Flight Safety Information June 15, 2018 - No. 121 In This Issue Accident: Swift B738 at Heraklion on Jun 10th 2018, tail strike on landing. Incident: Expressjet E145 near Memphis on Jun 13th 2018, first officer incapacitated Incident: Delta B752 near Little Rock on Jun 14th 2018, smell of smoke in aft cabin WestJet Boeing 737-700 returns to Calgary after cargo smoke warning EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Incident: Baltic B733 over Baltic Sea on Jun 13th 2018, suspected fire on board Incident: Insel F50 at Sint Maarten on Jun 13th 2018, engine shut down in flight Bravo Airways MD-83 suffers runway excursion at Kiev-Sikorsky Airport, Ukraine Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A...experienced an in-flight fire and subsequent gear-up landing (California) LIBIK Fire Suppression Kits for the Cabin and Flight Deck. NTSB releases cause of Alabama medical helicopter crash that killed 4 FAA Continues To Support Compliance Philosophy Can airplanes be hacked? U.S. officials say it's 'only a matter of time' US Army Safety Chief: No Link Between Flight Hours, Fatal Mishaps Helicopter Safety Seminar coming to Los Angeles FAA UPDATING TOOL THAT HELPS AIRPORTS IDENTIFY OBSTRUCTIONS FAA Awards Supplemental Type Certificate for King Air 350ER XP67A Engine Upgrade Colombian Army Aviation Branch Inducts First Female Helicopter Pilot 3 Reasons Airplane Giant Boeing Has Amassed Billions In Market Value Since May THE MAKING OF THE AIRPLANE SEATS FOR THE WORLD'S LONGEST FLIGHT Vistara becomes eligible for international ops; receives 21st aircraft (India) Alumna-Alaska Airlines Captain Seeks to Increase Female Minority Pilots Nationally Want to Take a 10-Day Trip to the Space Station? It'll Cost You $55 Million Bombardier Safety Standdown Award 2018 - Nominations are still open! HIGH ALTITUDE FLYING: WHAT EVERY PILOT NEEDS TO KNOW - New Online Course - Fall 2018 NTSB - Managing Communications During an Aircraft Accident or Incident (Course) Aircraft Accident Investigation from SCSI Human Factors in Accident Investigation from SCSI GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 1 GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 2 GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 3 Accident: Swift B738 at Heraklion on Jun 10th 2018, tail strike on landing A Swift Air Boeing 737-800 on behalf of Smartwings, registration N276EA performing flight QS-1400 from Brno (Czech Republic) to Heraklion (Greece), landed on Heraklion's runway 27 at 17:54L (14:54Z) but struck its tail onto the runway. The aircraft rolled out without further incident and taxied to the apron. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustained substantial damage however. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground about 104 hours after landing. Metars: LGIR 101620Z 30016KT 9999 FEW025 26/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101550Z 30018KT 9999 FEW025 26/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101520Z 30019KT 9999 FEW025 26/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101450Z 30022KT 9999 FEW025 26/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101420Z 30023KT 9999 FEW025 26/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101350Z 30023KT 9999 FEW025 26/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101320Z 31020KT 9999 FEW025 26/19 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101250Z 31019KT 9999 FEW025 26/19 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101220Z 31021KT 9999 FEW025 27/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101150Z 31024KT 9999 FEW025 27/20 Q1006 NOSIG= LGIR 101120Z 31025KT 9999 FEW025 27/20 Q1008 NOSIG= LGIR 101050Z 31024KT 9999 FEW025 27/20 Q1008 NOSIG= LGIR 101020Z 31023KT 9999 FEW025 26/20 Q1006 NOSIG= The damage to the tail (Photo: Tomas Vrabec): https://avherald.com/h?article=4b9e591e&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Expressjet E145 near Memphis on Jun 13th 2018, first officer incapacitated An Expressjet Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of United, registration N34110 performing flight EV-4444/UA-4444 from Mobile,AL to Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA), was enroute at FL320 about 100nm southsouthwest of Memphis,TN (USA) when the captain declared medical emergency reporting the first officer (55) had become incapacitated. The captain diverted the aircraft to Memphis, a number of aircraft were delayed to accomodate the medical emergency, and landed the aircraft safely about 22 minutes later. Medical services awaited the aircraft and took the first officer to a local hospital. A replacement crew continued the flight, the occurrence aircraft landed in Chicago with a delay of 5:20 hours. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/ASQ4444/history/20180613/1310Z/KMOB/KORD https://avherald.com/h?article=4b9e553c&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Delta B752 near Little Rock on Jun 14th 2018, smell of smoke in aft cabin A Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200, registration N6714Q performing flight DL-1941 from Atlanta,GA to Santa Ana,CA (USA) with 198 passengers and 6 crew, was enroute at FL360 about 30nm northeast of Little Rock,AR (USA) when the crew decided to divert to Little Rock due to smell of smoke in the aft cabin. The aircraft landed safely in Little Rock about 15 minutes later. The airline reported a possible maintenance issue. The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the terminal where the passengers disembarked normally. A replacement Boeing 757-200 registration N550NW continued the flight and is estimated to reached Santa Ana with a delay of 5.5 hours. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/DAL1941/history/20180614/1244Z/KATL/KSNA https://avherald.com/h?article=4b9e517f&opt=0 Back to Top WestJet Boeing 737-700 returns to Calgary after cargo smoke warning Date: 14-JUN-2018 Time: ca 06:45 LT Type: Boeing 737-7CT (WL) Owner/operator: WestJet Registration: C-GWJT C/n / msn: 40338/3529 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: None Location: near Calgary International Airport, AB (YYC/CYYC) - Canada Phase: Initial climb Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Calgary International Airport, AB (YYC/CYYC) Destination airport: Vancouver International Airport, BC (YVR/CYVR) Narrative: WestJet flight WS113 returned to land at Calgary International Airport, Canada after the flight crew received an indication of a cargo hold fire. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700, took off from runway 35L at 06:39 hours local time. The climb was arrested at 10,000 feet and the flight turned back to Calgary for a safe landing on runway 35R at 06:56 hours. A TSB official told Canadian news outlet Global News that there was "significate heat occurring" in a passenger's bag. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=212157 Back to Top Back to Top Incident: Baltic B733 over Baltic Sea on Jun 13th 2018, suspected fire on board prompts intercept by fighter aircraft An Air Baltic Boeing 737-300, registration YL-BBX performing flight BT-619 from Riga (Latvia) to Amsterdam (Netherlands), was enroute at FL360 over the Baltic Sea about 150nm eastnortheast of Copenhagen (Denmark) when the crew initiated an emergency descent advising they had discovered some fire on board. The crew decided to divert to Copenhagen at FL100. Swedisch armed forces dispatched a Saab Gripen to intercept the Boeing and inspect the aircraft from the outside, no traces of fire or smoke were discovered from the outside by the fighter crew. The Boeing landed safely at Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport about 40 minutes later. Swedish armed forces reported an Air Baltic 737 had discovered some sort of fire on board south of Gotland and declared emergency. The armed forces decided to dispatch a JAS aircraft from Kallinge (Sweden) to escort the Boeing and inspect the aircraft from the outside. No smoke was seen emanating from the 737. The armed forces received a big thanks from Air Baltic for the escort and support in inspecting the aircraft from the outside. A passenger reported that the captain informed them about a fire warning on board. Emergency services received the aircraft in Copenhagen and inspected the aircraft without finding anything abnormal. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Copenhagen for 12.5 hours, then positioned back to Riga. The aircraft returned to service about 5 hours after landing back in Riga and about 19 hours after landing in Copenhagen. https://avherald.com/h?article=4b9e2088&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Insel F50 at Sint Maarten on Jun 13th 2018, engine shut down in flight An Insel Air Fokker 50, registration PJ-KVN performing flight 7I-512 from Sint Maarten (Sint Maarten) to Curacao (Curacao), was climbing out of Sint Maarten when the crew stopped the climb at about 8500 feet due to an engine problem, the engine was shut down and the aircraft returned to Sint Maarten for a safe landing about 20 minutes after departure. The airline reported the passengers were taken to hotels and are to be taken to Curacao with the next available flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=4b9e23a5&opt=0 Back to Top Bravo Airways MD-83 suffers runway excursion at Kiev-Sikorsky Airport, Ukraine Status: Preliminary Date: Thursday 14 June 2018 Time: 17:40 UTC Type: McDonnell Douglas MD-83 Operator: Bravo Airways Registration: UR-CPR C/n / msn: 49946/1898 First flight: 1991-07-18 (26 years 11 months) Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 169 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Kiev-Igor Sikorsky International Airport (IEV) ( Ukraine) Phase: Landing (LDG) Nature: Passenger Departure airport: Antalya Airport (AYT/LTAI), Turkey Destination airport: Kiev-Igor Sikorsky International Airport (IEV/UKKK), Ukraine Flightnumber: BAY4406 Narrative: Bravo Airways flight 4406 from Antalya, Turkey, suffered a runway excursion after landing on runway 08 at Kiev's Igor Sikorsky International Airport, Ukraine. There were no injuries among the 169 occupants. At the time of landing a thunderstorm was passing the airport with light rain and wind changing in direction at 19 knots, gusting to 33 knots. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180614-1 ************** Plane skids off runway at airport in Ukraine's capital KIEV (Reuters) - A plane skidded off the runway at an international airport in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday and authorities closed the airport for a few hours, news agency Interfax Ukraine quoted the airport as saying. There were 169 passengers on board the flight operated by Ukrainian charter airline Bravo Airways that was landing at Zhuliany airport from the Turkish resort city of Antalya when it skidded. "Nobody was hurt," Zhuliany's press service was quoted as saying. The airport is due to reopen at 2200 GMT, according to the report. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-airport-accident/plane-skids-off-runway-at-airport-in- ukraines-capital-idUSKBN1JA332 Back to Top Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A experienced an in-flight fire and subsequent gear-up landing (California) Date: 14-JUN-2018 Time: 11:45 LT Type: Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A Owner/operator: H211 LLC Registration: N2165 C/n / msn: 0165 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Substantial Location: Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR), CA - United States of America Phase: Landing Nature: Departure airport: Destination airport: Sacramento Mather, CA (KMHR) Narrative: The aircraft (formerly 41+65) experienced an in-flight fire and subsequent gear-up landing runaway 22L at Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR), Sacramento, California. It sustained substantial damage and the two occupants were uninjured. The Alpha Jet belongs to H211 LLC, a company owned by Google executives Sergey Brin, Larry Page and Eric Schmidt and is based at Moffet Field, CA. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=212171 Back to Top Back to Top NTSB releases cause of Alabama medical helicopter crash that killed 4 The victims in the March 26, 2016 Haynes Lifeflight crash, clockwise, are: Chad Hammond, Stacey Cernadas, Zach Strickland and Jason Snipes.(Facebook) The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its findings into the probable cause of a 2016 Haynes LifeFlight helicopter crash in south Alabama that killed all four people on board. The crash happened March 26, 2016. Those killed were pilot Chad Hammond, 29; flight medic Jason Snipes, 34; flight nurse Stacey Cernadas, 38; and patient Zach Strickland. The chopper crashed in the predawn hours of that Saturday in Goodman, about 80 miles south of Montgomery, after picking up Strickland from the scene of a highway crash. The aircraft was found in a heavily-wooded and marshy area. The helicopter had been called after a motorist struck a ditch and a utility pole in a one-car crash about 11 p.m. Friday. The helicopter was reported missing at 12:17 a.m. Saturday, and the wreckage was later discovered about a half-mile from the scene of the vehicle crash. The NTSB issued its probable cause report on May 24, 2018 as: "The pilot's decision to perform visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self- induced pressure to the complete the mission despite the weather conditions and the operator's inadequate oversight of the flight by its operational control center." The NTSB previously stated in its preliminary report that there was heavy fog and mist at the time, and that the fatal flight lasted only one minute. In the final report, the agency noted that "pilots, particularly those with considerable experience, as a rule always try to complete a flight as planned, please passengers, meet schedules and generally demonstrate that they have 'the right stuff.' One of the common behavioral traps identified was 'Get-There-Itis.' Common among pilots, (Get-There-Itis) clouds the vision and impairs judgement by causing a fixation on the original goal or destination combined with a total disregard for any alternative course of action. Get-There-Itis is also known as hurry syndrome, plan continuation or goal fixation." The report noted that the pilot - Hammond - had access to internet-based weather information and also text messages between the pilot and a friend and between the flight nurse and the same friend indicated Hammond was aware of the possibility of encountering instrument meteorological conditions before he left for the motor vehicle accident site and again once he arrived on the scene. "Given the weather conditions at the (motor vehicle accident site), the pilot should have cancelled the flight or, at a minimum, contacted the Operations Control Center to obtain updated weather information and guidance,'' the report states. "However, the pilot's fixation on completing the mission probably motivated him to depart on the accident flight in (instrument meteorological conditions) even though significantly less risky alternatives existed, such as canceling the flight and transporting the patient by ground ambulance." The report included these text messages between flight nurse Cernadas and the friend: - At 2328, the flight nurse advised her friend, "Got a flight." Her friend responded, "Have fun at that [motor vehicle accident] MVA." - At 2336, the flight nurse advised her friend, "Lots of fog!!!" Her friend then responded, "You're in good hands." - At 2337, the flight nurse responded to her friend and stated, "I know. But even he is like...Umm its pretty thick. Hahahaha." She then added, "He said we are good. 5 mins out." - At 2340, the friend stated, "Sweet. Keep me posted." - At 2343, the flight nurse advised that they were, "1.8 miles out." (This was the last text message sent by the flight nurse before the accident occurred.) Here are the text messages between the pilot - Hammond - and the friend: - At 2354, the pilot advised the friend, "Shhhh this was more than work...Actually had to pull out some piloting skills." - At 2356, the friend messaged the pilot stating, "That's what you got those mad piloting skills for my dear...to use them lol...was it bad?" - At 2358, the pilot responded back to the friend advising that he would have to let the flight nurse tell her "but put it this way the other guys would have turned around." - At 0000, the friend advised him, "She text me that there was lots of fog but that's all she said. I just responded to her she was in good hands..." The friend then asked, "Where did y'all go." - At 0001, the pilot answered stating, "We are in enterprise..I'm sittin here still spinning watin..Gonna have to take to south it's the only place where weather is flyable." - At 0002, the friend asked him, "How long will it take you to get to south?" - At 0003, the pilot advised her, "Maybe 25-30 min." The friend then asked, "Is it gonna be one of those flights where you have to use those mad piloting skills again? - At 0004, the pilot responded stating, "Yea to take off after that should be good." - At 0005, the friend asked the pilot, "They still getting the patient loaded." He then responded, "Yea they still in the ambulance." - At 0006, the friend stated, "At least they have the best pilot taking them there." The pilot responded that, "I wouldn't say all that..." (This was the last text message sent by the pilot before the accident occurred). In 2017, Cernadas' family was awarded $5 million in a settlement with the helicopter operator. Montgomery County Circuit Judge Roman Ashley Shaul approved the settlement, which was awarded to Cernadas' parents by helicopter operator Metro Aviation Inc. of Shreveport, Louisiana. As part of the settlement, Metro Aviation did not admit any wrongdoing. https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2018/06/ntsb_releases_cause_of_alabama.html Back to Top FAA Continues To Support Compliance Philosophy Ali Bahrami, FAA associate administrator for aviation safety, opened NATA's 2018 Annual Meeting and Business Aviation Conference praising the industry's collaborative efforts to increase safety and addressed recent criticism of the FAA's Compliance Philosophy. Under the Compliance Philosophy, the FAA focuses on compliance through non-enforcement methods for correcting unintentional violations. According to Bahrami, the FAA's enforcement actions have decreased by 70 percent while voluntary reporting has increased. The agency has also seen a 46 percent increase in actions to correct deficiencies. "These numbers don't lie and I think that given where we are today, we have an amazing record for commercial and general aviation in terms of safety," Bahrami said. "I believe this is the right thing to do and we are going to continue to stay on course." However, he added, the FAA has faced a misconception that by taking that approach to compliance, the agency is not doing enough to enhance safety. The agency wants to ensure the public that its initiatives are successfully ensuring the safety of those working within the aviation industry. "The perception that we're not doing enough, or we should be doing more, is actually incorrect," Bahrami said. "We are doing a lot more. But we're doing it based on risk-based decision-making and data-driven approaches and support from certificate holders and folks like yourself." He also addressed compliance issues related to the coming ADS-B mandate. "The good news is that the latest numbers show we have about 40,000 aircraft qualified with ADS-B capabilities," said Bahrami. "That's obviously not enough. We will continue to push and work with the community to achieve the goal that we have." With 18 months until the deadline, he said, approximately 30 percent of Part 121 operators are currently compliant with the mandate. As a way to ensure more operators will be compliant by the deadline, FAA representatives have touched base with the CEOs of these remaining companies to work on implementation. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2018-06-13/faa-continues-support- compliance-philosophy Back to Top Can airplanes be hacked? U.S. officials say it's 'only a matter of time' The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported in government documents, obtained by Motherboard, that it's "only a matter of time" before cyber criminals are able to hack and remotely control an airplane. Virtually everything that's connected to the internet can be hacked. With that in mind, questions have been raised over the past few years regarding whether the increasing digitization of airline operations and flight controls puts in-flight aircrafts at risk of becoming the victims of cyber threats. The DHS isn't ruling out the possibility of remotely hacking an airplane The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported in government documents, obtained by Motherboard, that it's "only a matter of time" before cyber criminals are able to hack and remotely control an airplane. "Potential of catastrophic disaster is inherently greater in an airborne vehicle," a section of a recent presentation from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a Department of Energy government lab, reads. https://globalnews.ca/news/4267715/airplane-hack-only-matter-of-time/ Back to Top US Army Safety Chief: No Link Between Flight Hours, Fatal Mishaps A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief assigned to Task Force Griffin, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division directs passengers during loading in Kunduz, Afghanistan, May 31, 2017. The Griffins are working hard to support U.S. Forces Afghanistan as part of Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Resolute Support Mission. There is no direct correlation between how much time U.S. Army pilots get in the cockpit and the recent spike in catastrophic non-combat mishaps, according to the service's safety director. "Our data do not indicate a correlation between the execution of flight hours and mishaps," Brig. Gen. David Francis, commander of the Army combat readiness center and director of Army safety, said at a June 13 House Armed Services subcommittee on tactical air and land forces hearing. "We just cannot correlate that data, one to the other." An ongoing study of Army class-A aviation mishaps shows most are caused by human error. Less than one-fourth of all major mishaps are attributed to mechanical failure and none of the Army's rotorcraft fleets suffer more class-A mishaps than others, he said. "We do not have a specific platform that indicates to us a particular problem," Francis said. "We have various sizes of fleets for Apaches, Chinooks and Black Hawks, but none of them are indicating to us that we have a problem in one particular area." Class-A mishaps - which cause $1 million in damage, a fatality or both - spike at the outset of major combat operations. As expected, more helicopters crash and more pilots are killed in the early days of conflict, Francis said. "What we can say is our data does indicate that the Army, Army aviation, has experienced the biggest spike in class-A mishaps in conjunction with major combat operations," he said. Army data show a marked increase in class-A mishaps during the initial stages of Desert Storm, Bosnia and Kosovo and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Francis said. In fiscal year 2007, during the height of the surge in Iraq, the Army suffered 2.39 class-A mishaps per 100,000 flying hours, according to Army crash data. In the 10 years that followed, the rate fell to 0.87 per 100,00 flight hours in fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2017, the class-A mishap rate was 0.99 and the rate currently stands at 0.93 for fiscal 2018. "The mishap rates from FY16 to date constitute the lowest three-year period for class-A aviation mishaps in the last 35 years," he said. "Despite this improvement, the Army remains aggressively committed to driving our mishap rates down further." The Army currently has enough funding to train its pilots and perform the aviation mission safely, but budget uncertainty and mandatory spending caps in place for several years prior to fiscal 2018 resulted in fewer personnel and some atrophy to the Army's investigative capabilities, Francis said. "We are adequately funded and resourced to do the mission that we're required to do," Francis said. "Over the last five years, we have had a decrease in personnel. ... We were asked how we could do this more efficiently, just as everybody is challenged to do in tough times." "It does not worry me," he added. "We're not missing anything. It's taking a little bit longer than we'd like right now to get to some of the analytics, but certainly on urgent things we're not seeing a risk to the force or to the Army right now. We do want to expand that capability to look deeper into some areas." Investigation of lesser accidents, particularly class-C mishaps, has been "revealing," he said. "What we often realize is it's a matter of inches or seconds that make the difference between a class-C and a class-A, which is a more severe mishap and often times with fatalities," he said. Studying less-severe mishaps has resulted in what the Army is calling the "near-miss brief" - taking class-C and reconstructing the flight to determine what kept it from being catastrophic. Currently conducting that brief for all Army aviators in the active, Guard and Reserve components. "Causal factors remain generally constant," he said. Human error accounts for about 76% to 80% of all mishaps, Francis said. Material failure causes between 15 and 19%. DOD is trying to identify those human causes and figuring out how to train to avoid them. The Army is focused on training pilots for high-end combat against a peer or near-peer adversary in hopes of preventing a spike of fatalities and aircraft losses at the outset of the next conflict, Francis said. "Where we are focused right now is making sure we are doing that hard training that is going to be required to meet a peer or near-peer threat, which will drive us to lower flight profiles and increased risk to prevent that next spike from occurring when and if we do get called to that next combat engagement," Francis said. Beginning of a series of hearings on all aspects of the aviation safety crisis that will oversee how the military's response is managed, Turner said. http://www.rotorandwing.com/2018/06/14/us-army-safety-chief-no-link-flight-hours-fatal-mishaps/ Back to Top Helicopter Safety Seminar coming to Los Angeles Claude Vuichard, the 2018 HAI Pilot Safety Award winner, has planned to visit California in September 2018 to hold a one-day Helicopter Safety Seminar. Vuichard is known for the Vortex Ring State Recovery procedure as promoted by helicopter manufacturers, but also for additional advanced flight maneuvers. In cooperation with the Vuichard Recovery Aviation Safety Foundation (VRASF), Leocopter is going to provide an onsite Vuichard Helicopter Safety Seminar on Sept. 6 in the Los Angeles area. Based on decades of helicopter flight operations in the Swiss Alps and many search-and-rescue missions, Vuichard has professionalized additional life-saving maneuvers. They ensure that pilots take right action in critical situations and simply more safety. This offer is meant for interested helicopter pilots who would like to attend a full day seminar with Vuichard to cover all important topics in one session. The new methods are aimed towards leading a significant reduction of accidents and incidents - it even has the potential to save many lives every year and the associated damage and insurance cases. For applications, click here. Seminar structure of Vuichard Techniques Block 1 - Vuichard Principles Review the fundamentals of the CRM Model, Human Factors & performance, including mental activity and stress, situational awareness and safety barriers. The principles act as the fundamentals for the Vuichard Techniques. Block 2 - Vuichard Vortex Ring State Recovery The content is based on the conditions that favor the Vortex Ring State, the identification criteria and, of course, the escape or recovery procedures. Besides the main video published by Claude Vuichard, additional video material is presented and discussed to accentuate the aspects of the Vortex Ring State. Block 3 - Advanced Vuichard Techniques Advanced Vuichard techniques for autorotation's (standard, HVD, at night, in mountains), slope landings, quick stop and whiteout/brownout prevention. VRASF and Leocopters' overall objectives are to improve the awareness for safety and its actions to reduce the risks related to helicopter operations. The main driver is to prevent incidents and save lives. https://www.verticalmag.com/press-releases/helicopter-safety-seminar-coming-to-los-angeles/ Back to Top FAA UPDATING TOOL THAT HELPS AIRPORTS IDENTIFY OBSTRUCTIONS Maintaining unobstructed approach corridors is essential to ensuring the efficiency and safety of instrument approach procedures to thousands of airports. When obstacles penetrate a zone known as the visual surface area, also commonly referred to as the 20:1 slope along the runway's extended centerline, approach minimums may have to be raised-or worse, a notice to airmen may inform pilots that the approach is not authorized at night. An example of the SAV tool showing the 20:1 surface and obstacle penetrations. Image courtesy of FAA. The complications don't end there. "Next, each airport is now given 30 days to validate the obstruction and to determine how they will deal with those that are verified, normally by removing or lowering the obstruction," said Rune Duke, AOPA senior director of airspace, air traffic, and aviation security. "The mitigation plan submitted by the airport can have a risk-based approach with those obstructions that are barely penetrating given more time for removal. The FAA understands it can be expensive and take time to remove obstructions, but airports are expected to avoid any penetrations. Being reactive is not the standard." The impact of a procedure not being available at night can be significant. "In one case, a lifeguard operator lost access to its home airport at night, which had a significant impact on their ability to operate. It is important for airport sponsors to take their responsibility for maintaining safe approach paths to their runways seriously," Duke said. If the task facing an obstructed airport seems daunting, the FAA provides support for airport management engaged in the risk-mitigation process. A major component of that support is a 20:1 Surface Analysis and Visualization (SAV) Tool that 796 airports had used as of May 2018 to quantify their obstruction hazards. Now the FAA Office of Airports is updating the SAV tool to bring it into compliance with policy that took effect in March 2016. This fall those changes will result in the removal of the existing high, medium, and low categories from risk assessments that were established under an interim policy that was in effect from 2014 to 2016. Speeding up the tool's interface, refining the obstruction database, and removing analysis surfaces other than the 20:1 slope are also in the works. A separate tool to analyze other surfaces, such as the 30:1 slope, is under consideration by the obstruction evaluation office. "The tool is helpful for airport managers to be proactive and to deal with 20:1 obstructions quickly," Duke said, noting that although there are "thousands of 20:1 penetrations" to be dealt with at the nation's airports, "the good news is the FAA over the last few years has dramatically decreased the number." Mitigating hazards Current policy calls for a formal review of an airport's obstruction-mitigation plan by the FAA Flight Standards Procedure Review Board (PRB), a group that meets weekly on airport obstructions, and includes representatives from the Flight Standards Service, Operations Support Group Flight Procedures Teams, Airport Standards Division, and Mission Support Services. The PRB and the background of the FAA's evolving 20:1 slope protection policies are discussed in the AOPA fact sheet, "20 to 1 Airport Obstructions." As the fact sheet notes, during the two years the interim policy was in effect, 3,002 airports were studied, and all 16,518 instrument approach procedures (about 32,000 lines of minima) in the United States were reviewed. During the period, more than 900 airports and about 2,000 procedures were constrained by the presence of a 20:1 surface obstacle. Of the approximately 900 airports affected, 565 eventually removed or mitigated the obstruction, thereby eliminating the constraints on their approaches, Duke said. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2018/june/13/faa-updating-tool-that-helps-airports- identify-obstructions Back to Top FAA Awards Supplemental Type Certificate for King Air 350ER XP67A Engine Upgrade SNC's test bed King Air 350ER at Blackhawk headquarters for XP67A engine+ upgrade certification. SPARKS, Nev. (June 12, 2018) - Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has teamed with Blackhawk Modifications' subsidiary for government and military sales division, Vector-Hawk Aerospace (VHA), to offer the Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ Upgrade Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Kit for the Beechcraft King Air 350ER. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently approved Blackhawk Modifications' XP67A engine upgrade for the aircraft at takeoff weights up to 17,500 pounds maximum allowable takeoff weight (MTOW), significantly increasing the weight capability for special mission applications. "This after-market, system-of-systems approach, has been developed specifically for special mission applications," said Tim Owings, executive vice president of SNC's Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) business area. "The Mission Enhancement Kit provides users with the most capable aircraft available, providing greater usable power, allowing for increased mission payloads and significantly longer loiter times, while providing increased safety and reduced risk throughout the range of operations and mission locations. It is mission endurance, safety and options combined into one solution." The XP67A will provide a 25-30 percent increase in power, which translates into improved climb and cruise performance for King Air 350ER aircraft, especially on hot days at high-altitudes. Although the PT6A-67A will produce a 400 thermodynamic SHP increase over the stock PT6A-60A, the Blackhawk engine will actually reduce the overall weight of the aircraft by about 18 pounds. "We are very excited about the XP67A upgrade for the King Air 350ER," said Jim Allmon, president and CEO of Blackhawk Modifications. "The new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A upgrade gives the aircraft an amazing increase in performance, especially for aircraft operated in Special Missions roles at 17,500 lbs. gross weight. These aircraft are often outfitted with ISR pods, antennas and camera balls in a high temperature region of the world, possibly in a hostile environment. The mission is often limited by the lack of second segment climb performance produced by the stock PT6A-60A engines, which inhibits the amount of fuel the aircraft can carry. With our new XP67A upgrade, we meet that mission requirement at the max gross weight enabling Special Missions operators to use the 350ER to its full mission potential. It's a true game changer!" The new offering will include two factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-67A engines, new MT five-blade composite propeller assemblies and spinners, and a True Blue Power lithium-ion battery. Training, support, and a five-year/2,500 hour enhanced new-engine warranty are also included. The XP67A engine upgrade, is a key element of SNC's Mission Enhancement Kit, combined with the True Blue battery and Advent eABS anti-skid braking system. SNC is the exclusive provider of the XP67A and Mission Enhancement Kit for the King Air 350ER, and will complete the installations at their network of authorized install facilities, field installations are also available. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12416628/faa-awards-supplemental-type-certificate-for- king-air-350er-xp67a-engine-upgrade Back to Top Colombian Army Aviation Branch Inducts First Female Helicopter Pilot The officer is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities for quick and effective response on her missions. CAPACITY BUILDING Second Lieutenant Viviana Yesenia Forero Moncada of the Colombian Army Aviation Branch, completed the basic rotorcraft pilot course at the Helicopter School of the Colombian Armed Forces. (Photo: Colombian Army). After nine months of preparations, Second Lieutenant Viviana Yesenia Forero Moncada of the Colombian Army Aviation Branch finished her military rotorcraft pilot course in Bell TH-67 Creek aircraft on April 6, 2018. She is the Army's first female helicopter pilot. Her training took place at the Armed Forces Helicopter School located at the Colombian Air Force's 4th Air Combat Command in Bogotá. "Army women are a key and strategic pillar to successfully carry out the institution's mission. [2nd Lt. Forero] demonstrated having the same capabilities as any other pilot," Brigadier General Juan Vicente Trujillo Muñoz, commander of the Air Assault Aviation Division of the Colombian Army, told Diálogo. "Her performance in the basic rotorcraft course was outstanding; it confirms servicewomen's determination and perseverance." Due to 2nd Lt. Forero's work in military intelligence, her leadership qualities and discipline, her superiors decided to send her to pilot training at the Army Aviation School. She then entered the Helicopter School, where she became the Colombian Army's first female helicopter pilot. "This achievement is not for me or for women in the military. It's for the Army, which can count on women in this area," she said. Military pilot course No. 56 had a total of 14 students: four officers from Mexico, three from Colombia, two from Guatemala, two from Honduras, two from Costa Rica, and one from the Dominican Republic. The academic program consists of five modules: usage policies; aircraft systems; flight operations; tactical, night, and night vision; and instrument flight. Each module has 22 missions. All pilots acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a rotorcraft, respond to in-flight emergency situations, maneuver and control the helicopter in diverse terrain, understand aviation terminology, and gain meteorological insight, among others. Participants successfully completed the course after passing each preparatory phase. "I feel proud and grateful to God that I completed the training, which demanded a great deal of rigor and sacrifice," 2nd Lt. Forero, now studying at the Army Training and Retraining Battalion, told Diálogo. One exercise that put officers' skills and abilities to the test was night landings. "It's a maneuver that requires high levels of concentration," explained 2nd Lt. Forero. "It was difficult for me because of the control maneuvers and because you have to fly using the night vision system." Female officers are already icons to other women serving in the military. "Being the first female pilot of Army Aviation Branch means leading the way for women and comes with an enormous responsibility to uphold the reputation of women in the military," 2nd Lt. Forero said. The road to inclusion The first female pilot of the Colombian Army Aviation Branch underwent five training modules in Colombia to operate the Bell TH-67 Creek helicopter. (Photo: Colombian Army). The Armed Forces of Colombia began moving toward gender equality at the end of the 20th century with the incorporation of women into their ranks. At first, women served Army Aviation in administrative capacities; then, they began to do maintenance tasks on different aircraft. Women carry out flight missions in fixed wing aircraft since 2013, and from 2018 in helicopters with 2nd Lt. Forero. "It's all part of the Army Aviation's process of transformation and evolution," said Brig. Gen. Trujillo. "Women's full incorporation into the military is still an ongoing process in the defense sector of many countries around the world. But it can be seen as a sign of the progress made with regards to equality in different social and public spheres previously off-limits to women," Brig. Gen. Trujillo said. "However, in the aviation branch, women participate in all facets of the work, and the number of women in our ranks keeps growing." Nearly 100 Colombian servicewomen perform tasks related to flights, maintenance, air traffic, aviation safety, logistics, and aviation medicine. Two women in the Army attained the rank of general. And Sergeant Major (R) Mayerlin Parra was the first female helicopter maintenance technician in Army Aviation. "Slowly but surely, women join the Army's different specialties. Now we need to see a female ranger [specialized in irregular warfare]," remarked 2nd Lt. Forero. "We are on the right track to inclusion, and our presence is on the rise in all spheres of military institutions." Transition to the Black Hawk Since the first week of May, 2nd Lt. Forero trains to transition rotorcraft at the Aviation Training and Retraining Battalion. For two months, the Colombia pilot will strengthen her training and preparation to command a Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter. "It's the aircraft I want to fly, and now I will have the opportunity to do it. I am proud to be the first female Black Hawk pilot," said 2nd Lt. Forero. After the transition, she will be able to carry out support operations for combat, combat services, and aerial assault operations as well as reconnaissance and security missions. "These heroic women prove to be up to any task," Gen. Trujillo said. https://dialogo-americas.com/en/articles/colombian-army-aviation-branch-inducts-first-female- helicopter-pilot Back to Top 3 Reasons Airplane Giant Boeing Has Amassed Billions In Market Value Since May Boeing's stock continues to be on fire. TheStreet quickly looks at three reasons why investors are in love with Boeing. 3 Reasons Airplane Giant Boeing Has Amassed Billions In Market Value Since May Investors have been rewarded for flying on Boeing's stock. Just like most of 2017, Boeing's (BA) stock is on fire. Shares of the aerospace giant have surged nearly 9% over the last month, dusting the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 3% gain. TheStreet looks quickly at three reasons behind Boeing's latest surge. Boeing Is Beating Up On Rival Airbus Boeing Co. (BA) has emerged in the last year as a stronger airplane maker than its European archrival Airbus, points out TheStreet's Tom Terrarosa. The company put that advantage to work on yet another long-term strategic move: a new joint venture with French aerospace firm Safran SA that will make and service aircraft auxiliary power units. Boeing is using profits from record jet sales in 2017 to transition into other lucrative aerospace segments. Read more about Boeing's Airbus attack plan from Terrarosa here. Meanwhile, Boeing's top-of-the-line Dreamliner continues to wrestle share from Airbus' aging A380. Boeing Is Innovating, Capturing the Minds of Investors Apple (AAPL) who? Check out the innovation being built at Boeing. "Autonomous is a big part of the equation going forward. The amount of innovation going into aerospace today is greater than it has ever been," Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg told TheStreet (watch below). "We have an unmanned airplane in space called the X37 that has set new duration records, we are working on an unmanned underwater vehicle, and we are working on urban environment solutions, such as things like personal flying taxis." Asked when personal flying taxis would start flying around, Muilenburg suggested it's sooner than some might think. "It's measured in years, within the decade I would think." Muilenburg added that Boeing is also investing in hypersonic flight, or planes that could hit Mach 5 (more than 3,800 mph) or Mach 6. Boeing recently invested in Reaction Engine, a company that is working on the engines to possibly make hypersonic flying a reality. Boeing's Defense Business Is Booming It pays to be in the defense business under the Trump administration. "We are seeing some re-strengthening of the defense business, the fiscal year 2018 and 2019 defense budget we have seen is very encouraging -- but we are still eager to see a long-term budget defense solution that is not sequestered, I think that is important for the country and our Armed Forces," Muilenburg said (watch below). "We are seeing strong support for our programs, our fighter lines for example like the F-18 Super Hornet." Boeing's defense business, which represents about 22% of annual sales, has already caught a tailwind from the growing U.S. defense budget. The company's defense business racked up $12 billion in new orders in the first quarter, supported also by strong international demand. First quarter sales and operating profits for the division spiked 13% and 18%, respectively, from the prior year. Boeing's defense backlog tallied an impressive $50 billion. https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/3-reasons-boeing-has-amassed-billions-in-market-value- since-may-14613750 Back to Top THE MAKING OF THE AIRPLANE SEATS FOR THE WORLD'S LONGEST FLIGHT Passengers booked on the world's longest flight -- a 19-hour nonstop of more than 9,000 nautical miles between Singapore and Newark, New Jersey, set to commence this October -- needn't worry about numb butt syndrome. The Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 ULR (an acronym denoting that it's modified for efficient Ultra Long Range flying) serving the marathon route won't be subjecting its fliers to economy class. Travelers on this premier route will instead have a choice of just two premium classes: the 67-seat Business Class cabin, or the 94-seat cabin of Premium Economy seats so good they could almost pass for Business Class. Now that the aircraft are only months away from delivery, it's crunch time for the airline and Zodiac Aerospace, manufacturer of the seats the airline has heavily customized. Inside the factory To discover just how complex it is to construct an airplane seat, let alone one destined for the world's longest flight, CNN Travel headed behind the scenes at Zodiac's factory in Gainesville, Texas, as the last sets of the Premium Economy seats for the ULR aircraft came off the production line. It's here that vacuum form-molding, plasma-cutting and skilled handiwork turn raw materials, like reams of leather and 50-foot-long sheets of structural aluminum, into neatly packaged feats of engineering that manage to relax, comfort and entertain as passengers fly from one side of the Earth to the other. Although Singapore Airlines has been flying Premium Economy since 2015, the incredibly lengthy routes planned for the ULR aircraft, combined with their uniquely spacious layout, necessitated some updates, including shifting the seat-back pocket higher for improved knee and shin space, redesigning the bottle holders and cocktail table, and introducing a entirely new model: single "throne" seats with side storage bins that take the place of a seatmate. Six of these solo seats are located at the rear of the Premium Economy cabin, where the layout goes from 2-4-2 to 1-4-1, and are already proving popular for bookings. Comfort trials There's no guarantee customers will approve of the seats, however. That is, until it's time for "comfort trials" testing, when the airline and Zodiac literally put butts into the seats for the first time. "We run comfort trials with pressure maps that measure the weight distribution of seated passengers, which help us to determine if a seat is comfortable and for how long a seat will be comfortable," explains Sebastiaan Does, Zodiac's sales and marketing manager for southeast Asia. "During these comfort trials we'll have people from different genders, ratios, weights, heights -- you name it -- and we'll let them sit in the seat for over eight hours." The review process then moves from the factory to Singapore, as airline spokesperson James Boyd tells CNN Travel: "We want to make the ultra long-haul flight as comfortable as we can, and so we have a similar testing procedure in Singapore, whereby we invite our frequent fliers and staff to spend the night in the seat and report back." Amenities Every inch has been considered and reconsidered, so that the Premium Economy seats and their 38 inches of legroom include calf and foot rests, a cocktail tray, over-shoulder reading lights, adjustable winged headrests, 13.3-inch screens, and three power points per seat (two USB ports and one universal AC outlet). Amenities encompass noise-canceling headphones, pillows and blankets, 1,400 on-demand entertainment options, amenity kits, full-size bottles of water, Champagne and complimentary drinks (including Singapore Sling cocktails), and the ability to pre-order meals like seafood thermidor or Singaporean nasi lemak from the airline's previously Business- and First-Class-only "Book the Cook" menu. Cradle motion But can you really relax in the seats? One critical adjustment passengers won't see, but will surely feel, lies in the way the seats shift positions. "Singapore Airlines evaluated the recline and asked to consider a different type of motion -- a cradle motion -- where the bottom moves down and forward with the back recline," explains Bob Funk, head of sales and marketing for Zodiac Seats US. "With a traditional recline, you basically hit the button and [the seat] goes back and the bottom doesn't move much. "The cradle, on the other hand, balances forces, distributes your weight, and lets your upper body relax while at the same time managing the pressure on the seat pan a lot better. It creates comfort that's really beneficial when you're going to be sitting there for a long period of time." Announced in early June 2018, the flights will initially run three times a week from October 11, with daily operations starting October 18 after a second Airbus A350-900 enters service. Tickets are already on sale and range from $1,500 round-trip in Premium Economy, to $5,000 and up for Business Class... assuming you're up for the challenge of 19 hours in one airplane seat. http://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/national/485632831.html Back to Top Vistara becomes eligible for international ops; receives 21st aircraft (India) The airline has received its new aircraft an Airbus A320neo powered by CFM engines. Present regulations mandate a domestic airline to have a minimum of 20 aircraft to apply for international flight rights. * Vistara becomes eligible for international ops; receives 21st aircraft The new aircraft will be deployed to further strengthen its domestic network. Image source: Vistara Full service air carrier Vistara on Thursday said that it has becomes eligible to start international operations with the addition of its 21st aircraft. The airline has received its new aircraft an Airbus A320neo powered by CFM engines. Present regulations mandate a domestic airline to have a minimum of 20 aircraft to apply for international flight rights. According to the company, the new aircraft will be deployed to further strengthen its domestic network. "There`s great excitement amongst all of us at Vistara, as we prepare ourselves for taking the next leap in our journey to fly international," Vistara CEO Leslie Thng was quoted as saying in a statement. "The arrival of our 21st aircraft makes this phase even more special. It enables us to strengthen our network further, which gives us the opportunity to offer more choices in terms of frequencies to our ever- growing base of loyal customers." Vistara commenced its commercial operations on January 9, 2015. Till date it has flown over 9 million passengers, and currently serves 22 destinations with over 800 flights a week. The company -- TATA SIA Airlines -- known by its brand name Vistara, is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA) with Tata Sons holding the majority stake of 51 per cent in the company and SIA holding the remaining 49 per cent. http://www.zeebiz.com/companies/news-vistara-becomes-eligible-for-international-ops-receives-21st- aircraft-51225 Back to Top Alumna-Alaska Airlines Captain Seeks to Increase Female Minority Pilots Nationally Capt. Tara Wright, left, along with first officer Mallory Cave of Alaska Airlines. Not a day goes by where Capt. Tara Wright isn't approached by a passenger wanting to take a photo with her because they report never being on a flight piloted by a female. "I call it a selfie a day and educating one person about how flying airplanes is something anybody can do if they have access to the right education and skill-building opportunities," said Wright, an Alaska Airlines pilot who graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach Campus in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science. She's on a mission of educating more young women that they too can be in the flight deck. She points to her Embry-Riddle training and education that has allowed her to stand out from other pilots during her 25-year career flying and instructing for various companies. She's one of less than 7,000 active women airline pilots in the U.S., or less than 5 percent. The FAA reports active airmen certificates in 2017 were 609,306, which includes all types of pilots, including private, airline transport, commercial and others with women pilots making up 42,694 or 7 percent. Wright is a member of Sisters of the Skies, a national organization of professional black women pilots who the group says represents less than half of 1 percent of the total professional pilot career field in the U.S. or less than 150 holding airline transport pilot, commercial, military or certified flight instructor licenses. The organization promotes and supports minority women in their pursuit of aviation as a career through STEM outreach education, mentorship and scholarships. "Women of color, and even women more broadly, just don't know this is a viable career option and that's in large part because they haven't seen lots of women flying airplanes," Wright said. "It's important to demonstrate there are people like me who do this job." Wright has reached a number of firsts in the field. She said she was the first African-American female pilot to become a captain at Alaska Airlines in April 2017 and the 7th African-American female captain for a major commercial airline in the U.S. She joined Alaska Airlines in 2007 as the second African-American female pilot at the airline. She also made history on Mother's Day in May while piloting an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 jet from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon. Capt. Wright along with first officer Mallory Cave were the first African-American female pilots to crew an Alaska Airlines jet together. "You're sharing a pretty interesting piece of Alaska Airlines history this morning. You will be piloted by two African-American female pilots for the first time in Alaska Airlines history," she told passengers on the intercom. A Facebook video of the announcement and cheers from passengers went viral with the story appearing on news outlets throughout the U.S. and internationally. Alaska Airlines also shared the news on social media. "History in the flying. Alaska Airlines Flight 361 from San Francisco to Portland, OR. Our first-ever flight piloted by two African-American women. What Bessie Coleman started in 1921, we continue here," the company's tweet read. (Coleman was the first African American to earn an international pilot's license.) Oriana Branon, Alaska Airlines spokeswoman, said Alaska Airlines is committed to attracting, retaining and advancing a diverse employee population, which supports its company goal of "winning together with our people." "We believe that by celebrating and promoting milestones such as the historic flight of Captain Wright and First Officer Cave, we can open up the talent pipeline even further so that girls and women everywhere can achieve their dreams of flying," Branon said. While Wright appreciates the milestones she's made, she looks forward to the day where flight decks mirror demographics in neighborhoods and communities. "If the flight deck looks exactly the same as when I go to the grocery store, then we've done a great job. But clearly we have a long way to go," she added. Wright, who has been at Alaska Airlines for 11 years, her second major airline carrier, also previously flew for Comair-Delta Connection, U.S. Airways, Hewlett-Packard Co., Great Lakes-United Express and GP Express-Continental Connection. While her father was an educator and general aviation pilot, she was not always on the path to becoming a pilot. She originally wanted to be an aeronautical engineer and design aircraft while learning to fly on the side. But she quickly realized engineering was not for her and switched to Aeronautical Science. She received numerous certificates and ratings at Embry-Riddle, including her private, instrument, commercial single-engine/multi-engine, certified flight instructor and certified flight instructor-instrument. "Embry-Riddle set me up beautifully to compete," Wright said pointing to technical and flight training skills she gained and knowledge from her academic courses. "When you go out in the world and in job situations, you never know when you're going to have to pull from your knowledge base in aviation and that is where Embry-Riddle filled in all the right holes." Wright, who graduated with honors and was on the Dean's and President's Lists, was involved in numerous organizations on campus, including Senior Class Council, Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, and secretary of The Ninety-Nines chapter, an international organization of women pilots. She also became an Embry-Riddle flight instructor for a period after graduation and met her husband, Wayne Wright Jr., at a campus event. He graduated from the Daytona Beach Campus in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management and works for Southwest Airlines as an aircraft mechanic. Married for 24 years, they live in California near San Francisco with their three children. Her future goals are to retire in 14 years with Alaska Airlines. She also wants to continue working with both her company and Sisters of the Skies to increase the number of female minority pilots. When she speaks to youth during outreach opportunities, she encourages them to be well prepared, work hard and to set their own goals and expectations. "Just keep marching and following your goals," Wright said. https://news.erau.edu/headlines/alaska-airlines-captain-and-embry-riddle-alumna-seeks-to-increase- female-minority-pilots-nationally/ Back to Top Want to Take a 10-Day Trip to the Space Station? It'll Cost You $55 Million You can now sign up for a 10-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) - if you've got $55 million to spare. That's the price just announced by Axiom Space, a Houston-based company that's organizing expeditions to the ISS and working to build the first commercial space station. The $55 million covers the orbital stay, transportation to and from the ISS, and a 15-week astronaut-training program. Axiom Space aims to launch its first customers in 2020, company representatives said. [6 Private Deep- Space Habitats Paving the Way to Mars] "It is an honor to continue the work that NASA and its partners have begun, to bring awareness to the profound benefits of human space exploration and to involve more countries and private citizens in these endeavors," Axiom Space CEO and President Michael Suffredini, who managed NASA's ISS program for a decade, said in a statement. Artist's illustration of Axiom commercial modules attached to the International Space Station. Credit: Axiom Space Axiom Space is also developing its own station, the modules of which will launch toward, and link up with, the ISS. The Axiom station will be ready to accommodate paying passengers by 2022 if all goes according to plan, company representatives have said. The commercial outpost will still be attached to the ISS at that point. When the huge, $100 billion orbital outpost is ready to be deorbited, the Axiom station will detach and begin flying freely. (Exactly when this will happen is unclear; the ISS is currently funded through 2024, but it's possible that operations could be extended beyond that date.) The commercial station's interiors are being designed in partnership with French architect Philippe Starck, so they'll be quite a bit different from the utilitarian spaces of the ISS. "This is a dream project for a creator like me with a genuine fascination for aviation and space exploration," Starck said in the same statement. "The greatest human intelligence in the world focuses on space research. My vision for the habitation module on Axiom Station is to create a comfortable egg that is inviting, with soft walls and a design perfectly in harmony with the values and movements of the human body in zero gravity." Artist's illustration of Axiom Space's commercial outpost flying independently in Earth orbit. Credit: Axiom Space Tourists have visited the ISS before. Seven folks took a total of eight trips to the orbiting lab from 2001 through 2009, paying an estimated $20 million to $40 million each time. And Axiom Space isn't the only company working to develop a commercial space station. For example, in April, a startup called Orion Span announced that it aims to have a "luxury space hotel" operating in Earth orbit by 2022. Bigelow Aerospace, a company that makes expandable space habitats, has also expressed a desire to set up outposts in Earth orbit, as well as in other locales, such as the surface of the moon. https://www.space.com/40893-axiom-private-space-station-trip-55-million.html Back to Top Bombardier Safety Standdown Award 2018 - Nominations are still open! The Safety Standdown award is given annually to an aviation professional who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to improving aviation safety through the application of the Safety Standdown principle: LEARN - APPLY - SHARE. By learning new skills and applying them, they demonstrate their dedication to personal improvement. By sharing their knowledge, they become distinguished role models. We all know or have worked with exceptional aviation professionals. These are the people who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of their operation. They are the mentors we look up to and who teach us so much. They are the dedicated people who demonstrate professionalism and courage in the toughest of circumstances. They are the people who had an impact on us and fostered the love we have for this industry. As you read these few lines, someone probably popped into your mind. Here's a way to recognize them: go to our website and nominate them for the Safety Standdown Award. The criteria for the award can also be found on the site and nomination form only takes a few minutes to complete. Submissions are evaluated by the Advisory council and a recipient is selected from the criteria. The award is presented during Safety Standdown USA 2018 seminar. Nominate now: http://www.safetystanddown.com/aviation-safety-award/ Safety Standdown Team Bombardier Business Aircraft Direct: +1 316 946 7876 Email: info@safetystanddown.com Website: www.safetystanddown.com Back to Top This course was created in collaboration with Curt Lewis's Flight Safety Information. Learn more from Beyond Risk Management Producer, Captain Elaine Parker, at https://vimeo.com/273989821 Back to Top Title Managing Communications During an Aircraft Accident or Incident (Course) Co-sponsor Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) Description The course will teach participants what to expect in the days immediately following an aviation accident or incident and how they can prepare for their role with the media. ID Code PA302 Dates and Tuition October 25-26, 2018 $1034 early registration, by September 25, 2018 $1134 late registration, between September 25 and October 20, 2018 $100 processing fee will be added to tuitions for all offline applications. A tuition invoice can be ordered for a $25 processing fee. Note: payment must be made at time of registration. Times Day 1: 8:30am - 5pm Day 2: 9am - 3pm Location NTSB Training Center * 45065 Riverside Parkway * Ashburn, Virginia 20147 Status OPEN. Applications are now being accepted. Apply to Attend SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE HERE CEUs 1.3 Overview * How the National Transportation Safety Board organizes an accident site and what can be expected in the days after an aviation disaster from the NTSB, FAA, other federal agencies, airline, airport, media and local community * Strategies for airline and airport staff to proactively manage the communication process throughout the on-scene phase of the investigation * How the NTSB public affairs officers coordinate press conferences and release of accident information and what information the spokespersons from the airport and airline will be responsible to provide to the media * Making provisions for and communicating with family members of those involved in the accident * Questions and requests likely encountered from the airlines, airport staff, family members, disaster relief agencies, local officials and others Comments from course participants See the 235 organizations from more than 30 countries that have sent staff to attend this course Performance Results Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Be better prepared to respond to a major aviation disaster involving a flight departing from or destined for participant's airport * Demonstrate greater confidence in fielding on-scene questions about the many aspects of the investigation and its participants, including what types of specific information may be requested * Identify the appropriate Public Affairs roles for the various organizations involved in an accident investigation * Be more productive in the first few hours after an aviation disaster by understanding which tasks are most important and why * Perform job responsibilities more professionally and with greater confidence given the knowledge and tools to manage the airport communications aspect of a major aviation disaster Who May Attend * Investigators from the NTSB and other accident investigation authorities/commissions worldwide * Potential participants in an NTSB investigation: Investigative and safety personnel employed by airframe, engine or component manufacturers, airlines, civilian and military agencies, and related labor unions * Members of the academic community attending for research purposes (on a space-available basis) Accommodations Area hotels and restaurants Airports Washington Dulles International (IAD): 10 miles Washington Ronald Reagan National (DCA): 30 miles Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 60 miles More Information Email StudentServices@ntsb.gov or call (571) 223-3900 https://www.ntsb.gov/Training_Center/Pages/2018/PA302.aspx Back to Top Back to Top Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 1 Dear Airline Pilots, My name is David Carroll. I am a doctoral candidate in the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University PhD in Aviation program, and I am working on my dissertation under the guidance of Dr. David Esser. We would like to find out a bit about how airline pilots learn in order to enhance the effectiveness of training. You can help out by participating in this survey. My dissertation topic entails investigating ways that FOQA data might be used to identify pilots at increased risk for Unstable Approaches. By capturing trend information regarding poor energy management practices that may lead to unstable approaches, the FOQA system may be ale to assign interventional training modules. These is research that indicates that these training events would be more effective if presented in a manner that is preferred by the learner. This survey supports the study by helping to determine if the population of airline pilots has a preferred learning modality. The survey also contains a set of energy management questions to examine pilot perceptions on energy management and stabilized approaches in several scenarios and situations. Participants are asked to select responses that are closest to how they would understand the situation if experienced in their current primary aircraft. Finally, the survey collects demographic information that will provide an understanding of how the body of respondents represents the study population. Respondents must be 18 years of age to participate, and we would like to limit the respondents to those currently employed in scheduled air carrier operations (Part 121, 135, or similar). Thank you in advance for your participation. Your inputs will be invaluable in helping to increase the level of safety in air carrier operations. Providing immediate interventional training for pilots who are demonstrating a need, while maintaining the anonymity of the FOQA concept, should provide such a benefit. If you have any questions regarding the study in general, or the survey in particular, please contact the researcher, David Carroll, at david.carroll@erau.edu or the dissertation committee chair, Dr. David Esser, at esserd@erau.edu. Please find the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V532B9J David A. Carroll, Doctoral Candidate ERAU PhD in Aviation Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 2 Dear Aviation Colleague, My name is Nicoletta Fala, and I am a Ph.D. candidate working with Prof. Karen Marais at the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. We are seeking your input on post-flight debrief feedback in this survey. The motivation behind this research is the unacceptably high number of general aviation accidents. Our overall goal is to use flight data of various sources to help improve general aviation safety. We are trying to understand how different kinds of safety feedback affect risk perception among general aviation pilots. During the survey, you will be asked to review flight data from four flights and answer specific questions on the safety of each flight. We will then ask you a few demographic questions. The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. During the survey, you will not be able to go back to the previous flight safety questions. You will, however, have the opportunity to review and change the demographic questions as you wish. You may choose to not answer some questions and you may stop the survey at any time without any repercussion to you. If you do not wish to complete the survey in one sitting, you may save your progress and return where you left off if you use the same computer to re-access the link. No personally identifiable information is being asked, analyzed or reported. All responses will be anonymous and in aggregate at the end of the study. Your participation in this survey is voluntary. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this research. Thank you for your time and your cooperation. Your responses are greatly appreciated and will hopefully enable the general aviation community to improve their safety record. If you have any questions regarding the survey or the information contained within, please feel free to contact the researchers directly either at nfala@purdue.edu or kmarais@purdue.edu. Survey Link: www.nicolettafala.com/survey Nicoletta Fala Purdue Pilots, Inc. President Ph.D. Candidate School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Purdue University || College of Engineering http://nicolettafala.com/ Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 3 Dear pilots, My name is Koen Scheers, First Officer and postgraduate student 'Air Transport Management' at City, University of London. Currently, I am working on my research project, which is the final part of my studies at City to gain a Master of Science (MSc) degree. My research project, entitled 'A sustainable model for pilot retention', aims to establish a model of organisational practices to keep pilots in the airline they are working for. To support my research project with data I have created a web survey for pilots, and via this way, I kindly ask your help by participating in the survey. The survey is not affiliated with any airline, training organisation, or any other. Participation in the survey is voluntary and anonymous. The survey will take about 10 minutes of your time to complete and is open for participation until 15 July 2018. Also, I would be very grateful if you could forward this message to other pilots in your contact list or spread the word in the airline you are working for. Please click the link below to enter the survey: SURVEY WEB LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/pilotretention Your participation is highly appreciated, kind regards, Koen Scheers +32 486 85 07 91 Koen.scheers@city.ac.uk Curt Lewis