Flight Safety Information January 10, 2019 - No. 008 In This Issue Incident: Scoot B788 near Singapore on Jan 8th 2019, weather radar fault Incident: Silk A320 at Chiang Mai on Jan 8th 2019, cracked windshield Incident: Sunwing B738 at Punta Cana on Jan 2nd 2019, TCAS RA on final approach Incident: Jazz CRJ2 at Montreal on Jan 1st 2019, runway excursion on landing Dassault Mirage 2000D - Fatal Accident (France) LIBIK Fire Suppression Kits for the Cabin and Flight Deck JAL captain had proxy pilot take breath alcohol test for him Chinese airline Donghai suspends and fines pilot for allowing wife in cockpit Pilot grounded, flights delayed as he turns up drunk at work Jet that crashed off Oahu's southern shore in December recovered Trump sanctions blamed for Norwegian Boeing jet stranded in Iran after emergency landing DJI welcomes release of modernized Canadian drone rules Stratolaunch gets world's biggest airplane ready for takeoff with 136 mph taxi test Norwegian first LCC to launch free intercontinental wi-fi Plane-Power Announces the Re-Introduction of Factory New Six-Phase Aircraft Alternators Historic Experimental Aircraft Coming To Falcon Field 125 retired pilots, other rated officers apply to return to Air Force to lend a hand Delta orders 15 more Airbus A220 jets, upgrades to larger version LET US BE YOUR SMS MANAGER ! Develop your skills at Cranfield University All Past and Present IS-BAO Registered Operators requested to rate IS-BAO Performance High Altitude Flying Course Position Available: Deputy Director of Safety Incident: Scoot B788 near Singapore on Jan 8th 2019, weather radar fault A Scoot Boeing 787-8, registration 9V-OFD performing flight TR-24 from Singapore (Singapore) to Melbourne,VI (Australia) with 268 people on board, was enroute at FL340 about 120nm southeast of Singapore when the crew decided to return to Singapore due to a problem with the weather radar. The aircraft landed safely back in Singapore about 40 minutes later. Following repairs the aircraft departed again and reached Melbourne with a delay of about 7 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4c2a903b&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Silk A320 at Chiang Mai on Jan 8th 2019, cracked windshield A Silkair Airbus A320-200, registration 9V-SLL performing flight MI-701 from Chiang Mai (Thailand) to Singapore (Singapore) with 146 people on board, was climbing out of Chiang Mai when the crew stopped the climb at FL180 due to a crack in the windshield. The aircraft landed safely back in Chiang Mai about 45 minutes after departure. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration 9V-MGB reached Singapore with a delay of 11 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4c2a8edb&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Sunwing B738 at Punta Cana on Jan 2nd 2019, TCAS RA on final approach A Sunwing Boeing 737-800, registration C-FYJD performing flight WG-326 from Regina,SK (Canada) to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) with 187 passengers and 6 crew, was on final approach to Punta Cana's runway 08 descending through 2500 feet when the crew received a TCAS resolution advisory to level off immediately followed by a TCAS resolution advisory to climb. The crew complied with the resolution advisory, went around, positioned for another approach and landed safely on second approach. The Canadian TSB reported a helicopter was climbing towards WG-326 out of Punta Cana approximately on runway track. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/SWG326/history/20190102/1300Z/CYQR/MDPC http://avherald.com/h?article=4c2a8d80&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Jazz CRJ2 at Montreal on Jan 1st 2019, runway excursion on landing A Jazz Canadair CRJ-200, registration C-GUJA performing flight QK-8512 from Charlottetown,PE to Montreal,QC (Canada) with 49 passengers and 3 crew, landed on Montreal's runway 06L and was instructed to vacate the runway via taxiway B1. The crew however proceeded to taxiway E, which was closed, and upon recognizing the error attempted to apply brakes and steer back onto the runway, the aircraft however skidded off the paved surface and became disabled within the protected area of the runway. The Canadian TSB reported the crew received and acknowledged the instruction to vacate via B1 correctly, however proceeded to E and turned into E. When the crew recognized their error, they applied brakes with the intention to steer the aircraft back onto the runway, however, due to a layer of ice on taxiway E within the protected area of the runway the aircraft was unable to slow and turn and ended up on the grass. Related NOTAMs: B6494/18 NOTAMR B4639/18 Q) CZUL/QMXLC/IV/M /A /000/999/4528N07344W005 A) CYUL B) 1812191325 C) 1903151600 E) TWY E CLSD BTN RWY 06L/24R AND TWY B B0006/19 NOTAMN Q) CZUL/QMRLC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/4528N07344W005 A) CYUL B) 1901011125 C) 1901011300 E) RWY 06L/24R CLSD http://avherald.com/h?article=4c2a8930&opt=0 Back to Top Dassault Mirage 2000D - Fatal Accident (France) Date: 09-JAN-2019 Time: 11:00 LT Type: Dassault Mirage 2000D Owner/operator: French Air Force Registration: C/n / msn: Fatalities: Fatalities: / Occupants: 2 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: Bonneveaux-Mignovillard-Frasne area (Jura) - France Phase: En route Nature: Military Departure airport: Nancy-Ochey Air Base 133 Destination airport: Nancy-Ochey Air Base 133 Narrative: The french Mirage was proceeding to a routine training exercice at low altitude with instruments, not armed. The jet fighter was missing. Search operations were conducted. Debris of the jet plane was spotted. According to the local firefighters, the debris of the plane covers the ground on several hundred square meters at the crash site. But still no trace of the two occupants. the National Gendarmerie has deployed more than a hundred soldiers on site. None of the beacons have been heard at the time or since the crash despite the deployment of radio amateurs and specialized services: neither the seats, nor the individual survival radios of the pilot and the navigator seem to have been triggered. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=220653 Back to Top Back to Top JAL captain had proxy pilot take breath alcohol test for him A Japan Airlines Co. captain had another pilot take the mandatory breathalyzer test for him before an overseas flight because he feared his heavy drinking the night before would be found out. The misdeed surfaced after the second pilot reported the false test to company officials upon the return of the Narita-to-Chicago flight, which departed Narita Airport on Dec. 2, 2017, the company said on Jan. 9. JAL took disciplinary action against both pilots in February last year, but failed to disclose the matter to the public and didn't report it to the government at that time. JAL said the 59-year-old captain tested himself with a spare breathalyzer at around 8:50 a.m., about two hours before the flight. The device detected 0.09 milligram of alcohol per 1 liter of breath, which is nearly the 0.10 milligram limit set by the airline. The captain, seized with anxiety, begged the 53-year-old pilot, who would share the flying duties with him, to take the pre-flight breathalyzer test for him, according to JAL. JAL prohibits its cabin crew members from drinking alcohol for 12 hours before boarding and until the end of a flight. The pilot in question told the company that he consumed three 350-milliliter cans of shochu-based "chuhai" up to about 14 hours before the flight. The latest report comes amid a flurry of alcohol-related incidents involving pilots of Japanese airlines, following the firing of a JAL co-pilot who was arrested in England in October for being drunk before an international flight. The transport ministry has set new guidelines that will take effect by the end of March, which will prohibit pilots of domestic airlines from flying with even a trace of alcohol in their systems. http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901100047.html Back to Top Chinese airline Donghai suspends and fines pilot for allowing wife in cockpit * Shenzhen-based carrier says it will improve safety measures after employee 'violated operating procedures and regulations' on two flights on July 28 * Pilot has been suspended for six months, fined US$1,750 and told to pay for his wife's journey. His co-pilots were also suspended and fined, along with a flight safety officer Chinese carrier Donghai Airlines on Wednesday said it had suspended and fined a pilot for allowing his wife to go inside the cockpit. In a statement, the Shenzhen-based airline said it would improve safety measures to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future. The company said a pilot surnamed Chen had let his wife, who was not named, into the cockpit on two flights on July 28. The first flight was from Nantong, Jiangsu province to Lanzhou, Gansu, with a layover in Zhengzhou, Henan. The second flight was from Lanzhou to Beijing. The pilot had bought a ticket for his wife from Nantong to Zhengzhou, but then allowed her to stay on the plane all the way to Beijing. The airline did not say at what stage the woman was in the cockpit or how long she had spent there. "He violated operating procedures and air safety regulations," said the statement, which was posted on the airline's account on microblogging site Weibo. "Chen abused his rights as a pilot, overlooked the rules and the bottom line, and acted against the advice of others." The pilot has been suspended for six months and his qualifications as a flying instructor with the company have been revoked. He was also fined 12,000 yuan (US$1,750) and ordered to pay for his wife's journey from Zhengzhou to Lanzhou and then to Beijing. His co-pilots, surnamed Wang and Zhao, were also suspended for 15 days and fined 6,000 yuan each. The flight safety officer, surnamed Sun, was fined 500 yuan. The company revealed the safety breach after China's aviation regulator told media in December that Chinese airlines had "operated safely" for 98 consecutive months, or 66.4 million hours, as of October. Similar incidents have come to light in the past. After the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 in 2014, South African woman Jonti Roos told the Daily Mail that she and a friend had been entertained in the cockpit by missing co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid and his colleague during a flight from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur in 2011. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2181419/chinese-airline-donghai- suspends-and-fines-pilot-allowing-wife Back to Top Pilot grounded, flights delayed as he turns up drunk at work The test showed the pilot had consumed higher-than-permissible levels of alcohol. Five flights were cancelled last week after a pilot of All Nippon Airways (ANA) Co. scheduled to fly from Osaka to Miyazaki failed a mandatory breathalyzer test, causing major chaos. The airline said on Tuesday that one of its pilots consumed alcohol before flight duties despite the 12-hour ban and also asked a co-pilot to lie about it. According to reports in The Japan Times, the two pilots were scheduled to fly at 7:10 am on Thursday last week, but one pilot drank beer and other alcoholic beverages at an Osaka restaurant until around 9:30 pm the day before, stated the airline. The co-pilot stopped drinking around 7:00 pm but stayed at the restaurant with the pilot, according to ANA. However, the two pilots initially said during the airline's probe that they only drank until around 7:00 pm the day before. But the test showed the pilot had higher-than-permissible level of alcohol and had to be replaced. This caused delays to five flights and affected a total of 677 passengers. The country's Transport and Tourism Minister Keiichi Ishii last year announced a crackdown on flight and cabin crews drinking on the job. It move came after a Japan Airlines pilot was arrested after his test result findings showed he was nearly 10 times the legal limit prior to take off at London Heathrow Airport. Ishii said at the time during a press conference: "We will use all possible means to ensure flight safety," reported Express.co.uk. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/pilot-grounded-flights-delayed-as-he- turns-up-drunk-at-work Back to Top Jet that crashed off Oahu's southern shore in December recovered The jet was floated to the surface where investigators will continue to examine the wreckage. (U.S. Coast Guard) HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The remnants of a Hawker Hunter jet that crashed off Oahu's south shore in December has been recovered, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Coast Guard officials oversaw the recovery by a local salvage company which ended in the successful removal of the jet's fuselage Tuesday. A salvage company worked to carefully float the jet to the surface before bringing it to shore. "Using a blend of local salvage assets, remote engineering guidance, and advanced sensing technology sourced from the mainland, the locally based salvage company Parker Marine Corporation has completed the next stage of the aircraft salvage," Chief Warrant Officer Russ Strathern, a marine safety specialist, and response officer at Sector Honolulu said. "The main section of the fuselage containing residual oil and potentially hazardous substances has been salvaged and transported to a staging location for the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board led investigation," Strathern added. Officials said that there were no major negative impacts to the environment and there is no longer reason for concern. The jet crashed on Dec. 12. The pilot was participating in Sentry Aloha military exercises when, for an unknown reason, his plane began to take a dive and he was forced to eject. The pilot, 47-year-old Matt Pothier, was hospitalized and underwent back surgery as a result of the violent ejection. In the days following, he was in good spirits when he spoke to the media to detail the incident. [ 'I remember everything': Fighter pilot details moments before jet's crash off Honolulu ] The plane sat submerged underwater for nearly a month. In early January, officials conducted exhaustive searches and eventually located the fuselage in 260-feet of water. Once plans for recovery were set, the salvage company lassoed the tail of the aircraft wreckage with line and slowly raised it to the surface. It was later brought to shore for closer examination. "I'm pleased to note that there were no reported injuries after the initial accident or impacts to wildlife, these are great measures of success, and indicative of the hard work of the involved parties," Syrathern added. The NTSB-led investigation is ongoing. http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/01/10/jet-that-crashed-off-oahus-southern- shore-december-recovered/ Back to Top Trump sanctions blamed for Norwegian Boeing jet stranded in Iran after emergency landing The Boeing 737 MAX jet is brand new and had been delivered to Norwegian in October (Image: Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) A NORWEGIAN jet has been stranded in Iran for more than three weeks after it was forced to make an emergency landing - mechanics say the parts needed to fix it are prohibited under President Donald Trump's sanctions on the Middle Eastern nation. Pilots were forced to make an emergency landing on December 14 due to low oil pressure in one of its engines and a crew of engineers and maintenance personnel sent by Norwegian said they need vital parts to get the Boeing 737 MAX airborne again. But the aircraft, which came into difficulty on a flight from Dubai to Oslo, has been grounded on the tarmac in Shiraz Airport for nearly a month and showing no signs of moving anytime soon. Iranian mechanics are blaming Mr Trump's reimposed sanctions for the delay in bringing the parts into the isolated country, as all sales in aircrafts including parts and services are banned, according to the National. All 192 passengers and crew members on Flight DY1933 disembarked the aircraft after arriving in the southwestern city and women were told to cover their heads, a requirement under Iranian law. The group was whisked away to a nearby hotel where they spent the night before returning to Oslo the following day on another Norwegian jet which had been sent in especially. The budget airline does not have any presence in Iran and those on board did not have entry rights to the country. There had been some concern that passengers would encounter difficulty entering the US because since 2015 anyone who has visited an 'at risk' country, which includes Iran, is excluded from the US visa waiver scheme. A source told the National that passengers did not receive stamps on their passports after landing in Shiraz Shadid Dastgheib International Airport. One passenger told the magazine that the unscheduled landing which came an hour into their flight was due to low oil pressure in one of the turbines. He said: "Emotions were high at the hotel when the promised evening flight didn't materialise and we were told we would spend the night in Iran. "Many argued that we should have been put on a quick flight back to Dubai, rather than kept in Iran overnight." On November 5 Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran, targeting the country's oil sales and several key industries such as shipping, banking and insurance. The sanctions had been waived under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement which Mr Trump branded the "worst deal ever" during his run for president. A spokesperson for Norwegian Air Shuttle said: "I can only say that we are working with several options to get the plane back on the wings, and right not we are waiting for our technicians to be able to service the place and to get it working." https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1069775/norwegian-airlines-jet-stranded-iran- emergency-landing-trump-sanctions Back to Top DJI welcomes release of modernized Canadian drone rules DJI welcomes new drone rules "The regulatory framework published strikes a sensible balance between protecting public safety and bringing the benefits of drone technology to Canadian businesses and the public at large," said Brendan Schulman, Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs at DJI. "The vast majority of drone pilots fly safely and responsibly, and governments, aviation authorities and drone manufacturers agree we need to work together to ensure that all drone pilots know basic safety rules." DJI is pleased that thousands of people submitted comments to Transport Canada to help them understand how drones are being used safely and productively already, and how to integrate them safely into the airspace without unduly burdening their ability to fly. These comments were clearly heard, as the final regulations are much improved from the draft rules. "Several aspects of Canada's new regulations are particularly innovative," added Schulman, "including an easily accessible online test, rules that will allow for night operations, and a framework that will keep drones away from major airports while not simply outlawing operations anywhere near populated areas." A key component of these new rules is the Safety Assured Flight Envelope system, through which manufacturers will declare that their drones are suitable for use in advanced operations, such as over people or in controlled airspace. DJI will be examining the details of the SAFE system with the goal of participating in it, to continue to provide leading products for our commercial and enterprise customers in Canada. DJI supports rules that make it easy for pilots to register with the authorities, as well as educational initiatives to ensure pilots understand how to fly drones safely. DJI strongly condemns unsafe and illegal drone operations, and believes registration schemes, online knowledge tests to educate drone pilots, and reasonable restrictions on where drones can fly are the best tools to ensure drones maintain their admirable safety record. DJI has led the industry in developing technology to help enhance the safety of drone operations: In 2013, DJI pioneered geofencing systems for its drones, using GPS position to warn or restrict drone pilots from entering locations which pose national security or aviation safety concerns. In 2016, DJI upgraded its geofencing programming to include the capability for live updates of temporary flight restrictions and other changing hazardous conditions such as wildfires, while also adding flexibility for drone pilots with authority to operate in those locations. DJI built automatic altitude limitations into its flight control apps to help pilots ensure they fly at safe altitudes. DJI developed sense-and-avoid systems for recent drone models, which use sensors to identify obstacles and either stop short of them or navigate around them. DJI created return-to-home systems which automatically guide a drone back to its takeoff point if it is low on battery or loses radio connection to its pilot. DJI invented intelligent systems to monitor available battery life and temperature in real time, maintain battery health and warn of potential battery malfunctions before flight. DJI has helped support scientific research into the risk posed by drones, such as this study, to ensure regulations are based on the best available evidence to achieve their safety goals. DJI will continue to provide materials to governments and aviation authorities for testing, technical expertise or other necessary assistance https://dronedj.com/2019/01/09/dji-welcomes-release-of-modernized-canadian-drone- rules/ Back to Top Stratolaunch gets world's biggest airplane ready for takeoff with 136 mph taxi test Stratolaunch taxi test A photo taken during a high-speed taxi test shows the nose gear on Stratolaunch's twin- fuselage airplane rising from the runway at California's Mojave Air and Space Port. (Stratolaunch Photo) Stratolaunch, the aerospace venture created by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, says its twin-fuselage, six-engine aircraft raced as fast as 136 mph down the runway at California's Mojave Air and Space Port today during its latest taxi test. That's almost takeoff speed for the world's largest airplane, which is designed to serve as a flying launch platform for orbital-class rockets. One of the pictures released in the wake of today's test run shows the plane's nose gear rising from the runway, and Stratolaunch used the hashtag #wheelie in its celebratory tweet. It's been said that one of the challenges during these high-speed tests is to keep the 385-foot-wide plane on the ground. Today's progress report suggests that Stratolaunch is closing in on the plane's first flight - more than seven years after Allen founded the company, and three months after the billionaire's death due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 65. Last April, Stratolaunch executives said they were hoping to hit the "first flight" milestone by the summer of 2018, but on-the-ground testing has taken longer than projected. The Stratolaunch/Scaled team has been moving, step by step, through a series of increasing speedy runway run-throughs to test the plane's performance. Stratolaunch expects the plane to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration after 18 to 24 months of flight tests. Then the plane would get ready to begin its role as a launch platform - probably sometime in the 2020-2021 time frame, if the schedule follows the company's expectations. The flight profile calls for carrying up to 550,000 pounds' worth of rockets and payloads beneath the center of the plane's wings, between the two fuselages. When the plane reaches an altitude in the neighborhood of 35,000 feet, the rockets would be dropped from the mothership, fire up their engines and press onward to orbit. Such a system would allow for a launch into any orbital inclination, from anyplace within range of a suitable runway. It's a super-sized version of the air-launch concept used for the SpaceShipOne rocket plane project that Allen bankrolled 15 years ago, as well as for Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo and Virgin Orbit"s LauncherOne systems. Paul Allen's new project: 'Stratolaunch' mega plane Eventually, the plane could accommodate up to three rockets for separate launches during a single sortie. But for the first launches, the plane will carry only one 50,000- pound Orbital ATK Pegasus XL rocket. That's meant to simplify the process for getting clearance for the initial launches, because the Pegasus is already being air-launched in this way from Orbital ATK's modified Lockheed L-1011 carrier plane. Stratolaunch says it hasn't yet signed up customers, but it intends to put commercial payloads on its first launches - perhaps at a discounted rate. Looking further ahead, the company is developing a whole family of launch vehicles to be carried on the plane, ranging from a Medium Launch Vehicle to a crew-capable space plane that's been code-named Black Ice. To power those vehicles, Stratolaunch is developing a new breed of hydrogen-fueled rocket engine called the PGA (in honor of Paul G. Allen). The Medium Launch Vehicle could be ready to fly by as early as 2022, Stratolaunch says. The company is also developing hypersonic test planes that would use a PGA rocket engine as well as an air-breathing propulsion system. Stratolaunch hasn't provided specifics about its potential customers, but the likeliest suspects include satellite operators and the U.S. military. https://www.geekwire.com/2019/stratolaunch-gets-worlds-biggest-airplane-ready- takeoff-136-mph-taxi-test/ Back to Top Norwegian first LCC to launch free intercontinental wi-fi 0 Norwegian is introducing free-to-use inflight wi-fi connectivity on its long-haul fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aircraft flying between Europe, USA, South America and Asia. The service begins with the airline's newest long-haul aircraft, a Dreamliner (reg: G-CKWP) featuring American author Mark Twain on the tailfin, which was delivered on December 18, 2018, fitted with the wireless CabinConnect inflight connectivity platform from Collins Aerospace. Passengers will have secure access to the internet content through CabinConnect including IFE content, moving map and voice and messaging services through their personal electronic devices. CabinConnect uses the Inmarsat Global Aviation (GX) satellite network, accessed via an antenna fitted to the aircraft fuselage. Norwegian has a solid history with connectivity, in 2011 becoming the first carrier to offer free wi-fi on all European routes, and in 2015 the first European airline to successfully offer live television in the skies. According to the airline, more than 50% of Norwegian's 787-9 Dreamliner fleet is expected to offer in-flight connectivity by 2020. The rollout of wi-fi on the airline's Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will commence from mid- January 2019. In 2019, Norwegian will take delivery of five new Dreamliners and 19 B737 MAX aircraft. Norwegian currently operates 24 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of its overall Dreamliner fleet of 32 aircraft. Norwegian economy and premium customers on the Dreamliner and 737 MAX will have the choice of two inflight wi-fi packages. The Basic option is free and will allow customers to browse the web, social media, emails and instant messagesby using their personal mobile phones, tablets and laptops on board for the full length of the flight. For passengers needing a little more power, the Premium option is fast enough to stream music, movies and television shows on Netflix, YouTube and Hulu among others. The Premium high-speed option will be available at an introductory price of US$14.95 / €12.95 for a three-hour package. Customers can select their preferred currency when choosing their wi-fi package. VP of business development at Norwegian, Boris Bubresko stated, "We're delighted to be the first airline offering free wi-fi for the full duration of long-haul flights. Millions of Norwegian customers have already enjoyed free wi-fi over the skies of Europe and now long-haul passengers can continue to rely on free and high-speed internet connectivity that will enhance and personalize their journeys... Norwegian's rollout of high-quality inflight broadband services will offer business and leisure travelers even greater value at affordable fares." LeAnn Ridgeway, VP of information management services at Collins Aerospace added, "We are collaborating with Norwegian to achieve their vision of optimizing their aircraft and enterprise operations to address both cabin and flight deck requirements, as well as adding new capabilities for the future." https://www.aircraftinteriorsinternational.com/news/inflight-connectivity/norwegian- first-lcc-to-launch-free-intercontinental-wi-fi.html Back to Top Plane-Power Announces the Re-Introduction of Factory New Six-Phase Aircraft Alternators Plane-Power FAA-PMA certified six-phase alternator Montgomery, AL (January 8, 2019) - Keith Bagley, president of Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET), makers of the Plane-Power brand of alternators, announced today that the company has re-introduced factory new versions of its models C28-150, C14- 100 and ALT-FLX series of FAA-PMA certified, six-phase, belt- and gear-driven alternators. "We are very happy to announce that we are now able to offer six-phase alternators manufactured from 100-percent factory new parts," Bagley said. "The new family of six- phase alternators will replace the factory-rebuilt versions we had been selling." "We're happy that we now have a supply chain in place to consistently provide new assemblies to our customers so they can take advantage of all the benefits of six-phase alternator technology including greater efficiency, very high output at idle and cooler operating temperatures," he said. "The result are much more durable and reliable alternators than standard three-phase units." "In addition, because these alternators are produced using new discrete components we can offer aircraft manufacturers and modifiers the flexibility of producing customized belt- and gear-driven alternator mounts to meet their specific installation needs," Bagley said. "That will enable them to provide their customers alternators that will more consistently meet the electrical needs of demanding applications, particularly those with electric air conditioning." With regards to pricing on the new six-phase alternators, Bagley said that thanks to manufacturing and purchasing efficiencies, the new alternators will carry pricing that is similar to the previous factory rebuilt versions. Furthermore, Plane-Power will now offer a factory new loyalty exchange program for existing customers of six-phase models. Exchange units will be offered with a core credit equal to 30 percent of the list price of a new replacement alternator. For a complete list of the new Plane-Power six-phase, belt- and gear-driven alternators, please visit: www.PlanePower.aero https://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12440072/plane-power-announces-the- re-introduction-of-factory-new-six-phase-aircraft-alternators Back to Top Historic Experimental Aircraft Coming To Falcon Field The Liberty Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-B is making its Falcon Field debut in late January, thanks to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 50. The aircraft will arrive at Falcon Field on Monday, January 21. Rides and visits will be available to the public 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, January 24, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, January 25, to Sunday, January 27. The rides are 15 minutes and cost between $50 and $70. A secure flight-reservation system and complete information are available through EAA's Tri-Motor tour website at flytheford.org or by calling 1-877-952-5395. The visit is sponsored by EAA corporate in Wisconsin, the local EAA Chapter 228 and Warbird Squadron at Falcon Field. Admission is free, but there is a charge to ride in the aircraft. EAA Chapter 228 President Trent Heidtke said the event's goal is twofold: to expose kids to aviation and to raise funds for the organization's programs. "It is, in a lot of senses, exposing people to aviation, but at the root of it is fundraising," he said. "The rides pay for the gas for the airplane and pay for additional programs for kids throughout the year. We have an aviation camp that goes on throughout the year. "However, if we don't start training for the left seat of a commercial plane, that's going to be a problem down the line." Heidtke describes an experimental aircraft as one built by an individual or group for the sole purpose of flying it themselves. "The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has a very heavy hand in making sure the airplane is built or manufactured to a specific criterial before it's signed off to take to the skies." The 1928 Ford Tri-Motor, nicknamed the "Tin Goose," underwent a 12-year restoration beginning in the 1970s. Philip Buckalew is an EAA Chapter 228 member and the Ford Tri-Motor marketing chairman. He said the aircraft tours in multiple cities each year and is serial No. 8. "We'll have other planes on display," Buckalew said. "We'll round up similar vintage aircraft for static displays, and there are a couple others in another organization that we may be able to bring out. We'll have similar vintage antique cars on static display, also." The Falcon Warbirds promotes aviation through the event as well, said Santiago Montez, the organization's vice president. "We're interested in educating the general public and kids in aviation," Montez said. "We try to encourage them to pursue an aviation career if there's interest." http://nearbynews.com/historic-experimental-aircraft-coming-to-falcon-field/ Back to Top 125 retired pilots, other rated officers apply to return to Air Force to lend a hand Capt. Jeremy Nolting, a pilot from the 79th Fighter Squadron, awaits clearance from the tower to taxi his F-16 Fighting Falcon out for a training mission during exercise Green Flag West 11-6. The Air Force hopes to bring back retired pilots and other rated officers to help alleviate a pilot shortfall. (Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth/Air Force) The Air Force says 125 retired pilots, combat systems officers and air battle managers have applied to return to active duty since May. The Air Force is trying to bring back officers under the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty program to help alleviate serious manning shortages in the pilot and other rated career fields. Last May, the service announced a major expansion of the VRRAD program, and said as many as 1,000 recently retired officers could return. But far fewer retirees have applied, according to statistics provided by the Air Force. Of the 125 total applicants, 50 are pilots. The Air Force has so far approved 42 applications, and are still processing the others. "Returning to active duty after transitioning into retirement is a huge decision and we think the VRADD program is off to a successful start," Air Force spokeswoman Capt. Carrie Volpe said in an email Wednesday. "The Air Force is aggressively working to keep our experienced aviators in the fight and even one rated member returning from retirement to serve on active duty mitigates shortages and enhances readiness." Half of the retired pilots who applied to return were 11M mobility pilots, 25 of whom submitted applications, the Air Force said. There were also 10 11F fighter pilots, four 11K trainer pilots and three 11R reconnaissance, surveillance and electronic warfare pilots who applied to return from retirement. The 11B bomber pilot, 11G generalist pilot, and 11S special operations pilot career fields each had two applicants. The 11H rescue and 11U remotely piloted aircraft pilot categories each had one applicant. Returning officers could serve two, three or four years. The Air Force said the amount of time those who are approved will serve will depend on what assignment they are given. "Pilot retention is a top Air Force priority, and the expansion of the VRRAD program is one of the many initiatives in place to help keep our experienced aviators in the fight," Volpe said. Returning officers could serve in rated and flying staff positions, as well as in training, testing or operational jobs. They could volunteer to deploy and fly combat missions, but that would not be a requirement. Retired pilots could also come back to serve as instructors, either at undergraduate pilot training or to train more advanced new pilots on specific weapons systems. Originally, the Air Force only allowed returning retirees to serve a year, but officials decided that wasn't long enough. The longer periods of service would allow returning pilots and other officers up to a year to retrain, and then be able to serve a full three- year assignment. Longer tours would also increase family stability for those officers. The Air Force's first iteration of the program, unveiled in 2017, was only for up to 25 fighter pilots. When the second iteration of the program was introduced, the Air Force said the application window would close in December 2018. However, the VRRAD program transitioned to a different authority last September, which means the Air Force now will keep accepting applications until June 30, 2022. To be eligible, officers must have retired from active duty within the past five years, or be about to retire within 12 months of their application. They also must be captains, majors or lieutenant colonels under the age of 50, although the Air Force will consider those older than 50 on a case-by-case basis. They also must be medically qualified to serve on active duty, and have served in a rated staff position within the past 15 years, or been qualified in an Air Force aircraft within 10 years of the time they apply. Officers who retired due to a physical disability are not eligible for this program. Pilots who return to active duty will not be eligible for aviation bonuses or promotion consideration. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/01/10/125-retired-pilots- other-rated-officers-apply-to-return-to-air-force-to-lend-a-hand/ Back to Top Delta orders 15 more Airbus A220 jets, upgrades to larger version Before it has even begun flying its first Airbus A220, Delta Air Lines has ordered 15 more of the jets and upgraded to a larger version. Atlanta-based Delta is scheduled to begin flying its first 109-seat A220 on Jan. 31 with flights from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Boston Logan and Dallas/Fort Worth. However, it's yet to be seen if the partial shutdown of the federal government -- which affects personnel at the Federal Aviation Administration -- could delay the launch of the aircraft, which is still pending some regulatory approvals. "Delta continues to monitor the situation and will work with the FAA to ensure that the A220 is fully certified when it enters our fleet," Delta said in a written statement. "No customer disruption or impact to schedules are expected." The airline can use other jets in its fleet to operate the flights if needed. Delta, the second-largest airline in the world, says the new jets will be "highly fuel- efficient," and Airbus says the A220 will set "a new standard in short-haul flying," according to written statements. The airline announced Wednesday it is increasing its order of A220s to 90 from its original order of 75 in 2016. Delta is also upgrading to the larger A220-300 model for the new orders and converting a portion of its previous orders to the larger model, for a total order of 50 A220-300s. The other 40 orders will be for A220-100s. The larger A220-300s with 130 seats will be assembled at an Airbus facility in Mobile, Ala. Construction of the plant next to existing A320 production lines will start later this month. Delta said it expects to take delivery of its first A220-300 in 2020 and get all 90 A220s by the end of 2023. On Wednesday, Airbus also announced its first job openings for manufacturing positions for the new A220 production line in Mobile. The jobs include openings for aircraft structure/installation mechanics, installers for aircraft cabin furnishings and aircraft electricians. Airbus said it is also hiring for A320 production and expects to hire a total of about 600 new employees in the next year and a half. The A220 was initially developed by Bombardier and was previously known as the C Series CS100, before a tariff dispute broke out with Boeing. In the middle of the dispute, Airbus acquired a majority interest in the C Series business and announced plans to eventually open a final assembly facility for the plane in Mobile. The Trump administration had proposed tariffs of more than 200 percent, but the U.S. International Trade Commission ended up overturning the tariffs on Montreal-based Bombardier. https://www.ajc.com/business/delta-orders-more-airbus-a220-jets-upgrades-larger- version/DHacFiNV4Nhuo7juMvd5xM/ Back to Top Back to Top Back to Top Develop your skills at Cranfield University Here at Cranfield, our Safety and Accident Investigation Centre (CSAIC) is helping to improve safety and shape the future of the transport industry. If you're working in the air, marine or rail transport industry and are looking to further your experience - look no further - we have some exciting short courses coming up this year that focus on improving the core skills needed to progress on your chosen career path. By choosing to study with us, you'll be joining a university with an international reputation for award-winning teaching, research and consultancy in transportation safety management, human factors, airworthiness and incident/accident investigation. Find out more and register your place: Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation: 4 - 22 February 2019 Interviewing Techniques for Accident Investigators: 4 - 8 March 2019 Work and Job Design: 4 - 8 March 2019 Flight Data Monitoring and Flight Operational Quality Assurance in Commercial Aviation: 11 - 14 March 2019 Safety Management Systems in Aviation: 8 - 12 April 2019 Fundamentals of Accident Investigation: 13 - 31 May 2019 Last year, we launched our Safety and Accident Investigation blog which gives information, insights and thoughts from our Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre team. In our latest blog, Linda Tavlin, author of 'Aviation Communication: Strategy and Messages for Ensuring Success and Preventing Failures' and instructor at Cranfield University for Crisis Management and Business Continuity, writes about choosing a spokesperson for your company on the back of a crisis situation - in this instance - an aircraft accident. Sign up here Please take a look and subscribe, to ensure you're the first to receive our latest content. We'd love to hear your feedback too. Contact us on: E: shortcourse@cranfield.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1234 754189 Back to Top posted on January 9, 2019 08:00 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE All Past and Present IS-BAO Registered Operators requested to rate IS-BAO Performance Has the IS-BAO registration fulfilled the promise of universal recognition among all ICAO countries and "lighter" SAFA and ramp inspections outside of the USA? Business aviation professionals operating outside the United States are subject to the European Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) inspection program. This program has undoubtedly required considerable effort and preparation to achieve compliance. However, many professional flight organizations have almost made this a routine event, as a recent poll revealed that the two most critical elements of a "successful SAFA inspection" where primarily preparation, and secondly, the demeanor of the Inspector. In an article published in a major aviation industry news source on 11/21/18 (https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-11-21/ibac-hopes- promote-bao-bah-asia-regulators), the Director General of IBAC, Kurt Edwards, made the following statement, "In Europe, where ramp inspection processes are very structured, IBAC sees IS-BAO operators usually have a 'lighter' ramp inspection versus those who are not registered." When asked to provide data/evidence/examples of his statement, he was unable or refused. What has been your actual operator experience? Has IBAC/IS-BAO made good on this claim? Please share what you have found to usually occur via the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SG7CCL7 The Business Aviation Safety Consortium sponsored survey is designed to capture actual data, as well as, comments and personal experiences, to ultimately share timely information in an effort to aid the industry in the successful navigation of the SAFA process. ### About the Business Aviation Safety Consortium (AviationConsortium.com, LLC or BASC): Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, BASC serves as a logical partner for SMS, regulatory, and operational excellence verification for high performing business aviation organizations. BASC was founded in 2016 and accepted the first member in January of 2017. For more information, visit http://www.aviationconsortium.com 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