Flight Safety Information April 19, 2013 - No. 081 In This Issue Dramatic images show plane blown sideways as it comes into land in strong Dana: Coroner orders witness summons on aviation minister (Nigeria) FAA Expected to Clear 787...FAA Expected to Clear 787 Quest Diagnostics Receives Top FAA Award for Aviation Maintenance Training and Safety More safety, financial security needed for African airlines - IATA IATA tasks African leaders on aviation safety, development Southwest Airlines Pilots Oppose Attempted Cuts to Key Safety Program PROS IOSA Audit Experts ALEXANDER RENEWS MASTER AVIATION EDUCATOR ACCREDITATION Air India pilots merrily violate dress codeAir India pilots merrily violate dress code Graduate Research Survey Dramatic images show plane blown sideways as it comes into land in strong This is the dramatic moment a plane was blown sideways as it came into land in strong winds yesterday. A Ryanair plane from Limoges struggles with strong winds whilst touching down at Leeds Bradford Airport. The Ryanair plane approached the runway head-on but was caught in a gust as it touched down and was sent veering to the right. The incident, caught on camera at Leeds Bradford Airport, happened as much of Britain was battered by winds of between 40mph and 50mph yesterday. The stormy weather also caused delays to other flights due to take off from the West Yorkshire airport. The strongest wind speed in the country on Thursday was in Wales, where gusts reached 70mph, the Met Office said. In Walsall, the M6 motorway was closed briefly between junction 8 and 10 after the roof of a lorry blew off while in Scotland, a 90ft wind turbine fell after strong winds hit the area overnight on Wednesday. Owner Jim Anderson woke to find the turbine, on land in Hatton, Aberdeenshire, had been toppled and the three blades had been scattered across the field. Flights to from Leeds Bradford to Faro, Alicante, Southampton, Barcelona and Brussels were delayed because of the weather. The pictures capturing the Ryanair plane landing show smoke coming from the tyres as it is blown across the runway. But while the images may appear dramatic Ryanair said the landing was not unusual. A spokeswoman said: "We have noted the photograph, such landings are not unusual and all landings are routinely monitored and followed-up when necessary, using Ryanair's inflight telemetry." Aviation expert James Healy-Pratt, an aviation lawyer and qualified pilot, said the pilot would have been aware of the windy conditions. "The pictures show a significant cross wind, with the aircraft making a crab-like approach," he said. "A heavy touchdown will invariably result in smoke from the undercarriage tyres, as seen. Without knowing the precise wind conditions at Leeds Bradford at that time, we have to assume that all aircraft were landing safely within their cross wind limitations." A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman added that it was not uncommon for pilots to have to deal with strong winds on landing and take off. "It does happen when it is windy but it is part of the basic private pilot training, even a leisure weekend pilot would learn how to land in strong winds." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10004478/Dramatic-images-show-plane-blown- sideways-as-it-comes-into-land-in-strong-winds.html Back to Top Dana: Coroner orders witness summons on aviation minister (Nigeria) THE Lagos State coroner presiding on the ongoing inquest into the June 3 2012 Dana plane crash, on Thursday, directed that witness summons be issued on the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah and a pathologist, Professor Adekunbi Banjo, to appear before the inquest Magistrate Alexander Oyetade Komolafe, at the resumed sitting of the coroner, stated that it was necessary for the minister to make an appearance and give testimony before the hearing can be concluded. "Let the Minister of Aviation come and see what we are doing here and when she comes, we will have some questions for her." He added that he was allowing Banjo, who is a consultant with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), to testify in the interest of fair hearing. The pathologist is scheduled to appear before the inquest on May 22, but no specific date was fixed for Oduah's appearance. Magistrate Komolafe stated that the Minister was free to choose any day from May 20 to 24, 2013, which are dates fixed by the court for further hearing of the matter. Earlier, Mr Babatunde Irukera, AIB's counsel, had made a case for Banjo to be allowed to testify at the inquest. He made the request on the basis that the testimony of the pathologist, who had worked previously with AIB on other crashes, would assist the coroner come to a just and meaningful conclusion of the inquest. Irukera said Banjo was being called to refute some of the claims made Professor John Obafunwa, the Chief Medical Examiner of Lagos State, adding that she was not allowed to participate in the post-mortem examinations carried out on the bodies of the victims. Counsel for the Lagos State government, Mr Akinjide Bakare, however, insisted that Banjo ought to have voluntarily made herself available to the inquest, noting that seeking to call her at this late stage was a ploy to delay the conclusion of proceedings. http://tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/news/item/9905-dana-coroner-orders-witness- summons-on-aviation-minister Back to Top FAA Expected to Clear 787 Agency Is Likely to End Three-Month Grounding of Boeing's Dreamliner Amid Rising Pressure. By ANDY PASZTOR The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to move as soon as Friday to end a three-month grounding of Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner jet, according to people familiar with the matter. FAA chief Michael Huerta is poised lift the Dreamliner grounding. Barring some last minute delay, these people said, the FAA will announce Boeing has demonstrated that the 787's redesigned batteries are safe, convincing regulators in the process that various internal enhancements and a new protective metal container will prevent fires and automatically suck smoke or toxic fumes out of the cutting-edge plane Facing escalating pressure from all sides after extensive government analyses and internal debate, FAA chief Michael Huerta and his boss, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are poised to give the green light for Boeing to help airlines retrofit more than four dozen 787s. The jetliner stopped flying world-wide in mid-January after lithium-ion batteries burned on a pair of Dreamliners in little more than a week. Foreign regulators generally are expected to follow the FAA's lead. That means many of the fuel- efficient 787s-which rely more heavily on composite parts and advanced electrical systems that any previous jetliner-could resume carrying passengers as early as May. The fixes are expected to take less than a handful of days, but other aircraft testing and refresher training for pilots could stretch into additional weeks. .Spokeswomen for the FAA and the Department of Transportation declined to comment. Without commenting on the timing of a decision, a Boeing spokesman reiterated that the company stands "ready to reply to additional requests and continue in dialogue with the FAA to ensure we have met all of their expectations." The expected move caps a particularly difficult and financially painful period for the Chicago plane maker, which struggled with the first mandatory grounding of a major U.S. airliner since 1979. FAA experts initially believed some easy inspections and operational safeguards could get Boeing's flagship jetliner back in the air within a matter of days. But fixes for the underlying safety problems proved much more complex, and the extended grounding has cost Boeing hundreds of millions of dollars, tarnished its reputation and infuriated airline customers after they stuck with the company through years of unrelated production delays. When the plane maker submitted its full data package to the FAA earlier this month, according to people familiar with the details, the company asked for a final decision by about April 16 on the grounds that was enough time for regulators to validate its conclusions. ..That informal target date passed with no public signal from Mr. Huerta about his precise timetable. But even then, there seemed little doubt the FAA would act. The agency already gave its blessing to Boeing efforts to assemble battery-modification kits and prepare them for shipment to various designated repair facilities around the globe. Teams of Boeing technical experts are poised to flock to those sites to help airlines do the work. Boeing said on Thursday that FAA officials also have given the company unfettered approval to resume routine Dreamliner production flights that would help determine if various systems are working properly on newly assembled aircraft. The only suspense, according to people familiar with the deliberations, was whether the FAA would choose to give the green light before or after the National Transportation Safety Board holds public hearings next week that are intended to dissect and criticize the agency's original 2007 approval of the 787's battery system. As a result, some officials at the FAA and the Department of Transportation were leery of announcing anything until after next Wednesday, when the safety board is slated to wrap up its two days of hearings. In the end, however, the FAA is expected to do exactly what it promised Boeing and the flying public. Federal safety experts seemingly stuck with their own, independent timetable. But Boeing confronts new challenges, including how to help airlines promote the 787 again while persuading skeptical passengers that the planes meet the highest safety standards as promised. On Tuesday, Mr. Huerta told the Senate Commerce Committee that Boeing performed 20 specific tests and then "provided a very extensive set of documents to the FAA." With so much at stake, though, in recent days government and industry officials have been divided about how quickly Mr. Huerta would act. After the anticipated announcement, Boeing will issue a service bulletin instructing airlines how to revamp the battery systems, and the FAA will issue a formal safety directive mandating the changes. The agency, according to government and industry officials, also is expected to maintain approval for 787s to fly routes over water or polar regions that take the planes up to three hours from a suitable emergency landing strip. For Mr. Huerta, who joined the FAA as deputy administrator in 2010, became acting administrator two years later and began serving a five-year term as the agency's top appointee in January, deciding the fate of the 787 has ended up as one of the highest-profile aviation regulatory decisions in decades. The former managing director of the 2002 winter Olympics, who worked there with later Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney, Mr. Huerta is known as a seasoned manager and conciliator rather than for having an extensive technical background. After the first 787 battery incident occurred in January, Mr. Huerta expressed confidence in the plane's safety but nonetheless launched a sweeping review of how the agency originally certified the aircraft. Now, he is confronting critics inside and outside the safety board who contend FAA leaders before him made serious mistakes and failed to exercise aggressive oversight of Boeing when they approved the batteries in the first place. Those questions are likely to dominate next week's safety board hearings. In his Senate testimony on Tuesday, Mr. Huerta buttressed the point that when it comes to the 787, he doesn't always get to make the ultimate decision by himself. When asked about his role, Mr. Huerta told the panel that "I would be the one making the recommendation" to Mr. LaHood. At another point in the hearing, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, the West Virginia Democrat who chairs the panel, joked with Mr. Huerta about the pressures. "It's a wonderful job" to run the FAA, Mr. Rockefeller said with a smile. "No stress whatsoever." During his tenure, Mr. Huerta has confronted other controversies. He has been the White House's point man in trying to persuade reluctant airlines to invest in next-generation air traffic control technology. Last year, the FAA bowed to industry pressure by excluding cargo carriers from tough new pilot-fatigue rules. And in coming months, Mr. Huerta is expected to announce wide-ranging rewrites of rules governing airline pilot training and experience. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324493704578431153970240928.html FAA Expected to Clear 787 Back to Top Quest Diagnostics Receives Top FAA Award for Aviation Maintenance Training and Safety It has received the Federal Aviation Administration's "Diamond Award," the highest award for aviation maintenance training and safety. MADISON, N.J., April 18, 2013 - Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced that it has received the Federal Aviation Administration's "Diamond Award," the highest award for aviation maintenance training and safety. The award is given to individuals and companies that achieve certain levels of participation in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program, which is designed to promote aviation mechanic training. Previous company Diamond Award winners include Bombardier, maker of the Learjet and Challenger Jet; Gulfstream Aerospace; and American Airlines, among others. As a company, Quest Diagnostics achieved the Diamond Award, the highest award, based on 100% participation by employees; each of the company's participating 23 mechanics achieved individual Bronze awards through completion of additional FAA safety training. Quest Diagnostics participated in the voluntary FAA program for the first time in 2012. "Each day, thousands of patients rely on Quest Diagnostics to reliably and safely transport their specimens for diagnostic testing by our clinical laboratories," said Raymond Benischeck, chief inspector of flight operations for Quest Diagnostics. "The FAA's Diamond Award validates the commitment of our air and ground flight teams to providing outstanding logistics for these sensitive materials through best practices in aviation safety and logistics excellence and continuing education of our flight team." The Diamond Award is the second recognition this year of the company's achievements in aviation safety. In January 2013, the company's flight operations received Stage III certification under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), a code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve a high level of safety and professionalism. Only 85 of 650 IS-BAO registered organizations worldwide have achieved Stage III certification, the highest level. Quest Diagnostics operates a national logistics operation that includes about two dozen specimen transport airplanes and approximately 70 air fleet personnel, most of which are based at the air fleet center's headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company operates other air fleet centers in the United States, including in Dallas, TX; St. Louis, MO;, and Lawrenceville, GA. About Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com or follow us at Facebook.com/Quest Diagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/10923922/quest-diagnostics-receives-top-faa-award- for-aviation-maintenance-training-and-safety Back to Top More safety, financial security needed for African airlines - IATA African airlines need to improve their safety standards and operating environment, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). With a few exceptions, African airlines have been regarded as having a poor safety record, mainly as a result of publicity given to the large number of crashes involving airline and cargo aircraft (mainly those manufactured in the former USSR). Globally airlines averaged one accident for every five million flights in 2012 on Western-built jet aircraft. Africa lost one jet for every 270 000 flights. The European Union (EU) has even gone as far as to ban a large number of African airlines from operating within the UE due to safety concerns from alleged poor maintenance and regulatory oversight. Speaking to the Cape Town Press Club on Thursday, ahead of the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit to be held in Cape Town in early June, Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of IATA, says that safety is the biggest challenge for air transport in Africa. "Looking at accidents involving all aircraft types and levels of damage, there were 75 in 2012 and 13 of these were in Africa," Tyler notes, "Africa is about 3% of global traffic and 17% of accidents. So, my first message is that there is a safety problem that must be fixed." Last year saw a remarkable achievement in aviation safety. There were no hull loss accidents with Western built jet aircraft among airlines on the registry of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) during 2012. IOSA covers more than 380 airlines, which includes all 240 IATA member airlines for which IOSA is mandatory. The IOSA registry includes 25 airlines in sub-Saharan Africa. With a clear connection between safety performance and IOSA registration, Tyler says "world- class safety is possible in Africa and IOSA can play a major role." In a positive move, African ministers for transport adopted the Abuja Declaration and the Aviation Safety Improvement Action Plan for Africa in July last year. This commits both African governments and industry to achieve a safety performance on par with the global average by the end of 2015. Earlier this year it was endorsed by the African Union Summit. This, IATA says, shows recognition of the importance of aviation safety at the very highest levels of government in the continent. The commitment covers the establishment of independent and sufficiently funded civil aviation authorities, implementation of effective and transparent safety oversight systems by all African states and completion of an IOSA by all African carriers. IATA recognises that getting all African airlines onto the IOSA registry by 2015 will be a challenge. Tyler says that IATA's strategy is to work directly with carriers not on the registry to help them prepare. An initial group of ten airlines were announced earlier this week. With the reputational damage of the EU banned list extended across Africa, Tyler feels that the EU's approach is wrong because it lacks transparency and does not improve safety. The global airline industry produces $2.2 trillion in economic activity and employs 57 million people. Put in an African context, that is 6.7 million jobs and $68 billion in revenues. The South Africa figures are a R74 billion contribution to GDP and over 230 000 jobs. Aviation is a tough business and IATA estimates that airlines will turn a combined profit of some $10.6 billion in 2013, a net profit margin of only 1.6%. This is a very narrow margin when compared to other industries. The performance of the African industry parallels the global trend. Tyler says that "for 2013 we expect the continent's airlines to earn about $100 million profit. And this equates to an earnings before interest and taxes margin of just 1.0%." The two factors that drive airline profitability are economic growth and the price of oil. Reflecting on its important role in development, the airline industry tends to expand at twice the rate of GDP. "But there is a stall speed," Tyler notes, "historically, when global GDP growth has dropped below 2%, airlines have lost money." Tyler says that "global GDP growth is forecast at 2.4%. It is above the stall speed...but not with much of a buffer." "Countries that adopt aviation friendly policies tend to find that the connectivity that generates helps boost growth, increases the size of the economy, increases the number of jobs and generally makes their economies wealthier. We like to encourage governments to follow those sorts of policies," says Tyler. With fuel accounting for a third of the industry's cost structure, the price of oil and aviation fuel has a significant impact on the bottom line of airlines. "On average fuel uplift in Africa is 21% more expensive than in other parts of the world," says Tyler, "This is a huge penalty for airlines operating in Africa and particularly, of course, for airlines based in Africa. In Africa fuel accounts for 44% of costs." However, Tyler believes that much of the financial problems African airlines face is because government policies in Africa tend to see aviation as an "elite" product, rather than as a critical component of the continent's economic infrastructure. Declares Tyler: "As a result it is heavily taxed, often in violation of international principles which prohibit the taxation of jet fuel for international operations." "We are campaigning across Africa for governments to review the situation," Tyler continues. "We have had some success in Angola, Uganda and Ghana. But there is a lot more work to be done." Airlines in Africa are growing faster than the global average because their economies are growing faster. "Generally," Tyler says, "aviation progress correlates with GDP growth, so there are great opportunities." Aviation in general faces high levels of taxation as it is seen as a soft target for governments. IATA is working to convince African governments that the combination of Solidarity Taxes, VAT and tourism taxes is limiting the economic benefits that aviation could bring. Solidarity taxes were started by France in 2006 to charge air travellers for the cost of fighting diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria etc. IATA notes that the global community recognized that singling out air travellers to fund such causes, however worthy, was not the right way forward, with only 11 countries followed France's lead. "The trouble is that nine of them are in Africa," complained Tyler. "Chad was the latest to implement. And we hear rumours that Namibia and Kenya are considering such action. I urge all these countries to re-think their positions around voluntary contributions." Airlines face significant challenges, particularly those operating in Africa. "These financial challenges have not prevented the industry from moving forward to meet its targets on improving safety and security, environmental sustainability, and cost-efficiency," concludes Tyler. http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30211:more- safety-financial-security-needed-for-african-airlines-iata&catid=114:civil- aviation&Itemid=247 More safety, financial security needed for African airlines - IATA Back to Top IATA tasks African leaders on aviation safety, development THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to build stronger partnerships with industry to prioritise and promote aviation policies that will improve safety, develop a more competitive industry cost structure and advance liberalisation. According to IATA, aviation is a key driver of Africa's economy, noting that 6.7 million African jobs and nearly $68 billion in African GDP are supported by air transport. "The benefits of aviation connectivity go far beyond these figures. With a few kilometers of runway the most remote region can be connected to the global community. And that could mean access to vital sources of health care and emergency assistance; jobs selling products in global markets or welcoming tourists; or opportunities for education, exploring the world or creating business," said the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Tyler. The international body stated that safety has continued to be the biggest challenge for African aviation. It noted that in 2012, airlines averaged one hull loss for every five million flights on Western-built jet aircraft while the African average was one for every 270,000 flights. However, there were no Western-built jet hull-losses among the 380+ airlines on the registry of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), including 25 airlines in sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia recently, at the opening of IATA 's Aviation Day, he said: "World-class safety is possible in Africa. The safety record of African carriers on the IOSA registry tells us that the key to this is integrating the best safety practices of the industry as captured in the IOSA standards. IATA is committed and actively engaged in helping to enhance African aviation's safety performance to reach worldwide levels based on the African Strategic Improvement Action Plan," said Tyler. His words: "All of our members, including those in Africa are already on the registry. But of course, safety is not only about IATA's members or those of AFRAA. It is an industry issue. In addition to a series of IOSA familiarisation workshops with regulators and airlines, IATA announced sponsored in-house IOSA training for ten African airlines. Tyler also reiterated IATA's longstanding criticism of the European Union Air Safety List of banned airlines. "The European Union's approach is wrong. It lacks transparency. And it does not improve safety". There are no transparent criteria for removing airlines from the banned list. "But, the overall safety improvements that we can expect from the commitment to mandate IOSA registration for all carriers will be a very strong argument for Europe to re-think its position," he added. IATA also highlighted the need for governments to rein in the high costs of fuel and burdensome taxes and charges. It noted that buying aviation fuel in Africa is about 21 per cent more expensive than the global average as a result of heavy taxes, many of which are in contravention of ICAO principles. IATA, which stated that the association would be working with airlines in Africa on a campaign for compliance with global standards, maintained that improvements have been realized in Angola, Uganda and Ghana. According to Tyler: "We see a combination of 'solidarity' taxes, tourism taxes, VAT, and infrastructure development fees, each of which reduces the ability of aviation to drive economic benefits and generate jobs. Governments must carefully weigh the income generated against lost economic opportunities. There should be a joined-up policy framework that is focused on the benefits of connectivity which would grow in a more favorable tax environment," said Tyler. http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119249:iata- tasks-african-leaders-on-aviation-safety-development-&catid=32:business- travel&Itemid=563 IATA Back to Top Southwest Airlines Pilots Oppose Attempted Cuts to Key Safety Program The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is calling on Congress to oppose efforts to eliminate funding for the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program. The move arose after President Obama's fiscal year 2014 budget called for the elimination of federal funding of the volunteer initiative. "While it is unlikely that the President's budget will be adopted as written, any attempts to defund an effective, cost-efficient program should be flatly rejected by Congress," said Mark Richardson, SWAPA President. "Our union and pilots will continue to make the case that this is simply one of the best federal programs to protect passengers, pilots and staff, and the general public from acts of terrorism." The FFDO program trains qualified pilots, flight engineers or navigators in use of firearms, use of force, defensive tactics and other survival procedures. Federal Flight Deck Officers are sworn and deputized federal law enforcement officers commissioned by the Department of Homeland Security/TSA Law Enforcement Division. Since its inception, FFDO has been one of the most cost-effective initiatives aimed at protecting our nation's aviation system. Created in response to the unprecedented attacks on September 11, 2001, the FFDO has added a vital layer of security with minimal federal investment. "As the voice of pilots serving the largest domestic U.S. airline, SWAPA will work with Representatives and Senators to fight to avert these cuts," noted Richardson. "The effort is reminiscent of an attempt to cut the program in half last year, which was successfully fended off when we teamed with other pilot groups, aviation safety experts, and our friends in Congress to restore funding to this vital aviation security program." Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing the more than 6,400 pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit http://www.swapa.org. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association http://www.aviationpros.com/news/10923597/southwest-airlines-pilots-oppose-attempted-cuts- to-key-safety-program Back to Top Back to Top ALEXANDER RENEWS MASTER AVIATION EDUCATOR ACCREDITATION The following information was released by Kansas State University: Raylene Alexander, associate professor of aviation maintenance and avionics at Kansas State University Salina, has successfully renewed her Master Aviation Educator accreditation. The accreditation recognizes individuals who are professional educators in the aviation field but who do not necessarily hold Federal Aviation Administration flight instructor certification. Alexander is one of only 131 people worldwide to earn the credential two times, first earning this national professional accreditation in 2010. A Marine Corps veteran, she is also active in the University Aviation Association and Women in Aviation. Alexander is one of nine Kansas State University aviation faculty members who have a master title in aviation. The university's Master Certified Flight Instructors are Kurt Barnhart, professor and head of the department of aviation; Bernard "Barney" King, professor of aviation and the professional pilot program lead; William "Bill" Gross, professor of aviation and chief pilot; Troy Brockway, associate professor of aviation; Thomas Karcz, associate professor of aviation; Eric Shappee, associate professor of aviation; Lowell Hinchee, instructor of aviation; and Andrew Smith, assistant professor of aviation and the aviation maintenance training program lead. A top aviation university, Kansas State University's aviation program is offered on the Salina campus, which is adjacent to a 12,000-foot runway. The program has a modern fleet of more than 40 learning aircraft and more Master Certified Flight Instructors than any other college or university in the country. K-State Salina offers affordable bachelor's degrees in aircraft maintenance, airport management, avionics, professional pilot, unmanned aircraft systems, technology management and engineering technology. An airframe and powerplant certificate program is also available. More information on Kansas State University aviation programs is available at www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation . http://www.avionics-intelligence.com/news/2013/04/18/alexander-renews-master-aviation- educator-accreditation.htmlALEXANDER RENEWS MASTER AVIATION EDUCATOR ACCREDITATION Back to Top Air India pilots merrily violate dress code Air IndiaAirline crew the world over are known for their impeccable bearing and spotless uniforms, but not so our Maharaja's pilots. Many pilots of national carrier Air India (AI) have been brazenly flouting the operational manual considered the rule book for crew. Male pilots of AI are not permitted to sport long hair or beards, but many sport pony tails, beards and stubbles. Some even wear ear studs on duty, which is banned as per rules. "Individuality in uniform is not permitted, but some AI pilots wear their uniform any way they desire. So you have some pilots wearing black ties and others who wear the company-issued blue ties," a Delhi-based pilot said. Other airlines take the common uniform so seriously that their female cabin crew are required to wear the same type of ear studs. "The attire of many pilots occupying business class seats while travelling as staff on duty leaves much to be desired. They share the premium cabin space with business and industry leaders and create a bad impression. This was one of the reasons pilots were barred from travelling on business class in 2009," said a senior Mumbai-based captain. This privilege was later restored. While AI did not respond to an email from HT, a senior official said that the airline had very stringent rules - though they were not enforced. "When the operations manual is so specific it even mentions which side of the shirt one shall wear the identity card, how can one say we lack strict norms? The problem is implementation." The AI manual says it is the responsibility of commanders "to ensure strict observance of the regulations". However, this is not done, a pilot said. The aviation ministry now plans a stricter implementation of manual rules. "Apart from being staff of AI, crew members represent India in foreign countries. There should, therefore, be no room for criticism or unfavourable comparison with crew of other international operators in the manner of wearing uniforms," the manual says. Back to Top http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/SectorsAviation/Air-India-pilots-merrily-violate- dress-code/Article1-1046650.aspx Graduate Research Survey I am currently in my last class towards my Master's degree at Embry Riddle. For my Graduate Capstone Project, I am researching the current state of FOQA in the U.S and trying to garner the attention and data for the need of a FDM/FOQA short course at a university within the U.S. My target audience is anyone with a FDM/FOQA department or anyone interested in starting one for their operations in the U.S. The link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FDM-FOQA_Course_Opportunities_GCP691 Thanks in advance! Amanda Roberts HFDM Analyst Bristow Group Inc amanda.roberts@bristowgroup.com Curt Lewis