Flight Safety Information January 31, 2018 - No. 023 In This Issue Incident: Delta A333 near Boston on Jan 29th 2018, engine vibrations Incident: Fedex B752 at Tel Aviv on Jan 30th 2018, on final approach near collision with UN aircraft Incident: Norwegian B738 near Amsterdam on Jan 30th 2018, cargo smoke indication EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Incident: Austral E190 at Mar del Plata on Jan 29th 2018, nose wheel separated during line up Robinson R44 Raven II Fatal Accident (Orange co., CA) NTSB chief says 2016 evacuation of burning jet at O'Hare put lives at risk Report sheds light on seaplane's final moments Russian jet flies within 5 feet of US Navy plane, Pentagon says Firm operating out of Fargo denies FAA allegations of unqualified pilots, unauthorized planes Air Safety Regulators Face Many Challenges as a Result of Drone Technology TSA confiscated nearly 4,000 guns at airport checkpoints in 2017 Helicopter Aviation Safety Initiatives Demonstrate Progress in Mexico and India Universal Aviation Singapore earns IS-BAH accreditation Aviation industry prepares for bumpy Brexit ride Ever build an airplane? High school students learn how at Tehachapi Municipal Airport (CA) In-flight Wi-Fi is about to get a lot faster GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 1 GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 2 ISASI Kapustin Memorial Scholarship Applications Due in April Position: Assistant/Associate Professor - Tenure Track Faculty - Aviation Technology Position: Manager, Safety Programs 2018 ACSF Symposium ICAEA Conference -- Language as a Factor in Aviation Safety Incident: Delta A333 near Boston on Jan 29th 2018, engine vibrations A Delta Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration N807NW performing flight DL-72 from Atlanta,GA (USA) to Amsterdam (Netherlands), was enroute at FL350 about 150nm east of Boston,MA (USA) when the crew reported an engine (PW4168A) was vibrating and had been reduced to idle. The crew decided to divert to Boston, descended the aircraft to FL220, advised ATC that the engine was running and no assistance was needed, and landed safely on Boston's runway 04R about 60 minutes after turning around and leaving FL350. The remainder of the flight was cancelled, the passengers were rebooked onto other flights. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Boston about 22 hours after landing. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/DAL72/history/20180129/2241Z/KATL/EHAM http://avherald.com/h?article=4b44e9e9&opt=256 Back to Top Incident: Fedex B752 at Tel Aviv on Jan 30th 2018, on final approach near collision with UN aircraft A Fedex Federal Express Boeing 757-200, registration N919FD performing flight FX-5065 from Athens (Greece) to Tel Aviv (Israel), was on final approach to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport's runway 12. A Beech 200 King Air operated on behalf of the United Nations departed Tel Aviv Sde Dov Airport's runway 21 and was climbing out, but did not follow the assigned departure route and instead continued south. As result the separation between the Beech 200 and the Boeing 757 reduced to about 200 feet vertical with no lateral separation. The Boeing went around, positioned for another approach and landed safely on runway 12 about 15 minutes later. Israel's Ministry of Transport reported the closure speed of the two aircraft was about 700 kph (377 knots), the separation eroded to about 200 feet vertically. An investigation has been opened into the serious incident. The Beech 200 King Air was supposed to turn north immediately after becoming airborne and later turn south, however, continued south after becoming airborne and thus got into the final approach path of Ben Gurion's runway 12. Map (Graphics: AVH/Google Earth): http://avherald.com/h?article=4b44e358&opt=256 Back to Top Incident: Norwegian B738 near Amsterdam on Jan 30th 2018, cargo smoke indication A Norwegian Boeing 737-800, registration LN-NHB performing flight DY-4314 from Paris Orly (France) to Stockholm (Sweden), was enroute at FL360 about 110nm southeast of Amsterdam (Netherlands) in German Airspace when the crew received a forward cargo smoke indication and decided to divert to Amsterdam. The crew advised ATC that the smoke indication had been very brief, they did not discharge the fire extinguishers, emergency services should check the forward cargo bay at the right hand side. The aircraft landed safely on Amsterdam's runway 27 about 28 minutes after leaving FL360 and turning towards Amsterdam. An inspection by emergency services did not reveal any trace of fire, heat or smoke. The aircraft remained on the ground in Amsterdam for about 130 minutes, then continued the journey and reached Stockholm with a delay of 2.5 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4b44db5b&opt=256 Back to Top Back to Top Incident: Austral E190 at Mar del Plata on Jan 29th 2018, nose wheel separated during line up An Austral Embraer ERJ-190 on behalf of Aerolineas Argentinas, registration LV-CID performing flight AR-2605 from Mar del Plata,BA to Buenos Aires Aeroparque,BA (Argentina) with 96 people on board, was taxiing for departure about to line up on the runway when the left hand nose wheel separated from the nose gear. The crew stopped for a check, then taxied the aircraft back to the apron. Argentina's JIAAC reported they opened an investigation into an incident involving LV-CID at Mar del Plata at 18:45Z, the runway was released to service again. The aircraft back at the apron (Photo: Ezequiel Sicardi): http://avherald.com/h?article=4b44d50f&opt=256 Back to Top Robinson R44 Raven II Fatal Accident (Orange co., CA) Date: 30-JAN-2018 Time: 13:50 LT Type: Robinson R44 Raven II Owner/operator: Revolution Aviation/Spitzer Helicopter LLC Registration: N7530R C/n / msn: 1295 Fatalities: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 4 Other fatalities: 1 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Orange County, Newport Beach, CA - United States of America Phase: Initial climb Nature: Unknown Departure airport: John Wayne/Orange County (KSNA) Destination airport: Narrative: The aircraft impacted residential structures and terrain in Newport Beach shortly after takeoff from John Wayne-Orange County Airport (KSNA) in Santa Ana, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and two of the four occupants onboard were fatally injured. Two of the four occupants onboard the helicopter received serious injuries and one person on the ground was fatally injured. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=205400 Back to Top NTSB chief says 2016 evacuation of burning jet at O'Hare put lives at risk Passengers evacuate a burning plane on the runway at O'Hare International Airport. Oct. 28, 2016. Alan Levin Bloomberg The emergency evacuation of a wide-body airliner in Chicago was anything but orderly. As flames engulfed the right wing, passengers screamed and clambered over seats even before the American Airlines jet came to a stop on the runway after the aborted takeoff, ignoring flight attendants' pleas to stay seated. Within seconds, people were surging onto the runway even though the engine was still blasting exhaust, sending them rolling like tumbleweeds. "Although everyone successfully evacuated, the investigation revealed ways that the evacuation could have been improved," National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt said Tuesday as the agency opened a meeting to conclude its investigation. No one died in the Oct. 28, 2016 incident as Flight 383 prepared for takeoff, but the severity of the fire and the chaotic evacuation made it one of the most serious aviation incidents in recent years. It has also given the NTSB a platform to raise long-standing concerns about aircraft evacuations. The NTSB is preparing at its meeting to adopt recommendations to reduce the risks of emergency evacuations, as well as preventing the initial engine failure that led to the fire. The Boeing 767-300 bound for Miami was accelerating for takeoff at O'Hare International Airport when its right engine exploded, spraying metal debris. After reaching 154 miles per hour, pilots hit the brakes and stopped as leaking fuel ignited and engulfed the right wing. O'Hare plane fire Passengers and crew leave the area where an American Airlines plane stopped when its right wing caught fire Oct. 28, 2016, at O'Hare International Airport. (Photo courtesy of Alan Lemery) An imperfection in the metal used to make a spinning disk within the engine caused it to weaken and break apart, the NTSB said in documents it released earlier. U.S. aviation regulators and aircraft manufacturers have taken steps in recent decades to improve passenger safety during evacuations, such as reducing the flammability of plane interiors and making seats more impact-resistant. But the Chicago incident highlights how human behavior and the chaos of an emergency still creates risk. Crashes on or near the ground during takeoff and landing killed more people around the world than other accident causes from 2007 through 2016, according to Boeing. With the plane stopped on the runway and a fireball engulfing the American plane's right wing, poor communication and panic dominated, according to NTSB documents. Flight attendants and pilots are supposed to coordinate an evacuation, but attendants reported they could not reach the cockpit. The captain told investigators the evacuation checklist the cabin crew was required to follow was "cumbersome" and slowed the cockpit crew's response. NTSB report: Passengers pressured flight crew to evacuate plane after engine fire at O'Hare last year Passengers repeatedly failed to follow crew instructions. In multiple cases, they took luggage with them, which airlines prohibit because it can slow an evacuation or block aisles. In one case, an attendant tried unsuccessfully to wrestle a large bag away from a woman after she refused to leave it, according to NTSB records. The attendant said she gave up because the dispute was slowing the evacuation. "Let me say a word to the flying public," Sumwalt said. "Follow your crew's instructions. Things can be replaced. People can't." A 77-year-old man suffered multiple broken bones and swelling on the scalp, according to NTSB. Twenty others, including one crew member, reported more minor injuries, according to NTSB. The plane was carrying 161 passengers and nine crew members. The fire was so hot that it burned through the fuselage and the tip of the wing slumped onto the runway. "American is proud of the way its pilots and flight attendants handled this event," American Airlines said in a statement Tuesday. "The flight attendants performed a successful evacuation of all passengers and crew, despite concerns for their own personal safety. The cabin crew's judgment, skill, and self-discipline likely prevented significant injuries." http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-american-airlines-fire-ohare-ntsb-report- 20180130-story.html Back to Top Report sheds light on seaplane's final moments A NEW report shows the seaplane that crashed killing six people strayed wildly from its expected flight path before it crashed for no reason. Sydney Seaplanes resumes flights nearly three weeks after fatal crash THE seaplane that crashed on New Year's Eve killing six people veered wildly offcourse before the tragedy struck, a report has revealed. The preliminary report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released today details the final moments before the aircraft plummeted on New Year's Eve. The seaplane showed no sign of damage before it hit a river north of Sydney and witnesses say its engine sounded "constant and appeared normal" moments before the crash. "Shortly after entering Jerusalem Bay, numerous witnesses reported seeing the aircraft suddenly enter a steep right turn and the aircraft's nose suddenly drop before the aircraft collided with the water in a near vertical position," the report states. Witnesses say the aircraft was offcourse. Source: ATSB. "The aircraft came to rest inverted and with the cabin submerged. Witnesses reported the entire tail section and parts of both floats were initially above the waterline. The aircraft took over 10 minutes to completely submerge." The Sydney Seaplanes operated DHC-2 Beaver, piloted by Canadian Gareth Morgan, crashed into Jerusalem Bay on the Hawkesbury River with high profile UK businessman Richard Cousins on board. The 58-year-old chief executive of FTSE 100 company Compass Group, died alongside his sons Will and Edward, aged 25 and 23, his fiancee Emma Bowden, 48, and her 11-year-old daughter Heather. Sydney Seaplanes CEO Aaron Shaw said the report "suggests no evidence of airframe, fuel or engine issues". "The key question arising from the report is why the plane crashed approximately halfway down Jerusalem Bay, which is surrounded by steep terrain and has no exit," Mr Shaw said. "It is not a route we authorise in our Landing & Take Off Area Register and the plane simply should not have been where it was. "Further, the aircraft is then reported to have entered in to an 80-90 degree bank angle turn. A turn of this nature at low altitude by a pilot with Gareth's skills, experience and intimate knowledge of the location is totally inexplicable." A preliminary report on the crash by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found "no evidence of a bird strike or collision with an object prior to take- off or in-flight". There was also no evidence of control issues, an in-flight breakup or pre-impact structural damage. And the resultant damage to the plane's wings when it crashed was consistent with witness statements that it hit the water while banking right, the ATSB said. The seaplane had no cockpit voice or flight data recorder fitted, as there was no legal requirement for a plane of that size. There were also no video recorders fitted to the plane. The report also states that the pilot made all the relevant safety checks to the seaplane, that he was fully qualified and had a "high standard of health". "The pilot had a total flying experience of more than 10,000 hours, of which about 9,000 hours were on floatplanes," the report added. However, the report states the same aircraft had been involved in a fatal accident in November 15 1996 - in which the pilot was killed. The aircraft was subsequently repaired, issued with a Certificate of Airworthiness and re-entered service, registered as VH-NOO, in 2000. Sydney Seaplanes acquired the aircraft in 2006. The investigation is ongoing. http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/report-sheds-light-on-seaplanes-final- moments/news-story/367167abe4323af71d48199fd099a3e8 Back to Top Russian jet flies within 5 feet of US Navy plane, Pentagon says Washington (CNN)A Russian Su-27 jet performed an unsafe intercept of a US Navy surveillance plane while it was flying in international airspace over the Black Sea Monday, three defense officials told CNN. The American pilots reported that the Russian jet came within 5 feet of the US plane, according to two of the officials. The Russian jet's action forced the US Navy aircraft to end its mission prematurely, one of the officials said. The US State Department issued a statement late Monday accusing the Russians of "flagrantly violating existing agreements and international law." "This is but the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in the statement. "We call on Russia to cease these unsafe actions that increase the risk of miscalculation, danger to aircrew on both sides, and midair collisions." US Naval Forces Europe, which oversees US operations in the region, provided more detail about the intercept, which it said lasted a total of two hours and 40 minutes. "This interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the SU-27 closing to within five feet and crossing directly through the EP-3's flight path, causing the EP-3 to fly through the SU-27's jet wash," US Naval Forces Europe spokesman, Capt. Pamela Kunze told CNN. "Unsafe actions increase the risk of miscalculation and midair collisions," Kunze said, adding, "The US aircraft was operating in accordance with international law and did not provoke this Russian activity." The Russian Defense Ministry said its fighter jet flew "strictly in accordance with international rules" when it intercepted the US surveillance plane. In a statement, the Defense Ministry said that an "unidentified air target" was detected approaching Russian airspace at about midday over the neutral waters of the Black Sea. "A Su-27 fighter was sent to intercept the target and approached the aircraft at a safe distance and identified it as an ER-3E (Aries II) US reconnaissance aircraft," the statement said. "The crew of the fighter jet reported the identification of the American reconnaissance aircraft and accompanied it, preventing it from violating Russian airspace, observing all necessary security measures." "The entire flight of the Russian Su-27 was strictly in accordance with international rules for the use of airspace and there were no extraordinary events," the statement added. Several unsafe interactions between Russian and US military forces have taken place near the Black Sea. Russian, US and NATO forces operate in close proximity to one another in the area, particularly since Russia boosted its military presence in the region following its annexation of Crimea in 2014. The US Navy has upped its presence in the area in recent years. CNN military analyst John Kirby said the Russian jet's action was "inexcusable, provocative & potentially fatal." He added that "while it is difficult to determine the degree to which senior levels in the chain of command are involved in the specific conduct of any particular intercept, one thing is absolutely clear: The Kremlin desires to challenge US military patrols in and above the Black Sea and elsewhere." "It's a policy we must presume the Russian defense establishment is acting concertedly and aggressively to pursue. Russian military leaders are known for a lot of things. Independent thinking is not one of them," he said. A Russian Su-30 fighter jet made an "unsafe" intercept of a US P-8A Poseidon aircraft in November while it was flying over the Black Sea. The Russian jet's actions were deemed unsafe because the aircraft crossed in front of the US plane from right to left while engaging its afterburners, forcing the P-8 to enter its jet wash, an action that caused the US plane to experience "a 15-degree roll and violent turbulence," according to Lt. Col. Michelle Baldanza, a spokeswoman for the Pentagon. The last reported incident between US and Russian aircraft occurred in December in the skies over Syria, when US F-22s intercepted Russian attack jets after they flew over the de-confliction line intended to ensure safety. The US jets fired warning flares during the intercept of the two Russian Su-25 close air support jets after they crossed the de-confliction line multiple times, US officials said. The Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement denying the incident took place west of the de- confliction line, accusing the F-22s of interfering with the flight of the Su-25s while they were operating along the western bank of the Euphrates River in the vicinity of the town of Mayadin. https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/29/politics/russia-jet-us-navy-black-sea/index.html Back to Top Firm operating out of Fargo denies FAA allegations of unqualified pilots, unauthorized planes A TapJets Inc. jet is ready for flight in front of Fargo maintenance hangars. FARGO - The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an emergency order against TapJets Inc. of Fargo and Spring, Texas, to prevent the company from conducting charter flights. The emergency order of revocation, which was issued and went into effect Friday, Jan. 26, alleges TapJets conducted passenger-carrying flights using unqualified pilots and operating unauthorized aircraft, the FAA said in a news release. The FAA alleges that between Sept. 28, 2016, and Jan. 22, 2017, TapJets operated 10 passenger- carrying flights with unqualified pilots. On one of those flights, the airman who served as second-in- command only had a student-pilot certificate, but a commercial-pilot certificate was required, the FAA said. Also, the FAA alleges that both TapJets' president and its director of operations piloted several of these flights when either the crew was unqualified or the aircraft being used was unauthorized. The FAA said the company conducted 14 passenger-carrying flights with aircraft that it was not authorized to use because they were not listed on its air carrier certificate. The agency said TapJets knowingly used unqualified pilots, operated in a careless or reckless manner that endangered lives or property, and exhibited a cavalier attitude toward regulatory compliance. TapJets founder and CEO Eugene Kesselman said in an email Tuesday, Jan. 30, that the FAA order is under appeal. And the company, which describes itself as the "Uber of private jets," issued a statement denying the allegations and any wrongdoing. The statement said that more than a year ago, during TapJets' initial development, the firm conducted a small number of flights for friends of the company and family of owners and key vendors. No payment was received for the flights, and they were conducted in full compliance with FAA regulations, the company said. "We used these flights in the development and testing of our software," the statement said. "We are concerned about why - a year after the fact - the FAA has raised these allegations based on an anonymous complaint." "Just like Uber, Airbnb, and other successful companies that changed the status-quo, TapJets Inc. is now facing push-back by government regulators," said Debra Fein, corporate counsel for TapJets. On Tuesday, the Facebook and Twitter accounts for TapJets were still seeking bids for flights, and flight auctions were continuing on the company's website. Asked what sort of sanctions TapJets would face if it was still operating flights, the FAA said it couldn't answer questions about the company's operations "because the matter is in litigation." Launched in April 2016, TapJets says it's the only company in the world that offers instant flight booking through an app. Customers can hail a jet to pick them up at their nearest airport in as little as an hour and fly them to their destination of choice within the contiguous United States. Rather than build up a large fleet of its own jets, the company uses algorithms to find the closest charter jet and assign the trip to other charter operators. If another company can't take the request, TapJets has five jets of its own to pick up the flight. Kesselman told The Forum for a May 2017 article that the firm could have set up anywhere, but Fargo had a couple of things in its favor. Small private jet flights represent a $20 billion industry in the U.S., he said, and there are about 4,000 to 5,000 such flights a month. For a company with just a few aircraft, launching in a major metropolitan area with an unending demand for flights "would've been disastrous." Fargo worked because it has fewer regional flights, ensuring TapJets won't overextend itself. Kesselman said he was impressed by this "very aviation-progressive region," including the capabilities of Fargo Jet Center. TapJets has offices at 3802 20th St. N., a space that's leased from Fargo Jet Center. https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/business/transportation/4396121-firm-operating-out-fargo- denies-faa-allegations-unqualified-pilots Back to Top Air Safety Regulators Face Many Challenges as a Result of Drone Technology Some drone marketing firms hope to expand the role of drones by allowing these craft to transport packages (or even passengers) through urban areas. On Sunday, a press release reported Ira Brodsky, a marketing consultant, had published a paper contending the FAA poses a barrier to the expansion of the use of drones in some situations. The publication, A Roadmap For Drone Market Growth, 2017-2025, urged Congress to invest states with the authority to regulate drone use. An FAA Regulatory Framework The Federal Aviation Authority ("the FAA") has promulgated detailed regulations for commercial drone operators to follow in order to promote safe air travel for air passengers and pilots. Regulators seek to balance the needs of the aviation industry with those of a growing number of drone enthusiasts. The federal agency launched a formal process for licensing commercial drone operators last year. The FAA's rules prohibit pilots from flying drones within restricted air space (including restricted air space around airports). Drones can't fly over people and occupied vehicles without specific advanced permission. These rules apply uniformly across the United States. Concern Surrounding Airplane And Drone Collisions Regulators worldwide have expressed concern about the dangers of drone collisions with aircraft. These warnings have coincided with some chilling near "misses" between commercial aircraft and illegally operated drones. Last year, British newspapers reported two incidents in which illegally operated drones had ventured uncomfortably close to jetliners. During October, 2016, a drone flew perilously close to a passenger plane preparing to land at busy Heathrow Airport. In another case, a pilot whose plane had just taken off from that airport narrowly avoided a collision with a drone traveling through restricted air space overhead. These types of incidents testify to the importance of restrictions barring unmanned aerial vehicles from aircraft flight lanes. An Historic Explosion in Drone Use Earlier this month, the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation Secretary recognized the significant increase in drones numbers across the United States. Elaine Chao addressed an influential consumer electronics trade meeting, the CES. She revealed the FAA has now registered over a million private and commercial drones. Unmanned aerial craft numbers exploded in the USA during the past two years. Air space allocations between manned and unmanned aircraft will likely remain important during the near future. Innovations in drone technology hold importance for the aviation industry. https://www.wingsjournal.com/air-safety-regulators-face-many-challenges-result-drone-technology Back to Top TSA confiscated nearly 4,000 guns at airport checkpoints in 2017 - and DIA was among the top 10 airports where firearms were found * Some of the 3,957 guns discovered in carry-on bags at airport security checkpoints around the country by the TSA. * TSA Some of the 3,957 guns discovered in carry-on bags at airport security checkpoints around the country by the TSA. There was a realistic-looking replica of a suicide vest found in a checked bag at an airport in El Paso. A block of inert explosives was discovered in a carry-on bag at an airport in Florida. Hand grenades were confiscated from luggage at airports all over the country. These, along with 3,957 firearms, were among the items discovered agents with the Transportation Security Administration discovered at airport security checkpoints in 2017. In its "TSA Year in Review" report, the agency said a "record-setting" number of firearms were found in carry-on bags. With nearly 4,000 firearms for the year, that translates to about 10 firearms a day. That's up roughly 17 percent from 2016, when 3,391 firearms were found at checkpoints, TSA said. And the number of firearms found has risen steadily since TSA began tracking the number in 2005, when 660 firearms were found. According to the agency 2 million travelers a day went through security check points last year and a total of 771.5 million passengers were screened. TSA said nearly 35 percent of the firearms found had a round in the chamber. Below are the top 10 airports where firearms were found and the number loaded with ammunition. 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International: 245, 222 loaded. 2. Dallas/Fort Worth International: 211, 165 loaded. 3. George Bush Intercontinental - Houston: 142, 124 loaded. 4. Denver International: 118, 102 loaded. 5. Phoenix Sky Harbor International: 115, 109 loaded. 6. Tampa International: 97, 90 loaded. 7. Orlando International: 94, 82 loaded. 8. Dallas Love Field: 93, 81 loaded. 9. Nashville International: 89, 71 loaded. 10. Seattle-Tacoma International: 75, 60 loaded. It wasn't just guns. Passengers also tried to board with numerous other hazardous items. A passenger was found with a live flashbang grenade in a carry-on bag at the San Diego International Airport. In Raleigh, a live smoke grenade was also found in a carry-on bag. "Not only do smoke grenades deploy a thick blanket of smoke, they also burn extremely hot and are considered hazmat," TSA said in a statement. Another problem was many items appeared to be real but in fact weren't. The suicide vest mentioned earlier is one example. The traveler, officials said, worked as a contractor dealing with explosive ordnance disposal, and the items were used as training aids. In another case, a military instructor said he "forgot" his carry-on bag contained inert explosives. Officials advised that if your line of work necessitates the use of such devices, "plan ahead and find another way to transport" the training items. When seen on the X-ray monitor, TSA said, "we don't know if they're real, toys, or replicas until TSA explosives experts are called upon." And even inert grenades can cause terminals and checkpoints to close, meaning delays or canceled flights. TSA said it found nearly 200 items that are prohibited and were "deliberately hidden in attempts to sneak them through security." The agency calls this "artful concealment" and warned travelers risk fines or arrest in such cases. At the very least, you'll be delayed. https://www.denverpost.com/2018/01/30/tsa-guns-confiscated-2017/ Back to Top Helicopter Aviation Safety Initiatives Demonstrate Progress in Mexico and India SOURCE: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS JAN 30, 2018 In 2017, Airbus' helicopter division safety expert, Erick Perez, led a number of safety initiatives in Latin America, all in an effort to improve helicopter flight safety in the region. Meeting with employees from the manufacturer's customer centres, and at operators' and authorities' offices in Chile, Mexico, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica, Perez spoke about the critical need for safety in aviation. "In 2017, we raised awareness on helicopter flight safety for nearly 2,000 people," explains Perez. "That's roughly the same number of people we saw over the last five years." The battle to address helicopter aviation safety is at a peak, with airspace busier than ever and the demand for aeronautic solutions growing. Some 85% of helicopter accidents have been shown to be due to operational causes. To address this, Airbus' helicopter division actively works with operators and authorities to reduce accident rates. For the past 11 years, the manufacturer has held safety roadshows in an effort to encourage dialogue around the practical elements of safety in flight operations. In 2017, nearly 100 roadshows were organised worldwide. In Mexico, Erick Perez went a step further. While the accident rate in Mexico has decreased by 65% in seven years, it remains high in comparison to that of North America and Europe. As co-chairman of the International Helicopter Safety Team(IHST) for Mexico, where Perez represents the industrial side of the table, in 2017 he helped to found its Chilean branch. He supervised the organisation of 13 safety roadshows, carried out surveys with operators to understand their safety expectations, implemented an efficient crisis management system in the event of accidents and coordinated training activities so as to incorporate safety aims. Perez also led safety talks at customer centres in Mexico and Chile, and contributed to translating, proofreading and approving numerous documents in Spanish that promote safety. Perez is not alone. In India, Rajan Raman, a technical director at Airbus' helicopter division in India, helped organise no fewer than 18 safety roadshows in Nepal and India with operators and authorities. India - where 107 Airbus helicopters fly on behalf of 38 customers - is at the forefront of a host of helicopter flight safety efforts, both by operators and aviation authorities, aimed at addressing the country's burgeoning aviation industry. During safety roadshows, participants showed particular interest in the practical application of safety management systems (SMS) during daily maintenance operations and missions. In 2018, Rajan Raman will continue his efforts, with a presentation to the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) and discussions with authorities on the use of single engine aircraft for projects aimed at improving access to mountainous regions. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12394580/helicopter-aviation-safety-initiatives- demonstrate-progress-in-mexico-and-india Back to Top Universal Aviation Singapore earns IS-BAH accreditation * Five more Universal Aviation locations slated for IS-BAH accreditation in next year SINGAPORE, Jan. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Universal Aviation Singapore, based at Seletar Airport (WSSL), has earned accreditation under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) program. Universal Aviation Singapore joins Universal Aviation London Stansted (EGSS) as the second Universal Aviation location to become an IS-BAH accredited location. Universal Aviation Singapore joins Universal Aviation London Stansted (EGSS) as the second Universal Aviation location to become an IS-BAH accredited location. Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., has more than 40 locations in 20 countries. "Earning our IS-BAH accreditation is validation of our ongoing commitment to safety and ensuring our client's mission success by reducing their operating risk and stress," said Yvonne Chan, Managing Director, Universal Aviation Singapore. "We are proud to earn this level of distinction, as it demonstrates to our customers and stakeholders our unwavering dedication to implementing industry-recognized best practices for safety, systems, training, and security." The International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) is a set of global industry best practices for business aviation ground handlers, which features at its core a safety management system (SMS). The IS-BAH follows the structure of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Program and incorporates the NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit Program. IS-BAH is the global industry standard for handlers and operators around the world to meet the coming SMS requirements from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). "Universal Aviation Singapore is the second of our locations to earn IS-BAH and our second in the last six months, joining Universal Aviation Stansted, which earned its accreditation in August 2017," said Charlie Mularski, Senior Vice President, International, Universal®. "Throughout 2018 and early 2019, we anticipate five more Universal Aviation locations to be audited for IS-BAH accreditation. Our clients' missions are stressful. We're ensuring they can be at ease, knowing we are meeting and exceeding business aviation's best safety and security procedures when operating to our Universal Aviation locations." About Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. You're counted on to make every trip a success, but you don't have to do it alone. Reduce your operating risk and stress by accessing a global community of resources dedicated to helping you prepare for unforeseen events, navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment, and manage your stakeholders' expectations. Keep your organization moving and ensure mission success with complete and customized trip management services - coordinated through your dedicated trip support team, or online and on your Apple® iPad® via uvGO. For more information, contact worldwide sales at +1 (800) 231-5600 ext. 3300 (North America) or +1 (713) 944-1622 ext. 3300 (Worldwide). Media Contact: Louis Smyth +1 (713) 306-3269 lsmyth@univ-wea.com http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/Universal-Aviation-Singapore-earns-IS-BAH- accreditationFive-more-Universal-Aviation-locations-slated-for-IS-BAH-accreditation-in-next-year- 1014564523 Back to Top Aviation industry prepares for bumpy Brexit ride An Airbus A320 aircraft of German carrier Lufthansa takes off at Duesseldorf International Airport in Duesseldorf, Germany, 18 January 2018. Gearing up for a chaotic Brexit, UK's aviation, generating an annual turnover of £22 billion (€25 bn) per year, is preparing for the worst. The sector is the largest in Europe and smaller only to the United States. It is also one of the sectors most reliant on regulation and, as a consequence, vulnerable to a chaotic Brexit, with the UK potentially excluded from the Single European Sky and SESAR (Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research) programme. World Trade Organisation rules do not provide a fall-back position for aviation, meaning that without securing a deal with the EU, UK operators would lose 'Community air carrier' status and therefore intra-EU traffic rights. Some have already begun to prepare for the worst. EasyJet has opted to set up a separate EU subsidiary at an estimated cost of £10 million (€11.4 million). Fellow low-cost carrier Ryanair, meanwhile, applied for a British air operating license earlier this month. A report published by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) on Monday (29 January) stated that "maintaining the status quo" is the only Brexit model that would avoid major disruption to the sector. UK membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) would be "highly desirable for both UK and EU operators", while a UK-EU aviation agreement modelled on a pact between Brussels and Switzerland would be a "good option". But, as the EBAA report concedes, this is an "unlikely scenario". The paper, which analysed the possible economic effects of the different Brexit models, is intended to be "almost like a toolbox for the people at the table," Robert Baltus, Chief Operating Officer of the EBAA told EURACTIV. "For our members, the most important thing is that we retain a high level of flexibility across Europe," he adds. While airlines and the UK's Civil Aviation Authority want to remain part of the European Aviation Safety Agency, Theresa May's government insists that it intends to leave the single market, outside of which the UK could not remain a member of any of the EU's agencies. Last week, a presentation by the European Commission stated that "UK membership of EASA is not possible," instead sketching a vision of an EU-UK aviation agreement along the lines of those the bloc has with the United States and Canada. That could leave the UK to either attempt to persuade other EU governments to allow a non- member to continue agency membership or seek the observer status held by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. "It makes no sense to recreate a national regulator. At best, you replicate the vast majority of European regulation, and you'd have to do it over an extended period of time. At worst, you create unnecessary barriers," CAA Chief Executive Andrew Haines said in a speech in September. EU could dash hopes for UK to remain in aviation safety agency Britain could be excluded from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) after it quits the EU, raising the prospect of increased certification costs for airlines and manufacturers and dashing London's hopes of keeping its membership. "The EASA will remain the main force that Europe has to reckon with," says Baltus, who points out that the UK was one of the "strong founding members" of the Cologne-based agency. Gut feeling Baltus is dismissive of one of the most beloved phrases used by EU and UK negotiators. "The idea that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed is very dangerous. Uncertainty has an impact on everything we do. " "Our members need to know where do we stand...a gut feeling is not good enough," he says. Changes to the system The EU's negotiating guidelines for a two-year transition phase were signed off at the EU Affairs Ministers meeting on Monday (29 January), with UK Brexit Secretary David Davis hoping that the transition, during which the UK will retain full single market access, can be finalised by the end of March. Balthus says that agreeing on a transition phase "would be step number one". But he, and the rest of the industry, are clearly preparing for a bumpy Brexit ride. "The system as it is works...any changes will make our life more difficult," says Baltus. "We want both the EU and UK governments to appreciate what will happen". https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/aviation-industry-prepares-for-bumpy-brexit- ride/ Back to Top Ever build an airplane? High school students learn how at Tehachapi Municipal Airport (CA) Students put together parts of an airplane at three work stations in a rented hangar at the Tehachapi Municipal Airport on Jan. 29. If Tehachapi High School students want to know more about aviation, they now have a unique opportunity - building their own airplane. After more than two years of planning, 12 mentors from the Tehachapi Society of Pilots are helping students learn about aviation through free, twice-weekly workshops, and at the same time are raising awareness for the local Tehachapi Municipal Airport. "This is the best class I've had," said Patrick Seymour, a junior at Valley Oaks Charter School. "It's such a challenge and very mechanical at the same time." Senior Brynn Turpin from Valley Oaks Charter School said, "This is another way to get my hands into mechanics and building. It's a great opportunity to get out there and try something new." Tehachapi High School student Alyssa Lundberg added that her father has always talked to her about airplanes, and she is enjoying learning more about how a plane works. More than 18 students from both Tehachapi High and Valley Oaks Charter School are involved in building the $85,000 Zenith CH 750 Cruzer two-seater airplane. The funding to make this possible has been acquired through the Arts, Science and Technology Educational Corp. of Tehachapi and gives students firsthand knowledge on the mechanics and rules of aviation. "If any out of the group is encouraged or inspired to learn more about aircraft maintenance or aviation, that would be great. It's a pleasure to impart my knowledge to the kids here," said mentor and licensed mechanic Gary Childress. The airplane is projected to built in less than a year and at the moment students are assembling the main frame. "We are learning as we go," said Paul Nafziger, project manager for the classes. He added, "The students are really dedicated and I'm really impressed." The Tehachapi Society of Pilots is a nonprofit organization that is arranged with the purpose of providing education to students in the aviation field, gives scholarships for those entering college and serves as an ambassador for the local airport. After the airplane is finished, it will be used for flying instruction and then sold to purchase another airplane kit. The society hopes to secure another grant to help further new projects, Nafziger said. http://www.tehachapinews.com/news/ever-build-an-airplane-high-school-students-learn-how- at/article_c6b866d0-0555-11e8-a580-5faa5700fd1d.html Back to Top In-flight Wi-Fi is about to get a lot faster (Bloomberg) - With in-flight Wi-Fi finally emerging from its role as a punch line, there's good news for sky warriors who routinely curse their connection, or lack thereof. The cost of buying and installing better hardware has fallen far enough that many airlines have begun upgrading to faster speeds, and smaller airlines are adopting Wi-Fi for the first time. Here's the bad news: What you'll pay for it might end up being a lot. Worldwide, 82 airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi-12 more than last year-with the amenity now common enough that there's a 43 percent chance your plane will have it when you plunk down in your seat, according to an annual airline report from New York-based Routehappy Inc. (And more than 80 percent in America.) Airbus SE and Boeing Co. also fit most of these newer systems onto new airplanes as part of the final assembly process. In terms of the most Wi-Fi access, Delta Air Lines Inc., American Airlines Group Inc. and Emirates take the top three spots, with Delta and Emirates also among the 13 airlines that offer Wi-Fi on all of their long-haul flights, according to the report released Tuesday. Routehappy divides Wi-Fi quality into best, better and basic categories, with the basic category-no streaming media capability-rapidly losing favor. Deployment of basic service plunged 16 percent from last year to slightly more than one-quarter of airline seat capacity. The "better" type, which allows for web browsing and limited media streaming, represents 57 percent of the Wi-Fi systems now in use. "Wi-Fi at 32,000 feet may be cheaper and faster than the Wi-Fi at many airports." The "best Wi-Fi" is classified as satellite-based broadband services, such as systems provided by Gogo Inc., ViaSat Inc. and Inmarsat Plc. Those newer technologies are seeing the largest adoption, with an "extraordinary" 129 percent growth over the past year, Routehappy Chief Executive Officer Robert Albert said in a statement. So, who is the best of the "best" category when it comes to Wi-Fi availability? Among the leaders, Delta leads the way, having equipped more than 350 aircraft, along with United Continental Holdings Inc., JetBlue Airways Corp., Brazil's GOL and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., Routehappy said. "Airlines are quickly moving away from older Wi-Fi systems that provided little utility at extremely high prices," said Jason Rabinowitz, Routehappy's director of airline research. "It is now likely that Wi-Fi at 32,000 feet may be cheaper and faster than the Wi-Fi at many airports." Routehappy collects airline amenity data for flight shopping. The 2018 Wi-Fi state-of-the-industry report was based on an analysis of all flights worldwide scheduled for Feb. 12. In terms of paying for Internet access, pricing schemes are highly variable, with some carriers selling unlimited flight passes and others parsing their Wi-Fi into time or data-usage increments, where costs can quickly add up. Some airlines may also have different types of Wi-Fi systems, depending on fleet type-for example, an Airbus versus a Boeing, or a domestic aircraft versus long- haul international. These sorts of differences can be especially stark when flying over the U.S., the land of the deepest Wi-Fi penetration. Outside the U.S., about one-third of seat capacity flies with Wi-Fi, a 14 percent increase from a year ago. Chicago-based Gogo has been scrambling to deploy faster satellite-based service for the past couple of years. It estimates that half of its customers' aircraft will be outfitted with much-faster satellite service by yearend, up from about 10 percent in 2016. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180130/NEWS10/180139985/in-flight-wi-fi-is-about-to- get-a-lot-faster Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 1 Ph.D. Research Survey Request - Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card Research Title: General Aviation Pilot Acceptance and Adoption of Electronic Flight Bag Technology Researcher: Troy Techau If you are you a pilot and have flown in general aviation (14 CFR § 91) in the past year, you can fill out a survey and get a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. I'm Troy Techau, a Ph.D. Candidate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the title of my research is General Aviation Pilot Acceptance and Adoption of Electronic Flight Bag Technology. Why do some general aviation pilots choose to use electronic flight bags (EFBs), and others choose not to use EFBs during their flight operations? I'm interested in the opinions of pilots that use EFBs as well as those pilots that do not use EFBs. As an incentive for completing the survey, you'll have the option of entering a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card. The survey is anonymous, and should take at most 15-20 minutes. Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/efb4 to get started! Questions? Contact me at techaut@my.erau.edu, or Dr. Steven Hampton at hamptons@erau.edu. Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 2 Attention pilots, I am currently a human factors graduate student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University conducting a study into the effects of voice gender on pilot perceptual processes as part of my thesis research. The study is aimed at further investigating how speaker voice gender can affect an individual's perception while task saturated, specifically how different air traffic controller voice genders can affect the time it takes a pilot to perceive their instructions. All potential participants should hold no more than a private pilot certificate, be non-professional pilots, have no prior military flight experience, and be at least 18 years of age. This study requires a 30-minute in-person data collection trial to be conducted at the San Carlos Airport (SQL) in San Carlos, CA, located in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, please visit www.bit.ly/2FKfORA, or email Tucker Lambert at lambert5@my.erau.edu Thank you, again. Your help is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Tucker Lambert (650) 200-8426 Back to Top ISASI Kapustin Memorial Scholarship Applications Due in April Applications for the 2018 ISASI Rudolph Kapustin Memorial Scholarship must be submitted on or before April 15, 2018, says ISASI Secretary Chad Balentine, who serves as Scholarship Committee Chairman. Balentine noted that this worthy program is designed to encourage and assist college-level students interested in the field of aviation safety and aircraft occurrence investigation. ISASI funds the Rudolf Kapustin Memorial Scholarship through donations and will provide an annual allocation of funds for the scholarship if funds are available. Applicants must be enrolled as full time students in an ISASI recognized education program, which includes courses in aircraft engineering and/or operations, aviation psychology, aviation safety and/or aircraft occurrence investigation, etc. Applicants must have major or minor subjects that focus on aviation safety/investigation. A student who has received the annual ISASI Rudolf Kapustin Memorial Scholarship will not be eligible to apply for it again. Students who wish to apply should go to http://isasi.org/Documents/Forms/ISASI%20Rudolf%20Kapustin%20Memorial%20Scholarship%20Form%20Jan%2010%202018%200923.pdf for guidelines and the application form. Chad Balentine ISASI International Secretary Kapustin Scholarship Selection Committee Chairman email: chad.balentine@isasi.org Phone: 703.689.4225 Back to Top Assistant/Associate Professor - Tenure Track Faculty - Aviation Technology Job Duties: Indiana State University's Aviation Technology Department is seeking applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor Faculty position. Duties include supporting the Unmanned Systems Program and teaching undergraduate courses in the Aviation Department degree programs. This is a nine-month position with the possibility of summer teaching assignments. Qualifications: Required Education: Master's degree in Aviation, Education, Electronics, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Robotics or an Unmanned Systems related field and demonstrated experience in UVS in academia. Must have a minimum of 18 graduate hours in aviation or unmanned systems related courses. Completion of an appropriate doctorate degree will be required within 5 years. Must have extensive knowledge in unmanned systems procedures, components, and applications. Must have extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in unmanned systems operations to include land, marine, and aerial types. Must have demonstrated experience in operating unmanned systems in manual, semi- autonomous, and autonomous modes. Must have extensive knowledge of FAA airspace and regulatory issues. Department: The Aviation Technology Department in a part of the College of Technology and currently offers the following BS degrees: Professional Aviation Flight Technology, Aviation Management, and Unmanned Systems. Application Process: For full-consideration, please submit your application by March 1, 2018. To view the full description and to apply, please visit: http://jobs.indstate.edu/postings/20462. If you have questions please contact Dr. Richard Baker, Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Department of Aviation, Indiana State University, Terre Haute IN 47809. richard.baker@indstate.edu; (812) 237-2641 About the Institution: Established in 1865, Indiana State University is a four-year public university that integrates teaching, research, and creative activity in an engaging, challenging, and supportive learning environment to prepare productive citizens of the world. Indiana State is dedicated to teaching and the creation of knowledge while maintaining its longstanding commitment to inclusiveness. Located in Southwest Indiana, Indiana State University is conveniently located 10 minutes from I- 70 making trips to Indianapolis, St. Louis, Chicago and Cincinnati easily accessible. Indiana State University sits in the central part of downtown Terre Haute making the commute to shopping, food, housing, arts, sports and entertainment within 15 minutes to campus. Indiana State University has been listed by both Forbes and the Princeton Review as one of the top schools in the Midwest for the 5th and 13th year, respectively. U.S. News Best Colleges rankings describe Indiana State University as pedestrian friendly and beautifully landscaped, and has been recognized by Princeton Review as one the most environmentally responsible colleges. Indiana State University's commitment to community engagement and public service sets it apart. Students are motivated to apply both knowledge and creativity with local surrounding communities and counties. As a medium size public university, Indiana State University is known to have one of the most diverse student populations in the State of Indiana. With approximately 12,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students, our minority student population is nearly 25%. Indiana State University continues to grow in enrollment and is committed to student development, leadership, and success. Indiana State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All are encouraged to apply including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Back to Top OVERVIEW The Manager, Safety Programs is primarily responsible for the oversight and management of Endeavor Air's Voluntary Safety Programs, including the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA), Fatigue Risk Management, and Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA). Based in Minneapolis, MN; the Manager, Safety Programs plays a key role in identifying hazards that affect safety of flight, analyzing the hazards using a combination of traditional investigative methods and advanced data analysis techniques, and ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are developed and implemented. RESPONSIBILITIES * Responsible for developing and executing a proactive and predictive data analysis plan to create industry leading safety programs * Directs and facilitates the identification and management of safety hazards in support of Endeavor's Safety Management System (SMS) * Oversees the collection, review, analysis, and mitigations of all reported safety events, as appropriate * Maintains the department safety reporting systems (Q-Pulse and WBAT) to ensure accurate and up-to-date incident tracking * Develops recommendations to enhance safety and compliance based on information derived from safety investigations * Utilizes industry data sources to calibrate Endeavor's safety programs against other airlines * Manages the monthly and quarterly safety newsletters to frontline employees * Produces FAA quarterly reports for the ASAP and FOQA programs * Ensures the proper functioning of GDRAS (Ground Data Replay and Analysis System) software, hardware, and associated programs * Oversees the data collection process from the aircraft in conjunction with Maintenance and Engineering * Works closely with employee unions to ensure proper staffing for participation in ASAP, FOQA, LOSA, and Fatigue programs * Maintains the FOQA system's organization, security, data storage, report retrieval, trending and event databases * Serves as the primary company contact for NTSB and FAA investigations * Participates as an active member of Endeavor Air's Accident Investigation team during NTSB investigations * Presents safety data to stakeholders inside and outside of the organization to include meetings with senior management, employee training events, and industry conferences * Identifies safety issues for review by management, including the CASS and Flight Standards Review Boards, communicating data trends, reports, and risk analyses * Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and corrective measures * Computer work, in a typical office environment for the majority of the day * Ability to work in a warehouse, industrial, airline hanger, or outdoor environment as required * This position is "on call" 24 hours per day * Must be willing, able and prepared to participate in extremely stressful work situations, such as aircraft accidents and incidents * Other duties as assigned JOB QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in an aviation related field * 5 years of experience working in a safety management role * Previous experience providing work direction in a leadership role, motivating and mentoring employees * Experience working with federal or state regulatory agencies * Competency in FAA and NTSB regulations, FAA voluntary safety programs (ASAP, FOQA, LOSA), reporting requirements, and internal policy * Competency in the understanding of Safety Management Systems * Exceptional investigative, analytical, organizational and communications (written and verbal) skills are essential and required * Excellent organizational and analytical skills * Strong interpersonal skills with focus on communication and problem resolution * Strong work ethic, reliable, self-motivated with a positive attitude * Repetitive motion such as typing on the computer and phone work * Occasional physical exertion such as: pulling, pushing, reaching, bending, standing, walking, and light lifting of boxes, bags files, and electronic equipment not in excess of 30 lbs. Curt Lewis