Flight Safety Information May 20, 2014 - No. 102 In This Issue MH370 raw satellite data to be publicized after months of waiting FAA: Helicopter accident in Grand Canyon kills 1 Allegiant Flight Evacuated in Arizona Over Smell Man jumps Tampa airport fence, taken into custody FAA investigating metal object that possibly fell from an airplane, crashing through a Florida home The Human Factor in Aircraft Automation PRISM SMS United adds Embraer 175 to regional jet fleet Gulfstream introduces the new G650ER - the world's longest range business jet ST Engineering unit acquires US-based flight school to train pilots Singapore Airlines Restricts A380 Cockpits for Local Pilots ERAU Unmanned Aircraft Systems Short Course, Seattle Campus Upcoming Events MH370 raw satellite data to be publicized after months of waiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CNN) -- After months of clamoring, the MH370 raw satellite data that families have been demanding may soon be publicized. Until now, Inmarsat -- the company whose satellites communicated with the missing plane in its last hours -- has declined to release it. But on Tuesday, Inmarsat and Malaysian authorities said they are trying to make the raw data accessible. "In line with our commitment towards greater transparency, all parties are working for the release of the data communication logs and the technical description of the analysis for public consumption," Inmarsat and the Malaysian aviation officials said in a joint statement. "It must also be noted that the data communication logs is just one of the many elements of the investigation information," the officials said. The statement did not say when the information would be released. But publication of the raw satellite data could allow for independent analysis of what happened March 8, the day Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared with 239 people on board. Some relatives of passengers weren't sure what to make of the announcement. "Their intentions have to be backed by actions, so I'd like to wait to see when that really happens," said K.S. Narendran, whose wife was on the plane. "Secondly, it's just one piece of the whole amount of data that has been used to conduct the search," Narendran told CNN's Don Lemon. "So when sharing Inmarsat data by itself is important, I think it will be essential as time goes by for the larger set of data to also be made available." But CNN aviation analyst Jeff Wise said "the box is going to open" when the data gets publicized. "It could produce more theories. It will probably cancel out a lot of theories," he said. Either way, the release will hopefully give "a much better understanding of what's been going on all this time." Inmarsat 'working' to make raw MH370 data public Conflicting accounts On Monday, Malaysia's acting transportation minister said the government asked Inmarsat to publicize the satellite data. Malaysian officials told CNN last week that their government did not have the raw data. But Inmarsat officials said the company provided all of it to Malaysian officials "at an early stage in the search." "We've shared the information that we had, and it's for the investigation to decide what and when it puts out," Inmarsat Senior Vice President Chris McLaughlin said last week. But a senior Malaysian official told CNN that the government needed Inmarsat's help to pass on the data to families "in a presentable way." "We are trying to be as transparent as possible," the official said. "We have no issues releasing the data." Whenever the information comes out, it may help answer questions by critics who are skeptical about where officials have been searching for the plane. Some scientists studying the disappearance and relatives of those on board have become increasingly critical about the lack of public information about why the search has focused on the southern Indian Ocean. http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/20/world/asia/malaysia-missing-plane/?hpt=hp_t1 Back to Top FAA: Helicopter accident in Grand Canyon kills 1 MEAD, Ariz. (AP) - The pilot who died in a helicopter accident at the Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona on Sunday worked for a popular tour company. The pilot, who has not been identified, was killed after the 2014 Eurocopter AS350 rolled over onto its side while the pilot was moving it. There were no passengers on board. "Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague's family and loved ones," Brenda Halvorson, president and CEO of Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, said in a statement. "This is a difficult time for our Papillon family. We are fully cooperating with the NTSB investigation." The accident occurred late Sunday afternoon near the Grand Canyon West airport, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said. The airport is operated by the Hualapai (WAHL'-uh-peye) Indian Tribe. A tribal spokesman referred questions to the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating. Further information on the accident was not immediately available. http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-05-20/faa-helicopter-accident-in-grand-canyon-kills-1 Back to Top Allegiant Flight Evacuated in Arizona Over Smell MESA, Ariz. May 20, 2014 (AP) - Officials are investigating the source of an odor aboard an Allegiant Air flight that caused passengers to evacuate the plane using emergency slides. Federal Aviation Administration officials say Flight 142 was taxiing for a 1:30 p.m. departure Monday at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport when the pilot reported smelling smoke. Airport spokesman Brian Sexton says there was a smell of smoke in the cabin and authorities believe it came from the plane's electrical system. The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 was quickly evacuated on a runway, with 162 passengers using the inflatable slides. Sexton says six people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The flight was headed for Wichita, Kansas. A new plane was called in to fly the passengers to their destination. The FAA says it's investigating. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/allegiant-flight-evacuated-arizona-smell-23787787 Back to Top Man jumps Tampa airport fence, taken into custody (CNN) -- A 27-year-old man with a history of mental illness was detained after he jumped a fence at Tampa International Airport Monday evening and ran onto an active runway. The man, who was not hurt, was given a trespass warning and taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation, airport spokeswoman Janet Zink told CNN. The man was apprehended within three minutes after he crossed the fence, Zink said. Zink said the man jumped a fence shortly after 5 p.m. and ran toward Runway 1 Right. He was observed by an employee of an airplane maintenance company, who called 911, she said. Air traffic controllers, pilots and airport police were recorded talking about the event on LiveATC.net tapes. "How about the guy over here walking on the runway," one pilot said. "I have no knowledge of that, but I think I see something now," the controller responds, before instructing a Southwest flight taxiing to the runway to stop. "He's got his arms up ... he's walking northbound on the runway." A police officer then asks for clearance to enter the runway to apprehend the man. "That's something you don't see every day, tower," another pilot radioed. "No you don't," the controller responded. The incident briefly delayed a Southwest flight from Tampa to Houston, and a United flight from Tampa to Chicago. http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/19/us/florida-airport-fence-jumper/ Back to Top FAA investigating metal object that possibly fell from an airplane, crashing through a Florida home Homeowner says impact sounded like a bomb SUBURBAN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a suburban West Palm Beach home after a metal object reportedly came crashing through the roof of a home into a bathroom, possibly from an aircraft. The piece of metal that smashed through the home of Bill Hardy is about the size of a brick and weighs nearly 10 pounds. Hardy said when it made impact, it sounded like an explosion. "I first you know that a pipe or something had burst, but then I saw that," said Hardy. Sitting on a bed of cracked tiles was the chunk of metal. With what appeared to be bolt holes, Hardy think it dropped in from the sky. He suspects it might be a part from an airplane or helicopter. Hardy said luckily no one was in the bathroom at the time of the incident. "We would have been hurt. I mean even the dog, just laying around in here would have been hurt or killed," said Hardy. Whatever came crashing into the bathroom, no one seems to know what it is or where the hunk of metal came from. The FAA released this statement on Monday about the incident: "The FAA is investigating whether a piece of metal that reportedly fell through the roof of a West Palm Beach, Fla., house came from an aircraft. FAA safety inspectors with expertise in aircraft maintenance will examine the item to make the determination," wrote Kathleen Bergen, FAA communications. Hardy said whatever the object is, it has made him think twice about what is flying overhead. "Objects don't just fall out of the sky for no reason. You know it came from someplace," said Hardy. "Pretty much like every time I come to the bathroom, I'm going to be like, hmmm I hope nothing comes through the roof again." Hardy said he has left his bathroom scene intact to allow the FAA to fully investigate. http://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/faa-investigating-metal- object-that-possibly-fell-from-an-airplane-crashing-through-a-florida-home Back to Top The Human Factor in Aircraft Automation Cargo North Basler BT-67 at the Thunder Bay International Airport Aviation Keeps Advancing SAN FRANCISCO, CA - When we talk about the advancements in aviation over the last quarter century or so, one of the topics that inevitably comes up is automation and the debate over whether or not the increase in its use in contemporary cockpits is a good thing. While automation has increased pilot and passenger safety, making maintenance support easier, reducing fuel consumption and even helping reduce a plane's crew needs, some still doubt whether many of the changes in automation are helping more than they are hurting. Aircraft are usually equipped with an advanced avionics system including a primary flight display (PFD), a certified global positioning system (GPS), a multifunctional display (MFD) with traffic graphics, and an autopilot system and are typically referred to as "avionics aircrafts." In an avionics aircraft, the MFD is on the right computer screen and the PFD is on the left computer screen. In addition to the PFD and MFD, there have also been huge improvements in the type of information sent to pilots through their electronic flight displays (EFDs). This information now includes a 3D-view of the upcoming terrain, mirror sectional charts, and databases containing information analysis. Automation information analysis relates to cognitive functions such as inferential processes, which involves the manipulation of a variety of processed items and inputs. The end process quickly retrieves the information that is stored in the working memory. In a cockpit/flight deck, these systems provide predictive information to pilots such as the top of descent for optimizing the flight path and so forth. Cockpit automation and the airline industry Cockpit automation has been well received by the aviation industry and incident rates for advanced aircraft technology are lower than incident rates for conventional aircrafts. It is even believe that computers are performing better with the mechanical aspects of the aircraft which, in turn, is allowing the pilots to make better decisions. Another reason why it is believed that cockpit automation is useful is that it replaces a variety of human- based decision-making processes with machine-based decision-making processes. However, these advantages do come with a cost, and that cost is paid in the form of "human factors" issues. These issues include reduced situational awareness, flight crew workload, and the degradation of piloting skills. The Flight Deck Automation (FDA) working group noted that it had concerns about incident reports that sometimes suggested that flight crews are having difficulties managing flight-path systems. The working group states that the appropriate use of such systems is required to ensure safety and implement operational concepts like area navigation, performance-based navigation and the required navigation performance systems. Also, with modern cockpit automation controlling most of the aircraft, pilots are becoming supervisors of automated systems rather than actually participating in piloting the aircraft. This could eventually lead, according to Dr. Thomas "Mach" Schnell, the leading researcher of the three-year NASA-funded study at the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory on Exploration of Pilots Interaction with Automation, to a loss of the stick and rudder skills a pilot should possess. Slack Davis Aviation Attorneys point out that this dependence on technology is particularly strong in the cockpit, where advancements in aviation technology are allowing pilots to let the computer do the work all the time. . . except in the three minutes allocated for landing and takeoff. While these advancements are supposed to improve airline safety, say experts, they are also giving rise to a new issue called "automation addiction" - which occurs when pilots become so heavily dependent on their computers they forget how to fly. Many believe "automation addiction" was the cause of the Asiana jetliner crash in San Francisco in 2013. Had the pilots simply looked out of the window, they would have realized they were flying too low. The increased reliance on automation, therefore, should not be a replacement for a pilot's ability to operate the aircraft with his/her own skills and judgment. Incident preventing via pilot training In most of the incidents that are related to automation, there also seems to be a lack of proper pilot training. The Asiana crash, for example, emphasizes that the pilots failed to recognize the recovery technique they should have learned in their training sessions: the climb-up movement. Even though it is unusual for automation systems to fail, pilots still need to be ready to cope with them if they occur. Unfortunately, it is more common that the pilot is not understanding what the automation is doing or telling them. According to Sean Cassidy, ALPA (Airline Pilots' Association)'s National Safety Coordinator Captain, , an imbalance between the use of manual flying skills and the use of automation can create challenges when it comes ensuring passenger safety. ALPA also pointed out in its study Automation Addiction by attorneys Slack & Davis that the flying proficiency of a pilot diminishes proportionately to the increase in automation proficiency. In simpler terms, the study found that pilots were losing manual flying skills because of automation. However, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Association (IFALPA) later refuted the study, insisting that automation itself was not the problem. The problem, it claimed, lay with pilots who were taking a too passive role in overseeing the role of automation in flying the aircraft. The only conclusion we can reach is that pilots need to be trained to work in harmony with automation and be as ready as possible to manually take over the flight. http://www.netnewsledger.com/2014/05/19/the-human-factor-in-aircraft- automation/#sthash.dm8iVyf8.dpuf Back to Top Back to Top United adds Embraer 175 to regional jet fleet United Airlines on Monday introduced a new type of regional aircraft into its United Express fleet that will fly to and from Chicago and is touted as saving on fuel and providing a more comfortable flight. The new Embraer 175 aircraft, operated by regional jet service partner SkyWest Airlines, will fly between Chicago O'Hare airport and Washington, D.C., (Reagan National) a service that began Saturday, and Boston, with service that started Monday, the airline said. Regional jets typically ferry passengers to and from network hubs, such as United's hub at O'Hare. United said the 76-seat E-175 regional jet enables the airline to offer an improved experience, with wider seats and aisles than other regional aircraft and larger overhead bins that can accommodate standard carry-on bags. First-class seats have power outlets. Switching to larger 76-seat jets from ones with about 50 seats has been an industry trend and is more economical for airlines. American Airlines introduced the E-175 on some of its regional-jet routes from Chicago last summer. United will offer E-175 in several additional markets beginning in June, including Chicago routes to Minneapolis/St. Paul on June 5, Atlanta on June 15 and New York LaGuardia on June 23. United said it plans to introduce 70 E-175 aircraft into the United Express fleet by the end of 2015, removing smaller, less-efficient regional aircraft from the fleet. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-united-adds-embraer-175-to-regional-jet-fleet- 20140519,0,5667602.story Back to Top Gulfstream introduces the new G650ER - the world's longest range business jet Gulfstream's ultra-long-range G650ER is claiming two speed records ln a further enhancement to its largest and fastest business jet, the G650, Gulfstream Aerospace has just announced the new G650ER. An ultra-long-range aircraft, the G650ER can travel up to 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 km) at a speed of Mach 0.85, or up to 6,400 nm (11,853 km) at the higher operating speed of Mach 0.90. This is an increase in range of up to 500 nm (926 km) over the original G650. The G650 is currently the world's fastest civilian jet, (at least until the new Citation X receives FAA certification), and now Gulfsream is looking to claim a few new records for the ER variant. Earlier this year, a Gulfstream G650ER was flown 6,947 nm (12,866 km) from Los Angeles International Airport to Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, Australia, at an average speed of Mach 0.86. This flight was accomplished with fuel reserves well in excess of the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) instrument flight rules (IFR) requirements and took 14 hours and 58 minutes into head winds of up to 13 knots. For the return journey to the US, the G650ER was relocated to Hong Kong, from where it flew 7,494 nm (13,879 km) to Teterboro, New Jersey, this time averaging a speed of Mach 0.865 and taking 14 hours and 7 minutes to complete. Once more, the aircraft landed with fuel in excess of NBAA IFR reserves. These two records are pending approval by the National Aeronautic Association and, once approved, will be forwarded to the Fédération Aéronautique International for confirmation as world records. "The G650ER provides our customers with greater mission flexibility and the longest range of any business jet," says Scott Neal, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. "It's the only business aircraft in the world capable of traveling 7,500 nautical miles." Currently undergoing Federal Aviation Administration certification, the G650ER shares the same cabin, avionics and other systems as the G650. As a result, current G650 owners will be able to upgrade their original G650 to a G650ER beginning in the first quarter of 2015. Upgrades will require a modification to the G650's fuel system that increases the fuel capacity of the G650ER's wings over the G650. Source: Gulfstream http://www.gizmag.com/gulfstream-g650er-ultra-long-range-business-jet/32140/ Back to Top ST Engineering unit acquires US-based flight school to train pilots SINGAPORE - Singapore Technologies Engineering said its unit Vision Technologies Aerospace has acquired a US-based flight school for US$811,238 (S$1 million). Following the acquisition, Aviation Academy of America will become a wholly owned subsidiary of VT Aerospace. The acquisition is part of the group's aerospace sector's strategic initiative to grow its pilot training capacity and capabilities to support the rising global demand. Marketed as part of ST Aerospace's global network with an expanded footprint into the US, the new business will work closely with the aerospace sector's existing pilot training businesses in Singapore and Ballarat, Australia, to offer an integrated suite of pilot training services to customers around the world. http://www.straitstimes.com/news/business/companies/story/st-engineering-unit-acquires-us-based- flight-school-train-pilots-20140#sthash.bnQjumEu.dpuf Back to Top Singapore Airlines Restricts A380 Cockpits for Local Pilots Jobs flying Singapore Airlines's 19 Airbus A380s are effectively reserved for Singaporean citizens. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has confirmed its so-called "pass over" policy through which it reserves pilot jobs on its Airbus A380 fleet almost exclusively for Singaporean citizens. The policy means that a Singaporean pilot, irrespective of his seniority number, will be preferred for A380 vacancies over expatriate colleagues. An SIA spokesman last week confirmed to AIN that the company formally gives preference to local pilots for these positions. SIA currently employs around 2,000 pilots and 450 of these are assigned to its 19 A380s. The remaining 1,550 cockpit crew operate the carrier's 72 Boeing 777-300ER/300/200 fleet and its 19 A330-300s. According to the airline, around 30 percent of all its pilots are Singaporean nationals, with the rest being a mix of Malaysians, Australians, Indians and Europeans. The foreigners are classified as non-Singaporeans but are hired on local terms, with the exception of the"pass over" clause applying to A380 flight deck vacancies. It takes a foreign pilots 10 years to be promoted from first officer to captain. For a Singaporean, this period is eight years to take account of the two years of military service that they are required to complete at the age of 18. SIA started operating the A380 in 2007 and in May of that year a Singapore arbitration court ruled that the basic salary for an A380 captain should be S$700 ($559) more per month than for a captain in the carrier's then 747-400 fleet. The differential for A380 first officers was set at S$450 ($359). The A380s are deployed on flights to London, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich, New York, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Beginning May 30, the Indian cities of Mumbai and New Delhi will be added to the network. http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-05-19/singapore-airlines-restricts-a380-cockpits-local- pilots Back to Top View this email in a web page TWO-DAY CONTINUING EDUCATION UNIT (CEU) COURSE UAS Applications, Operations and Support: Key Topics of Industry This two-day, continuing education unit (CEU) course is specifically designed for professionals and specialists seeking to expand their understanding of the application, operation and support of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Discussions will focus on the considerations, regulations, policies, business opportunities and challenges of the industry. This course is developed and taught by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide faculty with UAS operations and research experience. Who Should Attend: ? Business Developers ? Executive Leadership ? Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur ? Engineers (including aerospace, communications, electrical, GNC, hardware, logistics, software, systems, quality assurance and test) ? UAS Operators, Pilots, Sensor Operators ? Analysts (system, data management, manufacturing, operations, procurement, research and quality) ? Managers (account, contracts, program, project and operations) ? Training Developers/Coordinators ? Administrators (government, contracts, IT and property) ? Planners (mission, facilities, schedule and strategic) ? Technicians (avionics, electronics, manufacturing and radio frequency) ? Writers (technical, grant and proposal) Key Topics: ? Introduction and Impact of UAS ? UAS Designs ? Legislation, Certification and Regulation ? Industry Concerns ? Applications ? Operational Profiles ? Business Opportunities ? Future of UAS When: Where: Course Fee: Thursday, June 5 to Friday, June 6 Embry-Riddle Worldwide Seattle Campus 1000 Oakesdale Avenue SW Suite 110 Renton, WA 98057 USD $700 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an hour lunch For more information: Al Astbury, Office of Professional Programs Tel: (866) 574-9125 * email: training@erau.edu CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 600 S Clyde Morris Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114 USA If you wish to be removed from this group's mailing list, click here Upcoming Events: Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 21-22 May 2014, Bangkok, Thailand http://bit.ly/APASS2014 SMS & Risk Management Training Tampa, FL June 4-5, 2014 http://atcvantage.com ERAU Unmanned Aircraft Systems Short Course Seattle, WA June 5-6, 2014 http://proed.erau.edu/programs/specialized-industry-training/unmanned-aircraft-systems-workshop-nv/index.html 6th Annual Aviation Human Factors & SMS Seminar June 24th & 25th 2014 Dallas, TX www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1384474 21st Century Pilot Reliability Certification Workshop June 30th and July 1st, 2014 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07605 Please contact Kacy Schwartz kacy@convergentperformance.com 719-481-0530 International System Safety Society Annual Symposium 04-08AUG2014 - St. Louis, MO http://issc2014.system-safety.org Curt Lewis