Flight Safety Information January 3, 2013 - No. 003 In This Issue 3 people die in medical helicopter crash in Iowa Copter pilot dies in crash while keeping crops from freezing Suspended air operator urges CASA to speed up investigation (Australia) 4 injured in helicopter emergency landing in Oklahoma Nigeria To Buy 30 Aircraft To Assist Private Airlines PROS IOSA Audit Experts Boeing to overtake Airbus jet deliveries Boeing Max Orders Climb Above 1,000 On New Deal Cessna Acquires Jet Aviation's European MROs Airbus sweetens airplane deal with American Airlines Pakistan Airlines Seeks State Aid After Years of Losses Virgin Galactic first flight expected in 2013 3 people die in medical helicopter crash in Iowa MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) - A nurse, a paramedic and a pilot died when a medical helicopter (Bell 407) crashed and burst into flames in a field in northern Iowa. No patient was on board the helicopter from Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa when it slammed into the ground just north of Ventura in Cerro Gordo County around 9 p.m. Wednesday. Butch Kozisek told the Mason City Globe Gazette that he had been startled by the sound of the helicopter flying so low and that he saw "one heck of an explosion" from his home less than a mile from the snowy crash site. "Me and the wife were looking out the window and wondering what it was, and then the sound quit for about a second or two, and then just a big ball of fire at ground level," Kozisek said. The hospital identified two of the victims as employees: nurse Shelly Lair-Langenbau and paramedic Russell Piehl. Hospital president and CEO Dan Varnum said that while the two "fulfilled significant duties, they played a greater role as our neighbors and friends." The pilot was not identified. The helicopter was operated by a Lewisville, Texas-based company, Med-Trans Air Medical Transport. The Associated Press left messages with company officials early Thursday seeking comment. Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa spokeswoman Jodi Ball said the helicopter had been headed to Emmetsburg to pick up a patient. Emmetsburg is 78 miles west of Mason City. Ventura sits 17 miles west of Mason City. The hospital is cooperating with law enforcement and the FAA in investigating the crash. Officials used snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles to reach the wreckage. ************ Date: 02-JAN-2013 Time: evening Type: Bell 407 Operator: Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa's Air Med Registration: N445MT Fatalities: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: North of Ventura - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Ambulance Departure airport: Mason City Destination airport: Emmesburg Narrative: En route to pick up a patient, the medical transport helicopter crashed, killing the pilot, a paramedic and a nurse. www.aviation-safety.net Back to Top Copter pilot dies in crash while keeping crops from freezing The pilot of a helicopter (Bell 206) that went down in Central California was found dead Wednesday, Kern County sheriff's officials said. The helicopter, which was one of two helicopters flying overhead to keep crops from freezing, was reported missing about 6:20 a.m. The pilot of one helicopter observed the second helicopter go down, sheriff's officials said in a statement. Sheriff's deputies and county fire officials began a ground and air search and found the wreckage about 9:50 a.m. in a grape vineyard near Famoso-Porterville Highway and Spangler Road, southeast of Delano. The pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not been released pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. During cold spells, helicopters help conduct aerial frost control, moving warmer air down on crops in danger of freezing. There was heavy fog at the time of the crash, limiting visibility, officials said, and the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/copter-crash-kills-pilot.html ************* Date: 02-JAN-2013 Time: 06:15 LT Type: Bell 206 JetRanger Operator: San Joaquin Helicopter Registration: N828AC C/n / msn: 1519 Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 Airplane damage: mis Location: Vineyard near Delano, CA - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Agricultural Departure airport: KDLO Destination airport: KDLO Narrative: The aircraft, a Bell 206 JetRanger helicopter, N828AC, performing an agriculture service, impacted terrain near Delano, California. The helicopter sustained unreported damage and the sole pilot onboard received fat il injuries. Dense fog was reported in the area at the time of the accident. www.aviation-safety.net Back to Top Suspended air operator urges CASA to speed up investigation (Australia) A CASA, an audit found the airline operating aircraft with "serious and known defects". A lawyer for suspended air operator, Barrier Aviation, says the airline has approached safety authorities with a letter requesting CASA accelerate its investigation. Late last year the Cairns based air operator was grounded by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for posing "serious and imminent risk to air safety". Although initially suspended for five working days, the safety group has since petitioned to the Federal Court to keep the suspension in effect until at least 15 February 2013 or until CASA has the opportunity to complete its investigation. Barrier Aviation lawyer Derek Perkins said the operator is working hard to resolve safety issues but stressed the grounding is costing the operator up to AU$28,000 a day, ABC News reported. According to Mr Perkins, Barrier Aviation is "really willing to cooperate" with regulators and help "satisfy their concerns sooner rather than later". CASA expects to complete its investigation into the charter, aerial work and flying training air operator before 15 February 2013 but says the operator may resume services earlier once it is "satisfied Barrier Aviation no longer poses a serious and imminent risk to air safety". http://www.etravelblackboard.com/article/138891/suspended-air-operator-urges-casa-to-speed-up- investigation Back to Top 4 injured in helicopter emergency landing in Oklahoma SEMINOLE, Okla. - Four people are hurt after a Mediflight helicopter smacked the ground during an emergency landing in a field in Seminole. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the helicopter's pilot, a nurse and two medics were injured Wednesday when it landed hard near Seminole's airport. The patrol says the helicopter had just taken off to pick up a patient in Okemah when it may have experienced engine failure. Live video broadcast by Oklahoma City television stations showed the crumpled helicopter sitting idle in the field surrounded by emergency equipment. Some of the occupants were transported by other medical helicopters to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Their names were not immediately released. The patrol says the Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and plans to investigate. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/02/4-injured-in-helicopter-emergency-landing-in- oklahoma/#ixzz2GvGMxTeB Back to Top Nigeria To Buy 30 Aircraft To Assist Private Airlines VENTURES AFRICA - Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)'s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Dati, has revealed that government plans to purchase 30 aircraft to assist private airlines in the country as part of its plans to boost operations in the aviation industry. The GM made the disclosure at the inspection of reconstruction work at the Benin Airport on Wednesday. He said, "Government has concluded arrangement to procure 30 aircrafts as a way of supporting private airline operators to bring down air fares." Dati disclosed that the fund would be sourced in part from the aviation intervention fund managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Industry (BOI). He explained that rather than giving out aviation funds as it is done in the past when the funds were allegedly misused; the new development will involve buying and distributing aircraft to domestic airline operators. "So with all these, we believe that eventually, we will now have cheaper tickets and by the time we have cheaper tickets, there will be higher traffic. Because if you cut the cost of doing business, then the person doing the business has no reason but to also cut the cost of running it because we believe that one hour flight in Nigeria shouldn't cost more than N10, 000 or N15, 000 (about $100)" he said. He added that "the whole idea is to make the business cheaper and easier to operate." "This is to help domestic airlines operate profitably and make it attractive for investors because spare parts are a major cost component in the aviation industry," Dati added. http://www.ventures-africa.com/2013/01/nigeria-to-buy-30-aircrafts-to-assist-private-airline/ Back to Top Back to Top Boeing to overtake Airbus jet deliveries The new Boeing Dreamliner helped the manufacturer overtake Airbus in deliveries. Story HIGHLIGHTS Boeing is set to overtake Airbus for the first time in a decade by delivering more passenger jets The US manufacturer is cranking up production of its 787 Dreamliner after years of delay (Financial Times) -- Boeing is set to overtake Airbus for the first time in a decade by delivering more passenger jets to customers in 2012, primarily because the US manufacturer is cranking up production of its 787 Dreamliner after years of delay. Four analysts estimated Boeing's jet deliveries to airlines and leasing companies would exceed those of Airbus in 2012, adding the US company should maintain its lead over its European rival until at least 2015. As the two manufacturers increase production of single- and twin-aisle aircraft significantly over the coming three years in response to strong demand, Boeing and EADS, Airbus' parent, are well placed to boost shareholder returns. However, both groups are facing questions about how long they can sustain their higher production rates. Nick Cunningham, analyst at Agency Partners, predicted the two manufacturers would cut aircraft production after 2015. "Aircraft orders have either peaked or are about to peak for Airbus and Boeing, and the historical trend tells us that the peak in aircraft deliveries will follow within two or three years," he said. Boeing is expecting to supply customers with up to 600 aircraft in 2012, compared with Airbus' forecast of 580 jet deliveries. In the 11 months to November 30, Boeing delivered 537 aircraft to customers, while Airbus supplied 516. This past year could mark the first time Boeing has surpassed Airbus' deliveries since 2002 -- when the European manufacturer was seeking market parity with its US rival. For the previous 30 years, Boeing consistently delivered more aircraft to customers than Airbus. Although Boeing and Airbus continue to dominate the passenger jet market, their duopoly is under increasing threat from smaller players including Comac, the fledgling Chinese aircraft maker. Against this backdrop, Boeing and EADS are seeking to put themselves into a position to return more cash to shareholders. On December 17, Boeing announced a 10 per cent increase in its quarterly dividend and a share buyback because of the group's "positive growth outlook". EADS is planning a share buyback alongside a proposed restructuring of its state shareholders. The EADS board is this year expected to consider the case for increasing the group's dividend. Research and development spending at Boeing and Airbus should fall in the coming years, because their new widebody aircraft programmes are going into production. Boeing is well ahead of Airbus in this respect -- the US manufacturer delivered 35 twin-aisle 787s to customers in the first 11 months of 2012. The first 787 was supplied three years late to ANA, the Japanese airline, in 2011. Airbus is only due to deliver the first of its planned A350 widebody aircraft in 2014. Boeing's shares rose just 3 per cent in 2012, amid concerns about whether it could increase aircraft production -- particularly the 787 -- without glitches. EADS' shares, by contrast, rose 22 per cent, as Airbus improved its underlying operating margin to 3.3 per cent in the nine months to September 30, compared with 1.3 per cent in the equivalent prior period. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/01/business/boeing-airbus-orders/index.html Back to Top Boeing Max Orders Climb Above 1,000 On New Deal Orders for Boeing's (BA) new 737 Max jets passed the 1,000 mark after Aviation Capital, a leasing company, ordered 60 of the updated planes in late December. Boeing said Wednesday the deal is listed at $6 billion. Large orders are typically discounted from the book price. Shares were up nearly 2% intraday Wednesday. Aviation Capital, a division of Pacific LifeCorp. is also buying 30 A320neos from Airbus, Boeing's European rival. December was a busy month for Boeing. Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, finalized a deal for six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of a larger 100-jet order announced in July. The Navy ordered two C-40A Clipper transport aircraft, which are modified versions of Boeing's 737 jets. In December, Boeing also announced orders for 50 planes worth about $9 billion at list price, with customers including FedExFDX, Taiwan's China Airlines, and one jet for Iraqi Airways. The Aerospace/ Defense group is ranked No. 67 out of the 197 industry groups IBD follows. Group leaders based on EPS ranking include B/E Aerospace (BEAV) and TransDigm Group (TDG) and Raytheon (RTN). Boeing in ranked in the bottom quarter of companies in the group with an EPS ranking of 36, meaning it is only out performing 36% of companies covered. Boeing is slated to report Q4 results on Jan. 30. http://news.investors.com/business/010213-639002-boeing-737-max-jet-orders- climb.htm#ixzz2GuyQd4OR Back to Top Cessna Acquires Jet Aviation's European MROs Cessna Aircraft has acquired Jet Aviation's maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in Zurich, Switzerland, and Düsseldorf, Germany. The OEM had recently renewed their designations as authorized service facilities. Both facilities went into operation as Cessna Citation Service Centers on January 1. Under the terms of the agreement, Jet Aviation will continue operating the FBO facilities at both locations. Operating as Cessna Citation Service Centers, both facilities provide comprehensive repair, maintenance, overhaul, refurbishment and customization services for Citation business jets and now also offer Cessna's ProAdvantage programs. "Both the Dusseldorf and Zurich facilities will continue to provide comprehensive repair, maintenance, overhaul, refurbishment and customization services for Citation business jets, and certain other manufacturers' aircraft currently maintained there," Joe Hepburn, senior vice president for customer service, told AIN. Cessna now has a total of 15 factory-owned Citation Service Centers across Europe, the U.S. and Singapore. The OEM also announced it intends to expand its European sales force with the establishment of satellite offices throughout the region. Up to 12 additional sales staff will be located in recently acquired Cessna Citation Service Centers, including those in Zurich, Düsseldorf, Doncaster and Valencia, as well as other locations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainmxreports/2013-01-02/cessna-acquires-jet-aviations- european-mros Back to Top Airbus sweetens airplane deal with American Airlines (but we're not sure how much) American Airlines on Wednesday evening filed a motion in U.S. Bankruptcy Court that seeks approval to proceed with its purchase of Boeing and Airbus airplanes. In the 20-page document, American indicates that Airbus has given it better terms than when the airline first announced the airplane deals in July 2011. It sounds pretty good. But the good parts are all redacted. Here's what is in the public version: During the pendency of the chapter 11 cases, the Debtors have engaged in extensive discussions with each of Airbus and IAE with respect to their respective prepetition agreements and their ongoing relationship. These discussions have resulted in proposed amendments and modifications to the prepetition agreements with each of Airbus and IAE that would become effective upon the assumption of the agreements, as so amended, pursuant to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. These amendments and the benefits to the Debtors' estates provided therein are summarized as follows: Amendments to Airbus Agreements (the "Airbus Amendments") - Airbus provides a net reduction [redacted]. The total savings to be realized by American from this reduction is approximately [redacted] through [redacted]; - Airbus provides a reduction [redacted]; and - Airbus has agreed to a reduction [redacted] which American projects will result in cost savings aggregating approximately [redacted] through [redacted]. Accordingly as set forth above, the savings that could be realized from the Airbus Amendments through [redacted] aggregate approximately [redacted], [redacted]. In addition, no cure amounts would be payable in connection with the assumption of the Airbus Agreements, [redacted]. That clears that up. In the July 2011 order, American and Airbus said American would buy 130 airplanes from the current Airbus A320 family through 2017, and 130 of the next-generation A320neo airplanes beginning in 2017. In Wednesday's filing, American disclosed that it has options to buy more airplanes from the current-generation Airbus A320 family. How many? [Redacted]. It also has options to buy more of the Airbus A320neo family. How many and when? [Redacted and redacted]. The motion also asks for approval of the agreement between American and IAE International Aero Engines AG, which will supply engines for the Airbus aircraft. IAE is to pay a "fleet allowance" to American each time the carrier takes delivery of an Airbus airplane. The proposal would increase the fleet allowance, but the amount is [redacted]. In support of its request, American said "it is abundantly clear that assumption of the Airbus Agreement and IAE Agreement represents a sound exercise of the Debtors' business judgment. The agreements are on extremely beneficial terms, very competitive in the industry and both agreements have been enhanced by the recent amendments. Moreover, assumption of the agreements will lock in the financial benefits, assure the timely delivery of aircraft critical to the Debtors' fleet plan and income generating capacity and not impose any undue prejudice or burden on the Debtors' estates or any party in interest http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/01/airbus-sweetens-airplane-deal-with-american-airlines- but-were-not-sure-how-much.html/ Back to Top Pakistan Airlines Seeks State Aid After Years of Losses Pakistan International Airlines Corp. (PIAA), the flag carrier reeling from seven straight years of losses, sought financial assistance from the government for at least a third time since 2007 to pare debt. The carrier, known as PIA, has asked for 25 billion rupees ($257 million) from the government, Managing Director Muhammad Junaid Yunus said in a Jan. 1 interview at his office in Karachi, Pakistan. The management is in talks with the finance ministry to raise the capital before March, he said. Passengers board a Pakistan International Airlines aircraft in Saudi Arabia. "I'm praying that we get this," Yunus said. "This is a government airline, it's a national asset." PIA plans to lease 12 fuel-efficient planes this year, Yunus said, as the company turns for funds to the government, which itself is trying to repair state finances after recording the highest budget deficit in two decades. South Asian carriers Air India Ltd. and SriLankan Airlines Ltd. have also won state funding amid competition from Emirates and Middle East carriers. Pakistan's national carrier got government loans of 25 billion rupees in 2007 and about 8 billion rupees in the year ended in June 2009, Yunus said. "The cash injection won't bring PIA out of trouble but it will still make things better for them," said Khurram Schehzad, the Karachi-based head of research at brokerage Arif Habib Ltd. "The implementation of this should be gradual considering the looming elections and the coming budget." PIA fell 0.3 percent to 3.81 rupees at the close in Karachi, erasing a gain of as much as 5.5 percent. The benchmark KSE 100 index rose 0.6 percent. The stock more than doubled last year, ending eight straight years of annual declines. Kingfisher Losses Fuel costs and rising competition have also hurt other carriers in the region. The Indian government said it may provide as much as 300 billion rupees ($5.5 billion) to unprofitable Air India through 2020. Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. (KAIR), India's second-biggest carrier by market share in 2011, has halted operations since October after five years of losses. PIA plans to lease eight A320s and four turboprops, Yunus said. The Airbus planes would be used for services to cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Mumbai. The company will raise bank loans to fund the fleet upgrade after government approval, he said. The carrier has a debt of 150 billion rupees, Yunus said. PIA posted a loss of 26 billion rupees in 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It previously reported an annual profit in 2004. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-02/pakistan-airlines-seeks-government-support-after- losses.html Back to Top Virgin Galactic first flight expected in 2013 The first passenger flight of Virgin Galactic is expected by the end of 2013. The craft, which is being designed to take passengers 100 km to the very edge of space, will take Richard Branson and his two children on its maiden voyage at some point within the year. The exact timeline for the first trip is yet to be finalised as is a lot of the other fine detail regarding the Virgin Galactic procedures, not least because of the fledgling nature of the commercial space (or, more accurately "edge of space") tourism industry. The area with the most potential for causing delays in the flights is, understandably, the safety of passengers and crew during voyages. "The Federal Aviation Administration is not certifying that the vehicle is safe, said Virgin Galactic CEO, George Whitesides, in an article appearing in IEEE. "We'll be operating in a somewhat unique regulatory regime based on informed consent. The operator informs the customer [about the risks], and the customer makes the decision." http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-01/03/virgin-galactic-2013 Curt Lewis