Flight Safety Information August 17, 2017 - No. 165 In This Issue Incident: Shaheen A319 at Lahore on Aug 16th 2017, cabin did not pressurize Incident: Wasaya DH8A near Thunder Bay on Aug 9th 2017, whistling cockpit, leaking hydraulics Incident: France B772 near Halifax on Aug 10th 2017, severe turbulence believed to be wake from a B747 Fuerza Aérea Hondureña Let L-410UVP-E3 fatal accident Airbus A320-214 Bird Strike (Turkey) Sikorsky UH-60 Black...Accident (Hawaii) ATSB releases satellite imagery analysis in the search for MH370 Objects spotted near suspected MH370 crash site - Australia Passengers sue Boeing in Cook County court over worst crash in Emirates history FAA looking into near-collision of drone, chopper American Airlines to begin nonstop flights from PHL to Budapest and Prague FAAN conducts mock air crash, rescue operations at Abuja airport India's civil aviation regulator makes 1-year notice period mandatory for senior pilots Pilots, check your bearings: Boeing Field catches up with Earth's magnetic field The shape of booms to come: The physics behind NASA's "quiet" supersonic jet design This is the Pentagon's not-so-secret civilian 'ghost' aircraft fleet Aircraft manufacturer says company ready to produce at least 30 MC-21 planes annually US Air Force Prepping Mysterious X-37B Space Plane for September Launch NTSB Course - Managing Communications Following an Aircraft Accident or Incident NTSB Meeting: Mid-Point MWL Progress Report Workshop NTSB Accident Site Photography Course ERAU Aviation Workshops ERAU - 'Aircraft Crash Survival Investigation and Analysis course' Cranfield - Develop your career in safety and accident investigation "Angle of Attack" - NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER CHC Safety 7 Quality Summit - 2017 (September 27-29; Grapevine, TX) Incident: Shaheen A319 at Lahore on Aug 16th 2017, cabin did not pressurize A Shaheen Airbus A319-100, registration AP-BNJ performing flight NL-766 from Lahore (Pakistan) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), was climbing out of Lahore when the crew stopped the climb at FL110 due to problems with the cabin pressurization. The aircraft returned to Lahore for a safe landing about 35 minutes after departure. A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration AP-BMC reached Dubai with a delay of 3.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground for about 9 hours, then returned to service. http://avherald.com/h?article=4ad11f1e&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Wasaya DH8A near Thunder Bay on Aug 9th 2017, whistling cockpit, leaking hydraulics A Wasaya Airways de Havilland Dash 8-100, registration C-GJSV performing flight WSG-712 from Thunder Bay,ON to Sioux Lookout,ON (Canada) with 17 people on board, had just reached cruise altitude 16,000 feet when a whistling noise started in the cockpit, which persisted between 6 and 8 minutes. After the noise subsided the crew received a "2 Hyd Iso Valve" caution light and indication of the #2 hydraulic system losing fluid. While the crew performed the associated checklists, the crew also received indication of the #1 hydraulic system fluid being hot. The crew consulted with maintenance and subsequently decided to return to Thunder Bay. The crew declared PAN, carried out the cabin preparation checklist with the flight attendants and made an announcement to the passengers. The final steps of the #2 hydraulic failure checklist were carried out including manually extending the landing gear. The aircraft landed safely back in Thunder Bay about 65 minutes after departure. The Canadian TSB reported maintenance replaced the pressure line to the landing gear selector. Other affected components and filters were replaced and serviced. The hydraulic systems tested serviceable. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/WSG712/history/20170809/1130Z/CYQT/CYXL http://avherald.com/h?article=4ad11b63&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: France B772 near Halifax on Aug 10th 2017, severe turbulence believed to be wake from a B744 An Air France Boeing 777-200, registration F-GSPK performing flight AF-333 from Boston,MA (USA) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (France), was enroute at FL350 about 50nm southwest of Halifax,NS (Canada), the flight crew requested a climb to FL360. A KLM Boeing 747-400, registration PH-BFC performing flight KL-24 from Houston Intercontinental,TX (USA) to Amsterdam (Netherlands), was enroute at FL370 on the same airway about 10nm ahead of the Air France Boeing 777. The Boeing 777-200 was cleared to climb to FL360, however reported severe turbulence after reaching FL360. The Canadian TSB reported at that point the Boeing 777-200 was 12nm behind the KLM 747. The severe turbulence is believed to have been wake turbulence from the 747. The B772 climbed further to FL370. Both aircraft continued to their destinations without further incidents. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AFR333/history/20170810/2320Z/KBOS/LFPG http://avherald.com/h?article=4ad11891&opt=0 Back to Top Fuerza Aérea Hondureña Let L-410UVP-E3 fatal accident Status: Preliminary Date: Wednesday 16 August 2017 Type: Let L-410UVP-E3 Operator: Fuerza Aérea Hondureña Registration: FAH-322 C/n / msn: 871827 First flight: 1987 Crew: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 3 Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 Total: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 3 Airplane damage: Damaged beyond repair Location: Comayagua-Palmerola Air Base (XPL) ( Honduras) Phase: Unknown (UNK) Nature: Military Departure airport: Comayagua-Palmerola Air Base (XPL/MHCG), Honduras Destination airport: Comayagua-Palmerola Air Base (XPL/MHCG), Honduras Narrative: A Let L-410UVP-E3 aircraft, operated by the Honduras Air Force, was destroyed when it impacted a building at the Comayagua-Palmerola Air Base, Honduras. The aircraft operated on a training flight with three crew members on board. The captain sustained fatal injuries, the other two were critically wounded. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20170816-0 Back to Top Airbus A320-214 Bird Strike (Turkey) Date: 16-AUG-2017 Time: ca 17:00 UTC Type: Airbus A320-214 (WL) Owner/operator: Pegasus Airlines Registration: TC-DCB C/n / msn: 5902 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Minor Location: near Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU/LTCB) - Turkey Phase: Approach Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW/LTFJ) Destination airport: Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU/LTCB) Narrative: Pegasus Airlines flight PC2862, an Airbus A320, suffered a bird strike while on approach to Ordu-Giresun Airport, Turkey. The nose radome sustained a dent. The aircraft landed uneventfully on runway 28 at 17:04 UTC. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=198431 Back to Top Sikorsky UH-60 Black Accident (Hawaii) Date: 15-AUG-2017 Time: ~21:30LT Type: Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Owner/operator: US Army Registration: C/n / msn: Fatalities: Fatalities: / Occupants: 5 Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: 2 miles W of Kaena Point, Oahu, HI - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Military Departure airport: Wheeler Army Airfield Destination airport: Narrative: The Black Hawk went missing between Kaena Point and Oahu's Dillingham. A spokesman for the 25th Infantry Division, said two helicopters were taking part in a nighttime training mission and, at 9:30 p.m, the second helicopter lost visual and radio contact with the first one. The missing helicopter crashed at sea, c2mi offshore. Coast Guard Hercules and Army Black Hawk aircrews spotted debris near Kaena Point, Oahu at 11:28 p.m. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=198407 Back to Top ATSB releases satellite imagery analysis in the search for MH370 The ATSB has released two reports which analyse data gathered during the surface search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), released two reports, prepared by Geoscience Australia and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), that provide analysis and findings relating to satellite imagery taken on 23 March 2014, two weeks after the disappearance of MH370, over the southern Indian Ocean. The satellite imagery was acquired through the assistance of French authorities. The images were captured by satellite two weeks after the aircraft went missing on 8 March 2014. The area covered by the imagery was not one that was searched from the air at that time, but is close to the underwater search area. Experts from Geoscience Australia examined four images to determine whether they contained objects that were potentially man-made in origin. Given the proximity to the defined underwater search area, the CSIRO conducted a drift study to determine the geographic origin of the objects identified in the satellite images to provide an indication of where they were likely to have been on 8 March 2014. The drift study found that the projected location on 8 March of the objects identified in most of the satellite images was consistent with the area identified by experts during the MH370 First Principles Review in November 2016. While the objects have not been definitely identified as MH370 debris, the study may be useful in informing any further search effort that may be mounted in the future. More information: * Geoscience satellite imagery report (PDF) * CSIRO drift report (PDF) https://news.aviation-safety.net/2017/08/16/atsb-releases-satellite-imagery-analysis- search-mh370/ Back to Top Objects spotted near suspected MH370 crash site - Australia Several "probably man-made" objects were floating near the suspected crash site of MH370 just weeks after it vanished, Australian researchers revealed Wednesday, more than six months after the hunt for the doomed jet was called off. A massive underwater search for the Malaysia Airlines plane, which disappeared in March 2014 with 239 people on board, ended in January after no trace of the aircraft was found in a 120,000 square kilometre (46,000 square mile) zone in the remote southern Indian Ocean off Australia's west coast. But expert research in April and December suggested that MH370 was most likely lying north of that zone, identifying an area of approximately 25,000 square kilometres with the highest probability of containing the wreckage. On Wednesday, two new studies said photos taken by French military satellites two weeks after the plane's disappearance, but not released to the public, showed at least 70 identifiable objects floating close to the so-called "northern area". Released by Australia's national science body CSIRO and Geoscience Australia, the reports said 12 of the objects were "probably man made". The CSIRO used drift analysis to study where the objects may have been on the day the aircraft went missing, and found their projected location to be consistent with the northern area identified in the earlier reports. But the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which led the search mission, cautioned about drawing conclusions about the source of the objects. "The image resolution is not high enough to be certain whether the objects originated from MH370 or are other objects that might be found floating in oceans around the world," ATSB's chief commissioner Greg Hood said. "Clearly we must be cautious. These objects have not been definitely identified as MH370 debris." Transport Minister Darren Chester welcomed the new reports but added: "It is important to note that it does not provide new evidence leading to a specific location of MH370." He added that Malaysia remains the lead investigator, and any future requests in relation to searching for MH370 would need to be considered by Australia at that time. Ocean Infinity, a US seabed exploration firm, said in early August it could resume the hunt, with relatives of passengers aboard the missing flight calling on Malaysia to accept the offer. Only three fragments of MH370 have been found on western Indian Ocean shores, including a two-metre wing part known as a flaperon. https://www.yahoo.com/news/objects-spotted-near-suspected-mh370-crash-australia- 090326519.html Back to Top Passengers sue Boeing in Cook County court over worst crash in Emirates history Plane crash-landing at Dubai airport An Emirates Boeing passenger jet lies on the ground at Dubai International Airport after being gutted by a fire following a crash-landing Aug. 3, 2016. (EPA) More than a dozen passengers aboard an Emirates airline flight that crashed in August 2016 sued plane-maker Boeing on Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court, blaming an allegedly defective switch. The Boeing 777-300 flight was headed to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from India. All 300 people aboard Emirates Flight EK 521 survived the crash-landing in Dubai, scrambling down emergency slides before flames consumed the plane, but one firefighter was killed battling the blaze. It was the worst crash in the airline's history. The lawsuit alleges, among other problems, that the aircraft's system prevented the operation of a switch at a critical moment and that the plane didn't provide any warning to the crew that the switch wasn't working. The plaintiffs, who are residents of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the UAE and Turkey, suffered serious physical and psychological injuries that will result in future medical bills and lost earnings, the lawsuit says. A Boeing spokesperson declined to comment, noting the litigation is pending. UAE investigators will look at the actions of the flight crew after no problems were found with the aircraft's systems or engines, according to an Aug. 6 interim report from the the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority. A probe into the Aug. 3, 2016, crash showed no abnormalities in Boeing's 777-300's systems after testing by the manufacturer and downloaded data analysis, according to UAE aviation officials. Next Air Force One planes will be two Boeing jets abandoned by Russian airline, report says "The investigation is working to determine and analyze the human performance factors that influenced flight crew actions during the landing," according to a report on the authority's website. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-boeing-emirates-crash-lawsuit-0817-biz- 20170816-story.html Back to Top FAA looking into near-collision of drone, chopper CLOSE CALL: This state police helicopter narrowly avoided colliding with a drone yesterday morning, that was flying in restricted airspace and an illegal altitude, according to officials. Large drone comes within 100 feet of police helicopter, say State Police The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a state police helicopter narrowly avoided a potentially "catastrophic and fatal" collision with a drone that was flying at an illegal altitude and in a restricted area, authorities said. The hair-raising near-miss occurred shortly after 11 a.m. yesterday while state police helicopter Air 2 was on a training flight from the Holliston area en route to Newburyport, state police spokesman David Procopio said. "The pilot and TFO (tactical flight officer) estimated it to be at 100 feet to their direct front," Maj. Rich Prior of the Division of Homeland Security told reporters at a press conference at the airport. "It flew across the front of the windshield of the helicopter. They thought it was a bird initially until they came right up on it." The drone was about 2 to 3 feet wide and probably weighed 2 to 4 pounds - big enough and, at only 100 feet away, close enough to cause a devastating crash, Prior said. "The helicopter was traveling at 120 mph, and you could imagine driving at 120 mph with just a thin sheet of glass to your direct front," he said. "Had the drone flown into the helicopter, especially through the windshield, it would have been a catastrophic and fatal accident for the aircrew." The operator of the drone likely spotted the helicopter, Prior said, because the unmanned aircraft suddenly dropped out of sight, but not before the helicopter pilot was "forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision." After banking hard left, the crew turned around to search for the drone's pilot, and cruisers also responded to the area, Procopio said, but no one was found. Because airplanes are much less maneuverable than helicopters, Prior said, the drone also could have flown into the engine of a jet near the airport. It is illegal for private drones to fly within five miles of an airport or at an altitude greater than 400 feet, Procopio said, and those heavier than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA. Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including jail time, according to the FAA. "We're asking people just to please be conscientious of where you're flying drones, be aware of the rules and the regulations, and if any member of the public knows who was manning that drone today they are to call Massachusetts State Police headquarters in Danvers with any information," Prior said. Reports of unmanned aircraft sightings from pilots, citizens and law enforcement have increased dramatically over the past two years, according to the FAA, which now receives more than 100 such reports each month. According to FAA data, there were 41 reports last year in Massachusetts. http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2017/08/ Back to Top American Airlines to begin nonstop flights from PHL to Budapest and Prague and restore a daily nonstop flight to Zurich American Airlines in Philadelphia, where the carrier announced new flights to Budapest and Prague starting in May. American Airlines will begin nonstop flights to Budapest and to Prague in May from Philadelphia. American will also bring back a daily nonstop flight to Zurich, Switzerland, which had ended last year. The service to three European cities was seen as affirming American's commitment to Philadelphia as a trans-Atlantic gateway. "By adding these new destinations, American continues its commitment to PHL as our hub carrier," said Philadelphia airport CEO Chellie Cameron. "These new European destinations will enhance the options for passengers." The flights to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, and Budapest, capital of Hungary, will be seasonal, starting May 4 and scheduled to Oct. 27, 2018, the company said. The Zurich flight, which will operate year-round, is relocating here from N.Y.'s John F. Kennedy airport, effective March 25. Budapest and Prague - both designated as World Heritage cities, as is Philadelphia - will be new destinations on American's route map, the airline said. The flights will be available for booking Monday. In 2015, more than 16,000 travelers visited Philadelphia from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Switzerland combined, according to the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. That number has been projected to grow 4.9 percent by 2020, which was estimated before American's announcement of new international service. "Summer travel to Europe is very popular," said Vasu Raja, American's vice president of network and schedule planning. "These flights will conveniently connect customers from two very important hubs - Chicago and Philadelphia - to exciting markets across the Atlantic." American also announced a new summer flight to Venice from Chicago, starting May 4. The Philadelphia-Budapest flight will depart Philadelphia at 6:25 p.m. and arrive in Budapest at 9:25 a.m. the next day. The return flight will leave Budapest at 11:35 a.m., arriving in Philadelphia at 4 p.m. The Philadelphia-Prague flight will depart PHL at 6:30 p.m., arriving in Prague at 9:05 a.m. the following day. The flight will leave Prague at 11:30 a.m. and arrive in Philadelphia at 3:10 p.m. American will operate Boeing 767-300 aircraft on the routes. http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/american-airlines-to-begin-nonstop- flights-from-phl-to-budapest-prague-next-summer-20170816.html Back to Top FAAN conducts mock air crash, rescue operations at Abuja airport The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), yesterday, conducted a mock air crash rescue operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (NAIA) to assess its readiness to respond to air crash and other emergencies. The mock exercise which held within the airfield saw participation from all relevant agencies in the case of an emergency. Some of the agencies involved in the exercise included, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Ports Health, FAAN's Fire Service Department, aviation security, Civil Defence and several others. FAAN's Director of Operations, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, said the exercise was a success, adding that FAAN and other supporting agencies were ready for any eventuality at the airport and its environs. He said the exercise was in fulfilment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), regulations on safety and emergency response in Nigerian airports. Yadudu said the NCAA regulations stipulated that such simulation exercise be carried out in every airport once in two years. Mr. Mahmud Sani, Airport Manager, NAIA, said the exercise was to test FAAN's capability to respond to air crashes around the airport and to meet NCAA's requirement for airport certification. He said, "This was meant to test the safety and emergency plan of the airport in preparation for its certification", adding that, "the exercise was also aimed at examining how the response agencies managed and responded to emergencies at the scene of accident." Mr. Rimdap Nantim Dontur, Deputy General Manager, Airport Response and Fire Services, FAAN, who coordinated the fire response, said the exercise was meant to test the emergency response and collaboration procedures at the airport. Dontur said the air crash simulation exercise was to also help ascertain the level of coordination among the response teams at the scene of accident. Mr. Odunayo Mohammed, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standard, NCAA, who witnessed the mock exercise, said the exercise was part of NCAA's requirements for certification of airports. Mohammed added that the aim of the simulation was not to give pass mark but to ensure safety standards were maintained in all airports. He said accidents were unexpected occurrences that we must be prepared for and that that was why this simulation exercise was required. https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/business/faan-conducts-mock-air-crash-rescue- operations-at-abuja-airport/210374.html Back to Top India's civil aviation regulator makes 1-year notice period mandatory for senior pilots NEW DELHI, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- India's civil aviation regulator has made a year's notice period mandatory for all senior pilots wishing to leave an airline to join another carrier. Earlier the notice period mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for senior pilots or commanders was six months. "It has been decided that pilots working in an air transport undertaking shall give a notice period of at least one year in respect of commanders, and six months in respect of co- pilots to the employer indicating his intention to leave the job," the DGCA said. However, the DGCA has said in its Civil Aviation Requirement that the notice period may be cut short or waived off if an airline gives a no-objection certificate to a pilot. The civil aviation regulator has also made it clear that during the notice period, a pilot can't refuse to carry out his duties nor the airline can deprive the pilot of his legitimate rights and privileges. "During the notice period, neither the pilot shall refuse to undertake the flight duties assigned to him nor shall the employer deprive the pilot of his legitimate rights and privileges with respect to the assignment of his duties," the DGCA said. Sources said the DGCA amended the Civil Aviation Requirement, following requests from a number of domestic airlines that they invest a lot of time, money and also efforts in training pilots. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-08/17/c_136533486.htm Back to Top Pilots, check your bearings: Boeing Field catches up with Earth's magnetic field An aerial view of Boeing Field looking south toward Mount Rainier on Sept. 16, 2016. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times) Because the Earth's magnetic field has shifted over the decades, the runway numbers at Boeing Field have just been changed, requiring pilots to pay attention and change their charts. A total solar eclipse next week will highlight for all the wondrousness of the solar system. Yet you likely have not noticed another scientific wonder already upon us: the Earth's magnetic field has shifted beneath our feet. And though this slow change is invisible, and detectable only by a compass, navigators who depend upon magnetic bearings better pay attention. As result of the shift, the runway numbers at Boeing Field have just been changed for the first time in more than six decades. Workers this week repainted the runway markings and changed all the taxiway signs. Starting Thursday, pilots communicating with the airport control tower will hear the new numbers during the instructions to land or take off. The airport issued a "Notice to Airmen" on Tuesday, advising of the change. Pilots, you'll need to adjust your charts. Some pilots of small airplanes who still use paper charts can scribble the new runway designation on their maps. Most will use electronic charts, but those are simply replicas of paper charts and need to be updated. Bob Bogash, a retired veteran Boeing executive and active pilot of his own self-built kit plane, said the chart updates may lag the change. In the meantime, pilots must be alert to the Notice to Airmen. If an electronic chart isn't up to date, many have a scratch pad application that allows a pilot to enter changes before take-off, he said. Magnetic field changes the number The main runway at the airfield, officially King County International Airport, was previously designated 13R (or "13 Right") landing to the southeast and 31L (or 31 Left) landing to the northwest. No longer. The runway is now designated 14R or 32L. The designation of a secondary runway has been correspondingly changed, too. That tweak in the figures is important to pilots - it tells them the direction in which they must fly to line up with the runway. To understand why, know that runway numbers are tied directly to a runway's location in relation to the Earth's magnetic poles. The figures 13 and 31 in the old runway numbers are the shortened forms of the magnetic bearing - or direction - the pilot needs to steer to line up with the runway. Since at least the 1950s, Boeing Field's main runway has been approximately 130 degrees in in relation to magnetic north when approached from one direction, rounded to the nearest 10 degrees, and 310 degrees the other way. But the planet's magnetic field, which is generated by electric currents within the earth's core, is constantly shifting. And when the magnetic poles shift more than five degrees, those rounded numbers need to be changed. The main runway bearing is now closer to 140 degrees from magnetic north landing to the southeast, and 320 degrees landing to the northwest. Hence the new runway designations. It's part of a slow progression over the decades. Historical photos taken in the 1940s and 1950s show a Boeing Field runway labeled 12/30. A few other local airports have recently made similar runway numbering changes. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport hasn't yet, but will do so next year, said Port of Seattle spokesman Perry Cooper. "It's a pretty big change for all of the signage and notifications for charts," Cooper said. "So, there's no one specific time all airports are doing it." Sea-Tac's runways are currently designated 16 and 34, as are the runways at dozens of regional airports similarly aligned to take advantage of the prevailing winds locally. All will likely change their runway numbering around the same time. For the Boeing Field change, one safety side-benefit is mentioned in the Notice to Airmen sent out this week: In the past, the coincidence of the runway numbers being 13 and 31 has led to some confusion when pilots transposed the figures. With the new designation being 14 and 32, there's no such danger. http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/pilots-check-your-bearings- boeing-field-catches-up-with-earths-magnetic-field/ Back to Top The shape of booms to come: The physics behind NASA's "quiet" supersonic jet design Given the current state of commercial air travel, any effort to get the flight over with more quickly could be considered noble. Supersonic flight is the obvious answer. That technology isn't even new. The Concorde's maiden flight was in 1969, and service ended in 2003. Getting a plane to fly faster than the speed of sound isn't the problem-it's quieting the thunderous sonic boom that's heard on the ground. In 1973, the US government banned overland commercial supersonic flights. Now NASA and Lockheed Martin think they have a winning design for a quieter supersonic jet, one that will create a hum similar to that of an air conditioner below the flight's path. The Concorde, whose last flight was in 2003 due to economic problems following a fatal crash three years earlier, was propelled to a cruising speed of about 1,350 miles per hour with four Rolls-Royce engines. NASA and Lockheed, however, realize the supersonic jet of the future needed to be scaled down. They rethought the design, which they liken to that of a paper airplane, and choose a single engine. Their solution focuses on changing the paths of the shockwaves caused by supersonic flight.As it jets through the air, a supersonic plane is forcefully pushing aside air molecules, creating shockwaves (think of the waves a boat makes as it glides through water) that move outward.What is heard on the ground, after the fast-moving plane has passed, is the sonic boom. The area where that sharp noise is heard is called the boom carpet. NASA and Lockheed's design places a single engine on top of the plane, which NASA hopes will help lead to a "sonic thump" instead of the jarring boom. NASA and Lockheed say the design can prevent the N wave of a sonic boom-so called because of the form the pressure changes make when charted. The waves can be made to not pile up on one another with the new design, which ensures they are spaced farther apart, creating a less jarring "shaped boom."Part of the problem with current supersonic booms is "the startle factor," Peter Iosifidis, a Lockheed Martin engineer who manages the Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) program, tells Quartz."When you look at traditional supersonic airplanes, they weren't designed for a low sonic boom. They were designed for speed, and some might argue, efficiency," says Iosifidis. NASA successfully conducted wind-tunnel tests of the design this year and is working on building a demonstrator jet that could fly by 2021. Researchers would fly it over communities to collect sound data and survey reactions. They're not alone in their quest. Supersonic startups like the Richard Branson-backed Boom Technology and Aerion Corp, supported by Texas billionaire Robert Bass, are also trying to bring back ultra-fast commercial flight, focusing more on less-restricted flights over the ocean. https://qz.com/1049339/the-physics-behind-nasas-and-lockheed-martins-quiet- supersonic-jet-design/ Back to Top This is the Pentagon's not-so-secret civilian 'ghost' aircraft fleet Pan Am 747 used for military A Pan Am Boeing 747 passenger jet reconfigured to be used as an air ambulance during a training and testing scenario for the CRAF in 1986. US Air Force The Second World War saw the US government press a number of civilian aircraft into military service for use as transports and cargo haulers, thanks to a rising demand for vehicles Known as the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, this force consists of hundreds of passenger and freight aircraft flown by companies such as JetBlue, UPS and United Airlines, which can be ushered into military service whenever the Department of Defense needs more aircraft to fulfill its various missions. The CRAF was officially formed in December 1951 through an agreement brokered between the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce that would streamline the realignment of civilian aircraft into military service if the military's own airlift capabilities weren't able to handle the volume of transport operations caused by national emergencies, crises, or war. If called upon, airlines and freight carriers that have agreed to a CRAF contract would provide aircraft and aircrew (i.e. pilots and flight attendants) to the U.S. Transportation Command, which will then assign these airliners to airlift missions - from moving troops and gear to evacuating the injured and wounded in "air ambulance" roles. At the moment, virtually all major American commercial aircraft operators - including international and domestic airlines and parcel delivery companies with aviation divisions - are fully-contracted members of the CRAF, making their aircraft available to USTRANSCOM as and when they are needed. This includes scores of short, medium and long-range airliners and cargo aircraft which can have their interiors reconfigured to carry gear or troops. Long-range widebody airliners and cargo transporters, such as the Boeing 747 and 777, Airbus A330, or McDonnell Douglas MD-11, are operated in sizable numbers by carriers like FedEx, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. These aircraft, according to the CRAF's guidelines, are slated to augment the Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III and C-5M Galaxy fleets because of their transoceanic range. Smaller aircraft like the Boeing 737 series and the Airbus A320 series are also listed among the aircraft available to USTRANSCOM in the event of a CRAF activation. As they lack the range and capacity of larger widebody airliners, they are relegated to domestic roles instead. civilian Boeing 747 offloading troops in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield A civilian Boeing 747 offloading troops in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield while serving on CRAF duty. US Air Force The CRAF was last activated during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s to transport scores of American troops and tons of military hardware to the Middle East in preparation for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Airlines like Pan Am, United and TWA were responsible for providing large passenger aircraft to haul Marines, airmen, soldiers and sailors from the continental United States to Saudi Arabia and other major staging points in advance of the coordinated assault on Iraqi forces. In the years since, the US military has been mostly able to rely upon its own airlift abilities to fly troops and gear in and out of combat zones. However, should the need arise, the military also tenders contracts to civilian charter companies like Omni Air International, who provide aircraft and pilots to ferry personnel and equipment wherever the military requires. Airlines can indeed opt out of joining the CRAF, but many choose not to as it makes them more competitive for government transportation contracts, including charter flights for military personnel across the world. http://www.businessinsider.com/this-is-the-pentagons-not-so-secret-civilian-ghost- aircraft-fleet-2017-8 Back to Top Aircraft manufacturer says company ready to produce at least 30 MC-21 planes annually One of the first flight models of the MC-21 aircraft will be equipped with the PD-14 engine in 2019 IRKUTSK, August 17. /TASS/. The Irkut corporation together with cooperation participants in assembling the MC-21 advanced medium-haul aircraft is ready to produce 30 aircraft annually, starting from 2019. The equipment purchase issue should be addressed in order to reach the planned production volume of 70 aircraft per year, the corporation's President Oleg Demchenko said at Thursday's meeting on civil aviation development. New MC-21 jet: Russia's first step on aircraft market "We are ready to manufacture 30 planes a year. It all is quite clear, and we know how to do it. Still, we plan 70 planes a year, and so it is necessary to tackle the issue of purchasing equipment," he said. Demchenko stressed that the production capacities make this level possible. "I see no obstacles here," he noted. The head of the corporation pointed to the fact that, according to the schedule, there are plans to produce 30 MC-21s in 2019 and 70 planes per year in 2020-2023. Now Irkut is manufacturing about 60-66 Su and Yak planes. Home-made RD-14 engines One of the first flight models of the MC-21 aircraft will be equipped with the PD-14 engine in 2019, Demchenko has confirmed "In 2019, we'll have plane No.1 or No.2 [the MC-21 flight models] equipped with the PD- 14 home engine. We will be ready to start flight tests for this engine by around 2020." Thus, according to the corporation's head, the new Russian aircraft will use two types of engines - the American Pratt & Whitney and the advanced Russian PD-14 designed by the United Aircraft Corporation. Firm orders of MC-21 aircraft increased to 205 planes Foreign buyers interested in new engine for Russian MC-21 aircraft Russia's MC-21 jet may debut at Dubai air show in November Russia gets hundreds of orders for MC-21 new medium-haul airliner The enterprise is fully prepared for it, regarding its capacities, Demchenko said. Head of the United Engine Corporation Alexander Artyuhov reported earlier on how the tests for the new Russian aircraft engine were going. Work on the PD-14 is underway, according to the schedule, he said, and the Russian certificate is expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2018. He also noted that 11 engines are needed to be produced for bench and flight tests. Ten of them have been manufactured already, and the eleventh will be completed this September. "We believe that the planned terms for receiving the Russian certificate in the second quarter of 2018 will be fulfilled, which will provide the means for supplying engines for the start of flight and certification tests for the MC-21 by the end of 2018," Artyuhov concluded. http://tass.com/economy/960725 Back to Top US Air Force Prepping Mysterious X-37B Space Plane for September Launch The U.S. Air Force's robotic X-37B space plane sits on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center shortly after a May 7, 2017, landing that ended the 718- day OTV-4 mission. Credit: U.S. Air Force The United States Air Force's X-37B program is readying its next robotic mini-shuttle for launch, this time atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The liftoff is scheduled to take place in early September, according to media reports. Capt. Annmarie Annicelli, a U.S. Air Force spokeswoman, told Inside Outer Space: "At this time, I do not have the launch date to release." [The Mysterious X-37B Space Plane: 6 Surprising Facts] The upcoming X-37B mission - which is known as Orbital Test Vehicle-5 (OTV-5) - will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Air Force is to own twospace planes, which were built by Boeing. Four previous flights The Air Force has flown four to date. All of them launched Atlas V rockets, which are built by of Each mission has established a new X-37B longevity record. OTV-1 lifted off on April 22, 2010, and concluded on Dec. 3, 2010, after 224 days in orbit. OTV-2 began March 5, 2011, and concluded on June 16, 2012, after 468 days on orbit. OTV-3 chalked up nearly 675 days in orbit, finally landing on Oct. 17, 2014. And OTV-4 conducted on-orbit experiments for 718 days during its mission, extending the total number of days spent in space for the X-37B program to 2,085 days. It's unclear what exactly the X-37B will be doing during OTV-5, or how long the mission will last. But, according to the Air Force, one onboard OTV-5 payload is the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader, or ASETS-11. This instrument will test experimental electronics and oscillating heat pipes in the long- duration space environment. https://www.space.com/37831-air-force-x-37b-september-launch.html Back to Top Title Managing Communications Following an Aircraft Accident or Incident Co-sponsor Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) Description The course will teach participants what to expect in the days immediately following an aviation accident or incident and how they can prepare for their role with the media. ID Code PA302 Dates, Tuition and Fee October 26-27, 2017 $1034 early registration, by August 28, 2017 $1134 late registration, between September 26 and October 21, 2017 $100 processing fee will be added to tuitions for all offline applications. A tuition invoice can be ordered for a $25 processing fee. Note: payment must be made at time of registration. Times Day 1: 8:30am - 5pm Day 2: 9am - 3pm Location NTSB Training Center * 45065 Riverside Parkway * Ashburn, Virginia 20147 Status OPEN. Applications are now being accepted. Apply to Attend SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE HERE CEUs 1.3 Overview * How the National Transportation Safety Board organizes an accident site and what can be expected in the days after an aviation disaster from the NTSB, FAA, other federal agencies, airline, airport, media and local community * Strategies for airline and airport staff to proactively manage the communication process throughout the on-scene phase of the investigation * How the NTSB public affairs officers coordinate press conferences and release of accident information and what information the spokespersons from the airport and airline will be responsible to provide to the media * Making provisions for and communicating with family members of those involved in the accident * Questions and requests likely encountered from the airlines, airport staff, family members, disaster relief agencies, local officials and others > Comments from course participants > See the 219 organizations from 28 countries that have sent staff to attend this course Performance Results Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Be better prepared to respond to a major aviation disaster involving a flight departing from or destined for participant's airport * Demonstrate greater confidence in fielding on-scene questions about the many aspects of the investigation and its participants, including what types of specific information may be requested * Identify the appropriate Public Affairs roles for the various organizations involved in an accident investigation. * Be more productive in the first few hours after an aviation disaster by understanding which tasks are most important and why * Perform job responsibilities more professionally and with greater confidence given the knowledge and tools to manage the airport communications aspect of a major aviation disaster Who May Attend This course is targeted to who, in the event of an aviation disaster, will need to provide a steady flow of accurate information to media outlets and/or other airport, federal or local authorities. Accommodations Area hotels and restaurants Airports Washington Dulles International (IAD): 10 miles Washington Ronald Reagan National (DCA): 30 miles Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 60 miles More Information Email StudentServices@ntsb.gov or call (571) 223-3900 https://www.ntsb.gov/Training_Center/Pages/PA302_2017.aspx NTSB Meeting: Mid-Point MWL Progress Report Workshop When Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST Where NTSB Board Room and Conference Center 420 10th Street, SW Washington, DC 20594 We cordially invite you to attend the NTSB's 2017-18 Most Wanted List (MWL) Mid-point Progress Report Workshop Meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center, 420 10th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. When we moved the MWL announcement from annually to biennially (twice yearly) last year, we committed to assessing at the one-year midpoint our progress with moving forward the issues on the list. This meeting will do just that-we will take stock of where we stand; identify what progress, if any, has been made; highlight lessons learned and best practices; and discuss what additional improvements are needed, if any, to achieve our desired outcomes. The NTSB MWL represents the NTSB's advocacy priorities for the identified timeframe and was developed to increase awareness of, and support for, the most critical changes needed to reduce transportation accidents, save lives, and reduce injuries. For a reminder of the items on the current MWL, visit our web page. But we know that we cannot achieve the desired progress and ultimate outcomes without your help. Making all modes of transportation safer is a team effort! The mid-point progress report workshop meeting will begin with opening remarks by Board Members, followed by break-out sessions, where modal directors and Board Members will lead in a discussion about the progress in the MWL area by mode. This will be your opportunity to provide feedback on what is working and what is not working, and how we can all work more collaboratively. We will also outline some of our MWL action steps for the coming year. Please join us; your feedback is of vital importance. Register Now! Sincerely, Nicholas Worrell NTSB safetyadvocacy@ntsb.gov 202-314-6608 NTSB Accident Site Photography Course Title Accident Site Photography Description Three courses in one training event - two days of photography instruction and practical exercises in addition to one day of digital image processing. Day One - Technical Photography The principles of digital imaging will be explained and demonstrated. Participants will create images to apply techniques discussed in class. Participants should be familiar with the operation of their digital camera prior to attending the course. Day Two - Advanced Accident Site Photography Participants learn how to capture the most important and useful images to document any accident site. Through the use of methods described in this course, participants will expose their own images in various photographic disciplines and then share in critique sessions offering constructive observations for improvement. This session will include interactive instruction and demonstration, as well as practical exercises. Day Three -Digital Image Processing Processing and storing of images for current and archival use in a variety of electronic formats will be discussed. Generally accepted protocols for processing of images to enhance image clarity will be presented, as well as information for retaining authenticity crucial for use as documentary evidence. ID Code IM300S Dates and Tuition October 17-19, 2017 $1,198 early registration by September 17, 2017 $1,248 late registration between September 18, 2017 and October 12, 2017 $100 processing fee will be added to tuitions for all offline applications. A tuition invoice can be ordered for a $25 processing fee. Note: payment must be made at time of registration. Times Day 1 & 3: 8am - 4:30pm Day 2: 8am-1pm and 5pm - 8pm (night documentation exercise) Location NTSB Training Center * 45065 Riverside Parkway * Ashburn, Virginia 20147 Status OPEN. Applications are now being accepted. Apply to Attend SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE HERE CEUs 1.8 Program Agenda Day One - Technical Photography * Digital photography - how a digital image is formed, processed and stored; digital vs. analog imaging; adjusting resolution & file sizes for particular purposes * Camera usage and care - holding, focusing, light metering, batteries, moisture and cleaning * Elements of exposure - shutter speeds, lens apertures, depth-of-field and exposure vs. noise * Lighting: sources and techniques * Close-up and macro-photography - use of flash, filtration and polarization * Troubleshooting - Resolving difficulties by understanding the basics of digital hardware * Photographer safety and camera care * Digital imaging media, techniques and cautions Day Two - Advanced Accident Site Photography * Project environment - preparing for assignments under any conditions * Documenting the scene - protocols for documentation of any type of accident/incident site * Size, color and positional references - GPS capabilities and animation * Storytelling - capturing images to maximize informational content * Quantitative scene data - virtual reality, photomontage * Authenticity - ensuring image authenticity through use of specific procedures * Photo Reality - taking advantage of contrast, perspective, proper lens focal length and color reproduction * Exercise: Documentation of simulated aircraft accident site Day Three -Digital Image Processing * Workflow process - from image capture to archival storage * Scanning - converting traditional prints into digital images * File types - determining optimal file formats for various image types and usages * Image size - Guidelines for best file sizes for a range of storage and electronic transmission considerations * Compression - balancing the benefits and drawbacks of various modes of image compression * Image Correction - using imaging programs to correct for deficiencies in overall image quality: o Enhancing detail o Adjusting luminosity o Cropping out distracting/irrelevant elements o Correcting distorted color o Improving contrast Authenticity protocols - practices and procedures to ensure that the integrity and accuracy of the documentary digital image is not compromised at any point in the workflow process Equipment Participants must provide an individual digital camera, camera manual and laptop computer. In addition, it is recommended and encouraged that you bring to class all equipment and accessories that you may use on the job, such as scales, mirrors, memory, and tripods. Students should be prepared to photograph at a simulated scene outdoors. Please be prepared for local weather and outdoor working conditions. Who May Attend * NTSB investigators * Federal, state & local investigators, including those outside the field of transportation, who would like to build or enhance photographic skills * Potential participants in an NTSB investigation * Law Enforcement Officers * Safety and Private Investigators * Enforcement Inspectors * Others who would like to build or enhance photographic skills Accommodations Area hotels and restaurants Airports Washington Dulles International (IAD): 10 miles Washington Ronald Reagan National (DCA): 30 miles Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 60 miles More Information Email StudentServices@ntsb.gov or call (571) 223-3900 Courses, forums and symposia are added to the schedule throughout the year. Subscribe to the e-newsletter to learn about upcoming events and new programs: https://app.ntsb.gov/trainingcenter/list/list_mw020207.htm Back to Top Back to Top Back to Top Develop your career in safety and accident investigation Download our short course brochure Are you looking to further your skills and advance your expertise in safety and accident investigation? The Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre (CSAIC) offers an extensive range of continuing professional development (CPD programmes, which provide insight and knowledge to support accident investigators. Find the right short course for you Our courses are designed for the aviation, rail and marine transport sectors - but they are also highly relevant to other safety-critical industries. Upcoming courses include: * Safety Management Systems in Aviation: 4 - 8 Sep 2017 * Fundamentals of Accident Investigation: 11 - 29 Sep 2017 * Airworthiness Fundamentals: 11 - 15 Sep 2017 * Practical Reliability: 16 - 20 Oct 2017 * Fundamentals of Material Failures for Accident Investigators : 23 - 27 Oct 2017 * Crisis Management and Business Continuity: 30 Oct - 3 Nov 2017 CSAIC has an international reputation for award-winning teaching, research and consultancy in transportation safety management, human factors, airworthiness and incident/accident investigation. We can offer training suited to your needs - and if your organisation wants a tailored course, we can provide that too. Find out more: Download your free brochure or call an advisor on: T: +44 (0)1234 754189 Back to Top NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER EXCLUSIVELY FROM CURT LEWIS AVIATION BOOKS Starting with the Air France 447 accident, the authors present a fascinating and heartbreaking human interest story about one of the most important events in aviation history. They have also written the defining work on Angle of Attack technology and what it means to every pilot and passenger. Their analysis of worldwide aviation accident history shows how the use of AOA equipment instrument may have prevented aviation tragedies. Autographed first edition copies available from Curt Lewis Aviation Books at http://www.pilot-errormovie.com/book/angle-of-attack Buy the book and Pilot Error, the acclaimed tie-in feature film the Milwaukee Journal calls a "first class ticket" and save $6. http://www.pilot-errormovie.com/book/book-and-dvd Meet co-author Shem Malmquist at the Beyond Risk Management booth during the ISASI annual seminar in San Diego August 22-24. Shem Malmquist, a 777 Captain and veteran accident investigator, is presenting "Investigating accidents that are a consequence of complex systems," with Dr. John Thomas (MIT) on August 24 at 11:30 a.m. at the ISASI Conference in San Diego. Malmquist will also be at Quinn's Ale House at the convention venue, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. on August 23. For more details contact the author at spmalmquist@outlook.com or phone 901 302-0779. Co-author Roger Rapoport is a Flight Safety Information contributing editor who conducted over 300 interviews around the world for this book. He is the author of Citizen Moore and has written for Harper's, the Atlantic, Esquire, the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and the London Independent. WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANGLE OF ATTACK "We owe Rapoport and Malmquist a great debt of gratitude. Read every word." -Dr. Gary Helmer, Embry Riddle University "A great resource for aeronautical professionals ... exposes the failed defenses that can reside at each layer of the aviation system. A must-read for anyone with an interest in aviation accident investigation and aviation safety." -Dr. Chris Johnson, Director of Aviation Education and Research, Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison "A must-read for professional pilots, aircraft designers, government regulators and political decision makers." -Captain Elaine M. Parker, Beyond Risk Management "Angle of Attack sheds light for the novice and expert alike. Their subject matter expertise is admirable. They have used the Air France 447 crash and other crashes of automated airplanes as examples of accidents that might have been prevented if the crews had access to realistic training to prepare them for those rare events and if their aircraft had been equipped with angle of attack indicators." -Gregory Fox, Director of Safety, Florida Institute of Technology, ATPL pilot, safety manager since 1971, 35 years safety regulator, and 20 years check inspector on A320 and A340. "For the very first time the full story of Air France 447, one of the most significant events in aviation history, is revealed thanks to eight years of painstaking research." -John Darbo, Argus Inernational, former American Airlines manager of internal evaluation and event investigation "You don't have to be a pilot to find this book moving and absorbing." - Adam Hochschild, Author of Spain in Our Hearts and King Leopold's Ghost "This book proves conclusively that education by meteorologists is the key to fundamental understanding of the impact weather has on the elements of the aviation arena." - Debbie Schaum Embry-Riddle University "A masterful work that was hard to put down." -Captain Shawn Pruchnicki Ohio State University for Aviation Studies Curt Lewis