Flight Safety Information August 31, 2018 - No. 178 In This Issue Incident: American B763 near Boston on Aug 30th 2018, ND failure, fuel leak Incident: American B763 near Halifax on Aug 29th 2018, engine problem Incident: PAL Express A321 at Davao on Aug 29th 2018, rejected takeoff due to bird strike Incident: PSA CRJ2 near Chattanooga on Aug 28th 2018, cracked windshield Incident: Condor A320 at Kavala on Aug 16th 2018, TCAS RA results in Terrain Warning 30-AUG-2018 - Ethiopian Air Force de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter accident: 18 dead Smoke in cockpit forces plane to land at Shreveport Regional Airport EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection FAA issues AD for ultrasonic inspection for cracks in HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks on CF6-80 engine LIBIK Fire Suppression Kits for the Cabin and Flight Deck. NTSB Chair Sumwalt: "The FAA Should Act." Pratt Investigating Airbus Engine Vibrations as FAA Weighs Action Troubled start-up airline OneJet suspends flights Kenya to host Africa aviation safety meet next week Republic attracts 600 applications for first aviation training school class Alaska Airlines and NASA working on technology for faster flights LATAM Airlines to lay off 1,200 Brazilian employees Airlines Are Suspending Flights Because Fuel Is Too Expensive GoAir To Add About 13 New A320 Neo Aircraft By March (India) MTSU Aerospace partners with Delta Airlines to provide qualified pilots... Resolution details aviation faculty's complaints about UND provost RESEARCH STUDY GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Automated Vehicles & Meteorology Summit...23-24 October 2018 Become a BowTie Expert (Until September 1st take advantage of the early bird fee) NTSB Basic Aircraft Accident Investigation Course (AS101) How do you track safety? Position Available: Internal Evaluation Program Auditor I Position Available: Litigation Associate - Aviation and Aerospace AViCON 2018: General Admission Ends 8/31 PROVIDING ASSURANCE IN YOUR SYSTEMS Incident: American B763 near Boston on Aug 30th 2018, ND failure, fuel leak An American Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration N379AA performing flight AA-94 from New York JFK,NY (USA) to Madrid,SP (Spain), had replaced N384AA, which had returned earlier, see Incident: American B763 near Halifax on Aug 29th 2018, engine problem. The aircraft was enroute at FL350 about 100nm east of Boston,MA (USA) when the crew decided to return to New York reporting they had a problem with the navigation display at the captain's side. About 5 minutes later the crew declared emergency indicating they had received indications of a possible fuel leak on the right hand side. The aircraft landed safely but overweight on JFK's runway 31L, vacated the runway and requested emergency services to check the tyres and brakes. Emergency services reported seeing residual fluid. The aircraft taxied to the gate with emergency services in trail. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground about 15 hours after landing. The flight was cancelled. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL94/history/20180829/2310Z/KJFK/LEMD http://avherald.com/h?article=4bd08fa7&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: American B763 near Halifax on Aug 29th 2018, engine problem An American Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration N384AA performing flight AA-94 from New York JFK,NY (USA) to Madrid,SP (Spain), was enroute at FL350 about 140nm southwest of Halifax,NS (Canada) when the crew decided to turn around and return to New York due to right hand engine (CF6) EGT fluctuations, no assistance was needed. The aircraft landed safely on New York's runway 13L about 2 hours after turning around. The replacement Boeing 767-300 registration N379AA also needed to return, see Incident: American B763 near Boston on Aug 30th 2018, ND failure, fuel leak. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in JFK about 19 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4bd08e3b&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: PAL Express A321 at Davao on Aug 29th 2018, rejected takeoff due to bird strike A PAL Express Airbus A321-200, registration RP-C9923 performing flight PR-2814 from Davao to Manila (Philippines), was accelerating for takeoff from Davao's runway 05 when the right hand engine (V2533) ingested birds prompting the crew to reject takeoff at high speed. The aircraft slowed safely and returned to the apron. The flight was cancelled. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Davao about 39.5 hours after the rejected takeoff. http://avherald.com/h?article=4bd0867f&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: PSA CRJ2 near Chattanooga on Aug 28th 2018, cracked windshield A PSA Airlines Canadair CRJ-200 on behalf of American Airlines, registration N248PS performing flight AA-5359 from Jackson,MS to Washington National,DC (USA), was enroute at FL290 about 100nm southwest of Chattanooga,TN (USA) when the crew decided to divert to Chattanooga due to a cracked windshield. The crew descended the aircraft rapidly to 10,000 feet and landed safely in Chattanooga about 30 minutes after leaving FL290. The airline reported a mechanical issue prompted the diversion to Chattanooga. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL5359/history/20180828/1110Z/KJAN/KDCA http://avherald.com/h?article=4bd084f5&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Condor A320 at Kavala on Aug 16th 2018, TCAS RA results in Terrain Warning A Condor Airbus A320-200, registration D-AICD performing flight DE-1745 from Kavala (Greece) to Munich (Germany), was in the initial climb out of Kavala's runway 23L climbing through about 2650 feet MSL when the crew received TCAS Traffic Advisory followed by a resolution advisory to climb a second later. The crew complied with the instruction, while climbing through 2770 feet the TCAS reversed now issuing a resolution advisory to descend. The crew descended the aircraft, descending through about 2450 feet MSL the Terrain Avoidance and Warning System (TAWS) issued a terrain warning prompting the crew to initiate a terrain escape maneouver. The aircraft subsequently continued to Munich without further incident. Greece's AAIASB reported the lowest critical altitude during all critical phases was 2529 feet. The occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated. http://avherald.com/h?article=4bd05926&opt=0 Back to Top 30-AUG-2018 - Ethiopian Air Force de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter accident: 18 dead Status: Date: Thursday 30 August 2018 Time: 10:30 Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 Operator: Ethiopian Air Force Registration: ET-AIU C/n / msn: 822 First flight: 1985 Crew: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 Passengers: Fatalities: 15 / Occupants: 15 Total: Fatalities: 18 / Occupants: 18 Aircraft damage: Destroyed Aircraft fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: near Mojo ( Ethiopia) Phase: En route (ENR) Nature: Military Departure airport: Dire Dawa-Aba Tenna D Yilma Airport (DIR/HADR), Ethiopia Destination airport: Bishoftu-Harar Meda Air Base (HAHM), Ethiopia Narrative: Preliminary reports indicate that a DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft has crashed in Ethiopia. All those on board, 15 members of the Ethiopian defense force and three civilians were killed. Some reports suggest that 17 instead of 18 persons died in the crash. Many news outlets also report that a helicopter was involved. However, photos posted by state-affiliated fanabc.com show the wreckage of a DHC-6. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180830-0 Back to Top Smoke in cockpit forces plane to land at Shreveport Regional Airport * United Airlines flight 4309 was heading to Louisville from Houston SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - A United Airlines plane, with smoke in the cockpit, made an emergency landing Thursday morning at Shreveport Regional Airport. It happened shortly before 11: 30 a.m. in the 5100 block of Hollywood Avenue, near Monkhouse Drive. Officials say Flight 4309 was heading to Louisville, Kentucky from Houston, Texas. No injuries were reported. United Airlines sent another plane from Houston to assist the 47 passengers who were on board. There is no further information at this time. KSLA will keep you updated as details become available. http://www.ksla.com/2018/08/30/smoke-cockpit-forces-plane-land-shreveport-regional-airport/ Back to Top Back to Top FAA issues AD for ultrasonic inspection for cracks in HPT stage 1 and stage 2 disks on CF6-80 engines The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Airworthiness Directive, requiring airlines to perform an ultrasonic inspection for cracks in High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 disks on certain CF6-80 engines. The AD, was published in the wake of the uncontained engine failure accident involving American Airlines flight 383 at Chicago-O'Hare International Airport on 28 October 2016. The aircraft, a Boeing 767-300ER suffered an experiencing an uncontained General Electric CF6-80C2 engine failure during takeoff. A fire erupted and consumed a large part of the wing. All 170 occupants survived. https://news.aviation-safety.net/2018/08/30/faa-issues-ad-for-ultrasonic-inspection-for-cracks-in-hpt-stage- 1-and-stage-2-disks-on-cf6-80-engines/ Back to Top Back to Top NTSB Chair Sumwalt: "The FAA Should Act." Robert Sumwalt, chair of the NTSB, posted a blog online this week critical of the FAA's lack of action in the wake of a 2016 balloon crash that was the deadliest in U.S. history. Sixteen people, including the pilot, died when the hot-air balloon hit powerlines in Lockhart, Texas, while the pilot was attempting to land in poor visibility conditions. In its probable-cause report on the accident, the NTSB cited the pilot's medical issues and use of medications as contributing factors, and also recommended the FAA should change its policy that exempts commercial balloon pilots from needing a medical certificate. "Two years after the Lockhart tragedy, and nearly 10 months after we issued this recommendation," Sumwalt wrote, "we still haven't received any indication that the FAA plans to require commercial balloon pilots to hold valid medical certificates. The FAA should act. The victims of this horrible accident and their families deserve nothing less, and future balloon passengers deserve better." FAA spokesman Jim Peters told AVweb on Wednesday, "The Administrator [Acting Administrator Dan Elwell] is currently reviewing a further response to the [NTSB] recommendation." Peters also cited a response to the NTSB, sent by the FAA in December 2017, which says two teams of subject matter experts, from the FAA's Airmen Training and Certification Branch and its General Aviation Operations Branch, would review the safety board's recommendations and provide an update by this month. "If the two teams come to the conclusion not to adopt one or both safety recommendations (or an alternative), we will provide a clear explanation of the rationale behind our decision," the FAA told the NTSB. The Statesman news site, based in Austin, Texas, noted in a story this week that a congressman from Austin won passage of an amendment to the FAA bill last week in the U.S. House that would require balloon operators to obtain a medical certificate. That bill has not yet come to the floor and is not expected to be voted on until after the November elections. https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/NTSB-Chair-Sumwalt-The-FAA-Should-Act-231457-1.html Back to Top Pratt Investigating Airbus Engine Vibrations as FAA Weighs Action About 10 A320neos are typically grounded at one time as P&W installs fixes. Pratt & Whitney is investigating incidents of excessive vibration in its engines that power Airbus SE's A320neo aircraft, the latest in a series of problems that have plagued the new turbine, according to people familiar with the matter. The U.S. manufacturer, a unit of Farmington, Connecticut-based United Technologies Corp., has yet to identify the cause and is assessing if there is a connection to prior design issues, the people said, asking not to be identified as the process isn't public. Pilots have in some instances received alerts of high vibration levels during flights, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is looking into the matter. "The FAA is aware of the vibration issue, and we are currently working with Pratt and Whitney on the cause," a spokesperson for the agency said in an emailed statement, adding that it is too early to determine whether to issue mandatory instructions to airline operators. Pratt's geared turbofan, a step-change in the efficiency of turbines for commercial aircraft, has been hit by a run of design flaws that have grounded planes, delayed deliveries and prompted hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation claims. About 10 Pratt-powered A320neos are typically grounded at one time as the manufacturer installs fixes. "Pratt & Whitney is working closely with our customers to support their operations while continuing to retrofit the fleet to the latest engine configuration," the company said in an emailed response to questions from Bloomberg News. A spokesman for Airbus declined to comment. The planemaker, based in Toulouse, France, has said that it still expects to meet its goal to deliver around 800 aircraft this year. The company's shares fell as much as 1.4% and were down 1.1% at 108.80 euros as of 4:49 p.m. in Paris. United Technologies traded as much as 0.8 percent lower in New York. For Airbus to meet its annual production goal, there is "no scope for even minor further disruption arising from the new vibration issue," Jefferies International analyst Sandy Morris wrote in a note to clients. "The risk is that the series of issues with the GTF engine may have begun to test investor's patience." https://www.industryweek.com/leadership/pratt-investigating-airbus-engine-vibrations-faa-weighs-action Back to Top Troubled start-up airline OneJet suspends flights * OneJet, founded in 2015, is suspending operations, facing a lawsuit over a $1 million airport subsidy to expand. * The airline had planned new routes in hopes of capturing business travelers for FedEx and other companies. Less than four months ago, start-up airline OneJet announced it was buying a charter operator to more than double its flights to 400 a week. This week, OneJet suspended all operations. The operator of Pittsburgh International Airport this month sued the three-year-old company, which has a base at the airport, alleging OneJet did not fulfill the requirements for a $1 million incentive it gave the airline to expand its operations. Rick Pawlak, managing director of Ultimate AirShuttle, a unit of Ultimate JetCharters, a charter company based at the Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio, told CNBC it terminated its acquisition agreement with OneJet and it has stopped flying for the upstart. CEO Matthew Maguire founded OneJet in 2015, going after business travelers for companies such as FedEx in midsize cities that large carriers retreated from in a wave ofmegamergers over the last decade. The turmoil highlights the difficulty and complexity of operating and expanding an airline, particularly as rising costs for even the world's largest airlines are taking a bite out of profits. Four carriers control some three-quarters of the U.S. market, and corporate travelers tend to fly on large airlines since they offer many more flights and business-class travelers' plans often change. OneJet had been flying on an operating certificate held by Ultimate JetCharters. OneJet is now pursuing its own certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration and will suspend scheduled services during that process, Maguire said. "The result of this transition will be a more robust and reliable operation for our customers from the fourth quarter forward." He did not immediately comment on the lawsuit or the company's financial health. Henry Harteveldt, founder of the travel consulting firm Atmosphere Research Group and a former airline executive, said the damage could be lasting. "When an airline exits a market it loses credibility with the traveling public," he said. "I wonder if we ever see OneJet take to the skies again." Some OneJet customers complained about canceled flights and difficulty in getting money back. In an interview this spring, Maguire said: "Certainly, when you're growing an airline, there are growing pains." OneJet isn't the only upstart that has been trying to scoop up well-heeled passengers in smaller airports. JetBlue has invested in JetSuite and is selling seats aboard its scheduled West Coast charter service JetSuiteX. On the other end of the spectrum, JetBlue's founder, David Neeleman, is exploring starting a new low-cost airline. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/30/troubled-start-up-airline-onejet-suspends-flights.html Back to Top Kenya to host Africa aviation safety meet next week It will feature high-level panel discussions, interactive sessions and workshops addressing opportunities, challenges, best practice and future Air Traffic Management (ATM) developments in rapidly developing regions/FILE NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30 - The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) will next week host the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation Africa Conference. The conference will kick off on September 4 to 6 in Mombasa and will be held under the theme of "Improving efficiency through collaborative decision making and air traffic flow management". This is the first time Kenya is hosting the international conference, a gathering of aviation experts from across Africa and beyond who include Air Traffic Management professionals, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), Air Traffic Management system manufacturers and airline operators/carriers. It will feature high-level panel discussions, interactive sessions and workshops addressing opportunities, challenges, best practice and future Air Traffic Management (ATM) developments in rapidly developing regions. Participants will also showcase the latest technologies to improve Air Traffic Management performance developed by CANSO Members. Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia is due to open the conference. Among other things, it will focus on Africa Air Traffic Management (ATM) Safety Peer Review Initiative, in a bid to come up with a way forward for improved safety in Africa through Collaborative Decision Making. Also, to be undertaken is a review of the status of Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) in Africa, recommendations and way forward to air traffic efficiency and effectiveness. CANSO - the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization - is the global voice of Air Traffic Management (ATM) worldwide. CANSO Members support over 85pc of world air traffic. Members share information and develop new policies, with the aim of improving air navigation services on the ground and in the air. The Organisation represents its members' views to a wide range of aviation stakeholders, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, where it has official Observer status. It has an extensive network of Associate Members drawn from across the aviation industry. Kenya is a member of CANSO Africa and is represented by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2018/08/kenya-to-host-africa-aviation-safety-meet-next-week/ Back to Top Republic attracts 600 applications for first aviation training school class * Republic Airways planning training center south of airport An aviation training school started by Republic Airways Holdings Inc. attracted 600 applications for its first class, the locally based airline announced Thursday. The first group of future pilots at the Leadership in Flight Training, or LIFT, Academy will begin training Tuesday at the school at Indianapolis International Airport. Republic announced plans for the academy in May as an effort to address an ongoing commercial pilot shortage. The airline said it hires nearly 700 pilots annually, and that number is expected to grow by 50 percent over the next decade. The industry is projected to need 637,000 new commercial airline pilots worldwide by 2036 to meet demand, Republic said, due to factors such as pilot retirements and worldwide aviation growth. Company officials said LIFT Academy, once it is operating at full capacity, will have room for about 350 students each year. Total tuition costs for the academy will be $65,000, which Republic says is lower than most other aviation schools in the country. It will also offer sponsorships and loan programs to accepted candidates. All graduates will be offered jobs as first officer pilots with the company. In commercial aviation, the first officer is second-in-command on an aircraft to the captain. Entry-level pilots at Republic are paid about $60,000 a year, plus benefits. The school is expected to help Republic create 600 jobs in the state by the end of 2028, economic development officials said. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Republic up to $4 million in performance-based Skills Enhancement Fund training grants and tuition assistance over a four-year period. The city of Indianapolis offered a 10-year personal property tax abatement contingent on future growth by the company. https://www.ibj.com/articles/70328-republic-attracts-600-applications-for-first-aviation-training-school-class Back to Top Alaska Airlines and NASA working on technology for faster flights NASA and Alaska Airlines working on technology for faster flights Alaska Airlines is testing a new program to provide pilots with more flight options, saving fuel and time. There are all sorts of things that can make flights late: headwinds, thunderstorms, or simply too many airplanes trying to crowd into the nation's increasingly jammed airports. Right now when you fly, airline dispatchers have pre-designed a plan to get your flight to your destination, hopefully on time. But as a plane makes its way on a long flight, things can change, particularly when it comes to weather. What if a computer program could take all of that into consideration and suggest to pilots how to better cope with changes, or take advantages of unexpected benefits. So far, three Alaska Boeing 737s are equipped with new computers that run the TAP software, standing for Traffic Aware Planner. The prevailing winds across the country are blowing from west to east. That's why a transcontinental flight eastbound is usually shorter flying westbound against the wind. The TAP software could suggest that there's less headwind at a certain angle. Then as the software develops, as part of NASA's Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests, it could even request clearance from an air traffic controller. The software would already be calculating no conflicts with other airplanes. Alaska is currently the only airline testing this technology. See reporter Glenn Farley's ride in the simulator: https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/aerospace/alaska-airlines-and-nasa-working-on-technology-for- faster-flights/281-589296845 Back to Top LATAM Airlines to lay off 1,200 Brazilian employees: report SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Chilean airline LATAM LTM.SN lay off some 1,200 airport-based employees in Brazil and replace them with workers from a services company in an apparent cost-cutting measure, according to a report in O Estado de S. Paulo on Wednesday. LATAM confirmed there would be redundancies but would not give an exact number. "The company has adopted measures so the change will have the least impact possible on workers," the airline said in a statement. "Still, there will be a reduction" in the number of employees. The union representing LATAM employees posted news of the layoffs its website on Wednesday, saying employee terminations would become effective next week. A representative for the union said its president was not immediately available for comment. Those affected work in the international airports of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the company said, including ground and baggage handling. They will be replaced by workers contracted from Orbital - WFS, a company specialized in providing airport operations services for airlines. LATAM said this move was "in line with the national market and is part of a worldwide trend." LATAM has been struggling in recent years, following a merger with Brazilian airline TAM in 2012 that has yet to boost profits and due to increasing competition in South American markets that has pushed the airline to pursue a low-cost model for its domestic flights. Regional airlines have also faced rising fuel prices and weakening local currencies, particularly the Brazilian real and the Argentine peso. LATAM posted a net loss of $114 million in its most recent quarter, in line with its biggest competitors in South America. Brazilian airlines Azul SA (AZUL.N) and Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA (GOLL4.SA), as well as Colombia's Avianca Holdings S.A AVT_p.CN, all posted net losses in the same period. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-latam-airlines-layoffs/latam-airlines-to-lay-off-1200-brazilian- employees-report-idUSKCN1LE1WD Back to Top Airlines Are Suspending Flights Because Fuel Is Too Expensive The price of jet fuel has continued to skyrocket over the last year, currently clocking in at a whopping 36.5 percent higher than at this time last year. In order to cope with the resulting massive increase in operational costs, commercial airlines have been reducing the number of flights run on select routes and are presently considering raising fares. Just this month several major airlines have announced major cutbacks in flights. American Airlines announced it would be suspending all flights between Chicago and Shanghai during the month of October, as well as reducing the number of flights between Chicago and Tokyo's Narita International Airport, cutting down from daily service to just three times a week, explicitly citing the current price of jet fuel as a prime reason for these decisions. On the very same day as American's announcement, Hawaiian Airlines suspended their own flight service between Beijing and Honolulu. It's extremely evident that even major airlines are scrambling to keep up with rising fuel costs without raising prices for a cost-conscious consumer base. This is where biofuels come in. In many ways, timing has never been better to begin incorporating renewable jet fuel in earnest in order to combat two of the most major issues in aviation: out-of-control fuel costs and even more out-of-control greenhouse gas emissions. According to the most recent data, the aviation industry is responsible for 2 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions and 10 percent of transport emissions, and these emissions are projected to grow by 10 percent over the next ten years thanks to steady growth in air traffic. In an effort to combat this issue, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has announced that they aim to achieve carbon-neutral growth in aviation by 2020 and has urged the rest of the industry to buckle down on finding sustainable solutions. However, the aviation industry as a whole remains skeptical. Renewable jet fuel is not exactly cheap either, and since it's not yet in wide use there is currently a limited supply. Despite the growing need for an alternative to increasingly pricey and emissions-heavy jet fuel, it has not been smooth sailing for the companies who provide just that. Finland-based biofuel producer and oil refiner Neste, one of the most promising companies in the renewable jet fuel arena, faced recent setbacks in their plans to ramp up biofuels business in the aviation sector. This month a pilot project to replace at least 1 percent of jet fuel used at Geneva, Switzerland airport was scrapped by the Swiss government. In spite of this speedbump, Neste representatives have said that the company is undeterred and biofuels production will move forward as planned. They are creating new infrastructure at their Singapore biofuels plant to be able to meet demand from the aviation sector when the new line begins to operate in 2022. What's more, the company recently announced similar projects planned in conjunction with the Dallas airport in the United States as well as American Airlines. Adding even more credibility to their lofty goals, Neste's renewable jet fuel (made mainly low-quality feedstock--80 percent of its raw materials are sourced from waste and residue inputs such as animal fats) has already been tested by Boeing and Lufthansa. Early adoption of renewable jet fuels is not limited to the first world. The Indian government recently announced that they will be incorporating the use of biofuels into their aviation sector. This month marked the test run of the country's first-ever flight partially powered by renewable jet fuel. Indeed, it will require an international call to action to make sustainable biofuels a commonplace commodity in the aviation industry. Although some trailblazers like Neste are already gearing up for large-scale production, the global supply remains limited and expensive. It's a catch-22. Renewable jet fuels will neither become affordable nor accessible in large quantities as long as the aviation industry waits for mass-scale supply without providing any of the demand. https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Airlines-Are-Suspending-Flights-Because-Fuel-Is-Too- Expensive.html Back to Top GoAir To Add About 13 New A320 Neo Aircraft By March (India) Low-cost carrier GoAir plans to add 10-13 A320 Neo aircraft with latest engines by the end of the ongoing financial year. "Based on market circumstances we will tune the pace of induction of new aircraft," Chief Executive Officer Cornelis Vrieswijk told BloombergQuint on the sidelines of a press meet to announce the October launch of the airline's international operations to Phuket and Male. The capacity addition, he said, will happen monthly. "The company will remain flexible on the number of new planes to be inducted." GoAir plans to add more fuel-efficient A320 Neo planes to its fleet to lower its costs. Indian airlines are facing sustained cost pressures due to stiff competition. Prices of aviation turbine fuel-which in India is the most expensive among Asian countries due to higher taxes-have gone up 27.4 percent over the last year. That, coupled with a weakening rupee and cheaper ticket prices, have led to erosion of profit margin for the airlines. "Neo has 18-19 percent lower fuel burn compared to the older-type aircraft," Vrieswijk said. "That, along with a host of initiatives taken by GoAir, will help bring down costs." The capacity addition has taken long as the new aircraft are still getting installed with the latest engines, causing a delay in delivery of orders. "There are many A320 Neo aircraft lying there without engines, while the takers are many," Vrieswijk said. "We will remain prudent in our strategy and will try to induct as many planes as possible by December." GoAir also faced issues with engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney. It still has two planes grounded. "We are negotiating compensation claims with the company, but the entire cost of damage may not be recovered," Vrieswijk said. The company is solving the problem of faulty engines through preventive inspections and leased spare engines, he said. The Block B engines manufactured by Pratt and Whitney faced issues due to problem in the combusters. Those are getting replaced with the latest Block C type engines in most of the aircraft. "We have Block C type engines for most of our aircraft, except one or two that have Block B combustors," Vrieswijk said. "Block C is performing much better than the earlier engines." GoAir will be launching international operations with a flight to Phuket (Thailand) from Mumbai in October. The airline is looking to start flights to three to four international destinations by March next year, Newswire PTI reported. https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/2018/08/30/goair-to-add-about-13-new-a320-neo-aircraft-by- march#gs.lsFnhII Back to Top MTSU Aerospace partners with Delta Airlines to provide qualified pilots MTSU Aerospace, Delta Airlines Helping High-Flying Students Get Ready For Take-Off MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) - Middle Tennessee State University is one of eight schools that was selected for a partnership with Delta Airlines. This agreement puts students like Elizabeth Keller on the fast track to getting a job with a degree in hand. "At this time and how bad they are hurting for pilots, it's pretty easy to get a job. It's a booming industry," said Keller. After two years of waiting, Delta Airlines decided to partner with MTSU. "Those words, just Delta Propel Program, it's so exciting for everyone. It's all over the hallway," said Keller. Not all students are chosen, but those who qualify and serve their hours have something to look forward to. "It's a tremendous opportunity for the students to know as a junior or senior what their career layout is gonna look like all the way to a major airline," said Wendy Beckman, Interim Aerospace Department Chair. Beckham said the starting salary for pilots has jumped from $20,000 to $65,000 a year in the last 25 years. Click for information on the MTSU Department of Aerospace. https://www.wsmv.com/news/mtsu-aerospace-partners-with-delta-airlines-to-provide-qualified- pilots/article_77059120-abe6-11e8-89c1-d7574e38db6a.html Back to Top Resolution details aviation faculty's complaints about UND provost A 125 foot tall glass tower is the focal point of the new Robin Hall Aerospace building at UND. Herald file photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald A faculty resolution written by members of UND's aviation department claims Provost Thomas DiLorenzo has "little if any concern" about the best interests of the department, including making decisions that could affect student flight safety. The aviation department, one of the largest programs on campus, voted 32-0 in favor of the no confidence resolution on Wednesday. Two faculty abstained from the vote. "Provost Thomas DiLorenzo has refused to modify his micro-managing, aggressive, heavy-handed tactics despite evidence that many on campus have been dissatisfied with his Leadership," the resolution reads. The resolution asks for UND President Mark Kennedy to remove DiLorenzo from his position as provost. "Provost Thomas DiLorenzo has lost the trust and respect of the faculty members in the Department of Aviation," the resolution reads. "The faculty of the Department of Aviation has no confidence in Provost Thomas DiLorenzo." Kennedy told the Herald Thursday that he plans to leave the provost in place, but expressed concern about the resolution. "Clearly when our aviation department is concerned, I'm concerned," he said. "They're a premiere program for us, one of the jewels of the university that we at the university level are committed to keeping a jewel into the future." Kennedy said he has met with multiple faculty members, including department chair Jim Higgins and Aerospace Dean Paul Lindseth. He said the university wants to improve communications with the department. Weekly meetings have already been planned for the next several months with DiLorenzo, Lindseth and UND Vice President Jed Shivers. In addition, Kennedy has committed to meeting with a half-dozen aviation faculty members to address their concerns. Kennedy described DiLorenzo as a "change agent" who has produced a lot of "positive changes." "Sometimes change is resisted, sometimes communications may not be as fluid and those are things we need to work on," he said. Kennedy wrote an open letter to the aviation department on the school's UND Today website. The resolution The resolution said DiLorenzo appears to have "little if any concern" about the best interests of the department and also appears to be "unwilling to address the concerns of the faculty in any meaningful way." The resolution claims that DiLorenzo is "very difficult to make contact with" and is also often not in his office or on campus. When DiLorenzo is absent, no one remains at UND with the authority to make decisions, the resolution said. "Provost Thomas DiLorenzo regularly refuses to make timely decisions on critical matters," the resolution said. DiLorenzo is requiring that flight training rates be subject to the review of a committee lacking any aviation experience, according to the resolution. The department claims that this is "micro-managing our programs and likely jeopardizing flight safety." "This dangerous precedent of not allowing trained aviation professionals to determine the appropriate flight training rates will lead to a reduction in aviation safety and subject the students, employees and general public to unnecessary risks," the resolution said. The resolution also comments on DiLorenzo's relationship with the Grand Forks community and states the provost has "never 'bought in' to the Grand Forks community nor has he become a leading citizen of Grand Forks." The two-and-a-half-page resolution claims "DiLorenzo's failure to follow appropriate admissions protocols has resulted in the admission of poorly prepared students," adding that these students may have "a low chance of success, spending money and using Department resources." The department claims this has also may have affected retention rates. The resolution also claims DiLorenzo has closed and/or diminished important departments on campus, such as the International Center, which provided specialized services to international aviation students. These services now must be provided by the department, the resolution said. DiLorenzo has refused to allow the aviation department to hire tenure-track faculty positions, "thus making it very difficult, if not impossible, to recruit needed faculty to our program and severely limiting the ability of these new faculty members to engage in research," the resolution said. DiLorenzo did not approve the department's request to recruit new faculty for the fall 2018 semester until May 2018, the resolution said, which made it difficult for the department to attract external applicants. The provost has also removed the graduate dean, the resolution said. The resolution also claims that despite a large increase in enrollment at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace, a new budget model known as MIRA has created more expenditures than revenue. "Provost Thomas DiLorenzo has overseen a chaotic, massively misunderstood and greatly misguided new budget model known as 'MIRA,' which purports to return local financial control to colleges and incentivize colleges which generate additional revenue," the resolution said. "Almost all colleges are in debt to the central university under 'MIRA.' " DiLorenzo declined to comment on the matter. http://grandforksherald.com/news/education/4492546-resolution-details-aviation-facultys-complaints-about- und-provost Back to Top RESEARCH STUDY Dear Participants, You are being asked to participate in a research study of your opinions of criminalization in aviation accidents. This study is expected to take approximately 10 minutes of your time. In order to participate, you must be at least 18 years old and a certified pilot. Participation in this study is voluntary, and you may choose to opt out of the study at any time. If you choose to opt out, your data will be immediately destroyed. We appreciate your consideration and time to complete our study. Please click on or copy and paste the URL below: https://goo.gl/forms/NiIYySfv0ObrPzYJ2 For more information, please contact: Dr. Scott R. Winter winte25e@erau.edu We appreciate your interest and participation! Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY My name is Kate Fraser and I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Human Factors in Aerospace at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Worldwide campus. I am writing my thesis on automation trust and reliance and have prepared a research survey questionnaire. The link to the survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RYWG3JH The objective of this thesis is to better understand if automation trust and perception differs by age. Obtaining a better understanding of how trust varies by age will enable a closer examination of any side effects, specifically complacency. Additionally, this survey will enable additional exploration of the pilot's role in the aircraft depending on if perception of automation has changed. To be eligible to complete this survey, you must be over the age of 18 and at least hold a student pilot certificate. This questionnaire should not take longer than five minutes to complete and is both anonymous and confidential. Should you choose to participate, please take a minute to read the informed consent form linked to the first survey question. Thank you so much for your time. Regards, Kate Fraser Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University fraserk@my.erau.edu Back to Top Automated Vehicles & Meteorology Summit 23-24 October 2018 Washington, DC The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is organizing the Automated Vehicles and Meteorology Summit on 23-24 October 2018 in Washington, DC. The summit is focused on both surface and aerial transportation, and will bring together stakeholders from across industry, government and academia to discuss the challenges of poor weather affecting in situ and remote sensing capabilities needed to enable fully automated vehicles on the ground and in the air, and to explore development opportunities for reducing risk, accelerating adoption, and supporting operations. https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/meetings-events/ams-meetings/automated-vehicles-meteorology- summit/?utm_source=Subscribers&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Newsletter&_zs=R0nfc1&_zl=4XJ65 Back to Top Back to Top NTSB Basic Aircraft Accident Investigation Course (AS101) This two-week course being held at the National Transportation Safety Board Training Center in Ashburn Virginia on September 17-28, 2018 provides participants with a comprehensive overview of the procedures and methods used and the skills required to investigate an aircraft accident. Examples from recent investigations will be used to demonstrate particular aspects of the investigative process. Instructors include: NTSB Investigators, Aircraft Manufacturer Investigators, and Industry professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice their investigative skills through several hands-on wreckage examinations. Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Discuss the entire NTSB investigative process, from when the NTSB receives the initial notification that an accident has occurred through the issuance of the final report and determination of the accident's probable cause * Define the five major aspects of site management at an accident scene * Identify how safety recommendations - the primary accomplishments of an accident investigation - are developed and issued * Identify what questions to ask accident witnesses to elicit the most accurate information * Distinguish the difference between structural failures that may have caused the accident and structural damage that occurred as a result of the accident * Confidently interact with the media at the accident site and during the on-going investigation For further information and to register for the course, please visit: https://www.ntsb.gov/Training_Center/Pages/2018/AS101.aspx Back to Top How do you track safety? Take the Safety Performance Survey: flightsafety.org/safetysurvey Why are we conducting a survey? Flight Safety Foundation is developing a Global Safety Information Project (GSIP) Safety Performance Monitoring Handbook to provide guidance and best practices for safety performance monitoring. Your survey responses will be instrumental in our data-driven development process. Who should take the survey? We encourage responses from employees of ANSPs, airline/aircraft operators, airports, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, training organizations, and regulators. Simply visit flightsafety.org/safetysurvey to participate. What is GSIP? GSIP is a worldwide initiative that guides the aviation community's response to challenges that may emerge from safety data collection and processing systems. Learn more about GSIP at flightsafety.org/gsip. Back to Top Title: Internal Evaluation Program Auditor I Job Code: 6921 Department: Safety Reports To: Manager of Internal Evaluations What does an Internal Evaluation Program Auditor do for Allegiant? Perform evaluations in accordance with department schedule and special evaluations as directed by the Mgr. of Internal Evaluations. What are some of the daily duties of an Internal Evaluation Program Auditor? * Performs scheduled and special evaluations, including identifying and defining issues, reviewing and analyzing evidence, and documenting findings and concerns * Collect objective evidence necessary to substantiate findings or concerns * Prepares evaluation reports * Recommends solutions to findings or concerns * Monitors the development and implementation of corrective action plans * Maintains and updates internal evaluation files * Verifies the implementation of solutions and corrective action plans What are the minimum requirements to be an Internal Evaluation Program Auditor? * A & P certificate preferred * Pilot certificate, A & P certificate, or Dispatch certificate or * 1 year of auditing experience * Work experience in 14 CFR Part 121 air carrier operations: stations, training, quality control, maintenance, operations, safety or a combination thereof preferred * Working knowledge of SMS, DOD principles and the FAA SAS DCTs required * Previous experience maintaining and enhancing corporate safety standards and safe operation practices preferred * Proficient verbal, written, and presentation communication skills * Bachelor's degree in related field preferred * Certified Quality Auditor preferred What other skills, knowledge, and qualifications are needed to be an Internal Evaluation Program Auditor? * Proficient verbal, written, and presentation communication skills * Must pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen * Must have authorization to work in the U.S. as defined in the Immigrations Act of 1986 What are the physical requirements of an Internal Evaluation Program Auditor? * Office environment APPLY HERE Allegiant Travel Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, military service status, protected veterans, union/non-union activity, citizenship status, or other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability Allegiant supports a healthy, non-smoking work environment. Back to Top Litigation Associate - Aviation and Aerospace Clyde & Co is a leading, sector-focused global law firm with 415 partners, 2,200 legal professionals and 3,800 staff in 52 offices and associated offices on six continents. The firm specializes in the sectors that move, build and power our connected world and the insurance that underpins it, namely: transportation, infrastructure, energy, trade & commodities and insurance. The Los Angeles and San Francisco offices have an opportunity for a mid-level associate (JD 2014 - 2012) to join our aviation, aerospace and transportation litigation and regulatory practice. Our team is passionate about our practice and committed to efficiently and effectively meeting litigation and client driven deadlines. Experience in the field of aviation and/or products liability is a plus, but not required. Discovery and law and motion practice experience is desired. Preferred candidates will possess the following skills and characteristics: * Strong work ethic * Superior writing skills * Attention to detail * Strong organization and time management skills * Capable of working within a team * Excellent academic credentials and work history * Admitted to CA Bar Please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript HERE. We value diversity in our work place and it is the policy of the Firm to recruit, hire, promote, reassign, compensate and train highly qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable law. Curt Lewis