Flight Safety Information August 3, 2018 - No. 157 In This Issue Incident: PAL B773 near Tokyo on Aug 2nd 2018, engine shut down in flight Incident: Jazeera A320 at Hyderabad on Aug 2nd 2018, engine fire after touch down Incident: Westjet Encore DH8D at Calgary on Jul 12th 2018, burst tyre on departure and on landing Boeing 737-8AL (WL) - Runway Excursion after Aborted Takeoff (Saudi Arabia) Jet makes emergency landing in Fargo LIBIK Fire Suppression Kits for the Cabin and Flight Deck. Mexico plane crash: Investigators find 'black box' flight recorders AUSTRALIA EASES GERMANWINGS TWO-PERSON COCKPIT RULE Alarming incidents between drones and aircraft have tripled in three years, says Transport Canada ALPA survey shows public criticism of automated aircraft replacing pilots TSA dismisses report that it is considering ending passenger screenings at smaller airports Flight instructor without valid certificate won't face jail time for fatal crash Azerbaijan interested in purchasing 10 Ukrainian An-178 aircraft Startup to develop autonomous piloting software for general aviation aircraft Airbus Establishes Pilot Training Program Advocates Worry That Changes To GI Bill Will Make Pilot Crisis Worse Ten of the world's biggest aviation mysteries NASA says Boeing, SpaceX could launch astronauts next year Position: Assistant Manager, Safety Management Systems (Air Safety) POSITION: SAFETY ANALYST FLIGHT OPERATIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PHL Shares Complex Runway Extension Lessons Learned Upcoming Cranfield short courses 2018 DFW ISASI Chapter Dinner ISASI 2018 2018 CHC SAFETY & QUALITY SUMMIT October 2nd - 4th, 2018 PROVIDING ASSURANCE IN YOUR SYSTEMS Incident: PAL B773 near Tokyo on Aug 2nd 2018, engine shut down in flight A PAL Philippine Airlines Boeing 777-300, registration RP-C7772 performing flight PR-116 (dep Aug 1st) from Manila (Philippines) to Vancouver,BC (Canada) with 387 people on board, was enroute at FL310 over the Philippine Sea when the crew observed a low oil pressure indication for the left hand engine (GE90), shut the engine down and drifted down to FL195. The aircraft diverted to Tokyo's Haneda Airport for a safe landing on runway 34R. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Tokyo about 31 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4bbdefd1&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Jazeera A320 at Hyderabad on Aug 2nd 2018, engine fire after touch down A Jazeera Airways Airbus A320-200, registration 9K-CAI performing flight J9-608 (dep. Aug 1st) from Kuwait (Kuwait) to Hyderabad (India) with 145 people on board, landed on Hyderabad's runway 27L, slowed to taxi speed and was about to turn off the runway when continuous flames out of the right hand engine's (CFM56) exhaust occurred. The aircraft stopped on the taxiway, an evacuation through the left hand doors was initiated, the crew shut the engine down. Emergency services responded and put the fire out. There were no injuries. The aircraft is still on the ground in Hyderabad about 26 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4bbde5a0&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Westjet Encore DH8D at Calgary on Jul 12th 2018, burst tyre on departure and on landing A Westjet Encore de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-FWEP performing flight WS-3278 from Calgary,AB to Saskatoon,SK (Canada) with 77 passengers and 4 crew, was in the initial climb out of Calgary's runway 17L when the crew reported they blew a tyre on departure and likely had sustained damage to the gear assembly. The aircraft returned to Calgary for a landing on runway 17L about 24 minutes later. The Canadian TSB reported the aircraft blew the #3 tyre (right inboard main tyre) during the takeoff roll and blew the #4 tyre on landing. The TSB wrote: "There was collateral damage to the refuel door, RH landing gear doors, RH main landing gear electrical harness and dents to the RH right hand flap." https://flightaware.com/live/flight/WEN3278/history/20180712/2010Z/CYYC/CYXE http://avherald.com/h?article=4bbde327&opt=0 Back to Top Boeing 737-8AL (WL) - Runway Excursion after Aborted Takeoff (Saudi Arabia) Date: 03-AUG-2018 Time: ca 00:30 LT Type: Boeing 737-8AL (WL) Owner/operator: Jet Airways Registration: VT-JFS C/n / msn: 39065/4884 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 149 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Riyadh-King Khalid International Airport (RUH/OERK) - Saudi Arabia Phase: Take off Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Riyadh-King Khalid International Airport (RUH/OERK) Destination airport: Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM/VABB) Narrative: Jet Airways flight 9W523, a Boeing 737-800, suffered a runway excursion after an aborted takeoff at Riyadh-King Khalid International Airport, Saudi Arabia. There were 142 passengers and 7 crew members on board. Initial reports say there was a fire in one of the engines. ARFF services quickly contained the fire. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=213989 Back to Top Jet makes emergency landing in Fargo FARGO - An aircraft carrying 10 passengers made an emergency landing in Fargo Thursday night, Aug. 2. Calls from dispatch at 10 p.m. Thursday indicated that there was a mechanical issue on board that left the aircraft with only one engine. Dispatch called about 10 minutes later canceling the emergency call and said the aircraft appeared to be OK. The aircraft landed at Fargo's North Dakota Air National Guard air base on the 1400 block of 32nd Avenue North. Messages left with the National Guard were not returned. Shawn Dobberstein, executive director of Hector International Airport, told The Forum that a small jet landed for reporting low oil pressure. The jet landed just fine, he said, and went to Fargo Jet Center. There is no reason for concern, Dobberstein added. The destination of the jet is unknown as is the place of takeoff. http://www.inforum.com/news/4480898-jet-makes-emergency-landing-fargo Back to Top Back to Top Mexico plane crash: Investigators find 'black box' flight recorders Lorenzo Nunez described a "strong explosion" moments after take off Investigators have found the flight recorders from an Aeroméxico flight, which crashed in Mexico's northern Durango state on Tuesday. All 103 passengers and crew on board survived, but 97 were injured - two seriously. A plane's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder - known as the "black boxes" - often hold vital clues to the moments before an incident. At present, it is unclear exactly what downed flight AM2431. The plane had taken off during stormy weather, and fell to earth near the runway just moments later. All those aboard managed to escape before it caught fire. "The impact was very strong. We wanted to think it was a lightning strike," Chicago resident and passenger Lorenzo Nunez told Reuters news agency. "It was terrible, absolutely terrible." Airline Aeroméxico tweeted on Wednesday that 64 people had been released from hospital. Passengers' relatives wait for news outside a hospital in the city of Durango One of those seriously injured was a young girl who sustained burns. The other was the plane's pilot, who needed an operation on his spine but is reportedly in a stable condition. What do we know at this stage? Aeroméxico flight AM2431 was flying from Guadalupe Victoria International Airport in Durango to Mexico City when it crashed at around 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on 31 July. International rules dictate that Mexico will lead the crash investigation, with help from Brazil - where the Embraer jet was built - and the US, where its engines were made. The director of Mexico's civil aviation agency, Luis Gerardo Fonseca, told broadcaster ADN40 that his team were combing the crash site, assisted by the US National Transportation Safety Board and US Federal Aviation Administration. The US State Department has confirmed that at least 65 US citizens were on board the flight. It could potentially take months for investigators to work out what happened. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-45041728 Back to Top AUSTRALIA EASES GERMANWINGS TWO-PERSON COCKPIT RULE Australian airlines will be able to decide for themselves whether they want to have two people in the cockpit at all times. The Australian government followed the lead of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and adopted the two-in-the cockpit rule for aircraft with a seating capacity of more than 50 passengers after the crash of Germanwings Flight 9252 crash in March, 2015. Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who had been diagnosed with suicidal tendencies, deliberately flew the aircraft into the side of a French mountain, killing 144 passengers and six crew. The idea was to have another crew member enter the cockpit if one of the pilots left for any reason but the practice has raised a number of safety and security issues. EASA eased the two-person rule in August, 2017, and German airlines revealed they would abandon it April this year, arguing it increased security risks rather lowered them. Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority said a review of the practice in Australia found there were "unintended consequential risks, including the second person in the cockpit potentially distracting the pilot, making inadvertent contact with cockpit switches and taking cabin crew away from their safety role in the cabin". "It was also found the practice complicated flight crew access to the cockpit and introduced an additional risk of flight deck incursion,'' CASA said in a recent briefing note. "The recommendation is for air operators to evaluate their own safety requirements and make an operational decision on whether to maintain 'two in the cockpit' in their standard operating procedures. "CASA's aviation medicine branch will continue to monitor pilot mental health and maintain a high level of awareness among pilots of mental health priorities and sources of assistance." Australian pilot unions have welcomed the decision to ease the rules. It comes as the EU recently published strengthened mental health guidelines for pilots. The new rules mean all European airlines will need to perform a psychological assessment of pilots before they start employment, something many airlines already do. They also include a support program for all pilots working for European airlines to help them "recognize, cope with and overcome "problems which might negatively affect their ability to safely exercise the privileges of their license" Mandatory alcohol testing will be extended to pilots and cabin crew of all European and foreign airlines that fly into the EU. https://www.airlineratings.com/news/australia-eases-germanwings-two-person-cockpit-rule/ Back to Top Alarming incidents between drones and aircraft have tripled in three years, says Transport Canada EDMONTON-Concerns are rising alongside drones as Transport Canada points out that the number of close calls with aircraft has tripled since 2014. The latest incident occurred near the Edmonton International Airport on Wednesday when a pilot on WestJet flight 3362 noticed a drone about 2,000 feet below his left wing. Drones are posing more of a risk to aircraft in Canada. Nav Canada, the company that runs Canada's air navigation operations, reported the incident to Edmonton police, who promptly began investigating. "It's a dangerous situation with a drone flying so close to the plane," said Ron Singer, a spokesperson for Nav Canada. Singer said the pilot reported the drone about five miles away from the airport during his descent. The pilot did not have to change his course and made a safe landing. "Its been happening more and more; (however,) it's not very common for Edmonton," he said, adding that Edmonton has only had three incidents in the last year. According to numbers provided by Transportation Canada, country-wide incidents where drones have posed a risk to aircraft have been on the rise with 2014 seeing 41 incidents and 2017 having 136. As of June 2018, there have been 48 incidents reported across Canada. Singer said Vancouver and Toronto are hotbeds for drone activity and, therefore, see many of these incidents every year. "Obviously we're concerned about aviation safety," he said. According to Canadian Aviation Regulations, drone operators cannot fly within 5.6 kilometres of airports, seaplane bases or any area where aircraft take off or land, and they can't be flown inside controlled and restricted airspace. They also cannot rise over 91 metres off the ground. Breaking those rules could land a drone operator a fine upwards of $3,000; however, endangering the safety of an aircraft could land them in prison or with a fine of $25,000. Edmonton Police are continuing to investigate the incident in Edmonton and ask anyone with information about it to contact them at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. https://www.thestar.com/edmonton/2018/08/02/alarming-incidents-between-drones-and-aircraft-have- tripled-in-three-years-says-transport-canada.html Back to Top ALPA survey shows public criticism of automated aircraft replacing pilots In a survey conducted by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) this week, 81 percent of Americans expressed opposition to removing pilots from cockpits on safety grounds. ALPA conducted the survey to highlight the issue during Congressional debates over a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, and to counter those who have shown interest in moving toward automated aircraft. Their survey also noted that 80 percent of respondents demanded two pilots working together as the best option for operating aircraft - a belief backed by a separate NASA study, which found that single-pilot flying promoted significant demands and workload, potentially generating an unsafe environment. "Instead of wasting taxpayer money on an unnecessary and dangerous program, Congress should look to the existing research, and the public's opinion, when legislating on these vital issues," ALPA President Tim Canoll said. "The U.S. airline industry is experiencing one of the safest periods in the history of commercial aviation-why would Congress do anything that might adversely impact that safety record?" That safety record also demands the upholding of current training and qualification standards for pilots, Canoll said. Of the 1,109 adults surveyed, 73 percent opposed proposals to reduce training and experience requirements, with only 8 percent were in favor of investing in technology to eliminate one or both pilots from the cockpit. https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/10202-alpa-survey-shows-public-criticism-of-automated- aircraft-replacing-pilots/ Back to Top TSA dismisses report that it is considering ending passenger screenings at smaller airports Passengers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport wait to be screened at a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint on May 16, 2016. The TSA is playing down a report that the agency is considering pulling out of smaller airports to focus resources on larger ones. (Scott Olson / Getty Images) The Transportation Security Administration is playing down a news report that the agency is considering pulling its agents out of about 150 small and mid-sized airports to focus TSA resources on the country's biggest. The TSA responded Thursday to a report by CNN citing senior agency officials and internal documents that said the proposal would save up to $115 million that could be deployed to airports with greater terrorism risks. It also quoted an internal agency report that said such a move would bring about a "small (non-zero) undesirable increase in risk related to additional adversary opportunity." TSA spokesman Michael Bilello said the proposal for ending passenger screenings at airports serving planes with 60 or fewer seats was only part of an annual budget exercise to consider ways to improve efficiencies in the agency - adding that a formal risk evaluation of the idea has not been completed. "Every year as part of the federal budget process, the TSA is asked to discuss possible ways to be more efficient," Bilello said. "This year is no different." The TSA, with an annual budget of $7.58 billion, employs about 60,000 workers, screening passengers at 440 airports nationwide. But the CNN report, citing two senior agency officials unhappy with the proposal, suggested this year that the idea is being take more seriously, reflected by a TSA working group of 20 people - including a representative of the agency's administrator's office - who met on June 21 to examine the potential risks of the policy change. Passengers from smaller airports taking connecting flights would be screened, along with their luggage, at their arrival at larger airports, which have more advanced security measures, according to documents cited by CNN. Bilello said budget efficiency meetings at the TSA are always taken seriously, but he added that "no decisions has been made for the TSA to stop serving any airport." The report has spurred requests by lawmakers for more information and protests from unions representing TSA screeners, including the chapter that represents TSA agents at Los Angeles International Airport "Not only is this extremely risky to the safety of the American flying public, but it is once again this administration's emboldening of anti-people policies placing profits over people," Bobby Orozco, vice president of the AFGE Council 100, said in an email to other union leaders. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss), ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued a statement saying the TSA proposal would "undoubtedly create security gaps and may negatively impact the economy - especially in rural America." The CNN report said terrorists have long identified smaller airports as weak points in the country's security regime. It noted that two of the Sept. 11 terrorists first flew from Portland, Maine, to Boston, where they boarded American Airlines Flight 11, which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The report said that although Portland's airport "likely would not be included in the proposal because of its volume of passengers, the 9/11 attackers perceived the airport to be less secure because of its relatively small size." http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tsa-security-small-airports-20180802-story.html Back to Top Flight instructor without valid certificate won't face jail time for fatal crash Plane crash scene (Source: WMC Action News 5 Archives) MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - After the deadly plane crash that killed six people nearly two years ago, there will be no jail time for the flight instructor accused of failing to properly train Mid-South dentist Dr. Jason Farese before that crash. Charles Phillips, the flight instructor, admitted to illegally conducting flights for hire and providing flight instruction without a valid airman's certificate. Thursday, a federal judge sentenced him to three years' probation, and he must serve the first six months on house arrest, along with 100 hours of community service. National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) final report released in May blamed pilot error and improper training for the August 2016 plane crash in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. On board the plane were doctors Jason and Lea Farese, Dr. Austin Poole and his wife Angie, and Dr. Michael Perry and his wife Kim. The six were returning to Oxford from a Florida dental convention. Court documents show the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspended Charles Phillips' airman's certificate in 2009, citing medical reasons. The FAA also barred him from operating any aircraft. Despite that, the investigation found between March 2013 and July 2016 Phillips was paid to pilot more than 50 flights, according to the indictment. Federal investigators found Phillips continued to teach people to fly between March and May of 2016, though his certificate to teach had expired. Phillips also was charged with lying to the FAA and NTSB during the Farese plane crash investigation. That charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement. From the 60-count indictment, Phillips pleaded guilty to two counts of training pilots without a license and conducting flights for hire. NTSB officials determined the plane crash was caused by an engine failure due to improper fuel consumption from the plane's four tanks during flight. http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/38800695/flight-instructor-without-valid-certificate-wont-face- jail-time-for-fatal-crash ****************** Date: 14-AUG-2016 Time: 11:15 Type: Piper PA-31-325 Navajo C/R Owner/operator: Private Registration: N447SA C/n / msn: 318312016 Fatalities: Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 6 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Substantial Category: Accident Location: Northport, East of Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, Tuscaloosa, Alabama - United States of America Phase: Approach Nature: Private Departure airport: Orlando, FL (ISM) Destination airport: Oxford, MS (UOX) Investigating agency: NTSB Narrative: The private pilot and five passengers departed on a day instrument flight rules cross-country flight in the multiengine airplane. Before departure, the airplane was serviced to capacity with fuel, which corresponded to an endurance of about 5 hours. About 1 hour 45 minutes after reaching the flight's cruise altitude of 12,000 ft mean sea level, the pilot reported a failure of the right engine fuel pump and requested to divert to the nearest airport. About 7 minutes later, the pilot reported that he "lost both fuel pumps" and stated that the airplane had no engine power. The pilot continued toward the diversion airport and the airplane descended until it impacted trees about 1,650 ft short of the approach end of the runway; a postimpact fire ensued. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engines revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The propellers of both engines were found in the unfeathered position. All six of the fuel pumps on the airplane were functionally tested or disassembled, and none exhibited any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation before the accident. Corrosion was noted in the right fuel boost pump, which was likely the result of water contamination during firefighting efforts by first responders. The airplane was equipped with 4 fuel tanks, comprising an outboard and an inboard fuel tank in each wing. The left and right engine fuel selector valves and corresponding fuel selector handles were found in the outboard tank positions. Given the airplane's fuel state upon departure and review of fuel consumption notes in the flight log from the day of the accident, the airplane's outboard tanks contained sufficient fuel for about 1 hour 45 minutes of flight, which corresponds to when the pilot first reported a fuel pump anomaly to air traffic control. The data downloaded from the engine data monitor was consistent with both engines losing fuel pressure due to fuel starvation. According to the pilot's operating handbook, after reaching cruise flight, fuel should be consumed from the outboard tanks before switching to the inboard tanks. Two fuel quantity gauges were located in the cockpit overhead switch panel to help identify when the pilot should return the fuel selectors from the outboard fuel tanks to the inboard fuel tanks. A flight instructor who previously flew with the pilot stated that this was their normal practice. He also stated that the pilot had not received any training in the accident airplane to include single-engine operations and emergency procedures. It is likely that the pilot failed to return the fuel selectors from the outboard to the inboard tank positions once the outboard tanks were exhausted of fuel; however, the pilot misdiagnosed the situation as a fuel pump anomaly. Probable Cause: A total loss of power in both engines due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's fuel mismanagement, and his subsequent failure to follow the emergency checklist. Contributing to the pilot's failure to follow the emergency checklist was his lack of emergency procedures training in the accident airplane. Sources: NTSB: https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20160814X40011&key=1 FAA register: 2. FAA: http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=447SA 6. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N447SA/history/20160814/1415Z/KISM/KTCL Accident investigation: Investigating agency: NTSB Status: Investigation completed Duration: 1 year and 9 months Download report: Final report https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=189278 Back to Top Azerbaijan interested in purchasing 10 Ukrainian An-178 aircraft Azerbaijan confirmed its interest in purchasing 10 Ukrainian An-178 aircraft, President of the state enterprise "Antonov" Alexander Donets told Ukrainian media on July 31. During the interview, he noted that there are demand and customers for the Ukrainian aircraft, pointing to the protocol of the last meeting with representatives of Azerbaijan's Silk Way Airlines certified on July 11. "They confirmed their interest in purchasing 10 An-178 aircraft. Most likely, these will be planes from the NEXT range with components supplied by Aviall company," Donets said. Asked about the price of the aircraft, he said that it would be possible to answer this question after the conditions of withdrawal of the components from warehouses are defined. An-178 is a military transport aircraft created by "Antonov" in April 2015. It is capable of delivering cargo up to 18 tonnes. The maximum speed of the plane reaches 850 kilometers per hour, while its highest altitude is approximately 12 kilometers. The first flight of the aircraft was operated on May 7, 2015. The plane was produced via computer-aided design and engineering and can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Replacement of four-engined turboprop by two-engined is considered to be one of the most fundamental distinctive features of An-178. The "Antonov" state enterprise is considered to be one of the few enterprises running the complete development cycle of advanced aircraft - from preliminary design to construction, testing, certification, production and integrated logistic support. https://www.azernews.az/business/135692.html Back to Top Startup to develop autonomous piloting software for general aviation aircraft Xwing, an autonomous aviation software company based in San Francisco, has announced it is to scale up its operations and recruiting activity after raising US$4m of funding. Marc Piette, founder and CEO of Xwing, said, "Aviation is currently undergoing what will be a seismic shift. In the not-so-distant future, technology will dramatically change the way people and goods move and transform transportation. "Xwing has brought together experts in optionally-piloted vehicles, unmanned systems, and certified avionics, to develop key autonomous flight technology and accelerate this change." The company, which was founded in 2016, aims to develop the technologies necessary for the fully- autonomous flight of general aviation aircraft and small passenger airplanes. According to his blog post, Piette believes removing qualified pilots from general aviation aircraft will greatly increase the accessibility of aviation to society, decreasing operating costs and improving the efficiency of route networks and infrastructure. The company's early focus is on developing key functions of autonomous flight: sensing, reasoning, and control, using the input from sensors and data from air traffic control. It wants to install its autonomous pilot systems first in general aviation fixed-wing, rotorcraft and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Vic Singh, founding general partner of Eniac Ventures, the company which led the funding round, said, "The coming wave of eVTOLs coupled with the high-cost structure of the commercial aviation industry makes the timing perfect for autonomy. We are excited to support Marc and Xwing. We believe they are the best, most experienced team and have built the leading technology platform to make intelligent autonomous aviation a reality." Piette and his investors join a growing number of aviation entrepreneurs and engineers who believe autonomy is the next trend in aviation. In this Q&A, Draper Lab's CEO and inventor of MEMS sensors, Ken Garbriel, identifies it as a key incoming technology and discusses its challenges and benefits. https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/software/startup-to-develop-autonomous-piloting- software-for-small-aircraft.html Back to Top Airbus Establishes Pilot Training Program Airbus announced the launch of its ab initio Pilot Cadet Training Program last week. The company says the program is designed to "help meet global demand for pilots over the next 20 years." Airbus' partner for the program is Escuela de Aviacion Mexico (EAM), which is located close to the Airbus Mexico Training Center in Mexico City. Pilots participating in the EASA-based program will complete their initial training at EAM and then transfer to the Airbus Mexico Training Center to qualify on the A320. According to Airbus, the program "aims to equip cadets with the skills and mindset required to become an 'operationally-ready pilot.'" The first class of 20 Airbus cadets is expected to begin training in January 2019 and graduate in July 2020. The program is open to high school graduates over 18 years old and will begin accepting applications in October. Applicants will take admissions tests to gauge their knowledge of English, mathematics and physics. Airbus says it plans to open similar programs around the world over the next few years. According to the company, this program and the ones to come reflect Airbus' "commitment to support airline customers in contributing to long term availability of qualified flight crew." The company's latest Global Services Forecast predicts that 540,000 new pilots will be needed over the next two decades. https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Airbus-Establishes-Pilot-Training-Program-231324-1.html Back to Top Advocates Worry That Changes To GI Bill Will Make Pilot Crisis Worse * 1,700 veterans had enrolled in flight training in 2016, costing the GI Bill $48.5 million. Veterans groups representatives and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) have raised concerns about legislation that would cap the educational benefits of the GI Bill for those pursuing careers as pilots, discouraging interested veterans at a time when aviation faces chronic pilot shortages in the U.S. and around the world. The military has been a source of new pilots for private and commercial aviation for decades, but changes to pilot training programs at the Navy and Air Force, and a change in tactics favoring unmanned aircraft, have made it much harder for the military to train and retain qualified pilots. As a result, fewer trained pilots are available to serve, fewer are available to train, and fewer will be available to join the private sector in the future. But some veterans who are interested in training for pilots careers after leaving the military will rely on the GI Bill to cover the costs. Caps for pilot flight training might prove a disincentive for those veterans, advocates worry. NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Over 700 hundred Continental and United pilots, joined by additional pilots from other Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) carriers, demonstrate in front of Wall Street on September 27, 2011 in New York City. The pilots want to draw attention to the lack of progress on negotiations of the pilots' joint collective bargaining agreement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the corporate merger close date of United and Continental airlines. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Overcharging the GI Bill It all started when news came to light about the fees paid to some private flight schools working as contractors to public universities, which aren't subject to spending caps under the GI Bill. One student was charged over $534,000. According to Stars and Stripes, 1,700 veterans had enrolled in flight training in 2016, costing the GI Bill $48.5 million. In 2015, U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, proposed capping flight training fees for payouts to $20,235 a year and classifying some flight classes as non-degree electives. The GI Bill Education Quality Enhancement Act of 2015, H.R. 476 excluded flight training fees from the cost calculations of the degree, and passed the House despite objections from aviation and veterans advocacy groups, but was dropped in the Senate. An amendment followed under H.R. 4149, to address objections, but several aviation organizations, including AOPA, say the restrictions essentially treat pilot careers differently from others, discriminating against veterans who would want to be pilots. "Capping funds available for flight training degree programs virtually guarantees that veterans seeking to use their GI Bill benefits to enter the aviation industry will have insufficient funds to achieve their goals. They will either abandon their pursuit or be burdened with significant personal debt through either expenditure of personal funds or taking on of student loans. This will harm veterans and limit their employment opportunities in the aviation industry," AOPA wrote in a November 2017 letter addressed to leaders of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "It is unfair and discriminatory to single out for these funding caps veterans seeking employment in aviation. These caps deprive them of the ability to pursue collegiate flight training, a common path to a career as a commercial pilot." To add another layer of complexity, the wording of H.R. 4149 was rolled into bill H.R. 5649, under Section 201, allowing public schools to offer flight training, and allowing veterans to access the GI Bill funds more quickly-so that they could finance concurrent study and training-but the cap on flight training remains. "We support the need for improved fiscal responsibility by the government and strongly support tightening the existing regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to curb abuses by a minority of flight schools affiliated with collegiate degree programs," AOPA wrote in a follow-up letter to the Committee on Veterans' affairs sent this July. "However, despite these positive improvements, we cannot support this section as written. Unlike how other degree programs at public colleges or universities are treated, the bill caps payments for flight training programs which unfairly impacts the ability of veterans to pursue well-paying jobs in the civilian aviation sector." Some veterans' advocates have raised similar concerns and are lobbying for a fresh start that addresses cost overruns, without disincentivizing veterans who want to become pilots. The Budget Blind Spot Some suggest there is a blind spot among some parties involved in the costs-review who may not understand the requirements of the pilot career. For example, in the Stars and Stripes article, Will Hubbard, vice president of Student Veterans of America is quoted as saying, "While some veterans choose to pursue a vocation in flight programs, these programs continue to operate at levels requiring vastly more resources than limits on vocational training costs." But vocational training implies something different from the course of study for pilots, which is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) career. Pilots working for airlines have to have a Bachelors degree and complete studies in physics, aeronautical engineering, and mathematics, along with basic courses towards a secondary diploma. That's in addition to the 250 hours of flight time to obtain the commercial pilot's license, the 1,500 hours of flight time required to receive an ATP (Air Transport Pilot) certificate, and the type-rating to operate a particular aircraft. It is because the career path is so demanding that qualified pilots are scarce. Two relevant provisions in the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, the Forever GI Bill, which was signed into law in 2017, are more pertinent to pilot careers than the contentious Section 201 restrictions. One is the "pilot programs for technology courses" provision. It aims to give veterans more opportunities to enroll in high-technology education programs that offer skills sought by employers in a relevant field or industry. The other is a provision to increase benefits for STEM careers with up to nine months of additional Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for qualifying educational programs. The pilot career is more aligned with these two fields, but not categorized as such by the provisions of Section 201. In an Op-Ed published by The Hill in November of last year, advocates wrote: "Rather than confronting and addressing the actual problem (lack of VA oversight), Congress is proposing to implement broad-based funding cuts for veterans in aviation training, effectually treating an infection by removing a limb." Iraq War veteran Christopher Neiweem, president of lobbying firm Neiweem Group, who co-authored the Op-Ed on The Hill, characterizes the problem as a lack of understanding by Congress of the scope of the pilot problem. "Congressional budget advisors have developed reports that rely, at best, on assumptions about aviation industry conditions, and at worst are completely at odds with the reality of the costs of aviation training, and the impact it would have on veterans students preparing for this career," Neiweem said. Becoming A Career Pilot Is Expensive, No Matter Where You Fly. The Embry-Riddle University, which has a well-established history of educating students for a host of career paths in aerospace, explains the variability of flight course training on its website stating: "There are many variables associated with the training and no two students will have the same flight training experience. The Flight Department staff works hard to give each student the best training available, but students have different learning styles and progress at different rates." The University has published a flow-chart of median costs for the different pilot career pathways which shows median costs can exceed $69,000, just to obtain the AeroSci degree or Flight Minor. The university also provides median requirements for flight training with hourly rates for various courses ranging from $65 per hour for oral instruction to $244 per hour-not including fuel-to fly a Diamond DA-42VI plane, to $523 an hour for Frasca simulator training for the CRJ200. The U.S. Department of Transportation has set up a research initiative to study ways in which it might be easier to train qualified veterans so that they can earn certificates needed to be hired as flight instructors while earning flight hours to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP). The Forces to Flyers program awarded contracts valued at a total of $1.8 million to four educational institutions around the country to launch the study. Slots are limited to 40 students and, to qualify, participants have to have already earned their pilots certificate. The $500,000 flight training charges that led to all of this are still dwarfed by the costs to the military of training pilots. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, it takes the Air Force about five years to train a fighter pilot and can cost anywhere between $3 to $11 million. That may be justified given the type of equipment used in training-fighter jets are never cheap-as well as the far more stringent requirements. But the ongoing civil aviation pilot shortage is also luring pilots away from the military. Airlines are offering less stressful working conditions and better pay. The military is fighting attrition by increasing financial incentives and addressing other causes of job dissatisfaction. All of aviation, civil and military, will need creative solutions and investment to avoid a looming crisis. The FAA's 2018-2038 Aerospace Forecast shows the number of civil aviation pilots moving in the wrong direction, relative to the demand projected by the aviation industry. FAA Aerospace Forecasts 2018-2038 The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) and the Independent Pilots Association (IPA), and other unions representing pilots have declared strong opposition to policies that would reduce the number of pilots required in the flight deck. This week, they published a statement objecting to FAA Reauthorization Section 744, which would authorize a study of single-pilot operations for cargo airlines, with autonomous technology serving as a virtual first-officer. "Cargo and passenger carriers operate the same high-performance jet aircraft, share the same congested airspace, and fly over the same densely populated areas. There's no logical reason to apply different standards to each," said Capt. Dan Carey, president of the Allied Pilots Association (APA). "Given the threat posed by computer hacking and the accident rates for autonomous vehicles and military and civilian drones, it's astonishing that policymakers would even consider this notion. APA is adamantly opposed to the language in Sections 744 and 703(a)(xviii), and we urge Congress to remove it to help preserve public safety." Some level of automation of flight operations may be inevitable in future, as pilot numbers decline. For now, signs point to a holistic strategy that includes regulatory changes that help pilots stay in the career longer, a more accessible path to qualify that still maintains an emphasis on safety, and the recruiting, training and retention of a large number of candidates. https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisagarcia/2018/08/02/advocates-worry-that-changes-to-gi-bill-will- make-pilot-crisis-worse/#441282fbd524 Back to Top Ten of the world's biggest aviation mysteries Conspiracy theories and alien abduction surround some of the greatest mysteries of aviation. Here are 10 of the greatest mysteries in aviation, from the early history of flight to modern day. 1. Amelia Earhart A photograph discovered last year was said to prove that Amelia Earhart did not die in a plane crash but was captured by the Japanese, experts claimed 80 years after her disappearance. The pioneering aviator vanished over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe. Various reasons have been given for her disappearance. The theory that she was captured by Japanese forces has been suggested before; others believe she faked her own death; a few oddballs even claim she was abducted by aliens. The photo, found in a former "top secret" file at the US National Archives, and thought to have been taken in 1937, has been subjected to facial-recognition and other forensic testing - and could put the mystery to bed. A documentary, Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence, aired on the History channel, argued that the photograph proves Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan were picked up by the Japanese military, who believed they were spies, and taken prisoner. It states that the pair crash-landed in the Japanese-held Marshall Islands and proposed that the US government knew of Earhart's whereabouts and did nothing to rescue her. The theory was somewhat disproved, however, after the new image was said to have appeared in a Japanese travel brochure published years before Earhart disappeared. 2. The Bermuda Triangle The roughly triangular area bounded by Miami, Bermuda and Puerto Rico is where dozens of aircraft and ships are said to have vanished in unusual circumstances, with the disappearances attributed to paranormal or extraterrestrial activity. Notable incidents include the disappearance of Flight 19, a US Navy bomber, on December 5, 1945, as well as the aircraft sent to search for it; that of a Douglas DC-3 aircraft with 32 people on board in 1948; and a mid-air collision between two US Air Force planes in 1963. 3. "D B Cooper" In 1971, an unidentified man travelling under the name of "Dan Cooper" managed to hijack a Boeing 727, extort a $200,000 ransom, and leap from the rear exit on the aircraft (with a parachute), never to be seen again. No conclusive evidence has emerged confirming his true identity or subsequent whereabouts, but FBI investigatiors claimed he would not have survived the jump. A year after the incident "Cooper vanes" were installed to disable aircraft doors while the landing gear is up. 4. TWA Flight 800 Trans World Airlines Flight 800, a Boeing 747, exploded and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near East Moriches, New York, on July 17, 1996, resulting in the deaths of all 230 people on board. While many speculated that terrorists were to blame, no evidence of a criminal act was discovered by the FBI following a 16-month investigation. Others suggested that a US Navy vessel blew up the plane with a missile strike, and that the US Government has since instigated a cover-up. A report published on August 23, 2000, however, concluded that a short circuit was the most likely cause of the explosion. 5. Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 On October 13, 1972, a Uruguayan air force plane carrying 40 passengers and five crew members disappeared while crossing the Andes. Seventy-two days later, after everyone on board was presumed dead, 16 survivors emerged. The story of how starvation drove them to eat some of the dead passengers was made into the 1993 film "Alive". 6. Air France Flight 447 In the early hours of June 1, 2009, Air France Flight 447 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris went missing, along with 216 passengers and 12 crew. The Airbus A330-200 disappeared in the middle of the ocean, beyond radar coverage and in darkness. It took a shocked and bewildered Air France six hours to concede its loss and for several days no trace of it was found. Even when wreckage was discovered, the tragedy was no less perplexing. The aircraft had flown through a thunderstorm, but there was no distress signal, and the jet was state-of-the-art, a type that had never before been involved in a fatal accident. The aircraft's black boxes were recovered nearly two years later, at the bottom of the ocean. A final report, published in July 2012, said the accident occurred due to obstruction of the "pitot tubes" due to ice crystals, which caused the auto-pilot to disengage, as well as human error. It later emerged that the pilot had only slept one hour the previous night after a romantic jaunt in Brazil with his girlfriend. 7. Helios Airways Flight 522 On August 14, 2005, air traffic controllers in Greece lost contact with Helios Airways Flight 522, but the plane remained in the holding pattern for Athens Airport for more than an hour. At one point, a Greek fighter jet was scrambled, and spotted the pilot slumped over the controls. Around half an hour later the plane started to descend, crashing into the hills near Grammatiko, killing all 121 passengers and crew (the deadliest air disaster in Greek history). An investigation revealed that a gradual loss of cabin pressure had left the crew incapacitated. 8. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 On March 16, 1962, a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation propliner carrying 93 US soldiers and 3 South Vietnamese, disappeared in clear weather on its way to Clark Air Base in the Philippines, prompting an eight-day search of more than 200,000 square miles. Eye witnesses on a civilian tanker reported seeing an explosion, but no remains were ever found. 9. Egyptair Flight 990 In 1999, Egyptair Flight 990 from New York to Cairo plummeted into the Atlantic Ocean around 60 miles off the US coast. All 217 people died in the crash, but mystery still surrounds its cause. The Egyptian Flight Officer controlling the plane was recorded repeatedly saying "I rely on God" moments before the disaster, and a colleague claimed he crashed the jet as an act of revenge after being reprimanded by the airline for sexual misconduct, but an investigation concluded he did not deliberately cause the accident. 10. BSAA Avro Lancastrian Star Dust In August 1947, Star Dust, a British South American Airways airliner vanished as it flew between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile, via Mendoza. No wreckage was discovered for over 50 years, provoking conspiracy theories about sabotage and abduction by aliens. A Rolls Royce engine and the remains of nine of the eleven victims were eventually found at the foot of a glacier in the Andes. http://www.traveller.com.au/ten-of-the-worlds-biggest-aviation-mysteries-h13evs#ixzz5N6dJcsHZ Back to Top NASA says Boeing, SpaceX could launch astronauts next year An artist's impression of Boeing's CST-100 "Starliner" spacecraft in low-Earth orbit, on the way to the International Space Station. BOEING On the eve of announcing the first crews to blast off aboard commercial crew capsules being built by Boeing and SpaceX, NASA posted updated launch targets Thursday that, as expected, push the first piloted flights to the spring or summer of 2019. In a blog post, NASA said SpaceX plans to launch its Crew Dragon spacecraft on an unpiloted test flight in November. The capsule will be blasted into low-Earth orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, autonomously dock with the International Space Station and then return to Earth with an ocean splashdown. If no major problems develop, SpaceX could be ready to launch another Dragon, this one with a crew on board, in the April 2019 timeframe. Boeing, which is working to correct problems discovered during a recent test of its capsule's abort system, plans to launch its CST-100 "Starliner" capsule on an unpiloted test flight late this year or early in 2019 using a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket. The first test flight with a crew on board is targeted for "mid-2019," NASA said. SpaceX's Dragon crew ship, on display at the company's Hawthorne, Calif., factory in 2014. SPACEX In both cases, again assuming no major problems crop up, operational flights to ferry astronauts to and from the space station would begin after the test flights are complete, ending NASA's sole reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft to carry U.S., European, Canadian and Japanese crew members to the lab. The final currently contracted seat for a NASA astronaut aboard a Soyuz is on a flight scheduled for takeoff from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in July 2019. "To meet NASA's requirements, the commercial providers must demonstrate that their systems are ready to begin regular flights to the space station," NASA said in its blog posting. "Two of those demonstrations are uncrewed flight tests, known as Orbital Flight Test for Boeing, and Demo-1 for SpaceX. After the uncrewed flight tests, both companies will execute a flight test with crew prior to being certified by NASA for crew rotation missions." NASA plans to announce the astronauts who will make the first flights aboard the Dragon and CST-100 during a presentation Friday at the Johnson Space Center. Four veteran astronauts -- Eric Boe, Douglas Hurley, Sunita Williams and Robert Behnken -- were named earlier, but they were not assigned to specific missions or spacecraft. An unknown number of additional astronauts is expected to be named Friday. The commercial crew program grew out of a NASA-funded competition that began in 2011, the year the space shuttle completed its final flight. On Sept. 16, 2014, the agency announced that Boeing and SpaceX would share $6.8 billion to develop independent space taxis, the first new U.S. crewed spacecraft since the shuttle. SpaceX, under a $2.6 billion contract, is modifying its Dragon cargo ship to fly unpiloted resupply missions and to carry astronauts. They will launch atop the company's Falcon 9 rockets from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, the same pad, now extensively modifiled, that was once used by shuttles and Saturn 5 moon rockets. Boeing is building a more traditional Apollo-style capsule under a $4.2 billion contract that would use parachutes and airbags for ground landings in the western United States. The Boeing CST-100 will fly atop ULA's workhorse Atlas 5 rocket from pad 41 at the nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-updates-boeing-spacex-crew-launch-targets/ Back to Top Assistant Manager, Safety Management Systems (Air Safety) Main purpose of the Job: Support the Manager, Safety Management Systems with the development, implementation and maintenance of the Safety Management Systems (SMS) in flight and cabin operations. Directly responsible to: * Manager, Safety Management System (MSMS) Directly responsible for: * Supervisor, Safety Management Systems (Air Safety) * Officer, Safety Management Systems (Air Safety) Main Areas of Responsibility: * Responsible for routine review and processing of safety reports submitted to Quality, Safety & Security Department. * Responsible for conducting investigations (in conjunction with the FOQA specialist) into accidents, incidents and/or irregularities affecting the safety of operations. Conduct investigation interviews and debriefing accordingly to include the use of FOQA data. Produce investigation reports and make recommendations to prevent recurrence. * Support the MSMS in managing the day-to-day activities of the Safety Management Systems in flight and cabin operations. * Assist MSMS in the maintenance and development of the electronic safety reporting system. * Support the MSMS in maintaining the currency and relevance of the Safety Management System Manual by proposing and drafting amendments. * Conduct inspections / surveys / assessment / analysis as and when directed by the MSMS and produce reports to ascertain operational safety is achieved. * Communicate and interface with appropriate departments to track the safety actions arising from investigations / Safety Action Group (SAG) / routine safety assessments and ensure they are implemented in a timely and appropriate manner. * Responsible for production and dissemination of safety promotion material through company intranet, notice board, newsletter and any other suitable media. * Assist the MSMS in conducting SMS related trainings and briefings to company employees. * Participate in IOSA program as and when directed by the MSMS. * Participate in various safety meetings and provide administrative support as required. * Assist in performing safety risk assessment and change management as required. Qualifications / Requirements: * Minimum 5 years relevant working experience in the airline industry, preferably in flight or cabin operations. * Aviation safety investigation qualification or equivalent experience. * Comprehensive knowledge and experience with Safety Management System. * Bachelor's degree required, preferably in a technical, aviation or engineering discipline. * Flying experience desirable. * Strong analytical capabilities. * Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. * Proven command of spoken and written English. Knowledge in Chinese (Cantonese and Putonghua) is an added advantage. * Good computer literacy. APPLY HERE Back to Top POSITION: SAFETY ANALYST FLIGHT OPERATIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE POSITION PURPOSE Processes day-to-day raw data using Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) and program Ground Data Replay Analysis System (GDRAS) and routine data analysis. Creates weekly and monthly deliverables in addition to working with Gatekeepers and other members of FOQA and FOQA Management Team (FMT). ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1. Supports the FOQA Program Manager with daily administration of the FOQA efforts to ensure analysis of flight data for improved flight safety. 2. Oversees data collection process of aircraft fleet in conjunction with Maintenance and Engineering. 3. Performs data analysis, root cause analysis and determine corrective actions of digital flight data to determine adverse events, trends in flight and maintenance operations. 4. Coordinates, develops, verifies and validates aircraft specific event definitions. 5. Prepares flight operations trending analysis charts and reports. 6. Compiles and presents FOQA data summaries for use by senior management, regulators, pilots and union officials. 7. Performs specialized studies and fulfills special data requests. 8. Creates safety and FOQA department publications. 9. Prepares reports, presentations, and statistical data required to keep the FOQA community informed of the status and programs of the FOQA information. 10. Reviews corrective action responses to inspections and internal evaluations findings for adequacy. 11. Maintains FOQA database, write database queries, program new FOQA events, and manage documentation supporting these functions. 12. Coordinates with other airlines FOQA departments, governmental and academic institutions regarding FOQA. 13. Performs others duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE * Bachelor's degree in aviation, flight technology, engineering, or related area or a combination of education and experience. * FAA Commercial Pilot License. * Previous work experience, preferably in 14CFR Part 121 air carrier operations; quality control, maintenance, operations, safety or a combination of these areas. * Previous experience maintaining and enhancing corporate safety standards and safe operation practices. * Understands turbine-aircraft systems and knowledge regarding Part 121 operations. * Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, including spreadsheet and database applications. * Strong work ethic, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and a positive attitude toward teamwork. PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE * At least 3 years related experience. * Additional certifications: Dispatch, Airframe and Powerplant and/or ATP license. * Basic computer programming and statistical methods experience preferred. * Prior experience with Sagem AGS or equivalent GDRAS platforms is preferred. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Proven project management and analytical skills. Ability to handle numerous projects at one time and meet deadlines. Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision in support of the Safety Department. DECISION MAKING Makes day to day decisions used to support strategic direction. Decisions often require some thought and are somewhat structured. Decisions tend to be short term and usually moderate cost. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Able to move about the work environment. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Typically not exposed to extreme environmental conditions. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Travel up to 10% of the time, including overnight stays. APPLY HERE Company Overview: At Republic Airline, our mission is to provide a safe, clean and reliable flying experience. We believe this is best accomplished by focusing on our vision, "With the BEST people, products, and performance, we will be America's Regional Airline of choice." Republic Airline is a regional airline headquartered in Indianapolis, operating fixed-fee flights for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The Company's fleet consists of nearly 190 Embraer 170/175s, offering approximately 950 flights daily to 100 cities in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. Our crew bases include Chicago, IL (ORD), Columbus, OH (CMH), Indianapolis, IN (IND), Kansas City, MO (MCI), Miami, FL (MIA), Newark, NJ (EWR), New York, NY (LGA), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). We have 10 maintenance bases: Charlotte, NC (CLT), Chicago, IL (ORD), Columbus, OH (CMH), Indianapolis, IN (IND), Louisville, KY (SDF), Newark, NJ (EWR), New York, NY (LGA), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). With more than 5,500 talented aviation professionals, Republic Airline is a great place to get your career off the runway! For more information, please visit our website at www.rjet.com. Back to Top Learn From Real Life Experience Attendees of the 25th Annual AAAE/FAA Airfield Safety, Sign Systems and Maintenance Management Workshop will take home lessons learned and best practices that can be applied at their airports from PHL's complex runway extension project, including: * The difficulties and unforeseen circumstances encountered and how they were overcome. * The complex phasing schedule and interdependent contracts spread over a few years. * Impact to maintenance and operations personnel daily job duties. * Signage, markings, and lighting changes along with required NOTAMs, and airfield charting requirements. See the updated agenda and register to attend today! Back to Top Upcoming Cranfield short courses The Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre (CSAIC) is helping to improve safety and shape the future of the transport industry. We offer an extensive range of continuing professional development (CPD) short courses in accident investigation, safety management, human factors and airworthiness. Our upcoming short courses for 18/19 include: * Fundamentals of Accident Investigation: 10 - 28 Sep 2018 * Practical Reliability: 15 - 19 Oct 2018 * Human Performance and Error: 22 - 26 Oct 2018 * Accident Investigation for Aviation Management: 05 - 16 Nov 2018 * Crisis Management and Business Continuity: 12 - 16 Nov 2018 * Aviation Medicine: 19 - 23 Nov 2018 Have you heard about our new blog? At the start of this year, we launched our Safety and Accident Investigation blog, providing information, insights and thought leadership from the CSAIC team. Read the Safety and Accident Investigation blog Please take a look and subscribe, to ensure you're the first to receive our latest content. We'd love to hear your feedback too. Contact us on: E: shortcourse@cranfield.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1234 754189 ACM122 Back to Top Back to Top ISASI 2018 Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City, Dubai. 30 October to 1 November, 2018 "The Future of Aircraft Accident Investigation" ISASI is pleased to announce that the preliminary Technical Program for ISASI 2018 is now posted. It is, of course, subject to change between now and the end of October. All up to date information, including registration forms for the seminar and a reservation link for the hotel can be found at http://isasiannualseminar.com/ We look forward to seeing all of you in Dubai. Back to Top Back to Top Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Dear pilots, My name is Michail Karyotakis, F-16 Fighter Pilot and postgraduate student 'Air Safety 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 'Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the 21st century. On attaining safer UAS flights based on current and future challenges and considerations.', aims to determine how UAS flights can become safe enough, so manned and unmanned air operations could be conducted simultaneously without compromising the safe performance of the entire aviation industry. To support my project research 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 (if desired by the participant). The survey will take about 12 minutes of your time to complete and is open for participation until 13 August 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 or air force you are working for. Please click the link below to enter the survey: SURVEY WEB LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LC6RXZN Thank you in advance for your time and patience. Your participation is highly appreciated. Kind regards, Michail Karyotakis * Mobile phone number: +30 6983514058 * Student email: michail.karyotakis@city.ac.uk Curt Lewis