Flight Safety Information April 25, 2017 - No. 083 Incident: Saudia A333 near Dammam on Apr 23rd 2017, gear problem Incident: Cathay Dragon A333 at Hong Kong on Apr 24th 2017, landing gear fault on departure Incident: SAS B737 at Kirkenes on Apr 23rd 2017, rejected takeoff due to nose gear steering malfunction Incident: India A321 at Kozhikode on Apr 24th 2017, rejected takeoff and temporary runway excursion Bombardier DHC-8-Q402 Hydraullic Problem / Runway Blockage Man takes drone out for a sunset flight, drone gets shot down Aviation insurance brokers confirm probe by British regulator EASA consults on new airport specification 10 Months in Prison for Unlicensed California Jet Pilot FAA RELEASES BASICMED CHECKLIST, APPROVES AOPA COURSE Hawaiian Airlines looking to hire Japanese, Korean-speaking flight attendants Chattanooga Airport eyes growing its solar farm Runway Work Triggers Delays, Cancellations at San Francisco International Airport Nigeria: Govt to Procure 20 Aircraft for Aviation College Bill Would Make Shining Laser at Aircraft a State Crime (Michigan) No compromise on passengers' safety: CAA (Pakistan) Jet Airways likely to discuss issue of foreign commanders with pilots union (India) Made in China jet now just needs to sell Successful test flight brings Lilium electric air taxis closer to reality Boeing Near Decision to Launch 737-10 Jet ISASI MARC Meeting - May 4, 2017 New Graduate Research Survey Graduate Research Survey -2. Graduate Research Survey Request-3 SAFE Encourages Pilot Input on GA Runway Incursions (Survey) Incident: Saudia A333 near Dammam on Apr 23rd 2017, gear problem A Saudi Arabian Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration HZ-AQK performing flight SV-768 from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to Chennai (India) with 127 people on board, was enroute at FL370 about 180nm eastsoutheast of Damman (Saudi Arabia) when the crew received indication of a landing gear malfunction and decided to divert to Dammam. The aircraft descended to Fl160 for the diversion and entered a hold for 60 minutes, then positioned for the approach to Dammam and landed safely on Dammam's runway 34R about two hours after the decision to divert. A replacement Airbus A330-300 registration HZ-AQD reached Chennai with a delay of 5 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a8152c7&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Cathay Dragon A333 at Hong Kong on Apr 24th 2017, landing gear fault on departure A Cathay Dragon Airbus A330-300, registration B-HYF performing flight KA-618 from Hong Kong to Xiamen (China), was in the initial climb out of Hong Kong's runway 07R when the crew requested to stop the climb at 5000 feet due to a landing gear fault. The aircraft returned to Hong Kong for a safe landing on runway 07L about 25 minutes after departure. A replacement Airbus A330-300 registration B-HLK reached Xiamen with a delay of about 4.5 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a812c2d&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: SAS B737 at Kirkenes on Apr 23rd 2017, rejected takeoff due to nose gear steering malfunction A SAS Scandinavian Airlines Boeing 737-700, registration LN-RPJ performing flight SK-4479 from Kirkenes to Oslo (Norway), had backtracked runway 24 and turned around to line up for takeoff when closely aligned with the runway center line the crew applied thrust for takeoff however noticed the aircraft was continuing to turn left. The crew rejected takeoff at very low speed, applied asymmetric braking leaving significant right main tyre marks on the runway and brought the aircraft to a stop within the runway edge lines. The aircraft remained in the position for about an hour before it could be towed off the runway onto an apron. A passenger reported the captain announced a nose wheel had locked up swinging the aircraft to the left. The airline reported a nose gear steering malfunction prompted the crew to reject takeoff, the aircraft came to a stop at an angle to the runway center line. The passengers disembarked onto the runway and were bussed to the terminal. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a81285f&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: India A321 at Kozhikode on Apr 24th 2017, rejected takeoff and temporary runway excursion due to engine failure An Air India Airbus A321-200, registration VT-PPM performing flight AI-937 from Kozhikode (India) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) with 191 people on board, was accelerating for takeoff when the left hand engine (CFM56) failed causing the aircraft to veer left, a left main tyre contacted a runway edge light. The crew managed to regain control and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway. Kozhikode Airport reported the aircraft veered left of the runway centerline by about 30 meters, contacted and destroyed a runway edge light and came to a stop with a burst inboard left main tyre after the left hand engine had failed during the takeoff run. Engine debris was recovered from the runway. A replacement Airbus A321-200 registration VT-PPA is estimated to reach Dubai with a delay of about 7 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Kozhikode about 9 hours after the rejected takeoff. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a8122ab&opt=0 Back to Top Bombardier DHC-8-Q402 Hydraullic Problem / Runway Blockage Date: 25-APR-2017 Time: ca 11:00 LT Type: Bombardier DHC-8-Q402 Owner/operator: All Nippon Airways - ANA Registration: JA854A C/n / msn: 4151 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 61 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Minor Location: Chubu Centrair International Airport/Nagoya (NGO/RJGG) - Japan Phase: Landing Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Matsuyama Airport (MYJ/RJOM) Destination airport: Chubu Centrair International Airport/Nagoya (NGO/RJGG) Narrative: All Nippon Airways' flight ANA/NH1822 from Matsuyama to Nagoya/Centrair stuck on the runway upon landing at runway 18 of Centrair due to a hydraulic problem. The problem had begun during the approach to Centrair, when the plane at 27km north of the airport at 09:55 LT. The crew interrupted the approach, and flew a few holding patterns for evaluation. An hour later from the beginning of the problem, the crew made a safe landing on the runway 18 of Centrair with declaring an emergency. No injuries were reported among four crew and 57 passengers. The plane should be towed away from the runway. The sole runway was closed for 15 minutes. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=195015 Back to Top Man takes drone out for a sunset flight, drone gets shot down "Everything was fine, except the left rear motor with a bullet hole in it." It was around sunset on Easter Sunday, April 16, when Brad Jones took his DJI Inspire 2 out for a flight in front of his home. Jones hoped, as he does on most nights, to capture some of the forested and hilly scenery in the environs of his hometown, Oliver Springs, Tennessee-about 30 miles west of Knoxville. "I flew down over my aunt's house, and I heard a gunshot within the first three to four minutes of flight," Jones told Ars. "So I sped up and flew back towards my house." After a few more minutes, he flew back westward. He had just switched the drone's camera mode from video to taking still photos in RAW format. Jones shows where his DJI drone was struck. "I took two pictures, then I heard the gunshot, and all of a sudden my drone started spiraling down-I'm sitting there trying to keep it aloft and there was no lift." A nearby neighbor, who was also in the front of his own home, turned to Jones and exclaimed: "That hit it! You just got shot! It's going to crash!" Indeed, Jones watched as his beloved drone came plummeting straight down onto the property of the Coalfield Seventh Day Adventist Church-right next to a neighbor's home, where young children were playing in the backyard. "It didn't hit the ground as hard as it could have," Jones said. "When it hit, it broke the left landing gear arm, snapped the molding off the Inspire. But it was still running. Didn't damage batteries, rotors were intact. Everything was fine, except the left rear motor with a bullet hole in it." Jones became the fourth reported drone shooting incident that Ars has been made aware of in nearly two years. An example of Brad Jones' drone flight, before his DJI Inspire 2 was shot down. By any other name Just last month, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against William Merideth, the Kentucky man who shot down a drone that Merideth believed was flying over his own property in 2015. However, the Federal Aviation Administration considers drones to be aircraft-and under federal law, shooting at aircraft is a crime. "An aircraft is an aircraft," Rocky Davidson, of the FAA's Nashville Flights Standards District Office, told Ars. "We have the same rules and regulations for shooting a regular aircraft." However, to date, no prosecutions have been brought against those who shoot down drones. "It would seem that, in theory, you could prosecute an individual for destroying a drone." That's according to Ryan Calo, a law professor and drone expert at the University of Washington. "That seems a rather draconian approach, so I'm not surprised the FAA has not pursued it. This is a flexible enough statute that they could bring a case." While some on the ground may feel that their "airspace" has been invaded if a drone flies in or near their property, American law does not yet recognize the concept of aerial trespass. In fact, as the consumer drone age has taken flight, legal scholars have wondered about this exact situation. If a drone flies over private property, is it trespassing? The short answer is that American courts have not addressed the question adequately. The best case law on the issue dates back to 1946, long before inexpensive consumer drones were technically feasible. That year, the Supreme Court ruled in a case known as United States v. Causby that a farmer in North Carolina could assert property rights up to at least 83 feet in the air, and perhaps further. But he could not assert property rights indefinitely. As the Supreme Court ruled at the time: "We need not determine at this time what those precise limits are." "If it's a crime, I want it to be prosecuted," said Jones. "If it's not prosecuted, then what's to keep them from doing it?" Jones told Ars and local law enforcement that he suspected a neighbor, Doug Lively, as the shooter. (Ars was unable to reach Lively for comment.) "I fly the same route almost every day," Jones said. "[But], for some reason, Easter Sunday, I don't know if the guy had too much to drink, or whatever. I never crossed his property-I looked back at my flight log-I never once crossed his property." Jones, who is a high school basketball coach who also runs a local television station, told Ars that "85 percent" of the land he flies over is owned by members of his extended family. He said that he had never heard anyone complain about his flights. "I didn't see [Lively] do it," he said. "So I can't say [with] 100 percent accuracy that he did. He was the only person that was standing outside of where the sound of the shot came from." Jones said he approached Lively but did not cross onto his property. "I saw him standing out there and I said: 'Hey, did you shoot my drone down?' and he said 'No, I didn't. I heard some shots over yonder.'" Jones responded that he was confident that the shots came from nearby where Lively was standing. However, Lively also denied shooting down Jones' drone to the responding sheriff's deputy. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/04/man-takes-drone-out-for-a-sunset-flight-drone-gets-shot- down/ Back to Top Aviation insurance brokers confirm probe by British regulator Several top insurance brokers issued statements Friday announcing that they are being investigated by the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority for sharing competitively sensitive information within the aviation and insurance sectors. The FCA launched a number of coordinated dawn raids earlier this month on all four brokers, seizing computers and information, according to news reports. A spokesperson for the FCA declined to comment about the investigation. Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group P.L.C., UIB Group, Marsh Ltd., Aon P.L.C. and Willis Ltd., the U.K. brokerage subsidiary of Willis Towers Watson P.L.C., issued statements acknowledging the probe. "On April 4, 2017," the Willis statement said, "the Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA') informed Willis Limited, our U.K. brokerage subsidiary, that it has opened a formal investigation into possible agreements/concerted practices in the aviation broking sector, which represents less than $100 million of Willis Towers Watson's revenues. We are cooperating with the FCA. Given the status of the investigation, we are currently unable to assess the terms on which this investigation will be resolved." "The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom is conducting an investigation into suspected conduct within the aviation broking industry, which for Aon in 2016 represented less than $100M in global revenue," Aon said in its statement, which was issued Thursday. "Aon is working diligently with the FCA in order to ensure it can carry out its work as efficiently as possible. We cannot comment on the details of this investigation as it is ongoing, other than to say Aon takes compliance and regulatory issues extremely seriously and has a strong and respectful relationship with the regulator." Marsh said in its statement that "in connection with a civil competition investigation that the Financial Conduct Authority is undertaking into the aviation insurance and reinsurance sector, the FCA recently conducted an on-site inspection at Marsh Limited's office in London." "The FCA indicated that it had reasonable grounds for suspecting that Marsh Limited and others have been sharing competitively sensitive information within the aviation (re)insurance sector," the statement continued. "Marsh is cooperating fully with the FCA's ongoing investigation and is conducting its own review with the assistance of outside counsel." "Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group P.L.C. notes recent press comment regarding an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) into the aviation insurance sector," the JLT statement said. "The Company is participating in this investigation and confirms that JLT Specialty is providing all appropriate assistance to the FCA. We are unable to comment on the ongoing investigation beyond saying that JLT takes all regulatory matters very seriously and has a constructive relationship with all the regulators that it works with across the JLT Group." UIB said in its statement that it "is totally committed to ensuring that we adhere to the strictest levels of integrity, honesty, professionalism and compliance to the rules and regulations laid down by the insurance markets regulatory bodies and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)." "Our Compliance Officer is a member of the United Insurance Brokers Ltd. Executive Committee so as to ensure that compliance forms a cornerstone of our company," the statement said. http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20170421/NEWS06/912313026/Aviation-insurance-brokers- Marsh-Aon-Willis-JLT-UIB-confirm-British-regulator-pr Back to Top EASA consults on new airport specification European aviation safety officials are proposing new certification specifications for aerodrome design in to support modern large aircraft at existing aerodromes. "Modern aircraft have very precise guidance systems for landing / take-off and taxiing; this means that the current international and European provisions for designing runway, taxiway and other areas can be lightened without compromising safety. The new proposal is meant to take this technological evolution into account," said the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The public consultation on this so called Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) ends on 31 May and EASA said it will review the comments received and prepare during the summer its decision for a regulatory change of certification specifications for aerodrome design. With the proposed new CS, airports will be able to accept large aircraft within the existing infrastructure and thus increasing capacity, in particular at congested aerodromes - and also generate significant cost savings for the aerodrome infrastructure: construction and maintenance costs of runways, runway shoulders, and taxiways will be reduced due to the proposed provisions. "Airlines would also benefit from the proposed provisions, since they would be able to operate large aeroplanes from more aerodromes and to better plan their network," the agency said. Apart from the economic gain, the proposed provisions will have positive environmental benefits due to more efficient use of available land and reduced consumption of construction materials for infrastructure. As from 2015 EASA, launched an initiative at EU level with the objective to find swifter solutions for the accommodation of large aircraft at existing aerodromes. From the very beginning the activity gathered experts from National Aviation Authorities (NAA), ACI Europe, aerodrome operators and manufacturing industry. Similar to the EASA initiative, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established the Task Force at global level with the purpose to revise its Standards and Recommended Practices for aerodrome physical characteristics. The outcome of the work and proposed changes were presented to the relevant ICAO and EASA bodies with the wide agreement to be incorporated in ICAO and EASA provisions. With the strong support from ACI Europe, the material was incorporated into the EASA NPA. EASA will synchronise its NPA public consultation process with the ICAO consultation also expected in spring 2017, which will provide a better overview of the proposed developments to ICAO Member States. http://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/2017/04/easa-consults-on-new-airport-specification/ Back to Top 10 Months in Prison for Unlicensed California Jet Pilot An Irvine man who flew private jets without the right license has been sentenced to 10 months in prison. LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Southern California man who flew passengers in private jets without the right license has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison. Arnold Leto of Irvine was also ordered Monday in a Los Angeles courtroom to pay a $5,500 fine. Leto pleaded guilty in October making two counts of flying without a valid license. He had no license to fly a Cessna Citation turbojet-powered aircraft when he charged passengers to fly with him from Santa Monica to Phoenix in January, 2015. The following month Leto got a certificate to be a second-in-command on such a plane, but several times made interstate flights with as the sole pilot with passengers aboard, including trips from California to Las Vegas and Bentonville, Arkansas. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2017-04-24/10-months-in-prison-for- unlicensed-california-jet-pilot Back to Top FAA RELEASES BASICMED CHECKLIST, APPROVES AOPA COURSE * PILOTS CAN START THE PROCESS TO BE READY TO FLY UNDER BASICMED MAY 1 The FAA on April 24 released the official BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist that pilots who wish to fly under BasicMed need to fill out and have completed by the state-licensed physician performing the medical examination. The agency also published a link to AOPA's Medical Self-Assessment: A Pilot's Guide to Flying Healthy online aeromedical course that satisfies the requirement for pilots to complete a medical education course prior to operating under BasicMed. Although qualified pilots cannot fly under BasicMed until May 1, they can go ahead and make a doctor's appointment, have the checklist filled out by the physician, and complete the online medical course. Pilots will need to retain the completed exam checklist with their logbook, along with the certificate of completion provided after the pilot successfully completes the online course. Once these requirements are met, pilots just have to wait until May 1 to exercise the privileges of BasicMed. AOPA recommends that pilots have the medical examination checklist completed first, and then complete the online course. The online course educates pilots about conducting medical self-assessments and determining fitness to fly, and requires users to complete a 20-question quiz to pass the course. Users can save their progress; upon completion of the course, BasicMed rules require the user to provide some basic information about the pilot and the physician who conducted the exam (such as name, address, and telephone number), the date of the exam, and a few certifications as to the pilot's fitness to fly. "We fought long and hard for this on behalf of our members, and we're excited that pilots can now start the BasicMed process," said AOPA President Mark Baker. "You're now cleared to take the necessary steps to get in the air as of May 1." To qualify for BasicMed, pilots must hold a valid U.S. driver's license and comply with any restrictions; have held a valid FAA medical certificate, regular or special issuance, on or after July 15, 2006; and not had their most recent medical revoked, suspended, or withdrawn, or most recent application denied. Pilots with a medical history or diagnosis of certain cardiac, neurological, or mental health conditions, will need a one-time-only special issuance for each condition. Under BasicMed, pilots can fly as pilot in command of aircraft authorized to carry up to six occupants and weighing up to 6,000 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight; carry up to five passengers; fly within the United States day or night, VFR or IFR; at altitudes up to 18,000 feet msl; and up to 250 knots indicated airspeed as long as they take the free online aeromedical course every two years (24 calendar months) and visit their state-licensed physician every four years (48 months) to have the medical checklist completed. Pilots can flight instruct under BasicMed, but they cannot operate for compensation or hire. Click here to complete Medical Self-Assessment: A Pilot's Guide to Flying Healthy. AOPA anticipates that BasicMed will affect hundreds of thousands of pilots and bring back many pilots who have stopped flying for fear of losing their medical certificate or because of the cost and stress associated with seeking a special issuance medical each year. To help those who have been away from flying for a few years, AOPA has created a Rusty Pilots program to make it easier to get back into the cockpit. "If you've been away from flying for a while, don't worry," Baker encouraged pilots. "AOPA's Rusty Pilots seminars will help you knock off the rust and boost your confidence so that you will be ready to act as pilot in command." AOPA is partnering with flight schools to offer Rusty Pilots seminars in hundreds of locations across the United States. By attending the three-hour seminar, you will receive an instructor's endorsement that meets the minimum requirement for the ground portion of the flight review, and you will get the opportunity to meet local flight instructors so that you can schedule a lesson to complete the ground and flight portion of a review. (Rusty Pilots seminars are free to all AOPA members!) Nearly 3,600 pilots have returned to active flying status through Rusty Pilots. "We have worked tirelessly with Congress and the FAA to achieve medical reform," Baker said. "Check out our suite of online Fit to Fly resources to let us help you settle into the left seat." To help members through the process, AOPA has dedicated staff standing by in our Pilot Information Center to answer your questions about BasicMed. If you have any questions, please send an email to the AOPA Pilot Information Center or call 888/462-3976, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. Also, watch AOPA's video, "A Guide to Understanding BasicMed." https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2017/april/24/faa-releases-basicmed-checklist-approves- aopa-course Back to Top Hawaiian Airlines looking to hire Japanese, Korean-speaking flight attendants Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Airlines is seeking candidates who speak Japanese or Korean for flight attendant positions as the airline continues to grow internationally with a focus on Asia. "Our Hawaiian Airlines family has enjoyed introducing our warm and authentic island hospitality to an increasing number of guests from Japan, South Korea and throughout Asia," said Robin Sparling, vice president for in-flight services at Hawaiian. "As we continue to expand, we are excited to build our award- winning in-flight team by recruiting candidates who are able to speak, read and translate Japanese or Korean." Interested candidates should click here and select requisition No. 17-0426. Applications for language qualified flight attendant positions are due June 5 to be considered for interviews in Honolulu (July 15-16), and June 26 to be considered for interviews in Los Angeles (Aug. 12-13). All positions are based in Honolulu. The airline is also holding an informational session about becoming a language-qualified flight attendant from 9 a.m. to noon on May 20 at its Honolulu corporate headquarters. http://khon2.com/2017/04/24/hawaiian-airlines-looking-to-hire-japanese-korean-flight-attendants/ Back to Top Chattanooga Airport eyes growing its solar farm * A sign designates rows of photovoltaic cells at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport's solar farm. The solar array could get larger if airport officials approve another phase. * Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport's solar farm, already paying 90 percent of Lovell Field's electricity bill, could grow by about a third. Airport officials said they're looking at building another phase to its solar farm, pushing it to a little more than 3 megawatts in size. "It's keeping costs down so we don't have to raise fees," said Terry Hart, the airport's chief executive. The power generated by the solar farm goes directly into the power grid, officials said. The airport receives reimbursements from TVA for the electricity generated, and the savings go toward the airport's operating expenses. Hart said the latest and third phase, if the airport moves ahead, would go adjacent to its existing farm located next to the main runway on the west side of the air field. The cost is estimated at about $4 million, he said. Ninety percent of the first two phases were paid for by Federal Aviation Administration grants, Hart said. The remainder came out of the passenger facility charge the airport tags on air travelers. "We'll move forward if we're successful in working primarily with the FAA and partners TVA and EPB," he said. "We're still working on that." If constructed, the airport's newest phase still won't give Lovell Field bragging rights for the biggest solar array in Chattanooga. In 2012, Volkswagen raised a $30 million, 9.5 megawatt solar farm next to its assembly plant. VW officials said then it was to provide up to 12.5 percent of the plant's power. Hangar offices The Lovell Field solar farm was included on the airport's 2018 fiscal year list of capital spending along with construction of new office space to be attached to the airport's newest hangar built in 2015 on the west side of the runway. John Naylor, the airport's vice president of planning and development, said seven offices and three shop areas are to be constructed in the project costing more than $750,000. He said Wilson Construction Group will build the project for $676,000. Naylor said 95 percent of that cost will come from a state grant while the airport will pick up the remainder. Naylor said that two tenants will take two of the shops while two or three offices already have been spoken for. Estimates are that the addition will take in about $33,000 a year in revenue while costing the airport about $37,000 to build, he said. "In a little over a year we've recouped our investment," Naylor said. But, Airport Authority member Farzana Khaleel at a meeting of the panel raised a question about net operating income for the airport concerning the project. "Every time we do a capital project, we need to do an investment analysis," she said, noting it would look at the cost and not just what the airport is funding. "It's somebody's money that's being invested." Khaleel said that while the Airport Authority is a not-for-profit entity, it doesn't just want to invest at a 2 percent to 3 percent rate of return. "I don't think we have a very good return here," she said. "It's a very small return. Even though it's getting state funding, that doesn't mean spending anybody's money just like that. It's all taxpayer money." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2017/apr/25/chattanoogairport-eyes- growing-solar-farm4-mi/424551/ Back to Top Runway Work Triggers Delays, Cancellations at San Francisco International Airport Dozens of Flights Canceled, Delayed at SFO Due to Construction A runway construction project at San Francisco International Airport - one of the busiest airports in the United States - is causing headaches for some travelers, and the issue won't be going away anytime soon. Over the weekend and into Monday, dozens of flights were either canceled or delayed while crews repaved and upgraded Runway 28L, according to airport officials. A total of 50 flights on Monday were canceled before the runway reopened at 10 a.m. The construction schedule calls for the runway to be shut down on seven future weekends through June 16, with the exception of Memorial Day, airport officials said. The closures typically occur between 6 p.m. Friday until noon Monday but are subject to change, the airport said. If everything goes well, airport officials hope to complete the project by the Fourth of July weekend. Construction kicked off on the final day of March and was expected to continue every weekend moving forward, but inclement weather during Easter weekend temporarily halted repair efforts. Two more future weekends packed with rain or other foul weather could put the Fourth of July target date in jeopardy, airport officials said. If Mother Nature nature throws a wrench into the fold, the summer travel season at SFO could be severely impacted. July and August are the busiest months at the airport, according to officials. Runway 28L, which is used primarily for arriving flights, is getting a fresh coat of pavement as well as new LED centerline lights, the airport said. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Runway-Work-Triggers-Delays-Cancellations-at-San-Francisco- International-Airport-420239803.html Back to Top Nigeria: Govt to Procure 20 Aircraft for Aviation College The Federal Government is to procure 20 aircraft to make Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria a centre of excellence, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Minister of State for Aviation, has said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NCAT took delivery of a brand new Dimond DA24NG. The minister, who disclosed this at the launch of the new aircraft in Zaria on said that the new aircraft would improve the training capacity of the college. He observed that the current aircraft in use were highly expensive to maintain, adding that the college would now be more competitive and dynamic in the global aviation industry. Sirika lauded the efforts of the management of the college especially for introducing courses in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). "I am aware of efforts by NCAT to run National Diploma and Higher National Diploma, be rest assured, you will have our full support and that of the president." The minister charged staff of the college to seek for more knowledge in view of the fact that the world had changed from resource based economy to knowledge-based. Earlier, the Rector of the college, Capt. Abdussalami Mohammed said currently there were 29 trainer aircraft in the college. "These aircraft used for ab-initio training TB9, Trinidad TB20GT and Beech Baron 58 are old, the earliest being purchased 15 years ago and quite expensive to fuel and maintain," he said. The rector said the new trainer aircraft would significantly improve the flight training experience and reduce operating cost. He added that the newly acquired aircraft was equipped with glass cockpit and garmin 1000, which would make it easier for graduating pilots to transit to new generation commercial aircraft. http://allafrica.com/stories/201704250036.html Back to Top Bill Would Make Shining Laser at Aircraft a State Crime (Michigan) The Michigan Senate is scheduled to vote to make it a state crime to intentionally point a laser at an aircraft. LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Senate is scheduled to vote to make it a state crime to intentionally point a laser at an aircraft. If a laser strikes a cockpit, it can temporarily blind the pilot. Legislation up for a vote Tuesday would make "lasing" an aircraft or a train a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It already is a federal crime to shine a laser at an aircraft. But state authorities want more freedom to investigate and prosecute a rising number of incidents instead of leaving it to federal authorities. The bill previously cleared the House and could soon reach Gov. Rick Snyder if the House agrees with Senate changes. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan/articles/2017-04-24/bill-would-make-shining-laser- at-aircraft-a-state-crime Back to Top No compromise on passengers' safety: CAA (Pakistan) LAHORE - Reacting to the repeated violations committed by Shaheen Air International, Civil aviation Authority (CAA) has said that it will not permit any flight operation without a valid Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence at the cost of passengers' safety. Spokesman for CAA refuted Shaheen Air International's (SAI) claim of heavy losses incurred by the airline due to delay in issuance of RPT licence by CAA. The charge made by Shaheen Air International against the senior management of Pakistan CAA is baseless, he said. National Aviation Policy 2015 and all the associated policies thereof have been issued by the government and not by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, he maintained. Talking about the proposed operations on the Multan-Muscat route, the spokesman said that Shaheen Air International did not submit its flight schedule request for the aforementioned sector as prescribed under rules and regulations. On the contrary, Shaheen Air submitted its proposed flight schedule on the said route days before the commencement of operations. However, the request for the approval of the schedule was pending because of non-fulfillment of PCAA requirements by SAI. He said that airline operators are not authorised to sell airways bills/tickets to the passengers prior to obtaining approval from the regulatory body concerned. This is a practice that has to be condemned as being detrimental to the interests of the traveling public. Shaheen Air International has again resorted to the misconduct of nonpayment of outstanding dues of Pakistan CAA. So the CAA has no choice but to exercise its regulatory powers to collect its dues. The spokesman asserted that CAA does not believe in discrimination and will treat all defaulters in the same manner. The spokesman was of the view that the renewal of Shaheen Air International's licence was the prerogative of the government of Pakistan and the matter had been pending the grant of security clearance by the security agencies in the past. Nonetheless, Shaheen Air International's Regular Public Transport Licence has always been renewed in accordance with the directives of the government of Pakistan. As for the present, Shaheen Air International has been granted a period of 45 days for the acquisition of a fresh Regular Public Transport licence in accordance with the laws and regulations. The responsibility for the fulfillment of all regulatory requirements rests with Shaheen Air International to ensure the continuity of their business operations. Pakistan CAA has provided a level-playing field to all the stakeholders in the aviation industry, which is envisioned on the prevalence of free and open market-based competition. Pakistan CAA's regulatory intervention is only undertaken when considered mandatory by virtue of prevalent circumstances/indicators, the spokesman said. CAA forcefully dispels all pressures that may lead to compromise of flight safety and passengers' rights, he concluded. http://nation.com.pk/national/25-Apr-2017/no-compromise-on-passengers-safety-caa Back to Top Jet Airways likely to discuss issue of foreign commanders with pilots union (India) Jet airways Aircraft taxis for take off at Mumbai International Airport in Mumbai.(Livemint) The Jet Airways management is likely to hold talks on Wednesday with its domestic pilots' union, which has threatened to boycott foreign commanders, in a bid to resolve the issue. The airline's local pilots body, National Aviators Guild (NAG), had on April 15 issued a directive to its around 1,000 members, asking them not to fly with the expat pilots from May 1 after one of the foreign pilots allegedly assaulted a trainer in Bengaluru early this month. "The Jet Airways management and Guild representatives are meeting in Mumbai on April 26. The pilot' body is firm on its decision not to fly with the expat commanders from May 1 and the issue is to be resolved before that," a source in the airline said. According to the source, if the pilots stick to their boycott call, the airline operations could be affected due to unavailability of the first officers. The carrier has around 60 expat commanders who mainly operate its Boeing 737 and ATR fleet. In a statement last week, the guild had alleged that the airline's management has for a very long time treated the Indian employees, including the pilots, in a step-motherly manner, a charge that the airline has rebutted. The Jet Airways management "has disregarded the legitimate expectations of its employees to be treated fairly, reasonably and in a just manner," the guild had alleged. In a strongly-worded statement, NAG had also said that disparaging, inappropriate and racist comments allegedly made by certain expat pilots cannot be taken lightly. "This is in addition to the verbal and physical abuse of a senior trainer by an expat pilot employed by the airline," the NAG claimed. It has also sought removal of all expat pilots from the airline. Denying any "step motherly" treatment to the Indian pilots vis-a-vis foreign pilots in the airline, Jet Airways had said that as a part of the airline's open door policy, it encourages all employee groups to engage in consultative processes and arrive at amicable solutions. "As an Indian airline operating internationally, all employees, regardless of nationality, are governed by a strict and common code of conduct," the spokesperson said. The airline spokesperson had in a statement on March 19 also said there are robust HR processes to ensure that instances of contradictory nature are duly investigated and appropriate actions taken as per the company's policy. http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/jet-airways-likely-to-discuss-issue-of-foreign- commanders-with-pilots-union/story-JVtGuNZ2mcWRSqAby6u1MM.html Back to Top Made in China jet now just needs to sell The first C919 passenger jet made by the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (Comac) is pulled out during a news conference at the company's factory in Shanghai, November 2, 2015. Reuters/Stringer/File Photo SHANGHAI/PARIS - When China unveiled an historic order for its first large commercial jetliner at a national air show in 2010, Western journalists were kept away, and only local media were allowed to witness a major turning point in China's aviation ambitions. The COMAC C919 jet is expected to stage its maiden flight in the coming weeks, and foreign media and potential buyers will be invited in force - illustrating how Beijing is adjusting to competition for a slice of global jet sales worth $2 trillion over the next 20 years. But after three years of delays and almost a decade in development, China's answer to the Boeing 737 and its state-owned designers face a daunting phase: selling the jet abroad in a market dominated by Boeing and Airbus . "They will be trying to compete on price against people who are building aircraft at a much faster pace and with more experience, so there's a risk of getting bled dry," said Richard Aboulafia, aerospace analyst at Virginia-based Teal Group. Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has some cards to play: its plane has Western engines and avionics coupled with a new design; it's rolling out a pilot training program, expanding international staff and has strong, behind-the-scenes backing from Beijing, industry executives say. And though still unproven, COMAC could be the single biggest threat over the coming decades to the dominance of Boeing and Airbus, both in China's own huge aviation market and, longer-term, overseas. The C919 is the first step to this. Beijing's backing for the single-aisle plane gives COMAC a springboard in the world's fastest-growing domestic market, even though the company acknowledges much bigger hurdles abroad. "You can't compare us to Boeing or Airbus, they're in a different strategic stage... We took half a century to solve the first strategic issue (of plane development), it will also take many years to solve the second (market) problem," said Jeff Cheng, a spokesman for COMAC. "After the first flight, we have to focus and research on how to improve the plane's and COMAC's market competitiveness." Eric Chen, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft China, welcomed the competition from COMAC, and a China-based spokesman for Boeing congratulated the company on developing the C919. GLOBAL SUPPORT NETWORK The C919 has chalked up 570 firm orders and commitments from 23 customers, mainly Chinese state- backed airlines and leasing companies, but says it is not able to give a breakdown. In comparison, the latest version of the Boeing 737 had more than 3,000 firm orders before it flew last January. Those types of numbers from the two big global plane makers come after decades of trimming costs and honing marketing pitches. The two have global support networks able to respond whenever a jet breaks down just about anywhere, and the number of jets flying makes it easier for airlines to raise loans to buy them. While Chinese financiers have muscled into the global aviation arena, COMAC has a relatively low-key presence at international air shows and has said the C919 will initially be aimed at the domestic market. But there are signs it's adopting a more outward-facing approach. While operating manuals for COMAC's smaller ARJ21 regional jet, which took its first flight in 2007, were written in Mandarin, the C919's will be in English to support sales. COMAC's sales and support networks - it has at least 50 people in its sales and marketing departments, says Cheng - are, however, a fraction of those at Boeing and Airbus. Still, COMAC's home advantage is significant as Chinese airlines are likely to drive airplane demand over the next two decades, buying nearly 7,000 planes - mostly from Boeing and Airbus. "Their sales person is the government," said a Chinese airline executive, who didn't want to be named for risk of damaging business relationships. "As long as the government tells the state airlines to purchase planes, that will happen." Airline executives say the first flight is when COMAC can realistically start discussing deposits and firming up customers, even if the plane still faces years of testing. "We haven't placed a deposit; at the moment it's intentions," said Che Shanglun, chairman of Xiamen Airlines, a subsidiary of China Southern Airlines, which has committed to buying up to 50 of the 158-seat C919s. "We signed for 50, but we actually want to buy 30. We have to see if they're able to produce it... They (COMAC) are very enthusiastic, they meet us every month and send us updates." HOW SAFE IS IT? Executives at two Chinese airlines which have not placed orders for the aircraft said they wanted to see the C919's safety record, as well as the creation of a global support team. The safety certification of the new plane - which state media says will have a catalogue price tag of around $50 million, less than half that of a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 - could be among the biggest issues for the C919 internationally. Having a plane certified to fly commercially is tough enough even for Western jetmakers as aircraft become more complex and supply chains expand. There is still uncertainty over approvals needed for the C919 to secure a foothold beyond China, with the United States and European Union having the most influence. Although the EU has agreed to recognize some of the checks carried out by China, it is expected to insist on some of its own tests before issuing a safety certificate and is trying to understand where discrepancies between the two systems lie. "We are just at the start of the process," said Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Aviation Safety Agency. The US Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Without Western approvals, China would only be able to sell to countries that accept its certification standards. Zimbabwe, Bolivia and Tajikistan have previously bought Chinese planes. Without Western certification, "sales of the aircraft in developed economies and many developing economies will be difficult to impossible," said Bradley Perrett, a veteran China watcher at Aviation Week. The C919's only real foreign buyer so far is leasing firm GE Capital Aviation Services, whose parent General Electric co-built the plane's engine with France's Safran. "Only once our plane enters the market and is tested can we see what gaps it has," Cheng said. http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/04/25/17/made-in-china-jet-now-just-needs-to-sell Back to Top Successful test flight brings Lilium electric air taxis closer to reality (CNN)The sci-fi dream of climbing into a flying pod and commuting high above the gridlock has moved a step closer following the successful maiden flight of what could be the vehicle of the future. The prototype two-seater Lilium Jet, a compact and lightweight electric plane capable of vertical take off and landing, completed an unmanned test earlier this month. That's given its German creators the green light to forge ahead with plans for a five-seat production model designed for air taxi and ride-sharing services -- or what sounds like an uber Uber. "Seeing the Lilium Jet take to the sky and performing sophisticated maneuvers with apparent ease is testament to the skill and perseverance of our amazing team," co-founder and chief exec Daniel Wiegand says in a release. "We have solved some of the toughest engineering challenges in aviation to get to this point." Take off from your garden The egg-shaped aircraft, which can be powered from a wall socket and could even take off from the garden, can ascend and descend vertically, like a helicopter. Its 36 jet engines then tilt on moveable flaps from vertical to horizontal to provide forward thrust, with wings providing lift as in a normal airplane. The Lilium Jet, which creates no harmful emissions and is quieter than conventional aircraft, is estimated to have a range of about 300 kilometers and a maximum cruising speed of 300 kilometers per hour. For maximum safety, each of the engines is individually shielded, so failure in one can't affect the others. Sophisticated sensors prevent the pilot from performing maneuvers beyond the jet's predetermined safe flight parameters. The Lilium Jet is designd to take off vertically from helipads or other small spaces -- even gardens. The company, which was started by four Munich university graduates in 2015, says the aircraft is designed to be flown in good weather conditions in uncongested airspace in the daylight. It fits into the Light Sports Aircraft category, so a pilot's license with at least 20 hours of training are needed to fly it. "In the longer term, our target is to build an aircraft that not only the super-rich can afford, and that can make private air transportation possible for a much wider number of people," says Weigand. The Lilium Jet could add a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Anyway, must fly..." http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/25/aviation/lilium-electric-vtol-jet/ Back to Top Boeing Near Decision to Launch 737-10 Jet - Sources Reuters FILE PHOTO: Boeing's new 737 MAX-9 is pictured under construction at their production facility in Renton, Washington, U.S., February 13, 2017. Picture taken February 13, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Redmond/File Photo REUTERS PARIS (Reuters) - Boeing is nearing a decision to launch a larger version of its 737 workhorse jet within two months to counter strong sales of the Airbus A321neo, after a breakthrough on the design for one of its parts, industry sources said. The 737 MAX 10 would narrow the gap between the 178-220 seat 737-9, which first flew this month, and the 185-240 seat A321neo, which dominates the top end of a market for narrowbody jets worth $2 trillion over 20 years. Boeing has been studying how to solve a tricky problem with the design of the plane's landing gear, without adding cost or delaying a 2020 target for first deliveries. The sources said a two-part technical solution is being tested and that Boeing is negotiating with airlines with the aim of launching the 737-10 at the Paris Airshow in June. Boeing is said to anticipate a total market of 1,000 of the planes. "Boeing is actively engaged in discussions with customers about the 737 MAX 10X," a spokesman said. "No decision has been made on the airplane and any discussion on timing of a possible launch would be speculative." Reuters reported last year that the 737-10 marks a tactical response to the A321neo, while Boeing works on strategic plans for a 220-260-seat twin-aisle, mid-market jet. But it has produced a puzzle so tricky that Boeing has asked for help from its combat jet experts to design a space-saving gear for the 737-10. A solution is needed because the 737-10 will be longer than the 737-9 to make room for about 12 extra seats. The landing gear must become taller too or the tail could scrape the runway. Anxious to avoid costly changes to the rest of the plane and stay on schedule, Boeing aims to make the gear longer only when needed, but small enough to fit in the 737's existing wheel bay. It has not made final decisions but is testing an advanced proposal to allow the 737 to effectively sit back on its heels as it leaves the runway. This is what aerospace engineers call a "semi-levered" design and is a nod to two bigger jets: the 777 and 787-10. In a further twist, the gear would lengthen telescopically for the 737-10 to charge down the runway. Afterwards, it would shrink again to retract into the same space. COMPETITION IMPACT Drawing-board decisions like these feed directly into the battle for jet sales. A longer gear allows pilots to use the same take-off angle rather than easing off to avoid striking the runway with the tail of the longer jet. Shallower take-offs need more runway, limiting the number of airports served and restricting sales. Airbus, which declined comment, is likely to try to persuade potential 737-10 buyers that it is little different from the slow-selling 737-9. Sources say it is meanwhile working on its own improvements to the A320 family codenamed A320neo-plus. Experts say more capacity could put costs per seat of the 737-10 in the same ballpark as the A321neo, leaving jetmakers to slug it out over range and performance. Boeing decided against using a bigger engine to boost those two features. It is gambling that some airlines will prefer extra seats and fly the 737-10 mainly on short routes. Although reports have focused on the clash between the A321neo and 737-9/10, industry sources say it's not just the top end of the narrowbody market that drives the new design. Because most carriers stick to one jet family, they say Boeing seems worried the A321neo's success could prompt fleet decisions that weaken the smaller 737 MAX 8, its main cash cow. "It's a defensive move. Boeing wants to prevent the A321neo being a Trojan Horse in its own fleet," one strategist said. https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2017-04-25/boeing-near-decision-to-launch-737-10-jet- sources Back to Top New Graduate Research Survey Hello my name is DEREK HAYNES and I am an MSc student at City University of London and a Captain on the B787. I trust you are well and I know that you are busy. Would you kindly please spare me a few minutes of your valuable time to complete my Air Transport Management MSc Pilot Survey - preferably by 27th April, (project deadline 1st May - it is anonymous). It takes <8 mins. Thanks a million, Derek. The survey can be completed here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WRQ686G Back to Top Graduate Research Survey -2 Dear colleagues, The flight crew of an airliner is expected to exhibit very high levels of decision making, all the time. Disasters are often attributed to poor decision making skills that are rigorously scrutinised after the event but a good decision never faces similar depth of review. I am doing a research on this very topic and need your help with a short anonymous survey. The primary objectives of this survey are to evaluate: 1. How pilots make decisions in a time and safety critical situation. 2. Whether there are any comparisons with other professionals facing similar time and safety pressures. The survey can be completed here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7TKJ66K Can you spare a few moments to take my survey? www.surveymonkey.co.uk Please take the survey titled "Anonymous Survey- Decision making in a time and safety critical environment.City University of London naveed.kapadia@city.ac.uk". Your feedback is important! Thank you for your help and support with this research. Naveed MSc student at City University of London Back to Top Graduate Research Survey Request-3 My name is Mohamed Sheryenna. I'm a student at the University of South wales (UK), MSc. Aircraft Maintenance System. I'm conducting this research about Importance of Implementation SMS to Aircraft Maintenance: For reducing accidents. This study would look to understand the approaches and benefits of implementation SMS in Aircraft maintenance organization to reduce risk of accidents or at least mitigate it by identify and manage risks in predictive phase. Moreover, the study sought to determine the influence of the organizational culture and its effective on maintenance. In addition, to assess some tools used by SMS to support maintenance and engineering to obtain optimal aircraft maintenance. Ultimately, the effectiveness of an SMS implementation means the organization can manage the complexity of these mechanisms to defend against risk incubation. All the information will be treated confidentially and reported in the aggregate. The resultant data will be analyzed as part of my master degree's thesis. I will strictly respect the confidentiality of all participants' input. If you are a participant, and if you desire, I will provide you with a copy of the outcomes of my study. Please return the survey with your business card or contact information to indicate your interest in receiving a copy of the results. I would greatly appreciate your input to my survey. I realize that you are very busy; and completion of the survey should require not more than 10 minutes of your time. These questionnaires are intended to explore SMS in Aircraft maintenance and are purely for academic purpose. Your participation in this research will be highly appreciated. please click the link below to go through the survey http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/8YYUA/ Thank you very much for your cooperation. Sincerely yours, Mohamed Sheryenna 15050033@students.southwales.ac.uk Tel. 00447459876975 Back to Top SAFE Encourages Pilot Input on GA Runway Incursions (Survey) Active general aviation (GA) pilots are being asked to help an ongoing study of GA runway incursions by completing a new online questionnaire. The FAA has said that runway incursions - a vehicle or aircraft on the ground endangering aircraft landing or taking off - average three per day and are a "serious safety concern." GA pilots are involved in about 80 percent of runway incursions. "The question is, what are GA pilots doing, or not doing, that results in so many runway incursions?" said Professor Donna F. Wilt of the Florida Institute of Technology College of Aeronautics. "By analyzing such occurrences we can help mitigate those dangerous situations." The study is being conducted by the FIT College of Aeronautics, Hampton University Department of Aviation and Purdue University Department of Aviation Technology. It is funded through the Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability (PEGASAS), and the FAA Center of Excellence for GA. SAFE is a partner of PEGASAS. The questionnaire will be available from April 1 through April 30, 2017. To take the new questionnaire, click here or click on or copy and past the URL below. The questionnaire is also available on the SAFE web site at www.SAFEPilots.org and will be available at the SAFE booth at Sun 'n Fun. SAFE is encouraging its members to participate in the project. Direct Link URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiJFFh52kh_afnEN7qoBRoliQvqLSUhksMQAGDGbO- EcDweg/viewform?usp=sf_link For more information, contact the project's Principal Investigator, Dr. Scott Winter. SAFE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting aviation education at all levels of learning. SAFE is a recognized leader in pilot training reform, safety education, and the mentoring of aviation educators. For information on free resource materials and membership, go to www.safepilots.org. Scott Winter Assistant Professor of Aviation Science College of Aeronautics, Florida Institute of Technology 321-674-7639 (Office) 218-269-9376 (Cell) Curt Lewis