Flight Safety Information January 7, 2019 - No. 005 In This Issue Incident: Azur B763 near Shannon on Jan 6th 2019, lost loos Incident: Sunexpress Deutschland B738 near Munich on an 6th 2019, smoke in cockpit Incident: American A321 near Phoenix on Jan 3rd 2019, smoke in cabin Incident: Azul AT72 near Maceio on Dec 22nd 2018, noise, sparks and smoke in cockpit E-cigarette battery ignites fire on American Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Chicago EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protection Incident: Spicejet B38M near Varanasi on Jan 6th 2019, engine shut down in flight Incident: THY B738 at Lviv on Jan 6th 2019, runway excursion during backtrack Incident: Indigo A320N at Chennai on Jan 3rd 2019, engine shut down in flight Saab 340B - Runway Excursion (Finland) Boeing 767-300ER suffered overheated main gear brakes during taxi (AMS) Flight data recorders likely found from 2 Marine Corps aircraft that crashed off Japan coast PILOTS OF EMIRATES' A380 BATTLE TURBULENCE In an Astonishing Letter, Delta and United Airlines Pilots Just Told President Trump To Stop and Think Shocking: 5 Pakistan International Airlines Pilots Flew Without Licenses Indian pilots flying high: 57 caught drunk before takeoff at 'this' airport in four years Airline Automation Triggers Intensified Debate Over Safety London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports have purchased their own anti-drone systems Uganda revises aviation law Tony Broderick, Former Top Safety Regulator, Dies at 75 China Launches Pilot Recruitment Drive High Altitude Flying Course Position Available: Deputy Director of Safety Incident: Azur B763 near Shannon on Jan 6th 2019, lost loos An Azur Air Boeing 767-300, registration VP-BUX performing flight ZF-973 from Moscow Vnukovo (Russia) to La Romana (Dominican Republic), was enroute at FL320 about 90nm south of Shannon (Ireland) when the crew decided to divert to Shannon reporting all their lavatories were blocked. The aircraft dumped fuel and landed safely on Shannon's runway 24 about 90 minutes later. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 2.5 hours then departed Shannon, continued to La Romana and reached the destination with a delay of 4.5 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4c287f98&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Sunexpress Deutschland B738 near Munich on an 6th 2019, smoke in cockpit A Sunexpress Deutschland Boeing 737-800, registration D-ASXJ performing flight XG-4665 from Nuremberg (Germany) to Hurghada (Egypt), was climbing out of Nuremberg when the crew stopped the climb at about FL270 reporting smoke in the cockpit and diverted to Munich (Germany) for a safe landing on runway 26R about 30 minutes after departure. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Munich about 13 hours after landing. The flight was cancelled as was the return flight XG-4824 to Cologne (Germany). http://avherald.com/h?article=4c287bde&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: American A321 near Phoenix on Jan 3rd 2019, smoke in cabin An American Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration N103NN performing flight AA-9240 from Phoenix,AZ to New York JFK,NY (USA), was climbing out of Phoenix when the crew stopped the climb at about 8500 feet due to smoke in the cabin and returned to Phoenix for a safe landing about 20 minutes after departure. The flight was the continuation of the previous day's flight AA-10, which had diverted due to the same problem, see Incident: American A321 near Phoenix on Jan 2nd 2019, smoke in cabin. The airline reported a similiar problem occurred again, an electrical odour from the chiller occurred although maintenance had worked to resolve the problem. A faulty fan is being suspected as cause of the odour. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL9240/history/20190103/1915Z/KPHX/KJFK http://avherald.com/h?article=4c272a2c&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Azul AT72 near Maceio on Dec 22nd 2018, noise, sparks and smoke in cockpit An Azul Linhas Aereas Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration PR-AQZ performing flight AD-2824 from Recife,PE to Maceio,AL (Brazil) with 48 passengers and 4 crew, was descending towards Maceio when the crew observed noise and sparks from the rack behind the first officer, smoke developed. The crew donned their oxygen masks, declared Mayday, worked the related checklists and continued for a safe landing in Maceio. Brazil's CENIPA reported there were no injuries, the aircraft sustained minor damage. The occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated. http://avherald.com/h?article=4c2709f7&opt=0 Back to Top E-cigarette battery ignites fire on American Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Chicago An American Airlines passenger's e-cigarettebattery overheated and ignited a small fire shortly after landing in Chicago Friday night. Ross Feinstein, a spokesman for American, confirmed the incident to USA TODAY, noting that flight attendants, who have been trained on fighting high-energy battery fires, "quickly extinguished the fire and the plane taxied to the gate." None of the 138 passengers or six crew members on board Flight 168 from Las Vegas to Chicago O'Hare International Airport was injured. The Transportation Security Administration allows e-cigarettes and accessories to be carried on board or in carry-on bags, but not in checked luggage. The battery fire came just two days after another American flight from Los Angeles to New York was diverted to Phoenix after a mechanical problem with a galley refrigerator caused smoke to erupt in the cabin. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2019/01/06/e-cigarette-battery-ignites-fire- american-airlines-flight/2496840002/ Back to Top Back to Top Incident: Spicejet B38M near Varanasi on Jan 6th 2019, engine shut down in flight A Spicejet Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration VT-MAX performing flight SG-32 from Hong Kong (China) to Delhi (India) with 140 people on board, was enroute at FL340 about 180nm east of Varanasi (India) when the left hand engine (LEAP 1B) shut down due to a restriction in the fuel flow. The crew drifted the aircraft down and diverted to Varanasi for a safe landing on runway 09 about 50 minutes later. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration VT-SLI positioned to Varanasi, resumed the flight and reached Delhi with a delay of about 8.5 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4c286a1b&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: THY B738 at Lviv on Jan 6th 2019, runway excursion during backtrack A THY Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration TC-JVI performing flight TK-442 from Lviv (Ukraine) to Istanbul (Turkey) with 59 passengers and 6 crew, was backtracking runway 31 for departure when the aircraft veered left off the runway just ahead of turn loop taxiway 8 (which was closed however) at about 10:25L (08:25Z). The passengers disembarked via mobile stairs and were taken to the terminal. The aircraft sustained minor if any damage. The aircraft was disabled forcing the airport to close for about 4 hours until the aircraft was towed to the apron. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Lviv about 8 hours later. Related NOTAMs: A3456/18 NOTAMN Q) UKLV/QMXLC/IV/M /A /000/999/4949N02358E005 A) UKLL B) 1811220000 C) 1902212359 E) TWY 6, TWY 8 CLOSED. REF AIP UKLL AD 2.24.3-1. A0063/19 NOTAMR A0062/19 Q) UKLV/QMRLC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/4949N02358E005 A) UKLL B) 1901061105 C) 1901061230 EST E) RWY 13/31 CLOSED. A0062/19 NOTAMN Q) UKLV/QMRLC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/4949N02358E005 A) UKLL B) 1901060930 C) 1901061130 EST E) RWY 13/31 CLOSED. METARs: UKLL 060930Z 33006MPS 3800 -SN OVC014 M06/M08 Q1015 R31/590326 TEMPO 2100 -SHSN BKN007 BKN020CB= UKLL 060900Z 33006MPS 2800 -SN OVC012 M06/M08 Q1015 R31/590326 TEMPO 2100 -SHSN BKN007 BKN020CB= UKLL 060830Z 33007MPS 2900 -SN OVC014 M06/M09 Q1014 R31/590326 TEMPO 2100 -FZRASN BKN007 BKN020CB= UKLL 060800Z 34006MPS 2900 -SN OVC014 M07/M09 Q1014 R31/520526 TEMPO 2100 -FZRASN BKN007 BKN020CB= UKLL 060730Z 34006MPS 2900 -SN OVC012 M07/M09 Q1014 R31/420533 TEMPO -FZRASN BKN020CB= UKLL 060729Z 34006MPS 2800 -SN OVC012 M07/M09 Q1014 R31/420533 TEMPO -FZRASN BKN020CB= UKLL 060719Z 34006MPS 3500 -SN OVC013 M06/M09 Q1014 R31/420533 TEMPO -FZRASN BKN020CB= UKLL 060700Z 34006MPS 9999 -SN OVC012 M06/M09 Q1013 R31/420528 TEMPO -FZRASN BKN020CB= UKLL 060630Z 34007MPS 9999 -SN OVC013 M06/M09 Q1013 R31/420528 TEMPO -FZRASN BKN020CB= UKLL 060600Z 34006MPS 9000 -SN OVC013 M06/M09 Q1013 R31/420528 TEMPO -FZRASN BKN020CB= The aircraft seen disabled off the runway (Photo: Phil&Asia): http://avherald.com/h?article=4c286848&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Indigo A320N at Chennai on Jan 3rd 2019, engine shut down in flight An Indigo Airbus A320-200 Neo, registration VT-ITW performing flight 6E-923 from Chennai to Kolkata (India) with 136 people on board, was climbing through FL230 out of Chennai when an engine (PW1127) emitted a loud bang and streaks of flame followed by severe vibrations. The crew shut the engine down and returned to Chennai for a safe landing about 45 minutes after departure. A replacement A320-200 registration VT-IHJ reached Kolkata with a delay of 4.5 hours. India's DGCA have opened an investigation into the occurrence. http://avherald.com/h?article=4c27cabf&opt=0 Back to Top Saab 340B - Runway Excursion (Finland) Date: 07-JAN-2019 Time: 03:50 utc Type: Saab 340B Owner/operator: Airlink/RAF-Avia Registration: YL-RAF C/n / msn: 340B-228 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Savonlinna Airport (SVL/EFSA) - Finland Phase: Landing Nature: Ferry/positioning Departure airport: Riga International Airport (RIX/EVRA) Destination airport: Savonlinna Airport (SVL/EFSA) Narrative: Airlink/ RAF-Avia Saab 340 veered off runway while landing. The crew is safe. All flights are cancelled. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=220599 Back to Top Boeing 767-300ER suffered overheated main gear brakes during taxi (AMS) Date: 05-JAN-2019 Time: 14:55 LT Type: Boeing 767-3P6ER (WL) Owner/operator: Delta Air Lines Registration: N154DL C/n / msn: 25241/389 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS/EHAM) - Netherlands Phase: Taxi Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS/EHAM) Destination airport: Orlando International Airport, FL (MCO/KMCO) Narrative: Delta Air Lines flight DL411, a Boeing 767-300ER suffered overheated main gear brakes as it was taxiing for departure at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport, the Netherlands. The flight was pushed back from the gate and commenced taxi at 14:40 hours LT. About 14:55 the aircraft arrived at taxiway V4, which leads up the runway 36L threshold. The aircraft behind, KL861, a Boeing 777-200, radioed that they observed black smoke coming from the right-hand main landing gear. The flight crew of DL411 then requested fire services to attend. ARFF then proceeded to cool the brakes. At 15:08 the aircraft taxied to a remote stand, close to taxiway V4 were all passengers deplaned. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=220562 Back to Top Flight data recorders likely found from 2 Marine Corps aircraft that crashed off Japan coast Two F/A-18D Hornets with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 approach a KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 during a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command aerial refueling exercise in an undisclosed location in Oct. 13, 2016. (Cpl. Trever Statz/Marine Corps via AP) Three distinct signals thought to be from the flight data recorders from a Marine Corps KC-130J and F/A-18D that crashed off the coast of Japan last month have been detected, the Marine Corps confirmed Sunday. Five crew from a KC-130J assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, or "Sumos" squadron, and the pilot of the two-person F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, or "Bats," were killed Dec. 6 in an accident over the Philippine Sea that has been described by Japanese defense officials as a midair collision. The investigation into what caused the crash is expected to take months, the Marine Corps previously said. The lone survivor in the tragic midair collision has since been released from the hospital and Corps officials have not released the Marine's name. The Navy dispatched a salvage team from Yokosuka Naval Base Dec. 17, and arrived at the scene Dec. 18 with a TPL-25 towed pinger locator. "On Dec. 19, signals were detected and by Dec. 21, the team was able to confirm three distinct pingers at a depth of approximately 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)" the Marine Corps said in a statement. "Two of the pingers are thought to mark the location of the KC-130, one of which is co-located with the KC-130s digital flight data recording device, and the third pinger is associated with the F/A-18." Five Marines on board a downed KC-130 are still missing. The Marine Corps said it could not definitely say the signals belong to the lost aircraft until they are salvaged. However, given the extreme depth of the location of the signals, salvage and recovery will have to be "weighed by an overall risk assessment encompassing weather, sea state, water depth, underwater current and seabed environment." The search for survivors was called off after a massive, multi-day operation with Japanese, U.S. and Australian forces was unable to find the missing Marines, despite combing nearly 35,000 square nautical miles of ocean. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/01/06/pingers-from-kc-130j- fa-18d-japan-crash-detected/ Back to Top PILOTS OF EMIRATES' A380 BATTLE TURBULENCE Emirates' A380 Pilots of an Emirates' A380 have battled turbulence to land at Birmingham Airport in the United Kindom. The video was taken by flugsug. You can see more of his work at the above link. Trial by turbulence - A380 thrown around but gets through He comments: "The only time I've seen the world's largest plane toyed-with by severe weather, and in particular windshear which caused other flights to abort the approach. "The Easyjet A320 simply didn't try again and diverted away. This was a day when the wind grew stronger as it moved towards crosswind direction, finally erupting as shown here. "The runway having been drenched minutes earlier, the avalanche of reverse thrust spray capped the Emirates giant's performance!" https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pilots-emirates-a380-battle-turbulence/ Back to Top Back to Top In an Astonishing Letter, Delta and United Airlines Pilots Just Told President Trump To Stop and Think Airline pilots are very worried about the government shutdown. Absurdly Driven looks at the world of business with a skeptical eye and a firmly rooted tongue in cheek. Our government is becoming a little like a restaurant near my house. Sometimes, you really need it, but you never know whether it's going to be open or not. The owners seem to use the restaurant's opening hours like a ransom, there to elevate your blood pressure and to make the proprietors feel important. Delta and United Airlines pilots -- and those of JetBlue and many other airlines -- have had enough. In a scorchingly fact-based letter to President Trump, the Air Line Pilots Association - - which represents 61,000 pilots -- used simple words. Its president, Captain Joe DePete wrote: I am writing to urge you to take the necessary steps to immediately end the shutdown of government agencies that is adversely affecting the safety, security and efficiency of our national airspace system. DePete explained that the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security operate as both regulators and service providers. Mechanical inspections, drone oversight and new enhanced communications systems are all threatened. Worse, air traffic controllers, airspace system maintenance personnel and air marshals are working unpaid. Moreover, CNN now reports that hundreds of TSA screeners are calling in sick. Could the fact that they're not being paid have an influence? This, too, says DePete, could jeopardize safety: The pressure these civil servants are facing at home should not be ignored. At some point, these dedicated federal employees will encounter personal financial damages that will take a long time from which to recover, if at all. By writing directly to the president -- and merely copying congressional leaders -- the pilots appear to be holding him responsible for the potential dangers flowing from the shutdown. It's a remarkably forthright approach, one that might make some uncomfortable, given that it has inevitable political overtones. By saying that only the president can and should take the necessary steps, the pilots seem to recognize that, whatever the merits (or demerits) of a wall, it isn't worth risking airline safety for what some believe is a symbol of power, rather than an effective security measure. The letter contains no words about the president's reasons for the shutdown. It contains no expressions of understanding that a wall is important. Instead, it feels like Please stop this nonsense now. I wonder how the president might react. Should he read the letter, that is. https://www.inc.com/chris-matyszczyk/delta-united-airlines-pilots-to-president-trump- cut-nonsense.html Back to Top Shocking: 5 Pakistan International Airlines Pilots Flew Without Licenses Simple Flying has learned that a number of pilots have been dismissed from Pakistan International Airlines for faking their academic achievements. PIA has a total of 498 pilots and 1,864 crew members. It is thought that up to 14 pilots and 73 members of cabin crew have faked degrees as part of their airline applications. So far a number of pilots have been sacked, while others have been fined for the activity which would be considered as gross misconduct in the UK. What is particularly alarming is that a number of pilots are not even qualified to drive a bus according to some sources. Pakistan International Airlines reportedly hired 5 pilots who weren't even qualified to drive a bus. Photo: Boeing Who Is PIA? Pakistan International Airlines are the flag carrier of Pakistan. With destinations in 20 countries, the airline's fleet stretches from the ATR-42, all the way up to the Boeing B777. According to Airfleets.net, the airline's total fleet stretches to 33 aircraft. While not flying to the United States of America, the airline flies to 3 destinations in the United Kingdom. These include Birmingham, London, and Manchester. Not Qualified To Drive A Bus According to multiple sources, Simple Flying has learned that 5 PIA pilots had not even completed matriculation. This means that these individuals had not even completed high school. As such, they were not even qualified to drive a bus, let alone fly an aircraft according to the India Times. Despite this, the AFP reported that only three pilots had been dismissed for holding fake high school degrees. However, it appears that since this statement, six more pilots have been dismissed. "The airline has dismissed from service its 50 staffers including three pilots for holding fake high school degrees." PIA Pilots The airline identified that 5 pilots had not even completed high school. The whole scandal has come to light following a lengthy court case in Pakistan. While the case started in the countries smaller courts, it made its way all the way to the Apex Court. The Express Tribune reports that the deputy attorney general said: "[the] national carrier has 498 pilots - out of whom 14 were found to be holding fake degrees while 73 out of 1,864 crew members were fake-degree holders. Disciplinary action has been taken against them". Why Is This Concerning This incident is concerning as it means that unqualified pilots have been flying under the PIA name. It is not known which routes these pilots were flying, however, it is entirely possible that they could have been operating to the UK. The problem has reportedly been caused by universities refusing to validate degrees when requested by PIA. This is something that in the UK and US could likely see a job offer rescinded. This is alarming as without high school degrees, the pilots were not qualified for their position. As a pilot is the highest authority onboard the aircraft, it is rather alarming that such a high proportion has been dishonest with their employer. One can only imagine the potential fall out had a serious incident occurred following actions of one of the pilots identified, especially if this information had come to light following such an incident. https://simpleflying.com/shocking-5-pakistan-international-airlines-pilots-flew-without- licenses/ Back to Top Indian pilots flying high: 57 caught drunk before takeoff at 'this' airport in four years Notably, according to Rule 24 of the Aircraft Rules, crew members are not allowed to consume alcohol 12 hours before the commencement of a flight. In the past four years, 171 pilots were caught drunk before taking off from airports in India and abroad. The alarming number of "high flying" pilots was revealed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Civil Aviation Ministry in response to an RTI query filed by India Today. The figures are staggering. 57 pilots were held at Delhi airport and 43 at Mumbai airport. Two pilots were found drunk at Dubai airport, one in 2016 and another in 2017, whereas one pilot failed the breath analyser test at Sharjah Airport in 2015. And more than 40 pilots have been failing the breath analyser test every year. Crew members have to take a compulsory breath analyser test before the departure of flight. It is a measure to determine the concentration of alcohol in their blood stream. Notably, according to Rule 24 of the Aircraft Rules, crew members are not allowed to consume alcohol 12 hours before the commencement of a flight. In response to India Today's RTI on what action has been taken against the drunk pilots, the DGCA said, "The privileges of pilot licence held by these pilots were suspended as per the proviso of the CAR Section-5, Series-F, Part-III". The DGCA rules states that when a member of the cabin crew fails the test for the first time, his or her licence is suspended for three months. For a second violation the licence is suspended for 3 years and the licence is permanently cancelled in case of a third violation. India Today also inquired about the names of the airlines that these pilots belonged to, but the DGCA refused to divulge any names. "The details of airlines cannot be provided, as the information is exempted from disclosure under Para 8 Sub Para (1) (d) and (e) of RTI Act 2005," DGCA said. However, Air India did divulge the details of its pilots who were caught drunk in response to another RTI filed by India Today. https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/aviation/57-indian-pilots-found-drunk-before- takeoff-at-delhi-airport-in-four-years/story/307420.html Back to Top Airline Automation Triggers Intensified Debate Over Safety Crash in Indonesia highlights concerns about whether pilots know how to react to computer errors Lion Air pilots during a routine practice session on a Boeing simulator at Angkasa Training Center near Jakarta, Indonesia, in early November. PHOTO: WILLY KURNIAWAN/REUTERS By Andy Pasztor and Robert Wall The fatal Lion Air crash has revved up debate about the biggest quandary in airline safety: how best to meld increasingly sophisticated computer controls, designed to prevent tragedies, with traditional piloting skills. Ever-more-powerful cockpit automation and ultrareliable jet engines have contributed to record-low accident rates in recent years. For example, in 2017, there were fewer than three major accidents per one million commercial flights globally, and not a single scheduled jet airliner went down. But the accident this past October involving Lion Air Flight 610, which killed 189 people in Indonesia, dramatically highlighted the hazards when automated flight-control features fail or misfire, and pilots aren't able to respond properly. The crash of the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane contributed to an erosion of the industry's safety record last year-though it was still the third safest in terms of total airliner crashes. It amplifies the pressure on airplane makers like Airbus SE and Boeing Co. to calibrate the right mix of computer automation and pilot control. Safety Benefit Increased cockpit automation has helped lower the commercial airline accident rate. Source: International Civil Aviation Organization "The industry must figure out new ways to effectively develop flying skills and enhance training so pilots can better respond to emergencies," said consultant William Voss, a former U.S. and international safety official who also served as president of the nonprofit Flight Safety Foundation. From takeoff to landing in virtually zero visibility, computers can operate the plane's key systems. Pilots are supposed to monitor them and prepare for anything unexpected, typically spending only a few minutes per trip manually flying the plane. During the 11-minute flight, the Lion Air pilots struggled to counteract a new stall- prevention system that repeatedly pushed down the plane's nose due to erroneous sensor signals likely stemming from a maintenance lapse. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which investigators believe wasn't actually in danger of stalling, plunged into the Java Sea. Following the accident, U.S. and European aviation regulators have been exchanging data about sensor failures leading to severe automation problems. Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Aviation Safety Agency, said information exchanged with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration focuses on how powerful automation systems should be able to cope with inaccurate sensor signals. "We have very automated machines," he said. "But if something goes wrong, how do you allow the pilot to take over?" Aircraft designers and training experts are considering how to ensure that future generations of pilots-steeped in touch-screen technology featuring supposedly infallible software-retain essential hand-flying and decision-making skills historically prized by the industry. Adding to that challenge, Boeing estimates a global need for more than 750,000 new commercial pilots over the next two decades with substantially fewer hires coming from the military than before, resulting in generally lower experience levels. Industry experts say enhanced cockpit automation is essential to produce aircraft geared toward even those pilots with only rudimentary skills, sometimes described as "least-common-denominator" crews. Above all, they say today's jetliners and training programs are supposed to ensure all pilots, regardless of background, adhere to common safety practices. However, some experts see this drive toward predictability producing highly scripted pilot training that doesn't prepare aviators for rare dangers that can be bewildering. Because planes effectively fly themselves for long periods, pilots can become lulled into losing awareness of system functions. But when displays show a torrent of fault messages accompanied by a cacophony of warning sounds, crews can become overwhelmed trying to simultaneously control the plane and manage the automation that is supposed to be in charge, said Mike Doiron, president of the consulting firm Cirrus Aviation Safety Services. AUTOMATION IN RECENT CRASHES While increased cockpit automation has contributed to record-low accident rates in recent years, some of the highest-profile airliner crashes have been prompted, in part, by pilots who didn't fully understand the complexities and interplay of automated safeguards. U.S. government and industry experts have concluded, after studying years of airliner accidents involving pilot errors, that roughly two-thirds occurred after automated systems clicked off or operated in an unforeseen fashion. Excessive reliance on computers can make pilots complacent, according to safety experts, and in response to the distress, it can take crews too long to troubleshoot and choose the most effective response to emergencies they haven't experienced in ground simulators. In 2009, an Air France Airbus SE A330 wide-body crashed into the Atlantic Ocean en route to Paris from Rio de Janeiro, killing all 228 people aboard. Investigators determined sudden icing of a flight-control sensor-considered a temporary problem with a typically simple resolution-prompted cockpit confusion. The result was a series of mistakes by pilots unaccustomed to manually controlling the jet, particularly at cruise altitude. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines-operated Boeing 777 crash-landed at San Francisco International Airport partly because of the crew's lack of awareness about precisely how autothrottle and autopilot systems functioned. In September 2007, pilots of a Boeing 737 climbing away from a botched landing attempt at Bournemouth Airport in the U.K. couldn't keep the plane's nose from pitching up to a dangerously high angle. British investigators, who didn't identify the airline, said the crew failed to realize the autothrottle had disengaged during the approach, and the passenger jet's nose ended up 44 degrees above level flight before pilots regained control and touched down without injuries. Roots of this automation dilemma stretch back nearly three decades, to when European plane maker Airbus first devised so-called fly-by-wire automated protections to prevent accidents. No matter what commands pilots give, under normal circumstances, computers on board won't let them turn a plane too sharply or raise the nose to a dangerously high angle. Since then, Airbus has embraced more computer-driven safeguards, from automated midair collision-avoidance maneuvers to digital helpers alerting landing pilots about inadequate stopping distance. Boeing, in contrast, has focused more on giving crews ultimate power to override almost any automated protections without disabling underlying systems. Regarding automation on 737 MAX models, Boeing has said it relied on its usual process to include all the information pilots need to safely operate the jets. After the crash, Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg has said the planes don't represent any change to the company's design philosophy. But in recent years, the two rivals have moved closer to each other with regard to cockpit automation. Airbus, for example, has devised training programs for its A350 long-range models calling for pilots to get accustomed to the manual feel of the plane's controls in initial simulator sessions, before activating normal automated systems. Senior Airbus safety officials, who years ago argued it was their duty to install the most automation feasible on every new model, now say they spend more time worrying about potential unintended consequences of such decisions. Boeing, for its part, has devised a host of advanced automated systems to take over if pilots or equipment err. If an engine fails on one of the company's 777 jetliners at the moment of takeoff-generally considered the riskiest part of any plane trip-computers are designed to handle everything. They can adjust thrust on the remaining engine, move the rudder and initiate a smooth climb away from danger without any human input. In the future, Boeing may embrace certain semiautonomous operations and artificial intelligence to prevent accidents. But Greg Hyslop, the company's chief technical officer, pointedly asked at an aviation conference earlier this year in Seattle: "How do I certify that as safe?" Airlines in the U.S., Europe and other mature aviation markets have urged pilots to spend more time manually flying aircraft as a way to prevent overreliance on automation. The aim is to enable crews to react more quickly and confidently when startled. But such recommendations aren't realistic for many fast-growing carriers in Asia and elsewhere scrambling to find enough fresh hires to fill crew rosters. "These pilots may lack the confidence to manually fly the aircraft," said Cirrus Aviation's Mr. Doiron. Annemarie Landman, who has conducted research on pilot reaction for the Dutch research institute TNO, sees the growing complexity of automation itself as a huge hurdle. "When something goes wrong," she said, "things get very confusing." https://www.wsj.com/articles/man-vs-machine-at-40-000-feet-11546776000 Back to Top London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports have purchased their own anti-drone systems The systems are comparable to what the British Army brought to Gatwick in December At the end of December, Gatwick Airport, the second largest airport in the UK was shut down after a drone was reportedly sighted flying nearby. Flights resumed at the airport three days later, after the British Army reportedly brought in an Israeli-built drone defense system. To protect themselves from future incidents, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports have invested in their own anti-drone systems. Heathrow and Gatwick confirmed that they've spent millions to acquire and install their own "military-grade anti-drone apparatus," while Scotland's Edinburgh Airport has also indicated that it's taking its own precautions with foot patrols and expand some no-fly zones surrounding the facility. While two people were arrested after the incident in December, they were quickly released, and authorities have yet to make further arrests. Neither airport indicated what technology they've fielded, but they've indicated that they will provide a "similar level of protection" as what the Army brought with it in December. That system was reportedly manufactured by Israeli defense contractor Rafael, which allows operators to jam a drone's radio signals and allow it to land safely. According to the BBC, the British military has since removed its equipment from Gatwick. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the threat that consumer drones pose to the country's infrastructure - mere sightings of a drone (which weren't photographed, and which authorities say might not have existed) was enough to shut down a major transportation hub for several days. https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/5/18169215/london-heathrow-gatwick-airports- anti-drone-defense-systems Back to Top Uganda revises aviation law Civil Aviation Authority Headquarters Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda has revised its aviation regulations, giving more powers to regulator Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. Under the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill 2017 that was recently passed by parliament, the CAA now has oversight over all public and private aerodromes as well as civil aviation training schools in the country, according to online publication256businessnews.com The Bill also proposes the establishment of an accident investigation unit within the transport ministry that is independent of the CAA. Once it becomes law after presidential assent, all aircraft operating within Uganda's airspace whether they are registered in the country or not as well as private aerodromes and their service providers will be subject to regulation by the CAA. Legislators say the Bill will harmonies Uganda's aviation laws with international ICAO conventions and expand the scope of the CAA's oversight role. This development follows a 2014 ICAO audit that found gaps in Uganda's regulatory framework stating that it could potentially compromise security and safety of civil aviation operations at all levels. The ICAO audit covered the country's Uganda's legislation, operations, and accident investigation, security, licensing and airworthiness inspection capacities. The Bill also gives the regulator unlimited powers to access and to inspect all aircraft and to issue on spot penalties to fenders. https://www.independent.co.ug/uganda-revises-aviation-law/ Back to Top Tony Broderick, Former Top Safety Regulator, Dies at 75 Anthony "Tony" Broderick, 75, once the top safety regulator in the U.S whose policies helped advance aviation safety globally, died December 30 in Bealton, Virginia. Broderick spent two decades with the FAA, culminating in his position as the associate administrator for regulation and certification (AVR). He managed a staff of 4,600 employees and a budget of $400 million at the agency. During his time, he made a mark for his straight-forward, no-nonsense approach to regulation, willing to stand up to even the sharpest of scrutiny on Capitol Hill. Calling him a "highly respected aviation expert known for his honesty," former senior FAA officials Joe Del Balzo and Sandy Murdock, wrote in their JDA Journal blog, "There are few individuals whose career in aviation substantially improved safety. Tony is one, if not a unique, contributor to the health of our industry." NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, commenting on the JDA blog, cited Broderick's "total commitment to mission-thorough, thoughtful, and tough." Broderick helped spearhead numerous initiatives such as the development of international audit standards for civil aviation agencies and standards for safe operation of twin-engine airliners over oceans and the polar regions. He also is credited as the first in the FAA to recognize the potential of GPS to support Cat III operations and steered the implementation of numerous voluntary compliance programs and safety initiatives such as FOQA, ASAP, and AQP, according to the JDA executives. Born in New York in 1943, Broderick graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. Following graduation, he spent seven years developing optical systems for the private sector. He joined the public sector in 1971, taking a position with the Department of Transportation's Volpe Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There, Broderick developed expertise in numerous areas, including ozone reduction, which led to his move to the FAA's Office of Environment and Energy High Altitude Pollution Program in 1976. Two years later, Broderick joined the AVR organization, ultimately leading it until he retired from the agency in 1996 in the aftermath of the ValuJet crash. He subsequently became an advisor to several key aviation companies, including Airbus, Atlas Air, and FedEx, and retired altogether in 2014. He is survived by wife Sylvia, children Sean and Pia, grandchildren Isabelle and Magdalena. His son Sean followed Broderick into the aviation business, holding association positions and as a long-time aviation writer with Aviation Week, as well as a former contributor to AIN. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-01-04/tony- broderick-former-top-safety-regulator-dies-75 Back to Top China Launches Pilot Recruitment Drive In case there were any doubts that the pilot shortage is real, the South China Morning Post is reporting that China's People's Liberation Army has joined the rest of the aviation world and launched a pilot recruitment drive. The army has created a flashy promotional video aimed at 17- to 20-year-olds and 2019 high school graduates and focuses on its sexiest aircraft, the J-20 stealth fighter. Only a few of the selected candidates will get to fly the fifth-generation fighter but like armed forces all over the world, the PLA needs pilots for its whole fleet and, like its allies and adversaries, it's offering incentives to fill its cockpits. The recruitment effort covers 31 of the country's 33 provinces and those who qualify will get full ride university educations while they train as pilots. Last year China took in 1,480 new pilot recruits, its largest new class ever, and it needs more. It's cashing in on the economic boom it's enjoyed for the past 20 years and developing potent new aircraft in all roles, adding hundreds of airframes every year. It's particularly interested in countering the perceived threat from U.S. F-22s and F-35s, which are expected to number about 500 in total in the region by 2025. https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/China-Launches-Pilot-Recruitment-Drive- 232085-1.html 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-EXPOŽ, 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-EXPOŽ * 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