Flight Safety Information March 12, 2018 - No. 051 In This Issue Plane Crashes While Descending At Kathmandu Airport In Nepal Incident: Jetblue A321 near Bermuda on Mar 10th 2018, cargo smoke indication Incident: LATAM Argentina A320 at Buenos Aires on Mar 9th 2018, smoke in cockpit Incident: Arik DH8D near Accra on Mar 6th 2018, smoke in cabin Phoenix-to-Dallas Southwest Airlines flight diverted to Albuquerque after smoke fills cabin EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Accident: Lufthansa CRJ9 at Munich on Mar 9th 2018, burst tyre on takeoff Incident: Jet2 B733 near Newcastle on Mar 8th 2018, cracked windshield 11-MAR-2018 - Basaran Holding Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 accident: 11 dead Eurocopter AS350 B2...loss of engine power, autorotated to the waters of the East River in Manhattan de Havilland Canada DHC-8-402Q Dash 8...electrical fire developed in the passenger cabin US upgrades Kenya's air safety level ahead of October direct flights Despite O'Hare safety boasts, FAA slammed city's handling of winter operations STAND BY FOR TRANS-ANTARCTIC AVIATION Air India sale: Jet Airways-led consortium to bid for debt-ridden national carrier The FCC says a space startup launched four tiny satellites into orbit without permission GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY BOOKS: The Air Crash Files: Thermal Runaway and JET BLAST POSITION AVAILABLE: AVIATION OPERATIONS SAFETY SPECIALIST Position: Manager, Maintenance School Support Plane Crashes While Descending At Kathmandu Airport In Nepal It was not immediately known how many passengers were on board the plane which caught fire. KATHMANDU (Reuters) - A Bangladesh airline passenger aircraft crashed while descending at Nepal's Kathmandu airport on Monday, an airport official said. It was not immediately known how many passengers were on board the plane which caught fire. "We are trying to bring the fire under control. Details are awaited," airport spokesman Birendra Prasad Shrestha said. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/nepal-plane-crash_us_5aa6473ae4b086698a9f56fd *************** Date: 12-MAR-2018 Time: 14:20 LT Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 Owner/operator: US-Bangla Airlines Registration: S2-AGU C/n / msn: 4041 Fatalities: Fatalities: / Occupants: Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: Kathmandu-Tribhuvan Airport (KTM/VNKT) - Nepal Phase: Landing Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Dhaka-Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) Destination airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM) Narrative: US-Bangla Airlines flight BS211, a DHC-8-Q400 (S2-AGU) crashed on landing at Kathmandu, Nepal. At the time of the accident a thunderstorm was passing the airport with cumulonimbus clouds passing at 2500ft. Seven passengers were pulled out and rushed to the hospital, according to local media. Weather at the time of the accident (14:20 LT / 08:35Z): VNKT 120850Z 26007KT 140V300 7000 FEW015 FEW025CB SCT030 BKN100 21/10 Q1015 NOSIG CB TO SE AND S VNKT 120820Z 28008KT 240V320 6000 TS FEW015 FEW025CB SCT030 22/11 Q1015 NOSIG CB TO SE S AND SW https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=207404 Back to Top Incident: Jetblue A321 near Bermuda on Mar 10th 2018, cargo smoke indication A Jetblue Airbus A321-200, registration N905JB performing flight B6-1468 from Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 207 people on board, was enroute at FL320 about 160nm southwest of Bermuda (Bermuda) when the crew declared emergency reporting a cargo smoke indication. The crew decided to divert to Bermuda. On the way to Bermuda the crew advised that everything looked normal again, they would roll to the end of the runway and vacate the runway there, then stop and request emergency services to check the aircraft from the outside with thermal imaging, and once the emergency services would give the thumbs up, they'd continued to taxi to the apron, have the passengers disembark, and once all passengers are off the cargo door should be opened for inspection. The aircraft landed safely on Bermuda's runway 30 about 30 minutes after reporting the cargo smoke indication. The aircraft taxied to the apron following first examination, the passenger disembarked normally. A replacement A321-200 registration N903JB was dispatched to Bermuda, continued the flight and reached New York with a delay of 7 hours. The occurrence aircraft departed Bermuda as flight B6-6100 to New York JFK about 5 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4b5f4130&opt=256 Back to Top Incident: LATAM Argentina A320 at Buenos Aires on Mar 9th 2018, smoke in cockpit A LATAM Argentina Airbus A320-200, registration LV-BFO performing flight 4M-7732/LA-7732 from Buenos Aires Aeroparque,BA to El Calafate,SC (Argentina) with 167 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing through FL300 out of Buenos Aires when smoke developed in the cockpit prompting the crew to divert to Buenos Aires' Ezeiza,BA (Argentina) for a safe landing about 45 minutes after departure. Argentina's JIAAC (Accident Investigation) rated the occurrence a serious incident and opened an investigation. The damage to the aircraft is being determined. The airline reported there had been a small amount of smoke in the back of the cabin. ACARS messages received from the aircraft include "VENT BLOWER FAULT" and "VENT EXTRACT FAULT" indications, both indications related to avionics cooling. http://avherald.com/h?article=4b5dc4f7&opt=256 Back to Top Incident: Arik DH8D near Accra on Mar 6th 2018, smoke in cabin An Arik Air de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration 5N-BKX performing flight W3-304 from Lagos (Nigeria) to Accra (Ghana) with 81 people on board, was enroute about 20 minutes prior to estimated landing when a burning odour was noticed in the cabin soon followed by smoke triggering smoke detectors. The crew declared emergency and accelerated the approach into Accra where the aircraft landed safely. A rapid disembarkation was performed, the passengers were subsequently bussed to the terminal. A passenger reported that smoke developed in the cabin about 20 minutes prior to landing. After landing they disembarked rapidly leaving all their belongings behind and were later reunited with their belongings by the airline. The airline reported smoke of unknown origin was detected in flight about 81nm before Accra, the captain declared emergency in compliance with standard operating procedures. The aircraft landed in Accra without further incident. http://avherald.com/h?article=4b5dbee0&opt=256 Back to Top Phoenix-to-Dallas Southwest Airlines flight diverted to Albuquerque after smoke fills cabin Emergency crews at Albuquerque International Sunport on night of March 11, 2018 at Southwest Airlines plane that was diverted while en route form Phoenix to Dallas after smoke filled the cabin ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A Dallas-bound flight was diverted to the Albuquerque International Sunport Sunday night after smoke filled the aircraft's cabin, CBS Albuquerque affiliate KRQE-TV reports. Southwest Flight 3562 was headed from Phoenix to Dallas Love Field but was forced to land in Albuquerque after what might have been an electrical fire. Southwest told CBS News in a statement that, "The Captain declared an emergency to receive priority handling from air traffic controllers after deviating from the filed flight plan. After safely landing, 140 passengers evacuated the aircraft on a clear taxiway. Initial reports indicate five Customers requested assessment by medical personnel." The Albuquerque Fire Department tweeted that two of them were taken to local hospitals. There was no word on the extent of their injuries. KRQE news crews on-scene could see several emergency vehicles on the runway, tending to the plane and passengers. Passengers later boarded another plane and continued to Dallas. One passenger aboard the flight, a Dallas Police officer, tweeted that Southwest handled the emergency swiftly and professionally. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/phoenix-to-dallas-southwest-airlines-flight-diverted-to-albuquerque- after-smoke-fills-cabin/ Back to Top Back to Top Accident: Lufthansa CRJ9 at Munich on Mar 9th 2018, burst tyre on takeoff A Lufthansa Canadair CRJ-900, registration D-ACNT performing flight LH-1742 from Munich (Germany) to Chisinau (Moldova) with 29 passengers and 4 crew, departed Munich's runway 26L, climbed to FL390 and was enroute about 290nm west of Chisinau (at the Hungarian/Romanian border) when the crew was informed about tyre debris found on the departure runway, that had been identified to belong to a CRJ-900, and decided to return to Munich. The crew descended the aircraft to FL150 for the return and performed a low approach to Munich's runway 26R to have the gear inspected from the ground about 90 minutes after the decision to return. Ground observers reported one tyre appeared to be completely off the left main gear. An aircraft on approach behind the CRJ reported they could not see anything hanging away from the aircraft/gear. The airport authority reported the #3 tyre (inboard right hand) had completely gone, tyre #4 (outboard right hand) was okay. The aircraft repositioned for a landing on runway 26L, tower advised that a ground observer reported the left main gear was also affected besides the right main gear. The aircraft landed safely back on Munich's runway 26L about 1:45 hours after the decision to return and became disabled on the runway, emergency services observed another large piece was lost from the left main gear during roll out resulting in sparks and fire during roll out. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The passengers disembarked onto the runway and were bussed to the terminal, the aircraft was later towed to the apron. Germany's BFU have opened an investigation. The airline reported some tyres were damaged during departure from Munich. The aircraft landed safely back in Munich, the passengers disembarked normally onto the runway and are being looked after by airline staff. The aircraft is being assessed by maintenance. The airport reported the underside of the left hand wing was substantially damaged. The Aviation Herald received information and photos however stating, that the left hand tyres were completely okay, only the #3 tyre had blown after the tread had separated during departure and caused damage to the right hand engine (CF34) inlet, damage to the right hand engine including six fan blades as well as damage to the right hand flaps. The right hand tyres: http://avherald.com/h?article=4b5dcc58&opt=256 Back to Top Incident: Jet2 B733 near Newcastle on Mar 8th 2018, cracked windshield A Jet2.com Boeing 737-300, registration G-CELE performing charter flight LS-6556 from Newcastle,EN (UK) to Geneva (Switzerland), was climbing out of Newcastle when the crew stopped the climb at FL160 due to right hand windshield having cracked. The aircraft returned to Newcastle for a safe landing about 25 minutes after departure. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registrtion G-JZHC reached Geneva with a delay of 4.5 hours. Passenger photos: http://avherald.com/h?article=4b5de5df&opt=256 Back to Top 11-MAR-2018 - Basaran Holding Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 accident: 11 dead Status: Preliminary Date: Sunday 11 March 2018 Time: ca 18:40 Type: Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Operator: Basaran Holding Registration: TC-TRB C/n / msn: 5494 First flight: 2001 Crew: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 Passengers: Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 8 Total: Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 11 Airplane damage: Destroyed Airplane fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: near Shahr-e Kurd ( Iran) Phase: En route (ENR) Nature: Executive Departure airport: Sharjah Airport (SHJ/OMSJ), United Arab Emirates Destination airport: Istanbul-Atatürk International Airport (IST/LTBA), Turkey Narrative: A Turkish Challenger 604 corporate jet has reportedly crashed near Shahr-e Kurd in Iran. The aircraft operated on a flight from Sharjah, UAE to Istanbul, Turkey. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft departing at 13:11 UTC. A cruising altitude of FL360 was reached at 13:44. About 14:32 the aircraft climbed to about FL377 when it suddenly entered a pronounced descent. The aircraft then crashed in mountainous terrain. Weather conditions at the accident site include thunderstorms, heavy winds and rain. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180311-0 Back to Top Eurocopter AS350 B2 loss of engine power, autorotated to the waters of the East River in Manhattan Date: 11-MAR-2018 Time: 19:08 LT Type: Eurocopter AS350 B2 Owner/operator: Liberty Helicopters Registration: N350LH C/n / msn: 7654 Fatalities: Fatalities: 5 / Occupants: 6 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Manhattan's East River near Roosevelt Island, New York, NY - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Passenger Departure airport: Destination airport: Narrative: Following a loss of engine power, the aircraft autorotated to the waters of the East River in Manhattan's Upper East Side in New York. The tour helicopter submerged, sustaining apparent substantial damage. Two of the five passengers died at the scene and the other three were taken to two area hospitals where they later died, a spokesman for the New York City Police spokesman confirmed. The pilot of the helicopter received minor injuries. New York Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro called it a "great tragedy". "We are told the five people were all tied tightly in harnesses that had to be cut and removed," he said. "It took a while for the divers to get these people out. They worked very quickly, as fast as they could. That's 50ft[15m] of water there," he said, adding that "they also had to work against currents and water temperatures of below 4C." https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=207387 Back to Top de Havilland Canada DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 electrical fire developed in the passenger cabin Date: 10-MAR-2018 Time: Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 Owner/operator: Porter Airlines Registration: C-GLQG C/n / msn: 4194 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 76 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Unknown Location: SW of Fredericton, NB - Canada Phase: En route Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Halifax International Airport, NS (YHZ/CYHZ) Destination airport: Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, QC (YUL/CYUL) Narrative: Porter Airlines flight PD1480, a DHC-8-400, diverted to Fredericton Airport, NB (YFC), Canada, after an electrical fire developed in the passenger cabin. While en route, about 35 minutes after departure from Halifax, sparks were observed coming from a light fixture near a passenger seat. The airline confirmed to CBC News that the crew reported that the fire "was extinguished prior to landing." https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=207317 Back to Top US upgrades Kenya's air safety level ahead of October direct flights Transport CS James Macharia has welcomed the move saying its a reflection of the efforts that have been expended in Kenya's attainment of Category 1 status The US has finally upgraded the safety level of Kenya's airspace two years after it was blacklisted. The notice, which coincides with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit, is a big boost to national carrier Kenya Airways, which is preparing to launch direct flights to the US in October. In 2016, the US declared Kenya a conflict zone, warning airlines to exercise caution when flying in all of its airspace. A NOTAM is filed with the International Civil Aviation Authority to alert pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight. War-torn countries like Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen, South Sudan and Afghanistan make up the bulk of the list of countries whose air spaces are blacklisted. Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has welcomed the move. "The upgrading of the safety level of Kenya's airspace is indeed a reflection of the efforts that have been expended in Kenya's attainment of Category 1 status. "These endeavours include the signing of the JKIA service charter where all service agencies, including security and safety, have one chain of command," the CS told the Sunday Standard. American operators "Further, there was an amendment to the Civil Aviation Act, which has resulted in the enhanced professionalism and independence of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, especially on matters touching on aviation safety," he said. The US periodically updates its assessment of the air safety record of all countries in order to guide US operators. However, since only four countries in the world currently provide useful information on airspace security, all international airlines depend on the information issued by the US in order to make decisions. "This NOTAM applies to: all US air carriers and commercial operators; all persons exercising the privileges of an airman certificate issued by the FAA," says the FAA in its new assessment. "The justification for this advisory will be re-evaluated by February 26, 2019. Operators are advised to take this information into account in their own risk assessments and routing decisions," it says. The Government, however, says despite the retaining of a security advisory on the airspace bordering Somalia, it is safe for American airlines to fly to Kenya. "Kenya has now been cleared of any threats. "Therefore, US air carriers can freely fly in and out of our airspace and Kenya Airways can fly freely to the US once the final steps are complete with the US government," said Transport PS Paul Maringa. Lose business The blacklisting of Kenya's airspace in March 2016 elicited protests from the Government, which was at that time upgrading the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in order to get approval for direct flights from Nairobi to the US. Approximately 40 airlines operate from JKIA and it was feared that the airport could lose business. Over 10,000 passengers pass through JKIA every day. The total contribution of travel and tourism to the country's economy is approximately Sh561.8 billion per year. Kenya Airways is already setting up counters at the JFK International Airport in New York in readiness for the maiden flight in October. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001272775/america-upgrades-kenya-s-air-safety- level-ahead-of-direct-flights Back to Top Despite O'Hare safety boasts, FAA slammed city's handling of winter operations A United Airlines Boeing 737 after it went off a runway at O'Hare Airport on Dec. 30, 2015 | Chicago Department of Aviation In November, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's aviation commissioner Ginger Evans boasted that O'Hare Airport operates so well in winter that it's "recognized in the aviation industry as a leader" for "safe and efficient operations." Earlier in the year, though, the Federal Aviation Administration had taken the unusual step of issuing the city of Chicago a "warning letter" over a series of weather-related mishaps at O'Hare in 2016 and 2015, records obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show - including one on Dec. 28, 2015, in which city crews allowed "aircraft to continue to use" a runway "when pilot reports indicated conditions were deteriorating." As planes took off and landed on the airstrip that day, several of them "lost" parts, in addition to one that aborted takeoff after hitting an unidentified object on the runway, according to an FAA letter that doesn't specify whether snow or ice made for choppy pavement. But the letter made clear that Chicago's Department of Aviation - the city agency run by Evans that oversees O'Hare and Midway Airport - hadn't done what it should have. The FAA investigation "revealed continuous monitoring procedures were not effectively in place when conditions were deteriorating on Runway 10L/28R," an FAA official wrote. The federal agency also determined that the aviation department didn't follow its own federally approved snow-response plan, instead "allowing aircraft to continue to use Runway 10L/28R for arrivals and departures when pilot reports indicated conditions were deteriorating." Evans' staff also failed to provide "updated runway conditions in a timely manner when pilot reports indicated that conditions appeared to be deteriorating during a significant meteorological event," the FAA letter said. Records indicate there was rain and "wet snow" at O'Hare at that time. The FAA also cited poor communication about runway conditions with airlines in separate plane-sliding incidents at O'Hare that winter. Two days after each of those instances in which planes lost parts, a United Airlines jetliner landed at O'Hare and slid off the end of the runway. A website operated by the aviation department was supposed to provide accurate "braking action reports" for runways, as well as "surface conditions." But the FAA said that, at "the time of the excursion," the city's website "reflected Runway 9L/27R was clear and dry with good braking action," though that "conflicted with" other information being disseminated and the "thin wet snow" on the ground. The FAA found similar problems at the time of a plane-sliding incident on Jan. 22, 2016, and two others on March 1, 2016, according to the FAA's warning letter. In one of those cases, a smaller jet landed on a snowy strip and "went off pavement at the departure end of the runway," according to the FAA. "At least 90 minutes before the incident," city crews were "aware of changing airfield conditions and failed to inspect and/or update Runway 9L/27R conditions to reflect the contaminants." The FAA didn't directly blame these problems for the incidents but said they showed the airport "was in noncompliance with certain aspects" of its "snow and ice control plan." But other recently obtained records and interviews show the city's failure to keep the runways clear was a likely factor in the skidding planes, even though Evans' office initially downplayed that possibility. According to an FAA document on the Dec. 30, 2015, incident, "evidence was presented that reinforced weather and runway conditions as the causal factors of this incident." The same was noted for the Jan. 22, 2016, incident. United spokesman Charles Hobart says his airline concluded "that weather and airport field conditions were contributing factors" in several sliding "events" involving his company's planes. Other problems also likely played a role in some skidding incidents - including pilots "inadvertently" choosing a less-powerful brake setting in one instance and flying while fatigued, records indicate. Beginning in 2016, as the FAA was investigating the incidents, the aviation department made changes to its snow-response plan, which dictates how city crews are supposed to deal with snow and ice on airfields. Those included new criteria for closing runways in snowy weather, better runway monitoring for snow and ice and the expanded use of sand to help with traction, records show. Evans would not speak with a reporter. Her agency released a written statement that said, "While there are a number of factors at play in each" of the cases, the aviation department "did not waste any time and immediately began its own review to investigate what occurred (snow conditions, staffing in place, equipment in place, conditions reported). "In 2016, we undertook 18 separate actions to enhance our snow protocols, addressing every recommendation by the FAA with efforts taken to ensure our procedures not only meet, but exceed, regulatory requirements." A spokesman for the FAA - which regulates U.S. airlines, airspace and airports - says warning letters "are typical any time we find something on an inspection," giving the airport operator "a chance to correct a deficiency. "We could propose civil penalties or move to suspend or revoke a facility's operating certificate, but the warning is usually sufficient," FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford says. Aviation experts say it can be tough for a large, complex airport like O'Hare to deal with severe winter weather. Still, Keith Mackey, a Florida pilot and aviation safety consultant, says, "They have to keep things safe." Getting a warning letter from the FAA is "embarrassing," Mackey says. "The runways weren't clear," says Mackey, who reviewed government records obtained by the Sun- Times. "It has to be assumed that the protocols either weren't adequate or weren't being followed. A catastrophe out there could have happened in any of these cases." Lauren Huffman, Evans' spokeswoman, says there have been no more skidding incidents since the improvements were made. https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/despite-citys-ohare-safety-boasts-faa-slammed- handling-of-winter-operations/ Back to Top STAND BY FOR TRANS-ANTARCTIC AVIATION Plane Talk: the 2020s will be the era for extreme aviation The traveller who sets off from London intent on flying around the world can do so in three hops - after a fashion. In the late 1980s, upgraded engines allowed Jumbo jets to reach Tokyo non-stop from the UK. From the Japanese capital, trans-Pacific flights opened up to Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles. From any of these, you could make a final leap back to Britain. The catch, of course, is that it was a firmly northern hemisphere itinerary. And if you want to make a three-leg trip around the world, I cannot see any possible itinerary that crosses the equator. London- Singapore-Los Angeles-London gets tantalisingly close, but no cigar to celebrate reaching the southern hemisphere: Singapore is around 100 miles north of the equator. Jakarta, 400 miles-plus south of the equator and currently the longest leap from Heathrow, would be a promising candidate if only it had a direct connection with the Americas. On 25 March, Qantas begins the first UK-Australia scheduled non-stop service. It would be tempting to speculate that a "proper" three-hop round-the-world trip becomes feasible. But the new flight goes from Heathrow to Perth, and Western Australia's capital is short on the very long links that are necessary to reach the Americas. While Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane have good connections with the US west coast, Perth has few Pacific links. Even neighbouring New Zealand merits only one flight a day from Western Australia. Yet in the same month as the Australian airline deploys a Boeing 787 on the Heathrow-Perth run, the prospect has emerged that the same plane type could connect Perth with Buenos Aires. Norwegian Air Argentina, the South American offshoot of the Oslo-based carrier, has applied for traffic rights from Buenos Aires to Perth and onwards to Singapore. The mileage, 7,839, looks almost comfortable compared with the 9,000-plus from Heathrow to Perth. There is, though, a catch, as our old friend Great Circle Mapper shows. The direct track passes more or less directly over the South Pole. There is no technical impediment to a Boeing 787 at altitude at a latitude of 90 south. But Antarctica is the one part of the world where the diversion possibilities of the ultra long-haul aircraft become relevant. It's all about ETOPS, which the International Civil Aviation Organisation defines as "extended range operations by twin-engine aeroplanes". While the global aviation regulator prefers the term "extended diversion time operations" (EDTO), ETOPS is still in common currency (along with its joke rendition of "engines turn or passengers swim"). Twinjets have always flown across water, but initially they were not considered suitable for long trans- oceanic sectors: planes with three or four engines offered more resilience. But reliability has improved - along with the cost of aviation fuel. The twin-engined Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 are much more fuel- efficient than the four-engined 747 and A340. Initially planes had to stay within an hour's flying time of a diversion airport; gradually the time was successfully extended to 90, 120 and 180 minutes. With every increase, planes could fly in straighter lines and new routes became feasible. Just before Christmas 2011, regulators were convinced that the ETOPS limit could be extended to five and a half hours. "Santa's short cut," I called it, because it opened up transpolar routes from Britain to Hawaii and even Fiji. These have not yet materialised, though this week's order for Boeing 787s by Hawaiian Airlines opens the possibility of a UK-Honolulu link. The 330-minute limit might look arbitrary, but it was chosen because it meant almost nowhere was off limits to a twin-engined plane. The one part of the world where there are no suitable diversion airports within 330 minutes' flying time: Antarctica. The blank patch matches the continent pretty closely. To keep within the stipulated distance of a suitable runway, Norwegian's 787s would have to fly perhaps 10 per cent further. Happily, prevailing wind patterns over the southern oceans make the Perth-Buenos Aires link feasible. Strong, reliable westerlies mean that the captain can set a course from Perth to the south of Tasmania and New Zealand, making landfall in South America over Patagonia. For the return leg, the best routing swings south of Cape Town and close to the Kerguelen Islands. A round-the-world traveller could complete the three-hop journey with a link between Buenos Aires and London on either British Airways or Norwegian. The South Polar Express won't happen for a year or two. It may be that Qantas, having gained experience with the London link, decides to pursue the route, setting up an Antarctic race against a Norwegian opponent; not the first in that part of the world. Cape Town to Auckland is another trans- Antarctic possibility, with Air New Zealand a good candidate. Just as the 1950s was the decade when the Arctic opened up to aviation, the 2020s could be the era when aircraft start criss-crossing the deep south. http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/antarctica-aviation-ultra-long-haul-perth- buenos-aires-non-stop-a8248671.html Back to Top Air India sale: Jet Airways-led consortium to bid for debt-ridden national carrier After the country's largest budget airline IndiGo expressed interest to buy Air India's international operations last year, a consortium led by full-service carrier Jet Airways along with European airliner Air France-KLM and US-based Delta Airlines has expressed interest in the disinvestment of national carrier Air India, according to a report. Going ahead with the strategic disinvestment of debt-laden Air India, the government is expected to soon invite Expression of Interest (EoI) from the bidders. Last year, Turkey's Celebi Aviation Holding and Delhi-based Bird Group had shown interest in buying state-owned Air India's ground handling operations. As per reports, the government is planning to split the airline into four entities - core airline business (Air India and Air India Express), regional arm (Alliance Air), ground handling and engineering operations. Each entity will be sold separately with at least 51 per cent stake on offer. The disinvestment process is likely to be completed by the end of 2018. Air India's debt stands at Rs 51,890 crore. Jet Airways' possible bid for Air India by way of a consortium comes at a time when CEO Vinay Dube, without naming any manufacturer, said Jet hopes to order 75 narrow-bodied aircraft by March 31 in addition to 75 Boeing 737 MAX that the airline had ordered in 2015. The Naresh Goyal-led airline enhanced cooperation agreement with the Air France-KLM Group less than four months ago. Interestingly, Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube had a decade-long career at Delta Air Lines before joining the Indian carrier last year. Immediately before coming to Jet Airways, he was Senior Vice President (Asia Pacific) at the American airline. Air France-KLM and its partners Delta and Alitalia operate the largest Trans-Atlantic joint venture with over 270 daily flights. Though Air India is saddled with huge debt, acquiring the airline can help boost the acquirer in terms of foot print, bilteral flying rights, parking slots, etc. Last year in June, the Union Cabinet had approved privatisation of the debt-laden national carrier, which is kept afloat on taxpayers' money. On January 10, in an attempt to fast-track Air India's divestment process, the Cabinet allowed foreign airlines to invest upto 49 per cent in Air India. A group headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley with Rothschild and Ernst & Young as consultants has been appointed to chalk out the strategy for Air India's stake sale. The airline has six subsidiaries, out of which three are making losses, with assets worth about $4.6 billion. The government has pumped $3.6 billion since 2012 to bail out the airline. https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/aviation/air-india-stake-sale-jet-airways-consortium-air-france- klm-delta-disinvestment/story/272405.html Back to Top The FCC says a space startup launched four tiny satellites into orbit without permission Swarm Technologies reportedly didn't get a license An Indian PSLV rocket taking off Image: ISRO Earlier this year, a space startup from Silicon Valley launched four of its first prototype communications satellites on top of an Indian rocket. Except the FCC says that the company didn't have authorization to send up those spacecraft from the US government, IEEE Spectrum reports. It would seemingly mark the first time a US private company launched un-licensed satellites into orbit - and these rogue spacecraft could pose a danger to other objects in space. The four satellites reportedly belong to a fledgling company called Swarm Technologies, which was started by former Google and NASA JPL engineer Sara Spangelo in 2016. The probes, dubbed SpaceBees 1, 2, 3, and 4, are meant to test out Swarm's idea for a "space-based Internet of Things" network, according to IEEE, and went up as part of a cluster of 31 satellites aboard an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket on January 12th. At the time of the launch, India's space agency didn't name the operator of the four satellites. SWARM'S APPLICATION WAS DENIED A MONTH PRIOR TO THE JANUARY LAUNCH Whenever US commercial companies want to send a satellite into orbit, they must apply for a license with the Federal Communications Commission, to get access to the radio frequencies needed to communicate with the satellite. The same goes for international companies hoping to do business with their spacecraft in the US, too. Swarm Technologies did initially seek government approval to launch these spacecraft. However, Swarm's application was denied a month prior to the January launch, according to a letter from Anthony Serafini, the chief of the experimental licensing branch at the FCC. The denial revolved around the size of the SpaceBee satellites. The four satellites are teeny - smaller than the standard CubeSat, which is about 4 inches (10 centimeters) in all three dimensions. The FCC was concerned that this would make the satellites hard to track with the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) - an array of ground-based radar operated by the US military that tracks all of the space debris in orbit. "If they're difficult to track... and you want to know in the future: 'Is it going to hit my satellite?' - the answer might be erroneous because we don't have a good orbit for them or we just don't know where they are," Brian Weeden, space expert at the Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit that specializes in space security, tells The Verge. Swarm Technologies proposed adding additional tech to its satellites to make them easier to track - such as radar reflectors that would enhance the spacecrafts' signal to the surveillance network - but ultimately the FCC didn't approve. Now, the FCC is looking into the situation and told the company the department is putting Swarm's application for a follow-up mission on hold. Swarm is aiming to launch another batch of four satellites on an upcoming flight of an Electron rocket, a new vehicle from US startup Rocket Lab that takes off from New Zealand. But first the FCC wants to assess the "impact of the applicant's apparent unauthorized launch and operation of four satellites," according to an email from Serafini. "WE'RE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND CAN CONFIRM THAT WE SET ASIDE THEIR GRANT WHILE WE'RE LOOKING INTO THE MATTER." "We're aware of the situation and can confirm that we set aside their grant while we're looking into the matter," the FCC told CNBC in a statement. Additionally, Rocket Lab told CNBC that it won't be launching anyone who doesn't have proper licensing. We've reached out to Swarm Technologies for comment and will update if we hear back. Swarm's launch with India seems to have been set up by Seattle-based company Spaceflight, which helps satellite operators find ride-shares to space for their vehicles. Spaceflight told IEEE Spectrum that it "has never knowingly launched a customer who has been denied an FCC license. It is the responsibility of our customers to secure all FCC licenses." Technically, an FCC license is meant to grant companies use of the radio frequency spectrum. However, the agency is allowed to consider how a satellite will add to the space debris problem when issuing these licenses. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration has partial authority on this too when it issues licenses for commercial rockets. The agencies were given this authority mostly because they've been doing licensing for such a long time - and there was no one else to do it. "Part of getting your license is you need to present compliance with debris mitigation guidelines," says Weeden. "It's just because that was sort of the path of least resistance to actually implement. Giving a new agency a new regulatory authority over just orbital debris would have required changing the law." "PART OF GETTING YOUR LICENSE IS YOU NEED TO PRESENT COMPLIANCE WITH DEBRIS MITIGATION GUIDELINES." Even though both the FCC and FAA can consider space debris during the licensing process, the two agencies do not have full authority over what companies do in space. "At the moment no US entity has oversight over on-orbit activities," says Weeden. "It's all done pre-launch licensing." In fact, this is a good illustration of a strange regulatory gap that's plagued the space industry: there's no framework in place for how the government will oversee ambitious commercial missions in orbit. The Trump administration has proposed a way to fix this. Officials at the most recent National Space Council meeting, suggested creating "one-stop shop for space commerce" at the Commerce Department, which would come up with regulations to oversee operations in space. In the meantime, the repercussions for Swarm Technologies are still unclear. There isn't much precedent for this, so it's uncertain whether the government can do more than just withhold future licenses from the company. https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/3/10/17102888/the-fcc-says-a-space-startup- launched-four-tiny-satellites-into-orbit-without-permission Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY My name is Anthony Gaines and I, along with my research partner Lisa Pelate, are developing a research project regarding flight attendant turbulence injuries. We are master's degree candidates at Lewis University. We would appreciate it , if you could complete our Survey Questionaire located at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJc3_fMR3_me7v_DALTuIhZK6kckMjUoOp- PR6Zy3ZN1X8sg/viewform?usp=sf_link Thank you. Back to Top BOOKS: The Air Crash Files: Thermal Runaway and JET BLAST "Dan, you've raised the Bar on accident investigation." Daniel Tenace (pronounced ten-ah-ch?) is a seasoned major accident investigator for the NTSB. In 'The Air Crash Files' series, Tenace becomes involved in two different aviation tragedy investigations: Jet Blast, Tenace must discover the reason airliner engines reverse in flight without warning; Thermal Runaway, Tenace must analyze an airliner disaster in the Atlantic Ocean and uncover what caused an inflight fire that would not extinguish, hours from land. Armed only with experience, Tenace fights bureaucrats and manufacturers, each intent on derailing his efforts. Where the lives of many hang in the balance ... Nobody investigates it better than Tenace. ___________________________________________________________________________________ AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT: https://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Carbone/e/B00SQ0YR78/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=152018 About the Author Stephen Carbone, a thirty-six-year veteran of the commercial aviation industry, is a certificated aircraft mechanic who worked both analog and digital airliners. Stephen spent years working the most sophisticated airliners flying; he inspected them, repaired them, and tested them. As an NTSB major accident investigator, Stephen applied his airliner technical experience to correctly investigate major aircraft accidents, both domestic and international. As an aviation inspector for the FAA's Flight Standards Division, Stephen kept a qualified eye on the aviation industry; he inspected them and investigated them ... and he knew where to look. He's instructed hundreds of U.S. and International professionals in aviation safety and has been writing articles for aviation trade magazines since 2005. Since 2014, he has written weekly safety articles to his website, including 'Lessons Unlearned', where he analyzes past accidents to show how important lessons in safety were missed. Stephen Carbone has lived what he writes about. He can be followed on Twitter: @stephenmcarbone Website: https://danieltenace.com/ Back to Top Position Reporting to the Executive Director, this individual works with air carriers to guide them through designing and implementing aviation safety management programs in accordance with Medallion standards under the Shield Program®. This specialist should have a broad working knowledge of part 121 and part 135 aviation practices and the general principles of aviation safety management system, a working knowledge of the FARs and good customer relation skills. The position is based in Alaska and requires some travel. The ideal candidate will also serve as the ASAP Facilitator. We manage all of the administrative aspects of the ASAP MOU with over 15 carriers. Applicants with previous part 119 credentials or recent FAA ASI background are strongly encouraged to apply Duties Guide development of documentation to support Medallion Shield programs Perform on-site visits to ensure basic compliance with an aviation operator's Medallion safety programs Interface with Medallion staff and Auditors on progress of programs and deficiencies Work with Medallion Auditors and operators to develop corrective action plans Develop and conduct classroom training in support of the Shield program Keep Medallion database up to date with customer information Other duties as assigned to support other Medallion programs and initiatives Job can be tailored to Part-time or Full-time Qualifications 10 Year Aviation preferred 5 years' experience in aviation safety Understand and apply general principles of aviation safety management systems Must have excellent communication skills and be able to interact with a wide variety of people Have basic computer skills Must have no travel restrictions Able to work with minimal supervision Must be able to lead people and accept responsibility Knowledge and understanding of the Federal Aviation Regulations Experience working with certificated aviation businesses Familiarity with Medallion Shield Program a plus Working knowledge of Safety Management System concepts Class Room Training as an Instructor Medallion is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Contact - info@medallionfoundation.org Back to Top Department of Aerospace - Manager, Maintenance School Support Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is seeking qualified applicants to fill a Maintenance School Support Manager position. Responsibilities include maintaining 14 CFR Part 147 maintenance school aircraft, engines, and training aids essential to the Maintenance Management degree; providing facilities management essential to the operation of the Miller Lanier Airway Science building (AWS) located at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport; coordinating AWS repairs with campus; and maintaining simulation training devices. All applicants must possess two (2) years of aircraft maintenance experience requiring an FAA A&P certificate. Experience includes general aviation maintenance, flight school maintenance, corporate, or Part 121 airline maintenance. One (1) year of maintenance personnel management experience preferred, in addition to required experience. Bachelor's degree and FAA A&P certificate are required. Inspection Authorization (IA) and 30 hour OSHA Outreach Training Program for General Industry are preferred. Must be eligible to work in the U.S. Application review will begin on March 21st and will continue until the position is filled. Proof of U.S. citizenship OR eligibility for U.S. employment will be required prior to employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU available at http://police.mtsu.edu/crime_statistics.htm or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at 615-898-2424. MTSU, a culturally diverse university, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educational institution and employer. Women, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To apply, go to https://mtsujobs.mtsu.edu Curt Lewis