Flight Safety Information October 30, 2014 - No. 221 In This Issue Reports Tell of Scramble in Southwest Airlines Cockpit Before La Guardia Crash Jet on Navy Training Mission Crashes, Kills Pilot RAF jet 'threatens to shoot down' cargo plane in Kent 'Drunk' Flybe pilot arrested before flight FAA to drone pilots: fly near big sports events and face prison time Man who sparked Bali flight hijack scare 'mistook cockpit for toilet' PRISM TO HELP PREPARE FOR E-IOSA Airbus plans to start first U.S. factory with larger A321 jet Richard Branson wants Virgin pilots with no flying experience Mark Skidmore to head Civil Aviation Safety authority (Australia) Embry-Riddle UAS Challenge Upcoming Events Reports Tell of Scramble in Southwest Airlines Cockpit Before La Guardia Crash By MATTHEW L. WALD The nose wheel of a Southwest Airlines plane collapsed after hitting the tarmac at La Guardia Airport on July 22, 2013. Credit John Minchillo/Associated Press The captain of the Southwest Airlines jet that hit a runway at La Guardia Airport in July 2013, causing the nose wheel to collapse and injuring 11 people, may have been making major adjustments to the controls too close to the ground, the National Transportation Safety Board said on Tuesday. That model of plane, a Boeing 737, usually lands with the wing flaps set to 30 degrees, but because of winds, the crew had decided to set them to 40. Fairly late in the approach, the captain noticed that the flaps were actually at 30 degrees and moved them on her own, according to documents released on Tuesday. If the plane's altitude was below 1,000 feet, which it may have been, the proper procedure would have been to abort the landing and go around for another try, investigators said. Shortly before touchdown, the captain cut power to the engines and took control of the plane from the first officer, who had been scheduled to conduct the landing, according to the documents. The agency has not determined what caused the crash, but the documents give the impression of a last-minute scramble aboard the plane, in a somewhat tricky landing - on a short runway with a tailwind. In an interview with investigators, the captain said she had been concerned about touching down too far along the runway. "Get down. Get down. Get down," she told the first officer, who was flying the plane shortly before touchdown. Then, a few seconds before the plane hit the runway, she said, "I got it," and took control of the plane. Just before impact, she made what the cockpit voice recorder transcript describes as a "sound similar to inhalation," and then uttered an unspecified epithet. Cockpit procedures are highly regulated, but "there was no standardization for what she did," according to one of the reports released by the board on Tuesday. The plane's nose was angled too far down when the captain took control, the report said. She had cut the engine power, and depending on the timing, cutting power can make the nose point down even farther. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/29/nyregion/reports-tell-of-scramble-in-southwest-airlines-cockpit- before-la-guardia-crash.html?_r=0 Back to Top Jet on Navy Training Mission Crashes, Kills Pilot Ventura County and Navy firefighters examine the scene where a military jet crashed into a field near Naval Station Ventura County near Port Hueneme, Calif., killing the pilot Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014. The plane crashed and disintegrated at around 5:15 p.m. (AP Photo/FLMedia, Johnny Corona) The Associated Press A jet on a military training exercise crashed into an agricultural field near a Southern California Navy base Wednesday, killing the pilot, authorities said. The plane disintegrated when it hit the ground at about 5:15 p.m. as it was preparing to land at Naval Station Ventura County. The crash sent a huge plume of billowing black smoke into the sky 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The pilot, the only person aboard, was pronounced dead at the scene, said Ventura County fire Capt. Mike Lindbery. Nobody on the ground was hurt. "Fortunately nobody was in that portion of the field," Lindbery said. The plane, a civilian fighter jet contracted by the Navy, had just finished playing the role of an enemy aircraft in an offshore training exercise and was preparing to land at the naval station when it went down across the street in a field near the Pacific Coast Highway, base spokeswoman Kimberly Gearhart said. She said it was unclear whether the pilot reported any problems before the crash. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer said the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating. The British-built, single-seat Hawker Hunter MK.58 was owned by Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. of Newport News, Virginia. The company, known as ATAC, provides aerial training to the military, including the Navy's elite Fighter Weapons School. "The company has ceased flight operations during preliminary investigations," company spokesman Matt Bannon said. Bannon declined to release the pilot's name but said he was a retired military pilot who was "extremely proficient and knowledgeable about fighter tactics and operating high-performance aircraft." "Our heart and prayers are with the family," Bannon said. The Hawker Hunter is a single-seat, swept-wing fighter and ground attack plane that was originally designed in the 1950s. More than 2,000 were produced. ATAC describes it as "one of the classic fighter designs of all time." Wednesday's crash was the third near the Ventura County base in recent years. In May 2012, another Hawker Hunter owned by ATAC crashed into a farm field near the base, killing the 57-year-old pilot. That plane had also been contracted to play the enemy in training exercises. In May 2011, three members aboard a Boeing 707 tanker loaded with jet fuel escaped with only minor injuries when their aircraft skidded off the runway while taking off from the base and exploded into flames. That plane was carrying civilians and had a Navy contract to provide fuel transport. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/military-jet-crashes-california-killing-pilot-26558853 Back to Top RAF jet 'threatens to shoot down' cargo plane in Kent A Royal Air Force fighter jet apparently threatened to "shoot down" a Latvian cargo plane after it lost contact with air traffic controllers above Kent. Two RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept the Russian-made aircraft, breaking the sound barrier and creating a sonic boom. They escorted the plane to Stansted Airport, where it was surrounded by police officers as it landed at 17:15GMT. An airport spokesman said officers were later stood down and the cargo craft was allowed to continue its journey. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29826814 Back to Top 'Drunk' Flybe pilot arrested before flight A Flybe plane Flybe confirmed one of its pilots had helped police with their inquiries A Flybe pilot was removed from a plane and arrested on suspicion of being over the drink-drive limit just before he was due to fly. The pilot was due to fly from Newquay Airport in Cornwall to London Gatwick on Wednesday morning before he was removed for a breath test. A police source told the BBC that officers were alerted after a fellow crew member became concerned. A police spokesman confirmed a 48-year-old man was arrested. 'The pilot was unwell' The flight was then cancelled and passengers faced delays of almost five hours. One passenger, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "We all got on the plane and then there was an announcement. We were told the pilot was unwell." A male passenger who was travelling to Mexico missed his connection from London Gatwick because of the delay. A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "A 48-year-old man from Crediton, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of being over the drink-drive limit. "He was taken to Newquay police station." The pilot was later released on police bail until 8 December. In a statement, Flybe said: "Flybe can confirm that one of its pilots volunteered to help the police with their inquiries at Newquay Airport. "Flybe is not able to comment further while the police investigation is taking place." A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said: "For pilots the blood/alcohol limit is 20 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. For context, the UK drink drive limit is 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres." http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-29822750 Back to Top FAA to drone pilots: fly near big sports events and face prison time MLB baseball players watch a drone fly overhead If you have dreams of recording your own aerial footage of a baseball game using a drone, you'll want to put them on ice. The FAA has issued a warning to all pilots that they'll be fined or imprisoned if they fly remote-controlled aircraft too close to large sports venues (specifically, within 3 miles and under 3,000 feet) during events. The heads-up is ultimately an extension of an existing no-fly notice, but it represents the first time that the FAA has explicitly outlined criminal penalties for flying drones in restricted airspace - - it's not just promising tougher rules. You probably won't object to these particular guidelines if you like your sports distraction-free, but the notice suggests that other crackdowns might be coming soon. http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/30/faa-warns-against-drones-near-sports/ Back to Top Man who sparked Bali flight hijack scare 'mistook cockpit for toilet' Matt Christopher Lockley, 28, tells court he knocked on wrong door amid panic attack on flight from Brisbane to Denpasar Matt Lockley pleaded not guilty to interfering with crew members on a Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Denpasar. Photograph: DAN PELED/AAPIMAGE A man who sparked a hijack scare on a flight to Bali says he felt disoriented and sick when he mistakenly knocked on the cockpit door, believing it led to the toilet. Matt Christopher Lockley, 28, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to interfering with crew members on a Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Denpasar last April. Flight crew triggered an "unlawful interference" alarm when the plumber from northern New South Wales allegedly tried to enter the flight deck. The alarm placed Indonesian military on alert for a hijacker. Lockley told his Brisbane trial he had suffered a panic attack several hours into the flight and had needed to go to the toilet. "I felt like I was going to faint, felt like I was going to throw up," he told the Brisbane magistrates court. "I felt totally disoriented and what I thought was the toilet door later I've found out to be the cockpit door." Lockley said he was not drunk or under the influence of drugs but a passenger who helped subdue him said the plumber had confided he'd been "doing drugs" in the past week. Businessman Stephen McDonald testified that a remorseful Lockley told him he had been trying to talk to the pilots about "getting medication from his bag". The court heard Lockley had been behaving strangely beforehand and had asked flight attendants to throw away some vitamin bottles he had because he suspected they had been tampered with by other passengers. At the same time flight attendants were dealing with Lockley, a passenger suffered a suspected heart attack. Flight attendant Jenni Manning said she was forced to break protocol and leave the semi-conscious patient alone briefly to get oxygen as there was no other cabin crew free. Soon after the medical emergency, Lockley was seen pounding on the cockpit door, rattling the handle and yelling "let me in", the court heard. Feeling threatened, flight attendant Angela Demo dialled the cockpit and uttered a coded phrase that signalled a hijack or unlawful interference, which prompted pilots to alert air traffic control. "I was frightened," she said. "He seemed aggressive towards the flight deck door." Pilot Neil Cooper said he had heard the loud noises but was nt aware of the exact situation when he raised the alarm. "We have protocols in place and ... if that phrase is used we follow those drills," he said. On landing, Indonesian military and police boarded the flight and escorted Lockley off in handcuffs. He was held for questioning but released without charge three days later and sent back to Australia. Magistrate Judy Daly is due to deliver her verdict at 9.30am (AEST) on Friday. http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/oct/30/man-who-sparked-bali-flight-hijack-scare- mistook-cockpit-for-toilet Back to Top Back to Top Airbus plans to start first U.S. factory with larger A321 jet (Reuters) - Airbus Group (AIR.PA) said on Tuesday it plans to start production at its first U.S. factory with the larger A321 jetliner instead of the A320 as originally planned, a move that reflects rising demand for the bigger jet. Airbus Americas President Barry Eccleston told an audience in Seattle that the European aircraft maker was switching the plans for the plant in Mobile, Alabama, to accommodate growth in orders for the larger plane. The first one off the line will be the A321ceo, or "current engine option" in April 2016, with "new engine option" or A321neos, to follow later, he said, according to the company. In the year through September, Airbus has booked 311 gross orders for the A321, including 135 with the current engine option and 176 for the A321neo with newer engines. The A321 seats about 185 passengers in a two-class configuration but can accommodate up to 220 for economy carriers. The plane is a rival to the Boeing 737-900 and 737 MAX. Airlines have been improving their efficiency by "upgauging" to larger jets that accommodate more people, which lowers the per-seat cost. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/29/us-airbus-usa-factory-idUSKBN0II00V20141029 Back to Top Richard Branson wants Virgin pilots with no flying experience Virgin Atlantic is hoping to attract and train would-be pilots without flying qualifications to move straight on to glamorous long-haul routes Virgin Atlantic is the latest UK-based airline to open up to cadet pilots Virgin Atlantic has launched a new programme offering potential pilots the chance to join the airline with no previous flying experience. The would-be pilots will be "part of the Virgin family from day one", with the future flyers programme being run in partnership with pilot training company CTC Aviation. The 18-month programme comprises pre-flight training, full-motion flight deck simulation at CTC Aviation's crew training centre at Southampton, and flight training in Phoenix, Arizona. The programme leads towards the Civil Aviation Authority's latest multi pilot licence and a position as a Virgin Atlantic co-pilot operating the Airbus A330-300. Applicants are required to have a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent including maths, science and English. David Kistruck, Virgin's flight operations general manager, said: "Our people have always been at the heart of Virgin Atlantic and we're delighted to offer this opportunity to a whole new generation of flyers. "They'll be part of the Virgin family from day one and will enjoy an opportunity like no other, as the only trainee pilots in Europe to fly straight on to long-haul aircraft once qualified." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/11196454/Richard-Branson-wants-Virgin-pilots-with-no-flying- experience.html Back to Top Mark Skidmore to head Civil Aviation Safety authority (Australia) THE federal government has confirmed that former Air Vice Marshall Mark Skidmore will take over as the head of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Mr Skidmore's appointment as director of aviation safety comes at a pivotal time for the air safety regulator, which has been under fire from industry players for its handling of regulatory reform and approach to policing. The industry is still waiting for a response to the Aviation Safety Regulation Review, which called for sweeping reforms at the regulator and found that its 'hard-line approach" to enforcement was inappropriate and had led to a lack of trust between it and operators. Announcing the five-year appointment, CASA chairman Allan Hawke said Mr Skidmore brought a wealth of aviation experience to the position. "Mark has worked in civilian aviation as a test pilot, business development manager and company director,'' Dr Hawke said. "He has led large teams of operational, technical and administrative staff, providing leadership for operational, training and support functions. "Mark had an outstanding military aviation career, beginning as a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force in the early 1980s. "He led RAAF research and development squadrons and was promoted to Australia's Air Commander, holding oversight for Australia's air operations, and reaching the rank of Air Vice Marshal before retiring in 2012." Mr Skidmore was chosen after an international search and Dr Hawke said CASA's Board had full confidence his leadership would see Australia's aviation safety record protected and enhanced. He said the new CASA boss, who was part of the general aviation community as the owner of a Globe GC- 1B Swift, was committed to working with the aviation industry and the general community to achieve the best possible safety outcomes. "He understands safety is a shared responsibility with the aviation industry and will encourage and support the industry while at the same time ensuring the interests of the travelling public are protected,'' Dr Hawke said. Mark Skidmore Career Highlights: 2013 - Aviation consultant 2013 Director Flight Operations Raytheon Australia 2001-2012 Royal Australian Air Force - from 2008 Air Commander Australia; previously: Joint Force Air Component Commander including Director of the Coalition Combined Air Operations Centre in the Middle East Area, Director Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, Director Operational Requirements, New Air Combat Capability Commander, Aircraft Research and Development Unit 1998-1999 Senior Test Pilot and Business Development Executive Raytheon Australia 1983-1997 Royal Australian Air Force - pilot and test pilot http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/mark-skidmore-to-head-civil-aviation-safety- authority/story-e6frg95x-1227106941629?nk=fe5a2136e7a36f8c977ed57fb8239f38 Back to Top Embry-Riddle UAS Challenge We're holding another Challenge at the Wings Over Houston Airshow, 1-2 Nov 14 and would appreciate any publicity you would offer. Below is our official press release and the registration/rule info is located at: http://worldwide.erau.edu/Assets/worldwide/data/Houston%20UAS%20Challenge.pdf Back to Top Upcoming Events: ERAU UAS Challenge November 1-2, 2014 Houston, TX http://worldwide.erau.edu/Assets/worldwide/data/Houston%20UAS%20Challenge.pdf IASS 2014 Abu Dhabi, UAE November 11-13, 2014 http://flightsafety.org/meeting/iass-2014 ERAU SMS Seminars Daytona Beach, FL Nov. 17-18 & 19-21, 2014 www.erau.edu/sms ICAEA-ANAC-CIPE Aviation English Workshop. Buenos Aires, Argentina. International Civil Aviation English Association Workshop, hosted by Argentina ANAC and CIPE. "Skills and competencies needed in aviation communications: The Latin American Challenge." Open to anyone interested in aviation English. Nov. 20-21, 2014. www.icaea.aero 2014 Global FOD Prevention Conference Birds, Bolts, Budgets - Tracking the Dangers of Foreign Objects and What We Can Do About It Reagan National Airport 2 December 2014 www.stopfod.com ERAU UAS FUNDAMENTALS COURSE December 9 - 11, 2014 ERAU Daytona Beach Campus, FL www.daytonabeach.erau.edu/uas A3IR CON 2015 January 16-17, 2015 Phoenix, AZ http://commons.erau.edu/aircon/2015/ Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) NTSB Training Center, Ashburn, VA March 10-11, 2015 www.acsf.aero/symposium FAA Helicopter Safety Effort three-day safety forum April 21-23, 2015 Hurst, Texas eugene.trainor@faa.gov www.faahelisafety.org IS-BAO Workshop Information and Registration 12 - 13 Nov. 2014 Omaha, Nebraska USA 18 - 19 Nov. 2014 Houston, TX USA 2 - 3 Dec. 2014 Orlando, FL USA 6 - 7 Dec. 2014 Dubai, UAE 13 - 14 Jan. 2015 Baltimore, MD USA https://www.regonline.com/CalendarNET/EventCalendar.aspx?EventID=1592658&view=Month Curt Lewis