Flight Safety Information November 8, 2016 - No. 222 In This Issue Pilot of departing jet at Los Angeles International Airport spots drone U.S. proposes awarding new direct China flight to American Airlines Indian Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing at Karachi Airport on Tuesday Brazilian Air Force Uses Stratasys 3D Printers to Manufacture Aircraft Components First two enlisted pilots complete solo flights Singapore Airlines shops for world's longest jet Will Boeing and Airbus Suffer as European Airlines Cut Capital Spending? CEFA Aviation Training Course at USC Pilot of departing jet at Los Angeles International Airport spots drone The pilot of a commercial airliner reported seeing a drone flying Monday near Los Angeles International Airport. The crew of a departing WestJet Boeing 737 spotted the drone 1,500 feet above the ground shortly after noon, according to Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration. The jetliner was departing runway 24L on the north side of the airport, closest to residential areas, when the unmanned aircraft was sighted, Gregor said. "The crew did not provide a description or proximity and did not take evasive action," he said. http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20161107/pilot-of-departing-jet-at-los-angeles- international-airport-spots-drone Back to Top U.S. proposes awarding new direct China flight to American Airlines An American Airlines Boeing 757 aircraft takes off at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy, France, August 9, 2016. REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen The U.S. Transportation Department on Monday said it was proposing to award American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) a new daily scheduled nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Beijing. The Obama administration has been considering rival applications from American and Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) to operate the flight. Delta already flies a daily nonstop route to China from Seattle, while United Continental Holdings Inc (UAL.N) has service from San Francisco. Delta said in a Transportation Department filing that it has a 9 percent share of the seats to Beijing - including codeshare flights - compared with 15 percent for American and United with 75 percent. American argued in a filing that Delta already holds a significant advantage over American in U.S.- Chinese flight competition, with Delta and alliance partners, China Eastern and China Southern, serving nearly twice as much U.S.-China traffic as American and Hainan Airlines combined. Those opposed to awarding American the flight have until Nov. 22 to file comments before the Transportation Department makes a final decision. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-flights-idUSKBN1322HV Back to Top Indian Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing at Karachi Airport on Tuesday Indian Aircraft Emergency Landing at Karachi : A Jet Airways plane from India made an emergency landing at the Karachi airport on Tuesday after a passenger took seriously ill.The pilot took permission to land in Karachi.Pakistani doctors did medical checkup of the passenger Sohan Singh but he had expired by then. According to reports in the media, the Jet Airways flight travelling from Delhi to Doha was diverted Karachi on Monday morning over a medical emergency. While the exact nature of the medical emergency has not been revealed, the passenger passed away when the flight landed in Karachi. http://pressks.com/world/indian-aircraft-makes-emergency-landing-karachi-airport-tuesday/9660/ Back to Top Brazilian Air Force Uses Stratasys 3D Printers to Manufacture Aircraft Components The Instituto de Estudos Avançados (IEAv), the Brazilian Air Force's Institute of Advanced Studies, has partnered with 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys to efficiently create robust aircraft components that are on par with the Air Force's strict requirements. Specifically, the IEAv is primarily utilizing the Stratasys Fortus 900mc to manufacture complex and sophisticated aircraft parts. The Stratasys team states that the integration of 3D printing solutions into the IEAv's existing manufacturing methods allows the institutions to produce test models and components within a week. Without 3D printing, most aircraft manufacturers and air forces are forced to rely on traditional manufacturing methods and systems, which could take months due to the shipping process and inefficient batch production strategies. The Stratasys team stated that the Brazilian Air Force was forced to depend on a process that could take up to six months for the creation of test models. "We needed the speed to accelerate our experiments and get practical results for the production of test models and components, which made us research for alternatives," said Dr. Israel da Silveira Rego, assistant researcher of the Professor Henry T. Nagmatusu Aerodynamics and Hypersonic Division, IEAv. ieav-stratasys-3d-printing-450x300Currently, the IEAv is implementing a particular production method based on fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, which was created by Stratasys founder Scott Crump two decades ago. Since then, Stratasys has continued to lead research in the field and provide commercial applications of the FDM technology. So far, the IEAv has experienced significant improvement in its manufacturing process and experiments. The cost-efficient and ultra-fast method of FDM technology-based 3D printing has allowed IEAv to produce important aircraft parts on demand, optimizing the entire testing phase in terms of time consumed and budget. "Using Stratasys 3D printing, we can now improve and expand our research productivity due to the flexibility it provides, and the way it enables us to optimize our resources," noted Dr. Rego. The IEAv development team is already beginning to test real-world applicability of FDM technology-printed aircraft parts. Once they pass the strict requirements and evaluation phase of the Brazilian Air Force, the 3D printed components will be ready for commercial distribution. More importantly, explained Dr. Antonio Carlos de Oliveira, senior researcher at the IEAv and FINEP research project manager, 3D printing technology further enables the institution to test out various projects and test models without inserting a serious amount of capital. Previously, it was virtually impossible for the Brazilian Air Force to experiment with hybrid products and incomplete proposals as traditional manufacturing and shipping methods required substantial increase in budget. However, with 3D printing, Oliveira states that the institution's flexibility to take on innovative and experimental projects has expanded. "This new form of prototyping with 3D printing is giving us greater flexibility, reliability and speed, at a significantly lower cost. 3D printing technology is redefining our laboratory limits, opening up new possibilities and aspects of research. In addition, we gain the added benefit of ensuring the secrecy of our innovations and the security of the aerospace and defense projects that we develop," said Dr. Oliveira. https://3dprint.com/154654/brazilian-air-force-stratasys/ Back to Top First two enlisted pilots complete solo flights Master Sgts. Alex and Mike, 1st Flying Training Squadron Remotely Piloted Aircraft Initial Flight Training students, stand in front of a DA-20 Katana after completing an Air Force first enlisted solo flight in the DA-20 at Pueblo Memorial Airport, Colo., Nov. 3, 2016. The first Enlisted Pilot Initial Class students took their first solo flight instruction during the 1st FTS training. RPA IFT includes 41 hours of classroom training and 21 hours of pilot training and officer development. (U.S. Air Force digital image/Staff Sgt. Cory Payne) PUEBLO, Colo. (AFNS) -- Two Air Force master sergeants became the first enlisted Airmen in six decades to complete solo flights during Initial Flight Training at the 1st Flying Training Squadron Nov. 3. Both soloed in a DA-20 Katana at Pueblo Memorial Airport as part of the Air Force's IFT program, which is mandatory for all manned aircraft pilots, combat systems officers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots. The Air Force announced on Dec. 17, 2015, the initiative to train enlisted RPA pilots for RQ-4 Global Hawk flying operations. As a result, the Enlisted Pilot Initial Class began Oct. 12 with four students training alongside 20 recently commissioned officers. "The integration of enlisted RPA pilots into RQ-4 Global Hawk operations is part of a broader effort to meet the continual RPA demands of combatant commanders in the field, ensuring they are provided with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in their areas of responsibilities worldwide," said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. Air Force officials selected 12 active-duty Airmen for EPIC. After IFT completion, each EPIC student will progress through the RPA Instrument Qualification Course and RPA Fundamentals Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, and the Basic Qualification Training at Beale Air Force Base, California. The entire training program spans almost a full year. Solo flights by enlisted pilots are relatively rare in U.S. military history. In 1912, one of the first two pilots in the Army Air Corps was a corporal. Thousands of enlisted pilots were trained and served in the military throughout World Wars I and II, including future retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager. The Air Force's Cadet Aviation Program saw enlisted Airmen become commissioned officers upon completion, ending in 1961. "It's a great opportunity that we're getting enlisted pilots back into the full force," said Master Sgt. Mike, the first EPIC student to fly solo. Mike, a 17-year veteran with extensive flying experience, started his Air Force career in security forces and most recently served as a maintainer. "There are a lot of opportunities that could become available to enlisted Airmen," Mike said. "If there is something you really want, it's achievable. You just have to put in the effort." EPIC's second solo flyer, Master Sgt. Alex, had the determination Mike talked about, but no previous flight training. "If you would have asked me if I was going to be a pilot when I was an airman first class, I would have told you no," Alex said after he completed his 20-minute flight. "I would never have thought that possible." Alex said that when he was alone in the plane's cockpit he relied on his checklist and the voice of his instructor pilot playing over and over in his mind. "I'm the type of guy who, if someone doesn't like an idea and says 'that's not going to work' and I think it's a good idea, I'm willing to be the guy who says 'that's a challenge, let's go see if I can do this.'" Alex said he initially wondered why IFT was so tough on students. "Now, I understand. Instructors are seeing if you can handle the stress of being able to make your radio calls on time, maintain proper altitude, contacting all your approaches and departures, hitting the right waypoints, getting to where you need to go," Alex said. "They put you in a lot of stressful situations so that when you get out there you can handle it." Alex was relieved to have the solo flight behind him but he isn't ready to celebrate, despite the excitement of co-workers, his senior leaders and family back at home. "I was excited that I soloed, but I have to maintain focus. This is not over. I've got to keep going and make sure that I get completely through the program," Alex said. http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/996754/first-two-enlisted-pilots- complete-solo-flights.aspx Back to Top Singapore Airlines shops for world's longest jet World's biggest twin-engine jetliner has foldable wings Boeing and Airbus are holding a paper airplane contest. A very expensive one. And the winner may get the chance to build the world's longest jet. The U.S. and European aerospace giants are vying for a coveted spot in the fleet of Singapore Airlines. By the end of the year, the airline is expected to back one of the company's designs, according to three people familiar with the campaign. Powered by SmartAsset.com CALCULATOR POWERED BY CALCULATOR POWERED BY There's a "pretty fierce campaign for this" order from Singapore, said one of the people. At the moment, the Boeing (BA) and Airbus planes exist largely as PowerPoint presentations that are being evaluated by engineers at Singapore Airlines. Both planes would be the longest twin-aisle jets ever built and the biggest with just two engines. Nose to tail, they'll be nearly the length of a football field. Airbus' A350-2000 would be nearly 258 feet long and seat 400 passengers. Boeing's 777-10X would be 263 feet and hold 450, in standard arrangements. That's about 30 and 50 passengers more, respectively, than the current largest A350 and 777X jets. While both jets may earn the title of world's longest, they won't carry the most passengers. The four-engine Airbus A380 has the distinction of being able to hold more passengers than any other airliner, carrying about 550 people on two decks. Boeing's new design would put it within striking distance of the A380 and even its own iconic 747 jumbo jet. Both have suffered from slow sales and declining production. Airbus cuts production of A380 super jumbo And the new 777X would also have the advantage of being able to fit into airports that can't accommodate the A380 and its gargantuan wingspan, while carrying nearly as many passengers. The 777X wingtips will fold upwards after landing, so the plane will fit into the same gates and use the same taxiways as today's 777s. The wingspan on the A350 is slightly smaller than the 777X. The first model in Boeing's 777X lineup begins flying passengers in 2020. The A350 entered service in 2015. Additionally, both designs would stretch the fuselages to make room in the cabin for more seats, and move galleys used for food preparation to under the passenger cabin floor. The current versions of these Airbus and Boeing planes are priced at $355 million and $400 million, respectively, and the new, bigger jets will undoubtedly be more expensive. However, airlines get steep discounts from those published prices. singapore airbus boeing campaign Designs from Boeing and Airbus are getting longer and longer. Singapore is weighing all the attributes of each jet as it decides on which to back. The tricky part for designers at both manufacturers is to make sure that the jets don't get so long that they require more runway to takeoff and land, which would limit where they can fly and how much they can carry. The longer a jet gets, the more engineers have to account for the increased weight and length. Without more thrust from the engines or added lift from the wings, pilots will require more runway as they accelerate for takeoff. It might be harder for Airbus to provide enough thrust from its Rolls-Royce engines to accommodate the longer and heavier jet, said Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis for the Teal Group consultancy. Airbus and Rolls have already revised the A350's engine once, and the Boeing 777X may already hold an inherent design advantage with the new General Electric engines and larger wingspan, he said. "We are always working in partnership with Airbus to ensure that the A350...continues to address all airline requirements," a Rolls-Royce spokesman said in a statement. However, Aboulafia said Airbus does not have big new development plans for after 2017 and could bring the A350-2000 to market sooner than Boeing, which has its lineup planned through 2021. Airbus CEO vows to to retake jet production crown from Boeing by 2020 Singapore's decision to back one plane or the other doesn't guarantee that either the Boeing or Airbus design will be developed. But an endorsement from Singapore will give the model the credibility a new product needs to help win deals with other airlines. Boeing and Airbus must demonstrate to their boards of directors that they have enough buyer interest before they can begin manufacturing. "We discuss fleet requirements with manufacturers on a regular basis, and any such discussions are confidential," said Nicholas Ionides, Singapore Airlines vice president of public affairs. A Boeing spokesman said, "we will continue to study 777X derivatives and seek customer input to develop products that provide the most value for customers," but stressed that no decisions have yet been made. An Airbus spokesman declined to discuss any ongoing sales campaigns. Both plane makers have been rolling out the red carpet for Singapore. A year ago, Airbus launched an ultra-long range version of the A350 for Singapore for non-stop flights to New York, and in October, Singapore got Airbus's 10,000th delivery. The airline already has ordered more than 65 A350s. Boeing is set to hand over its even-larger 787-10 Dreamliner first to the carrier in 2018. http://money.cnn.com/2016/11/07/news/companies/singapore-airbus-boeing-campaign/ Back to Top Will Boeing and Airbus Suffer as European Airlines Cut Capital Spending? Lufthansa and International Airlines Group both plan to cut back on new aircraft purchases in the coming years. But Boeing and Airbus will be just fine. Last week, two of the largest European airline companies -- British Airways parent International Airlines Group (IAG) and Deutsche Lufthansa (NASDAQOTH:DLAKY) -- announced plans to reduce their aircraft spending. Under pressure due to high labor costs, the strong dollar, and vicious competition from budget carriers, both companies want to save money by keeping older planes in service while bringing in some used aircraft. Obviously, this isn't good news for Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Airbus (NASDAQOTH:EADSY). Both aircraft manufacturers certainly preferred the order frenzy of a few years ago. Nevertheless, these moves by airlines to reduce capital spending aren't quite as disastrous for Boeing and Airbus as they may appear to be on the surface. Dreamliner ORDER DEFERRALS BY LUFTHANSA AND IAG WON'T HURT BOEING AND AIRBUS TOO MUCH. IMAGE SOURCE: BOEING. What the airlines are doing Last Wednesday, in conjunction with Lufthansa's Q3 earnings report, CEO Carsten Spohr stated that the company was looking to buy more used aircraft in the coming years. This would allow it to reduce its capital expenditures after 2017. Spohr explained that the combination of low fuel prices, new programs to extend the useful lives of existing aircraft, and good availability on the used aircraft market makes it a great time to pivot away from buying new aircraft. He said that Lufthansa was particularly interested in buying used aircraft for short-haul routes. Meanwhile, at an investor meeting on Friday, IAG announced plans to reduce capital spending over the next five years by 1 billion euros. It will do so by extending the lives of the British Airways Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 fleets, squeezing in 52 more seats on some 777s that will be used for leisure routes from Gatwick Airport and buying more used aircraft -- for both short-haul and long- haul routes. Narrowbody backlogs are huge Efforts by Lufthansa and IAG to reduce spending on narrowbody aircraft won't hurt Boeing at all -- both companies use Airbus A320-family planes for short-haul routes. However, Airbus doesn't have much to worry about, either. It has a backlog of roughly 5,500 firm orders for A320-family aircraft. That represents more than 10 years of output at today's production rate. Airbus plans to increase A320-family output over the next few years, but even at the peak production rate of 60 per month, it would take eight years to build that many planes. Airbus A AIRBUS HAS A MASSIVE ORDER BACKLOG FOR THE A320NEO FAMILY. IMAGE SOURCE: AIRBUS. Thus, if a few dozen orders are deferred, it won't impact Airbus' production plans. If anything, it could be helpful by opening up scarce A320neo slots over the next several years. Furthermore, the austerity moves at Lufthansa and IAG are largely a response to expansion by European budget carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Norwegian Air Shuttle. Boeing and Airbus are happy to sell lots of new 737s and A320s to those up-and-coming carriers, even if it means selling fewer to established airlines. http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/07/will-boeing-and-airbus-suffer-as-european- airlines.aspx Back to Top If you cannot see this page correctly, please click here. CEFA Aviation and USC Aviation Safety combine to present eight days of flight data analysis and visualization training We are pleased to announce that CEFA Aviation and University of Southern California will be offering a joint training session at USC this December. CEFA's 3 days' session will focus on how to utilize flight data and CEFA's leading technology to create training/safety materials to help pilots brief on new and challenging airports, debrief on unusual flights and SOP deviations, help management gather more insight about the operational risk areas and will assist the safety professionals to better investigate the root cause of operational incidents/events. The course combines instruction, real-life examples and hands-on exercises so that students walk away with the knowledge they need to get the most out of their CEFA's visualization solutions. This course will run 7-9 December, 2016. The USC's 'Data for Safety Management' course will provide first-hand experience in the collection and analysis of safety critical flight data. To create an understanding of the basics of Flight Data Analysis, how Flight Data Analysis contributes to a SMS, and how Flight Data Analysis can result in positive improvements in aviation safety performance. This five day course will present the basics of flight data analysis based upon real-time flight information. It will present opportunities to analyze collective flight data as would be utilized by a commercial aircraft operator. The course will present CEFA's latest animation technology to depict flight profiles and examine other sources of data including video and air traffic control data that may be used in creating a data-based safety case. This course will run 12-16 December, 2016. Course Outline * Flight Data Recorders, types, capabilities and history * Evolution of Flight Data Analysis * Relationship to Aircraft Accident Investigation * Cases Studies * International Regulatory Standards * Relationship to SMS * FOQA, ASAP, ASRS * Cockpit Voice Recorders * Video Data * Technical Standards and Performance * Recovery of CV's and FDR's * Air Traffic Control Data * Components with Non Volatile Memory * Commercial Safety Data Services * Animation of Flight Data * ADS-B Practical Exercise CEFA Session: CEFA FAS Visualization Technology and Application Dates: December 7th - December 9th Location: USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Los Angeles, California, United States Fees and registration: Click here USC Session: Data for Safety Management Dates: December 12th - December 16th Location: USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Los Angeles, California, United States Fees: Please contact scalese@usc.edu Class sizes are limited, providing a highly interactive educational experience, so don't wait and register now for this training session! Curt Lewis