Flight Safety Information September 14, 2018 - No. 188 In This Issue Incident: British Airways B744 at Chicago on Sep 12th 2018, could not retract nose gear Incident: Hawaiian B763 over Pacific on Sep 12th 2018, fuel distribution problem Accident: Spirit A320 near Chicago on Sep 2nd 2018, fumes cause passengers and crew feel unwell Incident: British Airways B789 near Iqaluit on Sep 12th 2018, fumes in cockpit EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Lockheed C-130H Hercules Engine Out over the North Atlantic Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton - Engine-out, Gear Up Landing (California) Learjet 45 -...During taxi, the Learjet hit a Cessna 525 (Argentina) NTSB: Pilot in 2017 Tucson Plane Crash Had Drugs in System 'Unruly passenger' forces flight to Italy to make emergency landing in Salt Lake City AIB investigates Skybird aircraft accident at Abuja airport (Nigeria) LIBIK Fire Suppression Kits for the Cabin and Flight Deck EAA Talks Homebuilt Reform With FAA Varying oxygen levels in cockpit sickened pilots, Air Force says CHC's 14th Safety & Quality Summit less than a month away Op-Ed: Ensuring fair competition for US aviation...By:Tim Canoll. STOL PILOTS TO ROUND UP IN TEXAS Riyadh-based Flynas to recruit Saudi women as co-pilots Nigeria's Air Peace inks deal for 10 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets ST Engineering to buy GE aircraft component unit for $630m RESEARCH STUDY 2018 CHC Safety and Quality Summit Position Available:...Aircraft Maintenance Technician (180347) Position:...Director of Aviation Safety Helicopter Accident Investigation from SCSI Incident: British Airways B744 at Chicago on Sep 12th 2018, could not retract nose gear A British Airways Boeing 747-400, registration G-BYGB performing flight BA-294 from Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was climbing out of Chicago cleared to climb to FL230 when the crew requested to stop climb at 15,000 feet advising, they were unable to accelerate beyond 190 KIAS while working on a technical issue. The crew advised no assistance was needed, they wanted to continue along the departure route. About 20 minutes later the aircraft was provided with delay vectors, the crew decided to return to Chicago advising they had not been able to retract the nose gear. The aircraft landed safely on runway 10C about 1:50 hours after departure and taxied to the apron. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 2 hours, then was able to depart again and reached London with a delay of 3:15 hours. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/BAW294/history/20180912/2215Z/KORD/EGLL http://avherald.com/h?article=4bda25a3&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Hawaiian B763 over Pacific on Sep 12th 2018, fuel distribution problem A Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration N580HA performing flight HA-43 from San Jose,CA to Honolulu,HI (USA), was enroute at FL350 about 200nm west of San Jose when the crew decided to turn around and divert to Oakland,CA (USA) due to discrepancies in the indications of fuel distribution across the several fuel tanks. The aircraft landed safely in Oakland about 2.5 hours after departure from San Jose. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 3.5 hours, then was able to depart Oakland and reached Honolulu with a delay of 6 hours. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/HAL43/history/20180912/1625Z/KSJC/PHNL http://avherald.com/h?article=4bda2085&opt=0 Back to Top Accident: Spirit A320 near Chicago on Sep 2nd 2018, fumes cause passengers and crew feel unwell A Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration N635NK performing flight NK-478 from Fort Lauderdale,FL to Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA), was descending towards Chicago when a pungent odour developed on board prompting a number of passengers to complain about the odour and subsequently report feeling dizzy and suffering from headache. Cabin crew also began to feel lightheaded, dizzy. The crew indicated they were trying to identify the source of the odour, the odour began to dissipate while the cabin warmed up. The aircraft landed safely in Chicago about 20 minutes later. The entire crew including flight crew went to see doctors. According to information The Aviation Herald received a number of crew members were on sick leave. During the descent to Chicago both air conditioning packs showed FAULT messages. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Chicago for 23 hours, then returned to service. On Sep 13th 2018 the FAA told The Aviation Herald: "The FAA's Certificate Management Office for Spirit Airlines in Hollywood, Fla., is investigating the incident." https://flightaware.com/live/flight/NKS478/history/20180902/1240Z/KFLL/KORD http://avherald.com/h?article=4bda2bf7&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: British Airways B789 near Iqaluit on Sep 12th 2018, fumes in cockpit A British Airways Boeing 787-900, registration G-ZBKA performing flight BA-103 from London Heathrow,EN (UK) to Calgary,AB (Canada), was enroute at FL400 about 150nm north of Iqaluit,NU (Canada) when the crew donned their oxygen masks and decided to divert to Iqaluit reporting fumes on the flight deck. The aircraft landed safely on Iqaluit's runway 16 about 25 minutes later. The aircraft stopped on the runway, the crew started the APU and shut down both engines while investigating the source of the fumes the crew described as either electrical or air conditioning in nature. After assessing the situation, emergency services reporting seeing no trace of fire, heat or smoke, the crew decided to start the engines again and taxi to the apron. Emergency services needed to attend to one of the passengers for an issue with his arm. In the meantime a military aircraft on a mission was nearing Iqaluit and was informed about the possible runway closure due to an emergency arrival. The crew advised they had little fuel to divert, only one other airfield was in reach, they'd needed to divert immediately if the runway in Iqaluit was to be closed for some more time. After landing of the BA, when informed the Dreamliner had stopped on the runway with both engines shut down, the crew advised they'd divert to their alternate, however, when told a few minutes later that the Dreamliner had moved off the runway and the runway was open again, the military crew decided to continue to Iqaluit and landed. The airline reported the aircraft diverted to Iqaluit due to a technical issue. A replacement Boeing 787-900 registration G-ZBKR was dispatched from London Heathrow to Iqaluit as flight BA-9152, departing London about 13 hours after G-ZBKA landed in Iqaluit, to take the passengers to Calgary. http://avherald.com/h?article=4bd9f1b6&opt=0 Back to Top Back to Top Lockheed C-130H Hercules Engine Out over the North Atlantic Date: 13-SEP-2018 Time: ~18:00 LT Type: Lockheed C-130H Hercules Owner/operator: US Air Force (USAF) 139th Airlift Wing Registration: 90-1792* C/n / msn: 382-5245 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 30 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: None Location: Over North Atlantic - Atlantic Ocean Phase: En route Nature: Military Departure airport: Destination airport: Shannon airport Narrative: The plane (Flight RCH256) suffered of an engine problem over Atlantic one hour before touching Irish coast. The engine was shutdown. The aircraft made a technical stop in Shannon. There were no injuries. The plane is part of the 139th Airlift Wing, a Missouri Air National Guard unit stationed in St. Joseph, Missouri. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=215350 Back to Top Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton - Engine-out, Gear Up Landing (California) Date: 13-SEP-2018 Time: 14:45 LT Type: Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Owner/operator: US Navy (USN) VUP-19 Registration: C/n / msn: Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Substantial Location: Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), CA - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Military Departure airport: Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Destination airport: Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Narrative: The UAV (UASs) substained an inflight problem during a test flight. The engine was stopped midair and the pilot attempted to land the aircraft on a runway, the landing gear did not deploy. The plane made a belly landing. Damages are subtential. There were no injuries. Cmdr. Dave Hecht said: "The Triton sustained significant damage and the landing was defined as a "Class A mishap," an incident that result in a fatality or damage more than $2 million." https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=215358 Back to Top Learjet 45 - During taxi, the Learjet hit a Cessna 525 (Argentina) Date: 13-SEP-2018 Time: 02:20 p.m. Type: Learjet 45 Owner/operator: Private Registration: LV-GQM C/n / msn: Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: San Fernando (Buenos Aires) airport - Argentina Phase: Taxi Nature: Private Departure airport: Destination airport: Narrative: During taxi, the Learjet hit a Cessna 525. There were no personal injuries. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=215354 Back to Top NTSB: Pilot in 2017 Tucson Plane Crash Had Drugs in System A National Transportation Safety Board report says the pilot of a small plane that went down at a Tucson airport last year had marijuana and other drugs in his system at the time of the fatal crash. TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A National Transportation Safety Board report says the pilot of a small plane that went down at a Tucson airport last year had marijuana and other drugs in his system at the time of the fatal crash. Authorities say 56-year-old pilot Jeffrey Green and 38-year-old passenger Daniel Rodriguez died in the Jan. 23, 2017 crash at Tucson International Airport. Witnesses say the twin-engine Beechcraft 300 pitched rapidly during takeoff with its nose pointing skyward before the plane hit the ground and slid about 650 feet upside down and crashed into a concrete wall. The NTSB report says autopsies showed the victims died from blunt force and thermal injuries. It also says toxicology tests on the pilot found marijuana's THC in his blood system along with amphetamines, antidepressants and seizure/anxiety medication. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/arizona/articles/2018-09-13/ntsb-pilot-in-2017-tucson-plane-crash-had-drugs-in-system ******************** Status: Preliminary - official Date: Monday 23 January 2017 Time: 12:33 Type: Beechcraft 300 Super King Air Operator: KAAZ LLC Registration: N385KA C/n / msn: FA-42 First flight: 1985 Engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A Crew: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 Passengers: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 Total: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 Aircraft damage: Destroyed Aircraft fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: Tucson International Airport, AZ (TUS) ( United States of America) Phase: Takeoff (TOF) Nature: Private Departure airport: Tucson International Airport, AZ (TUS/KTUS), United States of America Destination airport: Hermosillo-Gen Pesqueira Garcia Airport (HMO/MMHO), Mexico Narrative: A Beechcraft 300, N385KA, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during takeoff from Tucson International Airport (TUS), Arizona, USA. The pilot and the passenger were fatally injured. A witness observed the airplane takeoff from runway 11L and rapidly pitch up in the initial climb. At an altitude between 100-150 feet above the runway, the airplane suddenly yawed to the left while maintaining a nose-up pitch attitude. The airplane then appeared to slow down such that he believed it was about to stall. The left wing dropped, and the airplane rolled left and continued as the nose dropped and the airplane struck the ground inverted. Another witness described the airplane yawing from left to right while climbing. The airplane then rolled left and eventually became inverted, in a manner he described as similar to a barrel roll. The airplane then exited his field of view. After impact, the airplane slid about 650 feet across the ramp on a 060-degree magnetic heading before it collided with an 8-feet tall concrete wall. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20170123-0 Back to Top 'Unruly passenger' forces flight to Italy to make emergency landing in Salt Lake City SALT LAKE CITY - A B-777 plane was seen circling above Tooele County and dumping fuel Thursday evening, before it made its way to Salt Lake City for an emergency landing. Flight 621 with Alitalia airlines started in LAX and was supposed to end in Rome, but according to a representative with Salt Lake City International Airport, an "unruly" passenger on the flight forced an emergency landing. Airport officials said "dumping fuel" is a necessary move planes have to make before emergency landings. The plane has since landed at Salt Lake City International Airport. https://fox13now.com/2018/09/13/unruly-passenger-forces-flight-to-italy-to-emergency-land-in-salt-lake-city/ Back to Top AIB investigates Skybird aircraft accident at Abuja airport (Nigeria) Skybird Gulfstream 4 skidded off the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday. The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has launched an investigation into the Skybird Gulfstream 4 aircraft that skidded off the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The spokesman for AIB, Mr Tunji Oketunbi who confirmed the investigation to our reporter on phone last night said, "Yes. Our men (investigators) are on top of it (the accident). I will communicate as soon as I have preliminary information." A jet belonging to Skybird Aviation on Wednesday night overshot Runway 22 and was stuck on the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) about 30 metres from runway end. The incident occured at about 10:20pm. Our reporter also gathered that the runway surface was wet at the time of incident. Following the incidence, the runway was shut to traffic but a notice to airmen on Thursday morning indicated a partial opening of the runway. Thus the runway distance was reduced from 4,000 metres to 3,000 metres to enable rescue team evacuate the aircraft. However, only aircraft that can land within the 3,000m runway were cleared for landing until the aircraft is evacuated. Similarly, a statement from Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs confirmed the incidence saying, "The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reopened the runway to take arrivals and departures, subject to a reduced threshold of 3,000 metres." Hundreds of passengers were stranded at the Abuja airport throughout the period the airport runway was closed to traffic. https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/aib-investigates-skybird-aircraft-accident-at-abuja-airport.html Back to Top Back to Top EAA Talks Homebuilt Reform With FAA The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) says that its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rulemaking initiative has made substantial progress after a meeting with FAA officials in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. EAA also met with the FAA during AirVenture to discuss MOSAIC, which is designed to "relieve builders of well-proven homebuilts of some of the burdens that have limited their aircraft's use and flexibility but not enhanced safety." "We are pursuing improved operating limitations that are much less restrictive for certain parts of the amateur-built community," said EAA's vice president of advocacy and safety, Sean Elliott. "It is a natural step given the proven and continuing high level of safety within the homebuilt community. This rulemaking initiative, along with redefining light-sport aircraft, is one of EAA's top priorities over the next two years." EAA says that MOSAIC is intended to expand amateur-built pathways while leaving the traditional approach in place. Examples given by the organization of some of the proposed changes include allowing assistance from professional builders beyond the 51-percent rule and letting a contractor build a complete aircraft for a client. The MOSAIC rulemaking package will also include language for light-sport reform, according to EAA. Although the specifics for the LSA proposal have not yet been laid out, the organization expects the reform to expand the LSA category to include more qualifying aircraft and make provisions for features such as electric propulsion. EAA says MOSAIC seems to be on track to enter the FAA rulemaking process in early 2019. https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/EAA-Talks-Homebuilt-Reform-With-FAA-231528-1.html Back to Top Varying oxygen levels in cockpit sickened pilots, Air Force says A pilot adjusts his oxygen mask as his crew prepares to fly T-6A aircraft at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph on March 2, 2018.Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News The Air Force training command said Thursday that a problem with varying levels of oxygen concentrations in the cockpit was identified as the major factor in unexplained physiological events that have sickened dozens of T-6 Texan II pilots this year. The San Antonio-based command, which has investigated malfunctions in its onboard oxygen generation system since it grounded the T-6 in February, also revealed how it plans to fix the problem. "So far, technical efforts to date and analysis of data collected have determined that pilots have been exposed to significantly changing levels of oxygen concentration," Lt. Gen. Steve Kwast, head of the training command, said in a statement Thursday afternoon. He said the system sometimes was producing more oxygen than a pilot needs, which caused problems for some aviators. Problems with the onboard oxygen generation system, or OBOGS, on the training plane had prompted as many as 11 pilots with the 12th Flying Training Wing to refuse to fly the aircraft. They took the action after aviators had suffered unexplained physiological episodes - called UPEs by the Air Force - that can incapacitate pilots and even lead to their deaths. Gen. David Goldfein, the Air Force chief of staff, recently told the San Antonio Express-News that investigators had found the root cause of the problem and would begin making fixes. Kwast said symptoms experienced by some of the pilots were similar to a lack of oxygen, lack of carbon dioxide or other related conditions. The Air Force Materiel Command created an independent review team to investigate the problems. Investigators learned that the OBOGS filter and drain valves failed at a much higher than anticipated rate. These parts were repaired or replaced. The Air Force has said that the OBOGS shutoff valve, which funnels air from the engine into the system, failed at a much higher rate than expected. Inspections showed that 85 percent of the shutoff valves inspected failed in the open position, allowing unrestricted air flow. Investigators also found that the same percentage of inlet filters had evidence of moisture but with no significant effect to airflow. Given that some oxygen system components failed at higher than expected rates, the T-6 Program Office on Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, directed inspections on a more aggressive timeline. Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty, commander of the 19th Air Force, said that purging excess moisture from the system appears to keep the OBOGS operating more efficiently over time. Texan II pilots, meanwhile, have been given extra training and procedures to help them respond to possible oxygen system malfunctions. The training command will add study materials for T-6 aviaiors that will focus on identifying symptoms, responses and corrective procedures for all types of events, not just hypoxia. More fixes are on the way as well. The Air Force has started a redesign of the T-6 OBOGS system to stabilize the variation in oxygen levels pilots breathe - a process likely to take from two to four years. Experts also are working with the plane's manufacturer to adjust the OBOGS software algorithm to stabilize oxygen concentrations. The Air Force said those measures should reduce physiological events, but more will be done, including a broader redesign. New maintenance procedures drawn from several different Air Force and Navy T-6 bases also will be introduced. Brig. Gen. Edward L. Vaughan, who leads the Air Force Physiological Episodes Action Team, will collaborate with Air Force officials and other military branches to determine if the OBOGS measures planned for the T-6 will be applicable across other aircraft that use the oxygen system. The OBOGS failures resulted in at least 61 reported unexplained physiological episodes during the first six months of this year. The Texan II resumed flight in March as the Air Force announced a more frequent cleaning, testing and maintenance schedule for the oxygen system while the search for a root cause ensued. https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Varying-oxygen-levels-in-cockpit-sickened-pilots-13228165.php Back to Top CHC's 14th Safety & Quality Summit less than a month away In less than a month, delegates and speakers from across the aviation, safety, energy, insurance and legal will gather in Texas to discuss the latest in safety best practices and knowledge at the 14th CHC Safety & Quality Summit. The Summit will take place Oct. 2-4 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. More than 40 invited speakers will deliver presentations and lead approximately 80 concurrent sessions between Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 on this year's theme, "Building Safety at Every Level: Does this start at the top or with front line employees?" While the Summit is less than a month away, there is still time for interested attendees to register and make arrangements to join industry colleagues at this premiere aviation safety event. Attendees can register at www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com. For those who have already registered and plan on attending, be sure to log in and sign up for your sessions before they fill up. Most sessions are offered multiple times to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend those they prefer. Those attending the Summit will also have the opportunity to sign up to participate in pre- and post-Summit courses this year as well. The pre- and post- courses include accident/incident investigation analysis, A Practitioners' Guide to Building a Safety Case, HFACS Training and BowTie XP. Detailed descriptions and additional information are available on the Summit website here. "We look forward to what promises to be another great Summit," said Duncan Trapp, VP, Safety and Quality, CHC. "Bringing together all these professionals each year, from our speakers and invited guests to our delegates and sponsors, is always a beneficial and valuable experience. We're ready to get going next month, and hope that everyone attending has a productive three days with us." https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/chcs-14th-safety-quality-summit-less-than-a-month-away/ Back to Top Op-Ed: Ensuring fair competition for US aviation By: Tim Canoll Editorial: Flag of inconvenience bill amendment threatens Open Skies Foreign airlines establish flags of convenience business models to skirt tax, labor and safety regulations to gain an unfair advantage over US airlines and workers. These schemes are threatening our global aviation system and have the potential to destroy thousands of existing jobs and billions of dollars' worth of our nation's GDP. In response to this threat, airline workers have joined together to support Section 530 of the US House Bill H.R. 4-the current iteration of FAA reauthorization-which would help ensure that all carriers have a fair and equal opportunity to compete in the international marketplace. The threat posed by the flag of convenience business model is not a theory. In the US, we have already seen the damage this model can wreak. In the maritime shipping industry, US companies have lost 23% of the global market share and 87% of jobs since flag of convenience shipping companies became predominant. It is not hard to imagine a similar fate for US pilots, flight attendants and mechanics if this business model successfully grafts itself onto our airline system. Until recently, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) had effectively protected against this model by making a public interest finding in its foreign air carrier permit proceedings. The current public interest test written by Congress balances 16 different criteria, including air safety, competition among carriers, fair wages and working conditions and consumer concerns. Since 1946, DOT and its predecessor have conducted this test in every application for a foreign air carrier permit with just two exceptions: Norwegian Air International and Norwegian Air UK-the only two flag-of-convenience operators to apply. The record makes clear that DOT chose not to conduct Congress's public interest test in these cases because the carriers were unlikely to pass it. They both actually failed the test when they applied for exemption requests early in the proceedings. Section 530 simply clarifies the law to ensure that all foreign carriers have the same process for obtaining a foreign air carrier permit by requiring the public interest test in all foreign air carrier permit proceedings. Some have argued that this legislation could bring "retaliation" from the European Union (EU). This claim is pure chest thumping. Under our Open Skies agreement, the EU does not have the ability to unilaterally act against US carriers; importantly, US law already provides DOT the discretion to determine if a foreign carrier should be allowed into the US based on the public interest test. The "worry of retaliation" is a shadow phantom; there is no substance behind the claim. ALPA and others are asking for a level playing field for all global airlines that serve the US. Section 530 would help restore that playing field and allow all airlines to enjoy the benefits of our liberalized international air market. Tim Canoll is president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). The views expressed here are his own. http://atwonline.com/opinions/op-ed-ensuring-fair-competition-us-aviation Back to Top STOL PILOTS TO ROUND UP IN TEXAS Some of the best short takeoff and landing (STOL) pilots will converge in Hondo, Texas, at the end of September to put their skills to the test. The fifth annual Texas STOL Roundup runs Sept. 28 to 30, giving pilots who can't make it to Valdez, Alaska, for the popular STOL competition another avenue to compete or to watch the incredibly short takeoffs and landings. The event kicks off Sept. 28 with a STOL/backcountry flying seminar and time to practice before the Traditional STOL and Obstacle STOL competitions begin Sept. 29. The final day, Sept. 30, will feature a flour bombing contest and can serve as a make-up day in the event of rain. Aircraft ranging from the heavy de Havilland Beaver and Quest Kodiak to the light sport Carbon Cub SS will compete in the certificated aircraft categories, while the experimental category will feature aircraft raining from the Murphy Moose to the Legend ELSA. Pilots can camp with their aircraft at the airport to get the full experience. AOPA members have been wowed by shorter versions of the STOL competition at AOPA Fly-Ins across the country over the past two years. AOPA will be sponsoring a livestream of the Texas STOL Roundup so pilots who can't attend can still enjoy the impressive display of airmanship. To watch the livestream, visit AOPA's Facebook page on Sept. 29. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2018/september/11/stol-pilots-to-round-up-in-texas Back to Top Riyadh-based Flynas to recruit Saudi women as co-pilots Nearly 1,000 Saudi women apply for co-pilot jobs with Flynas in 24 hours as the landmark recruitment drive begins. Airline's recruitment drive comes months after Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on women motorists [Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters] Riyadh-based carrier Flynas has announced plans to recruit Saudi women to work as co-pilots and flight attendants for the first time. Women are not legally barred from working in the aviation sector, but jobs as flight attendants with Saudi carriers have largely been held by female foreign workers from countries such as the Philippines. A spokesman for Flynas told AFP news agency on Thursday that nearly 1,000 Saudi women applied for co-pilot positions with the airline in the past 24 hours. In its call for applications, the low-cost carrier said it was "keen to empower Saudi women to play an important role in the kingdom's transformation". Women "are an essential part of the airline's success," it said. The announcement on Wednesday came just months after the kingdom lifted a long-standing ban on female motorists as part of a bid to increase women's participation in the workforce. The recruitment drive comes just days after Flyadeal, another low-cost Saudi carrier, began posting jobs for Saudi women to work as flight attendants. The ban on women driving was lifted in June as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plans to transform the economy of the world's top oil exporter. But the lifting of the ban was accompanied by fresh arrests of some of the very female activists who campaigned against it for years, including Loujain al-Hathloul, Aziza al-Yousef, and Eman al-Nafjan. Saudi authorities have accused them of suspicious contacts with "foreign entities", while the local media labelled them traitors. At least nine people remain in detention, according to Human Rights Watch. The New York-based group launched the #StandwithSaudiFeminists campaign earlier this week, urging major car companies to call on Saudi Arabia to release the women activists. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/riyadh-based-flynas-recruit-saudi-women-pilots-180913170635952.html Back to Top Nigeria's Air Peace inks deal for 10 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets Air Peace Ltd. said Thursday that it ordered 10 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets in a deal that would be worth nearly $1.2 billion at list prices. Boeing and the Nigerian airline unveiled the first publicly announced deal for 737 jets since July at a signing ceremony in Lagos. "The fuel efficiency and superior operating economics of the 737 Max will ensure that the aircraft will play a major role in growing our business in the years to come," Air Peace Chairman and CEO Allen Onyema said in a Boeing news release. Made in Renton like all Boeing 737s, the Max 8 has a list price of $117. 1 million. Boeing said the single-aisle jet offers airlines more seats than its Airbus rival, as well as 7 percent lower costs per seat and 300 miles more range. The nose of a Boeing 737 Max 9 is seen during manufacturing at Boeing's 737 manufacturing plant in Renton in 2016. Founded in 2013, Air Peace already operates a dozen older Boeing 737s and flies passengers between major cities in central and west Africa. The airline also acquired at least two used Boeing 777-200ER (extended range) passenger jets, which Boeing said it will soon use to launch international flights. Africa is becoming a growing market for Boeing's commercial airplanes unit, said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Boeing. "We are proud that airlines like Air Peace are selecting Boeing aircraft to be part of that growth," Mounir said in the news release. "This order reflects the strong demand that we are seeing for the 737 Max as airlines choose the airplane's superior performance and reliability." The Max 8's CFM International LEAP-1B engines and winglets will help Air Peace save more than 20 percent on fuel costs compared to its 737-200 and 737-500 jets, Boeing said. Boeing's 737 Max family is the fastest-selling aircraft in Boeing history, with more than 4,700 orders from 102 customers. https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2018/09/13/boeing-737-max-8-jets-orders-air-peace-nigeria.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahoo Back to Top ST Engineering to buy GE aircraft component unit for $630m Singaporean group bolsters manufacturing as maintenance competition intensifies Workers build LEAP engines for jetliners at a General Electric factory in the U.S. state of Indiana. © Reuters SINGAPORE -- Defense group Singapore Technologies Engineering, one of the world's leading aircraft maintenance providers, said Thursday it will buy an aircraft component unit from General Electric in a bid to expand its aviation manufacturing business. ST Engineering said it will buy all of Baltimore-based Middle River Aircraft Systems from the U.S. conglomerate in a deal valued at $630 million. MRAS produces nacelles -- casings that house engines -- for aircraft makers including Airbus and Bombardier. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the 2019 first quarter. ST Engineering CEO Vincent Chong, in a webcast briefing, described the deal as an "enabler" that will allow the company to produce more varied aircraft components, such as doors. The Singaporean state-owned group makes defense equipment for the city state, but it also has commercial businesses including aircraft maintenance and electronics production. In aircraft components, ST Engineering supplies flat panels for Airbus. The purchase comes as the outlook for the company's aircraft maintenance business is unclear, with newer planes requiring less upkeep. Competition is also intensifying because maintenance providers are growing in neighboring countries with lower labor costs. Regional rivals include Garuda Maintenance Facility AeroAsia, a unit of flag carrier Garuda Indonesia. Nacelle manufacturing, on the other hand, is expected to see steady growth over the coming decades. According to ST Engineering, 37,390 aircraft will be added in the global market over the next 20 years as air traffic demand rises. MRAS has been in the aviation business for about 90 years, ST Engineering said. It has around 800 employees, making engine nacelles as an original equipment manufacturer for global aircraft makers. ST Engineering, which has partnered with GE in the engine repair business, said it will obtain patents and other intellectual property owned by MRAS. Thursday's announcement came after Singapore markets closed. ST Engineering's share price rose 0.3% on the day to 3.29 Singapore dollars, which translates to a market value of SG$10.27 billion ($7.5 billion). https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Deals/ST-Engineering-to-buy-GE-aircraft-component-unit-for-630m 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 In less than a month, delegates and speakers from across the aviation, safety, energy, insurance and legal will gather in Texas to discuss the latest in safety best practices and knowledge at the 14th CHC Safety & Quality Summit. The Summit will take place October 2-4 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center More than 40 invited speakers will deliver presentations and lead approximately 80 concurrent sessions between October 2 and October 4 on this year's theme "Building Safety at Every Level: Does this start at the top or with front line employees?" While the Summit is less than a month away, there is still time for interested attendees to register and make arrangements to join industry colleagues at this premiere aviation safety event. Attendees can register at www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com. For those who have already registered and plan on attending, be sure to log in and sign up for your sessions before they fill up. Most sessions are offered multiple times to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend those they would like to. Those attending the Summit will also have the opportunity to sign up to participate in pre- and post-Summit courses this year as well. The pre and post courses include Accident/Incident Investigation Analysis, A Practitioners' Guide to Building a Safety Case, HFACS Training and BowTie XP. Detailed descriptions and additional information are available on the Summit website here. "We look forward to what promises to be another great Summit," said Duncan Trapp, VP, Safety & Quality, CHC. "Bringing together all these professionals each year, from our speakers and invited guests to our delegates and sponsors, is always a beneficial and valuable experience. We're ready to get going next month, and hope that everyone attending has a productive three days with us." About CHC For more than 70 years, CHC Helicopter has provided safe, reliable, cost-effective helicopter service in some of the most remote and challenging environments around the world. With extensive experience transporting customers in the oil and gas industry, supporting search-and-rescue and EMS contracts, and providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services, our dedication to safety and reputation for quality and innovation help our customers reach beyond what they thought possible. Visit www.chcheli.com for information. Contact Information MEDIA Cameron Meyer Communications Specialist CHC Helicopter +1 214.262.7391 Cameron.Meyer@chcheli.com Summit Contact Irina Sakgaev Safety & Quality Applications Specialist CHC Helicopter +1 604.232.7302 summit@chcheli.com Back to Top Position Available: Aircraft Maintenance Technician (180347) Embry-Riddle is accepting applications for the position of Aircraft Maintenance Technician in the Fleet Maintenance Department at our Daytona Beach Campus. The Aircraft Maintenance Technician will use the methods, techniques and practices prescribed in the current manufacturer's maintenance manual or instructions to ensure continued airworthiness of aircraft, engines, propellers, and appliances in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations. Complete all necessary entries in appropriate maintenance forms, work orders, internal inspection forms, malfunction and defect reports, and aircraft logbooks. Report defective shop equipment or equipment requiring certification to the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor. Supervise assigned shift and accomplish all duties in the absence of shift supervisor. Assist/supervise apprentice and technician I maintenance personnel, and the work environment to ensure cleanliness and safety. Be thoroughly familiar with the requirements of the FAA approved inspection program, FAA regulations pertaining to aircraft maintenance, airworthiness directives, advisory circular, manufacturers' service bulletins and engineering orders, as required. Properly document all parts, appliances, and materials used in maintenance of aircraft. Assist Maintenance Supervisor and Aircraft Parts Manager in inventory control functions. Accomplished Scheduled Maintenance and quickly respond to unscheduled maintenance requirements with minimal supervision. Support and assist the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor(s) in the accomplishment of the overall maintenance effort. Perform unscheduled maintenance on all University aircraft on ERAU flight line on weekends and holidays. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications High School Diploma or GED. Current Airframe and Powerplant Certificate required with no violations. Progressive working knowledge of FAR 145, 91 and 43. Aircraft Maintenance experience in maintaining light general aviation aircraft preferred. Basic PC Software Skills (e.g. spreadsheet, word processing & database etc.) Familiarity with Microsoft operating systems, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook/email, and Internet end-user applications preferred. Excellent communication skills required Please apply online at www.erau.edu/jobs, Requisition # 180347 Back to Top Position: Director of Aviation Safety Conduct Aviation Safety Program for the College of Aviation (COA); coordinate with and assist the Flight Training Department in the development, implementation, and maintenance of aviation safety programs the purpose of which is the preservation of human, material, and financial resources while maintaining maximum operational effectiveness; and assist the College of Aviation Safety Council. Assume Daytona Beach Campus senior investigator responsibilities for any accident or incident which is reportable under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 830, as amended. Represent the Daytona Beach Campus under the party participant provisions of Title 49 of the CFR, Part 830, as amended. The COA Director of Aviation Safety has the following authority: A) Define Daytona Beach Campus investigation and reporting procedures for aviation hazards, incidents, accidents and related data collection. B) Develop the necessary forms and instructions for implementing COA aviation safety programs and initiatives. C) Define and require the reporting of any aviation safety related event D) Conduct investigation of aviation safety events and hazards E) Recommend to the Dean of the COA and the Chief Flight Instructor the grounding of any flight student or flight instructor pilot involved in a safety event which is under investigation by the COA Aviation Safety Department F) Conduct aviation safety inspections/audits of campus flight-related operations, facilities, or contractor providing flight-related services to include the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO). G) Represent Daytona Beach Campus regarding aviation safety matters in dealing with government agencies and professional organizations H) Assume Daytona Beach campus senior investigator responsibilities for any accident or accident, which is reportable under Title 49 of the CFR, Part 830, as amended. Represent Daytona Beach Campus under the party participant provision of Title 49 of the CFR, Part 830, as amended. I) Assume Daytona Beach senior investigator responsibilities for any Daytona Beach Campus related aviation safety event J) Represent the COA at campus and University Safety Council meetings K) Coordinate with the University Safety Officer on university aviation safety-related issues. The COA Director of Aviation Safety has the following responsibilities: Manage the COA aviation Safety Program which includes the following (100%): Provide regular reports on aviation safety to the Dean, COA, Daytona Beach Campus, Chair, Flight Training Department, University Safety Officer, and the Chief Flight Instructor. Present reports to University officers as requested or deemed necessary and approved by the Dean, COA (10%) Maintain, review, and recommend revision of University Aviation Safety Programs (2.5%) Support and promote University Aviation Safety Programs (10%) Provide timely advice, feedback, recommendations and assistance, on aviation safety to line managers in the COA (5%) Maintain, manage and review the Flight Departments Safety Management System (SMS) (5%) Maintain and manage the Flight Departments Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) program (5%) Maintain a reporting system for hazards, incidents, accidents and fatigue (20%) Maintain an aviation safety data analysis program (5%) Conduct and manage the Flight Departments risk management program to include routinely scheduled risk assessment and management of change meetings (2.5%) Manage and facilitate the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) for Flight, Fleet Maintenance and AMS Part 145 Engine Repair Station (5%) Distribute aviation safety information to include emails, newsletters and postings (3%) Conduct regular meetings with instructor pilots, team safety leaders, and flight students (2%) Manage the College of Aviation (COA) Aviation Safety Advisory Council (ASAC) regularly scheduled meetings (2.5%) Provide aviation safety training as required by the Aviation Safety Programs (5%) Develop and maintain an aviation safety emergency response plan (ERP) (2.5%) Oversee and manage the Flight Departments drug testing program (2.5%) Facilitate confidential communication between students, instructor pilots, and flight administration (3%) Serve on the College of Aviation Safety Council (1%) Administer the campus safety awards program (1%) Meet with local air traffic control, FSDO, aviation safety agencies and representatives to discuss aviation safety-related matters on a regular basis (5%) Act as an Aviation Safety Counselor and facilitate FAA Aviation Safety Seminars as dictated by the University Aviation Safety Programs (1%) Serve on the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board as a non-voting member (0.5%) Other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Aviation. (1%) Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. 3-5 years' direct related work experience required. Familiar with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Aviation Safety Action (ASAP) programs. Analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft operating systems, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook/email, and Internet end-user applications. FAA Certificated Flight Instructor/Instrument CFI, CFII, MEI, Airplane Single and Multiengine; Instrument Airplane preferred. Please apply online at www.erau.edu/jobs , Requisition # 180393 Curt Lewis