Flight Safety Information March 2, 2017 - No. 045 Accident: Arabia A320 near Karachi on Feb 28th 2017, clear air turbulence causes injuries Incident: LATAM Chile B763 near Guayaquil on Feb 27th 2017, lightning strike Beechcraft B200 Super King Air - Gear Failure on Landing (Venezuela) Mouse spotted on plane costs British Airways quarter of a million pounds XL Catlin Launches Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion Endorsement for Aviation Program Nigerian govt appoints directors for air accident bureau Aviation Safety & Security Program State Police Want State Law To Address Lasers Pointing At Aircraft Retired American Airlines Pilot Broke Aviation Barriers Impending Pilot Shortage, a Developing National Crisis Delta Private Jets Grows Luxury Fleet UCM receives jet engine Accident: Arabia A320 near Karachi on Feb 28th 2017, clear air turbulence causes injuries An Air Arabia Airbus A320-200, registration A6-ANT performing flight G9-545 from Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) to Karachi (Pakistan), was descending towards Karachi when the aircraft encountered clear air turbulence. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Karachi's runway 25L. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground for 5 hours, then departed for the return flight G9-546 and reached Sharjah with a delay of 4 hours. The airline reported the aircraft encountered clear air turbulence during the descent towards Karachi. Two flight attendants received minor injuries and were evaluated by a doctors as soon as the aircraft landed in Karachi. The aircraft was checked and returned to service. Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority reported a number of overhead lockers opened as result of the turbulence causing luggage to drop onto passengers causing injuries to six passengers. The passengers were treated at the airport, a minor girl needed to be taken to a hospital, an arm fracture was suspected. A passenger reported seeing other passengers having been injured. Another passenger reported that they encountered just one jolt, first the aircraft went up rapidly causing the passengers to be pressed into their seats, then the aircraft dropped causing loose item and people without fastened seat belt to lift off and hit the cabin ceiling. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a59975d&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: LATAM Chile B763 near Guayaquil on Feb 27th 2017, lightning strike A LATAM Airlines Chile Boeing 767-300 on behalf of LATAM Airlines Ecuador, registration CC-CWF performing flight XL-1730 from Guayaquil (Ecuador) to Madrid,SP (Spain), had climbed to initial cruise level 310 and was enroute about 130nm northeast of Guayaquil when the crew decided to return to Guayaquil as result of a lightning strike the aircraft had received earlier. The aircraft dumped fuel and landed safely back in Guayaquil about 2 hours after departure. A replacement Boeing 767-300 registration CC-BDC departed about 14 hours after landing back and reached Madrid with a delay of 17 hours. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground for about 15 hours before returning to service. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a599aba&opt=0 Back to Top Beechcraft B200 Super King Air - Gear Failure on Landing (Venezuela) Status: Preliminary Date: Tuesday 28 February 2017 Time: 18:30 Type: Beechcraft B200 Super King Air Operator: SATA-Serv. Coord. de Transp. Aéreo del Ejecutivo Nac'l Registration: YVO173 C/n / msn: BB-976 First flight: 1981 Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Caracas/La Carlota-Gen. Francisco de Miranda Air Base ( Venezuela) Phase: Landing (LDG) Nature: Unknown Departure airport: ? Destination airport: Caracas/La Carlota-Gen. Francisco de Miranda Air Base (SVFM), Venezuela Narrative: A Beechcraft B200 Super King Air sustained substantial damage in a runway excursion accident at La Carlota-Gen. Francisco de Miranda Air Base in Caracas, Venezuela. The aircraft suffered problems getting the undercarriage down and locked. Emergency services were standing by as the aircraft landed. The undercarriage collapsed on landing and the aircraft swung off the side of the runway, coming to rest in the grass at a perpendicular angle to the runway. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20170228-0 Back to Top Mouse spotted on plane costs British Airways quarter of a million pounds Roaming rodent triggers £250,000 bill for passenger care and compensation British Airways faces a massive bill to compensate passengers after a mouse was spotted on a Boeing 777 about to depart from Heathrow to San Francisco. Flight BA285 was due to leave Terminal 5 at 10.40am, but the presence of a roaming rodent meant the original aircraft could not be despatched. Because mice have been known to gnaw through wiring on planes, wide-ranging checks must be made to ferret out any problems. A chewed cable could be located anywhere between the tail and the ram air turbine (RAT). It took several hours for a replacement 777 to be found, during which British Airways bought lunch for an estimated 200 passengers. The replacement finally departed from the Cat A airport four hours and 16 minutes late. If it fails to make up time en route, all the passengers will be entitled to €600 (£515) under EU compensation rules. Assuming a similar number of passengers on the corresponding inbound flight from California, BA284, the total compensation bill will amount to £206,000. In addition, passengers who miss connections either in San Francisco or at Heathrow will potentially need accommodation. The total costs, including engineering, could be within a whisker of £250,000. British Airways takes first UK delivery of Airbus A380 double-decker superjumbo A British Airways spokesperson said: "With service and prices this good, we know almost everyone wants to fly with us to San Francisco, but on this occasion there was one very small customer who we had to send back to the gate. "Everyone holding their own passport is now on their way to California, and we are sorry for the delay." Passengers in San Francisco were told simply: "We're very sorry, this flight has been delayed because of a late arriving aircraft." http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/mouse-delays-british-airways- california-flight-a7606566.html Back to Top XL Catlin Launches Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion Endorsement for Aviation Program XL Catlin has added a kidnap, ransom & extortion (KRE) crisis endorsement to its general aviation insurance coverage for pilots, aircraft carriers and other aviation companies address global travel safety concerns. With limits of liability up to $1 million, XL Catlin's KRE endorsement for aviation companies includes coverage for ransom, in-transit delivery of ransom, extra expenses incurred as a result of the incident, legal liability and consultant services. XL Catlin partners with S-RM, a global risk consultancy, to provide kidnap response services to its kidnap & ransom policyholders, worldwide. Coverage will be available on an admitted basis in all 50 states, pending approval. XL Catlin's General Aviation insurance is tailored for its clients to provide a variety of protection, including hull damage, third party liability and war and terrorism. "Wrongful detention, an extortion event or kidnapping are increasingly real travel risks," said Denise Balan, head of XL Catlin's KRE insurance business in North America. "For businesses in the travel and transportation industries, including aircraft operators and other aviation companies, taking added precautions to address and quickly resolve a crisis management situation is shrewd risk management." XL Catlin specializes in the global aviation industry, with underwriters and dedicated aviation claims specialists based in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto and Calgary. XL Catlin's North America aviation team offers a suite of aviation insurance coverages for traditional and specialized companies, including major and regional airlines and corporate fleets, through to component manufacturers and fixed-base airport operators. XL Catlin insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance products globally. http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2017/03/02/443177.htm Back to Top Nigerian govt appoints directors for air accident bureau Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika The Federal Government on Wednesday approved the appointment of two new directors for the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). The bureau's General Manager, Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi, who said this in a statement in Lagos, said the appointees are: Hashimu Wall, Director of Engineering and Dayyabu Danraka, Director of Operations. Mr. Oketunbi said the appointments were with immediate effect. "Before their appointments, Danraka was the Bureau's General Manager (Operations), while Wali was an Aviation Safety Inspector with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). "The appointments followed the expiration of the tenures of the former Director of Engineering, Mr Emmanuel Diala and the Director of Operations, Capt. Yusuf Lawal,'' the statement said. Mr. Oketunbi said the Commissioner of AIB, Akin Olateru, thanked the former directors for their invaluable services to the bureau and wished them success in their future endeavours. The Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) is under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the country. The fundamental objective of AIB is to improve aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of air accidents and serious incidents, and making safety recommendations intended to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents in future. (NAN) http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/225005-nigerian-govt-appoints- directors-air-accident-bureau.html Back to Top Aviation Safety & Security Program For over half a century the USC program has served as the gold standard of aviation safety management education. The program has developed a reputation for excellence that is recognized nationally and internationally in the aviation community. Our program was established at USC in 1952 as the first Aviation Safety program at a major research university. We offer 20 courses to nearly 1000 students each year in a personal, hands-on, format. Our instructors are skilled educators with extensive industry experience, and courses are taught in small classes to facilitate classroom interaction. Students gain the knowledge to establish safety programs, investigate aircraft accidents, become expert witnesses, and deal with human factor issues. Individual courses are designed to provide the student with expertise in a particular subject area. While each course is constructed as a whole and taught independently of the others, those interested in preparing for a full-time career in aviation safety should consider a program of courses that provides broad knowledge. We award the University of Southern California's Aviation Safety and Security Certificate to those successfully completing the required program. It certifies completion of training in the multidisciplinary areas of Aviation Safety Management. More than 21,000 aviation professionals have come from over 20 nations to attend, including: All major U.S. air carriers and aircraft manufacturers. Many International air carriers recognized for their outstanding safety records, including QANTAS, SAS and Lufthansa U.S. government agencies managing air safety and accident investigations and recommendations - the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, and the equivalent agencies of Canada, New Zealand, France, Great Britain, Italy, Singapore, Australia, Spain, Germany and Taiwan Other agencies - Forest Service, Customs Service, DEA, FBI, INS, Bureau of Land Management, Border Patrol, all branches of the military Local agencies across the country such as: the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff's Office, the Orange County Fire Department, the Gainsville Florida Police Department, Columbus Ohio Airport Police, New York City Police Department as well as many others. https://viterbi.usc.edu/aviation/ Back to Top State Police Want State Law To Address Lasers Pointing At Aircraft DETROIT (WWJ) - Two bills that involve the growing problem of shining lasers at aircraft are scheduled to go in front of a Michigan House Committee on Tuesday. Shining lasers at aircraft is currently a federal offense, but Michigan State Police First Lt. Michael Shaw says they hope the House Committee passes bills to make it a state law as well. "There's two House bills that are going in front of committee tomorrow," Shaw said. "Michigan State Police troopers, aviation officers and our legislative section will be testifying trying to get a state law for this so we can eliminate the middle man, so to speak." Last week, a man wanted on outstanding warrants was arrested for allegedly shining a green laser at an MSP helicopter and four airliners landing at Detroit Metro Airport. Shaw says no one was hurt, but said an officer was injured in a similar incident last year. "We had one of our tactical flight officers that had to take a couple of weeks off of work after being struck by a laser light in his eyes. It caused some temporary blindness and headaches and things like that," Shaw said. "So you can imagine on a commercial aircraft carrying 200 or 300 people how dangerous this might be." http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2017/02/27/msp-want-state-law-to-address-lasers-pointing- at-aircraft/ Back to Top Retired American Airlines Pilot Broke Aviation Barriers An American Airlines pilot who made history is still making a difference after retirement. Brenda Robinson became the first African-American woman Naval Aviator in U.S. history, then she moved into commercial aviation. Now she speaks to young people to encourage them to pursue an aviation career. Brenda Robinson made aviation history twice. "I've been flying airplanes for 41 years. I've flown 12 different airplanes," said Robinson during a recent trip to Fort Worth. In 1980, she became the first African-American woman Naval Aviator in U.S. history. Her missions included landing on aircraft carriers. Next, she moved on to commercial aviation. "I was hired by American Airlines in early 1990's and I flew another three airplanes including wide-bodies," said Robinson. She was one of the first black female pilots at the Fort Worth based carrier. But her presence was not always welcomed. "The only struggles that I would have are the attitudes of newly having women in the aviation community and newly having minorities in the aviation community because it was considered 'you don't understand this well enough'," said Robinson. "So they could probably try to make me believe that they were better than me and I had no place there. But that didn't work because I love aviation." Robinson now speaks to school groups to interest children in general and young girls in particular, in a career in aviation. "I want something to strike them like lightning," said Robinson. "And all of the sudden their eyes just open up and you cannot un-ring that bell once that happens. I love letting them see - If I can do it, you can do it." Robinson is now retired but a handful of women are following in her footsteps. Beth Powell flew for American Eagle before becoming a Miami based pilot for American Airlines. She saw Robinson's face in a hallway of pilot's pictures. "Walking the halls and I saw her beautiful picture," said Powell. "I looked up and it inspired me that one day I'll be with American Airlines. I said to myself I have to meet this lady! Powell said the aviation industry still lacks diversity. "There's about 16,000 pilots approximately with American and US Air and we have five African-American female pilots for American," said Powell. The group Women of Aviation Worldwide reported that there were 8,175 women pilots flying for commercial airlines as recently as 2010. But they are far outnumbered by 155,530 male pilots. In February, the pilots spoke to students at American Airlines' CR Smith Museum. Powell wants girls like her daughter to identify with women who are in careers like aviation. "I want her to see other examples like me to know it is possible to be an American Airlines female pilot," said Powell. Source: Retired American Airlines Pilot Broke Aviation Barriers | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Retired-American-Airlines-Pilot-Broke-Aviation- Barriers-415143083.html#ixzz4aAPRpuCr http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Retired-American-Airlines-Pilot-Broke-Aviation- Barriers-415143083.html Back to Top Impending Pilot Shortage, a Developing National Crisis A 2nd Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., prepares to refuel a B-2 Spirit, during a training exercise near Kansas, Nov. 10, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Keith James) Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II is commander of Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Our nation expects a great deal from its military, but it comes at a cost. Air Mobility Command -- the organization responsible for airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and enroute support -- is constantly faced with challenges testing the resilience of our airmen. Whether airdropping combat supplies, fueling fighters and bombers on the way to destroy terrorist camps, or aiding natural disaster victims around the world, Mobility airmen perform the mission with professionalism and at great personal risk and sacrifice. I'm painfully aware our airmen have been subject to high operations demand for quite some time. Most are tired, as are their families. They do what we ask them to do, and they are always there, conducting the mission professionally, selflessly and with great effect. However, a concern is how much longer they can sustain the pace and whether they will leave our Air Force. The manning shortage extends beyond fighter pilots. What happens when we face a potential exodus of mobility skill and talent? Consider approximately 1,600 mobility pilots are eligible to leave the military in the next four-plus years. We are already more than 300 total force mobility pilots short of what we need today. Commercial airlines are projected to be short 16,000 pilots by 2020. The math demonstrates the challenge is not looming, it is here. The time to find solutions is now. A Pilot Shortage This is a national problem with real security implications. As a result of new safety regulations, increased experience requirements, and attrition through commercial airline pilot retirement, experienced aviators are in high demand. Mobility pilots are some of the best in the world and represent a lucrative talent pool for the civilian industry. As a natural feeder system for the airlines, we lose talent as civilian airlines' needs increase. This comes at a time when our airmen are feeling the strain. Consider aerial refueling tanker pilots as an example. These professionals flew nearly 31,000 tanker missions in support of operations in Iraq and Syria alone. We ask them to do this with a 60-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker or vintage KC-10 Extender aircraft, relying on the strong backs and tremendous pride and skill of our maintainers. Many yearn for newer equipment; consistent work schedules; family, personal time; and a homestead. Many believe that commercial pilot life offers the potential to achieve balance. The need for skilled military and civilian pilots will put us in an unfortunate and natural competition with our industry partners -- not a good position for either party. Pilots departing is a problem, but if they don't consider serving in the Reserves and Guard, that problem becomes a crisis. If our airmen don't continue to serve with our total force partners, the active force will face additional strain. Productive dialogue can help us find great opportunities amidst the challenges, but it requires industry, academia, and airman ingenuity. Recently, I sat down with some of our airline partners to begin this discussion, and I am confident that this is a start toward better understanding and a collaborative approach to improving circumstances. We are focused not only on the pilot shortage challenges, but also addressing aircraft maintainer shortages. Air Mobility Command never fails to deliver rapid global mobility anywhere, anytime. The mobility mission is similar to an offensive line in football. When the capability isn't there, everyone notices, and scoring -- or, in our case, striking a target, delivering relief or helping to save a life -- wouldn't occur. The value of mobility airmen to national defense is critical. This issue calls for a national dialogue and understanding before strain becomes breakage, and national objectives and security are at risk. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/02/28/impending-pilot-shortage-a-developing- national-crisis.html Back to Top Delta Private Jets Grows Luxury Fleet ERLANGER, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Delta Private Jets, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines (DAL), has added five new aircraft to its fleet in the light, midsize and super midsize jet categories as part of the company's growing private jet travel and management services. "We're committed to continuously updating our fleet to ensure our clients have luxurious, safe and convenient private jet travel at their fingertips," said David Sneed, Executive Vice President and COO. "Our exceptional fleet is available for our chartered jet clients as well as our Jet Card program members." Light Jet Delta Private Jets welcomes a brand new Citation CJ3+ straight from Cessna that is based in Las Vegas. This boldly painted jet offers a grey interior, comfortable leather seating, advanced cockpit technology including an upgraded Intrinzic™ flight deck powered by Garmin® G3000™ and the latest in onboard technical amenities with Wi-Fi, multiple power outlets, and Cessna Clarity™ cabin management system. Fully onboarded and ready for travel, this aircraft provides efficient positioning for customers in the west. Midsize Jets To expand its lineup in the popular midsize jet category, Delta Private Jets has added a Cessna Citation XLS, which will serve in the company's floating fleet. Building on the success of the Cessna Citation Excel, the Citation XLS incorporates flight deck enhancements including a glass cockpit based on the Honeywell Primus 1000 EFIS avionics suite and upgraded PW545B engines with improved performance. This aircraft comfortably seats eight passengers and has Wi-Fi capabilities to satisfy travelers' business or pleasure needs. The combination of standard single seating and a bench for two allows for several options for comfortable conversation and work space. Delta Private Jets also added a Citation Excel to its lineup of midsize jets. This aircraft is known for its reliability, performance and spacious interior. In order to ensure customer flexibility of use, this aircraft will be a part of Delta Private Jets' floating fleet. Also in the midsize jet category, a Bombardier Learjet 45XR, which will be based in Miami- Opa Locka, Fla., will be added to the fleet. Offering spacious seating for eight with room to recline and swivel, the interior is designed for comfortable and luxurious travel. This aircraft displays the classic design and speed customers have come to expect from Learjet. Super Midsize Jet To provide customers with additional options for longer-haul travel, Delta Private Jets will add a Citation Sovereign± to its super midsize fleet. With a class-leading short takeoff performance and enhanced technology, including the Garmin G5000® avionics suite and the Cessna Clarity™ cabin management system, the Sovereign+ can take passengers further distances than a Sovereign, enabling many nonstop cross-country city pairs. The jet can comfortably seat eight passengers in a standard configuration and has full sleeping capacity for four. Wi-Fi, multiple video monitors, the airshow system, a DVD player and microwave are all accessible for passengers to use on this aircraft. Each new aircraft was onboarded through the Delta Private Jets Aircraft Management department, which focuses on assisting aircraft owners with options matching their specific goals, including revenue-generating opportunities and comprehensive aircraft management solutions. For further information, contact youraircraft@deltaprivatejets.com. About Delta Private Jets Delta Private Jets, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines (DAL), provides aircraft charter services, aircraft management and its distinctive Delta Private Jets Card. The company also operates an FBO (Fixed Base Operation), the Delta Jet Center, at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), as well as the Tech Service Center, a comprehensive Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility (MRO). Delta Private Jets combines more than 30 years of experience serving the needs of luxury travelers for business and pleasure with the resources of one of the world's largest airlines to provide a truly innovative travel solution. With more than 70 Wi-Fi equipped aircraft in the fleet (light, mid-size, super-midsize and large), Delta Private Jets consistently receives awards for outstanding customer service and has continuously held the coveted ARGUS Platinum safety rating longer than any other operator in the world. Flights are operated by Delta Private Jets, Inc. , an FAA-certificated Part 135 air carrier, or by another FAA-certificated Part 135 or Part 121 air carrier. Additional information is available at deltaprivatejets.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170301006178/en/ http://finance.yahoo.com/news/delta-private-jets-grows-luxury-170100967.html Back to Top UCM receives jet engine With enthusiasm, UCM Aviation Executive Director Tony Monetti celebrates the arrival of a 737 jet engine donated by Southwest Airlines, with the effort overseen by Steve Quick. Warrensburg - Southwest Airlines donated a Boeing 737 jet engine to the University of Central Missouri's aviation program, with a presentation program slated at noon Friday at Hangar 3. The 8,000-pound engine arrived Wednesday, with Richter Excavating, Warrensburg, handling the task of offloading and moving the engine from a flatbed into an aviation training bay. Airport Executive Director Tony Monetti, the assistant dean of aviation, credited UCM Aircraft Maintenance Director Stephen M. Quick with securing the donation. Quick said Rod Blake, a UCM graduate working in engine planning at Southwest, called to say the airline is donating older engines to aviation programs to help train students. From there, Quick said, he worked to resolve details. "This is a significant donation to us, monetarily, and it complements our 737 trainer downtown that our pilots go through," Quick said. "The systems training for the engine training, instead of just looking at a book on seeing it online, they're going be able to physically go out and see this, and all of the components and accessories." "The main thing is for our students," Monetti said. "They don't have a jet engine here. ... Without the power plant, the airplane can't fly, so we're trying to teach them there a real world out there that doesn't have propellers - it's mainly jet engines. We want to make sure they understand how an engine works." About 30,000 of the engines exist, he said, for Boeing 737s, the A3-20 aircraft family and the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, which is used to fuel military aircraft in flight. The engines cost around $10 million each when new. The plan is not to get the engine into position to start, Quick said. "Being able to physically see all the components and where they're at," he said, so students learn where to locate components. Monetti, a former Air Force pilot, had some familiarity with part of the engine - a point clarified by Quick. "So Steve says, 'Tony, you know you had four of these strapped on your back when you used to fly B-1s?' I said, 'No.' And he said, 'Yes, it's the same core as the B-1 bomber.' It was a privilege flying that B-1 and to think that we had four of these strapped on our back - it's pretty cool for our students to have this," Monetti said. http://www.dailystarjournal.com/news/local/ucm-receives-jet-engine/article_341d420f- c2ff-5b2d-b925-a23b6b3233dd.html Curt Lewis