Flight Safety Information January 3, 2019 - No. 003 In This Issue Incident: Frontier A321 at Cleveland and Tampa on Jan 1st 2019, six passengers become sick Incident: Comair B734 at Port Elizabeth on Dec 28th 2018, bird strike Incident: Skywest CRJ9 at Saskatoon on Dec 25th 2018, lavatory smoke indication Incident: Indigo A320 near Ahmedabad on Jan 1st 2019, smoke in cockpit and cabin EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Incident: Canada A320 near Calgary on Dec 24th 2018, flames observed from engine outlet EASA Confirms Sharp Increase In 2018 Airliner Fatalities CommutAir Increases Pilot Sign-On Bonus to $45,000 and Offers Immediate Captain Upgrades Jet Airways Misses Payment to Lenders, Rating Cut to Default High Altitude Flying Course Position Available: Deputy Director of Safety Incident: Frontier A321 at Cleveland and Tampa on Jan 1st 2019, six passengers become sick A Frontier Airbus A321-200, registration N715FR performing flight F9-1397 from Cleveland,OH to Tampa,FL (USA), was enroute when six passengers became ill, the passengers vomitted and suffered from nausea. The aircraft continued to Tampa for a safe landing. Emergency services awaited the aircraft, examined and treated the sick passengers, who could be released shortly afterwards. Emergency services in Tampa reported four adults and two children became sick showing signs of nausea, the passengers vomitted. They all refused further treatment. The airline reported the cause of the illnesses is under investigation. Cleveland Airport reported they shut down all water fountains in the terminal area as a precaution while looking into the possibility of the water fountains being connected to the illnesses. Cleveland's Department of Health stated, that water borne illnesses usually have a longer incubation period than observed in this case. Testing of the water fountains was immediately initiated but will take 24-48 hours until results are known, interviews with all six affected passengers are being conducted. The administration pointed out that more than 11,000 passengers passed through the terminal with no other passengers reporting illnesses. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/FFT1397/history/20190101/1809Z/KCLE/KTPA http://avherald.com/h?article=4c25cbd2&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Comair B734 at Port Elizabeth on Dec 28th 2018, bird strike A Comair Boeing 737-400, registration ZS-OTF performing flight MN-6235/BA-6235 from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth (South Africa), was landing at Port Elizabeth when during the landing roll the right hand engine (CFM56) ingested a heron. The aircraft rolled out without further incident. The aircraft was unable to depart for the return flight and remained on the ground for about 25 hours before positioning to Johannesburg, where the aircraft remained on the ground for another about 24 hours before returning to service. The smallest heron in the area, the little egret, weighs between 0.33 and 0.55kg (0.7 to 1.2 lbs), the largest heron, the giant heron, weighs about 4 to 5kg (9 to 11 lbs). http://avherald.com/h?article=4c25cf1e&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Skywest CRJ9 at Saskatoon on Dec 25th 2018, lavatory smoke indication A Skywest Canadair CRJ-900, registration N817SK performing positioning flight OO-4981 from Minneapolis,MN (USA) to Saskatoon,SK (Canada) with only flight crew on board, was descending towards Saskatoon about 25nm southeast of the aerodrome, when the crew received an aft lavatory smoke indication. The flight crew was unable to verify whether there was smoke, declared emergency and continued for a safe landing at Saskatoon. Emergency services did not observe any trace of fire or smoke from the outside, a member of the flight crew inspected the aft lavatory and did not find any trace of fire, heat or smoke. The aircraft taxied to the apron, where emergency services inspected the inside of the aircraft without finding any anomaly. The Canadian TSB reported maintenance inspected the aircraft, in particular also the aft lavatory and the smoke detector, but was unable to duplicate the fault. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/SKW4981/history/20181225/1522Z/KMSP/CYXE http://avherald.com/h?article=4c25c5b6&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Indigo A320 near Ahmedabad on Jan 1st 2019, smoke in cockpit and cabin An Indigo Airbus A320-200, registration VT-INY performing flight 6E-6373 from Delhi to Ahmedabad (India), was descending towards Ahmedabad when smoke developed in cockpit and cabin. The crew declared PAN PAN PAN and continued for a safe landing in Ahmedabad. The airline reported an unusual odour on board, which was determined to have been caused by a minor technical glitch, which was rectified before the next flight. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 5 hours, then continued service. http://avherald.com/h?article=4c25d27c&opt=0 Back to Top Back to Top Incident: Canada A320 near Calgary on Dec 24th 2018, flames observed from engine outlet An Air Canada Airbus A320-200, registration C-FLSS performing flight AC-223 from Calgary,AB to Vancouver,BC (Canada) with 89 people on board, was enroute at FL360 about 150nm southwest of Calgary when a flight attendant reported flames were visible from the left hand engine's (CFM56) exhaust. The flight crew worked the related checklist and shut the engine down. The crew declared PAN PAN PAN and returned to Calgary for a safe landing about 45 minutes after leaving FL360. The Canadian TSB reported maintenance replaced the #1 engine's hydromechanical unit (HMU) and a fuel pump. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/ACA223/history/20181225/0040Z/CYYC/CYVR http://avherald.com/h?article=4c25c477&opt=0 Back to Top Back to Top EASA Confirms Sharp Increase In 2018 Airliner Fatalities The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has followed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in cautioning that the industry should not take safety for granted after preliminary analysis showed a sharp increase in commercial aviation fatalities for 2018. Worldwide, 11 fatal accidents involving large airplanes last year resulted in 530 deaths, "setting us back to a level not experienced since 2015," when 533 people died in commercial aircraft accidents, the Cologne, Germany-based agency said. The 2018 figure marks a sharp deterioration on 2017, the safest year in commercial aviation history when nine fatal accidents caused just 67 deaths worldwide for commercial air transport. "We should never be complacent with safety and remain persistent in our efforts devoted to protecting passengers and citizens," EASA commented. The European safety body, however, pointed out that the number of fatalities in 2018 still ranked "significantly below" levels recorded in the 1990s and 2000s. "The technological advances in aviation and the industry's efforts to introduce safety management systems help to maintain aviation as a very safe form of transport," it noted. Based on its analysis of accidents and serious incidents over the past five years, EASA identified aircraft upset, runway excursions, and technical faults relating to aircraft pressurization or fire as "key risk areas" or "potential accident outcomes." EASA considered 11 fatal accidents in its 2018 preliminary analysis. Three accidents in the EASA review took place in the Asia-Pacific region, two in Iran, and two in Latin America, and one each in Russia, in Africa, in the U.S., and in Europe. The Lion Air Boeing 737 Max 8 that crashed into the Java Sea just after takeoff from the Indonesian capital Jakarta on October 29 accounted for the most fatalities: 189. Three of last year's fatal accidents in the EASA safety review involved only a single fatality. EASA said no fatal accidents in commercial airline operations in 2018 involved an operator from EASA member states-the EU's 28 member countries plus Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It described the August 4 Junkers Ju-52 accident that claimed 20 lives in elevated terrain in the Swiss Alps as a "unique event." "This accident involved a historic aircraft built in 1939; although the aircraft was undertaking a commercial flight, it was a unique event compared with traditional airline operations," the safety body reasoned. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2019-01-02/easa-confirms-sharp-increase-2018-airliner-fatalities Back to Top CommutAir Increases Pilot Sign-On Bonus to $45,000 and Offers Immediate Captain Upgrades NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio, Dec. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CommutAir, a United Express regional carrier, announced it is increasing its pilot sign-on bonus to up to $45,000 for captain-qualified candidates. In addition, to support its massive growth, the company has immediate captain upgrade opportunities for qualified new hires. Pilots with 1,000 Part 121/135 applicable hours can take advantage of CommutAir's increased $45,000 sign-on bonus. The Cleveland-based carrier is growing at a record pace and expects to hire or promote 200 captains over the next two years as it continues to grow its all-jet fleet. Qualified candidates entering captain training will see total first-year benefits and compensation package of up to $117,000. In addition to top-tier compensation and benefits, CommutAir pilots enjoy a fast and direct path to a United Airlines flight deck via the United Career Path Program (CPP). "Pilots wishing to fly for United Airlines need to look no further," said Joel Raymond, Chief Operating Officer. "Our ability to provide immediate upgrades allows us to fuel our growth while providing incoming pilots with an incredible opportunity to join United Airlines." To learn more about this program, please visit www.flycommutair.com/captain-eligible-pilots/. Careers CommutAir will continue its growth plan toward an all-jet fleet of 61 Embraeraircraft and is actively hiring 400 pilots over the next two years. Its industry-leading benefits include: Immediate upgrades Top-Tier pay and benefits - the industry's first and best Commuter policy Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) for cockpit crew members About CommutAir Founded in 1989, CommutAir operates as United Express and is majority-owned by Champlain Enterprises, Inc. and 40% owned by United Airlines, Inc. CommutAir operates ~1,000 weekly flights to 40+ destinations, using the Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, from bases in Newark, NJ, and Washington-Dulles. CommutAir's 900+ employees are well-known in the industry for fostering a family culture and a friendly work environment. www.flycommutair.com PR@commutair.com (440) 652-2360 SOURCE CommutAir https://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12439617/commutair-a-united-express-carrier-increases-pilot-sign-on-bonus-to-45000-and-offers-immediate-captain-upgrades Back to Top Jet Airways Misses Payment to Lenders, Rating Cut to Default • Shares slide 6.1%, sharpest decline in more than three weeks • String of losses, surging liabilities, weaker rupee hurt firm A Jet Airways aircraft prepares to land at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg Jet Airways India Ltd. has missed a payment to Indian lenders in the latest sign of mounting strains at the country's second largest airline by passengers, after losses worsened a cash crunch. The setback underscores a lack of progress lining up sufficient funds for debt payments after the beleaguered carrier approached banks for a moratorium on loans and asked for fresh funds in October. Shares in Jet Airways closed down 6.1 percent, the sharpest decline in more than three weeks. The missed payment prompted a downgrade on ratings of its loans and bonds by credit assessor ICRA to D, a score that signifies that borrowers are in default or are expected to be soon. The beleaguered carrier said in an exchange filing that payment of interest and principal installment due on Dec. 31 to a consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India "has been delayed due to temporary cashflow mismatch" and that the company "has engaged with them in relation to the same." The filing didn't specify the amount due and didn't provide further details. Crushing fare wars are a hallmark of India's intensely competitive aviation market, and Mumbai-based Jet Airways hasn't seen a profit in nine of the past 11 fiscal years. The company reported its third straight quarterly loss in November with surging liabilities that signaled a deepening of financial distress. A weakening rupee also added to its woes. It has fallen behind on payments to staff and lessors. Jet Airways has been talking to its foreign equity partner Etihad Airways PJSC and a clutch of financial investors to avoid potential defaults to lenders and lessors, people familiar with the matter said. It has also sought a short-term loan of 15 billion rupees ($216 million) from State Bank of India for working capital and the bank is currently conducting a forensic audit for possible approval of such a facility, according to the people. The company didn't have any immediate comment when contacted Wednesday. In the last couple months, Jet Airways founder and chairman Naresh Goyal, along with Etihad Airways chief executive officer Tony Douglas, met Rajnish Kumar, chairman of India's largest lender, State Bank of India, multiple times at its Mumbai headquarters to explore a resolution mechanism. "Jet Airways continues to have negative networth due to accumulated losses and diminution in the value of its investments in its subsidiary Jet Lite (India) Ltd.," ICRA said in its statement. "Furthermore, the liquidity strain has aggravated due to delays by the company in implementation of its liquidity initiatives." https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-02/jet-airways-misses-payment-to-lenders-as-losses-worsen-stress Back to Top Click here to sign up for the next session with Captain Shem Malmquist beginning in late January. Or call us at 231 720-0930 (EST). High Altitude Flying Overview Back to Top Helicopter Association International (HAI) is dedicated to providing its members with services that directly benefit their operations, and to advancing the international helicopter community by providing programs that enhance safety, encourage professionalism and economic viability while promoting the unique contributions vertical flight offers society. HAI has more than 3,800 member organizations and annually produces HAI HELI-EXPO®, the world's largest trade show and exposition dedicated to helicopters. Position: Deputy Director of Safety Overview: The Deputy Director of Safety is responsible for supporting the association's existing aviation safety programs and developing new safety initiatives to benefit HAI's membership. Essential Functions of the Position Include, but Are Not Limited To: • Providing auxiliary support to the Director of Safety • Serving as the HAI safety representative on various industry, government, and international boards, task forces, and meetings • Providing feedback for the association's response to proposed safety-related regulations and legislative initiatives • Collecting, researching, and analyzing safety and accident data for subsequent statistical reporting • Developing and implementing new HAI industry safety initiatives • Routinely interacting with aviation related agencies and organizations in support of the rotorcraft industry • Supporting all aspects of HAI's accreditation programs (IS-BAO & HAI APS) that assist helicopter operators in reducing incidents and accidents, while improving industry safety culture • Providing safety supervision for flight activities at the association's annual trade show and exposition, HAI HELI-EXPO® • Responding to requests for rotorcraft safety assistance from HAI members and the general public • Serving as staff liaison for assigned HAI committees • Contributing content for use in HAI's printed and electronic publications • Making safety presentations on behalf of HAI as necessary • Other duties as assigned The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Desired Qualifications for the Position Include: • College or advanced degree related to aviation safety and/or management • Five or more years of related helicopter safety background, training, and experience • Certificated helicopter pilot and/or maintenance technician • Previous experience with helicopter or other aviation-related organization • Prior international experience preferred • Experience with auditing protocols and accreditation programs • A passionate commitment to the promotion of helicopter safety • Highly motivated, able to work independently and in a team environment • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with prior experience in creating and delivering written proposals and public presentations • Research, data analysis, and report writing experience • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite • Detail oriented, self-starter, with strong organizational and time management skills • Ability to travel The above qualifications are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position. Curt Lewis