Flight Safety Information December 16, 2015 - No. 251 In This Issue Southwest Airlines Jet Experiences Taxiway Excursion 2 dead in medical helicopter crash near Phoenix Russia: Turkey Should Pay For Downed Military Jet Air Astana gets full safety clearance in latest EU Air Safety List ASEAN air safety regulator may still be decades away Senate Approves Pilots' Rights Bill With NBAA Provisions Protecting Airmen Psycho tests for airline pilots from next year (India) Enid (OK) fire captain fired after laser pointed at airplane PROS 2015 TRAINING No aircraft is too small to kill - fitting flight recorders could prevent further deaths European backing for critical aviation safety investment in Malawi Boeing says China Postal Airlines orders ten 737-800 converted freighters AF announces FY16 aviator bonuses: RPA pilots eligible for first time The Laser-Toting Tailless Fighter Jet of the Future MUSD school board approves Aviation Technology Program (Arizona) CHC - Peter Gardiner Grant Application Cranfield University's next...'Air Transport Engineering & Maintenance Operations' Course Upcoming Events JOBS AVAILABLE (New Positions) Southwest Airlines Jet Experiences Taxiway Excursion At least three people reportedly were hurt. A Southwest Airlines jet reportedly slid off the taxiway at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee Tuesday, injuring at least three people. The plane, which Southwest said was carrying 133 passengers and five crew members, apparently crashed during its landing around 5:40 p.m., according to news reports. It skidded off the tarmac and into a ditch. The plane "exited the taxiway shortly after arriving into Nashville, as the airplane was approaching the gate," Southwest said in a statement. The Tennessean reported that a Nashville fire department spokesman said two people had minor injuries and a third sought treatment for chest pains. The airliner had taken off from Houston, according to TV station WSMV. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/southwest-airlines-nashville_5670b2e8e4b0dfd4bcbfdd86 ************** Status: Preliminary Date: Tuesday 15 December 2015 Time: ca 17:21 Type: Boeing 737-3H4 (WL) Operator: Southwest Airlines Registration: N649SW C/n / msn: 27719/2894 First flight: 1997-06-01 (18 years 7 months) Engines: 2 CFMI CFM56-3B1 Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 5 Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 133 Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 138 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Nashville International Airport, TN (BNA) ( United States of America) Phase: Taxi (TXI) Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Houston-William P. Hobby Airport, TX (HOU/KHOU), United States of America Destination airport: Nashville International Airport, TN (BNA/KBNA), United States of America Flightnumber: WN31 Narrative: A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-300 operating as Flight 31 from Houston, Texas, experienced a taxiway excursion after landing at Nashville International Airport (KBNA), Nashville, Tennessee. The airplane sustained substantial damage and three minor injuries have been reported. Three Notams were issued following the occurrence: !BNA 12/228 BNA APRON TERMINAL RAMP S 500FT WIP ADJ S EDGE AT TWY T4 LGTD AND BARRICADED 1512160112-1512172300 CREATED: 16 Dec 2015 01:12:00 SOURCE: BNA !BNA 12/227 BNA TWY T4 BTN TWY L AND TERMINAL RAMP CLSD 1512160112-1512172300 CREATED: 16 Dec 2015 01:12:00 SOURCE: KBNAYFYX !BNA 12/226 BNA TWY J BTN TWY T4 AND TWY T5 CLSD 1512160109-1512172300 CREATED: 16 Dec 2015 01:09:00 SOURCE: BNA http://www.aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20151215-0 Back to Top 2 dead in medical helicopter crash near Phoenix PHOENIX - A medical helicopter crashed late Tuesday night in "rugged terrain" east of Phoenix, killing two of the three people aboard, officials said. A third crew member is safe, the aircraft company said early Wednesday without elaborating. Air Methods, which owns the company operating the aircraft, said the chopper was carrying a pilot, a paramedic and a nurse. No names were released and the company didn't further identify the survivor. Company spokeswoman Christina D. Brodsly said in an email to The Associated Press that no patients were on board. "Air Methods confirmed that there were two fatal injuries," the statement said. " We can also confirm that one crew member is safe." Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor told the Arizona Republic earlier that the chopper went down under unknown circumstances in Pinal County, about 55 miles east of Phoenix. It was headed to the town of Globe, further to the east. The Arizona Department of Public Safety told the paper that it was first notified of the crash at about 8 p.m. Officials described the area of the crash as "very rugged terrain." Pinal County sheriff's office said its deputies also responded to the report. No further details of the crash were immediately available. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/faa-medical-helicopter-with-3-aboard-crashes-near- phoenix/2015/12/16/d3e3fc00-a3bb-11e5-8318-bd8caed8c588_story.html *************** Date: 15-DEC-2015 Time: c20:00 LT Type: Eurocopter AS 350B3 Ecureuil Owner/operator: Native Air Ambulance Registration: C/n / msn: Fatalities: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 3 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: 20 miles East of Apache Junction, AZ - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Ambulance Departure airport: Destination airport: Globe Narrative: The medical helicopter crashed in in "rugged terrain" during a night flight en route to collect a casualty. Two fatalities reported. Native Air is owned by Air Methods. http://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=182366 Back to Top Russia: Turkey Should Pay For Downed Military Jet Turkey would also have to guarantee that a similar incident will not happen in future. MOSCOW, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov said on Wednesday that Turkey should pay compensation for shooting down a Russian military plane near the Turkish-Syrian border last month, the RIA news agency reported. Meshkov said Turkey should also guarantee that a similar incident will not happen in future. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/downed-russian-jet_56713c03e4b0648fe3019373 Back to Top Air Astana gets full safety clearance in latest EU Air Safety List The EU Safety List, published last week, coincides with the EC's adoption of its new Aviation Strategy for Europe. Air Astana, the SkyTrax award-winning flag carrier of Kazakhstan, is very pleased to report that it has officially been removed from a list of airlines that have faced operating restrictions in the EU. In July 2009 all carriers of Kazakhstan were banned from operating to Europe while Air Astana was the only exception. The EU's Air Safety Committee had recognised that Air Astana's safety standards were fully compliant with the international standards and establish a system for safe flights, but had imposed a cap on the airline's existing number of services to the EU at the time. Those restrictions were lifted in February 2014, enabling the airline to expand its European route network. Earlier this year Paris was added to its European route network, joining London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. The EU Safety List, published last week, coincides with the EC's adoption of its new Aviation Strategy for Europe. The list is essential to guarantee the highest level of air safety for European citizens, which is an absolute priority of the Commission. It complements the new authorisation scheme for third country operators, which is being phased-in since June 2015. It will further boost air safety while cutting red-tape, the Commission stated. EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said, "Offering the highest level of air safety to European citizens is a priority of the Commission. I am satisfied that we were able to clear Air Astana after six years of work. In the interest of European citizens, we are however forced to maintain other Kazakh carriers on the list." http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/60397/air-astana-gets-full-safety Back to Top ASEAN air safety regulator may still be decades away It could take Southeast Asia, one of the fastest growing air travel markets, two decades to set up a regulatory body to oversee safety in an industry blighted by disasters in recent years, say national regulators and airline executives. BANGKOK: It could take Southeast Asia, one of the fastest growing air travel markets, two decades to set up a regulatory body to oversee safety in an industry blighted by disasters in recent years, say national regulators and airline executives. The need for tougher regulations gained urgency following this month's report by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) into the crash of an Indonesia AirAsia A320 passenger jet last year that killed all 162 on board. Investigators found no single cause for the crash, but listed a combination of factors including a glitch- prone rudder component and pilots' response when things went wrong. The 200-page report has been hailed as a potential turning point as pressure grows for stronger regulation to keep pace with rampant growth in aviation in Southeast Asia. AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes has himself led calls for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to forge a common aviation regulator, saying ASEAN institutions should "step forward, for commonality, and for standardization, and for quality".. But the 10-nation group is already struggling to implement an Open Skies initiative, or single aviation market, to liberalise air services by the end of 2015. That will slip due to differences among the member states, and the difficulty in achieving it illustrates the challenges in taking it a step further and creating common aviation regulatory and safety standards, experts say. Unlike Europe, ASEAN has no legal or executive body to push through liberalisation or create regional organisations that oversee safety and air traffic control. This is mainly because member countries are reluctant to give up their sovereign rights, say industry experts. "Given the (different) speed of development in each country, I don't think it will be done anytime soon and may take at least 20 years to take shape," Chula Sukmanop, director of the Office of Civil Aviation in Thailand, told Reuters. A lack of consensus among stakeholders is delaying the process, even as more of the region's 600 million population take to the skies, aided by robust growth of low-cost carriers such as AirAsia and Indonesia's privately-held Lion Air. Both airlines have placed record orders with the main plane makers. "Malaysia is open and ready, but some other countries are not ready," a senior Malaysian official involved in the ASEAN talks told Reuters, declining to be more specific. Airline executives, too, are divided on how to regulate the industry. In contrast with Fernandes' call for a cross-border regulator, Arif Wibowo, chief of the Indonesian National Carriers Association and CEO of flag carrier Garuda, believes aircraft safety should be left to national regulators. "Each inspector should intensify aircraft maintenance and ensure a high level of scrutiny. Second, regulators in each country should be able to check all airlines in an integrated way. There's no need to raise it to the ASEAN level," he told Reuters. PATCHY, BUT IMPROVING Air safety standards have improved in much of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. In 2007, safety standards were so bad that the European Union barred all Indonesian airlines from flying to its member states. That ban was lifted in August 2009 for all the country's airlines except Lion Air. But Indonesia's airline safety record was highlighted again last year with the AirAsia A320 crash. "In Indonesia, the regulators don't seem to understand the bigger picture," said Gerry Soedjatman, a Jakarta-based aviation analyst. "A lot of the policies that came out this year after the crash have been knee-jerk reactions." Following this month's AirAsia crash report, Indonesia's transport ministry said it ordered additional safety and training checks, including an inspection of all Airbus A320s operating in Indonesia and more frequent training of pilots in so-called "upset recovery" manoeuvres. In Thailand, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered officials to improve aviation safety standards after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the country's safety ratings. Last week, the European Aviation Safety Agency signed up to help Thailand improve its air safety oversight, but did not add any Thai airlines to its blacklist. European officials nonetheless warned they would continue to scrutinise Thailand's safety record, which has been the subject of debate in aviation for years. At a meeting this month, the Thai government said it will hire 86 international specialists to resolve flaws in the country's commercial aviation standards raised by the FAA. ASEAN's new Open Skies policy includes higher standards of safety and regulations on operating flights. Other measures aim to improve security, air traffic management, civil aviation technology, and air transport regulatory frameworks. "The message that the Air Asia report sent out was that regulatory oversight in Indonesia and in the region needs to catch up with industry standards," said Soedjatman. "It's going to take a long time to achieve uniformity on everything from quality of training to knowledge, safety and commercial regulations. But they have to start." AirAsia has said the whole industry, including manufacturers, has lessons to learn from the report. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/asean-air-safety/2351832.html Back to Top Senate Approves Pilots' Rights Bill With NBAA Provisions Protecting Airmen Washington, DC, Dec. 15, 2015 - The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) commends the Senate on its approval of S.571, the Pilots' Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR2), which includes NBAA-sponsored language that will ensure aviators facing enforcement action have an opportunity to prepare a proper defense, as well as important third-class medical reform. The measure must also be approved by the House of Representatives before going on to President Barak Obama for his signature. "NBAA applauds the Senate for passing this important legislation," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We especially want to recognize the leadership of Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) in introducing the bill, and working with 70 Senate co-sponsors to achieve this important legislative victory for the general aviation community. We are pleased that this bill provides needed reforms for third-class medicals and expands the due-process rights of airmen." In 2014, members of the NBAA Regulatory Issues Advisory Group joined Dick Doubrava, the association's vice president for government affairs, and Brian Koester, NBAA's manager of operations, in drafting language for the bill that would ensure pilots have an opportunity to prepare a proper defense when time is of the essence. The provision approved by the Senate requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hand over the enforcement investigative report when serving emergency orders, and upon request in all other cases. While the original PBOR legislation required timely release of such documentation, many pilots reported that the FAA was not consistently releasing this information in sufficient time to enable pilots to mount a proper legal defense. "PBOR2, as approved by the Senate, requires that pilots and other certificate holders facing FAA enforcement actions are granted due process under law and treated fairly during enforcement proceedings," said Koester. "With this bill, pilots are assured every opportunity to protect their airman certificate, which is often tied to their livelihood." The PBOR2 legislation also outlines specific actions the FAA may not take, should the agency fail to provide timely notifications at the start of the investigation to individuals facing enforcement action. The final House and Senate PBOR2 bills would also prohibit the FAA from moving forward with any enforcement action, should the agency fail to provide such notifications. In another important provision, PBOR2 also requires the FAA to reform the current medical-certification process for pilots conducting operations in certain general aviation aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight up to 6,000 pounds, carrying five passengers or less and flying below 18,000 feet. NBAA has supported industry calls for this reformed certification process. The Senate-passed bill provides that most pilots holding a valid third class medical - either regular or special-issuance - within 10 years of the final date of enactment of the legislation would not need to take another FAA medical exam. Pilots who develop certain medical conditions - including a small list of specific cardiac, mental health or neurological conditions - will have to obtain a one-time-only FAA special-issuance medical. Pilots without a valid medical exam in the past the 10 years, or those who have never applied for, nor received a medical certificate, will be required to undergo a one-time third class aviation medical exam. Once this is done, they will be able to fly indefinitely. After meeting any of these requirements, all pilots will be required to visit their personal physician once every four years for a medical exam. Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12150174/senate-approves-pilots-rights-bill-with-nbaa- provisions-protecting-airmen Back to Top Psycho tests for airline pilots from next year (India) NEW DELHI: Psychometric tests for pilots of Indian airlines are all set to begin early next year. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked the Air Force-run Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) to finalise the details of these tests - the tests to be conducted and at what intervals - within three months. "Once we get the final modalities from them and the government approves, the psycho tests for pilots should start within the first half of next year," DGCA chief M Sathiyavathy said. The aviation regulator had started contemplating these tests after the Germanwings crash of March 24, 2015. The aircraft was on its way from Barcelona to Dusseldorf when its co-pilot reportedly 'deliberately' crashed the plane in the French Alps. Following this, Sathiyavathy set up a panel of experts to decide on psychometric tests for pilots. This panel recommended four-level tests for pilots, starting from the time a student wants enrol for a flying school. The other three stages at which pilot were recommended to undergo and clear the tests are: at the time of joining an airline or charter company; at the time of being promoted to commander and whenever they exhibit any abnormal behaviour like picking fights in the cockpit. The first stage has been recommended to avoid situations where middle or lower middle class families spend anywhere up to Rs 40 lakh to get their child trained as a pilot only to be rejected by airline at induction screening process on psychometric grounds. Some airlines already conduct this test on pilots at induction time. Earlier this year, Air India had rejected 56 out of 278 pilots who appeared for job interviews after they failed their psycho tests. While pilots welcome this move, they also want the regulator to take care of other factors that cause distress to pilots and affect them severely - like financial health of carriers that often makes pay an uncertainty. In fact, the issue is so critical that a profitable Indian airline has this written on the cockpit doors of all its aircraft: "Flying is a serious business. Leave your worries behind before entering it." Meanwhile, the DGCA is going to reduce the frequency of medical tests (non psycho) for pilots. At current schedule, airline pilots have to undergo medicals twice a year. Now, in a bid to improve ease of doing business for airlines these tests will be made once a year for pilots in the age group of 40 to 60. "This is being done as per International Civil Aviation Organization norms," Sathiyavathy said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Psycho-tests-for-airline-pilots-from-next- year/articleshow/50195493.cms Back to Top Enid (OK) fire captain fired after laser pointed at airplane ENID - A captain of the Enid Fire Department accused of pointing a laser into the cockpit of an airplane has been terminated. An attorney for Capt. Denton Morgan, a 17-year veteran of the fire department, says he will appeal the decision. A UPS pilot reported Oct. 15 a green laser shining multiple times into his plane as he landed and took off from Enid Woodring Regional Airport, according to a police report. Morgan owns property adjacent to the airport and told investigating officers he was in his pasture medicating cattle with his dart gun, which has a green laser sight attached to it. "There is no evidence that he pointed it," attorney Mark Hammons said. "They made him a scapegoat to cover an embarrassing situation." The Fire Civil Service Commission held a hearing Monday and voted unanimously to terminate Morgan. Morgan testified at the hearing that the only people on his property at the time of the report were himself and his wife, and that both used the dart gun with the green laser. He also told the panel neither he nor his wife intentionally pointed the laser at the plane, but the commission determined the laser couldn't have accidentally hit the cockpit as many times as it did, according to a commission report. The commission concluded Morgan violated the fire department's code of ethics by being dishonest about the incident on his property. Morgan's termination was effective immediately. He has been on administrative leave since the incident, Hammons said. "It is a terrible situation for him. It is a bad situation for the city of Enid, who's deprived of the services of a very loyal, longstanding employee of the fire department," he said. The FBI investigated the pilot's report, according to an Enid city spokesman. No charges have been filed. Woodring Regional Airport Manager Dan Ohnesorge said it's the first time he's had a pilot report a laser strike. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime punishable by five years in prison. There were nearly 3,900 reports of lasers pointed at aircraft in 2014; 27 reports came from Oklahoma, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. No injuries were reported. The beam of light from a laser can travel more than a mile and illuminate a cockpit, temporarily blinding the pilot, according to the FBI. http://newsok.com/article/5467044 Back to Top Back to Top No aircraft is too small to kill - fitting flight recorders could prevent further deaths Preventable? Perhaps not, but with the right equipment we could prevent the next. Russell Cheyne/Reuters When a police helicopter plunged into the Clutha pub in Glasgow city centre two years ago, killing ten, an accident investigation was launched to find out what happened and why - a process that is essential to preventing future accidents and loss of life. But smaller aircraft are not required to carry flight data recorders - the black box so vital to air crash investigations. So while the recently published report into the crash revealed some of the reasons behind, there were details - potentially vital details - that couldn't be known because they weren't recorded. It's about time this changed. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report recorded that the Strathclyde Police Eurocopter EC135 with a crew of three took off from Glasgow Heliport at 8:44pm in order to conduct missions between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The captain was an experienced pilot aged 51, who had flown RAF helicopters in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland before retiring from military service and flying helicopters for the police. At about 10:06pm the helicopter arrived over Bothwell in Glasgow with about 122kg of fuel remaining. Local rules require that a fuel "urgency" (the level below an "emergency" or "Mayday" call) be declared if levels fall below 100kg, and landing should be quick. Because the fuel pump switches that transfer fuel from a reserve to the main fuel tanks were turned off, a fuel warning went off in the cockpit - a warning the pilot cancelled five times. At about 10:22pm there was 73kg of fuel left in the reserve tank, the helicopter's two engines failed 45 seconds apart and the pilot was forced to attempt an emergency landing. This was handled poorly for reasons including the helicopter's low altitude, the darkness of the night, and the failure of the radio- altimeter, a device that in this model of helicopter relied upon engine power to tell the crew the exact distance between the helicopter and the ground below. The helicopter crashed at high speed into the roof of the Clutha Bar, killing the crew and seven others in the pub. Unanswered questions If all aircraft had these, it's possible more lives could be saved. Daderot The AAIB established the technical facts of the accident by examining memory chips from various aircraft electronics that survived. This took a very long time, and some uncertainties remain. Why would a hugely experienced professional helicopter pilot leave the fuel transfer pumps turned off, cancel five low fuel warnings and continue to fly his helicopter below safety minimum fuel levels? Did his experienced police observers challenge him about the warnings he kept cancelling? Critically, we know nothing about what was happening in the cockpit: when and why the pilot cancelled the audible warnings, what was discussed, and whether any action was taken. We don't know the answers to these questions, nor can we ever know. There have been at least 12 police aircraft crashes in Britain since 1985, eight of them fatal, one air ambulance helicopter crash, and several other small helicopter crashes, such as one in central London. None carried the standard cockpit voice recorder to record cockpit discussions or the flight data recorder that records data about the aircraft's systems and which are required for larger aircraft. Both could have assisted the investigation. The AAIB have repeatedly recommended that recorders be fitted, and did so again with this report. A flight recorder is an available option for the EC135 model helicopter, but as the helicopter has a maximum take- off weight of 2,910kg it falls below the legal limit that requires crash-proof flight recording equipment to be fitted, which is 3,175kg. Learning from mistakes The loss of Air France flight 447, an Airbus A330, in the South Atlantic in June 2009 was, initially, an inexplicable crash. But once the cockpit voice recorder had been retrieved from ocean floor it revealed that the crew misunderstood the conditions they were in and consequently mishandled the jet, leading to the crash and the deaths of 228 people. Flight recorders are a tried and tested technology fitted to many aircraft. While systems will be necessarily simpler than that on an airliner, the only conceivable reason that smaller aircraft do not carry them is to save money. Yet their absence hampers investigation of this and other crashes, and prevents us from understanding what occurred - something that could cost more lives in the future. As with the Strathclyde Police helicopter, the same is true of most smaller military aircraft too. But following a tragic Lynx helicopter training crash in 2014, the Ministry of Defence changed its position and now requires flight recorders to be fitted on all military aircraft, irrespective of size. The government must force other operators to follow suit. Aircraft accidents happen, but accidents and risks can be minimised by identifying the causes of accidents and ensuring that the lessons learned are carried forward in changes to equipment, training, procedures, or the law. We need legislation or regulation to close these loopholes and ensure proper flight recorders are mandatory on all commercial and public service aircraft, as the AAIB has repeatedly called for, and the government and aircraft operators continue to ignore. http://theconversation.com/no-aircraft-is-too-small-to-kill-fitting-flight-recorders-could-prevent-further- deaths-52054 Back to Top European backing for critical aviation safety investment in Malawi The new initiative represents one of the first public sector projects to be supported by the EIB in the country since 2008. LUXEMBOURG - The European Investment Bank has agreed to support the 44 million euros (30 billion Malawi Kwacha) investment programme to improve aviation safety at the two main airports in the landlocked southern African state of Malawi. A 21 million euros (14 billion Malawi Kwacha) loan from Europe's long-term lending institution was formally agreed in Lilongwe by Carmelo Cocuzza, European Investment Bank regional representative for Southern Africa and Goodall Gondwe, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development for the Republic of Malawi. The new initiative represents one of the first public sector projects to be supported by the EIB in the country since 2008. Under the new initiative new safety and security equipment will be provided to improve aviation security at Lilongwe's airport at Kamazu and Blantyre's airport at Chileka. The scheme will also address technical issues highlighted by recent safety audits of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, as well as helping to ensure that Malawi can comply with international safety standards in the future. "Ensuring passenger and airline safety at Malawi's main airports at Lilongwe and Blantyre is essential for the landlocked country. The new investment programme will help ensure passenger safety and benefit business and tourist travellers in the years ahead. This new project represents the European Investment Bank's first engagement in the aviation sector in Malawi and demonstrates our broader commitment to help improve transport infrastructure essential for regional economic development across southern Africa. Our support is strengthened by technical assistance provided by the European Union Delegation in Lilongwe to the Malawi Department Civil Aviation and implemented by the European Air Safety Agency. The European Investment Bank has a strong track record of supporting aviation investment across Africa and around the world. We are pleased that today we can start a new era of support for investment in this crucial sector in Malawi" said Pim van Ballekom, European Investment Bank Vice President. Using the EIB financing agreed today the airport safety initiative is expected to include acquisition of new ambulances and fire engines, as well as construction of a new fire station at Chileka airport. Essential safety will be further improved by the provision of new rescue equipment, installation of specialist metrological monitoring and wind measurement equipment, improved x-ray screening for baggage and cargo, and better airport approach and airfield lighting. Overall security of the two airports will be strengthened with better perimeter fencing and installation of closed circuit television. Once the project is complete aircraft using Chileka will for the first time benefit from an Instrument Landing System. Approval of the new loan follows detailed assessment of safety related investment needs at the two airports by European Investment Bank's technical staff experienced in supporting aviation investment at airports around the world. Investment to improve safety at the two airports will not only create jobs during implementation, but provide long-term economic benefits across Malawi and ensure compliance with international aviation standards essential to guarantee use of the airports by international airlines. "The EU's programme, which is being implemented through the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), will provide technical assistance and specialist training for staff involved in airport safety. This support will help the aviation sector to improve the enabling environment to ensure safety as well as to provide reliable and efficient aviation services. Ultimately this will facilitate expansion of trade and tourism both of which are important areas for the future development of Malawi" said Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann, Head of the European Union Delegation to Malawi. Financial support for the aviation safety scheme will also be provided by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Malawi. The European Investment Bank has considerable technical and financial experience supporting airport investment around the world and has provided 12.5 billion euros for new airports and airport upgrading in the last decade. This has included upgrading regional airports in Tanzania, improving safety at Maputo airport in Mozambique and investment in air traffic control in Madagascar and West Africa, as well as investments at Heathrow Terminal 5, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt and Paris airports. In 2014 the European Investment Bank provided more than 2.5 billion euros to support infrastructure and private sector investment across Africa. http://www.traveldailynews.com/news/article/69549/european-backing-for-critical- aviation#sthash.mjxthHny.dpuf Back to Top Boeing says China Postal Airlines orders ten 737-800 converted freighters The Boeing logo is seen at their headquarters in Chicago, in this April 24, 2013 file photo. REUTERS/Jim Young U.S. aircraft maker Boeing Co (BA.N) has signed a deal to supply 10 737-800 passengers jets converted into freighters to cargo carrier China Postal Airlines. Boeing said in a statement that the Chinese airline also agreed to buy seven Boeing 757-200 passenger jets, which it will convert into freighters, as part of a deal signed on Tuesday. Financial terms weren't disclosed. The U.S. aerospace firm has yet to launch a formal program to convert older 737-800 passenger jets into freighters. But China Postal, which already operates a fleet of over 30 Boeing aircraft according to its website, joins Hangzhou-based YTO Airlines as a launch customer for the converted aircraft, making a full conversion program launch more likely. The jet maker has been gauging customer interest in the converted aircraft as the current generation of 737 passenger planes is to be replaced by the upgraded 737 Max passenger aircraft later this decade. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-china-orders-idUSKBN0TZ0YC20151216 Back to Top AF announces FY16 aviator bonuses: RPA pilots eligible for first time WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Eligible active-duty aviators have until Sept. 30 to apply for the fiscal year 2016 Aviator Retention Pay or Critical Skills Retention Bonus programs, Air Force officials announced Dec. 15. "The cost to train and develop our Airmen is a significant investment for the Air Force," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. "These incentives are cost effective methods to retain a sufficient force of skilled and experienced aviators to meet our current and future requirements." RPA pilot Critical Skills Retention Bonus Air Force leadership, having advocated through the Office of the Secretary of Defense and to Congress for increased authority, announces that for the first time, the fiscal 2016 National Defense Authorization Act is authorizing remotely piloted aircraft pilots to be paid using the same authorities as all other aviators. This new legislative authority cannot be implemented until cross-service guidance is drafted and approved. In the meantime, the Air Force will offer, a Critical Skills Retention Bonus to those career RPA pilots (18X) whose undergraduate RPA pilot training service obligation is expiring. Officers who have earned an aeronautical rating prior to attending Undergraduate RPA Pilot Training (URT) are eligible for an identical bonus offering under the fiscal 2016 Aviator Retention Pay program outlined below. The combination of bonuses now allows the Air Force to compensate all RPA pilots at the same level regardless of aeronautical rating. "It is important to ensure RPA pilots receive a bonus that is equitable to other pilots," said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. "Therefore, we worked closely with OSD to implement the CSRB for them and with a commensurate amount this year. These Airmen are making extremely important contributions to the fight; we need these professionals to stay with us and we're committed to retaining them in our force." The Air Force takes into account training costs, market conditions and demand when determining the appropriate incentives designed to retain skilled and experienced Airmen in RPA and other critical missions. The fluid global environment points to a strong demand for the effects airpower delivers and to retain the highly skilled pilots needed for the nation's defense. "RPA missions are increasingly critical to national security, and our ability to retain experienced RPA pilots will enable us to meet current and emergent mission requirements," said Lt. Gen. Jay Raymond, the deputy chief of staff for operations. In fiscal 2016, RPA pilots who have accumulated six years of aviation service after completion of undergraduate RPA pilot training are eligible for a bonus of five annual installments of $25,000, with the option to receive 50 percent of the bonus total payable up front. Once the new authorities and cross- service guidance are available, RPA pilots will be eligible to transition to longer bonus periods matching those currently available to other aviators. To be eligible, officers must be active-duty lieutenant colonels and below who have an 18X RPA aeronautical rating. They must have completed undergraduate RPA pilot training and six years of 18X aviation service after RPA training. In addition, they must be entitled to and be receiving RPA aviation incentive pay, and cannot complete 25 years of active-duty before the end of their bonus period. Aviator retention pay This year's ARP program continues to build upon previous year's offers to decisively shape and retain the rated force providing specific eligible pilots and combat systems officers with monetary incentives in exchange for active-duty service commitments. Pilots, to include those who entered into a fiscal 2015 agreement last year, have the opportunity to accept an agreement of five years or one that will commit them until they reach 20 Years of Aviation Service (YAS). Those pilots who are uncommitted and have not previously accepted an ARP agreement are offered the same five year or 20 YAS commitment at a reduced rate. "This year, the most noteworthy change is the opportunity for pilots whose undergraduate flying training active duty service commitments expire in FY17 to enroll in an ARP agreement now and receive their first payment immediately upon contract ratification," said Brig. Gen. Brian Kelly, the director of military force management policy. "Remaining payments will be spread out equally over the contract term." Additionally, combat systems officers from the rescue, remotely piloted aircraft and fighter career fields may accept an ARP agreement for five or nine years, not to exceed 20 YAS, to address shortages and growing requirements. Those combat systems officers and air battle managers in the RPA enterprise are also eligible for ARP at the same level as other RPA pilots. The fiscal 2016 ARP program applies to lieutenant colonels and below. Also, these officers must be qualified for operational flying duty and entitled to and receiving monthly flight pay. Depending on the aviator category and length of the ARP contract, incentives will vary from $15,000 to $25,000 per year with some categories eligible to receive 50 percent of the ARP total payable up front. Similar to the fiscal 2015 program, Airmen who will complete their Undergraduate Flying Training active- duty service commitment (ADSC) anytime in fiscal 2016 may submit an application to the Air Force Personnel Center to lock in a contract under the fiscal 2016 ARP program terms and conditions. Airmen applying for these bonus programs should typically expect to see payments within three weeks after final approval of their application and processing by DFAS. Complete eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on the myPers website at the Officer Compensation link in the left hand column. http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/636358/af-announces-fy16-aviator-bonuses-rpa- pilots-eligible-for-first-time.aspx Back to Top The Laser-Toting Tailless Fighter Jet of the Future The sixth-generation fighter design features stealth, lasers, and the ability travel huge distances-if the U.S. can afford to build it. Northrop Grumman released a concept drawing of a new sixth-generation fighter design. Although the fifth-generation F-35 is just starting production, designers want to get a jump on the airplane destined to replace the F/A-18EF Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, and F-15E Strike Eagle. It's unlikely to be like any fighter before it. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been in development for nearly 20 years, and a lot has changed in that time. Lasers are possible, we have a better understanding of stealth technology, and advances have been made in counter-stealth. Even the nature of America's adversaries have changed: The Chinese military has made immense strides since the mid-1990s, and conflict with China would involve the vast distances of the Asia-Pacific region. Northrop Grumman's design is basically a tailless fighter. Tailless planes are the company's specialty going back to the B-2 Spirit. The sixth generation fighter has with wings like the X-47B unmanned aerial vehicle and a nose and cockpit similar to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The fighter will likely be big-very big-in order to carry a lot of fuel. The F-35 is coming under criticism for its relatively short range which, in the event of conflict with China, could put American aircraft carriers within range of DF-21 and DF-26 carrier-killing ballistic missiles. There are also fewer air bases in the Asia- Pacific, meaning aircraft will have to travel greater distances. Like the F-22, the Northrop fighter will almost certainly be able to cruise above the speed of sound. But don't expect it to be a dogfighter: The plane's size will almost certainly mean it will use long-range missiles and radar to destroy opponents before they can get within dogfighting range. The plane will likely use speed, stealth, and advanced networked sensors to detect enemy aircraft first, gain a positional advantage, then attack. The Northrop sixth-generation fighter will be the first incorporate a laser weapon from the start. The concept drawing shows the fighter destroying incoming air-to-air missiles. It could also be used in the place of an actual gun such as the M61 Vulcan 20-millimeter gatling gun mounted on the F-15 and F-22. The presence of a built-in laser creates a dilemma for Northrop designers: a laser will generate a tremendous amount of heat every time it is fired. No matter how stealthy a plane is with regards to radar, a heat signature will make it detectable. The SR-71, for example, was built for stealth but traveling at Mach 3 made it red hot and detectable to infra-red sensors. What to do with all that heat? As cool as a laser-armed fighter is, don't expect expect to see this plane taking to the skies anytime soon. The US Air Force and US Navy have requirements for new fighters somewhere around the 2030 timeframe, and in the meantime will be preoccupied buying the F-35, a new strategic bomber, and aerial refueling planes. There's a lot of time to think about what kind of fighter America needs next. What there isn't a lot of? Money. http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/news/a18566/unveiled-northrop-grummans-fighter- of-the-future/ Back to Top MUSD school board approves Aviation Technology Program (Arizona) During their Dec. 3 meeting, the governing board of the Marana Unified School District voted 4-0 to approve a comprehensive Aviation Technology Program, which had been submitted by the Curriculum Management Team. The program will begin in the fall of 2016, and is another step in implementing practical applications of STEM concepts into the high school curriculum. STEM, referring to the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is a term coined in 2001 at the National Science Foundation to integrate those four areas into professional applications. The two-year aviation program is a Career and Technical Education program. It will be open to sophomores, juniors and seniors at Marana and Mountain View high schools. The standard for this undertaking are divided into two categories: air transportation, which involves training prospective pilots, and aircraft mechanics. The air transportation curriculum includes learning about the history of the aerospace industry, aerodynamics, FAA regulations, aircraft structure and radio systems, airport management, aviation safety, weather, flight planning and human physiology. In the aircraft mechanics track, subjects include electrical maintenance and repair, how to prepare aircraft drawings, center of gravity calculations, aircraft welding, airport safety, cleaning techniques, understanding the physics of aviation and many other related topics. Funding comes from the Arizona Department of Education (Career and Technical Education), from the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, and from the Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED) of Pima County. Perkins (1912-1984) was an attorney from Kentucky and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives between 1949 and 1984. He championed education, especially for the under-privileged and in career technical schooling. The success of this program will be directly related to the number of interested students. Due to the popularity of aviation in high school, the educators feel that it will not be a problem to fill the program. In fact, it's felt that students from all over the Tucson area may be attracted to the district just because this feature now exists in the regular curriculum. Cathie Raymond, director of career and technical education, has brought together three talented and very interested professionals to assist in establishing and organizing the aviation venture. Roy Gorris, a 15-year U.S. Army veteran, has been instrumental in assisting with the development of the curriculum sequence. Gorris is a certified aviation mechanic with 25,000 hours of experience and a master's degree. He is currently working on his PhD. Alan Muhs is a member of the local Experimental Aircraft Association and the driving force behind the Eagle's Nest build-a-plane program. Jeff Northcutt is a certified flight instructor and maintenance/operational test pilot. Soon, a volunteer advisory board will be put together to help further direct the educational endeavor. Those interested in participating on such a board should contact Raymond's office at 682-1163 or email c.raymond@maranausd.org. A lot of coordinating will be needed to dovetail the "book-learning" and the hands-on practical "stuff." The experience will center mainly in the high schools, with some of the practical sessions being held at KAVQ (Marana Regional Airport) under the leadership of qualified mentors. Other topics brought to the board's attention included bestowing a Special Needs Service Award to Christy Riggs, approving a unification construction project for Picture Rocks and Desert Winds Schools, and adding other courses to the high school curriculum in computer science, physics, astronomy, criminology and Spanish language. In conjunction with the approval of the new curriculum, the district sponsored a "STEM Career Fair" which was held Monday at Mountain View High School. The fair showcased STEM-oriented businesses to the students and used the opportunity to assess the current student interest level (especially in the aviation program). Representing aviation were Mike Matthews from the Marana Flight School, with a flight simulator on display, Gorris and Eric Roudebush, the director of environmental services at Tucson Airport Authority. Other industries having a presence at the fair were aerospace, astronomy, mining and computer science. http://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/news/article_591cf946-a388-11e5-847f-bfe69e50c9e2.html Back to Top The deadline for submissions for the Peter Gardiner Grant has been extended to January 15, 2016. Aviation students can now apply for an expenses-paid opportunity to attend the 12th-annual CHC Safety & Quality Summit, through grants which honour a longtime advocate of excellence in aviation safety training. The Dr. Peter Gardiner Student Grant, worth more than C$4,000, covers admission to the summit, a registration to the pre-summit HFACS course, as well as C$1,500 in hotel and travel reimbursement. Students interested in this year's grants must apply and submit a 500-word essay by the January 15, 2016 deadline. For more information about the Peter Gardiner Grant please visit the Summit website at www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com The application can be filled out here About CHC CHC Helicopter is a leader in enabling customers to go further, do more and come home safely, including oil and gas companies, government search-and-rescue agencies and organizations requiring helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services through the Heli-One segment. The company has a fleet of more than 230 aircraft and operates in approximately 20 countries around the world. Contact Information: SUMMIT Irina Sakgaev Safety & Quality Applications Specialist CHC Helicopter +1.604.232.7302 summit@chc.ca MEDIA Liam Fitzgerald Communications Advisor +1.778.999.2923 Liam.Fitzgerald@chc.ca INVESTORS Laura Campbell Director, Investor Relations +1.604.232.7316 Laura.Campbell@chc.ca Back to Top Cranfield University's next 'Air Transport Engineering & Maintenance Operations' Course will be delivered in Cranfield (Bedford, United Kingdom) during the week of 22-26 February 2016. More info can be found at the following link. https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/Courses/training/Air-Transport-Engineering-Maintenance-Operations Back to Top Upcoming Events: 2016 DTI SMS/QA Symposium January 3, 4, & 5 2016 Disney World, FL 1-866-870-5490 www.dtiatlanta.com 6th European Business Aviation Safety Conference 2016 February 23-24, 2016 Frankfurt, Germany www.ebascon.eu 2016 Air Charter Safety Symposium | Safety: A Small Investment for a Rich Future March 8-9, 2016 | NTSB Training Center | Ashburn, VA http://www.acsf.aero/events/acsf-symposium/ CHC Safety & Quality Summit | Back to Basics: Prioritizing Safety in a Challenging Economy April 4-6, 2016 Vancouver, BC www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com BARS Auditor Training Washington, DC Tuesday-Thursday 5-7 April http://flightsafety.org/bars/auditor-training Back to Top JOBS AVAILABLE: Deputy Director of Flight Operations & Technical Services Helicopter Association International https://www.rotor.org/AboutHAI/Employment.aspx Position Available: Airline Safety Manager - Investigation (Engineering) Cathay Pacific https://career10.successfactors.com/career?_s.crb=Q%252ffWkAOt5SsrsXlBnG3GK%252bmGYsU%253d Curt Lewis