Flight Safety Information October 9, 2017 - No. 200 In This Issue NBAA Presentation: Cockpit Smoke and Lithium Battery Fires NBAA-BACE AGENDA (Monday, Oct. 9, 2017) Incident: Easyjet Switzerland A320 near Clermont-Ferrand on Oct 7th 2017, smoke in cockpit EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Incident: American B763 near New York on Oct 5th 2017, electrical problems ncident: Naft F100 at Aghajari on Oct 6th 2017, main wheel locked up during landing Robinson R44 Raven I Strike Power Line on Lift-Off (Lativa) Thai airlines get boost as UN agency lifts safety 'red flag' ICAO Council urges compliance from North Korea on aerial testing Guyana completes probe into Brazilian aircraft found on illegal strip Now, pothole shuts Mumbai airport's main runway for four hours Rivals seek control of Cyprus airspace How to Become an Air Traffic Controller Argentine Airlines suspends flights to Venezuela Aircraft laptop ban could have cost Emirates half of its US business, airline president says It'll be another year before there's an upturn in biz jets, forecast says Ryanair's operations chief to step down after cancellation meltdown Honeywell International prepares to spin off assets into at least two new companies After a month off, SpaceX returns with two launch attempts in three days GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY FAA Event: Lessons Learned from the Crash of Air France 447 Position: Flight Safety Specialist Position: Deputy Director of Safety NBAA-BACE AGENDA (Monday, Oct. 9, 2017) Review the schedule of NBAA-BACE special events, exhibit hours and education sessions, including the complete list of Professional Development Program (PDP) sessions. View the full schedule in a printer/mobile-friendly format. Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Attendee, Exhibitor & Press Registration Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Grand Concourse between the North and Central Halls 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Attendee, Exhibitor & Press Registration Location: Henderson Executive Airport 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. NBAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Renewal Course Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N245/247 This day-long course includes presentations by subject-matter experts who will review the latest regulatory and maintenance trends. A separate registration fee applies. Please note the IA Renewal Course registration fee does not include registration for the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. NBAA PDP Course: Effective Leadership in Aviation Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N238/240 Presenter: Bob Hobbi, ServiceElements International; Karen Davies, CAM, ServiceElements International; Michele Ventker, ServiceElements International This full-day course is designed to enhance the personal effectiveness and professional knowledge of individuals pursuing or currently in the position of aviation department manager. Topics will include: defining what is an effective leader; identifying needs and growing staff; time management; decision making; leading groups; role playing for leadership effectiveness; and identifying and utilizing resources. This course meets NBAA PDP Leadership Objective L5. Registration for this course includes registration for the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). This Session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. NBAA PDP Course: Emergency Response Planning Workshop (Day 2 of 2) Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N242 Presenter: The VanAllen Group Every aviation department should have the ability to implement its emergency response plan at a moment's notice. This practical, two-day workshop helps your company be prepared in the event of a worst-case scenario, gives you the knowledge needed to put together an effective response and provides tips for updating your company's emergency response plan at least every other year. Participants learn the issues involved in aviation-related disasters, which also can readily be applied in non-aviation events. This course meets NBAA PDP Operations Objective Ops 5. Registration for this course includes registration for the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). This Session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. NBAA PDP Course: Flight Operations Manual Workshop (Day 2 of 2) Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N241 Presenter: NBAA and Walter Kraujalis, AeronomX All flight departments should have up-to-date flight operations manuals that set forth policies and procedures to ensure safe and effective flight operations. This workshop focuses on employing the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) to meet this goal. Flight departments that demonstrate compliance with IS-BAO standards are eligible to receive a certificate of registration from IBAC. This highly interactive workshop covers safety management systems, standard operating procedures, flight operations, training, administration/organization, maintenance and international standards. The instructor draws upon the experience of workshop participants to demonstrate how flight departments operate. Participants will leave the workshop with sufficient knowledge and materials to develop an IS-BAO compliant draft manual upon arrival back at home base. This course meets NBAA PDP Leadership Objective Ops 1, Ops 4. Registration for this course includes registration to the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). This Session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference (Day 2 of 2) Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N249/250/251 (#2) Register now to attend the 2017 NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference. Join over 300 attendees from all segments of business aviation to develop strategies for connecting tax and regulatory planning while defending your ownership structure from audits. This is the premier conference for flight operations professionals, attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and CFOs looking for tax planning strategies from industry leaders. Registration for this course includes registration to the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). This Session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. NBAA PDP Course: Community Relations Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N239 Presenter: ERAU This course is for flight department personnel who will be interested in community relations and public relations issues. Community service opportunities, community concerns, noise abatement, environmental issues, airport administration and mediation strategies are discussed. This course meets NBAA PDP Business Management Objective BM8. Registration for this course includes registration to the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). This Session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255/257 This Session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit. The 2017 Single-Pilot Safety Standdown will showcase the most effective safety strategies for single-pilot operators. This event will include sessions designed to enhance operators' knowledge and provide them with tools and training methods. Panel discussions on topics such as best practices and areas of concern will offer attendees a variety of perspectives on today's most pressing safety issues. Featuring presentations from top industry experts, the 2017 Single-Pilot Safety Standdown promises to provide practical advice that will assist operators in creating and executing effective risk management strategies. Attend the Single-Pilot Safety Standdown at no extra charge with your NBAA-BACE registration. Email or call NBAA's Registration team at registration@nbaa.org or (202) 478- 7770 to add your Single-Pilot Safety Standdown registration to an existing 2017 NBAA-BACE registration. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. NBAA Security Council Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N223/224 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Tax Committee Lunch Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N221/222 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. NBAA Access Committee Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N220 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Professional Development Strategic Focus Team (SFT) Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N219 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. NBAA YoPro Council Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N223/224 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Local and Regional Group Committee Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N213 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. NBAA Access Committee Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N220 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Flight Attendant Committee Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N207/208 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. International Operators Committee (IOC) Committee Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N211/212 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N219 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. NBAA Safety Committee Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N209/210 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Domestic Operations Committee Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N221/222 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Weather Subcommittee Meeting Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N220 https://www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2017/program-schedule/agenda/ Back to Top Incident: Easyjet Switzerland A320 near Clermont-Ferrand on Oct 7th 2017, smoke in cockpit An Easyjet Switzerland Airbus A320-200, registration HB-JYJ performing flight DS-1454/U2-1454 from Porto (Portugal) to Geneva (Switzerland) with 141 passengers and 6 crew, was enroute at FL360 about 110nm southsouthwest of Clermont- Ferrand (France) when the crew decided to divert to Clermont-Ferrand reporting smoke in the cockpit. During the descent the smoke ceased. The aircraft landed safely on Clermont-Ferrand's runway 26 about 30 minutes later. Emergency services did not find any fire or heat or another possible source of the smoke. The aircraft taxied to the apron where passengers disembarked normally. The airline reported the aircraft diverted due to a possible technical problem. The passengers were bussed to Geneva. http://avherald.com/h?article=4af6e185&opt=0 Back to Top Back to Top Incident: American B763 near New York on Oct 5th 2017, electrical problems An American Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration N388AA performing flight AA-64 from New York JFK,NY (USA) to Zurich (Switzerland), was enroute at FL350 about 165nm eastnortheast of New York when the crew decided to return to New York reporting they had an electrical problem that they didn't want to cross the Atlantic with. The aircraft landed safely back on New York's runway 31L about 50 minutes later. A replacement Boeing 767-300 registration N342AN reached Zurich with a delay of 3:15 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in JFK about 20.5 hours after landing. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL64/history/20171005/2200Z/KJFK/LSZH http://avherald.com/h?article=4af580ba&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Naft F100 at Aghajari on Oct 6th 2017, main wheel locked up during landing A Iranian Naft Airlines Fokker 100, registration EP-AWZ performing flight NV-2520 from Tehran Mehrabad to Aghajari (Iran), landed on Aghajari's runway 13 at about 08:12L (04:42Z) when the inboard left hand main wheel's brakes assembly failed locking the wheel up, the tyre blew and separated from the rim. The aircraft came to a safe stop on the runway. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground for about 8 hours, then returned to service and performed the return flight. http://avherald.com/h?article=4af57a7c&opt=0 Back to Top Robinson R44 Raven I Strike Power Line on Lift-Off (Lativa) Date: 08-OCT-2017 Time: 13:25LT Type: Robinson R44 Raven I Owner/operator: Private Registration: YL-HBH C/n / msn: 1616 Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 4 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: Gramzda - Latvia Phase: Take off Nature: Private Departure airport: Destination airport: Narrative: There are first reports about a civilian helicopter crash during the European Rally Championship in Latvia. When lifting off, apparently the helicopter struck a power line. One occupant died, 2 others were severly injured. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=200282 Back to Top Thai airlines get boost as UN agency lifts safety 'red flag' Flag carrier Thai Airways has pulled several loss-making international routes while low-cost carrier Nok Air is struggling to make savings after years of losses. BANGKOK (AFP) - The UN's aviation agency has removed a safety "red flag" against Thai carriers, the kingdom's junta leader said Monday (Oct 9), in a major boost to the country's stuttering airlines. A 2015 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of Thai airlines found "significant safety concerns" prompting the downgrade. That triggered restrictions on Thai carriers launching new international routes, cramping expansion plans for a sector that has in recent years laboured under debts and management woes. The removal of the red flag "shows the trust of ICAO and international community in Thai aviation," Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told reporters on Monday. "It allows Thai airlines to fly anywhere in the world." Thailand received the all clear following a trip by ICAO officials to the kingdom in September, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand said in a statement. "The lifting of 'red flag' status indicates that Thailand has dealt with the problems of under-standard of aviation safety," the CAAT said. But "Thailand as well as CAAT need to carry on their missions to improve the aviation safety standards", it added. ICAO had flagged several safety concerns including Thai aviation department personnel failing to meet international standards. Prayut, who seized power in a 2014 coup, invoked special 'Section 44' powers to expedite safety improvements after the ICAO's warning. It was a major blow to Thai aviation, a sector that a decade ago capitalised on Bangkok's status as a South-east Asian hub to expand rapidly but is now cramped by dipping profits. Flag carrier Thai Airways has pulled several loss-making international routes while low-cost carrier Nok Air is struggling to make savings after years of losses. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-airlines-get-boost-as-un-agency-lifts-safety-red-flag Back to Top ICAO Council urges compliance from North Korea on aerial testing The ICAO Council expressed its strong condemnation of the continued launching of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over or near international air routes, which seriously threatens the safety of international civil aviation. It was noted that the North Korean missile launches had occurred over international air routes and without prior notice being given, causing significant concerns to the safety of international civil aviation in the region. In response to these incidents, the President of the Council had sent several letters to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to urge the country to comply with established international provisions. As an ICAO Member State, North Korea is expected to notify adjacent countries of any activity or incident arising from its territory which may pose risks to nearby civil aviation routes or operations. This would include matters such as volcanic ash clouds from local eruptions, or aerial testing which may affect civil aviation. https://news.aviation-safety.net/2017/10/07/icao-council-urges-compliance-north-korea-aerial- testing/ Back to Top Guyana completes probe into Brazilian aircraft found on illegal strip GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) - The police have completed their probe into the Brazilian aircraft that was found on an illegal strip in North Rupununi in August. According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon the report on the investigation is now with Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. The Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft was flown to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport shortly after being discovered by security forces. The twin-engine aircraft is tied to an investment bank in neighbouring Brazil - Banco Bradesco. That bank had facilitated the sale of the aircraft between its owners, a Rio-based company and another private entity. The bank is listed by the Brazilian authorities as the owner, since the process of transfer of ownership is ongoing. On Friday, Harmon told reporters that Guyana has been in communication with some persons from Brazil who have claimed the aircraft was stolen from them. "But we asked them to provide some further information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that information has not been forthcoming," he stated. The discovery was made just a week after soldiers had found another illegal airstrip, a chain saw, aviation fuel, 12 abandoned camps and several dug-out trenches in the same area. The Minister of State says the Government has been working with local and international partners to build capacity and strengthen security within and around the country. http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/ Back to Top Now, pothole shuts Mumbai airport's main runway for four hours * Surface issues: The city airport's main runway was closed till 10.30 a.m. on Sunday * Officials suspect rain damage; 122 arrivals, 242 departures delayed, 6 flights cancelled Mumbai: Flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport were hit for four hours in the morning on Sunday, after a pothole was found to have developed overnight on the main runway. Aircraft were restricted to the secondary runway, leading to delays of 30 minutes and one hour in arrivals and departures respectively. This is the second time in a little over a month that the airport has been brought to a standstill, after an inbound SpiceJet flight from Varanasi skidded off the main runway and mired itself in wet soil for over 20 hours. Though the secondary runway had been in use, flight were being delayed well after it was reopened. Airport sources said the pothole was discovered during routine checks, and repair work was immediately initiated. "The secondary runway was in use while repairs were being carried out on the main runway, beginning at 6.30 a.m. and ending at 10.30 a.m.," a senior Air Traffic Control (ATC) official said. In a communication to passengers, Jet Airways said, "Air traffic congestion in Mumbai consequent to main runway closure in the morning. Departure delays of up to 50 minutes expected till 8 p.m." A Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) spokesperson said there was a single pothole on the taxiway, which was filled in within 30 minutes using a quick-fixing agent. The spokesperson said operations were not halted at any point. Rain to blame: ATC ATC officials attributed the pothole, reportedly located between taxiways N1 and N3, to rainfall over the past two days. Airline and airport monitoring site Flightradar24.com said 122 arrivals and 242 departures were delayed on Sunday, while six flights were cancelled due to the situation on the runway in the morning. Samir Kelshikar, who was flying to Goa said that his flight had been delayed by one-and-a-half hours from 6.35 p.m. to 8 p.m., and further delays couldn't be ruled out. Aviation expert Capt. Mohan Ranganathan said the pothole indicated that the quality of workmanship while laying the runway was poor, and raised doubts on the airport meeting international standards. "The location of the pothole is in an area where aircraft are trying to exit the runway as quickly as possible. The surface quality should be good to prevent such instances." http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/now-pothole-shuts-mumbai-airports-main-runway- for-four-hours/article19824932.ece Back to Top Rivals seek control of Cyprus airspace * Agencies for north, south don't talk An aircraft takes off from Larnaca airport Saturday at the southern coastal city of Larnaca, Cyprus. NICOSIA, Cyprus -- Flying over parts of Cyprus is made more dangerous by the fact that rival air traffic control centers on the ethnically split island are giving instructions to planes, creating "confusion and misunderstanding" among pilots, a report by Europe's air safety agency says. The internal 2015 report compiled by the European Aviation Safety Agency says a statistical analysis shows that overall, the risks are acceptable as the probability of a "catastrophic" accident occurring is very small. For example, the report states that the mean expected accident frequency between two aircraft over Cyprus is about one in a billion. But the agency said the situation inside a sizable part of the Nicosia Flight Information Region -- a 67,567-square-mile swath of airspace over and around Cyprus -- is getting to the point where risks to safety can no longer be considered acceptable. "The assessment concludes that close monitoring of the situation is needed as it is at the limit of acceptability," the report says. "The agency recognizes that this situation is far from optimal." That's because flight instructions from two different air control centers can degrade established safety margins, such as the minimum distance two aircraft can be from each other. Only air traffic controllers in the internationally recognized, southern part of Cyprus are permitted to issue flight instructions to aircraft passing through Nicosia Flight Information Region. Yet controllers at the unrecognized Ercan airport in the island's breakaway Turkish Cypriot north also give instructions to aircraft flying through the northern third of Nicosia Flight Information Region that they consider their own, sometimes confusing pilots. According to the report, which cites Cyprus statistics, there were six instances in 2014 where aircraft came closer to each other than the minimum allowed distance. That followed seven such instances in 2013 and another four the year before that. More disturbingly, there were two reported incidents in 2014 where onboard systems designed to automatically avoid a midair collision had been activated -- meaning that planes were close enough to possibly collide within about a minute. A total of 18 such instances occurred within Cyprus airspace between 2011 and 2015, according to the database of the International Air Transport Association. Separately, the report also raised safety concerns because Turkey does not notify Cypriot authorities of warplane flights as it doesn't recognize the island as a state. The report says that, while very remote, the probability of an accident between a civilian aircraft and a military jet is statistically higher as a result. From 2011 to 2014, annual air traffic through Nicosia Flight Information Region averaged between 150,000 and 180,000 flights. The situation today remains unchanged, said Christos Petrou, executive director of the Mediterranean Flight Safety Foundation. "This problem is not something you can ignore," he said. Steps are being taken to mitigate the risk. Air traffic controllers in the south operate in a "state of 'permanent contingency,' constantly monitoring communications between Ercan and passing aircraft to prevent any accident or serious incident from happening. The problem stems from the island's division in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup mounted by supporters of a union with Greece. Breakaway Turkish Cypriots established their own air traffic control center in 1977, six years before declaring independence, which was recognized only by Turkey. But neither Turkish, nor Turkish Cypriot, controllers communicate with their Greek Cypriot counterparts in the island's south. That creates problems when Turkish controllers don't tell pilots flying into Nicosia Flight Information Region to check in with counterparts in the island's south, telling them instead to speak with controllers at Ercan airport. "As a direct consequence, the most basic safety procedures are not being respected for a long time within the northern part of the Nicosia FIR," says the report. "This operational environment has created and still creates confusion and misunderstanding by the users of the airspace in question." To ensure safety, international aviation bodies have published bulletins and briefings aimed at bringing pilots up to speed about the situation and to use safe procedures. The Associated Press highlighted the problem in an Aug. 5, 2011, report that included descriptions of several instances of "near-misses" where aircraft got dangerously close to each other. In the report, the European Aviation Safety Agency recommends that the European Union and the UN's top aviation body -- the International Civil Aviation Organization -- get Cyprus and Turkey to "work together" to resolve the issue. http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2017/oct/09/rivals-seek-control-of-cyprus-airspace-/ Back to Top How to Become an Air Traffic Controller * ATC specialists combine passions for aviation, service and safety. ATC Academy Aspiring controllers undergo training at the FAA's Oklahoma City training center. FAA The salary and advancement opportunities are excellent, but what draws many FAA air traffic control specialists to their work is a passion for aviation, service and safety. "This is a career, not a job," says Ian Lewis, a specialist at Southern California Tracon (terminal radar approach control) in San Diego. "When we walk through an airport and see moms, fathers, sons, all those people getting on planes, we feel proud to be responsible for their safety." "What we do matters," says Abigail Smith, a former controller and now FAA director of Air Traffic Organization technical training. "We make aviation safer for everyone every single day." Abigail Smith Abigail Smith, FAA director of Air Traffic Organization technical training. FAA ATC specialists, who work at Tracons, ARTCCs (air route traffic control centers) and airport control towers, manage air-traffic operations within U.S. airspace. The FAA currently employs some 10,500 controllers. A bubble of the workforce will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 in coming years, and "we're not getting folks in fast enough" to replace them, Lewis says. The FAA's Controller Workforce Plan calls for hiring "several thousand" over the next decade, with technology expected to increase their efficiency. "As we move into the 21st century, we'll be able to handle larger capacity," says Smith, citing a decreased dependency on voice communication, adoption of "flow" management techniques and other advances. Smith is playing a key role in modernizing controller training to keep pace. "How millennials and the generation behind them learn is different than how I as a Gen X person learned," she says. "Our leadership challenge and opportunity is to craft a learning environment for them." Nonetheless, a love of aviation will likely remain a common denominator among specialists. "There's passion on both ends of the microphone," says Smith. "The controller who trained me at Miami Center was a certified flight instructor and had his own airplane. He was passionate about flying and passionate about air traffic control." Says Lewis, "Let's be honest: Aviation is my passion, and flying is my first love." The former Navy controller is an instrument-rated commercial pilot. Among his colleagues at the Tracon, "a handful of pilots came from the airlines," preferring a controller's schedule to the itinerant professional pilot's life. Their knowledge is invaluable, notes Smith. "When an emergency situation comes up, cognitively, they've got a different level of understanding and empathy for what the person on the other end of the microphone is experiencing." Ian Lewis Ian Lewis, an ATC specialist at Southern California Tracon in San Diego. The work is demanding, but flexible scheduling provides time for controllers "to pursue a lot of ventures outside of work - a lot of them are business owners," says Lewis, who also operates an aerial-tour company and serves as area representative for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the specialists' union. Salaries are based on the facility at which the controller works and time of service. Median wage for controllers was $127,805 in 2016. Job requirements include U.S. citizenship, and applicants must be no older than age 30 during their application period. Learn more about ATC careers here. http://www.flyingmag.com/atc-specialist-career-not-job Back to Top Argentine Airlines suspends flights to Venezuela A Boeing 737-700 aircraft belonging to state-run Aerolineas Argentinas sits on the tarmac of the Buenos Aires" domestic airport * Aerolineas Argentinas said it would reimburse all passengers who had bought seats on its weekly flights to Caracas Argentine Airlines has become the latest carrier to suspend flights to the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. The company said it had concerns over security in Venezuela because of increasing criminal violence and political uncertainty. It joins dozens of airlines who have taken similar action. Iata, the trade body for the world's airlines, says Venezuela is becoming increasingly isolated. Peter Cerdá, vice-president of Iata, said last week: "The situation has become increasingly difficult, most of Iata's members have left Venezuela. There are only six or seven carriers left operating a very low flight frequency. "Venezuela is becoming disconnected, it's practically disconnected from the rest of the world, above all by air, and we can't see any solution in the short term." Since 2003 Venezuela has operated a series of currency exchange controls managed by the government. Airline companies have been attempting for years to change the local bolivar currency it receives when it sells tickets in Venezuela into dollars. But the government strictly controls the amount of foreign currency it allows onto the market. Mr Cerdá said passenger traffic in Venezuela had dropped by 75% in the last four years. Most of the airlines that have left reported disputes with the Venezuelan government over unpaid contracts and worries over crew safety. In August the president of the Panamanian airline Copa, Pedro Heilbron, told AFP that the company would continue to operate in Venezuela despite the difficulties. "We are becoming practically the only operator in the market but our intention is not to leave, not to abandon the market in Venezuela." He said Copa crews would not stay the night in Venezuelan cities. The United States airlines United and Delta, and the Colombian airline Avianca, suspended flights to Venezuela this year. The German airline Lufthansa left in 2016. Air Canada, Aeromexico, Alitalia, Lan, Tam, and Gol left between 2014 and 2015. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-41547746 Back to Top Aircraft laptop ban could have cost Emirates half of its US business, airline president says * Sir Tim Clark said airport and authorities pulled together to meet security demands and keep passengers happy The US banned electronic devices larger than a mobile phone from passenger cabins of direct flights from eight countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, including Qatar and the UAE. It was later lifted in several countries, including the UAE. Photo: AFP Emirates airline could have lost as much as half of its business to the United States had it, Dubai Airports and security not rallied together to effectively manage the laptop ban, the head of the carrier said. Sir Tim Clark said the ability to meet the conditions of the ban within 96 hours and avoid disruption of travellers is an example of how collaborative and innovative thinking can work for the aviation industry. The carrier's president was speaking during an opening address of the Avsec aviation summit in Dubai on Sunday. "When the new protocols were first announced, airlines, airports and other stakeholders were caught by surprise. And we had just 96 hours to implement the directive," Sir Tim told an audience of aviation and security industry figures. The directive was issued by the Trump administration for a number of airports in the Middle East and North Africa in March over of concerns that explosives that could be concealed in laptops and tablets. It was lifted in July for Emirates and Etihad, among others. Sir Tim said the ban "affected us probably more than any other airline". Emirates cut flights on five US routes at the time. "Each day, we connect thousands of passengers from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, to 12 cities in the US," he said. "For us, the new electronics ban protocol was hugely disruptive and we could have lost up to 50 per cent of our loads to the US, if not for the swift and collaborative response from all the aviation stakeholders here in Dubai." The airline collaborated with the airport, police and other security operators to meet the deadline by complying with the new directive. The ban ultimately resulted in a dip on routes to the US by as much as 20 per cent. He said the airline they came up with a solution to allow travellers use their electronic devices on their flights to Dubai, while in transit at the airport, and all the way until the moment they boarded their US-bound flight. "We found a way to collect these devices at the boarding gate, and then pack, secure, and place anything larger than a phablet into the hold, to be returned to their owners on arrival in the US," he said. He said this kept customers happy, and all the more understanding of the circumstances. "Dubai led the way, and other airlines and airports soon followed suit." The issue was followed by yet another challenge. "We were given 21 days to put in place increased explosive trace detection screening and 120 days to comply with a number of other security measures," he said. In response, all concerned aviation stakeholders worked together to procure new screening technology, and deploy trained personnel. This "success story", he said, illustrates how even under pressure, collaborative efforts could lead to the best outcome. "We believe that as an industry, we should take a proactive approach to anticipating and addressing the threats and challenges of the future," he said. https://www.thenational.ae/uae/aircraft-laptop-ban-could-have-cost-emirates-half-of-its-us- business-airline-president-says-1.665357 Back to Top It'll be another year before there's an upturn in biz jets, forecast says Cessna's Citation Longitude, a flight test version of which is seen here at the 2016 National Business Aviation Association's 2016 convention in Orlando, Fla., could benefit from strong demand for big cabin jets over the next decade, according to Honeywell's annual business aviation forecast released Sunday. If you're waiting for a meaningful increase in deliveries of business jets - and perhaps, more jobs in Wichita - you'll have to wait at least a couple more years. Honeywell Aerospace's new 10-year business jet forecast expects fewer new business jet deliveries in 2017 than in 2016 - between 620 and 640 aircraft, down from the 661 jets, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Honeywell's 2017 Global Business Aviation Outlook projects slightly higher deliveries in 2018, followed by 3 to 4 percent annual increases in deliveries between 2019 and 2027. Over the next 10 years, the forecast expects business jet manufacturers to deliver 8,300 planes at a value of $249 billion. That's down from Honeywell's 10-year forecast released last year, which pegged deliveries over a decade at 8,600 business jets valued at $255 billion. "Declining used aircraft prices, continued low commodities prices, and economic and political uncertainties in many business jet markets remain as near-term concerns for new jet purchases," said Ben Driggs, president of Americas at Honeywell Aerospace. "That said, there are several new ... aircraft models coming to market, which will drive solid growth in new business jet purchases in the midterm and long-term." Bigger is best The forecast was released Sunday in advance of the National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition that starts Tuesday in Las Vegas. In an interview with The Eagle, Driggs said purchase plans for new business jets in the short term have been affected by forces such as hesitancy over the direction of a strong U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, rising concerns about North Korea's nuclear plans and uncertainty over the fate of corporate tax reform in the U.S. Another key factor contributing to the delay of new jet purchases is stubbornly low prices on used business jets, Driggs said. "I would say that is a near-term issue," he said. That's because there's strong evidence that the inventory of used aircraft is depleting, especially for used business jets for sale that are less than 10 years old. Further, he said, new jets that are set to hit the market between 2018 and 2020 will offer so many more advancements and efficiencies that the differences between used and new jets on the market will be more stark. "Then it's a different choice between new and used that will have an impact," Driggs said. Honeywell's forecast is developed from sources such as aircraft manufacturers, macroeconomic analyses and interviews with more than 1,500 business jet operators. The forecast is in its 26th year. As in earlier forecasts, big cabin jets are expected to account for more than half - or 57 percent - of business jet deliveries in the next decade - and 85 percent of the value of deliveries. "There continues to be a big demand for big cabin (jets)," Driggs said. That bodes well for Wichita's two business jet manufacturers, Bombardier and Textron Aviation. Montreal-based Bombardier, which employs 1,600 people at its Wichita site, is in the midst of flight testing its Global 7000, a $72.8 million jet that is Bombardier's biggest business aircraft yet. It is expected to receive certification in the second half of 2018. Wichita-based Textron Aviation, which employs 12,000 people companywide, expects to certify its $23.9 million super-midsize Cessna Citation Longitude jet by the end of 2017. Longer term, Textron plans to develop an even bigger jet, the $35 million Citation Hemisphere, which is expected to make its first flight in 2019. Driggs said the Longitude fits Honeywell's definition of a big cabin jet, which includes the super- midsize category. For deliveries of midsize jets, Honeywell expects the total over the next decade to be about 1,245 jets, or 18 percent. Small business jets make up the remaining 25 percent, or 2,075 jets. Bombardier's Learjet 75, assembled in Wichita, is a midsize jet. And the bulk of Textron's Citation product line are midsize and small jets. Where the jets will go North America will continue to be the world's largest consumer of new business jets, accounting for 61 percent of all deliveries over the next decade, the forecast said. That's down 4 percent from its 2016 forecast. Gaetan Handfield, Honeywell's senior manager of market research, said all but one of the forecast's five global regions saw decreases in new jet purchase plans for the next 10 years. Latin America was the exception, and is forecast to be the world's second highest region for new business jet deliveries - with 15 percent - through 2027. The higher demand will largely be driven by Mexico, Handfield said. Europe will account for 14 percent of deliveries while the Asia Pacific region will account for 6 percent of deliveries. Russia and China each pulled back significantly in their 10-year purchase plans, the forecast said. The Middle East and Africa comes in last, with 4 percent of the world's business jet deliveries. That's mostly a function of stalling oil prices, Handfield said. http://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article177549351.html Back to Top Ryanair's operations chief to step down after cancellation meltdown * The chief operations officer of Ryanair has announced plans to leave his post at the end of October following the cancellation of tens of thousands of flights scheduled for the coming months. LONDON (AP) - The chief operations officer of Ryanair has announced plans to leave his post at the end of October amid a cancellation spree affecting thousands of the company's flights. Company officials said Saturday that Michael Hickey will still have an "advisory role" after he steps down following decades with the airline. He is the first senior executive to leave because of the damaging flight cancellations, which have disrupted travel plans for an estimated 700,000 passengers and undercut the company's bid to improves its customer service reputation. The flights were cancelled because of holiday staffing and scheduling errors. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said Hickey had made an "enormous contribution" to the airline in the last 30 years. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2017/10/08/ryanairs-operations- chief-step-down-after-cancellation-meltdown/744444001/ Back to Top Honeywell International prepares to spin off assets into at least two new companies * Honeywell International plans to spin off non-core assets and create at least two new publicly listed companies. * Honeywell is considering placing its turbochargers business, which produces components that improve the performance and efficiency of cars and trucks, into one of the newly created Honeywell's Boeing 757 test plane. Honeywell International plans to spin off non-core assets and create at least two new publicly listed companies, as the U.S. industrial conglomerate seeks to streamline its business, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The move would represent the first major shakeup at the Morris Plains, New Jersey-based company since Darius Adamczyk succeeded David Cote as chief executive in April. It comes after Honeywell said in September it would raise its annual dividend by 12 percent. The sources said on Sunday that while Honeywell would defy calls by one of its shareholders, activist hedge fund Third Point, to spin off its aerospace division, it would still seek to carve out assets worth several billions of dollars. Honeywell is considering placing its turbochargers business, which produces components that improve the performance and efficiency of cars and trucks, into one of the newly created companies, the sources said. Honeywell lists turbochargers as part of its aerospace business. The sources did not disclose which other assets Honeywell was looking to spin off and asked not to be identified because the deliberations were confidential. Honeywell is hoping to unveil the spinoff plan as early as this week, though the announcement could be delayed, the sources added. Honeywell, which has a market capitalization of $109 billion, declined to comment. Honeywell's businesses include energy efficient products and solutions for homes, specialty chemicals, electronic and advanced materials, and sensing, safety and security technologies for buildings, homes and industries. Third Point has argued that Honeywell is undervalued compared to peers in industrial automation, and that spinning off the entire aerospace business would create $20 billion in shareholder value. Honeywell's aerospace business, its biggest, also makes auxiliary power units and engines for aircraft manufactured by companies such as Bombardier, Textron and General Dynamics. Last year, Honeywell approached peer United Technologies to discuss a potential combination but was rebuffed. Last month, United Technologies struck a $30 billion agreement to buy avionics and interiors maker Rockwell Collins Inc. Analysts have said this deal positions United Technologies to also spin off assets down the line, though no such deal has been announced. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/08/honeywell-international-hon-to-split-company-reuters.html Back to Top After a month off, SpaceX returns with two launch attempts in three days * Company remains on pace for 20 launches this year, smashing previous records. SpaceX's last mission for Iridum, in June, launched amid foggy conditions in California. SpaceX has made 13 successful launches this year, and with every additional flight it continues to add to its record for total number of missions in a calendar year. The company's previous high- water mark for launches came in 2016, with eight. But SpaceX flew no additional missions after Sept. 1 last year, standing down following a fueling mishap that destroyed a Falcon 9 rocket and its payload on the launch pad. Now, SpaceX is going for two launches in three days. On Monday, the company will attempt to launch 10 satellites into orbit about 700km above the Earth for Iridium. Scheduled for 8:37a.m. ET, the launch will take place from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This is SpaceX's third of eight launches for Iridium, which is establishing a new constellation of communications satellites known as Iridium NEXT. After launching, SpaceX will attempt a return landing of the first stage aboard the "Just Read the Instructions" droneship in the Pacific Ocean. The webcast below should begin 15 to 20 minutes before the launch attempt. FURTHER READING: After nine launches in 2017, it is tough to be an honest critic of SpaceX Then, on Wednesday, SpaceX is scheduled to attempt a launch from Kennedy Space Center at 4:30pm ET. This mission will put the SES-11/EchoStar 105 satellite into geostationary orbit. One of the highlights of this flight is that SpaceX will be flying a "used" first stage booster-only the third time the company has attempted this. A droneship landing attempt in the Atlantic Ocean is anticipated. Should both launches be successful, SpaceX will maintain a pace for 2017 that could see the California-based company fly more orbital rockets this year than any other company or country around the world. Additionally, SpaceX would remain on track for about 20 launches in 2017, which could see the company finally begin to fulfill its promises of rapid, reusable launch. SpaceX won't be the only other launch provider in action on Monday. Early Monday morning, US time, a Chinese Long March 2D rocket is scheduled to launch a communications satellite for Venezuela. Later on Monday, a Japanese H-2A rocket will attempt to launch a Michibiki 4 navigation spacecraft. Iridium-3 Mission https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/10/spacex-back-in-action-early-monday-seeking-14th- launch-of-2017/ Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY My name is Mark Patrick Collins. I am a master's student in aviation and transportation at Lewis University. I am writing my thesis on the future market for Large Unmanned Cargo Aircraft (LUCA) and have prepared a market research survey questionnaire. Please find a link to the market research questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LargeUCA The objective of this thesis is to develop more discussion on this topic and explore the possible marketing potential so to help enable the industry to move forward at a faster pace. We would like to get as many participants as possible working in the aviation industry. This questionnaire should only take several minutes to complete and is completely anonymous and confidential. Thank you for your time and assistance in this project! Regards, Mark Patrick Collins MSAT Student Lewis University markpcollins@lewisu.edu Back to Top FAA Event: Lessons Learned from the Crash of Air France 447 Topic: An overview of the tragic crash of Air France 447 and the Lessons Learned Date and Time: Thursday, October 12, 2017, starting at 19:00 Eastern Daylight Time Download Calendar File Speaker(s): Captain Shem Malmquist Brief Description: This seminar will mainly focus on the understanding of the human role in accidents, weather and system training with particular emphasis on Air France 447. Your presenter, Shem Malmquist, is currently a B-777 Captain operating international routes. He has a broad experience ranging from teaching aerobatics and instructing in a wide variety of both GA and transport aircraft in addition to academic research and safety investigations. He holds a Masters Degree in Human Factors in Aeronautics through Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in addition to degress from other universities. Mr. Malmquist recently co-authored a book titled 'Angle Of Attack:Air France 447 and the Future of Aviation Safety'. This is sure to be an extremely informative seminar! Door Prizes and Refreshments! Select Number: SO1578776 Location of Seminar: FIT Aviation - Melbourne International Airport 801 Harry Goode Way Melbourne, FL 32901 Directions to Venue: I-95 to (Exit 180) US-192 East, left on Evans, right on NASA Blvd, left on Grumman Place, right on Tower Access Road to Harry Goode Way to FIT Aviation Seating: 80 seats at the facility, 15 remaining for online registration. Registration Information: Click here to register online now! Sponsoring Division: Orlando FSDO FAASTeam Contact Information: RICHARD FUNCHEON Phone: (772) 713-1526 funcheon@yahoo.com Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s): Special Thanks to our sponsors: FIT Aviation (for the use of facilities) Space Coast FAASTeam Orlando FAA FSDO Melbourne Area Pilots Association (MAPA) - (Door Prizes & Refreshments) Fallon Aviation (Door Prizes) King Schools (Door Prize) Richard Funcheon, Ceritified Aircraft Appraiser (Door Prize) Equal Access Information: The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the "Contact Information" area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services. Credit Applicability: Basic WINGS 1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3 Advanced WINGS ˝ Credit for Advanced Knowledge Topic 2 Master WINGS ˝ Credit for Master Knowledge Topic 2 FAASTeam Project Information: National Project: Other Additional Event Documents: SO1578776F.pdf Back to Top Flight Safety Specialist The Safety Specialist position assists the Director, Aviation Safety in the execution of the comprehensive NetJets Safety Program. This includes reviewing, evaluating and processing safety reports, analyzing data, assessing risks and making recommendations on how to minimize the risks involved in NetJets flight and maintenance operations. Assist the Director, Aviation Safety in development and execution of the NJA safety programs through: 50% - Evaluate, analyze and process safety reports submitted to any of the NJA administered Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP) including but not limited to: (i) Investigating the issues raised in each safety report (ii) Make recommendations to management regarding changes to policy, procedures and practices to enhance safety (iii) Collection and analysis of policy, maintenance records, and fatigue assessments to determine if safety enhancements are available or warranted. (iv) Provide opinion and interpretation of collected materials to the ASAP ERC. (v) Act and speak on behalf of NJA as the ASAP Event Review Committee (ERC) representative on a rotating basis. (vi) Administer corrective actions in response to ASAP ERC findings. 20% -Participate in, or conduct research into irregular events occurring during NJA flight operations 10% - Research and analyze trend data in the NetJets Safety Program and other industry data. 10% - Track ASAP related safety recommendations and corrective actions to ensure that follow-up actions have been taken that are effective. Determine if the actions have been effective and if not, make recommendations for additional changes or corrective action. 5% -Contribute to the production of the NetJets Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) quarterly newsletters. 5 % - Acts as an information conduit to bring safety of flight issues to the attention of management and to deliver safety information to NJA employees. QUALIFICATIONS: Associate's Degree Course of Study/Major: Safety Management, Aviation Management, Business Management or related degree Type of Credentials/Licenses: Commercial Instrument / ATP with 750 hours minimum flight time Related Work Experience: 2 years or equivalent experience * Must be able to work independently and use independent discretion and judgment * Exposure to responding to irregular events as well as identifying, evaluating and writing risk assessments for said events. * Familiarity with safety analysis, trending and risk assessment. * Ability to use sound judgment in analyzing reports, assessing risks and making recommendations * Must possess a demonstrated high degree of personal and professional integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality. * Detail oriented characteristics with an ability to prioritize multiple objectives in a dynamic environment with constantly shifting priorities. * Strong verbal and written communication with the ability to write effective reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. * Technical computer expertise and proficient knowledge in commercial off-the-shelf applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). * Must be effective working both individually as well as in a team environment with the ability to interact in a tactful manner. * Able to read and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations with a working knowledge of applicable Federal Aviation Regulations. * Demonstrated ability to interact with people at varying levels of authority. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree Course of Study/Major: Safety Management, Aviation related degree or equivalent Type of Credentials/Licenses: Two pilot cockpit experience or training in scheduled or unscheduled operations Work Experience:4 or more years * Operational Experience within Aviation Safety, Flight Operations, or equivalent transportation industry. * Professional training and/or education in safety or investigation fundamentals. * Experience or training in Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) * Professional experience and/or education in aviation safety investigations with particular experience or training in Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). * Professional experience and/or education in aviation safety. * Demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills with the ability to effectively present on both the individual level and to large audiences, including NJA employees, industry professionals and federal agencies. **TO APPLY: https://www.netjets.com/careers, requisition #1755** Back to Top Deputy Director of Safety Overview: The Deputy Director of Safety is responsible for supporting the association's existing aviation safety programs, and developing new safety initiatives to benefit HAI's membership. Essential Functions of the Position Include, but Are Not Limited To: * Providing auxiliary support to the Director of Safety * Serving as the HAI safety representative on various industry, government, and international boards, task forces, and meetings * Providing feedback for the association's response to proposed safety-related regulations and legislative initiatives * Collecting, researching, and analyzing safety and accident data for subsequent statistical reporting * Developing and implementing new HAI industry safety initiatives * Routinely interacting with aviation related agencies and organizations in support of the rotorcraft industry * Supporting all aspects of HAI's voluntary accreditation programs (IS-BAO & HAI APS) that assist helicopter operators in reducing incidents and accidents, while improving industry safety culture * Providing safety supervision for flight activities at the association's annual trade show and exposition, HAI HELI-EXPOŽ * Responding to requests for rotorcraft safety assistance from HAI members and the general public * Serving as staff liaison for assigned HAI committees * Contributing content for use in HAI's printed and electronic publications * Making safety presentations on behalf of HAI as necessary * Other duties as assigned The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Desired Qualifications for the Position Include: * College or advanced degree related to aviation safety and/or management * Five or more years of related helicopter safety background, training, and experience * Certificated helicopter pilot and/or maintenance technician * Previous experience with helicopter or other aviation-related organization * Prior international experience preferred * Familiarization with auditing protocols and accreditation programs * A passionate commitment to the promotion of helicopter safety * Highly motivated, able to work independently and in a team environment * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with prior experience in creating and delivering written proposals and public presentations * Research, data analysis, and report writing experience * Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite * Detail oriented, self-starter, with strong organizational and time management skills * Ability to travel The above qualifications are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position. APPLY HERE https://www.rotor.org/portals/1/eblast/deuty_d.html Curt Lewis