Flight Safety Information July 24, 2017 - No. 147 In This Issue Incident: United B763 at Newark on Jul 23rd 2017, rejected takeoff due to cockpit window issue Incident: Austrian A319 near Erfurt on Jul 23rd 2017, loss of cabin pressure Incident: BA Cityflyer E190 near Glasgow on Jul 22nd 2017, cracked windshield Incident: Yakutia B738 near Rostov on Jul 22nd 2017, smoke on board Accident: Thomas Cook B753 at Hurghada on Jul 19th 2017, loud bang followed by smoke on board EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Incident: Condor B763 near Sondrestrom on Jul 20th 2017, smoke in cabin Kenya Airways B737 Ground Damage Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Runway Excursion SFO close call: Air Canada pilot was not using guidance system Aviation experts identify industry's biggest safety challenges Man arrested at Luton Airport for allegedly trying to open aircraft door Airplane damaged after rolling into fence (Nevada) Brake Problem Forces Evacuation (Deplane) Of Plane At Newark Airport Unruly passenger forces United flight's return to Houston Cockpit windshields resilient to typical drone strikes: analysis Bumped from an overbooked flight, this unaccompanied minor was left alone at the gate FAA Overhauls Its Aircraft Certification Ops U.S. fines 3 airlines hundreds of thousands over rules violations Is this $120 Million Supersonic Jet the Future of Commercial Flight? Speed and range could be key for Navy's next fighter jet "Sun Flyer 4" Announced...Spartan College First Flight School to Hold 4-Seat Electric Aircraft Deposit Man flies jet pack down the street at Comic-Con 2017 NEW HFACS WORKSHOP Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection and Investigation Course ISASI 2017, San Diego CA...August 22 - 24. 2017 GRADUATE RESEARCH REQUEST (SURVEY) Incident: United B763 at Newark on Jul 23rd 2017, rejected takeoff due to cockpit window issue A United Boeing 767-300, registration N677UA performing flight UA-61 from Newark,NJ to Honolulu,HI (USA) with 201 people on board, was accelerating for takeoff from Newark's runway 04L when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 140 knots over ground). The aircraft slowed safely, vacated the runway and stopped on an adjacent taxiway for a check and cooling of the hot brakes by emergency services. The crew reported an issue with a cockpit window as cause of the rejected takeoff. The airport reported the passengers disembarked via stairs onto the taxiway and were bussed to the terminal, the aircraft was subsequently towed to the apron. The FAA reported the crew reported an indication of a possible mechanical issue as cause of the rejected takeoff. The airline reported the crew rejected takeoff due to an issue with a flight deck window, a minor technical malfunction. http://avherald.com/h?article=4ac03686&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Austrian A319 near Erfurt on Jul 23rd 2017, loss of cabin pressure An Austrian Airlines Airbus A319-100, registration OE-LDB performing flight OS-378 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Vienna (Austria) with 145 passengers, was enroute at FL350 about 50nm northwest of Erfurt (Germany) when the crew initiated an emergency descent due to the loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft diverted to Erfut for a safe landing on runway 28 about 26 minutes after leaving FL350. A replacement A319-100, registration OE-LDE was dispatched to Erfurt, resumed the flight and is estimated to reach Vienna with a delay of 9.5 hours. According to information The Aviation Herald received the loss of cabin pressure was caused by problems with the engine bleed air system. http://avherald.com/h?article=4ac01f3f&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: BA Cityflyer E190 near Glasgow on Jul 22nd 2017, cracked windshield A BA Cityflyer Embraer ERJ-190, registration G-LCYK performing flight BA-4541 from Glasgow,SC (UK) to Salzburg (Austria), was climbing out of Glasgow when the crew stopped the climb at FL250. About 4 minutes later the aircraft turned around and returned to Glasgow for a safe landing on runway 05 about 30 minutes after turning around. A replacement ERJ-190 registration G-LCYM reached Salzburg with a delay of about 3 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4abf9ccc&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Yakutia B738 near Rostov on Jul 22nd 2017, smoke on board A Yakutia Boeing 737-800, registration VQ-BMP performing flight R3-772 from Simferopol (Ukraine) to Moscow Vnukovo (Russia) with 170 people on board, was enroute at FL380 about 95nm southwest of Rostov on Don (Russia) when the crew decided to divert to Rostov reporting smoke on board. The aircraft performed a rather normal descent and landed safely on Rostov's runway 04 about 28 minutes later. Part of Russian media report the aircraft lost cabin pressure with passenger oxygen masks having been released (not supported by transponder altitude data), the other media report a smoke detector triggered. The Southern Transport Prosecution Office is looking into the cause of the smoke on board. The status of Crimea and Simferopol is disputed. According to international law and United Nations the Crimea belong to the Ukraine although Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. http://avherald.com/h?article=4abf9685&opt=0 Back to Top Accident: Thomas Cook B753 at Hurghada on Jul 19th 2017, loud bang followed by smoke on board prompts evacuation onto runway before departure A Thomas Cook Boeing 757-300, registration G-JMOG performing flight MT-519 (scheduled Jul 18th, actual Jul 19th) from Hurghada (Egypt) to London Gatwick,EN (UK) with 251 passengers and 9 crew, was about to depart from Hurghada when smoke appeared in the cabin prompting the flight crew to initiate an evacuation via slides onto the runway. A number of people received injuries as result of the evacuation. The airline reported all 251 customers and 9 crew aboard MT-519 evacuated the aircraft via slides at 01:35L (23:35Z Jul 18th) onto the runway and were transported back to the terminal. Overnight accomodation was arranged, a replacement aircraft is estimated to depart during the day. Passengers reported there had been smoke in the cabin and a number of injuries as result of the evacuation. The airline told them only a "controlled evacuation" took place in the best interest of all passenges aboard. They were left without further information as to when they would now depart and return home. Airport sources reported smoke emanated from below a passenger's seat prior to departure causing panic amongst the passengers prompting the crew to initiate an emergency evacuation. The stampede resulted in a number of injuries, one passenger reportedly received a serious injury (fracture), others minor injuries (mainly bruises). The cause of the smoke was identified to be a technical malfunction, the aircraft was examined and returned to service. However, the airline decided to dispatch a replacement aircraft. After returning home passengers reported that there had been a loud bang in the aft cabin followed by dense smoke. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Hurghada 93.5 hours after the evacuation. A replacement Condor Boeing 757-300 registration D-ABON is currently taxiing at Frankfurt/Main (Germany) (Jul 19th 15:25L/13:25Z) to depart for Hurghada and resume flight MT-519. http://avherald.com/h?article=4abd5fc2&opt=0 Back to Top Back to Top Incident: Condor B763 near Sondrestrom on Jul 20th 2017, smoke in cabin A Condor Boeing 767-300, registration D-ABUK performing flight DE-2064 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Las Vegas,NV (USA), was enroute at FL330 about 340nm north of Sondrestrom, Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) when the crew decided to divert to Sondrestrom due to smoke in the forward cabin. The aircraft descended to FL280 for the diversion and landed safely in Sondrestrom about one hour after leaving FL330. A replacement Boeing 767-300 registration D-ABUA was dispatched from Frankfurt to Sondrestrom, resumed the flight and delivered the passengers to Las Vegas with a delay of 16 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Sondrestrom about 28 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4abedcbe&opt=0 Back to Top Kenya Airways B737 Ground Damage Date: 24-JUL-2017 Time: Type: Boeing 737-86N (WL) Owner/operator: Kenya Airways Registration: 5Y-KYF C/n / msn: 35637/2803 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKJK) - Kenya Phase: Standing Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKJK) Destination airport: Johannesburg International Airport (JBO) Narrative: A Boeing 737-800 operated by Kenya Airways sustained subtantial damage to the right hand fuselage skin after a ground mishap at Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya. The cabin of a tow truck struck the right hand side of the fuselage, causing a large gash. The incident occurred in the hours of darkness as the aircraft was being prepared for a service (KQ760) to Johannesburg, South Africa. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=196839 Back to Top Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Runway Excursion (Indonesia) Status: Preliminary Date: Saturday 22 July 2017 Type: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Operator: Enggang Air Service Registration: PK-RSD C/n / msn: 208B-2361 First flight: Engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Sinak Airport (NKD) ( Indonesia) Phase: Landing (LDG) Nature: Cargo Departure airport: ? Destination airport: Sinak Airport (NKD/WABS), Indonesia Narrative: A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, PK-RSD, suffered a runway excursion at Sinak Airport, Papua, Indonesia. The aircraft failed to stop on the asphalt runway and overran into a gutter, immediately pas the runway end. The nose landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller blades to strike the ground. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20170722-0 Back to Top SFO close call: Air Canada pilot was not using guidance system, source says A close call: Air Canada's near disaster at SFO SAN FRANCISCO - The wayward Air Canada pilot who nearly landed on a crowded SFO taxiway earlier this month did not activate his computer guidance system that would have helped guide his airplane onto the appropriate runway and not dozens of feet from a catastrophe, according to a source familiar with the federal investigation. Preliminary findings in the joint Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board investigation have determined that the pilot - who flew for his carrier again the next day after his aborted July 7 landing - did not activate his Instrument Landing System during his visual approach, the source said. The Wall Street Journal, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the investigation, also reported Air Canada flight 759 attempted to land manually with no back-up. NTSB: Air Canada close-call at SFO was even worse than first reported In what experts have called a near-disaster, the Airbus 320 passed over two fully loaded airplanes on the taxiway, as close as 51 feet to one, according to flight data information analyzed by this newspaper, before finally climbing to abort the landing and traveling over two more aircraft. The NTSB and FAA have interviewed the Air Canada flight crew and SFO air traffic controllers. With the clear weather that night, retired United Airlines pilot Ross Aimer said that, based on air traffic audio, the Air Canada pilot was approved for a Flight Management System (FMS) visual to Runway 28-Right, which would not require him to use his computer guidance system. That is an angled approach that would require adjusting the guidance equipment if he chose to use it. Aimer said most pilots don't use the guidance equipment under those conditions and that type of approach. NTSB and FAA officials have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, although an NTSB official said investigators have finished their on-site probe at SFO. Aimer has also said that based on radio traffic and sources, only one SFO air traffic controller was working the ground and tower frequencies the night of the close-call. Right before the controller called for Air Canada to "go around," he had been dealing with another facility, investigators have reported. A retired SFO air traffic controller who worked there for 21 years, Mark Nelson, said at that time of day and with that type of weather, there would typically be two air traffic controllers on duty, but it's possible one controller was handling all those duties. "It's a judgment call based on the volume of traffic," Nelson said. "One controller could easily handle that amount of traffic." Nelson also said it would be difficult for the controller to notice anything odd visually with the approach. "There's no way with the naked eye at midnight you can see in the dark if they are lined up on 28- Right or the taxiway," Nelson said. Nelson questioned why the Airport Surface Surveillance Capability system, which monitors runway traffic and incoming jets, didn't alert the tower when the Air Canada airplane was veering so far off course. The system would normally alert the tower through a loudspeaker, he said. Nelson has seen a lot during his air traffic controller career, but when he watched the Bay Area News Group video re-creation of the landing using flight data records and audio, he was shocked. "It was worse than I anticipated," Nelson said. "This one was pretty ugly." Just three days before the near-miss, the Air Canada Pilots Association, which represents this captain, released a statement lambasting the Canadian government's proposed regulations on flight hours for pilots to combat fatigue, pointing to recommendations set by the U.S. space agency, NASA. "The government's failure to recommend well-established science and international best practices that have helped advanced aviation safety across the globe will adversely impact Canadian aviation for years to come," said Capt. Dan Adamus, Canada's representative of the Air Line Pilots Association. "The government has delayed updating fatigue regulations for far too long, and it is entirely unacceptable that most airlines will have up to four years to implement." The Air Canada flight from Toronto to San Francisco was a red-eye that landed in SFO around midnight, or 3 a.m. local time in Toronto. Union spokesman Chris Praught said that because of the ongoing probe, he was limited in his comments, and could not comment on the pilot's status and flight hours. "It is a testament to the expertise and professionalism of the highly trained crew that they were able to ensure that the flight arrived safely at its destination," he said. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/21/sfo-close-call-air-canada-pilot-was-not-using-guidance- instruments-source-says/ Back to Top Aviation experts identify industry's biggest safety challenges ALPA aviation safety forum ALPA aviation safety chair Steve Jangelis, TSB Canada chair Kathy Fox, NTSB acting chairman Robert Sumwalt. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) acting chairman Robert Sumwalt said complacency is the biggest threat to safety the aviation industry. Speaking on a panel at the Air Line Pilots Association International Air Safety Forum July 20, Sumwalt said the issue is on the minds of NTSB investigators while conducting crash probes. "Unanimously, we are well aware of that ... we had several hull losses at my airline [US Airways] over a period of time and the management over the next few years were very aware of all of those things," Sumwalt said. "But as time evolved, the people that were running the company weren't the same people that were there during those bad times. We've had an excellent run of good, safe flights over the last number of years [but] the people leading the airlines ... weren't around back in those dark days. I worry about complacency in the industry overall." Sumwalt's Canadian counterpart, Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada chair Kathy Fox, said the biggest risk facing the industry is "trying to identify what your next biggest risk is." "There are still a lot of issues out there that we think are well known to the industry-unstable approaches that are contingent on landing, runway overruns, runway incursions-a lot more can be done to resolve those issues," Fox said. "It will be a challenge ... your next accident is in your data. The question is how we mine that data and find those risks." In a separate panel on threats to aircraft, ALPA unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) expert Jim Pala, described "the unbelievable growth in hobbyists of UAS" as the major safety threat to the industry. "The internet is just littered with video of people who do not understand the risk that they're subjecting airliners to, and where they'll fly [their UAS]," Pala said. To mitigate the risk, Pala referred to FAA's registration regulation, "and unfortunately that was just overturned in court, so that will have to be corrected at the next [FAA] reauthorization bill." Pala said FAA data on airliner sightings of UAS has tripled this year from 2016. "There's a UAS near-midair collision form on the FAA [Near Mid Air Collision System] website, so when you are flying out there and you do see a UAS please report it because we need the data," Pala urged the audience of pilots. http://atwonline.com/safety/aviation-experts-identify-industry-s-biggest-safety-challenges Back to Top Man arrested at Luton Airport for allegedly trying to open aircraft door The man was arrested at Luton Airport on board a flight from Poland A man has been arrested at Luton Airport after allegedly trying to open an aircraft door during a flight from Poland. Police were called on Saturday night following reports of a disruptive passenger on board a Wizz Air flight. Once the aircraft had landed the man was arrested by officers on suspicion of endangering an aircraft. The suspect was restrained by crew aboard a Wizz Air flight from Poland It is understood he was forcibly restrained by crew on board after allegedly trying to open one of the aircraft doors. A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said the man had initially been taken to hospital with minor injuries before being taken into custody for questioning. The nationality of the man was not disclosed. In a statement a spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: "Officers attended London Luton Airport shortly before 11pm on Saturday to reports of a disruptive passenger who had been restrained by crew on a flight in from Poland. "One man was arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft. He was initially taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries and is currently in custody." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/23/man-arrested-luton-airport-allegedly-trying-open- aircraft-door/ Back to Top Airplane damaged after rolling into fence (Nevada) Airport officials say a plane suffered significant damage after rolling down an embankment and hitting a fence at Henderson Executive Airport. Reports say that a plane was having work done in a maintenance area around 1:30 p.m. Friday, but a mechanic forgot to set the brakes and chock the wheels. That's when the plane began to roll. Officials say a crane will have to remove the plane. Operations at the airport were not impacted by the mishap since it did not take place on a runway. No injuries were reported. http://www.ktnv.com/news/airplane-damaged-after-rolling-into-fence Back to Top Brake Problem Forces Evacuation (Deplane) Of Plane At Newark Airport NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A United Airlines flight was forced to abort takeoff at Newark Liberty International Airport Sunday. The airline said an issue with the plane's brakes forced pilots to safely abort takeoff to Honolulu. The plane reportedly experienced a "hot brakes" condition due to a quick stop. Firefighters were called out to spray water on the brakes. Several of the plane's tires were damaged. Passengers and crew members evacuated (Deplane) the plane using a stairway. An aircraft tug was sent to help remove the plane. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/07/24/newark-plane-evacuated/ Back to Top Unruly passenger forces United flight's return to Houston HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Passengers on United Airlines flight 898 from Houston to New Orleans had their trip delayed after a disruptive person forced the plane to turn around. Julian Markowitz, who was on that plane, told Eyewitness News a woman seated in the back row made a run for the cockpit about 25 minutes into the 45 minute flight. He, along with four other passengers, tackled her. Markowitz said the disruption started with the woman yelling and hitting the wall of the plane. "I hear (her) screaming, 'We are all protected and loved! We are all protected and loved! This plane is going to land beautifully and kindly!'" Markowitz said. Markowitz sat about five rows in front of her. "In an instant, she stands up, bolts to the aisle and started springing towards the cockpit," Markowitz said. "As soon as she started running, I stand up and ask the flight attendant, 'Can I help you with this? Do you need help?' She said go for it, so I gently pushed the flight attendant out of the way and started sprinting after the woman myself." Markowitz said four other men, including a pilot seated as a passenger, did the same thing. "It took five men to hold her down. It wasn't easy. She was in a total psychotic state. She was very aggressive," he said. According to Markowitz, after they had the woman on the plane floor, flight attendants gave them zip-tie handcuffs. They restrained the woman's wrists and ankles and kept her down the rest of the flight. The airline told Eyewitness News the flight returned to Bush Intercontinental Airport at 1:16 Sunday morning, where law enforcement met the plane as it arrived. The disruptive person was taken off the flight, and the crew and passengers were able to continue on to their destination. The airline thanked their customers for their patience, and the crew for their professional actions. Markowitz said there was about 100 passengers on board who stayed calm throughout the chaos. "I sort of smiled to give everyone the sense that everyone is fine, the situation was under control," he said. "She was not of sound mind, but anyone who would have more malicious intent would have been subdued in a similar fashion. That reflects the vigilance that American travelers have in this era." http://abc13.com/news/unruly-passenger-forces-united-flights-return-to-houston/2244104/ Back to Top Cockpit windshields resilient to typical drone strikes: analysis Collision tests to assess the potential damage which a drone could inflict on aircraft indicate that airliner windshields are relatively resistant to a strike. Testing intended to determine the lowest speeds at which critical damage could occur found that cockpit penetration was possible, albeit with a heavier drone, some 4kg, at high closing speeds. Farnborough-based technology firm Qinetiq and collision specialist Natural Impacts carried out the research on behalf of the UK Department for Transport, the Military Aviation Authority and pilots' union BALPA. While the final analysis of the experiments does not give specific details, FlightGlobal understands that the windshield penetration occurred at a substantially higher speed than the 250kt to which aircraft are typically restricted below 10,000ft. The European Aviation Safety Agency, in a similar collision study last October, assumed aircraft would be travelling at a calibrated airspeed of 340kt above 10,000ft. Qinetiq's analysis concluded that airliner windshields "could retain integrity" during impacts with drones at typical later-stage approach and landing speeds, even after sustaining substantial damage. The airliner testing primarily used a cockpit windshield constructed of three glass layers, and the live tests were complemented with the use of computer modelling. Modelling and testing, says the analysis, showed that severe windshield damage "did not occur" at higher altitudes and speeds with drones in the 1.2kg category. But it adds that such damage, including structural failure, "could occur" under these conditions with a 4kg drone. One live high-speed test, using a 3.5kg fixed-wing drone against a simpler windshield comprising only two glass layers, resulted in penetration. The analysis says the construction of a drone, including the exposure of metal parts, is crucial to the severity of an impact. But the analysis also points out that the probability of encountering a heavy drone at high speeds - the combination which can cause critical damage - is "significantly less" than the risk of a collision with a toy device. BALPA claims the testing, despite demonstrating the resilience of aircraft windshields, are a "robust verification" of its concerns over the drone collision threat. The UK government, as it released the analysis, disclosed that it planned to introduce mandatory registration for drones over 250g and revealed plans for a safety-awareness test for owners. BALPA is citing additional results of Qinetiq's testing which assessed the effects of drone impact on smaller aircraft types and, in particular, helicopters. Helicopter tail rotors, and windshields which are not birdstrike-certified, are particularly vulnerable, even below normal cruise speeds, the analysis found. The windshield issue could also apply to general aviation aircraft. Windshields which are birdstrike-certified "could still be critically damaged" at normal cruise speeds, it adds. While the analysis has increased knowledge regarding the severity of an impact, it says, a full examination of the risks involved would require additional work in order to estimate the probability of a collision. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cockpit-windshields-resilient-to-typical-drone-strik- 439581/ Back to Top Bumped from an overbooked flight, this unaccompanied minor was left alone at the gate A easyJet plane at Cologne Bonn Airport, in Cologne, Germany. (Thomas Kraus/DPA via AP) An unaccompanied minor was booted from an overbooked easyJet flight and left alone at a departure gate at Gatwick Airport in London, according to news reports. The 15-year-old boy, who was going to visit relatives in Toulouse, France, was bumped from the flight Thursday when another passenger claimed his seat, according to the Guardian. "It's crazy. They left him alone in departures," his mother, Stephanie Portal, told the newspaper. "Luckily, I had still not got on board my train to London and could come back and find him. If I had not been there I don't know what would have happened - he'd have had no money for the train back or anything." EasyJet apologized Friday, and a spokeswoman for the airline said it is investigating why the child, identified by the airline as Casper Reid, was not given priority when the flight was overbooked. "EasyJet has a procedure to protect unaccompanied minors but unfortunately this was not followed on this occasion and so this will also be investigated," easyJet said in a statement to The Washington Post. "As his mother was at the airport one of our managers went to meet her whilst we arranged for him to be transferred landside to meet up with her," it said. EasyJet, a budget airline in Britain, states on its website that children younger than 14 must travel with an adult, though 14- and 15-year-olds can travel on their own. [Family says they were booted from a flight after their toddler kicked a passenger's seat] The teen, from Worthing, West Sussex, was put on another flight later that evening and arrived in Toulouse after midnight, according to the Guardian, which, along with several other news outlets, spelled his last name "Read." "That is really not what we would want. It's just not our way," easyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall said of the incident, according to the newspaper. She added, however, that easyJet does not have an issue with overbooking flights, saying: "We don't see an overbooking issue. We don't tend to overbook in peak periods." https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/07/21/bumped-from-an-overbooked- flight-this-unaccompanied-minor-was-left-alone-at-the-gate/?utm_term=.792b4094dfb6 Back to Top FAA Overhauls Its Aircraft Certification Ops The U.S. FAA is implementing wholesale changes in its approval of civil aircraft and aviation products through a complete reorganization of its Aircraft Certification Service. Aircraft Certification Service leaders have spent more than a year working on the reorganization, which they said is aimed at eliminating inefficiencies that jeopardize the ongoing success of a U.S. aviation industry operating at a quickening pace. "The aviation system is rapidly changing, placing greater demands on its participants," the FAA says in its blueprint for what it calls transformation of the Aircraft Certification Service. "It is more complex, more interconnected, and more reliant on new technologies. The aircraft certification system in use today will not sustain the level of success achieved to date." At stake with the service's current inefficiencies is the safety record of the American aviation system, which is at or near its best levels in the last two decades, the FAA says. "Also at stake is the ability of organizations in the aerospace industry to continue to reach new global markets, without unnecessary delays, costs, or variations in service," the blueprint reads. "Such inefficiencies discourage innovation and jeopardize the development of future products that could further improve aviation safety. " Effective July 23, the agency is adopting a functional alignment of that service's activities. A significant result of that alignment is that the FAA's Transport, Small Airplane, Engine and Propeller and Rotorcraft directorates - which oversaw certification and manufacturing of aircraft and products in those categories - go away. The FAA says the benefits of a functionally aligned organization will be improved consistency and standardization of certification, standards, and system oversight and greater promotion of innovation through early engagement of applicants and industry "to understand new concepts and ensure a viable path to compliance." Other benefits, it says, will include shifting from "transactional compliance activities to system oversight and early involvement in standards development" and streamlining certification by "early industry engagement and risk-based monitoring to eliminate unnecessary FAA involvement in the 'critical path' during certification." The agency's changes also will allow it to better determine efficacy of industry and FAA efforts to improve the time required to bring products to market and to be more agile in adapting to "challenges of the dynamic global aviation industry." Taking the place of the directorates will be the new Compliance & Airworthiness Division (bearing the organizational designator AIR-700). That division will be headed by Lance Gant, formerly the manager of the Rotorcraft Directorate. However, that division will not inherit the former directorates' manufacturing oversight responsibilities, which will fall under the new System Oversight Division (AIR-800) headed by Jeff Duven. Duven formerly was manager of the Transport Airplane Directorate. As head of compliance and airworthiness, Gant will oversee all of the FAA's Aircraft Certification and Delegation Systems Certification offices. He also will be in charge of the issuance of "all design approvals for both domestic and foreign manufacturers, as well as production and airworthiness certificates." Gant's division also will be in charge of executing FAA processes covering Continued Operational Safety (or the assurance of effective manufacturer support of products after they have gone into service). The division, too, will provide support for flight test activities. Duven's System Oversight Division will oversee the FAA's Manufacturing Inspection District and Manufacturing Inspection offices, as well as the Boeing Aviation Safety Oversight Office. The Boeing office oversees employees of that manufacturer who have been appointed by the FAA as inspectors and audits the company's internal inspection program. Duven's division will also be in charge of all FAA approvals, certificates and bilateral partners, in addition to designee and delegation programs. Part of the FAA's Office of Aviation Safety, the Aircraft Certification Service employs more than 1,300 engineers, scientists, inspectors, test pilots and other experts. The service will continue by its current director, Dorenda Baker, who will become its executive director. http://www.rotorandwing.com/2017/07/21/faa-overhauls-aircraft-certification-ops/ Back to Top U.S. fines 3 airlines hundreds of thousands over rules violations Three U.S. airlines - including the two busiest carriers at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport - have agreed to each pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines to resolve government claims that they violated rules aimed at protecting consumers, CNBC reports. The U.S. Transportation Department said on Friday it fined Frontier Airlines $400,000 for violating oversales and disability rules; American Airlines (Nasdaq: AAL) $250,000 for failing to make timely refunds to passengers; and Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) $200,000 for filing inaccurate baggage reports. Frontier Airlines is one of three airlines fined by the U.S. Transportation Department for violating rules aimed at protecting consumers. Delta failed to properly report all baggage claims from 2012 through 2015 and told the Transportation Department that if it had reported all claims it would have fallen from fourth to fifth in rankings among carriers for fewest baggage claims in 2012 and 2013. Delta said in a statement it was notified last year that its damaged bag policy was not compliant with the departments published guidelines and it immediately updated its policy. Frontier and American Airlines did not immediately comment. Frontier "failed to seek volunteers before bumping passengers involuntarily, failed to provide bumped passengers the required written notice describing their rights, and failed to provide proper compensation to passengers in a timely manner" the Transportation Department said. Airline bumping practices have drawn additional scrutiny following video a passenger being dragged off a United Airlines flight in April. This and other airline incidents caught on mobile phone videos have been widely broadcast on social media, prompting congressional hearings with airline executives that raised questions about customer service and airline cost-cutting. Southwest Airlines said in April it would end overbooking, while United announced policy changes, including boosting compensation for overbooked passengers to up to $10,000 and ending the practice of removing boarded passengers to make room for crew. Legislation unveiled in Congress in June would make it illegal for an airline to bump an already boarded passenger from a flight. It would also require the Transportation Department to clarify regulations for compensating passengers, including that there is no maximum compensation. Earlier this month, Frontier announced it will launch service to six, new, mostly warm-weather destinations beginning this fall in a massive expansion of its offerings from CVG. With the new routes, Frontier will operate nonstop flights to 22 cities from CVG, the second-largest airline at CVG in terms of the number of direct flights it offers. Delta remains No. 1 in that category, offering service to 35 nonstop destinations, according to CVG's website. Allegiant, one of Frontier's ultra-low-cost competitors, offers 19 nonstop destinations. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2017/07/23/u-s-fines-3-airlines-hundreds-of- thousands-over.html Back to Top Is this $120 Million Supersonic Jet the Future of Commercial Flight? What if you could fly from Hong Kong to Los Angeles in just four hours? On board the Cygnus M3, you'd be able to do just that. Created by UK-based innovator Tom Johnson (who was inspired by military bombers from the 1950s and '60s), the supersonic aircraft concept has a top speed of Mach 3-or 2,000 mph-and features a sleek, svelte structure with variable-geometry wings, which can sweep back and forth while airborne. "The swing-wing design permits slower, safer, and quieter take-off and landing, and would also allow the jet to cruise more economically at subsonic speeds when over land, where commercial supersonic flight is currently illegal," he says. Rather than focusing on reducing the sonic boom generated by short-range, low-supersonic vessels as many similar concepts aim to do, Johnson strived to conceptualize "a faster, longer-range aircraft that would enable an over-water route business case to be built, even if over-land supersonic flight were still prohibited." The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is the only active aircraft in the U.S. Air Force with a swing-wing. The end result is a 135-foot-long, 25-ton jet powered by two mixed-cycle turbofan engines, able to accommodate up to 32 passengers and four crew members. Johnson estimates that the plane- which could travel up to 6,710 miles fully loaded-would require an estimated $120 million to construct, and tickets for the commercial airliner would cost roughly $3,300 per head for a round- trip flight, depending on fuel prices. The Cygnus M3 could theoretically be built with existing know-how, but it would take at least a decade to produce a viable prototype, Johnson admits. "The main engineering challenges of this design would be finding and developing an appropriate power plant-though there are two suitable engines already in existence that could serve as the base-and dealing with the heat generated at during mach 2.8 cruise," he says. Then there are the legal roadblocks. "While all the technologies required do exist and have been flown, some will still be covered by patents and military export restrictions, which will need to be overcome," he notes. More pressing, however, is the issue of safety. "Even if well-funded, this is still a modern commercial craft that cannot be rushed into production and flight like many military aircraft in the past-some of which, like the SR-71, were quite dangerous to fly." A vast amount of redundancy must be designed in, he asserts, combined with a lengthy test program. The Cygnus M3 might be years from becoming a reality, but supersonic flight is well on its way to making a comeback. At the Paris Air Show last month, startup aerospace company Boom Technology announced that five airlines-among them, Virgin-have placed orders for a supersonic commercial craft it is currently developing. The $200 million passenger jet, which is slated to arrive by 2023, will boast a top speed of Mach 2.2, or 1,451 mph (more than two-and-a-half times faster than any other commercial plane), allowing travelers to fly from New York to London in a little over three hours. The airliner is still in its concept phase; however, the XB-1-a smaller version of the Boom commercial plane, touted as "the first independently developed supersonic jet and history's fastest civil aircraft"-is slated to take to the skies next year. Boom Technology A one-third scale version of the Boom passenger jet, the XB-1 will take off in 2018. "Long flights are a barrier to travel. We're removing that barrier, turning eight-hour redeyes into three- to four-hour daytime flights. Excruciating 16-hour journeys become easy overnights," Boom states on its website. "When you can get there in half the time, where will you go?" https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristintablang/2017/07/21/tom-johnson-cygnus-m3-boom- technology-supersonic-travel/#5d42695b50bc Back to Top Speed and range could be key for Navy's next fighter jet Boeing concept art for a Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet. (Boeing) WASHINGTON - The Navy is knee deep in an analysis on how best to replace its Super Hornet and Growler aircraft. Though much work is still left to be done, the resulting platform could look a lot different than both those jets, with a much higher priority on range and speed. The service kicked off its "Next Generation Air Dominance" analysis of alternatives in January 2016 to study potential replacements for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler. (Confusingly, the Air Force has used the NGAD term to describe its own analysis of alternatives for an F-22 follow-on aircraft, but the services' efforts are not connected and there are no plans to pursue a joint fighter). Now, after about a year and a half, the Navy team feels they have a complete understanding of what capabilities the future carrier strike group needs to have and, importantly, what threats it will face, Capt. Richard Brophy, who is working the AoA effort as part of the service's air warfare division, said during a panel at the Office of Naval Research's science and technology expo. "The tradespace is completely wide open as we look at what is going to replace those airplanes," he said, adding that the "family of systems" that replace the Super Hornet and Growler could include a fighter jet, but perhaps also include shipboard systems or multiple aircraft working together. Although the study is not slated to wrap up until at least April, Brophy offered his thoughts on some key capabilities for NGAD. For one, it could be unmanned or optionally manned, as was the hope of former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. "It is not lost on us that A.I. [artificial intelligence], unmanned, it's coming and it's out there, and we need to be able to incorporate that into what we're looking at out there," Brophy said. One key attribute that NGAD will likely incorporate is a longer range - something Brophy says is a significant limitation for the current carrier air wing. "I tend to think of it not only as range, but as reach. Not only how far my airplane flies, but how far do my weapons go on top of that," he said. "Reach also gets into propulsion, and when we look at propulsion, I'm looking for efficiency. The longer I can fly without having to go get gas, the better." Another critical capability is a throwback to the F-14 Tomcat-era of flight operations: the need for high speed. Brophy said the Navy, which has historically been more skeptical of stealth than the Air Force, will likely incorporate some low observable capabilities into its future NGAD capability. But it is still undetermined as to whether it becomes as high of a priority as it was for the F-35 joint strike fighter. "We certainly need survivability. Stealth is just one piece of the survivability equation," he said. "I kind of look at stealth as sort of like chaff and flares. It's not going to defeat [the enemy] every time, but it will help. Stealth is part of what any future design - if you look at any country, they're going that way. So, yes it would probably be part of it." Bill Nickerson, a program officer for ONR's division of aerospace sciences, added that the office is investing in stealth as well as other technologies that would improve survivability, such as ultra- lightweight armor and counter-directed energy capabilities. As the AoA progresses, the Navy will look at multiple options to replace the Super Hornet and Growler. The first option - to do nothing - will likely be quickly ruled out because the service will need capacity as those aircraft begin retiring in the mid 2030s, Brophy said. The team will also consider whether Navy can meet the threats it encounters in the 2040 timeframe with simply by buying more Super Hornets, Growlers and F-35Cs, or whether it could upgrade versions of those platforms could accomplish those missions. Finally, the Navy will look a starting a new program that includes some "transformational capabilities." However, Brophy acknowledged that the service will need to keep cost low enough to buy a high volume of air vehicles. "Numbers matter. We've got to be able to have enough aircraft out there," he said. http://www.defensenews.com/2017/07/21/speed-and-range-could-be-key-for-navys-next-fighter- jet/ Back to Top "Sun Flyer 4" Announced Spartan College First Flight School to Hold 4-Seat Electric Aircraft Deposit EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH - July 23, 2017 - Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. (AEAC) today announced plans for a four-place airplane, "Sun Flyer 4," the next addition to the Sun Flyer family of aircraft. In addition, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is the first flight school to hold a deposit for a Sun Flyer 4. The two-seat Sun Flyer, "Sun Flyer 2," will be the first FAA-certified all-electric trainer aircraft under FAR Part-23. The new four-seat will closely follow the certification of the two-seat version. Features of the Sun Flyer 4 include a 46-inch cabin width, 38-foot wing span, ballistic parachute recovery system and a gross weight of 2,700 lbs., with a full 800 lbs. of payload for pilot and passengers. "Like Sun Flyer 2, Sun Flyer 4 will run completely on batteries," said George Bye, CEO. "As a result, the four-seat airplane will have operating costs five times lower than costs associated with similar combustion-engine aircraft. With four hours of flying time, the versatile Sun Flyer 4 will appeal to both flight schools and pilot-owners." Spartan College, which holds 25 deposits for production Sun Flyer 2s, is the first flight school to hold a deposit for a Sun Flyer 4. Spartan will develop a complete training system for the Sun Flyer family of aircraft, including a course syllabus for airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians to receive specialized electric maintenance training. "Providing our students the opportunity to train on a variety of airplane models is paramount to a diversified flight education. The addition of the four-seat airplane will enable us to take multiple students on cross-country flights during their training on these groundbreaking aircraft," said Dr. Dan Peterson, President and CEO of Spartan College. Sun Flyer is intended to be the first FAA-certified, U.S.-sponsored, practical, all-electric airplane to serve the flight training and general aviation markets. It features a low operating cost, low aircraft unit cost, low noise and the elimination of exhaust pollutants. Electric energy, or "fuel," cost for Sun Flyer is multiples lower compared to the per-hour cost for piston-engine leaded avgas. The prototype Sun Flyer 2 is on static display in Booth #19, (near the entrance) at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. About Aero Electric aircraft corp. AEAC is developing the Sun Flyer family of aircraft, the first FAA-certified U.S.-sponsored, practical, all-electric airplanes serving general aviation and the aviation flight training market. For more information, go to www.SunFlyer.com. About Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Spartan Education Group, LLC owns colleges that provide top-tier training in aerospace. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has two campuses in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, two in the Los Angeles, California area, and a campus in the Denver, Colorado area. Over the last 85 years, they have trained over 130,000 students from more than 60 countries making it the most significant aviation training organization in history. Spartan Education Group and its schools are backed by Sterling Partners, a growth-oriented private equity firm with substantial holdings in education. More information can be found at www.Spartan.edu. -###- Diane Simard Bye Aerospace, 2017 "Colorado Company to Watch" Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. Sr. Vice President | Director | Media Relations Inaugural National Top 100 Business Women to Watch, BizWomen.com 2016 Outstanding Woman in Business - Technology & Telecom, Denver Business Journal DSimard@ByeAerospace.com Direct: (303) 817-7676 Visit the Sun Flyer prototype at Booth #19 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 Back to Top Man flies jet pack down the street at Comic-Con 2017 Richard Browning, founder of Gravity Industries, flies around in his eco-suit, that flies just like Marvel's Ironman, at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG) No, he's not Marvel's Iron Man, but he flies like him. Thanks to technology and the aid of six small jet engines, Richard Browning, inventor and founder of Gravity Industries, once again showed off his newest invention, a suit that lets him fly without wings. "I love new challenges, even when people around you say it can't be done," he said. Richard Browning shows off his Ironman flying suit at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con SCNG Browning flew his suit along a street at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, hovering up to 10 feet above the ground, flying forward, backwards, and spinning circles before an appreciative audience and a few cameras. "I'm a big believer in human potential, so if you marry the right technology, I wondered what might be possible in the realm of human flight," Browning said. There are two jet engines attached to each of his arms, and a pair on his back - all powered by jet fuel, also carried on a tank on his back. Richard Browning, founder of Gravity Industries, looks like some kind of spaceman in his suit that allows him to fly like Marvel's Ironman at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG) He uses his arms to control direction, and his hands are on the controls of the amount of thrust provided by the engines. http://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/21/man-flies-jet-pack-down-the-street-at-comic-con-2017/ Back to Top Back to Top Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection and Investigation A course by N. Albert Moussa, PhD, PE 15 -17 August 2017 BlazeTech Corporation 29 B Montvale Ave, Woburn MA 01801 USA. While commercial air transport is very safe, the advent of new technologies poses fire safety challenges that will be treated in this course. This offering from BlazeTech drawing upon Dr. Moussa's work in this area since 1971 as well as related courses that BlazeTech has been teaching since 1998. Lectures will include Li-ion battery fires in Personal Digital Equipment/laptops and how to handle them in cabin and cargo, hidden fires, flammability of carbon fiber and glass fiber composites, engine fires, fuel tank fire/explosion, fire detection, extinguishment methods, and fire/explosion pattern recognition in aircraft accident investigations. For each type of fire, the course will provide a cohesive integrated presentation of fundamentals, small- and large-scale testing, computer modeling, standards and specifications and real accident investigation as outlined in the course brochure. This integrated approach will enable you to address safety issues related to current and new systems and circumstances, to forewarn about accidents before they happen, even to prevent them and to investigate fires and explosions. The course will benefit professionals who are responsible for commercial and military aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles and concerned with areas such as design, equipment selection, testing, operation, maintenance, safety management systems, risk analysis and accident investigation. View Brochure for course content and registration form View some of the technical references discussed in this course View testimonials from previous attendees View companies that have attended this course Join mailing list for future announcements. Regards, Albert Moussa, Ph.D., P.E. BlazeTech Corporation 29 B Montvale Ave. Woburn, MA 01801-7021 781-759-0700 x200 781-759-0703 fax amoussa@blazetech.com www.blazetech.com LinkedIn Back to Top ISASI 2017, San Diego CA August 22 - 24. 2017 The International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) will hold their 48th annual seminar at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina from August 22 - 24, 2017. This year's theme is: "Investigations - Do They Really Make a Difference?" All up to date information including the link for registration and hotel reservations can be found at www.isasi.org. Dates to Remember Early Registration rate cut off is midnight July 5, 2017 PDT Seminar rate at the hotel will end on July 27. After that date there will be no guarantee that rooms will be available. We look forward to seeing many of you in San Diego Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH REQUEST (SURVEY) Pavement Management Research Request Hello, my name is Mary Popko and I am a student as San Diego State University currently working towards a B.S. in Statistics. I would like to request your participation in my survey regarding pavement management through the use of advanced technology. The survey is less than ten questions long. Thank you so much for your assistance. Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WJ8T9M6 Mary Popko San Diego State University Department of Mathematics and Statistics Curt Lewis