Flight Safety Information October 8, 2015 - No. 200 In This Issue FAA tests technology to counter rogue drones...Are drones becoming a nuisance? FAA faces heat for missing deadline on drone safety rules U.S. aircraft diverted to avoid Russian fighter in Syria Africa Calls for More Investment in Air Traffic Control Thai Lion Air gets IOSA approval New State Law For Drone Pilots (California) PUTIN'S PILOTS 'INTERCEPT' U.S. PREDATOR DRONES Alleged Airline Jet Hacker's Security Firm Files for Bankruptcy NTSB Releases Agenda, Call for Questions, for General Aviation Safety Forum AAIB Centenary Conference...'100 Years of Accident Investigation - What's Next?' PROS 2015 TRAINING Singapore Airlines seeks 'viable aircraft' to relaunch long-haul flights Ethiopian Airlines to Buy 15 to 20 Boeing 777X Jetliners, CEO Says Indian fighter jets to have women pilots soon, says Air Force chief Arup Raha Careers in Aviation: Airline Pilot Job Placement The Business Jet That Thinks It's a Racing Plane Jet Edge Adds Three Falcon Jets Girls in Aviation Day Already Set for 2016 Spaceport Colorado submitting FAA license application this month Airport Cooperative Research Project iSMS - Safety Management System Training Upcoming Events JOBS AVAILABLE (New Positions) FAA tests technology to counter rogue drones Are drones becoming a nuisance? The FAA is testing anti-drone technology to counter drones flying within a five mile radius of select airports Rep. Peter DeFazio who says he's spoken with the companies experts has been told the tracking technology "can pinpoint the drone operator and "force the drone to land" Washington (CNN)The Federal Aviation Administration is testing anti-drone technology that would counter rogue drones flying within a five-mile radius of select airports. The technology is supposed to detect radio signals from rogue drones operating too close to airports. FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker made the announcement at a drone safety hearing before the House Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation on Wednesday. The FAA is partnering with information technology company CACI International headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. In a statement the FAA says it "signed an agreement this week to assess the safety and security capabilities of CACI's product." Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, who has spoken with the company's experts, said he was told the tracking technology "can pinpoint the drone operator and "force the drone to land." The FAA says a steep increase in reports of small unmanned aircraft in close proximity to runways is presenting a new challenge. Whitaker told the committee the agency receives about 100 reports per month from pilots reporting drone sightings. "One hundred a month -- that's 1,200 a year -- and so far you've cited there's been about 20 enforcement actions. That seems very low," said Rep. John Mica, R-Florida, underscoring the agency's challenge in penalizing rogue drone operators. The FAA says it does not yet know how many airports or which airports they will test the technology at. The agency does not have a time line for how long the research will last. http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/07/politics/faa-anti-drone-technology/ Back to Top FAA faces heat for missing deadline on drone safety rules Lawmakers criticized federal aviation officials in a Capitol Hill hearing Wednesday for missing a deadline to issue new safety regulations to deal with the soaring popularity of private drones and the potential hazard they pose for air traffic, warning that a crash between a drone and a commercial airplane could just be a matter of time. The Federal Aviation Administration faced heat at the House transportation subcommittee for not issuing new rules for unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, by last month, a deadline set in a 2012 reform law. While the FAA published a rule for small drone certification and operation in February, the agency has yet to come up with an integration plan and now says that a final version of the rule will not be completed until next year. Lawmakers expressed frustration at the delay, calling for clear laws and penalties, and for drones to be registered and installed with tracking devices, so that misusers who break the law can be tracked and punished. Even a partial law, critics said, would be better than the virtual lack of oversight that now exists. "Something is always better than nothing in the face of a known danger," said Rep. Michael Capuano, Massachusetts Democrat, who revealed he owns two small drones himself. "Do something before someone loses their life on this." "It is not if an accident will happen, it is when," added Rep. Rick Larsen, Washington state Democrat. Drones are being produced and sold at unprecedented numbers - UAS sales have surged in the last year and 700,000 are expected to sell, a 63 percent increase from last year. As sales go up, so do reports of sightings by pilots. The number of reports has reached 100 a month, a fivefold increase from 2014, said Michael Whitaker, FAA deputy administrator. In one incident, two planes trying to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City in August reported seeing an unidentified drone, with one, an incoming jet from Orlando, saying the device flew "about 100 feet below us, just off our right wing." As many as 1 million UAS could be sold this holiday season, which could greatly increase the already growing number of sighting reports on drones near airports, close to airplanes, and above busy city skies and natural disaster sites. But questions remain over how to set up and police no-fly zones, how to regulate drones that can fit in the palm of one's hand and other issues. In addition, drones are not identified with chips or other identification methods, making it almost impossible for police to track UAS users, experts said. The FAA has developed two programs, the "No Drone Zone" and "Know Before You Fly," aimed at informing and educating UAS users, especially inexperienced pilots using them for pleasure and recreation, and has collaborated with law enforcement to handle situations when drones were used inappropriately or jeopardized safety. "We want people to enjoy this new technology, but we want them to do it safely," said Mr. Whitaker. State governments are also struggling to set rules for drone use that will balance their growing versatility with safety and privacy concerns. In California, paparazzi will no longer be allowed to operate drones over private property in California to photograph celebrities under a new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this week. California State Assemblyman Ian Calderon said lawmakers heard from residents that paparazzi were using the drones to take pictures and video above their residences despite the legislation on the books. Singer Miley Cyrus was among those who caught sight of a drone over her home last year. She took video of the unmanned aircraft and posted it online. The new law establishes a property right in the airspace that spans 350 feet directly above private property. It will ban drones from crossing over property lines and fences to hover above private homes or properties for the purpose of capturing images, according to Mr. Calderon. A leading pilots' group told the House hearing that more government oversight was urgently needed. "The FAA is making progress, but we need to do more," said Capt. Tim Canoll, president of the Air Line Pilots Association. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/oct/7/faa-faces-heat-for-missing-deadline-on-drone- safet/?page=1 Back to Top U.S. aircraft diverted to avoid Russian fighter in Syria Washington (CNN)The U.S. military diverted two aircraft over Syria to ensure they could maintain a safe flying distance from a Russian fighter aircraft in the same area, according to Captain Jeff Davis, Pentagon spokesman. It was the first time the U.S. needed to do so since Russia began military operations in Syria at the end of last month. The two planes were F-16s that had departed from Turkey's Incirlik air base and were on their way to a location near the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, a senior defense official told CNN. The U.S. aircraft that diverted were not able to complete their mission, the official said. Since the Russians began operating in Syrian airspace, U.S. pilots have been under orders to change their flight path if there is a Russian plane within 20 nautical miles, according to the official. Davis said the incident happened in the last few days but offered few additional details. "We are taking action to ensure" the planes don't come too close to each other, he said, indicating there had only been one incident so far. There is no sign the two aircraft communicated with each other. In the recent incident, the Russian plane came within the 20 nautical mile interval. The new U.S. rules were instituted specifically because there is no agreement with the Russians yet on maintaining mutual flight safety rules and practices. In fact, the incident happened in the days after the first round of technical talks with Russia on that issue. Without that agreement, the official said, U.S. pilots cannot count on the Russians to fly under standard safety procedures. The official emphasized the reason for the new rules is concern about keeping American pilots safe, given the long history of aggressive Russian military intercepts against U.S. aircraft. Russia has maintained that its operations are largely aimed at taking out ISIS and other terrorist groups, the target of U.S. operations as well. But American officials have suggested that the Russian activities seem much more in keeping with supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a close Moscow ally. The U.S. has called for him to leave power and is backing elements of the moderate opposition. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that "greater than 90% of the strikes that we've seen" Russia take have not been against ISIS or al-Qaida affiliated terrorists. "They've been largely against opposition groups -- groups that want a better future for Syria and don't want to see the Assad regime stay in power," he said. http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/07/politics/u-s-diverts-aircraft-to-avoid-russian-fighter/ Back to Top Africa Calls for More Investment in Air Traffic Control In this May 21, 2015 file photo, an air traffic controller works in a tower at Newark Liberty International Airport. African air traffic safety and security experts are calling for more investment to guarantee safe air travel on the continent. African air traffic safety and security experts are calling for more investment to guarantee safe air travel on the continent. Ghanaian-born Africa aviation expert, Osei Bonsu, said Africa accounts for barely five percent of global air traffic but reported 20 percent of accidents and fatalities in 2014. "We need a coordinated effort to be able to build rescue centers where we can pick [up] as soon as it happens. We call and they move. Now what is happening individually is that most countries are using their air force as coordination centers. The aircraft drops. If it is in the ocean, the people they contact are their air force," he said. "They move them to the spot just to locate and after locating, how do you rescue? That is the challenge." Bonsu said more training is needed on air traffic management as the number of flights continues to multiply. Air navigation safety expert Siddi Kone said scores of small air companies operate in sub-Saharan Africa without respecting international norms. Losing track of planes is an issue. He said traffic coordination and communication need to improve. Kone said they have to make sure planes do not find themselves on the same routes as they move through the region. Air traffic controllers in Africa say they lack personnel and proper communication equipment. Safety experts gathered in Cameroon this week said air traffic personnel in some countries must rely on mobile phone networks. Power outages at airports and animals trespassing on runways are also among the top frustrations, and dangers, they said. http://www.voanews.com/content/africa-calls-for-more-investment-in-air-traffic-control/2995468.html Back to Top Thai Lion Air gets IOSA approval Thailand's low-cost carrier (LCC) Thai Lion Air has achieved IATA's Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification following an assessment of its operational management and control systems. Thai Lion Air is the only Thai LCC to be granted IOSA registry status. Bangkok Airways and flag carrier Thai Airways International are the only full-service carriers to hold that level of certification in Thailand. Thai Lion Air said it had applied for more than 900 standards audits across eight disciplines, including aviation legislation, operations oversight, safety, qualification and training, and staff and procedures certification. The new certification-which means Thai Lion Air could eliminate audit redundancy, reduce costs and scheduled audit resource requirements-helps to raise the overall level of compliance across the Thai aviation industry. It also allows IOSA inspectors to undertake regular unspecified random audits over the next two years to ensure continuing compliance. In June 2015, ICAO revised Thailand's overall national rating downward to "red flag" status, citing "significant safety concerns" across both airline and infrastructure sectors nationwide. As a result, several LCC and charter operators' flight schedules were frozen, or the airlines themselves canceled planned launches of new routes. Thai Lion Air CEO Aswin Yangkirativorn said securing IOSA certification "will definitely boost trust and confidence among customers. Currently, Thai Lion's parent Lion Air carrier, based in Indonesia, does not have IOSA certification. Thai Lion Air has a 17-strong Boeing fleet, with 13 737-900 ERs and four 737-800s operating to nine domestic destinations plus a recently launched flight to Singapore. Following the IOSA rating, the carrier plans to add more domestic and international destinations. http://atwonline.com/safety/thai-lion-air-gets-iosa-approval Back to Top New State Law For Drone Pilots (California) Tuesday Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation to keep drone pilots from spying on private property. The new law signed by the governor is designed to prevent people from flying drones above private property to spy on others by making a recording, or taking a picture. The Consumer Electronics Association says as many as 400,000 drones will be sold nationwide in 2015. At Hobby Town USA in fresno-- people are buying drones every week fueling what's projected to be a billion dollar industry in the next five years. "it keeps growing day to day. It seems like they have a life span of about six months now before a new feature comes out, it is kind of like the early days of computers where things keep progressing and progressing faster and faster," said Kevin Nichols, of Hobby Town USA. Tuesday Governor Jerry Brown signed new legislation as state lawmakers try to keep up with the drone craze. The new law poses fines from $5,000 to $50,000 to anyone who pilots a drone over private property for the purpose of taking recordings, or pictures. "I certainly don't want someone flying in my direct backyard if we are playing in the pool, or something like that," said Chris Geiger, a Clovis drone enthusiast. Geiger supports the new law designed to prevent spying. He says most drone cameras are wide angle and don't zoom. "if one of these is flying overhead and you can barely see it. It can barely see you," said Geiger. Geiger says if someone is using a drone to take pictures of you in your backyard-- you'll know. "if it's close enough to really pick your face out it is with-in 20, 30, 40 feet. It is right there," said Geiger. Governor Brown has vetoed a series of drone related bills saying it could lead to unnecessary litigation. Three years ago President Obama made a move to establish clear rules for drones. Regulations for drones are still being debated today. http://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/new-state-law-for-drone-pilots Back to Top PUTIN'S PILOTS 'INTERCEPT' U.S. PREDATOR DRONES Russia's Su-34 fighter jet Russian President Vladimir Putin must have not received the Obama administration's request for "de- confliction" over Syria. Putin's pilots in Syria are now flying "intercept tracks" on U.S. MQ-1 Predator drones attempting to locate and monitor the Islamic State group. "The first time it happened, we thought the Russians got lucky. Then it happened two more times," an official who spoke to Fox News on the condition of anonymity confirmed Wednesday. "It is easy to see a predator on radar," added another official. Russia chose not to shoot down the U.S. aircraft during its intercepts. The free WND special report "ISIS Rising," by Middle East expert and former Department of Defense analyst Michael Maloof, will answer your questions about the jihadist army threatening the West. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to work with the U.S. last Wednesday over differences on how to degrade and destroy ISIS. Moscow has targeted groups near Homs the Obama administration has backed in attempts to oust Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad from power. "We would have grave concerns should Russia strike areas where ISIL and al-Qaida-affiliated targets ... are not operating," Kerry said Sept. 30 from the United Nations Security Council in New York. Moscow's intercepts with U.S. drones comes in addition to the arrival of Mi-24 gunships and transport helicopters to the region, Fox reported. Hundreds of Russian marines have also been deployed to Syria. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed Wednesday that Moscow's warships in the Caspian Sea launched 26 missiles at ISIS in Syria earlier in the day, Reuters reported. http://www.wnd.com/2015/10/putins-pilots-intercept-u-s-predator-drones/#vvZzzcy32gHzxbOr.99 Back to Top Alleged Airline Jet Hacker's Security Firm Files for Bankruptcy A Colorado cybersecurity firm whose founder said he hacked into more than a dozen airline flights by plugging his laptop into a passenger jet's entertainment system has filed for bankruptcy. One World Labs Inc., founded by Chris Roberts in 2009, filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday, saying it faces roughly $720,000 in debt. Company officials are negotiating a deal to sell the Denver-based intelligence firm, which says it has "access to the world's largest index of dark content to protect corporations, governments and nonprofit organizations," enabling clients to search the database for stolen data. The firm took in $3 million in revenue last year, according to documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Denver. The potential sale would clear the ownership of One World Labs that is now held by Mr. Roberts, who served as chief information officer and left in September. Mr. Roberts still owns about 59.8% of the company's common stock, court papers said. Mr. Roberts, who has appeared on Fox News and other news outlets to discuss airplanes' vulnerability to virtual hijacking, announced the chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on his Twitter page. Mr. Roberts made headlines earlier this year after a search warrant from the Federal Bureau of Investigation surfaced, showing that he told agency officials that he "compromised" his flights "approximately 15 to 20 times" starting in 2011. In one case, he said he "overwrote code on the airplane's thrust management computer" and caused the airplane to tip sideways, the document said. Mr. Roberts said he got access to an airplane's controls by connecting his laptop to entertainment system boxes underneath the seats. After federal agents informed Mr. Roberts that accessing an airplane's networks without permission is a federal crime, he said he would stop, the document said. Aviation officials never did verify Mr. Roberts's claims, but the incident put a spotlight on an issue that troubles security experts: potential attacks on an airplane's control system. On June 21, operations were disrupted at Warsaw Chopin Airport by what LOT Polish Airlines said was a cyberattack on flight-planning computers. Though airline officials said safety was never affected, 10 LOT flights were canceled, and some 15 others were grounded for several hours, affecting roughly 1,400 passengers. U.S. aviation regulators and industry officials have begun developing comprehensive cybersecurity protections for aircraft through an advisory committee set up by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The committee includes representatives of plane makers, pilots and parts suppliers from around the globe. Regarding the bankruptcy of One World Labs, it is unclear whether the encounters between Mr. Roberts and FBI agents earlier this year caused the company's financial problems. The firm's bankruptcy lawyer, Duncan Barber, declined to comment on the connection. One World Labs can afford to pay most of its bills, but it wasn't going to have enough money to make big payments that are coming due to investors, prompting the bankruptcy filing, Mr. Barber said. Mr. Barber wouldn't identify the proposed buyer, nor would he say how much it has offered to pay. http://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2015/10/07/alleged-airline-jet-hackers-security-firm-files-for- bankruptcy/ Back to Top NTSB Releases Agenda, Call for Questions, for General Aviation Safety Forum WASHINGTON-The National Transportation Board has released the final agenda, including the participants' names and affiliations, for its forum, Humans and Hardware: Preventing General Aviation Inflight Loss of Control. The event, which was announced earlier this month, will be held on October 14 in Washington, D.C. In addition, the NTSB is inviting pilots and others in the aviation safety community to send their questions related to inflight loss of control issues to LOCForum@ntsb.gov. To be considered for inclusion, questions must be submitted via email not later than 3:00 pm ET on October 13. "Understanding questions that pilots have will be critical to the forum's success," said NTSB Member Earl Weener, who will chair the event. The forum will include panels on four broad areas of discussion: - Industry and Government Perspectives and Actions; - Human Performance and Medical Issues; - Pilot Training Solutions; and - Equipment and Technology Solutions. An end-of-day roundtable beginning at 4:05 p.m. will bring back panelists from throughout the day to discuss crosscutting issues and the day's takeaways. This year's forum offers participants a new level of digital accessibility. The forum webpage includes links to add individual panel sessions or the entire forum to calendars on computers and mobile devices. Pilots can also share the forum page with other pilots or student trainees through email or social media. "We've added the new digital functionality to make it easy to share the event with other pilots," said Weener. "Those with compatible calendar software can also save the date and time directly to their device." The forum, which will be held in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center in Washington (429 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington D.C.) will run from 9:00 am ET to 5:00 pm ET. The agenda, including names of panelists and NTSB forum staff, is available at http://go.usa.gov/3tfse. More information about the forum can be found at http://www.ntsb.gov/LOCforum. The forum is free and open to the public. There is no registration for this event. Directions to the forum site are available at http://go.usa.gov/3tfBB. The event will also be webcast live. An archive of the webcast will be available on the NTSB website after the event. A link to the webcast is available at http://www.capitolconnection.net/capcon/ntsb/ntsb.htm. RELATED MATERIAL General Aviation Inflight Loss of Control on NTSB Most Wanted List: http://go.usa.gov/3tfZJ PRESS RELEASE (9/8/15): NTSB to Hold Forum Addressing Inflight Loss of Control in Fixed-Wing General Aviation Aircraft: http://go.usa.gov/3tfZ9 ************ Contact Information Office of Public Affairs 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20594 Peter Knudson peter.knudson@ntsb.gov (202) 314-6100 Back to Top AAIB Centenary Conference '100 Years of Accident Investigation - What's Next?' Royal Aeronautical Society, London - 14 October 2015 To mark the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) centenary year and to celebrate 100 years of safety investigation in the UK, the AAIB is holding a one-day conference on 14 October 2015, entitled '100 Years of Accident Investigation - What's Next?'.The conference will take place at the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) at 4 Hamilton Place, London. The programme includes speakers from government investigation agencies, regulators, aircraft and engine manufacturers, operators, the media, academia and the legal profession. Places are limited. To find out more about the programme or to register click: http://aerosociety.com/Events/Event-List/1994/100- Years-of-Accident-Investigation-Whats-Next Back to Top Back to Top Singapore Airlines seeks 'viable aircraft' to relaunch long-haul flights "We will definitely consider relaunching such a popular non-stop flight service only if the airline can have new fuel-efficient planes in service." Singapore Airlines (SIA) may relaunch its popular non-stop flights for New York and Los Angeles from its home base if it gets a 'viable aircraft', its senior official says. The airline's general manager for Gulf Erwin Widjaja said present available planes are not 'feasible' to operate on such long-haul routes and the aircraft manufacturers should develop more fuel-efficient aircraft to make such flights feasible for airlines. "We will definitely consider relaunching such a popular non-stop flight service only if the airline can have new fuel-efficient planes in service," Widjaja told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a Press conference to launch new premium economy class on Dubai-Singapore route from January. He declined to comment on Emirates upcoming new service to Panama City in February - the longest non- stop flight in the world with 17 hours and 35 minutes in the Westbound direction. He said Dubai will be the first country in Gulf/South Asian region to experience this premium product, which is part of a two-year development programme costing about $80 million. The airline offers introductory fare of Dh3,375 on Dubai-Singapore-Dubai route until November. "We will revert to normal fare of about Dh4,500 for this premium product in December," he said. He said premium economy class is currently available on Sydney and Hong Kong routes and will be progressively introduced on 19 Airbus A380s, 19 Boeing 777-300ERs and the first 20 Airbus A350s. Each seat in new class has a width of either 18.5 or 19.5 inches, depending on aircraft type, with an eight-inch recline and a seat pitch of 38 inches. Active noise-cancelling headphones and a sleek 13.3-inch full HD monitor will also boost passengers in-flight entertainment experience. "We are targeting corporate and leisure travellers to promote this new product and confident of having double-digit growth in sales numbers on 10 weekly flights offered by SIA," he said. Priority check-in and baggage handling, with a generous baggage allowance of 35kg, will be offered to customers. "Members of the KrisFlyer frequent-flyer programme will also receive 10 per cent more miles when they fly in new premium class," he said, adding that airport lounge facility will only be extended to premium economy class passengers if they join the airline's frequent-flyer programme. http://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/aviation/singapore-airlines-seeks-viable-aircraft-to-relaunch-long- haul-flights Back to Top Ethiopian Airlines to Buy 15 to 20 Boeing 777X Jetliners, CEO Says Carrier also considered Airbus's A350-1000 widebody but deemed Boeing plane better suited its operations Passengers disembark from an Ethiopian Airlines plane at the Bole International Airport in Ethiopia's capital of Addis Ababa in August. Ethiopian Airlines plans to place an order for Boeing Co. 777X long-range jetliners before the end of the year, the East African carrier's chief executive said. The airline could buy as many as 15 to 20 of Boeing's newest airplanes after also considering the purchase of Airbus Group SE's A350-1000 widebody, Tewolde Gebremariam said in an interview on Wednesday. The deal would have a value of $7.4 billion at list price, though buyers typically get discounts. The Boeing plane was deemed more suited to operations from the airline's high-altitude hub in Addis Ababa, Mr. Gebremariam said. Taking off at high altitudes and in hot weather can put a strain on aircraft performance. The new planes, due for delivery after 2020, would replace 10 older 777 twin-engine planes and provide for growth, he said. Boeing is developing two versions of its new long-haul plane, one that would seat around 400 passengers and a lower-capacity, ultra-long-range model dubbed the 777-8. Mr. Gebremariam said Ethiopian was opting for the lower-capacity plane that better suits Addis Ababa operations. Ethiopian has been on a steady expansion path despite sometimes difficult market conditions. The carrier last year warned the Ebola outbreak in Africa had hit demand even though the affected regions were far from Ethiopia. In the end, the financial pain proved less dramatic, Mr. Gebremariam said, with the airline delivering a $175 million record profit at the end of its financial year in June. This year the airline is grappling with the impact of low oil prices. Though the decline in fuel cost is a boon to the carrier by lowering operating costs, demand in African oil-exporting markets such as Nigeria and Angola has been hit, the airline chief executive said. What the impact on the full-year results may be is too early to determine, he said. Even so, the carrier plans to introduce about 10 new aircraft this fiscal year, including the first two Airbus A350-900 widebodies next Spring. It also is adding a pair of 777 freighters and Dreamliners, he said. Mr. Gebremariam this week told The Wall Street Journal the airline had to scramble to secure loans for a Boeing 787 plane delivery because it lacked a financing guarantee from the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Congressional Republicans effectively shut down the U.S. Ex-Im Bank by failing to reauthorize the agency at the end of June in a clash over spending priorities. Mr. Gebremariam said the situation didn't affect the carrier's decision to buy the 777X from Boeing because delivery financing for those planes is still years away. http://www.wsj.com/articles/ethiopian-airlines-to-buy-15-to-20-boeing-777x-jetliners-ceo-says- 1444227923 Back to Top Indian fighter jets to have women pilots soon, says Air Force chief Arup Raha IAF to induct women pilots in fighter stream, Arup Raha says NEW DELHI: India will soon have women fighter pilots which will put them in combat positions in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the first time, Air Force chief Arup Raha said on Thursday. While Indian women have been serving in the forces since the early 1990s, they haven't been allowed to have any combat roles. They could fly transport aircraft and helicopters in the Air Force, but could not tear into the skies as fighter pilots. "We are now planning to induct them into the fighter stream to meet the aspirations of young women of India," said Air Chief Marshal Raha. His announcement coincides with the 83rd anniversary of the birth of the IAF. Women officers in the other two services too have been kept away from combat roles. In the Navy, they cannot serve on warships and in the Army, they cannot join the infantry, armoured corps or artillery. In the IAF, a major hindrance until now, according to military brass, was that it took well over Rs 13 crore to train a single fighter pilot, with the huge investment being recovered only over 13-14 years of active flying. Women fighter pilots, they believed, may get married, have children, and consequently disrupt the IAF's tight flying schedules. Still, there is a rethink in the IAF now, with women officers also increasingly winning their legal battles for permanent commission in the armed forces, instead of being allowed to serve just 14-15 years as short service commission officers. Also, with technological advancements making traditional attributes like physical toughness redundant for fighting roles, women officers have been making a push to be allowed to take up an increased role in the armed forces. Also, flying a fighter is significantly different from a ground combat role in close proximity to enemy forces. Several women pilots have proven themselves flying helicopters and transport aircraft in high-risk rescue and other missions. Some have also flown sorties of AN-32 aircraft to the Advanced Landing Ground at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in Ladakh. DBO, the world's highest landing ground at 16,500 feet, is close to the frontline and is a critical supply line for troops posted at the Siachen Glacier. Women pilots have also proven themselves with the Ilyushin IL-76 heavy-lift transport aircraft, referred to in the Air Force as 'Gajraj', in difficult sorties to Leh. On Thursday, Air Chief Marshal Raha reviewed the IAF Day parade and flypast at the Hindon Air Force Station, to the northeast of Delhi. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-fighter-jets-to-have-women-pilots-soon-says-Air-Force- chief-Arup-Raha/articleshow/49268405.cms Back to Top Careers in Aviation: Airline Pilot Job Placement Aviation Careers Airline Programs Left to right: Anthony Beruvides (JetBlue FO E190/Mentor), Michael Pfeiffer (Cape Air, Auburn University Graduate), Clayton Adamy (Cape Air, Auburn University Graduate), David Alpert (JetBlue FO E190/Asst. Lead Mentor ERAU Prescott Grad), Leo Callender (Cape Air, ERAU Daytona Graduate), Armando Garcia (Cape Air, ERAU Daytona Graduate), Steve Coleman (JetBlue A320 FO/Gateway ERAU Daytona Grad) An uncertain path to their career goal may stunt some students' dreams of becoming airline pilots, but programs aimed at addressing looming crew shortages provide all but guaranteed routes to the flight deck, if you have what it takes. "Everyone is feeling the effects of the pilot supply issue, to the degree many airlines are parking airplanes and cancelling flights," said Linda Markham, president of Northeast regional carrier Cape Air, and chairman of the Regional Airline Association. Cape Air is a founding partner of the JetBlue University Gateway Program, which guides participants from school to a pilot's job at JetBlue, via service at Cape Air or ExpressJet Airlines. Underscoring the pilot squeeze regional airlines face, Cape Air itself is "25 pilots short from where we would like to be," Markham said, while ExpressJet anticipates a need for 300 to 500 new pilots in 2016. Gateway is open to students in aviation degree programs at six institutions: Auburn, Bridgewater State, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (both the Daytona, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, campuses), Inter- American and Jacksonville Universities, and University of North Dakota. Inaugurated in 2008, close to 250 students have been accepted in the program, and more than 20 are now first officers at JetBlue. For airlines, efforts like these go beyond addressing potential staffing shortages. "What we want are quality pilots with quality training who want to come to JetBlue," said Bonny Simi, JetBlue's v-p of Talent. "That's what this program accomplishes." Complementing their classroom educations, JetBlue University Gateway students serve an internship at one of the carriers, "getting a well rounded experience in the airline business," Markham said. After graduation they work as a flight instructor for at least one year, building 1,000 hours of flight time and earning a restricted ATP. Gateway grads then enter either Cape Air, getting captain's bars at 1,500 hours, and log a minimum 3,500 total time, or as first officers at ExpressJet and accumulate at least 4,000 total time, before they transition to first officer at JetBlue. Pilots can also combine service at both regionals. Aviation CareersLeft to right: Eric Poole (JetBlue CA A320, Program Manager), Jacob Deel (UND Student/Certified Flight Instructor), Ryan Wood (UND Certified Flight Instructor), Eric Scott (JetBlue CA A320, Lead Mentor), Waseem Mathews (JetBlue FO E190, Mentor) This is just one example of opportunities the growing need for pilots is creating. Cape Air and ExpressJet also allow pilots already flying for their companies who meet its requirements to join the Gateway program. Cape Air also offers a "Grey Gulls" program to recruit retired airline pilots, and an internal program for qualified Cape Air employees who want to train to become pilots. JetBlue has a "Vets in Blue" initiative, aimed at bringing former military aviators to the airline. As for low starting salaries sometimes cited as exacerbating shortages, regional experts point out published pay scales don't account for signing bonuses and many other benefits, or rapid salary increases that typically boost a first officer's pay by more than half (52 percent) between years one and five. Formal pathways aside, less structured routes to cockpits remain. "If you have passion to fly, you should really go after your dream and look to become a pilot," advised Markham. Simi suggested aspiring airline pilots first get a four-year college degree in any discipline. "That's number one," she said. "It shows you're capable of learning and passing tests." Upload your resume and find new career opportunities here. http://www.flyingmag.com/careers/careers-aviation-airline-pilot-job-placement#RrmvTsPjXhyFZu1o.99 Back to Top The Business Jet That Thinks It's a Racing Plane At the National Championship Air Races in Reno, spectators get to watch low-altitude wingtip-to-wingtip racing action around a set racecourse. That's the main event, but the 200,000 onlookers are also treated to fantastic military and civilian aerial demonstrations. When a group of highly modified WWII aircraft or high-performance kit-built airplanes aren't furiously circling the course, a series of stunt pilots and aerobatic performers put on a show. This year, though, attendees got to see something a little different. Each day at noon, French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Falcon flew a solo lap around the circuit in its flagship Falcon 7X trijet. The flight was for exhibition only; the plane did not officially compete in the races. But with a top speed pushing 600 mph and impressive maneuverability, the 7X would make for fine competition among the other fast movers in the Jet Class. Not bad for a business jet. The 7X was born from technology found in the company's military fighter aircraft like the Rafale. That includes becoming the first business jet with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system. Since certification in 2007, Falcons have become known known for their robust design, unparalleled flying qualities, and spacious quiet cabins. A 50-year tradition, the National Championship Air Race is held every September at the airfield just north of Reno with the intention of sustaining a one-of-a-kind air racing experience. Although the event requires a small full-time staff, more than 2,500 volunteers dedicate their personal time in a multitude of capacities including course safety, air traffic control and race timing and scoring. http://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/a17700/dassault-falcon-7x-reno/ Back to Top Jet Edge Adds Three Falcon Jets Jet Edge International, a private-jet-charter operator based in Los Angeles, has added three Falcon 2000 jets to its fleet-one Falcon 2000EX and two 2000LX aircraft. The Falcon 2000EX offers a newly refurbished interior for up to eight passengers, with pearl leather seating in a forward-and-aft club configuration. One of the 2000LX airplanes features club seating for four of the eight seats, plus an aft conference table, while the second 2000LX boasts two extra club seats for a total of 10. Both LX interiors offer cream leather seats, veneer satin-finish woodwork, and custom metal-plated hardware fixtures throughout the cabin. The EX can cruise at 555 knots and fly 4,370 miles with six passengers on board. The LX jets are equipped with winglets, adding about 230 miles to the range. All three planes (as well as Jet Edge's approximately 40-plane fleet, including Gulfstream and Bombardier Global jets) are also part of Jet Edge's new FlexBase pricing program in which the jets can be chartered through seven base locations around the country: New York, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and Denver. This system allows the company to reduce costs and minimize waits due to repositioning flights. (flyjetedge.com) http://robbreport.com/aviation/jet-edge-adds-three-falcon-jets#sthash.fed5Vagv.dpuf Back to Top Girls in Aviation Day Already Set for 2016 SOURCE: WOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL OCT 7, 2015 October 7, 2015 - The success of Women in Aviation International's first Girls in Aviation Day requires a repeat performance in 2016. The 2016 Girls in Aviation Day is officially set for Saturday, September 24, 2016. Plans are already underway to make this event even bigger and better than the first. A survey of the 49 WAI chapters in seven countries that participated in the first Girls in Aviation Day revealed: 45% of WAI chapters rated their event as "Perfect!" with an additional 39% rating it "Really a good day with a few bumps here and there." The smallest event hosted eight girls and the largest saw an estimated 650 girls participate. The age range of participating girls spans from 4 years old to 18 years old. 75% of the Girls in Aviation Day events took place at airports/FBOs with an additional 18% taking place at an aviation museum. The majority of WAI chapters partnered with aviation companies, members of the military, airlines, airport authorities, sororities, schools and universities, aircraft manufacturers, EAA chapters, and other groups to present Girls in Aviation Day. When asked what the most popular activity of Girls in Aviation Day was for the participants, the chapter answers included simulator flying, airport tours, hangar scavenger hunts, dressing in aviation gear, ATC tours, exploring a 737-300, using aviation mechanics' tools, learning the phonetic alphabet, "climbing around the MH-60S Navy helicopter" and more. One WAI chapter contact wrote, "They seemed to all be extremely energetic about sitting in the cockpit of the jets." Media attention from the general media was all positive. Chapter publicity efforts resulted in coverage in local newspapers ranging from Nairobi's (Nigeria) Daily Nation to The Salt Lake Tribune. Social media buzzed with photos and enthusiastic comments, including a glowing report on Amy Poehler's Smart Girls website (www.amysmartgirls.com) called, "The Sky's the Limit: Celebrating the First Annual Girls in Aviation Day." In a report by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), whose members took part in several Girls in Aviation Day events, one young participant in Raleigh, North Carolina, is quoted as saying, "This is the best day of my life!" "The best statistic that came out of our survey, though, is that 91% of our chapters say that they would 'enthusiastically' host another Girls in Aviation Day. Nine percent more said they would 'probably' host another event and no one said no to next year," says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. More information on Girls in Aviation Day may be found at www.wai.org/events/giad_2015.cfm http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12123385/girls-in-aviation-day-already-set-for-2016 Back to Top Spaceport Colorado submitting FAA license application this month LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO - Spaceport Colorado intends to submit its application for a commercial spaceport license by the end of the month with the aim of securing approval in the second quarter of 2016, says air and spaceport director David Ruppel. If successful, Spaceport Colorado can begin offering horizontal launch services in what is becoming an increasingly crowded market, with 10 US sites already approved by the FAA. Ruppel says Spaceport Colorado "is alive and well," but requires a license in order to attract significant interest from the commercial spaceflight industry. The spaceport hopes to attract the types of operations imagined for XCOR's Lynx, but also small satellite launch services and research and development projects. The site will be a director competitor with Spaceport America in nearby New Mexico, but Ruppel says the two can coexists by specialising in different areas, since Spaceport America's locality is preferred for experimental flights, while Spaceport Colorado's proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) makes it more accessible. Ruppel says the closeness to DIA is a "blessing and a curse," since it is the 18th busiest airport in the world and regulators will be taking a doubly close look at how commercial spaceflights and general air traffic will coexists. The proximity, though, also places the spaceport at the centre of an aerospace hub, with more than 400 aerospace companies located nearby. Once the license application is submitted, the environmental impact assessment will be subject to a 30- day public comment period and then 180-day review period with the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation. There are currently no discussions about supplying commercial services to the US military, but those opportunities might come in the future. "They don't want to talk to anyone who doesn't actually have a license," says Ruppel. He says the first launch opportunities could come in about five years as the first space vehicles are certified by the FAA. In terms of the business case for another spaceport, Ruppel says there are currently more spaceports today than there is demand, but the groundwork must be laid now to capture market share once the industry takes flight. "We can't wait until the need is there, we need to start now," he says. "There is a need that exists right now for cube satellites." https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/spaceport-colorado-submitting-faa-license-applicatio-417511/ Back to Top Airport Cooperative Research Project Back to Top iSMS - Safety Management System Training Back to Top Upcoming Events: Fundamentals of IS-BAO November 2, 2015 Hong Kong, China https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1724162 IS-BAO Auditing November 3, 2015 Hong Kong, China https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1724176 BARS Auditor Training Washington DC? Tuesday-Thursday 5-7 April http://flightsafety.org/bars/auditor-training OSHA & Aviation Ground Safety Training Course (ERAU) Oct. 19-23, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/cmas Aviation Safety Program Management Training Course (ERAU) Oct. 26-30, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/cmas Aircraft Accident Investigation Training Course (ERAU) Nov. 2-6, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/cmas Air Cargo Safety and Security Symposium ALPA Washington, DC November 5, 2015 http://aircargoconference.alpa.org Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) Seminar (ERAU) Nov. 17-19, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/sms Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Seminar (ERAU) Dec. 8-10, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/uas New HFACS workshop Las Vegas December 15 & 16 www.hfacs.com 2016 DTI SMS/QA Symposium January 3, 4, & 5 2016 Disney World, FL 1-866-870-5490 www.dtiatlanta.com Back to Top JOBS AVAILABLE: Aerospace Tenure-Track Faculty Middle Tennessee State University http://mtsujobs.mtsu.edu/postings/2124 Aerospace (UAS), Tenure-Track Faculty Middle Tennessee State University http://mtsujobs.mtsu.edu/postings/2125 *IOSA FLT Auditors *Experienced Trainers in the area of Safety Management Systems *Quality Control Specialist *Manager Quality Assurance and Quality Control Aviation Quality Services GmbH www.aviation-quality-services.com Flight Training Human Factors Specialist Emirates www.emirates.com/careers Curt Lewis