Flight Safety Information February 25, 2014 - No. 040 In This Issue Helicopter Industry Launches New Global Safety Campaign Aviation honors R. A. 'Bob' Hoover Metro Aviation takes safety to the next level, achieving FAA SMS Level IV status Rockwell Collins to Equip Russian Aircraft Federal Air Marshal Service to close six field offices IAF jet flies into path of international flight (India) Man Faces Federal Charges After Allegedly Punching Flight Attendant in Face PRISM SMS New Avenger jet-powered drone will offer unprecedented capabilities Sikorsky Training Academy Graduates First Class of S-70i Qingdao Airlines readies for formal operation Helicopter Industry Launches New Global Safety Campaign Move Reflects Industry, Federal Frustration Over Fatal Crashes Stemming From Pilot Error By ANDY PASZTOR CONNECT ANAHEIM, Calif.--Helicopter operators and manufacturers are launching a novel world-wide safety drive to combat stubbornly high accident rates: urging pilots to make more precautionary landings. Slated to be unveiled here Monday at the industry's biggest international conference, the initiative reflects frustration by federal and corporate officials about continuing fatal helicopter crashes stemming from pilot errors. It also underscores industry efforts to try to use voluntary moves to forestall more-stringent mandatory rules imposed by regulators. In the U.S. alone, since 2004 1,600 helicopter crashes have resulted in about 260 fatalities, primarily involving commercial operators, according to Christopher Hart, vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, who spoke at the conference's opening session. Globally, data show that on average there are more than two serious helicopter accidents a week, and one-third of them involve fatalities. "We've seen some trends going in the wrong direction," Mr. Hart said Proponents of the new safety campaign, dubbed "Land and Live," said it is aimed at preventing accidents caused by basic pilot lapses such as running out of fuel, blundering into dangerous weather or overlooking early indications of maintenance problems. Mr. Hart called the "Land and Live" initiative a "common sense" approach, adding "I'm optimistic it's going to make life better for all of us." The move is backed by the main trade group, the Helicopter Association International, and supported by a broad cross-section of operators and equipment suppliers. Matt Zuccaro, president of the association, said the campaign is intended to promote "a major cultural change" and "has the potential to reduce accidents by huge numbers." Noting that a key capability of helicopters is "landing anywhere," Mr. Zuccaro asked rhetorically why their pilots don't make more frequent early landings, at initial signs of flight hazards or onboard problems. In too many cases, pilots are "hesitant to do precautionary landings" partly because of concerns of being punished by regulators for unplanned touchdowns, Stan Rose, the association's director of safety outreach, said in a brief interview. Air-safety advocates have long criticized the industry for what they contend is a pattern of failures to take a more aggressive, proactive role in improving overall chopper safety. The safety board, for example, has issued a series of safety recommendations over the years encouraging greater use of simulators to train pilots and enhanced focus on fatigue and other human factors for both cockpit crews and mechanics. NTSB officials told the conference that on Monday the agency is releasing some alerts and videos stressing those same points. The industry is acting in the wake of final rules issued last week by the Federal Aviation Administration to require additional training, equipment and risk mitigation for commercial operators, particularly air-ambulance flights. The industry's long-term cost of compliance is projected to run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Also last week, regulators from the U.K. issued separate safety rules mandating operational changes for helicopters used to transport workers to offshore oil-and-gas platforms in the North Sea. For years, the industry has enjoyed only limited success following the lead of airlines in collecting and analyzing flight data to uncover emerging hazards and dangerous trends. Aging equipment, huge size disparities among helicopter operators and other factors have inhibited such voluntary safety efforts for rotorcraft. With pressure building to improve accident statistics-partly as a result of the NTSB's heightened focus on helicopter crashes-the association opted to roll out a safety program that doesn't call for new equipment or other investments. In releasing a new safety bulletin drafted with the help of industry experts, the association said many pilots "fail to focus on the negative consequences of continuing a flight" under dangerous conditions. The bulletin urges pilots to overcome "fear of ridicule by other pilots" for precautionary landings, along with "fear of FAA enforcement" or worry about inconveniences. Even before the latest announcement, however, some prominent industry officials used the conference to publicly call for more widespread use of simulators to train pilots how to handle the full gamut of potential emergencies. Until recently, simulators were considered too expensive and unnecessary by many operators. Other foes objected to them on grounds that they weren't realistic enough, or their adoption would leave smaller operators without a way to develop training programs tailored to their specific operations. But in a significant shift, Colorado-based Air Methods Corp. AIRM -1.10% , a major air ambulance operator with more than 400 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, on Monday came out strongly in favor of widespread reliance on simulators. If that position achieves industry consensus, it would represent a major shift in helicopter-safety priorities. Scott Tish, chief pilot for Air Methods, told the conference it is long overdue to use available simulator technology to step up safety and simultaneously train pilots "much more quickly and effectively" versus teaching them rote maneuvers during actual flights. By switching to simulators, he said, both veteran and less-experienced pilots can practice extreme emergency maneuvers "without damaging anything or anybody." Mr. Tish said the "industry should be standing up right now" to join regulators and demand the phasing-in of simulators. Since many of the most frequent causes of accidents can now be eliminated, he said, industry officials ought to be "saying this is not acceptable any longer." http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303426304579403333716722864?mg=reno64- wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303426304579403333716722864.html Back to Top Aviation honors R. A. 'Bob' Hoover On Feb. 21, leaders representing every aspect of the U.S. aviation community gathered for a gala at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood, Calif., to honor famed aviator and aviation legend R.A. "Bob" Hoover. The tribute played out before more than 470 attendees and included a red carpet reception, speeches and honoraria, dinner, and the premier showing of Perfecting Flight, a film by aviation documentary film maker Daniel H. Birman that provided glimpses into Hoover's career. The Friday night event was the third in three. The first event, the Hoover's Heroes dinner, announced the first inductees into the Bob Hoover Hall of Honor. This inaugural class includes Hoover, Neil Armstrong, John Leland "Lee" Atwood, Burt Rutan, Dick Rutan, Drury Wood Jr., Capt. Eugene Cernan, James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, and Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran. The hall serves to recognize what these individuals have done and how they did it in hopes that their example will inspire future generations. The hall will be housed at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Florida campus. Earlier Friday, during lunch with Hoover and friends, students from nine aviation college and high schools from as far away as Florida ate and later asked questions and heard stories about Hoover's storied aviation career. Cernan delivered closing remarks by summarizing Hoover's spirit when he told the audience to always, "Shoot [for] the moon-even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." The evening ended with a hats-off salute to Hoover in recognition of his trademark Panama hat. Hoover, who started flying at age 16 and has been cited by no less an authority than Doolittle as "the best stick- and-rudder man I have ever seen," told the audience he was largely self-taught, although he was inspired by barnstormer and aviation legend Roscoe Turner as a youth. Plagued by airsickness when he first started flying, Hoover traded seats with another serviceman to get into a fighter cockpit and flew 38 missions before being shot down. He spent 18 months in a German Prisoner of War camp before escaping by stealing and flying a German FW-190 to Holland. Hoover became a military test pilot in the early years of jet engines and was there on Muroc Dry Lake with Chuck Yeager when Yeager flew faster than the speed of sound in 1947. Hoover continued to use his flying skills as a test pilot and later as an airshow pilot for North American and inspired many a young person to pursue an aviation career. The evening tribute was hosted by Tom Poberezny, Mike Herman, and Ron Fagen. The evening began with the Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Marine Corp Color Guard from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and the singing of the National Anthem by country music star Dierks Bentley. Speakers such as U.S. Air Force General Lloyd "Fig" Newton, Harrison Ford, Sean D. Tucker, and Herb Kelleher spoke eloquently of Hoover's unswerving willingness to pass on knowledge learned during his many years flying and willingness to mentor other aviators. Tucker, one of the most famous airshow pilots in the world said, "Without Bob Hoover's friendship and mentorship I wouldn't be alive. He never weakened in his commitment to excellence." Ford told the audience that Hoover, "Shared his passion and his love of aviation with the rest of the world." Speakers all mentioned Hoover's humility, drive for excellence, and sense of humor. http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2014/February/24/aviation-honors-bob-hoover.aspx Back to Top Metro Aviation takes safety to the next level, achieving FAA SMS Level IV status SHREVEPORT, La., 24 Feb. 2014. Metro Aviation has achieved Level IV of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Safety Management System (SMS) pilot project. Level IV is the highest level of the program, and Metro Aviation is one of only three organizations in the United States operating under 14 CFR 135 rules to achieve this milestone, according to a company representative. The program provides a four-level system to acknowledge development of a formal SMS that meets FAA expectations and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. "Metro Aviation has consistently gone beyond the traditional regulatory minimums and the goal of our SMS is to establish a level of safety in our organization that continues to set new standards," says Metro Aviation Director of Safety Tarek Loutfy. In addition to implementing SMS, Metro Aviation has embraced safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to helicopter operators, including the newly released Safety Alert on the use of simulators. Metro has provided simulator training to its pilots for more than five years and is now a resource for others in the industry. Metro is also committed to establishing an active SMS for their Part 145 Repair Station, officials say. "The SMS will provide a uniform way of handling maintenance safety practices and procedures to ensure that all employees and management are on the same page," explains Managing Director Milton Geltz. Metro Aviation volunteered to participate in the FAA's program in 2010. Despite having achieved the highest level in the program, Metro will continue to research and implement hazards and solutions in an effort to operate in the safest way possible. http://www.avionics-intelligence.com/articles/2014/02/metro-faa-sms.html Back to Top Rockwell Collins to Equip Russian Aircraft CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) - Iowa-based aviation electronic equipment manufacturer Rockwell Collins says it has reached an agreement with a St. Petersburg, Russia company to provide equipment for Russian aircraft. The deal is with Transas Aviation to build equipment to retrofit into existing aircraft and for new machines. Under the terms of the agreement, Rockwell Collins will further expand its presence in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States with improved access to customers, engineering support and certification agencies. Transas Aviation will gain access to Rockwell Collins' global business development capabilities, engineering and certification expertise, and its service and support network. Rockwell Collins says the Russian and CIS aviation market segment is quickly emerging and the deal leverages the expertise of both companies. http://www.kcrg.com/home/top-9/Rockwell-Collins-to-Equip-Russian-Aircraft-247035191.html#ixzz2uLCU8gwJ Back to Top Federal Air Marshal Service to close six field offices (CBSNews.com) - CBS News has learned the Federal Air Marshal Service or FAMS, whose agents travel undercover on U.S. domestic and international airplanes to prevent terrorist attacks, is closing six of its field offices. According to an internal email sent to staff on Friday by Federal Air Marshal Director Robert Bray, the San Diego and Tampa field offices will close by the end of 2014. The Pittsburgh and Phoenix field offices will close by June 2015. And, the Cleveland and Cincinnati field offices are slated to close by June 2016. The email also says the Las Vegas, Seattle, and Denver offices will be "assessed regularly, from the perspective of risk, intelligence, and industry trends" and "staffing levels in these offices will not be increased." While the government will not disclose how many air marshals there are nationwide for security reasons, there are currently 26 field offices located in cities across the country near most major airports. In a statement to CBS News, the Transportation Security Administration or TSA said the closures are "part of efforts to reallocate our workforce to allow the most effective security in the most efficient manner." The TSA also said "no positions are being eliminated and this will not adversely impact the ability of the FAMS to maintain coverage aboard flights arriving from and departing for the affected airports." In his staff email, Bray said a budget reduction from $966 million to $805 million over the past three years has led to the "implementation of a number of efficiency measures" and the "decision is risk-based and intelligence driven." He promised that air safety would not be compromised. But John Adler, the president of the National Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association which represents many air marshals, is concerned. "It creates an unnecessary air travel vulnerability that may create opportunities for criminals to exploit," Adler said. Adler has received numerous calls from air marshals whose anxiety about the news he says "is off the charts." Even though the TSA says no employees will lose their jobs Adler believes some air marshals may not be able to relocate their families to other cities. "They are concerned because there is a lack of communication and clarity of what's going to," Adler said. "And, they are concerned there is nothing to back fill the missions they provide and what the consequences could be to the public." http://www.wtsp.com/news/national/article/358065/81/Federal-Air-Marshal-Service-to-close-six-field-offices Back to Top IAF jet flies into path of international flight (India) 'Technical violation' by IAF jets on Pak border A mid-air collision scare was sounded last week when an Air Force fighter jet allegedly entered the flight path of an international flight over Amritsar, prompting an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). However, the Air Force said that it was tracking an unidentified flying object near the border that turned out to be a stray weather balloon and that it had not received any complaint on the matter. Conflicting versions of the event have come to light with a source in the Airports Authority of India (AAI) saying that on February 20, an SU-30MKI aircraft entered the flight path of two international airliners near the border, and the matter was reported to Delhi ATC. The Air Force version of events, however, is that it had scrambled the fighters to track an unidentified contact on the radar that was approaching the Indian side from Pakistan and that it informed the ATC to keep the air space free. AAI officials said there is thin air space left for civil aircraft in the Northern part of the country, as a large part of the airspace is used by the fighter jets from various airbases. While IAF pilots are aware of the civilian aircraft flight path, the civilian ATC is not informed about the path and sorties of the fighter jets. However, officials in the Defence Ministry have said that the ATC was informed about this particular mission and that the Air Force till now has not received any complaint. "A few days ago, an unidentified flying object was detected heading towards towards the international border from the West. After our radar spotted it, we communicated with the Delhi ATC which said it had no information on the flying object," a ministry official said. "As per procedure, we scrambled SU-30MKI fighters and asked the ATC to keep the air space of 25,000-35,000 feet clear of any civilian traffic. Once our fighter reached the spot, it visually identified the object as a stray weather balloon. It was tracked and found not to be a threat." http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/iaf-jet-flies-into-path-of-international-flight/ Back to Top Man Faces Federal Charges After Allegedly Punching Flight Attendant in Face If convicted, the man faces up to 20 years in prison. Man Allegedly Punched Flight Attendant in Face A Lakewood man is facing federal charges for allegedly punching a flight attendant on an airplane during an international flight. Edgar Nonga, 53, was charged with interfering with a flight crew on Monday, according to the FBI. Over the weekend, Nonga allegedly got drunk during a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to LA and became upset when he was refused more drinks. Nonga allegedly swore at crew members and punched a flight attendance twice, including once in the face, according to prosecutors. Nonga was restrained by the crew and with the help of at least five passengers, and was arrested when the plane laned at LAX Sunday morning. If convicted, Nonga faces up to 20 years in prison. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Federal-Charges-Man-Allegedly-Punches-Flight-Attendant-in-Face- Philippine-Airlines-LAX-Manila-247036901.html Back to Top Back to Top New Avenger jet-powered drone will offer unprecedented capabilities A jet-powered drone with a range of 1,800 miles from the nearest base is now operational, according to its maker, weapons contractor General Atomics. The Avenger has the ability to fly up to 500 miles per hour at as much as 50,000 feet for up to 18 hours. The long-range, high-speed drone - based on General Atomics' MQ-9 Reaper drone - will offer unprecedented endurance to surveillance or lethal strike missions. A prototype for Avenger, formerly known as the Predator C, first flew in 2009. The drone is operationally ready, General Atomics says, based on the latest round of tests that were completed in January, according to Wired.com. "Avenger provides the right capabilities for the right cost at the right time and is operationally ready today," Frank Pace, president of General Atomics' Aircraft Systems Group, said in a statement. "This aircraft offers unique advantages in terms of performance, cost, timescale, and adaptability that are unmatched by any other UAS in its class." Compared to its earlier version, the drone's fuselage has been extended by four feet in order to carry larger loads and to accommodate an increased fuel capacity. The Avenger can carry as much as 3,500 pounds internally; its 66- foot (20.12 meters) wingspan can carry weapons as large as 2,000 pounds, such as Joint Direct Attack Munition. JDAM is a "guidance kit" attached to drones "that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurately guided 'smart' weapons," according to weapons maker Boeing. The long-range drone's arrival on the scene comes at an opportune time for the US, as negotiations with the Afghan government over an American presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014 have stalled and frustrated American officials. The US is expected to withdraw all or most ground forces currently stationed in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. The jet-powered drone will help the US continue to launch covert CIA drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal areas - activities currently based in Afghanistan - and similar operations from a distance heretofore impossible with propeller-reliant drones. With the future of the CIA's abilities in Pakistan in question, the Los Angeles Times reported that the US is considering moving its drones to air bases from Afghanistan to elsewhere in Central Asia. The CIA needs the Pentagon to stay close to Pakistan because, according to a recent Times report, "the CIA cannot fly drones from its Afghan drone bases without US military protection." Once that protection is impossible, "[t]he CIA's targeted killing program thus may prove a casualty of the bitter standoff with Afghan President Hamid Karzai over whether any US troops can remain in Afghanistan after 2014." US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel confirmed in early February that US officials are seeking options for drone bases in the region beyond 2014. "I don't get into the specifics of what our plans are on intelligence and drone strikes," Hagel said on Feb. 7. "You're constantly updating and changing and looking at possibilities, strategic interests, where you posture those assets, where the threats are most significant, where do you have allies that are willing to work with you." In addition to its endurance capabilities, Avenger has been previously advertised to come with HELLADS, an ultra- light laser capable of repeatedly destroying objects at the speed of light. In a digital video showcasing the Avenger drone, General Atomics showed a formation of drones annihilating a shower of ground-launched interceptor missiles in a split second, before making them an offensive weapon and targeting objects on the ground. Yet despite the Avenger's operational status, there has been no verification of whether HELLADS is part of current iteration of the General Atomics drone. http://rt.com/usa/avenger-long-range-drone-552/ Back to Top Sikorsky Training Academy Graduates First Class of S-70i™ Aircraft Pilots and Maintainers STRATFORD, Conn., Feb. 24, 2014 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced its first graduating class from the Sikorsky Training Academy (STA). A team of Brunei pilots and maintainers recently completed in- depth flight and maintenance training in Stuart, Fla. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). "We have taken the concept of single-source training and created a new paradigm with the creation of the Sikorsky Training Academy. We are able to provide high quality, customized classroom, simulator and hands-on aircraft instruction," said Lawrence Varholak, Director, Sikorsky Fleet Analytics & Product Support Engineering. "Our advanced training programs teach BLACK HAWK pilots and maintainers to execute complex missions safely, effectively and confidently. Graduates will return to their units with unrivaled core competency." The Sikorsky Training Academy is focused on the needs of international military BLACK HAWK helicopter operators, and delivers comprehensive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training for pilots, aircrew and maintainers. Sikorsky has purchased its newest international variant, the S-70i™ BLACK HAWK aircraft, exclusively for customer training purposes. The academy offers formal pilot and aircrew training including initial qualification, crew resource management, transition courses for experienced pilots, and pilot maintenance test flight. Additionally, the Sikorsky Training Academy provides complete BLACK HAWK maintenance training ranging from BLACK HAWK occupational specialties through a comprehensive 24-month program designed to produce FAA Airframe and Powerplant licensed mechanics with a strong BLACK HAWK technical competency. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/24/6185601/sikorsky-training-academy-graduates.html#storylink=cpy Back to Top Qingdao Airlines readies for formal operation Qingdao Airlines has completed preparation work and has applied to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for an operator's license. The airline is expected to heighten market competition and aggravate the overcapacity problem in the domestic airline industry. Qingdao Airlines has a registered capital of CNY1 billion ($161 million). Nanshan Group holds a 55% stake with an investment of CNY550 million, Qingdao Transport Development Group has a 25% ownership with a CNY250 million investment, and Air China subsidiary Shandong Airlines provides aircraft to equal an investment of CNY200 million to hold the remaining 20%. The Qingdao-based carrier is expected to initially operate three Airbus A320s. It plans to take delivery of 51 aircraft between 2014 and 2020 and expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2025. Since the regulator has loosened its grip on approving new domestic airlines, many new entrants have sprung up, such as Hangzhou-based Loong Airlines, which started formal operations last December. Ruili Airlines has received its operator's license while Fuzhou Airlines and Jiuyuan Airlines have both been approved to launch. Since 2013, six new domestic carriers have been approved to begin operations. Some provincial or municipal governments are now taking an active part in starting local airlines in conjunction with domestic carriers to stimulate local GDP growth. Of China's 34 provinces, 25 have launched or are preparing to launch local airlines. Industry analysts say these new entrants face fierce competition from legacy carriers for airport slots owing to slots shortages in China, especially Beijing and Shanghai, as well as shortages of pilots and MRO staff. In addition, the overcapacity problem could be worsened with many more new aircraft deliveries, making it difficult for domestic airlines to raise decreasing airfares, further impacting their financial performances. http://atwonline.com/finance-amp-data/qingdao-airlines-readies-formal-operation Curt Lewis