27 jets in the 1990s, an aircraft the Chinese also reverse-engineered and named the J-11, many new PLA leaders increasingly view the J-7s as an embarrassment for China's air power. The J-7 is prone to mechanical failures in mid-air, resulting in frequent crashes, according to various published sources. Thus exposure in the media of J-7's mishaps and crashes will push the army's J-7 community to swallow its pride and let it go out of the service quickly. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/12/inside-china-whats-in-a-fighter-jet- crash/#ixzz2Ew1bvorQ Back to Top American Airlines is first in USA to get new Boeing 777-300ER FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- American Airlines took delivery of a new Boeing long-range jet and plans to give it a new paint job that will differ from the familiar polished-aluminum look of the carrier's other planes. The airline said Tuesday that the Boeing 777-300ER will go into service Jan. 31 between Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Before then, it will get a paint job. American Airlines spokesman Mike Trevino declined to hint at the new livery, which might not seem like a big deal to most travelers but is the stuff of eager speculation among aviation geeks. American is the first U.S. airline to get one of the new 777s, which are designed for international routes - the "ER" at the end of the name stands for extended range. The plane will be configured for three classes, with lie-flat seats in first-class and business but not the economy section of the cabin. Premium customers will be able to use a walk-up bar to get snacks and drinks. After its introduction on the DFW-Brazil route, American plans to use the 777-300ER between London's Heathrow Airport and both DFW and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. American and parent AMR have been under bankruptcy protection since November 2011 but are pressing ahead with plans for several hundred new planes for better fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Back to Top FAA's medical institute marks 50 years The Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, located at Oklahoma City's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, trains pilots and flight crews on crash survival. Big innovations in aviation safety are attributed to the work done at the Federal Aviation Administration's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City, which is celebrating 50 years. Michael Huerta, acting administrator of the FAA, speaks during the 50th anniversary ceremony. Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and other officials visited the facility Wednesday for a tour and presentation led by Melchor Antunano, director of the institute. Located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the institute trains pilots and flight crews for aircraft crashes and includes a water facility to study flotation devices and water survival, a biodynamics impact track for crash testing, an altitude chamber and forensic toxicology laboratories. "This institution has certainly set the gold standard for safety," said Peggy Gilligan, the FAA's associate administrator for aviation safety. Over its 50 years, the institute has contributed to aviation safety in the areas of medical fitness, crash-safety design through aircraft evacuation, defining measurable aptitudes for selecting air traffic controllers and assessing the effects of their workload on safe flight performance. Researchers also study aircraft accidents, and protection and survival of passengers. An important history The entity began as the Civil Aeromedical Research Institute in 1960, and was dedicated Oct. 21, 1962. Sen. Mike Monroney spoke during the dedication. It was renamed the Civil Aeromedical Institute in 1965 and in 2001, changed again to the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute to incorporate support of manned commercial space transportation http://newsok.com/faas-medical-institute-marks-50-years/article/3737024 Back to Top Safety tops the agenda at new conference Ali Al Naqbi, MEBAA chairman A conference designed to establish the highest levels of aviation safety across the Middle East's regional aviation workplace - and the challenges associated in achieving this - will be the key subject at a global conference in Dubai early next year. Aviation Safety Culture, will be held from 29-30 January 2013, at The Meydan Hotel, Dubai, UAE, under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed al Maktoum, president, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; chairman, Dubai Airports and chairman and CEO of Emirates. The event - the first of its kind - will be presented by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and supported by Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline. During the two day conference, aviation officials representing airports, airlines, regulators and industry stakeholders will discuss how the regional aviation industry can develop a community-wide safety culture and the advantages, challenges and planning associated with forging this ethos. Organisers Streamline Marketing Group says the concept has already received an enthusiastic response resulting in a projected attendance in excess of 250. Wider support has also been forthcoming both globally and in the wider Middle East from world class organisations such as Air BP, Boeing, Honeywell, Malakut and Maximus Air. Dr. Ratan Khatwa, senior chief engineer -human factors, Honeywell Aerospace says that as a pioneer in aviation safety with industry leading safety products such as the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and IntuVue 3D Weather Radar, the company is also keen to put its support behind any initiative that further heightens both operational efficiency and safety. "We are delighted to support the Aviation Safety Culture conference as we continue to focus on increasing safety in this important, rapidly growing market," he said. "We already have a range of technologies on the market today that bring best-in-class safety and efficiency gains to airlines across the Middle East. But just as important is the need to foster an industry-wide commitment to grow Middle East air travel in the most safe and efficient way possible." http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/safety-tops-the-agenda-at-new- conference.html?utm_source=googleNews&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=news_feed Back to Top Back to Top Mitsubishi Aircraft in 100 jet deal with SkyWest This file photo shows a miniature model of Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), displayed at Mitsubishi Heavy Industry (MHI) headquarters in Tokyo, on October 9, 2007. Mitsubishi Aircraft said on Thursday it has signed a deal with US-based SkyWest for 100 jets worth $4.2 billion, with an option to buy another 100 planes. AFP - Mitsubishi Aircraft said Thursday it has signed a deal with US-based carrier SkyWest for 100 jets worth $4.2 billion, with an option to buy another 100 planes, in a "major order" for the Japanese firm. The Japanese company, founded in 2008, said it expected to deliver the first batch of planes from 2017 while the optional order could be delivered from 2021. The optional order could double the deal's value to over $8.0 billion based on its planes' list price, Mitsubishi said, adding the pair's agreement would "mutually position themselves for opportunities in the US regional airline industry". SkyWest, one of the world's biggest regional airline operators, is partnered with major US carriers including Delta and United and serves nearly 170 destinations in the US, Canada, and Mexico. It flew about 24.5 million passengers last year. "Without a doubt, this is a major order and significant boost for the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet) programme," Mitsubishi Aircraft chief Hideo Egawa said in a statement. Mitsubishi Aircraft, backed by several top Japanese firms including conglomerate Mitsubishi, automaker Toyota and trading giant Sumitomo, said this year it had reached a deal in principle with the US company for an order. "SkyWest believes the MRJ with its significant advancements in fuel economy, passenger comfort and environmental friendliness, will be a valued addition to our fleet," it said in a statement. The Japanese firm's 70-90 seat regional jets are touted as having a next-generation design that is fuel-efficient and cuts down on noise. The company previously inked an order for 15 planes with Japan's All Nippon Airways and 50 jets from US-based Trans States Holdings. Last year it also announced a five-jet deal with Hong Kong-based aircraft leasing firm ANI Group Holdings. Worldwide demand for regional jets with 60 to 99 seats is expected to surge to more than 4,100 planes by 2031 from 1,810 units in 2011, according to research institute Japan Aircraft Development Corporation. Back to Top Qatar Executive receives European Air Safety Agency certification approval for its maintenance facility in Doha Qatar Airways' private jet division Qatar Executive has received a European Air Safety Agency (EASA)certification approval to provide maintenance and repair services for Bombardier Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and the manufacturer's entire global family of business jets. Qatar Executive, can now offer scheduled maintenance, repair and warranty services for European registered Challenger and Global aircraft at its Doha hub. The new EASA PART 145 certification complements the existing approval from Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority and underpins Qatar Executive's status as an Authorised Service Facility (ASF) in the Middle East by Bombardier. The award of the certificate follows a stringent audit performed by the European Air Safety Agency, in which Qatar Executive demonstrated its compliance to the highest international aircraft maintenance standards. Commenting on the new certification, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said, "We are extremely proud to have obtained this EASA approval. This is a testament to the quality of our highly experienced staff and the outstanding service levels we offer to our valued customers." "The new EASA PART 145 approval is an important step towards establishing Qatar Executive, not just as a leading charter operator, but also as a premier Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility for private jets in the region," he added. Founded in 2009, Qatar Executive today operates a wholly-owned all-Bombardier fleet, currently comprising three Challenger 605s, two Global 5000s and one Global XRS, but set to grow. Through the operators' long-term working relationship with the Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, customers will benefit from a 30-strong team of engineers and technicians who support the 24-hour, 7-day operation with their solid expertise and detailed knowledge of Bombardier aircraft. The Technical Operations team receives regular training from the manufacturer to keep up with the latest technical developments and customers' needs to quickly resolve maintenance issues ranging from minor defects to scheduled maintenance and modifications. The team works closely with the client to develop and schedule maintenance work packages to minimise costly aircraft downtimes and achieve high aircraft utilisation rates. Client aircraft suffering from technical defects outside of Doha can rely on Qatar Executive to quickly dispatch a Mobile Technical Team to quickly repair the aircraft with minimal schedule disruption. It further rounds off Qatar Executive's maintenance service portfolio, which also comprises services for spare parts and aircraft interior deep-cleaning, exterior washing as well as bright work polishing to keep up client aircraft sparkling - services which can all be carried out in Qatar Executive's 6,400 square metre dedicated hangar at Doha International Airport. Being part of a well-established award-winning full service global network airline Qatar Airways, Qatar Executive customers can be rest assured to receive highest standards of service in terms of quality, comfort, confidentiality and security provided by highly trained crew. http://www.ameinfo.com/qatar-executive-receives-european-air-safety-322651 Back to Top Russia shelves hypersonic aircraft project The work on the Russian aviation project of the hypersonic experimental aircraft, known for the Russian initials as GELA, has been shelved before 2014, RBC reports. According to sources at Rainbow design bureau and the Central Institute of AeroHydroDynamics, the works on the Russian hypersonic experimental aircraft (GELA), which were conducted in Dubna (a town near Moscow) were suspended at least before 2014, KM.ru said. According to sources, designers failed to resolve a number of technical issues. In particular, the aircraft can not develop hypersonic speed. Officials with the bureau also added that the GELA project had not been relevant for ten years already. The creation of a hypersonic aircraft is one of the goals, which Dmitry Rogozin, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the military and industrial complex, identified as important. In September of this year, Rogozin announced the creation of a "superholding" to build a hypersonic aircraft. Rogozin has already refuted the rumors about the decision to shelve the project. The deputy prime minister tweeted a rhetorical question: "Think about it - is mankind ready to fly faster, higher and farther because of some technical problems?" It is worthy of note that the United States refused from the project of piloted hypersonic aircraft in 2003 due to a very high cost of jet engines. The engines are necessary for the aircraft to develop a hypersonic speed. The US preferred to focus on drones instead. http://english.pravda.ru/news/russia/13-12-2012/123158-hypersonic_aircraft-0/ Back to Top Database helps experimental-aircraft pilots find instructors The Experimental Aircraft Association wants to help pilots of experimental amateur-built aircraft contact flight instructors who can provide them with additional safety training. EAA has published an online list of instructors authorized by the FAA to offer instruction in experimental aircraft "for purposes of type specific training." The organization created the resource in response to one of several recommendations addressed directly to EAA by the National Transportation Safety Board in the report, "The Safety of Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft." "EAA, as well as the FAA and NTSB, strongly recommend that all builders and new owners of experimental aircraft undertake a thorough transition training program before flying their own aircraft solo for the first time (during Phase I testing or otherwise)," EAA said. The certificated flight instructors listed are holders of an FAA-issued Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) that makes an exception to the regulatory prohibition on "the carriage of persons or property for compensation or hire in aircraft having experimental certificates." Among the types of training acceptable under a LODA is "flight training for the operation of a specific make and model of experimental aircraft." The list is based on FAA data and is a portion of EAA's action on the four NTSB recommendations, said Dick Knapinski, EAA senior communications advisor The other NTSB recommendations included creation of a coalition of aircraft type clubs; identifying and applying incentives for owners, builders, and pilots to complete flight-test training; and working with industry stakeholders to develop standards for the recording of data to be used in support of flight testing or the continued airworthiness of experimental amateur-built aircraft. "A couple of the recommendations are already checked off, and two are in progress," he said. The report also contained 12 recommendations for FAA action. Knapinski encouraged any certificated flight instructor who holds a LODA but was not listed to contact EAA. Instructors with amateur-built aircraft who would like to provide the training but do not hold a LODA must apply through their FAA Flight Standards District Office, he said. http://www.aopa.org/training/articles/2012/121211database-helps-experimental-aircraft- pilots.html Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH REQUEST Study Participant Recruitment Solicitation People who have skills in project management and project cost analysis are needed to be a part of a research study that will be conducted at Northcentral University. In addition, these people need to be familiar with aviation safety management programs. . If you know of anyone with these skills, please contact ninaduncan@ymail.com or call 832- 215-7037. Curt Lewis