Flight Safety Information November 14, 2017 - No. 226 In This Issue Incident: Egypt B738 near Frankfurt on Nov 13th 2017, cracked windshield Incident: Indigo A320 enroute on Nov 11th 2017, smoking laptop Accident: China Southern B738 near Changsa on Nov 13th 2017, cargo smoke indication EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection China Southern Airlines flight forced to make emergency landing after fire alarm goes off FBI: Man 'Thought It Would Be Funny' to Shine Laser in Pilot's Eyes, Crashed Car in Chase US transportation workers to face testing for prescription opioids next year Indonesia exceeds world aviation safety standard: minister...Indonesia exceeds world aviation safety FAA Should Halt Instrument Approach Decommissioning, for Now CAAT to Issue Licences to Two New Airlines (Thailand) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Grants Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Certification Ukraine to renew serial production of An-74 aircraft Air Force Pilot Shortage Reaches 2,000 Ethiopian could buy 10-20 of Boeing's proposed mid-sized jet Russia may build its new jetliners in the Middle East Airbus looks at more capacity for A350 with new layout POSITION AVAILABLE: Assistant Manager, Global Aviation Data Management POSITION AVAILABLE: MAINTENANCE BASE MANAGER Incident: Egypt B738 near Frankfurt on Nov 13th 2017, cracked windshield An Egypt Air Boeing 737-800, registration MS-786 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Cairo (Egypt), was climbing through FL240 out of Frankfurt when the crew declared Mayday reporting a cracked windshield and initiated a rapid descent to FL100. The aircraft returned to Frankfurt. While on approach to Frankfurt the crew downgraded the Mayday to PAN advising that only the windshield's outer pane had cracked and was completely taken out. The aircraft entered a hold at 5000 feet to burn off fuel and landed safely back on Frankfurt's runway 25C about 100 minutes after departure. The cracked windshield: http://avherald.com/h?article=4b0fd85e&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Indigo A320 enroute on Nov 11th 2017, smoking laptop An Indigo Airbus A320-200, registration VT-IGV performing flight 6E-445 from Thiruvananthapuram to Bangalore (India), was enroute when passengers near seat row 24 detected a burning odour and informed cabin crew. Cabin crew identified a bag in the overhead lockers was emitting smoke and sparks and discharged fire extinguishers onto and into the bag. Subsequently they discovered a laptop, that had overheated and was the source of the smoke, secured the laptop in a container filled with water and reseated passengers near that seat row. The aircraft continued the flight to destination and landed safely. The airline reported cabin crew detected the smoke of smell in the cabin, noticed minor sparks from a bag in an overhead locker near seat row 24, notified the flight crew and followed the necessary procedures including relocating passengers near seat row 24. The aircraft continued to destination for a normal landing. India's DGCA has been informed about the occurrence. There is serious doubt however that the laptop had become the hottest laptop on the planet. http://avherald.com/h?article=4b0fd1f3&opt=0 Back to Top Accident: China Southern B738 near Changsa on Nov 13th 2017, cargo smoke indication A China Southern Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration B-5836 performing flight CZ-6406 from Nanjing to Guilin (China) with 151 passengers, was enroute at 7800 meters (FL256) about 90nm southwest of Changsa (China) when the crew received a cargo smoke indication and decided to divert to Changsa. The aircraft landed safely on Changsa's runway 36 about 20 minutes later. The crew initiated an emergency evacuation via slides, one passenger received injuries (sprained ankle) as result of the evacuation. Emergency services found no trace of fire, heat or smoke. A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration B-6255 reached Guilin with a delay of 4 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Changsa about 9 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4b0fc95e&opt=0 Back to Top Back to Top China Southern Airlines flight forced to make emergency landing after fire alarm goes off Plane bound for Guilin lands safely in Hunan capital, carrier says The CZ6406 flight was originally bound for the southern city of Guilin in Guangxi but was diverted to the Hunan capital, Changsha Television reported on its Weibo account at about 10.30pm. The flight landed safely in Changsha just before 10pm, the carrier said. Other planes near the Changsha airport were told to make way for the flight, the report said. The flight crew decided to make an emergency landing after the on-board fire alarm was triggered, the carrier said on Weibo at about 11pm. After the aircraft touched down, all 151 passengers left through the evacuation slides, the Weibo post said. One passenger suffered a minor ankle injury on a slide. An initial examination found no fire on the plane. The cause of the alarm is still under investigation, according to the carrier's post. http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2119732/china-southern-airlines-flight-forced- make-emergency-landing Back to Top FBI: Man 'Thought It Would Be Funny' to Shine Laser in Pilot's Eyes, Crashed Car in Chase Authorities say a California man who was arrested after crashing during a high-speed chase allegedly "thought it would be funny" to flash a laser at a police helicopter, Ars Technica reports. Such laser strikes are dangerous because they can disorient pilots and endanger their passengers and people on the ground. The FAA reports roughly 5,000 laser strikes per year around the country, though this might be the most dramatic and idiotic case yet. According to federal charging documents filed last week, Michael Vincent Alvarez tracked a Fresno Police helicopter from the highway just after midnight on October 22th, firing a green laser into the cockpit, striking the pilot's eyes three times. The pilot, assisting police with a domestic violence call, reported being momentarily blinded, but maintained control of the helicopter. Flashing the light, of course, revealed the laser's location to the pilot, who then radioed officers on the ground, leading to a "high speed pursuit" as Alvarez allegedly sped down the highway. It didn't last long-authorities say Alvarez soon crashed into the central divider on Highway 99, fleeing on foot through a nearby residential area, remarkably sustaining only minor injuries to his legs in the crash. According to police, Alvarez stopped the car twice during the chase to drop off passengers. Authorities say one of them, an unnamed woman, told police she'd been traveling with Alvarez on the way to a friend's house. According to her, Alvarez "thought it would be funny" to point a laser at the helicopter. It wasn't. And this is where we count all the ways Alvarez played himself. The passengers dropped off during the pursuit acted as witnesses for the police against Alvarez. Although there have been thousands of laser attacks against pilots, Ars Technica reports only a small fraction of those cases resulted in convictions, even when suspects were arrested. The charges can be tough to prove, but Alvarez provided a car of witnesses. Because of Alvarez's injury, he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. During the examination, a doctor allegedly found baggies of weed, crystal meth, and cocaine between Alvarez's legs near his groin, only adding to his charges. And finally, when Alvarez was caught, police ID'd him using a fingerprint scanner, only to discover he was already wanted on two outstanding felony warrants. Incredible. Alvarez was indicted last Thursday and faces up to five years in prison for the strike attack alone. https://gizmodo.com/fbi-man-thought-it-would-be-funny-to-shine-laser-in-pi-1820399740 Back to Top US transportation workers to face testing for prescription opioids next year * Under new rules, transport workers will be tested for hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone and oxymorphone. * The change takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018. * Workers are already tested for marijuana and cocaine. Safety-sensitive transportation workers - including flight crew, air traffic controllers, truck drivers and train engineers - will be screened for several common opioid painkillers starting next year, according to a new federal rule published Monday. Previous drug tests screened for cocaine and marijuana. The rule adds screening for hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone and oxycodone, the Department of Transportation said. President Donald Trump last month declared the opioid crisis, which claimed the lives of 64,000 Americans last year, a public health emergency, calling it a "national shame and a human tragedy." The broadened testing will take effect Jan. 1, 2018. "The opioid crisis is a threat to public safety when it involves safety-sensitive employees involved in the operation of any kind of vehicle or transport," Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a release. "The ability to test for a broader range of opioids will advance transportation safety significantly and provide another deterrence to opioid abuse, which will better protect the public and ultimately save lives." https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/13/u-s-transportation-workers-to-face-opioid-testing-next- year.html Back to Top Indonesia exceeds world aviation safety standard: minister Indonesia exceeds world aviation safety standard: minister Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi. Tangerang, Banten Province (ANTARA News) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that Indonesia has surpassed the world aviation safety standards, based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO USOAP), from 50 to 80. "Thanks to God, it is now finalized; I am grateful that we achieve good qualification, which is high above the average. It is an increase of 60 percent, from about 50 to about 80," Budi stated at the 14th anniversary of Sriwijaya Air Group in Tangerang on Friday. After the achievement, Sumadi called on all stakeholders, both operators and regulators, to jointly maintain the reputation. "The most important issue is about how we can maintain the qualification. The world of aviation is very complex, and Indonesia is vast country with more than 500 airports and hundreds of aircraft. Besides expressing my gratitude, I would like to invite aviation stakeholders to improve what has been developed, always concentrate on good performance, and maintain it as well," he noted. Previously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation had expressed optimism that it would exceed the safety standards of the International ICAO. Director General of Air Transportation, Agus Santoso, remarked that the on-site audit process was conducted by ICAO auditors on Oct 18, 2017. I am optimistic about getting a good score," he added. Agus mentioned that despite the world standard value for the passing category was at an average of 60, he was optimistic about exceeding the grade. "I appreciate friends who have worked day and night to achieve this. The results will be announced next month," he remarked. He admitted that he was optimistic because Indonesia had already gained the category 1 flight safety standards of the US Aviation Authority, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "We have achieved category 1 FAA, meaning it has met the global safety plan," he revealed. In addition, Agus stated that the results of the audit by the ICAO Team were satisfactory. "Not many records are submitted from ICAO," he said. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has already pocketed the value of the International Aviation security standard, which is at 94.5. President of ICAO Council Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu explained that the Indonesian government has succeeded in implementing effective aviation safety, enabling it to score above the global average, based on the result of an on-site audit conducted by the ICAO last October. Aliu made the remarks during a meeting with Santoso during a diplomatic reception held to mark the 72nd anniversary of Indonesian independence at the ICAO office in Montreal, Canada. According to the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, in a press statement released on Friday, Aliu also congratulated Indonesia for scoring above the global average, thanks to its hard work to implement aviation safety effectively. During his working visit in Montreal, Santoso also met a number of top officials of the ICAO head office. The reception was attended by more than 150 guests, including Aliu, permanent representatives of ICAO Council member states, officials of ICAO head office, and Indonesian diaspora in Montreal. In his opening address to the reception, Indonesian Ambassador to Canada and Permanent Representative to ICAO, Teuku Faizasyah, stressed the Indonesian government's commitment to strengthen cooperation with ICAO and its all members, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, in increasing international civil aviation capacity. He further highlighted the progress achieved in the development of national air transportation in the five goals of ICAO strategy; improving aviation safety; strengthening aviation security; advancing aviation navigation capacity; developing the economy in the air transportation sector; and protecting the environment from civil aviation activities. https://en.antaranews.com/news/113429/indonesia-exceeds-world-aviation-safety-standard- minister Back to Top FAA Should Halt Instrument Approach Decommissioning, for Now * Don't leave airports short of valuable iAP options, NBAA says. The NBAA has asked the FAA to wait on decommissioning old circling approaches until the agency evaluates glitches in some FMS and navigational databases. The NBAA has asked the FAA to "hit the pause button" on decommissioning old circling approaches, as well as those with circling minima, until the agency evaluates recent glitches in some FMS and navigational databases. The FAA said new area navigation technologies have fostered a doubling of usable approach procedures in the past decade and hence the agency's efforts to drop unnecessary IAPs. The call for further analysis is tied to snags that recently caused Rockwell Collins to pull some 10,000 individual approach procedures from the Jeppesen and Lufthansa type, 6, 7 and 8 databases. Rockwell Collins uncovered a problem with its manually edited and temperature compensated "climb to" altitudes that might have sent aircraft headed in the wrong direction under certain conditions. NBAA wants to be certain agency efforts to save money through decommissioning don't leave some airports short of good usable approach options. Approach decommissioning was outlined in Docket FAA-2017-0879, because "The complexity and cost to the FAA of maintaining the instrument flight procedures inventory, while expanding the new RNAV capability is not sustainable," the agency said. The NBAA's director of air traffic services and infrastructure, Heidi Williams said the association is urging the FAA to move cautiously on continued approach removal. She said while remaining sensitive to the agency's need to eliminate unnecessary approaches, "... we would like to task the FAA to take another look at the recent database issues to determine how they factor into approach cancellation criteria." https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-should-halt-instrument-approach-decommissioning-for-now Back to Top CAAT to Issue Licences to Two New Airlines (Thailand) Nov. 13--Authorities are planning to issue air operating licences (AOL) to two new airlines after a red flag over Thai aviation problems, issued by the global civil aviation body, was lifted early last month. Thailand is now poised to expand its aviation industry which earlier came under strict monitoring after the country was red-flagged in June, 2015 by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for its failure to meet aviation safety standards. "Now we can increase the number of new airlines," Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) chief Chula Sukmanop said, adding the increase will benefit the rapid growth of commercial air travel. Recently two new airline operators have asked the CAAT to grant them AOLs for starting their services on domestic routes. Their requests will be considered this month by a committee before being forwarded to Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith for a final say. Mr Chula said it should take about three months to issue the AOLs, a prerequisite for the operators to apply for air operator's certificates (AOC) which are also crucial for air operations. The CAAT chief said his agency expects its work to be hectic as several other airlines are seeking the AOC or having their AOC reissued. The process of "Re-AOC," or recertification of air operator's certificates, usually takes between six and eight months to complete. Authorities are reissuing an AOC to nine Thai-registered airlines after they finished reissuing the certificates to 12 airlines first. They are required to go through a process to apply for the AOC again, as part of the process for regaining the confidence of the ICAO. The ICAO found problems in Thai aviation safety standards in regards to regulating aviation businesses and granting air operator certificates. ICAO experts also raised concerns over regulations on the transport of hazardous items, including batteries, engines and flammable substances. A former aviation executive earlier admitted Thailand previously suffered a shortage of personnel responsible for accrediting aviation safety standards and issuing the certificates. This was believed to be a factor in Thailand failing to keep its aviation regulations in line with the ICAO standards. The problems prompted the country to amend and update laws concerning aviation industry as well as granting a Re-AOC to airlines, leading eventually to the red flag being removed. Thai VietJet Air, the subsidiary of Vietnamese low-cost group VietJet Air, is the latest beneficiary of the process, getting its AOC reissued last Wednesday, which allows it to resume flying overseas. The airline is preparing to open a new route between Bangkok and Da Lat in southern Vietnam on Dec 18, providing four flights a week, Mr Arkhom said, as he presided over a ceremony to give the AOC to the airline. Next in line to receive the reissuance of an AOC is Orient Thai Airlines. "We expect to reissued the AOC to the airline next week," Mr Chula said. Eight airlines will be granted a new AOC by January next year. http://www.aviationpros.com/news/12380948/caat-to-issue-licences-to-two-new-airlines Back to Top European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Grants Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Certification FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the certification of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). "This is a significant milestone for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X and I know our customers in Europe are thrilled to hear the news as well," said Patrick Moulay executive vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing. "Our mission with the Bell 505 was to reclaim the short single light market while honoring the Jet Ranger legacy and the phenomenal customer response is evidence we are on track." The Bell 505 has received certification from the civil certification authorities in the United States, Australia, Chile, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Argentina and most recently, Japan. "This is an important milestone for the Bell 505 and the timing of the news is very exciting," said Glenn Isbell, executive vice president, Customer Support and Services "We are hosting our first Bell 505 European operators this month at our Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth and the first aircraft in the region is scheduled to be delivered at the beginning of 2018." The reliability, speed, performance, and maneuverability of the Bell 505 is integrated with a flat floor, open cabin that is configurable for a wide variety of missions and payloads. The spacious cabin can be configured to carry up to four passengers or configured for internal cargo missions by removing quick disconnect rear cabin seats and/or copilot seat. The Bell 505's flat floor cabin design and large rectangular baggage compartment lets the Bell 505 adapt to your changing mission needs. These features combined with a proven and reliable drivetrain and rotor system make the Bell 505 a true multi-mission aircraft in the short light single-engine market. About Bell Helicopter Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries. About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Off Road, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit www.textron.com. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171113005368/en/European-Aviation-Safety-Agency- EASA-Grants-Bell Back to Top Ukraine to renew serial production of An-74 aircraft KIEV, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine will renew the serial production of the flagman Soviet-designed An-74 aircraft, the country's defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom announced on Monday. The Ukroboronprom has reached an investment agreement worth 150 million U.S. dollars on the aircraft production with the U.S.-based Oriole Capital Group, the Ukrainian defense conglomerate said in a statement on its website. The deal was achieved during the ongoing 15th international exhibition Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates, the statement said. According to the agreement, Ukraine will launch the An-74 production at the facilities of the Kharkiv State Aircraft Manufacturing Company in eastern Ukraine. For its part, the Oriole Capital Group will inject funds in the modernization and the production of the aircraft and ensure its sales. The An-74 multipurpose aircraft was designed by Ukraine's state-run aircraft manufacturing company Antonov in early 1980s. The East European country has manufactured 81 planes before the production was suspended in 2015. The An-74 is a medium-sized aircraft capable of carrying up to 10 people in the transport version and 52 people in the passenger version. The aircraft has a payload capacity of up to 10 tons with a maximum speed of 700 kilometers per hour. The market value of the plane is estimated at between 10 million U.S. dollars and 17 million dollars. Enditem http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/14/c_136749721.htm Back to Top Air Force Pilot Shortage Reaches 2,000 Pilots are burning out as increased operations leave the USAF stretched thin. An F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA, sits on the ramp at Rickenbacker International Airport. In July 2016, United States Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and then-Secretary Deborah Lee James revealed their plan to fix what they referred to as a "quiet crisis." The Air Force, they wrote for Defense One, faced a shortage of 500 fighter pilots that would grow to 700 by the end of the year. In all, the USAF was short 1,500 aviators, including 1,300 fighter pilots. Almost a year later, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) called the Air Force pilot shortage a "full-blown crisis" that could eventually "call into question the Air Force's ability to accomplish its mission." And this week, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson revealed the deficit climbed to 2,000 pilots, as current operations "are stretching the force to the limit, and we need to start turning the corner on readiness." In a Pentagon press conference, Goldfein and Wilson asked Congress to end sequestration so the USAF can have "a higher and stable budget to provide security and solvency for the nation," according to CNBC. "Our high operations tempo over 26 years of combat have taken its toll and budget instability is not helping," Goldfein explained. "So you understand why Secretary Wilson and I remain adamant that Congress turn off the auto pilot and get back in control of the budget. We must find a way to lift sequestration as it is currently structured." Wilson warned that the demand on pilots is creating a "heavy burden" that is leaving pilots burned out. Further sequestration, she added, will cause even more pilots to leave the Air Force for more lucrative jobs in commercial aviation. However, that isn't the only reason the shortage is so bad. "Aside from an airline hiring surge, there are other reasons for the Air Force's pilot shortfall, from dramatically reduced flying hours for the high-end fight as a result of Pentagon budget cuts to a perceived falloff in quality of life when they return from deployments overseas," Goldfein and James wrote in 2016. "Make no mistake, this is a quiet crisis that will almost certainly get worse before it gets better." Last month, to fight the shortage, President Trump signed an executive order allowing the Air Force to voluntarily recall up to 1,000 retired pilots to active duty for up to three years. It was an addendum of the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty (VRRAD) program, instituted by the service in July and originally limited to 25 active-duty staff positions. However, that didn't mean pilots would instantly show up. In fact, only three retirees signed up, according to Military.com. Brig. Gen. Mike Koscheski, the Air Force Aircrew Crisis Task Force director, also said the resolution of budget issues will help end the shortage. "We are looking to expand the training pipeline -- but again we need a stable budget," he said. "Our long term fix to the pilot crisis is to grow our way out of this and it's going to take a while to get in place what we need to start producing more pilots." https://www.flyingmag.com/air-force-pilot-shortage-reaches-2000 Back to Top Ethiopian could buy 10-20 of Boeing's proposed mid-sized jet DUBAI (Reuters) - Ethiopian Airlines would be interested in buying around 10 to 20 of the mid-sized jets that Boeing is studying whether to develop, the African airline's chief executive said on Tuesday. A worker services an Ethiopian Airlines plane at the Bole International Airport in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh Boeing is looking at potentially filling a market gap between narrow and wide-body jets with a new aircraft that could seat 220 to 270 passengers. Ethiopian Chief Executive Tewolde Gebremariam said the airline was interested in a replacement for the out-of-production Boeing 757. "It is a very right size, and right range for the missions we have, especially (for) the altitude in Addis (Ababa) airport," he told reporters at the Dubai Airshow. Boeing stopped producing the 757 in 2005, after delivering 1,049 of the jets, known for their powerful engines that allow them to take-off on short runways and can carry 200 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. Industry sources have said they expect a commercial launch from Boeing of the new mid-sized jet next year. It would enter service in 2024 or 2025 as Boeing attempts to leapfrog the hot-selling Airbus A321neo. Gebremariam also said Ethiopian would decide next year whether to buy Bombardier's CSeries or Brazil-based Embraer's E-jet series as a replacement for Boeing's 737-7. "In the interest of fleet commonality we want to explore possibilities of remaining with the {737) MAX," he added. Ethiopian ordered two Boeing 777 freighters, and exercised options for a further two, in a deal worth $1.3 billion at list prices, at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-airshow-ethiopian/ethiopian-could-buy-10-20-of- boeings-proposed-mid-sized-jet-idUSKBN1DE0UF Back to Top Russia may build its new jetliners in the Middle East Russia isn't just trying to sell its new airliner abroad. It might build it there, too. State-owned military-industrial giant Rostec, which is responsible for exporting Russian technology, said Sunday that it has started talks to jointly produce a commercial plane overseas -- potentially in the United Arab Emirates. The short statement, which coincided with the start of the Dubai air show, didn't provide much detail. But Russia is trying to increase exports of its new large single-aisle airliner, the Irkut MC-21, which competes directly with Boeing (BA) and Airbus (EADSF) planes. One strategy that plane makers employ to boost sales is using overseas manufacturing to gain market access with local airlines. Europe's Airbus, for example, opened final assembly lines for its A320 jets in China and the U.S. to produce planes specifically to attract airlines in both countries. The UAE is home to two of the world's biggest carriers, Emirates and Etihad, as well as several smaller ones. The MC-21, the first Russian-made airliner of its size since the fall of the Soviet Union, is backed at the highest levels of the Russian government. President Vladimir Putin has pushed for Rostec and state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to increase sales of the plane to both Russian and foreign airlines. Rostec said it held talks about the potential joint production of the plane with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the powerful crown prince of Abu Dhabi. The MC-21-300 has been flying since May 2017. The UAE has been eager to expand its aerospace industry into manufacturing. Companies based in the country already produce some parts for Boeing and Airbus jets. A Rostec spokesperson said it was too early to say what joint production would mean in practice. It could entail anything from assembly of completed MC-21 jetliners in the UAE to manufacturing components for jets that will be produced in Russia. "Specific parameters will be determined during [the] negotiation process," the spokesperson said. Russia is increasingly open to cross-border partnerships to expand its aerospace industry. UAC has teamed up with China's Comac to design and produce a new long range twin-aisle airliner, but that plane's not expected to be ready for at least another eight to 10 years. The aircraft Rostec and UAC may build in the UAE would be based on the largest version, the MC- 21-400, that seats up to 250 passengers and competes directly with the biggest single-aisle jets from Boeing and Airbus. A smaller version, the MC-21-300, has been carrying out early flight trials since May. Many MC-21 parts comes from Western suppliers: Its engines, for example, are made by Connecticut-based Pratt & Whitney. But final assembly of the aircraft is completed in the Siberian city of Irkutsk. Russian aircraft company Sukhoi, which is also a unit of UAC, partnered for a time with Italy's biggest aerospace company to install interiors of its new Superjet regional airliner in Venice for European customers. http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/13/news/companies/russia-rostec-uae-mc21-production Back to Top Airbus looks at more capacity for A350 with new layout DUBAI (Reuters) - Airbus is working on increasing the capacity of its A350-900 aircraft as airlines look to reduce their operating costs per seat, industry executives said on Monday. The plans were presented to Emirates airline last week, they added, but did not sway the Dubai carrier in its eventual decision to buy Boeing's 787-10 at this week's Dubai Airshow. Billed as Europe's answer to the 787 Dreamliner, the A350-900 is designed for airlines that want long range. But for carriers prepared to settle for less range on certain busy routes, the recently introduced 787-10 carries more passengers and is therefore potentially more efficient per seat. The proposed A350 layout would help to close the seat gap, by moving the pressure bulkhead back by two and a half feet and changing the rest of the layout to leave more space for seats. Plane manufacturers have already been steadily adding more seats to their existing aircraft models by improving the way the cabins are set out, or by providing denser configurations. Airbus says the A350-900, which was originally marketed for 317 passengers, now holds 325 in standard layout. The Boeing 787-10 is a stretched version of the earlier 787-9 Dreamliner and was originally designed to carry 323 passengers. Boeing now says it carries 330 people. Airbus said it was constantly looking at improvements but declined to discuss details. "As with all programs, we are also studying new cabin improvements on the A350 as it offers a versatile and flexible platform," a spokeswoman said. "As a leading aircraft manufacturer we always consider future improvements in line with market and customer needs." https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/airbus-looks-more-capacity-a350-layout-162700046-- finance.html Back to Top POSITION: Assistant Manager, Global Aviation Data Management Description Reporting to the Manager, Global Aviation Data Management (GADM), the incumbent will support analysis and research using the GADM databases, this position will focus on data science and statistics. The activities may include coordination with internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Responsibilities * Perform analysis of operational safety data held in the GADM databases; * Assist with data visualization techniques, dashboard development and automation; * Assist with ad-hoc analysis requests from both internal IATA departments as well as airlines and other research as requested; * Coordinate update to GADM website; * Assist with other support activities as required. Qualifications and Skills * University degree in relevant disciplines; * Strong analytical skills (background in statistics desired) and ability to write technical reports; * High level proficiency in Microsoft office suite, especially Excel (Charting, Filtering, Pivot Tables...) and experience with business intelligence software or statistics software (SAS, R, minitab, Matlab) would be an asset; * Highly organized and detail oriented; * Excellent communication skills in English is a must; * Familiarity with aviation operational environment: Background in human factors, aeronautics, or Private/commercial pilot's license with instrument rating , or experience in ground handling desirable. APPLY HERE At the heart of IATA are our Values and Behaviors. We all have different personalities, styles and areas of expertise, but you'll recognize us by the consistent way we act and behave in line with our Values and Behaviors. We are looking for people who bring them to life in everything they do - they are: * Act with integrity and uphold our standards * Think strategically in support of the global big picture * Partner and manage to create high performing teams * Putting people first by acting with a simple human touch Here at IATA we are proud of being a Diverse & Inclusive Organization - we have people from all over the world working in our offices, and we extend this to our recruiting practices. We are a meritocratic organization and an equal opportunity employer. Back to Top JOB TITLE: MAINTENANCE BASE MANAGER REPORTS TO: Director of Maintenance HOURS: Full-Time, Year-Round LOCATION: Cape Air Corporate Headquarters (Hyannis, MA) SUMMARY: The Maintenance Base Manager performs all duties of maintenance technician and supervisor. In addition, the person in this position directs daily activities of Base Maintenance operations and facilities to ensure activities are accomplished in accordance with company and federal requirements. This includes administering work load, personnel issues, tooling, parts and facility management, amongst other things. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Responsible to direct daily activities of Base Maintenance operations and facilities to ensure activities are accomplished in accordance with company and federal requirements * Manage Mechanics and Aircraft Cleaners * Coordinate all resources as necessary to accomplish the existing or anticipated work load during all days and hours of operations * Develop and maintain manpower and vacation schedules/requests * Setup, review and approve employee payroll; handle check requests (and petty cash if applicable) * Assist in interviews of potential employees and coordinate new hire process and orientation with HR * Coordinate SIDA badge process for all maintenance employees * Coordinate training with the Manager of Maintenance Training * Coordinate uniform requests for base * Coordinate any relocation/TDY assignments * Conduct daily and/or monthly meetings as necessary with maintenance crew * Conduct disciplinary meetings with employees as required or as necessary * Communicate with facility landlord, if applicable * Responsible for hangar and ground equipment maintenance including the upkeep of all maintenance department vehicles * Responsible for ordering shop and office supplies and maintaining proper inventories of these items * Communicate with SOC/MOC for aircraft status reports * Participate in daily PIREP and maintenance base meetings * Audit manual system for correct revisions. * Monitor workmanship, materials and associated documentation * Manage Jeppesen/Garmin Ops update cycles for fleet * Work with Materials Manager to ensure proper inventory control for base * Coordinate core engine returns with stores * Coordinate and comply with EPA, OSHA, and Health Department * Additional duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS: * Must hold a valid A&P certificate * Must have at least 5 years of experience in aircraft maintenance * Must have at least 2 years of professional management or supervisory work experience * Experience in cold weather ops * Knowledgeable of FARs and budget processes preferred o Must have a flexible schedule and be willing to work any and all shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays * Valid passport required * Must be willing to travel * Must exhibit knowledge of Cape Air and embody the Cape Air MOCHA HAGoTDI spirit * Please note this is a safety sensitive position which requires CHRC clearance and DATP enrollment in accordance with the FAA Code of Federal Regulations APPLY HERE Curt Lewis