Flight Safety Information December 15, 2016 - No. 249 In This Issue Throttle Blamed for Colorado Jet Crash Near Obama Appearance Survey: Pilots have high rate of depression FAA CLOSER TO ISSUING FINAL MEDICAL REFORM RULE Pillsbury: Global, Top-Ranked, Non-Stop Service PHI Air Medical Named Winner of Airbus Helicopters Vision Zero Award Partnering for safety Lufthansa takes over Brussels Airlines in Eurowings expansion Russia Starts Development of Unmanned Tailsitter Aircraft Airbus Helicopters Inc. recognizes air medical transport industry leaders for efforts to improve safety Vermont Manufacturer Offers Pilots New Shield From Laser Strikes Easyjet wants more women in the cockpit Embraer Delivers First Legacy 450 Business Jet Made in Melbourne FL Najeeb E. Halaby Graduate Student Fellowship Graduate Research Survey Throttle Blamed for Colorado Jet Crash Near Obama Appearance A throttle malfunction on an Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic demonstration jet is being blamed for the jet's crash last June near the Colorado Springs Airport where President Barack Obama was attending an event. According to a report from Air Force investigators, the malfunction on the F-16 jet caused the pilot to accidentally turn the engine off. The problem was traced to the improper installation of a throttle control that caused the throttle to stick. Air Force investigators cited lax maintenance practices for the June 2 crash and told the Air Force to update its maintenance manuals to prevent similar malfunctions. The pilot ditched his jet and ejected safely moments after flying over the Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony attended by Obama. There were no injuries. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/throttle-blamed-colorado-jet-crash-obama-appearance-44192124 Back to Top Survey: Pilots have high rate of depression Hundreds of commercial airline pilots battling depression are faced with the stigma of being "grounded" if they reach out for help, according to a shocking Harvard study offering a fresh look at depression in the cockpit less than two years after a suspected suicidal pilot killed 150 people by crashing into the Alps. The survey conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health of nearly 1,850 commercial airline pilots found 12.6 percent could be clinically depressed, a figure that is double the depression rate of adults in the U.S. The study, published yesterday in the journal Environmental Health, found depression rates spiked to 31 percent and 28 percent for pilots who reported being sexually harassed or verbally harassed two to three times in the past month. "There is a veil of secrecy around mental health issues in the cockpit," said Joseph Allen, assistant professor of environmental health at Harvard. "We found that many pilots currently flying are managing depressive symptoms, and it may be that they are not seeking treatment due to the fear of negative career impacts." The FAA requires pilots to be screened for physical and mental fitness at least once a year through an exam that depends on pilots self-reporting symptoms of depression. But the stigma of being grounded for being depressed often causes pilots to keep those dark thoughts to themselves, the study said. Seventy-five of the pilots responding to the anonymous survey - about 4 percent - reported having suicidal thoughts in the past two weeks. A separate 2014 study reported that only a third of a percent of U.S. airplane crashes from 1956 to 2012 were determined to be suicide by plane. The study "underscores the importance of accurately assessing pilots' mental health and increasing support for preventative treatment," said Alex Wu, a doctoral student at Harvard and first author on the paper. The Air Line Pilots Association, the world's largest pilot union with 54,000 members at 31 airlines in the U.S. and Canada, said the airline pilot remains one of the "most highly vetted careers today" and requires ongoing training and checks on pilot fitness. "It is important to remember that airline travel is the safest mode of transportation in the world. Pilots for U.S. carriers alone safely accomplish 27,000 take offs and landings each day, in every kind of adverse weather and operational conditions," the union said in a statement, declining to comment on the Harvard study. Although she said she is skeptical of the report's headline finding that one in eight pilots is depressed, Illinois-based aviation psychologist Diane Damos noted a pilot's first year is often stressful and that they typically work long hours for limited pay and carry huge debts from flight schools. "Do I think 12 percent of Delta and United captains are depressed? No," Damos said. "Is it possible that 12 percent of the guys in the first year and flying under very restricted pay and difficult work hours, and rough commutes could the feel depressed? ... That's a possibility." http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2016/12/survey_pilots_have_high_rate_of_depression Back to Top FAA CLOSER TO ISSUING FINAL MEDICAL REFORM RULE The FAA has announced the next step as it moves forward with third class medical reform. A final rule is expected sometime in January 2017, but the implementation date, when pilots will be able to fly under the new regulations, is not known at this time. Pilots flying under the new rules will be allowed to operate "covered aircraft" that weigh up to 6,000 pounds and have up to five passenger seats plus the pilot in command, at altitudes below 18,000 feet msl and at speeds of up to 250 knots. Pilots, if appropriately rated, can fly VFR or IFR in "covered aircraft." Pilots flying under the exemption cannot operate for compensation or hire. Pilots flying under the new rules will be allowed to operate "covered aircraft" that weigh up to 6,000 pounds and have up to five passenger seats plus the pilot in command, at altitudes below 18,000 feet msl and at speeds of up to 250 knots. Pilots, if appropriately rated, can fly VFR or IFR in "covered aircraft." Pilots flying under the exemption cannot operate for compensation or hire. "We have been fighting for third class medical reform for decades and we are pleased to see the FAA is moving forward," said AOPA President Mark Baker. "When finally implemented, pilots will have a streamlined process focused on education that will save them money and reduce the costly and unnecessary bureaucracy." AOPA is working with the FAA to develop a free online medical course and other resources for pilots and doctors to ensure the reforms are smoothly implemented. More information about the reforms and what they mean for pilots is available on AOPAs FAQ page. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/december/13/faa-closer-to-issuing-final-medical- reform-rule Back to Top Back to Top PHI Air Medical Named Winner of Airbus Helicopters Vision Zero Award for Development of Innovative Safety Initiative CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 14, 2016) -- PHI Air Medical has been awarded the 2016 Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award for its development of a unique and innovative safety initiative designed to address the workings of the human brain and improve mindfulness among employees. Jennifer Hardcastle, Air Medical Sales Manager for Airbus Helicopters Inc., presented the award and a $10,000 check to PHI Air Medical President David Motzkin at the Air Medical Transport Conference Annual Community Awards Banquet held Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C. Created by Airbus Helicopters Inc. in 2007 and presented annually, the Vision Zero Award promotes safety in the air medical industry. The award recognizes a program or company that has demonstrated a commitment to aviation safety, spotlights specific safety initiatives and encourages the sharing of ideas so others in the industry may learn from them. An industry committee judges the competition. "Airbus Helicopters Inc. is proud to present the Vision Zero Award to PHI Air Medical for its leadership in improving the safety of air medical transport operations," Hardcastle said. "PHI is improving safety not only within the company, but its work could help strengthen safety efforts across our industry." Working with a team of psychologists, neuroscientists, anthropologists and human brain experts, PHI developed and launched the Life-Saving Thinking initiative across the company. The new program is a compliment to Life-Saving Behaviors, a program PHI initiated in 2015. Life-Saving Behaviors aims to improve human performance by addressing behavioral actions employees should take to ensure their safety. Life-Saving Thinking pushes the initiative one step further and challenges employees to understand how their brains work so they can adapt a conscious, hyper-vigilant mindset when performing critical tasks. PHI launched Life-Saving Thinking in 2016, beginning with a train-the-trainer event for leaders and later through a series of monthly engagement meetings at bases around the country. The program includes multiple video elements, messages from a renowned Stanford University neuroscientist, training manuals, learning tools and innovative brain games. With its $10,000 award, PHI will help replicate this program across the industry. "We believe that Life-Saving Thinking is a game changer in the air medical industry, as the outcomes will improve human performance and safety across the entire industry," Motzkin said. "Through Life-Saving Thinking, PHI has stepped outside the bounds of traditional safety practices to really understand and address the challenges and barriers that exist within the human brain. By delving into this subject, we are challenging our employees to work through each and every task with real mindfulness and attention." PHI Air Medical, based in Phoenix, Ariz. is a leading air ambulance provider across the country, providing air medical services and outreach education to local communities and leading healthcare systems. The company safely transports more than 30,000 patients each year, operating out of more than 65 bases across the United States. It is based in Phoenix, Ariz. All air transport programs and operators that are members of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) are eligible to apply for the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award. For more information about the Vision Zero program and the Airbus Helicopters Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award, visit the Association of Air Medical Services website at www.aams.org. Airbus Helicopters, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Airbus Helicopters, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of the Airbus Group. Airbus Helicopters, Inc. manufactures H125 and UH-72A helicopters and markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered in the U.S. The product line represents the industry's most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters serving all markets and missions. The company's headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, Texas, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss. For more information, visit www.airbushelicoptersinc.com. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12287415/phi-air-medical-named-winner-of-airbus- helicopters-vision-zero-award-for-development-of-innovative-safety-initiative Back to Top Partnering for safety When it comes to aviation safety there are no competitors and no company lines. In this spirit, Nav Canada launched the Canadian Aviation Safety Officer Partnership (CASOP) in September 2010. The CASOP process unites company aviation safety officers from more than 70 organizations, including airports, air operators and training schools. The group meets twice a year at various locations across the country, with meetings hosted by member companies. Nav Canada PhotoThe CASOP process unites company aviation safety officers from more than 70 organizations, including airports, air operators and training schools. The group meets twice a year at various locations across the country, with meetings hosted by member companies. Nav Canada Photo "At that time, there was a need to bring together safety representatives from different organizations to talk about some potential safety issues converging from a Canadian perspective," explained Larry Lachance, vice-president of safety and quality at Nav Canada. "At the same time, from a regulatory perspective, there was a need to expand the sharing of safety information amongst the different stakeholders." Lachance oversees the CASOP process, which unites company aviation safety officers from more than 70 organizations, including airports, air operators and training schools. The group meets twice a year at various locations across the country, with meetings hosted by member companies. "We have over the years expanded to include some additional representatives from other organizations," said Lachance. "We want to make sure we can bring all the stakeholders and participants to the table." The idea behind CASOP is that many minds are better than one when it comes to promoting aviation safety. Not only do members share information, but common issues are identified and targeted for collective mitigation during the three-day meetings. Representatives are also invited to table any safety-related issues being tackled by their respective organizations. "At the last meeting, we discussed the mix of the experience level now joining the pilot community," noted Lachance. "From a stakeholder perspective, how can we monitor that change and assist everybody in making sure we recognize this environment?" Issues are identified and then a CASOP working group is tasked with examining topics in more detail. Other key areas explored by the group's members have included the operation and regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles, runway incursions, unstable approaches, and laser attacks on aircraft. This last topic was the subject of a formal statement issued by CASOP on Oct. 26, 2016, whereby the group calls for government to enact stronger legislation that will make pointing a laser at an aircraft a criminal offence. Swift and strong laser legislation is needed in order to promote the safety and security of all pilots and passengers, said the group. The idea behind CASOP is that many minds are better than one when it comes to promoting aviation safety. Prateek Konnur PhotoThe idea behind CASOP is that many minds are better than one when it comes to promoting aviation safety. Prateek Konnur Photo "That [statement] was very well received from an airline, airport, pilot, and ATC [air traffic control] perspective, as well as the regulatory body being made aware of these efforts," said Lachance, whose job it is to promote CASOP's position with both government and industry. "We really want to have outcomes- action to be taken following each meeting." He added that the group remains committed to expanding the channels through which safety data is shared. Its work is highly regarded by the Transportation Safety Board as well as Transport Canada. "The real benefit of CASOP is when we share everyone's initiatives in trying to address these key issues, most often we find out that there are areas where we can collaborate more," said Lachance. "I think that's really the area where we find the biggest benefit. I see huge benefits in talking about what we're all doing and seeing where there are convergences of potential efforts." Membership in CASOP is free of charge and is open to company safety officers and their representatives. For more information, email casop@navcanada.ca. - See more at: https://www.skiesmag.com/news/partnering-for-safety/#sthash.fQbTXoZ1.dpuf https://www.skiesmag.com/news/partnering-for-safety/ Back to Top Lufthansa takes over Brussels Airlines in Eurowings expansion A deal to take over Brussels Airlines will help Lufthansa's (LHAG.DE) Eurowings budget business to double in size next year, part of the German group's response to fierce competition in the European aviation market. Lufthansa said on Thursday it was exercising an option to buy the remaining 55 percent of Brussels Airlines for 2.6 million euros ($2.7 million). That adds 51 planes to the Lufthansa group and expands its network in Africa, where the Belgian company flies to many sub-Saharan destinations. A source has previously said that the purchase price was relatively low because Lufthansa has loaned 45 million euros to Brussels Airlines. Low-cost airlines Ryanair (RYA.I) and easyJet (EZJ.L) have grown rapidly to dominate the European short- haul market over the last decade, forcing rivals to bring down costs. In the last year, security concerns, Brexit and falling ticket prices have made life increasingly tough for European carriers. "I'm convinced we will see a lot more consolidation in years to come, the strong ones will get stronger and bigger," Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr told reporters, describing competition as fierce. Spohr said the acquisition of Brussels Airlines meant Lufthansa Group, which also includes Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines, would have up to 700 aircraft next year, with up to 180 as part of Eurowings. Lufthansa said Brussels Airlines also had an attractive cost base, having brought its non-fuel unit costs down by almost 10 percent over the last three years. "Only airlines with a competitive cost structure will fit into our group," Spohr said. The core Lufthansa brand is also trying to cut costs and is embroiled in a protracted dispute with its pilots. Lufthansa Group currently has around 600 aircraft, with another 40 set to come next year from a lease deal with Air Berlin. Liberum analyst Gerald Khoo, who has a "Sell" rating on Lufthansa cautioned that scale wouldn't automatically deliver lower costs or a better financial performance. "It is concerning that the Lufthansa Group is chasing scale and trying to occupy territory in order to make it harder for easyJet and Ryanair. But at best, that can only be a delaying tactic," he told Reuters. The deal continues a spate of consolidation seen in the market recently, with tour operator TUI (TUIT.L) and Etihad forming a new European leisure airline from TUIFly and Niki. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lufthansa-m-a-brussels-airlines-idUSKBN14410O Back to Top Russia Starts Development of Unmanned Tailsitter Aircraft © Sputnik/ Russia has begun the development of the unmanned Fazan tailsittFLICKR/ Aer aircraft. The development of the unmanned Fazan tailsitter aircraft has begun in Russia, a source in the Russian military-industrial complex said told RIA Novosti on Wednesday. "It is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which is able to sit on [a plane's] tail. Its development has already started in Russia," the source said. Russia's leading expert in the field of unmanned systems, Denis Fedutinov, commented on the information and noted that this is the first instance of Russia developing such unmanned vehicles. "Meanwhile, this type of aerial vehicle can be used to fulfill a number of urgent tasks, both of military and civilian nature, including reconnaissance and surveillance, in particular, during the operations from ship's deck, as well as the delivery of small cargoes to remote areas," Fedutinov said. The take-off mass of the device will be up to 500 kilograms (1100 pounds), including the weight of payload equipment amounting to 60 kilograms (132 pounds). The Cruising speed will stand at about 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour. The estimated duration of the flight will be at 6 hours, which would cover the distance of over 2,000 kilometers. Read more: https://sputniknews.com/russia/201612141048553637-russia-development-aircraft/ Back to Top Airbus Helicopters Inc. recognizes air medical transport industry leaders for efforts to improve safety and quality of service Airbus Helicopters Award winners from CALSTAR and Life Flight Network Airbus Helicopters Inc. recognized leaders of the air medical transport industry Tuesday for their efforts to improve safety and quality of service. BJ Miles, Director of Safety and Risk Management for Life Flight Network in Aurora, Ore., received the Jim Charlson Aviation Safety Award. The award is presented annually by Airbus Helicopters to an individual who has made significant contributions promoting aviation safety within the air medical transport community. California Shock Trauma and Rescue, CALSTAR, was named Program of the Year. The award is given each year to an emergency medical services program that has demonstrated superior levels of safety consciousness, patient care, quality leadership, and community and industry service. Jennifer Hardcastle, Air Medical Sales Manager for Airbus Helicopters Inc., presented the awards at the Air Medical Transport Conference Annual Community Awards event in Charlotte, N.C. "Airbus Helicopters Inc. is proud to recognize the people and companies who strive to improve safety and excellence in the air medical industry," Hardcastle said. "Together, we celebrate our successes." At Life Flight Network, Miles has strengthened the organization's safety measures and helped shape the provider into a leading example of a comprehensive safety program. Miles led Life Flight to become the first air medical operator in the world to receive Helicopter Association International's Accreditation Program of Safety, while simultaneously achieving the International Business Aviation Council's International Standard for Business Aircraft Operators. Since taking the helm of the department in 2013, Miles developed a company-wide reporting system to quickly address safety reports, determine root causes and reach consensus to implement solutions. He expanded the Air Medical Resource Management training to include communications specialists and aircraft technicians, rather than just flight and ground crews, and representation on the Safety and Risk Committee grew to include a member from every demographic group within the company. "I am honored to be the 2016 recipient of the Jim Charlson Aviation Safety Award. Life Flight Network's continued safety achievements would not be possible without the understanding professionalism of our employees and full support of our leadership," Miles said. "It is an understatement to say I am privileged to work with the best medical crews, pilots, mechanics, communication specialists, and support staff. Our safety successes are a team effort and this award is emblematic that our efforts are moving in the right direction." Miles began his aviation career as an aircraft mechanic working on C130s for the U.S. Coast Guard before becoming a pilot of MH-65 Dolphin helicopters, and then an instructor pilot. He attended Aviation Safety Officer School in Pensacola, Fla., and served three years as an Aviation Safety Officer for the Coast Guard. To ensure he is aware of the unique hazards associated with helicopter air medical operations, Miles continues to fly throughout the Pacific Northwest for Life Flight Network. "BJ's unique background has provided him with unparalleled insights into the inner workings of an effective safety program," Life Flight Network CEO Mike Griffiths said. "Every safety officer should be so lucky to have the perspective BJ has earned in his ever continuing career." Founded in 1983, CALSTAR is now a leading provider of emergency medical transport services for critically ill or injured patients in California and Northern Nevada. Headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., CALSTAR has safely transported more than 62,000 patients to hospitals and specialized treatment centers. In 2010, CALSTAR decided to unify the company around a vision to become the premier medical transport provider with an emphasis on safety, excellent patient care, and employee satisfaction. That vision led to initiatives for fleet modernization, branding, education, advancements in medical care and the development of a patient transfer center. To modernize and standardize its fleet, CALSTAR launched a plan four years ago to replace 24 legacy aircraft with new EC135s and King Air B200s, leading to an estimated savings of $5 million per year in costs related to maintenance, training, and support. In 2012, the company reorganized its base structure to reduce overlap while also increasing the number of patient transfers. Additionally, CALSTAR designed and implemented a proprietary Performance Management Program that tied financial incentives to both the company's financial performance and individual performance goals, which helped engage employees in all aspects of the business. CALSTAR helped lead the drive in California to enact the Emergency Air Medical Transportation Act, which levied a $4 fee to moving traffic violations. That fee now augments Medicaid payments to air medical providers across California, providing a sustainable solution to stagnant Medicaid payments for air medical transports that have not increased in 22 years. Lynn Malmstrom, President, and CEO of CALSTAR said an excellent safety and service culture helped the company grow from humble beginnings to one of the most respected air ambulance providers on the West Coast. "Our company began 32 years ago with a strong culture of safety and a commitment to providing excellent medical care to our patients," Malmstrom said. "Today, that culture and commitment continue to thrive, thanks to the hard work of our employees." http://www.heliweb.com/airbus-recognizes-industry-leaders/ Back to Top Vermont Manufacturer Offers Pilots New Shield From Laser Strikes After a series of laser strikes in Boston, Revision demonstrated its Lazrbloc lenses for necn A Vermont manufacturer creates laser preventing products for military, police, and aviation officials. Jack Thurston has the story. (Published Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016) A Vermont manufacturer's eyewear may offer pilots protection from a problem the FAA says happens a dozen or more times each and every night: laser strikes from the ground against planes or choppers. "The prevalence of it is growing," said Jim Hester, the vice president of optics for Revision, which makes eyewear, helmets, and other protective products for customers including the military, law enforcement, and the aviation industry. According to the FAA and FBI, what may only be intended as a prank could have grave effects, including disorienting or temporarily blinding a pilot. "What goes through your mind is, "Am I going to be able to complete this flight safely? How am I going to land when I can't see?'" Capt. Robert Hamilton said on behalf of the Air Line Pilots Association in a 2014 FBI public service campaign about the seriousness of laser strikes. The concern over lasers was renewed Wednesday near Boston Logan International Airport. Pilots reported a series of early-morning strikes against incoming aircraft. Some of the aircraft were medical flights, the FAA said. Shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense and can bring serious penalties if a suspect is caught and convicted. The FAA told necn it received reports from seven aircraft: a mix of cargo jets, airlines for passenger use, and two medical flight helicopters. The FAA said it will investigate, and said Massachusetts State Police were notified. All of the affected aircraft in Boston landed Wednesday without tragic results. Revision's Lazrbloc technology, which debuted earlier this year, is one potential shield against the green laser energy and invisible infrared energy targeting cockpits everywhere. The coral-colored lenses can block up to 99.9 percent of the green laser energy and 99 percent of the infrared energy, the company told necn. "We created this lens so that the end user wouldn't be distracted, disoriented, or incapacitated," Hester said of the Lazrbloc. Hester demonstrated for necn how a special dye in the lenses absorbs much of the potentially harmful green laser beams, while still giving the user a clear field of vision. He says the $200 gear is already in cockpits of many of the major commercial passenger airlines and cargo carriers, with towers alerting pilots to laser activity on the ground so they know to put on the Lazrbloc lenses. "To get [a pilot] safely though any risk or potential danger zone is great to know," Hester said of users who may need to don the Lazrbloc lenses while working to land the aircraft. Revision said it hopes to hear feedback from those early users to continue improving the product, as it continues aiming for safer skies. Source: Vermont Manufacturer Offers Pilots New Shield From Laser Strikes | NECN http://www.necn.com/news/new-england/Vt-Manufacturer-Offers-Pilots-New-Shield-From-Laser-Strikes- 406612395.html#ixzz4SuKCRkTX http://www.necn.com/news/new-england/Vt-Manufacturer-Offers-Pilots-New-Shield-From-Laser-Strikes- 406612395.html Back to Top Easyjet wants more women in the cockpit Easyjet says it has doubled the number of female pilots in a year after launching a recruitment drive. The Amy Johnson initiative named after the first female pilot to fly solo from the UK to Australia, prompted a surge in applications. Easyjet says it wants to increase the number further and has set a target for 20% of new pilot cadets to be female. However, it said that target was "stretching". Women account for just 6% of Easyet's new pilot intake. The airline has 164 female pilots, of whom 62 are captains, about 14% of the world's total. They include Kate McWilliams, 26, who earlier this year became the world's youngest female captain for a major commercial airline. Based at Gatwick airport, she flies Airbus A319 and A320 planes to locations including Iceland, Israel and Morocco. 'A man's job' Only 3% of commercial airline pilots worldwide are female and just 450 of them have achieved the rank of captain. That means every female captain in the world could fit onto an A380 aircraft. Rival airline BA has also been trying to recruit more female pilots in the past two years. A survey it conducted into why there were so few women applying to fly found reasons ranging from a belief that women could only be cabin crew, to being told flying was a man's job. Easyjet chief executive Carolyn McCall said it was hard to think of another high-profile profession where women were so under-represented. She told the BBC's Today programme that the industry needed to work on stereotyping. "I still think there are quite firm attitudes about who flies aircraft - and that's from passengers, even female passengers," she said. "There is a very deep perception here, which is that women don't fly planes." http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38326523 Back to Top Embraer Delivers First Legacy 450 Business Jet Made in Melbourne FL Melbourne, Florida, December 14, 2016 - Embraer delivered today the first Legacy 450 mid-light business jet assembled at its Melbourne plant. The aircraft was delivered to an undisclosed U.S. customer, who currently owns a Phenom 300 light jet. "We are pleased to meet customers' changing needs throughout their journey with a broad product portfolio. The choice of the Legacy 450 by a Phenom 300 customer testifies to the best-in-class design of each of our aircraft," said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. "In its category, the Legacy 450 delivers a superior customer experience with unparalleled comfort and performance as well as the most favorable economics." The assembly of this aircraft began with the inauguration of the Melbourne assembly plant expansion, in June of this year. The second Legacy 450 is already on the assembly line, and its delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2017. The larger Legacy 500 midsize jet will begin to be assembled in Melbourne, early in 2017, soon after the arrival of its fuselage from Embraer's plant, in Botucatu, Brazil, and its wings from Évora, Portugal, home to Embraer's materials excellence center. The Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 are also produced in Brazil, at Embraer's plant in São José dos Campos. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12287709/embraer-delivers-first-legacy-450-business-jet- made-in-melbourne-fl Back to Top Najeeb E. Halaby Graduate Student Fellowship The Najeeb E. Halaby Graduate Student Fellowship was established by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to shape the next generation of aviation researchers, honoring the late Najeeb Elias Halaby, an eminent aviator and administrator, for his vision and more than five decades of extraordinary contributions to aviation (http://www.ral.ucar.edu/halabyfellowship.pdf). The Fellowship The recipient of a Najeeb E. Halaby Graduate Student Fellowship will spend three months (in 2017 or early 2018) in residence with NCAR's Aviation Weather Research Program, which Mr. Halaby was instrumental in establishing in the 1980s. As the nation's leader in addressing aviation weather research, NCAR plays a unique role in meeting user needs by transferring research results to operations through its Research Application Laboratory (http://www.ral.ucar.edu/). The Fellow will conduct research broadly aimed at improving the integration of weather into decision support tools for enhanced mitigation of weather sensitivities (e.g., weather impact avoidance) and management of air traffic. The Fellowship will provide: * a monthly stipend for three months, including temporary living expenses * round-trip travel expenses to and from Boulder, CO * travel to a conference to present results * page charges for one publication of key results Eligibility and Application The Halaby Fellowship targets graduate students (late Masters or early PhD level) enrolled in an aviation- relevant department or program of a domestic or international university. Interested candidates should have advanced research skills, far-reaching vision, and dedication to get things accomplished. Consideration for this Fellowship will be given to candidates based on the following submitted material: * Curriculum vitae * Proposal (maximum five pages) presenting the research to be conducted at NCAR, the anticipated outcome of that, and how the proposed effort ties into the candidate's ongoing graduate research project(s) * Contact information for three references (one of which should be the student's primary advisor) NCAR will accept applications for the Halaby Fellowship each year. Email Applications by February 28, 2017 to halabyfellowship@ucar.edu Back to Top Graduate Research Survey HI! My name is Amber L. Hulsey, A.B.D. and I am currently working on my dissertation for my Ph.D. entitled, "Human Trafficking: Flying Under the Radar." My dissertation examines the extent to which human trafficking occurs by air as a mode of transportation compared to land and sea. Additionally, the study examines the actions that can be taken to combat human trafficking into and within the United States. The theoretical lens to which this study uses is Human Security Theory. This survey is completely anonymous, has undergone Institutional Review Board and has been approved. If you have any questions or would like to contact me for any reason, please email me at amber.hulsey@usm.edu. The survey will be open from December 7- December 21st. Please share this on all social media accounts, with your friends, family, and with your colleagues. Upon completion of this study, I will share the findings with various government and NGO's to aid in eradicating human trafficking. Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HTinUSA Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this survey and more importantly, for helping aid in the research to combat human trafficking by air. Curt Lewis