Flight Safety Information April 27, 2017 - No. 085 Incident: Wizz A321 near Warsaw on Apr 25th 2017, lightning strike Incident: Delta A333 at Amsterdam on Apr 26th 2017, engine stall Incident: United B744 near Anchorage on Apr 25th 2017, loss of RVSM capability Incident: Astana A320 at Almaty on Apr 25th 2017, engine problem Accident: United B752 near Los Angeles on Apr 25th 2017, turbulence injures passenger Diamond DA42 Twin Star Fatal Training Accident (India) Embraer ERJ-175LR (ERJ-170-200 LR) Bird Strike (DCA Airport) Pilots, crewman rescued after helicopter crash off Guam IATA urges stakeholders to reinforce aviation safety commitment Countdown to BasicMed for General Aviation Pilots, Prepare Now Congress to lose VIP parking spots at National Airport Qatar Airways Activates Real-Time Global Flight Tracking Solution from Inmarsat New Orleans-based GLO Airlines ordered to halt flights by Thursday following bankruptcy filing Beechcraft takes new T-6 aircraft order for Argentina Soviet-era jet fighter up for sale at Nelson Airport (New Zealand) Supersonic jet to fly from Dubai to London in 4 hours Taiwan to begin production of jet trainer aircraft China, Europe pledge closer aviation ties ahead of landmark jet launch China Aims to Reach Airworthiness Pacts With U.S., EU This Year United Airlines' policy changes include paying bumped passengers up to $10,000 NASA spacewalking suits in short supply, report finds Northern California Business Aviation Association (NCBAA) Safety Day - May 9 New Graduate Research Survey Graduate Research Survey -2. Graduate Research Survey Request-3 SAFE Encourages Pilot Input on GA Runway Incursions (Survey) Incident: Wizz A321 near Warsaw on Apr 25th 2017, lightning strike A Wizzair Airbus A321-200, registration HA-LXN performing flight W6-1381 from Warsaw (Poland) to Brussels Charleroi (Belgium) with 220 people on board, was climbing out of Warsaw when the crew stopped the climb at about FL290 following a lightning strike and decided to return to Warsaw. The aircraft landed safely on Warsaw's runway 29 about 45 minutes after departure. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground 29 hours after landing back. The rotation was cancelled. The passengers were rebooked onto other flights. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a82c89c&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Delta A333 at Amsterdam on Apr 26th 2017, engine stall A Delta Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration N817NW performing flight DL-161 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Minneapolis,MN (USA), was climbing out of Amsterdam's runway 36L when the crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet reporting a #1 engine (PW4168, left hand) stall. The aircraft returned to Amsterdam for a safe overweight landing on runway 36C about 30 minutes after departure. A replacement A330-300 registration N801NW is estimated to reach Minneapolis with a delay of 4 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a82bc6a&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: United B744 near Anchorage on Apr 25th 2017, loss of RVSM capability A United Boeing 747-400, registration N175UA performing flight UA-888 from San Francisco,CA (USA) to Beijing (China), was enroute at FL360 about 100nm west of Anchorage,AK (USA) when the aircraft lost its capability to maintain reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM). The crew descended the aircraft to FL280, then turned around and returned to San Francisco for a safe landing about 8:40 hours after departure. The flight was postponed to the next day. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL888/history/20170425/1830Z/KSFO/ZBAA http://avherald.com/h?article=4a82b924&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Astana A320 at Almaty on Apr 25th 2017, engine problem An Air Astana Airbus A320-200, registration P4-KBH performing flight KC-857 from Almaty to Aktau (Kazakhstan), was climbing out of Almaty when the crew detected problems with an engine (PW1127) oil quantity indication, stopped the climb at FL300 and returned to Almaty for a safe landing about 40 minutes after departure. A replacement Airbus A321-200 registration P4-KDA reached Aktau with a delay of 2.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft resumed service after 29 hours on the ground. http://avherald.com/h?article=4a82b72b&opt=0 Back to Top Accident: United B752 near Los Angeles on Apr 25th 2017, turbulence injures passenger A United Boeing 757-200, registration N596UA performing flight UA-1600 from Newark,NJ to Los Angeles,CA (USA), was descending towards Los Angeles when the crew reported a passenger was injured following a turbulence encounter. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Los Angeles' runway 25L. The FAA reported one passenger was injured as result of turbulence enroute. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL1600/history/20170425/2030Z/KEWR/KLAX Infrared Satellite Image GOES-W Apr 26th 2017 02:00Z (Graphics: NASA): http://avherald.com/h?article=4a829155&opt=0 Back to Top Diamond DA42 Twin Star Fatal Training Accident (India) Date: 26-APR-2017 Time: 09:30LT Type: Diamond DA42 Twin Star Owner/operator: National Flying Training Institute Gondia Registration: VT-NFM C/n / msn: 42.AC145 Fatalities: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: near Gondia, Maharashtra - India Phase: En route Nature: Training Departure airport: Birsi airport Destination airport: Birsi airport Narrative: The trainer plane crashed under unknown circumstances. Both trainer pilot and trainee died in the crash. Occupants were a retired Indian Air Force pilot and a female trainee from Mumbai. The plane took off on a training sortie from the Birsi airport at Gondia around 9:24LT. 20 minutes later the contact was lost with the local air traffic control. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=195035 Back to Top Embraer ERJ-175LR (ERJ-170-200 LR) Bird Strike (DCA Airport) Date: 26-APR-2017 Time: 17:19 LT Type: Embraer ERJ-175LR (ERJ-170-200 LR) Owner/operator: Republic Airlines, opf American Eagle Registration: N132HQ C/n / msn: 17000216 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Minor Location: near Washington-National Airport, DC (DCA) - United States of America Phase: Initial climb Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Washington-National Airport, DC (DCA/KDCA) Destination airport: Fort Myers-Southwest Florida Regional Airport, FL (RSW/KRSW) Narrative: American Eagle flight AA4411 suffered a bird hit on climbout after takeoff from Washington- National Airport. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-175, leveled off at about 1500 feet. After working the checklists, the flight requested permission to climb to 5000 feet, which was approved by the Departure controller. After circling south of Dulles Airport, the flight diverted there and landed safely at 19:11 LT. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=195046 Back to Top Pilots, crewman rescued after helicopter crash off Guam A Sea Hawk's entire crew, consisting of two pilots and one aircrewman, were safely recovered after their helicopter crashed in waters near Guam, the Navy confirmed today. The incident occurred as the MH-60R helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78, which is aboard the USS Dewey, was conducting routine flight operations, according to the Navy. The incident is under investigation. The crew is being assessed by the medical team on board Dewey and there are no apparent injuries at this time, according to the Navy. Dewey, along with USS Sterett, are deployed as a part of the Sterett-Dewey Surface Action Group and departed San Diego for the Western Pacific March 31. https://www.postguam.com/news/local/pilots-crewman-rescued-after-helicopter-crash-off- guam/article_456f759a-2aff-11e7-801b-2b5cc2839816.html Back to Top IATA urges stakeholders to reinforce aviation safety commitment The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has requested aviation safety stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to a safety framework based on global standards, cooperation and dialogue, and effective use of data. IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac claimed that air accident investigation is a major area where greater cooperation on global standards is required. Juniac said: "Safety is the top priority for all involved in aviation-and aviation is the safest form of long-distance travel. "Last year there were over 40 million safe flights. That's an achievement that we can all be proud of. And it was made possible by a framework that incorporates respect for global standards, cooperation and the value of data." "To learn from an accident, we need reports that are complete, accessible and timely." A recent study has revealed that of the approximately 1,000 accidents that occurred over the last decade, accident reports for only 300 of them were available and of those many had scope for improvement. Juniac added: "To learn from an accident, we need reports that are complete, accessible and timely. "We also need states to fully respect the standards and processes enshrined in global agreements for participation in the investigation by all specified parties." Aviation safety can also be improved with proper communication between regulators and industry in order to ensure that industry experience and know-how is suitably incorporated into new regulations and standards. The governments need to share adequate data, consult with industry, and support the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as it frames a global aviation security plan. According to Juniac, more information is also required to enhance safety regarding the use of drones around airports and their potential hazard to aviation. http://www.airport-technology.com/news/newsiata-urges-stakeholders-to-reinforce-aviation- safety-commitment-5795392 Back to Top Countdown to BasicMed for General Aviation Pilots, Prepare Now The BasicMed rule doesn't become effective until May 1, but you can prepare in advance. The BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and a BasicMed online medical course are now available. General aviation pilots can now prepare to fly under BasicMed without holding a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. They can fly under BasicMed beginning on May 1, the effective date of the January 10 final rule. It offers pilots an alternative to the FAA's medical qualification process for third class medical certificates, while keeping general aviation pilots safe and flying affordable. General aviation pilots may take advantage of the regulatory relief in the BasicMed rule or opt to continue to use their FAA medical certificate. Under BasicMed, a pilot will be required to complete a medical education course every two years, undergo a medical examination every four years, and comply with aircraft and operating restrictions. For example, pilots using BasicMed cannot operate an aircraft with more than six people onboard and the aircraft must not weigh more than 6,000 pounds. A pilot flying under the BasicMed rule must: * Possess a valid driver's license * Consent to a National Driver Register check * Have held a medical certificate that was valid at any time after July 15, 2006 * Have not had the most recently held medical certificate revoked, suspended, or withdrawn * Have not had the most recent application for airman medical certification completed and denied * Have taken a BasicMed online medical education course within the past 24 calendar months * Have completed a comprehensive medical examination with any state-licensed physician within the past 48 months * Have been found eligible for special issuance of a medical certificate for certain specified mental health, neurological, or cardiovascular conditions, when applicable, and * Not fly for compensation or hire * FAA Pilots can read and print the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist and learn about online BasicMed online medical courses at www.faa.gov/go/BasicMed https://americansecuritytoday.com/countdown-basicmed-general-aviation-pilots-prepare-now/ Back to Top Congress to lose VIP parking spots at National Airport Members of Congress and the Supreme Court will lose their VIP parking spaces at Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington starting in June, according to NBC Washington. The parking spaces will instead be given to construction crews that are working on a major airport expansion over the next four years. The parking spots - which are located in a restricted lot close to the airport's terminal - have long been a perk for lawmakers, justices and diplomats. All Senate and House lawmakers are provided passes to use the special lot. Dulles International Airport also provides parking privileges to members. "We're closing the 'restricted lot' at Reagan National effective June 30 to make room for adjacent construction of the new security checkpoints," a Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority spokesperson told NBC. "Contractors will use the lot to access the worksite and stage equipment and supplies until 2021." But lawmakers will still be allowed to park for free at National Airport in the garages used by public. Members cost taxpayers over $132,000 using the free parking benefit in 2015, according to records obtained by NBC. http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/330667-congress-to-lose-vip-parking-spots-at-reagan- airport-this-summer Back to Top Qatar Airways Activates Real-Time Global Flight Tracking Solution from Inmarsat Leading international airline Qatar Airways has activated an advanced new space-based system, supplied by Inmarsat, to track all of its flights across the world. Inmarsat worked exclusively with Qatar Airways to develop this cutting-edge solution, which covers its current route network of over 150 destinations worldwide, in addition to any future routes that will be introduced. It utilises Inmarsat's market-leading satellite technology to provide the exact real-time location of the airline's aircraft in latitude and longitude. Qatar Airways signed a contract with Inmarsat following the successful conclusion of active performance trials across its fleet over the past year, which proved that the tracking system exceeds the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s new flight reporting standards. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al BakAbout Qatar Airways:er, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: "Qatar Airways has a reputation for pioneering ground-breaking new innovations in global aviation. Our partnership with Inmarsat for this global flight tracking system has once again reinforced our commitment to the highest levels of aviation safety for our passengers and employees." Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: "Inmarsat is the backbone of global aviation safety, delivering over 35 million aircraft position reports last year alone. Unlike other systems that promise space-based global flight tracking somewhere in the future, we have been providing real time flight tracking for Qatar Airways for some time. We are pleased to be working with an airline that is so highly committed to safety and innovation." For further information Jonathan Sinnatt Director of Corporate Communications +44 (0)20 7728 1935 jonathan.sinnatt@inmarsat.com Robeel Haq Senior PR & Social Media Manager, Aviation +44 (0)20 7728 1352 robeel.haq@inmarsat.com About Inmarsat Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat operates in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (ISAT.L). The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on @InmarsatGlobal. About Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar is celebrating 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations. The world's fast growing airline will add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network in 2017, including Auckland, Chiang Mai, Dublin, Nice, Skopje and many more, flying passengers on board its modern fleet of 195 aircraft. A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World's Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures. Oryx One, Qatar Airways' in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline's on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service. Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways sponsors world-leading sports teams including FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline's own brand message - Going Places Together. Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's third largest cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally on 195 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330Fs, 11 Boeing 777 freighters and one Boeing 747 freighter. http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=50808 Back to Top New Orleans-based GLO Airlines ordered to halt flights by Thursday following bankruptcy filing New Orleans-based GLO Airlines, which has operated regional charter flights from Louis Armstrong International Airport since late 2015, has filed for bankruptcy protection and must stop operating after Thursday, federal bankruptcy court records show. GLO has asked the court to allow it to keep flying past Thursday, saying that otherwise it will lose "its principal source of revenue." Looking to attract business travelers and others eager for an alternative to driving or multiple- stop flights, GLO has offered nonstop service from New Orleans to Shreveport; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; and Huntsville, Alabama. On Sunday, FlyGLO LLC filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy in federal court in New Orleans, listing assets and liabilities of between $10 million and $50 million, with up to 49 creditors. According to court papers, GLO's largest unsecured creditor is GE Engine Services, of Ohio, which is owed nearly $980,000. GLO leases three 30-passenger Saab 340B aircraft, which are operated by a third-party company, Corporate Flight Management Inc. According to court papers, Corporate Flight Management notified GLO this month that the airline had breached its contract because it fell behind on payments dating back to March. As a result, Corporate Flight Management notified GLO and the Department of Transportation that the contract was terminated, with a 10-day window for taking effect. GLO disputes that it was in default on its contract. The company moved more than 32,300 passengers through the New Orleans airport in 2016 and was on track to serve about 40,000 in 2017, according to its federal court filings, which claim the service is "essential to bringing visitors and business people in and out of New Orleans and the Gulf South." http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/business/article_9b967942-2923-11e7-9459- db12d07bd162.html Back to Top Beechcraft takes new T-6 aircraft order for Argentina Textron Aviation's Beechcraft has received an $88.2 million contract to supply the Argentina Air Force with T-6 aircraft. The U.S. Air Force contract calls for Beechcraft to supply four T-6C airplanes as well as maintenance, pilot training and interim contractor support for maintenance. The aircraft will be used by Argentina to replace its current training aircraft as well as for surveillance and border security. The order is likely a welcome one for Textron Aviation, which has seen demand for the T-6 wane after it completed its deliveries last June of the military airplane to the Navy and Air Force under the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System program. http://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article146814599.html#storylink=cpy Back to Top Soviet-era jet fighter up for sale at Nelson Airport (New Zealand) Alan Caudwell with his Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros jet. Getting up to speeds of 750kmh will set you back about $300,000. Veteran aircraft engineer Alan Caudwell is trying to bid farewell to the Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros after about eight years of ownership. "It's time to say goodbye to it," he said. Caudwell bought the jet from Kiev in the Ukraine and had it had it shipped here in parts and then re-assembled it. The aircraft turned heads when it first came out of its Nelson Airport hangar but Caudwell rarely flies it now. The L-39C Albatros jets were manufactured in the 1980s, and are a step up from an earlier model developed in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s as a basic jet trainer. The aircraft described as "the most popular jet warbird on the US market", is still used by several air forces around the world, and in basic and advanced pilot training. Caudwell said its maximum speed was Mach 0.8 (750kmh). Its take-off and landing speed was about 110 knots (203kmh), which was something he said needed "getting used to". However, he didn't want to go into how much fuel was required for a short flight. "It's up there." He said he was looking to sell the aircraft for about $300,000. Caudwell's rebuild removed about 182kg of "military stuff". Putting it back together was made easier by a Russian who was on a contract job at Nelson Airport at the time. He strolled over one day and was able to interpret manuals for them, Caudwell said. There is thought to be about three of its type in New Zealand. http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/91965203/sovietera-jet-fighter-up-for-sale-at-nelson- airport Back to Top Supersonic jet to fly from Dubai to London in 4 hours 10% of routes for Boom supersonic flights expected to originate from Gulf countries, says founder Blake Scholl US-based Boom Technology will cut the existing flight time from Dubai to London or Abu Dhabi to Sydney by half with the first test-flight of XB-1- dubbed the "baby boom" set to take place next year. US-based Boom Technology will cut the existing flight time from Dubai to London or Abu Dhabi to Sydney by half when its supersonic passenger jet comes into commercial operation. The first test-flight of its XB-1, dubbed the "baby boom", is set to take place next year, will connect the GCC to the rest of the world with flights up to 2.6 times faster than conventional airliners. "Today, it takes 7:50 hours to fly from Dubai to London, or takes 14 hours if you fly from Abu Dhabi to Sydney. Boom will reduce the time to 4:32 hours and 8 hours, respectively," company founder and chief executive Blake Scholl said on Tuesday evening during a presentation at Dubai Future Foundation. The jet will be 10 percent faster than the now defunct Concorde, reaching Mach 2.2 or 2,335 kilometre per hour. The first test of the supersonic plane is under construction and first passenger flights are expected to begin by 2023. Speaking to Arabian Business, Scholl revealed that nearly 10 percent of 500 global routes for supersonic travel are expected to originate from the Gulf. "It has to do with geography as it is not clear if you can fly supersonic much over land in most parts of the world and so the Gulf is ideally positioned for lots of routes largely over water. "If you fly from here to New York or here to Sydney you are over water most of the time. And so it's a great place to connect supersonic traffic even more so than sub-sonic." Scholl refused to comment on whether he has met with any of Gulf airlines. "I cannot comment on private conversations, but everyone's interested in something better to offer to their passengers," he said. Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) last year about supersonic travel, Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed, who travelled on a Concorde flight when it was in operation, said: "I think what really put this business off was the fuel at the time and the size of the aircraft. It's up to the manufacturers to one day build an aircraft that is twice as fast as light." Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker, also speaking at ATM last year, said supersonic travel was "hugely viable" with major manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus likely to develop the technology. Though Boom received a $33 million funding for its XB-1 prototype in March, Scholl ruled out plans to raise funds from UAE-based companies. "We are funded today all the way through the first flight of our first airplane. We are focused on talking with customers and on getting that first airplane in the air." Talking about ticket prices, Scholl said the cost of flying in the 55-seater jet will be equivalent to current Business Class rates, but prices will drop over the time when bigger capacity jets will be launched, making it more economical. Falling passenger numbers and a fatal crash in 2000 led to Concorde's demise in 2003. Tickets were priced at around $7,650 one way from London to New York. At present, Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic has the option to buy the first 10 plane bodies produced by the company with another 15 reserved for another customer. Each jet is priced at $200 million. http://www.arabianbusiness.com/supersonic-jet-fly-from-dubai-london-in-4-hours-671858.html Back to Top Taiwan to begin production of jet trainer aircraft Taiwan's air force is to replace all trainer jets with a newly built domestic aircraft by 2026. April 26 (UPI) -- Taiwan has begun to manufacture next-generation trainer jets as it militarizes an island in the South China Sea in response to Chinese buildup in the Spratly Islands. Taiwanese newspaper Liberty Times reported Wednesday that Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology president Chang Guang-chung signed a contract, on behalf of the government to produce 66 advanced jet trainers with the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation. The policy measure is being taken as part of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's initiative to domestically develop the country's fighter aircraft, according to the report. Taiwanese Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan, Mayor of Taoyuan Cheng Wen-tsan, and Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin were in attendance at the signing ceremony. A briefing session on the future aircraft's engine, system parts and auxiliary systems was held for potential contractors. The air force's older F-5 fighters are in service but are to be gradually phased out, while the advanced jet trainer AT-3 Tzu Chung has been in service for more than 30 years. Taiwan plans to replace all trainer jets with the domestic aircraft in 10 years, according to the press report. Taiwan has previously stated the F-5 and AT-3 aircraft will be decommissioned in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The defense ministry is to allocate $2.8 billion until 2020 to develop the advanced trainers, and begin testing the jets until 2026, when 66 units are planned for deployment. Militarization of China-claimed islands in the South China Sea is ongoing, but international interest has waned in Beijing's actions with the recent escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula. http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/04/26/Taiwan-to-begin-production-of-jet-trainer- aircraft/1531493232506/ Back to Top China, Europe pledge closer aviation ties ahead of landmark jet launch A model of China's ARJ21 aircraft is seen at the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Aviation Safety Conference in Shanghai, China, April 27, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer Chinese and European aviation regulators said on Thursday they will forge closer ties over aircraft manufacturing and certification as the global industry turns its eyes to China ahead of the maiden flight of the Chinese-built C919 jet. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are holding a landmark meeting on aviation in Shanghai as China's government pushes for a bigger role in the global aviation market. The first flight in May of the C919 jet, built by Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), will mark a major step for Beijing. The government hopes the jet will compete with Boeing Co and Airbus SE for a slice of global jet sales worth $2 trillion over the next 20 years. A big hurdle, though, is that Europe and the United States have yet to certify a domestically built Chinese passenger plane and do not currently recognize Chinese certification procedures, limiting the countries to which China can sell its planes. "The ever closer ties between the Chinese and European aviation industries have created good conditions and a solid foundation to deepen cooperation on aircraft manufacturing and certification," CAAC administrator Feng Zhenglin said. Another CAAC official said closer ties would "increase the global influence and competitiveness of Chinese aviation". The meeting between CAAC and EASA is the first since the two signed an agreement in 2015 to cooperate more closely on aviation issues in a five-year project. The ties have already yielded some results. EASA said on Wednesday it had started the process of certification for the C919, though no decision had yet been made. China's first domestically made plane, the regional ARJ21 jet, has yet to receive U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or EASA certification, which had raised questions over whether the larger C919 jet would be approved in the West. The Shanghai meeting will see a raft of global aviation firms including COMAC, Airbus, Safran SA, Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC and British Airways, part of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-aviation-china-safety-idUSKBN17T0IO Back to Top China Aims to Reach Airworthiness Pacts With U.S., EU This Year * Bilateral pacts mean China planes face less scrutiny: official * Airworthiness certification to help C919 enter global markets China aims to reach new bilateral agreements on airworthiness with U.S. and European regulators by the end of 2017 to pave the way for its domestically produced aircraft such as the C919 to be flown in those markets. The new accords targeted by China will be more reciprocal than existing ones and see the two foreign authorities granting greater recognition to Chinese certifications, Wang Jingling, deputy director general of plane airworthiness at the Civil Aviation Administration of China, said at a conference in Shanghai Thursday. "Once included, aircraft already certified by the CAAC will face less scrutiny from authorities in the U.S. and EU in getting their certification," Wang said. "That will make it easier for China's homegrown planes to sell in these developed markets." State-backed Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. is set in May to conduct the maiden flight of the nation's first domestically produced large jet, C919, Wang said. The aircraft, whose first flight has been delayed more than a year, is a result of China's ambitious goal to become an advanced manufacturing powerhouse and break into the passenger-jet market dominated by Airbus SE and Boeing Co. -- estimated to surpass $1 trillion in the nation within two decades. The nation is seeking to gain the European Aviation Safety Agency's approval for the C919 as part of negotiations under a China-E.U. air-safety agreement. EASA has been in the process of certifying the C919 since December, and officials have met twice with the CAAC and Comac, Wang said. Regional Aircraft The single-aisle C919 isn't China's first passenger jet. Comac previously developed a smaller regional jet, ARJ21, which competes with aircraft from Bombardier Inc. and Embraer SA. Wang said the CAAC is also in talks with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to approve the ARJ121, and FAA officials have shadowed the Chinese regulator's processes to certify the aircraft. The ARJ21 was about a decade behind schedule, and took six years to go from first flight to commercial operation. "The ARJ21 has provided a lesson for the C919," Comac President He Dongfeng told Bloomberg News at the conference. The C919 will "definitely" go to the market faster, he said. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-27/china-plans-to-seek-european- regulatory-approval-for-c919 Back to Top United Airlines' policy changes include paying bumped passengers up to $10,000 The United Airlines terminal at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. (Joshua Lott / AFP/Getty Images) United Airlines will offer up to $10,000 when a traveler voluntarily gives up a seat on an oversold flight, part of a policy overhaul following the passenger-yanking video seen around the world. The Chicago-based carrier is adopting 10 policy changes in response to the outcry over the April 9 incident, recorded by other passengers, during which aviation police pulled David Dao from his seat after he refused to exit the plane. Dao was one of four fliers selected to give up their seats to make room for airline employees. "Actions speak louder than words," said United Airlines Chief Executive Oscar Munoz, who has apologized repeatedly for the incident after initially describing Dao as being "disruptive and belligerent." "Today, we are taking concrete, meaningful action to make things right," Munoz said in a statement Wednesday. You wouldn't let a little thing like not having a corkscrew stop you from enjoying that bottle of wine you just bought, right? Watch these videos to see what lengths people will go to to open a bottle of wine in a pinch. United Continental, the parent company of United Airlines, already has said it plans to incorporate customer satisfaction levels in its criteria for handing out bonuses to executives instead of basing compensation solely on profits and operational achievements. United Airlines suffers more bad publicity after a passenger is dragged from an overbooked plane A passenger was dragged out of a United Airlines plane due to the airline overbooking the flight, creating yet another PR nightmare for United Airlines. United also said it would: * Limit the use of law enforcement on a plane, except for safety and security reasons. * Stop forcing passengers already seated to give up their seats, except for safety or security reasons. * Come up with creative solutions for finding alternative transportation for passengers who have been denied boarding, such as flying them from nearby airports, putting them on flights of rival airlines or using ground transportation. * Ensure airline crews book a seat at least an hour before departure. * Provide employees with additional annual training. * Create an automated system for soliciting volunteers to change travel plans before they take their seat. * Reduce the amount of overbooking. * Empower employees to resolve customer service issues on the spot. * Cut the red tape that passengers face when reporting lost luggage. None of the policy changes are particularly groundbreaking or even surprising - some had already been promised in recent days. Shortly after the Dao incident, rival Delta Air Lines told its employees that the carrier would pay up to $10,000 to get a passenger to give up a seat voluntarily. In an interview Wednesday, Delta Chief Executive Edward Bastain said his carrier has adopted several policies to avoid such incidents, including giving supervisors the authority to offer a passenger a free iPad to give up a seat on an overbooked flight. "It could never happen at Delta," he said of the Dao incident. Delta several years ago began asking customers during the check-in process how much compensation they would take to give up their seats. The airline then bumps the passengers willing to take the least amount. A report on the passenger-removal fiasco released by United on Wednesday named several "failures" that contributed to the problem, including that United had no clear policy on when to call law enforcement and no policy on how late airline crews can book seats on a flight. The report also revealed that four seats were needed on the flight because an earlier flight carrying four crew members was "experiencing a maintenance issue" and it was unclear if the problem would be fixed. United's biggest challenge, experts have said, will be changing company culture so that employees feel they can do whatever is needed to solve customer service problems as they are happening. The viral videos Videos shot by fellow passengers on the flight show officers from the Chicago Department of Aviation asking Dao to give up his seat. But Dao refuses, saying he needs to get to his home in Elizabethtown, Ky., where he is a physician and was scheduled to see patients the next day. Three officers then pull Dao from his seat and drag him down the aisle. Dao, who was hospitalized after the clash, suffered a concussion and other injuries, according to his attorney Thomas Demetrio. The prominent personal-injury lawyer has made it clear that he is prepared to sue United over the incident. In incident reports obtained by the Los Angeles Times, two of the officers said Dao was responsible for his own injuries by flailing his arms and fighting with the officers, causing him to fall out of their grasp and hit his face on a seat armrest. Demetrio blames the airline and the officers for using "unnecessary force and violence." Four officers involved in the incident have been put on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Chicago Department of Aviation. United shares have recovered Shares for United Continental Holdings, the parent company of the airline, took a hit following the incident, dropping from $71.52 on the day after the incident to $67.55 on April 18. The stock closed Wednesday at $71.33 a share. However, United's reputation has clearly taken a hit. In a survey of nearly 1,300 travelers by the website AirfareWatchdog.com, United ranked as the sixth-most-popular carrier in the country, dropping from fifth in the same poll last year. Only 3% picked United as their favorite in this year's survey, conducted after the Dao incident. George Hobica, founder of the fare comparison site, said some of the proposed changes will help eliminate the need to boot passengers from a flight, particularly the $10,000 compensation limit. But he added that video of the incident has been so widely seen that United's reputation won't rebound soon. "There are some people who will never fly them again," Hobica said. Compensating fliers for not flying Under federal rules, airlines can oversell a flight and have no limit on how much they can offer a passenger to voluntarily give up a seat. Each airline creates its own formula for gauging how many seats to oversell. Only JetBlue Airways says it does not oversell seats. If an airline can't get enough passengers to voluntarily give up their seats, an airline can deny passengers a seat but must offer compensation, based on how much the passengers will be delayed getting to their destinations. If an airline gets a booted passenger on a flight that arrives between one and four hours later than the arrival time of the overbooked flight, federal law says the carrier must pay 200% of the original fare, with a cap of $675. If the airline gets the booted passenger to the final destination later than four hours after the original arrival time, the carrier must pay 400% of the original fare, with a maximum of $1,350. On Dao's flight from Chicago to Louisville, Ky., United's best offer was $800, overnight accommodations and a flight nearly 24 hours later. When no flier agreed to take the offer, United employees picked four seated passengers using a criteria that first targets fliers who pay the lowest fare. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-united-fixes-20170426-story.html Back to Top NASA spacewalking suits in short supply, report finds In this Jan. 6, 2017 photo made available by NASA, astronaut Peggy Whitson performs a spacewalk during Expedition 50 aboard the International Space Station. According to a report released Wednesday, April 26, 2017, NASA is managing a variety of design and health risks associated with the spacewalking suits used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The suits were developed more than 40 years ago and intended for only 15 years' use. (NASA via AP) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - NASA's spacewalking suits are in short supply, and a replacement is still years away despite the nearly $200 million spent on new technology, the space agency's inspector general reported Wednesday. A next-generation suit for spacewalking astronauts is needed for future space travel, including trips to Mars. But a lack of a formal plan and destinations has complicated suit development, according to the report . At the same time, NASA has reduced funding for suit development, putting more priority instead on space habitats. According to the report, NASA is dealing with a variety of design and health risks associated with the spacewalking suits used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The suits were developed more than 40 years ago and intended for 15 years. Of the original backpacks containing life-support equipment, only 11 of the 18 are still in use. That might not be enough to last until the station's retirement in 2024, let alone a possible extension until 2028, the report stated. There have been 3,400 mostly minor problems with spacewalking suits, in ground testing and in orbit, since their development in the 1970s, the report noted. In more than 200 spacewalks, astronauts have encountered 27 "significant incidents" with the suits. The most serious was the near drowning of an Italian astronaut in 2013 when water from his cooling system flooded his helmet. Other problems over the years have included glove damage and burning or stinging eyes. In this Dec. 12, 2006 photo made available by NASA, astronaut Robert L. Curbeam Jr., left, and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang, participate in a spacewalk during construction of the International Space Station. In the background are New Zealand and the Pacific Ocean. According to a report released Wednesday, April 26, 2017, NASA is managing a variety of design and health risks associated with the spacewalking suits used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The suits were developed more than 40 years ago and intended for only 15 years' use. (NASA via AP) As the spacewalking suits age, "NASA must deal with a dwindling number of flight-ready spacesuits and with mitigating risks related to their design and maintenance," the report said. NASA needs a formal plan, especially if it hopes to test a new suit before the space station ends operation in 2024, the report concluded. It also needs to compare the cost of maintaining the current crop of suits with developing new ones. NASA's next spacewalk is set for May 12. Veteran spacewalker, Peggy Whitson, will venture outside with newcomer Jack Fischer. http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/national/nasa-spacewalking-suits-short-supply- report-finds-article-1.3103662 Back to Top 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