Flight Safety Information May 22, 2013 - No. 103 In This Issue Delta flight en route to Newark hits heavy turbulence, injuring flight attendant Association of Professional Flight Attendants Posts Study on TSA Knife Rule Boise Airport plans mock airplane crash US aircraft released after being impounded Time Taiwan joined global air-safety body Annual SMS Audit Results Released Etihad Airways recruits 50 airberlin pilots Oman Air Orders Three Airbus A330 Aircraft SkyWest gives Embraer its largest airplane order First Ph.D. In Aviation Conferred (Parks College) Branson shoots for Christmas space flight Third European Flight Data Monitoring Conference (EOFDM), January 2014...Call for Presenters Delta flight en route to Newark hits heavy turbulence, injuring flight attendant Delta Airlines flight attendant sought medical attention after a flight from Amsterdam ran into turbulence en route to Newark Liberty International Airport. A Delta Airlines flight attendant sought medical attention after her flight from Amsterdam ran into turbulence this afternoon en route to Newark, the airline said. Delta Flight 35 from Amsterdam was about a half hour away from Newark Liberty International Airport when the incident occurred, said Morgan Durant, a Delta spokesman. Durant said the plane's fasten-seat-belt sign was activated at the time. The plane, a Boeing 767-300, landed safely at about 4:30 p.m., and Durant said no other crew members or passengers reported being injured. The flight attendant was not identified, and the type of injury or how it happened was not specified. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/05/delta_fight_attendant_injured.html Back to Top Association of Professional Flight Attendants Posts Study on TSA Knife Rule The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing more than 16,000 employees at American Airlines, announced the results of a national survey regarding TSA's knives policy. When asked if the current policy of prohibiting passengers from carrying knives on commercial flights is a good policy or one that should be changed, an overwhelming 90 percent or respondents favored the current restrictions. The percentage was virtually identical for frequent flyers and non-frequent flyers alike. "The results of the survey confirm that the American people have the same common sense approach to aviation security that the APFA, other flight attendant groups, pilots, air marshals, and TSA screeners share," said APFA President Laura Glading. "I hope Secretary Napolitano and Administrator Pistole will consider this data and stop this rule change. Knives do not belong in airplane cabins - period." The survey was conducted by Penn Schoen Berland from May 7-9, among 1,206 likely voters. The margin of error is +/-2.82. Adding to the pressure was an official comment from Airlines for America (A4A), the trade organization of the principal U.S. airlines. Citing a clear mandate from Congress, the risk presented to passengers and crew, and a lack of evidence to support the rule, A4A recommended that the knives policy be rescinded. Previously, executives from American, US Airways, United, Alaska Airlines and others issued public letters to TSA Administrator Pistole asking that the rule not be implemented. "The broad coalition that has organized to block this action speaks for itself," Glading said. "You'd be hard-pressed to find another issue in today's discourse that so many people agree on. It's a no-brainer." The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is an independent Flight Attendant union. http://www.aviationpros.com/news/10947176/association-of-professional-flight- attendants-posts-study-on-tsa-knife-rule Back to Top Boise Airport plans mock airplane crash The Federal Aviation Administration requires the Boise Airport to hold full-scale emergency exercises every three years, according to an airport news release. This year, at least 19 agencies plan "to test the preparedness of our community to handle a major aviation accident" at the airport, according to the news release. The staged scenario will start at 8:30 a.m. and unfold over a condensed timeline, but action should appear genuine. The scene will feature a smoking aircraft, volunteers wearing special makeup to simulate injuries persons and distraught "family members." The exercise is designed to test the accuracy and speed of communication channels between fire and police officers, the airport, air traffic control specialists, airlines, the military, hospitals, emergency medical personnel, media and the public. The exercise will take place on the airport training strip south of Gowen Road. A Boeing 727 aircraft that FedEx donated for airport emergency training purposes in 2011 will be used for this year's exercise as well. http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/05/21/2585513/boise-airport-plans-mock- airplane.html#storylink=cpy Back to Top US aircraft released after being impounded After being impounded for 17 hours, a US military aircraft (C-146A) was given clearance at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday after it entered Indonesian airspace uninvited the day before. "We have allowed them to continue their journey to Singapore [the aircraft's final destination] after we received security clearance from TNI headquarters as well as diplomatic clearance [from the Foreign Ministry]," said Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base commander Col. Supri Abu. On Monday, the Air Force forced down the aircraft for entering Indonesian airspace without clearance. The twin turboprop Dornier 328 was flying from Maldives to Singapore via Sri Lanka. Supri said it was a transport aircraft belonging to the US military with a five-person crew. "According to the ruling, since the aircraft did not have clearance, we had to impound it," said Supri, adding that the pilot requested to stop at Sultan Iskandar Muda for refueling before heading to Singapore. http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/05/22/us-aircraft-released-after-being- impounded.html Back to Top Time Taiwan joined global air-safety body By David Brown It's time for Taiwan's exclusion from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to end. ICAO's mission is to promote the safe and orderly development of civil aviation by setting the standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety and security. Finding a way for Taiwan to participate is essential to achieving these objectives. Taiwan is the world's 17th largest economy and a major participant in international aviation. Some 50 domestic and foreign airlines operate flights from Taiwan to over 100 international destinations. Taipei is responsible for the Taipei Flight Identification Region (FIR) that sits astride international airways linking northeast and Southeast Asia. Each year some 1 million flights pass though the Taipei FIR making Taiwan a key link in world air travel. Taiwan's exclusion from ICAO creates risks to the safety and security of these flights that the international community can ill afford. There are real risks involved in Taiwan's exclusion from routine networks and systems that ICAO has established to ensure timely dissemination of safety standards. Exclusion also means Taiwan does not have timely access to rapidly changing technology and procedures covering flights through the Taipei FIR. Taiwan's airlines and civil aviation officials have to rely on slow and non-authoritative means for keeping track of ICAO changes affecting safety and security. It gets some information from friendly governments, such as the United States. Its airlines can purchase new ICAO regulations from commercial providers, but with months-long lag times. If Taiwan could participate, it would automatically and instantaneously receive information through online ICAO networks. One particular problem is that exclusion prevents Taiwan from participating in the ICAO Director General's Conference for Aviation in Asia (DGCA). This body includes all other aviation authorities in Asia and is the regional body for coordinating air safety and security in Asia. Taiwan's authorities don't have any easy way of contributing to or learning about DGCA air safety actions. A decade ago their absence created risks when China planned to start new routes in the Taiwan Strait. More recently, some experts believe that Taiwan's exclusion has been a contributing factor in some minor safety incidents that have occurred. Exclusion from ICAO also makes it difficult for Taipei to keep others informed of changes it is making within the Taipei FIR. Furthermore, because Taiwan and its airlines are not part of regular ICAO reporting systems, it is possible, perhaps even likely, that there is under-reporting of problems and potential risks by Taiwan airlines. In 2003, Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO) hampered the international communities' ability to contain the SARS outbreak. The episode also poisoned Taiwan's relations with China. Several years later, the way was cleared for Taiwan to become an observer and participate in some WHO work. Consequently, Taiwan is now participating in efforts to contain the H7N9 virus. Do we have to wait for an aviation disaster before finding a way to remove the risks associated with Taiwan's exclusion from ICAO? Why is Taipei exclude d? Because Beijing is opposed to Taiwan's membership in international organizations, particularly those in the UN system. Beijing's stated position is that "fair and reasonable arrangements" can be made for Taiwan's "participation" provided they do not create a situation of "one China, one Taiwan" or "two Chinas". That is the framework by which Taiwan participates as an observer at the World Health Assembly and in some WHO activities. Taipei understands Beijing's position and has modeled its approach to ICAO accordingly. Taipei is asking to be an observer, not a member, in ICAO. It has said it will participate as a health entity represented by its health officials. And, it has said that it is willing reluctantly to use the name "Chinese Taipei", as it does in the WHO and elsewhere, rather than insisting on its formal name, the Republic of China. As this posture avoids creating the risks of "one China, One Taiwan" or "Two Chinas," Beijing's conditions would be met. In 2011 and again in 2012, then Chinese Communist Party general secretary Hu Jintao twice told Taipei's emissary Lien Chan that Beijing would consider Taiwan's interest in participating in ICAO, but Beijing has not yet acted. Why not? Because Beijing is insisting that Taipei consult with it about its international participation. Beijing wants to exploit Taiwan's desire for international participation to pressure Taipei on other issues. This is short-sighted from Beijing's perspective because it means that the goodwill that might help change the Taiwan people's attitudes toward China would be squandered. The ICAO's Assembly is scheduled to hold its triennial meeting in September. The time has come for Beijing to remove the barriers to Taiwan's participation. Doing so would contribute to improved cross-strait relations. As the international community has a strong interest in the issue, governments, including the United States, should speak up for Taiwan's participation and work behind the scenes to find a way to achieve that this year. David Brown (dgbrown@jhu.edu) is an adjunct Professor at John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and co-authors the chapter on China-Taiwan relations in Comparative Connections, Pacific Forum CSIS' triennial e-journal. http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/CBIZ-01-220513.html Back to Top Back to Top Etihad Airways recruits 50 airberlin pilots Etihad Airways commenced (21-May-2013) recruitment of more than 50 pilots from airberlin in Apr-2013. The transfers comprise Boeing 737-rated first officers to undertake conversion training to 777s, A320 captains and first officers, A330 first officers and 777 non-rated first officers. The programme is designed to support airberlin's turnaround plan and Etihad Airways' plans to recruit 1000 additional pilots by 2020. Etihad Airways president and CEO James Hogan said, "This development is part of the broader process to strengthen our alliance with equity group partners. With airberlin we are already sharing resources, integrating our fleet programs, aligning our well- experienced personnel, and developing careers." Etihad Airways plans to expand its Abu Dhabi flight training centre in Nov-2013, including flight simulators for A320, A330, A340, A350, A380, 777 and 787 aircraft. http://centreforaviation.com/news/etihad-airways-recruits-50-airberlin-pilots-232329 Back to Top Oman Air Orders Three Airbus A330 Aircraft The order, which will bring Oman Air's A330 fleet to a total of 10 aircraft, is thought to be worth around $720 million. Oman Air has placed an order for three Airbus A330-300 aircraft, the carrier confirmed on Wednesday. The deal, thought to be worth around $720 million based on list prices, sees the carrier grow its A330 fleet to a total of 10 planes. The A330s can carry close to 300 passengers and will be operated on long-haul routes. "The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330s already make the pillar of Oman Air's long haul operations," said Wayne Pearce, CEO of Oman Air. "This additional order will allow us to continue our strategy of growth with an aircraft we know to be both reliable and profitable, and in addition offering the highest levels of passenger comfort." John Leahy, chief operating officer, Airbus, said: "We are proud to continuously grow and develop our partnership with Oman Air through our popular A330-300 aircraft." "The winning combination of efficiency, reliability and comfort provided by the A330 continues to delight customers and passengers worldwide and will do so for many years to come, with our consistent investment in the aircraft family." http://gulfbusiness.com/2013/05/airbus-wins-oman-air-order-for-three-a330- planes/#.UZzGolAo6Uk Back to Top SkyWest gives Embraer its largest airplane order SAO PAULO--Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA (ERJ, EMBR3.BR) on Tuesday unveiled its third major contract this year to sell jets to a U.S.-based aircraft operator, providing the world's fourth-largest aircraft manufacturer with breathing room for the coming years. SkyWest Inc. /quotes/zigman/77976/quotes/nls/skyw SKYW +0.56% has agreed to buy as many as 200 jets, worth as much as $8.3 billion in coming years if all the orders are confirmed. The deal is one of the largest in Embraer's history. A 2003 order by JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU) for 200 jets was subsequently revised down to just 100. Analysts say that the deal is the latest sign that the U.S. travel market is starting to recover following the financial and economic crisis that began in 2008, albeit at a tepid pace. "I see this as a light at the end of the tunnel for the global economic recovery," said Mario Bernardes Jr., transportation analyst at BB Investimento, the investment-banking arm of Banco do Brasil SA. Along with improving European vehicle sales, "this Embraer sale shows that there is an improved outlook in the medium- and long-term." SkyWest, a regional airline that flies short routes on behalf of the major carriers, said it will initially buy 40 of Embraer's E-175 jets, with deliveries starting in the second quarter of 2014 and ending in mid-2015. SkyWest will operate the aircraft under a 12-year contract with United Airlines Inc. /quotes/zigman/617037/quotes/nls/ual UAL -2.74% . SkyWest said it may buy another 60 aircraft, depending on talks with major airlines. It didn't provide details about the final option for another 100 aircraft. In April, United bought 30 E-175 jets, with options for a further 40, while in January, Republic Airways bought 47 of the E-175 planes, with an option for another 47. "Since 2008, Embraer's backlog of orders had fallen significantly as the crisis took its toll on companies here and abroad," said Pedro Galdi, chief analyst at brokerage SLW in Sao Paulo. "Airlines have to start buying again because, whether they like it or not, demand is increasing. But we're still far from where we were in 2008, and will be until the whole world starts growing again." Embraer shares climbed 1.9% in Sao Paulo, trading to BRL19.25, and traded for as much as BRL19.81. The order of 100 planes from SkyWest, if exercised entirely, would lift Embraer's backlog by 20%, after ending the first quarter at $13.3 billion. That's up from $12.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2012. The backlog peaked at $21.6 billion in 2008. Since then, Embraer has focused on its defense and executive-jet division to try to bring up flagging revenue. It's building a military transport plane, which could be delivered as soon as 2015, as part of its effort to increase defense's share of revenues to 20%. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/skywest-gives-embraer-its-largest-airplane-order- 2013-05-21 Back to Top First Ph.D. In Aviation Conferred (Parks College) St. Louis University's Parks College has conferred the first-ever Ph.D. in Aviation in the U.S. to Damon Lercel. The school has been working on establishing the degree for 10 years and the new doctor says it's an important milestone in aviation education. "The program offered not only an in-depth immersion in research, but also opportunities to interact with both the domestic and international aviation industries." Lercel said, "It's a victory for the advancement of aviation." The degree was also the first for the school. Dean Theodosios Alexander Sc.D said it's part of the school's program to up the ante in aviation and engineering studies. "Parks College is dedicated to excellence in research-led education via building collaborative and inter-disciplinary research capabilities. The doctoral programs in aviation and engineering are part of the foundation for the national and international recognition of Parks College as a leading powerhouse for cutting-edge, industry-relevant and science-driven research." Lercel's studies were funded by Dr. Manoj Patankar, the executive director of the Center for Aviation Safety Research at the school. http://www.avweb.com/avwebbiz/news/First_PhD_Aviation_208732-1.html Back to Top Branson shoots for Christmas space flight ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Sir Richard Branson now has a target date for the first manned flight to space from New Mexico's Spaceport America. The Virgin Galactic founder said he hopes to rocket into space late this year while most of the rest of us are gathering around the Christmas tree. For years the question has been when will it happen? Two weeks after watching the first powered flight of Virgin Galactic's Spaceship Two high over California, Branson gave radio listeners in Abu Dhabi a pretty good clue. "I will be going up on the first flight, which I hope will be about Dec. 25th of this year," Branson told a radio interviewer. "So maybe I'll dress up as father Christmas." Whether that will actually happen is still up in the air. More test flights have to take place before Virgin Galactic can start flying into space. A spokesperson for the New Mexico spaceport told News 13 Virgin Galactic has not yet notified spaceport officials of any plans to launch in December. Regardless it is clear Branson's confidence about the program is growing. "We're going to be ramping up the building of rockets," Branson said. "It's going to be the start of a whole new era of space travel. It's going to be tremendously exciting." A Virgin Galactic spokesman cautioned that safety will dictate the space flight timeline. While Branson hopes to fly into space on Christmas Day, the company does not expect to start flying passengers until sometime next year. Regardless of the timing, Spaceport officials say they will be ready. Construction of the runway at the port in southeastern Sierra County will be finished by the end of June. http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/business/branson-shoots-for-christmas-space-flight Back to Top Third European Flight Data Monitoring Conference (EOFDM), January 2014 Call for Presenters The European Operators Flight Data Monitoring (EOFDM) forum is a voluntary safety initiative dedicated to the promotion of Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) or FOQA programm. Under the aegis of ECAST (European Commercial Aviation Safety Team), the EOFDM forum objective is to facilitate the implementation of Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) tools and programmes by operators and to help operators in drawing the maximum safety benefits from it. Despite its name, the EOFDM welcomes non-European operators, as well as aircraft manufacturers, regulators, research institutions, flight crew associations, etc. The 3rd EOFDM conference is looking again for volunteers to share their experience and enthusiasm with FDM. Presentations should be related to FDM programm and of general interest. Examples of presentations at past EOFDM conferences and more detailed information are provided at http://easa.europa.eu/essi/ecast/main-page-2/eofdm/ (click on "Annual EOFDM Conference"). Proposals should be addressed to guillaume.aigoin@easa.europa.eu and philippe.pilloud@easyJet.com . Curt Lewis