October 31, 2019 - No. 085 In This Issue Garmin® revolutionizes the aviation industry with the first Autoland system for general aviation aircraft Embry-Riddle President Calls for Innovative Solutions to Increase the Ranks of Women in Aviation, Hyperice Partners with JetSuite To Offer Technology-Based Health and Wellness Program for Pilots Aviation Safety Bill Targets Challenges Posed by Flight Automation Danish scientists announce formula for green aviation fuel The Use of Blockchain in Aviation Business Groups Push Back Against Proposed Facial-Recognition Bans Dozens of Boeing 737NG jetliners grounded worldwide due to cracks Altitude Angel partners with Drone Safe Register Further Step Towards Carbon Neutrality Through e-Mobility for Air Cargo Handling Air Force's mystery space plane lands, ends 2-year mission Garmin® revolutionizes the aviation industry with the first Autoland system for general aviation aircraft OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced a revolution in general aviation - the first Garmin Autoland system. In the event of an emergency, Autoland will control and land the aircraft without human intervention1. The Autoland system determines the most optimal airport and runway, taking into account factors such as weather, terrain, obstacles and aircraft performance statistics. Autoland brings peace of mind to air travel and will soon be available on select general aviation aircraft with the Garmin G3000® integrated flight deck. "Today, aviation is forever changed as we introduce one of the industry's most significant innovations - the first Autoland system for general aviation aircraft," said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO. "The unveiling of Autoland demonstrates Garmin's deep commitment to develop advanced technologies that enhance aviation safety and save lives." In the event of an emergency, the pilot or passengers on board the aircraft can activate Autoland to land the aircraft with a simple press of a dedicated button. Autoland can also activate automatically if the system determines it's necessary. Once activated, the system calculates a flight plan to the most suitable airport, initiates an approach to the runway and automatically lands the aircraft - without pilot or passenger intervention. "The vision and development of the world's first Autoland system for general aviation was a natural progression for Garmin as we looked at our aircraft systems and existing autonomous technologies and recognized it is our responsibility to use these building blocks to deliver a technology that will change lives and revolutionize air travel," said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director of aviation. "Congratulations to the entire Garmin team for executing upon a tremendous vision that will transform the industry, forever change lives and help protect the most valuable contents in and around the aircraft - our children, family and friends." During an Autoland activation, the system takes into account a breadth of information and criteria. Factors taken into consideration when identifying the most suitable airport include weather, fuel on board, runway surface and length, terrain, obstacles and more. The availability of a GPS approach with lateral and vertical guidance to the runway is also required when the system is considering various airports and runways. Even further, the system will automatically communicate with air traffic control (ATC), advising controllers and pilots operating near the aircraft of its location and its intentions. Throughout an Autoland activation, the system provides simple visual and verbal communications in plain-language so passengers in the aircraft know what to expect. The flight displays show the aircraft's location on a map alongside information such as the destination airport, estimated time of arrival, distance to the destination airport and fuel remaining. Airspeed, altitude and aircraft heading are also labeled in an easy-to-understand format. Passengers also have the option to communicate with ATC by following instructions on the display using the touchscreen interface on the flight deck. The Garmin Autothrottle system is used to automatically manage aircraft speed, engine performance and engine power so the aircraft can climb, descend or maintain altitude as needed during an Autoland activation. On approach to land, the system initiates a controlled descent to the airport. If the aircraft needs additional time to descend or slow down during the approach, the Autoland system initiates a standard holding procedure and extends the landing gear and flaps. Once in landing configuration, the aircraft begins its descent to the runway. On the runway, automatic braking is applied while tracking the runway centerline to bring the aircraft to a full stop. Engine shutdown is also automated so occupants can safely exit the aircraft. At any time, a pilot can easily deactivate an Autoland activation. With a single press of the "AP" autopilot key on the autopilot controller or the autopilot disconnect button on the controls, an Autoland activation can be canceled. The flight display shows a message that confirms Autoland has been deactivated and in the event of an accidental deactivation, the system shows passengers how to reactivate Autoland if needed. Garmin Autonomí™, a family of automated flight technologies, encompasses Autoland, Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) and Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP). These technologies add to the safety enhancing tools and capabilities of a Garmin-equipped flight deck. For example, in the event an aircraft loses pressurization, EDM is capable of automatically descending the aircraft to a preset altitude without pilot intervention to help avert hypoxic situations. ESP further enhances the Autonomí suite by working to assist the pilot in avoiding unintentional flight attitudes beyond that for normal flight. ESP works in the background while the pilot is hand flying the aircraft to help pilots avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles. Should the pilot become inattentive while hand-flying the aircraft and exceed pre-determined pitch, roll or airspeed limitations, Garmin ESP activates and the pilot will feel pressure on the flight controls that guide him/her back to a recommended flight limit. Autoland will soon be available as part of the G3000 integrated flight deck on the Cirrus Vision Jet and the Piper M600, pending Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. For additional information regarding the Garmin Autonomí family of autonomously activated flight technologies, visit www.garmin.com/Autonomi. Garmin's aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military, government, On-Demand Mobility and UAV customers. Garmin's portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information about Garmin's full line of aerospace solutions, go to www.garmin.com/aviation. For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garminnews, instagram.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin. 1. See Garmin.com/ALuse for Autoland system requirements and limitations. About Garmin Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and G3000 are registered trademarks and Autonomi and ESP are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191030005354/en/ Back to Top Embry-Riddle President Calls for Innovative Solutions to Increase the Ranks of Women in Aviation, STEM DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Increasing the ranks and stature of women across the aviation industry as well as all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields should be considered an urgent top priority requiring innovative solutions, including university initiatives with industry and private collaborators, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President P. Barry Butler wrote Oct. 23 in Aviation Week & Space Technology. Today's aviation industry leaders and STEM educators clearly recognize the need to recruit and retain more female aviation executives, pilots and aircraft maintenance professionals, Butler said, but finding effective solutions to the problem will require a sharper focus. "Equal representation is so much more than a goal," he wrote. "If we are to sustain and grow the economic vitality and innovation of the industry we serve, it is nonnegotiable." Butler's complete Aviation Week & Space Technology opinion essay is available online (requires free registration). The search for solutions could be informed by lessons learned in other fields that have managed to widen the talent pipeline, Butler said. While professional programs such as law, medicine, pharmacy and dentistry have made great strides toward achieving equal gender representation, only 4.4 percent of airline pilots are women. Access to education and licensing needed for success has helped women break into many traditionally male fields, he added, yet the first female pilots for U.S. passenger airlines - Emily Howell Warner and Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo - were not hired until 1973. In aviation and STEM, Butler said, "Progress has been slow and inconsistent ... The word `professional' remained synonymous with men for decades, but that changed in other industries. It's time for it to change in our industry, too. We don't have 50 years to catch up." Noting that Embry-Riddle's strategic plan emphasizes the need to get young women excited about careers in aviation and STEM, Butler said that progress "is not a solo act" and will require the support of industry as well as of private collaborators and supporters. With support from an alumna donation, for example, Embry-Riddle recently ramped up its outreach efforts, launching a program that pairs paid student mentors and alumnae with incoming female Aeronautical Science students who are training to become pilots. In addition, Boeing, Southwest Airlines and FedEx support Embry-Riddle scholarship programs intended to help attract and educate more women and other students from underrepresented groups. "Embry-Riddle is making such investments because our industry cannot thrive or innovate if almost half the population is not at the table," Butler wrote. "More scholarships are needed, as are more networking and internship opportunities, especially at the K-12 level. In addition, despite the amazing programs that exist to get more girls into airplanes for a first ride, we have not yet, as a sector, figured out how to keep them in our pipeline when those aircraft land." https://www.floridatrend.com/article/28156/embry-riddle-president-calls-for-innovative-solutions- to-increase-the-ranks-of-women-in-aviation-stem Back to Top Hyperice Partners with JetSuite To Offer Technology-Based Health and Wellness Program for Pilots IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, global recovery company Hyperice, known for their presence in the professional sports and fitness industries, announces the first-ever health technology aviation partnership with JetSuite, designed to enhance pilot wellness and performance. The partnership gives JetSuite pilots access to Hyperice's recovery and mobility devices which help to relax and loosen muscles, increase circulation and enhance range of motion and flexibility. Pilots' health and wellness can often be compromised due to an irregular diet, sleep pattern, and exercise schedule. Their daily regimen is imperative to ensure they stay healthy and perform at the safest level. JetSuite will be the first-ever aviation company to implement a comprehensive recovery and mobility health tech wellness program to promote the wellness and career longevity of its pilots. The companies also plan to further advance the initiative and offer similar health tech solutions for both JetSuite passengers and employees. In an effort to create the most optimal working environment for pilots, Hyperice will be providing the following: Installation of a Wellness Pod - a "wellness room" concept established for warm up, rehabilitation and recovery with easy access to leading tools - at JetSuite headquarters Collaborative movement and recovery education workshops The first ever 30 minute "pilot specific" technology based warm up, recovery and body maintenance protocol for travel "At JetSuite, we're constantly thinking of new ways to ensure we give our pilots the tools to live a happy, healthy life," said Stephanie Chung, President of JetSuite. "Our partnership with Hyperice was developed to increase the long-term wellness of our pilots through leading recovery and mobility devices that help offset the physical demands of flying. After all, they are our athletes in the sky." Hyperice, well-known for developing industry leading performance technology devices for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, believes this wellness initiative can provide a new connection to the consumer, in knowing that their pilots are performing at the highest levels. "After seeing airlines integrate health and wellness offerings to passengers, we made it our mission to educate the aviation industry on the importance of providing similar offerings to pilots," said Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice. "Like the passengers, pilots are having to sit upright for long periods of time - this can generate muscle strains in the neck and back and reduce blood circulation. This partnership is aimed at helping pilots take care of their bodies, so they can feel and perform their best. Hyperice is thrilled to be working with JetSuite on this forward-thinking initiative, and we hope to create an industry-wide movement to help pilots all over the world move better." See JetSuite and Hyperice in action here: https://youtu.be/0N5hqmkgGco About Hyperice: HYPERICE is an Inc. 500 global recovery and movement enhancement technology company, specializing in portable high-performance sports medicine and orthopedic devices that provide preventative treatment, accelerate injury recovery, and enhance muscle and joint performance. HYPERICE's groundbreaking technology is setting the standard and is being used by the world's most elite athletes in professional and collegiate training rooms and in rehabilitation facilities globally. About JetSuite: Celebrating its tenth year of operation in 2019, JetSuite is a leader in private aviation, providing flying that moves the soul through individualized service, distinctive amenities, a fleet of state-of-the-art jets, and the friendliest and most knowledgeable pilots in the industry. JetSuite was ranked number one in more categories than any other company in Business Jet Traveler's 8th Annual Readers' Choice Survey in 2018, taking the top spot for customer service. Safety is paramount and JetSuite is ARG/US PLATINUM, the highest rating achievable in civil aviation, and an accolade bestowed on fewer than 5% of charter operators nationwide. JetSuite is dedicated to a better way forward, moving people - and the industry - into new, uncharted territories. It's where the spirit of hospitality takes flight. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/10/29/1937210/0/en/Hyperice-Partners-with- JetSuite-To-Offer-Technology-Based-Health-and-Wellness-Program-for-Pilots.html Back to Top Aviation Safety Bill Targets Challenges Posed by Flight Automation Two senators penned legislation to directly address challenges around the automated systems that contributed to two separate crashes of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft that occurred over the last year, killing hundreds and grounding Max flights indefinitely. The Aviation Automation and Human Factors Safety Act of 2019, introduced Thursday by Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., aims to establish a Federal Aviation Administration Center of Excellence dedicated to addressing dangers posed by increased automation and pilot response and also implements new and old aviation safety recommendations targeting flight automatics. "As we continue to learn more from the multiple investigations into Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, clear opportunities to improve aviation safety and protect the traveling public have emerged," Duckworth said in a statement. "We have a solemn obligation to the families of the 346 individuals who lost their lives to learn the lessons of these tragedies and prevent such events from ever occurring again." Last October, Lion Air Flight 610 plummeted into the Java Sea, minutes after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia. In March, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 also crashed shortly after takeoff. Everyone on board both flights perished in the crashes. Black box data from both aircraft suggests that the deadly incidents were partially due to a newly introduced automated system, known as the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, which many pilots struggled with or knew little about when the crashes occurred. In September, the National Transportation Safety Board published seven safety recommendations informed by its investigation of both incidents. Cantwell and Duckworth's act would mandate the FAA's implementation of the board's recommendations. The bill would improve safety assessments and incorporate design enhancements to boost pilots' understanding and ability to work with automated systems and components on all Boeing 737 Max aircraft, specifically, as well as other transport-category airplanes. The aim is "to minimize the potential for, and safety impact of, pilot actions that are inconsistent with manufacturer assumptions." The legislation also calls for the development of tools and methods that use insights from industry and human factors experts to improve the validation of pilots' assumptions using the technology, as well as diagnostic tools to help accelerate pilot responses when systems fail. On top of NTSB's suggestions, it also seeks to implement recommendations from the Transportation Department Inspector General's 2016 report aimed at reducing dangers associated with the increased use of flight deck automation. If passed, the aviation safety act would also institute the creation of an FAA Center of Excellence to be "focused on flight automation and human factors in commercial aircraft." The center could receive appropriated funds that the FAA administrator deems necessary. It would be tasked with enhancing collaboration across the government, academia and the commercial aircraft and airline industries and also lay out research goals in areas relating to the increased reliance on automation in commercial aircraft. The bill also mandates the establishment of safety management systems for aircraft manufacturers. Cantwell noted that she'll consider additional legislation, based on her ongoing review of forthcoming recommendations from those investigating the crashes. "As aviation systems become increasingly complex and rely more on automation, our manufacturers and federal regulators need to remain on the cutting edge of innovation to keep travelers safe." Cantwell said. "The flying public deserve nothing less." Cantwell serves as ranking member on the Senate Commerce Committee, which, on Tuesday is asking Boeing's CEO about the two crashes. https://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2019/10/aviation-safety-bill-targets-challenges-posed- flight-automation/160939/ Back to Top Danish scientists announce formula for green aviation fuel COPENHAGEN, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A Danish research team says they can produce sustainable, green aircraft fuel from ingredients found in Denmark, local news reported Tuesday. "Our report shows that the technology for producing sustainable aviation fuel in Denmark and in the Nordic countries is available, so that we can start production within a few years," Professor Henrik Wenzel, head of the research team from the University of Southern Denmark, told Danish newspaper Politiken. The recipe for green aviation fuel includes carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and biogas, and is "a sustainable, attractive and quantity-sufficient solution at a global level," Wenzel said. The idea is that biogas from manure, straw, food waste or wastewater is supplied to hydrogen, which is obtained by splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen through electrolysis. The resultant fuel is called "electro fuels," which can be used for climate-friendly alternatives including aviation fuel. The report was prepared in collaboration with the Nordic aviation industry and engineering consultancy agency NIRAS. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/29/c_138512823.htm Back to Top The Use of Blockchain in Aviation In this day and age, the aviation industry is certainly one of the fastest growing industries of the 21st Century. The emergence of blockchain technology has given rise to a new hype of technological innovation which certainly could add value to numerous aspects within the aviation industry itself. The use of blockchain in aviation could open up new opportunities in the sphere of transparency namely with regards to maintenance, flight data security and passenger information which will ultimately help in increasing efficiency and accuracy levels. What is Blockchain? Before assessing the potential benefits of blockchain in aviation one first needs to have a basic understanding of the technology itself. Blockchain can be defined as a distributed ledger that allows for information to be shared and recorded by a community. The system is secured by cryptographic validation techniques. One major characteristic of blockchain is that members on the network have a fully transparent view of the information found therein. To add more information on the blockchain there must be consensus reached between all members on the network. The recorded information can be any form of digital information such as digital assets, contracts or transactions.[1] What makes blockchain innovative is that all transactions can be accessed by the entire network which allows members to see the history of every transaction that has ever been recorded within the network. Cryptographic algorithms validate the way transactions are compressed into blocks and how blocks are added to the network via consensus which also ensures integrity and immutability of the network. As such, the blockchain allows for a trusted middle man to be replaced by a mathematical algorithm whereby the trust in the system stems from its cryptography.[2] Potential use cases of Blockchain in Aviation As blockchain technology showcases great opportunities for securing and managing data, the airline industry may shortly consider implementing blockchain to its advantage. Below are a number of ways in which blockchain may be made useful within the aviation world. Tracking of Baggage and Cargo Blockchain allows for the reliable and immutable tracking of the location and status of passengers bags and cargo as these assets change custody from the moment of deposit. As such, blockchain can aid in enhancing transparency and visibility which will allow authorities and passengers to locate their luggage easily at all times across the value chain.[3] Identity Verification The use of blockchain can enhance the efficiency of verifying the identity of passengers. The details of passengers such as biometric data, required documents and the tickets can be stored on the blockchain network. Passengers could simply enter the airport via a verification code, which will put an end to the hassle of queuing for longs periods of time for document verification.[4] Ticket Overbooking In the past ticket overbooking has been a problem for airlines which could be mitigated through the use of blockchain. The use of smart contracts would allow the automatized application of a smart ticketing system which can be used by passengers to purchase tickets.[5] This method would make manual ticket issuance superfluous, which will increase levels of efficiency and accuracy. Aircraft Maintenance Throughout its lifecycle, aircrafts may change ownership up to five or six times, which makes the tracking and tracing of information a time-consuming and tedious process. For this reason, an immutable record which lists the maintenance history of the aircraft in a digital setting could be of great value for the stakeholders involved.[6] Automated Payments Blockchain allows for the ability to create smart contracts which are electronic agreements that execute by themselves upon a set of pre-defined rules. The use of smart contracts can be adopted in airline transactions such as the billing among airlines, the billing between travel agencies and airlines, the sale of travel insurance, the determination of loyalty settlements and the payment of airport and authority fees and taxes.[7] Loyalty Programs Many airlines have frequent flyer programs (FFPs) that allow airlines customers to accumulate points which can then be redeemed for air travel. Member of loyalty programs that travel with a partner airline may want to have their points or miles reconciled at their customer account which can be a time-consuming and error prone process. The use of blockchain can streamline, the earning, spending, accounting and reconciliation of the points gained through the use of smart contracts in order to minimize risk of errors and improve customer satisfaction. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=0ce03478-363a-4493-8711-84ff63d42d18 Back to Top Business Groups Push Back Against Proposed Facial-Recognition Bans The corporate sector is working to influence how facial-recognition tools are regulated, spooked by local bans on government agencies' use of the technology and lawmakers' proposals for nationwide restrictions. The issue is a talking point among Democratic presidential candidates. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) has called for a nationwide ban on police use of facial recognition. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) have both called for regulations on facial-recognition technology as part of their criminal-justice platforms. Also worrying for corporations is a bill that Sen. Roy Blunt (R., Mo.) and Sen. Brian Schatz (D., Hawaii) introduced in March. The Commercial Facial Recognition Privacy Act would limit companies' ability to share facial-recognition data and would prohibit the use of the technology unless a business obtains consent from the people it is used on and provides notice and documentation explaining how the technology works. The bill hasn't made it to a committee vote. Nine industry groups-including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Security Industry Association and the American Association of Airport Executives-sent a letter dated Oct. 16 to more than a dozen House and Senate lawmakers urging them not to support strict limits on the use of facial- recognition technology. "[W]e are concerned that a moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology would be premature and have unintended consequences not only for innovation, safety, and security but for the continued improvement of the technology's accuracy and effectiveness," the letter said. Retailers, airports, stadiums and other businesses have already started rolling out facial-recognition tools to improve security and speed up customer check-ins. "We're not opposed to regulation, but we oppose a ban," said Tim Day, senior vice president of the Chamber of Commerce's Technology Engagement Center. "There should be guardrails in place to allow the technology to move forward in a smart way." The Chamber has convened a facial-recognition working group of about 40 companies from sectors including retail and transportation. The group plans to release model legislation for facial recognition by year-end and to lobby lawmakers to draft and vote for laws that are in line with those guidelines, Mr. Day said. San Francisco; Oakland, Calif.; and Somerville, Mass., have passed laws banning government agencies from using the technology. California has prohibited facial-recognition software in police body cameras: Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed the bill into law this month. The legislation, which becomes effective in January and expires after three years, doesn't apply to the private sector. Some companies, meanwhile, are pointing to the benefits that facial recognition brings. Miami International Airport, which is affiliated with Airports Council International-North America, has cut passenger screening wait times by up to 80% over the past year, thanks in part to a biometrics-only concourse screening facility, according to a Miami-Dade Aviation Department spokesman. In January, the airport started using the technology for entry screening on up to 10 international flights a day, and it is testing facial recognition for boarding on "a few daily flights," the spokesman said. The plan is to eventually expand both programs airport-wide. Such programs would be hampered if facial recognition bans were passed, Mr. Day said. In Europe, laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation, which prohibits companies from processing facial-recognition data unless certain circumstances apply, have slowed and in some cases halted the rollout of the technology, said Heikki Koski, chief digital officer at Finavia, the state-owned operator of 21 Finnish airports. Helsinki Airport is undergoing a €1 billion ($1.11 billion) expansion set to be completed in 2022, and it is considering using facial recognition in new check-in and security facilities, Mr. Koski said. But aviation officials haven't decided whether to proceed because of the challenges of complying with strict data-privacy laws. Under the GDPR, organizations can be fined up to €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue, whichever is larger. In August, the Swedish Data Protection Authority fined a municipality about €20,000 for conducting a facial-recognition pilot to keep track of students' school attendance. The Swedish authority found that the pilot violated the GDPR. The school failed to perform an adequate impact assessment and consult with Swedish privacy authorities before processing biometric data, it said. Consent from the students wasn't valid, it added, because of the "clear imbalance" between the students and the school. "There are many obstacles to solve before we will see widespread implementation here," Mr. Koski said. https://www.wsj.com/articles/business-groups-push-back-against-proposed-facial-recognition- bans-11572427801 Back to Top Dozens of Boeing 737NG jetliners grounded worldwide due to cracks Boeing announced Thursday up to 50 of its popular 737NG planes had been grounded after cracks were detected in them, in another blow to the U.S. aircraft maker following two deadly crashes. Australian national carrier Qantas became the latest airline to take one of the planes out of the air, as it said it would urgently inspect 32 others but insisted passengers had nothing to fear. The announcement by Qantas came after authorities in Seoul said nine of the planes were grounded in South Korea in early October, including five operated by Korean Air. Boeing had previously reported a problem with the model's "pickle fork" -- a part that helps bind the wing to the fuselage. This prompted U.S. regulators to early this month order immediate inspections of aircraft, which had seen heavy use. Following the Qantas announcement, a Boeing spokesperson on Thursday told AFP in Sydney that less than five percent of 1,000 planes had cracks detected and were grounded for repair. The spokesperson did not give an exact figure, though five percent equates to 50 planes of 1,000 inspected. Boeing and Qantas stressed travelers should not be concerned. "We would never operate an aircraft unless it was completely safe to do so," Qantas head of engineering Chris Snook said. But the discovery has heightened fears that the scale of the 737NGs' problem may have been underestimated. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had initially ordered immediate checks of Boeing 737NG planes that had flown more than 30,000 times. But Qantas said it had found the fault in a more lightly used aircraft than those singled out for early checks -- one that had recorded fewer than 27,000 flights. "This aircraft has been removed from service for repair," Qantas said in a statement, adding it had hastened its inspections of 32 other 737NG planes to be completed by Friday. The airline said it generally used the aircraft on domestic routes, flying primarily between major cities as well as shorter-haul trips to New Zealand. A spokesman for Australia's aviation regulator said the industry response was about "nipping a potential safety problem in the bud by taking proactive action now". Australia's Virgin Airways also conducted checks on its 17 Boeing 737NG planes and did not find any issues, the regulator spokesman added. But there were calls for Qantas to ground its entire 737 fleet until checks were complete. "These aircraft should be kept safe on the ground until urgent inspections are completed", an engineers' union representative, Steve Purvinas, said in a statement. Qantas described the call to ground its 737 fleet as "completely irresponsible". "Even when a crack is present, it does not immediately compromise the safety of the aircraft," said Snook. Stephen Fankhauser, an aviation expert at Australia's Swinburne University of Technology, said the parts were designed so the "structure can tolerate some level of damage or degradation". "The inspection period is set to ensure the cracks do not continue to grow to a dangerous length and then significantly compromise the strength of the airframe," he said. A Boeing spokesperson said the company "regrets the impact" the issue was having on its customers and was "working around the clock" to fix the problem. "Boeing is actively working with customers that have airplanes in their fleets with inspection findings to develop a repair plan, and to provide parts and technical support as necessary," the spokesperson said in a statement. The NG is a precursor plane to the Boeing 737 MAX, which has been grounded since mid-March following the two deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Boeing is still trying to restore its safety reputation after the two 737 MAX crashes last year that killed 346 people and highlighted problems with the planes' flight handling software. Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg faced another round of tough questions on Wednesday from U.S. lawmakers who accused the company of a "lack of candor" over the crashes. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-dozens-boeing-737ng-jetliners-grounded-worldwide-due- to-cracks/ Back to Top Altitude Angel partners with Drone Safe Register Altitude Angel, the industry-leading unmanned traffic management (UTM) technology provider, is to provide Drone Safe Register with map data which will support a new function on the UK's no. 1 UAV directory. The UK company received financial backing in 2018 from Peter Jones, telecoms tycoon & investor, after appearing on the BBC programme Dragon's Den. Drone Safe Register provides consumers and businesses with a platform to locate and engage with highly skilled commercial UAV operators for specialised operations; from aerial photography and filming to surveying and mapping. With over 500 registered users, Drone Safe Register has empowered the drone and UAV industry by providing a simple and user-friendly mechanism to access talented and professional drone pilots across the United Kingdom. By partnering with Altitude Angel, pilots and operators will be able to use the Drone Safe Register as more than a directory in which to be listed and to receive business opportunities. Through the integration of Altitude Angel's industry-leading operational data, drone pilots will be able to search the area and airspace over which they've been contracted to fly through Drone Safe Register directly. This provides them valuable information such as ground hazards and possible airspace restrictions e.g. NOTAMs, making for safer and more efficient operation. They will then also be able to access a comprehensive report outlining hazard ratings, thereby enhancing their understanding of the airspace they are operating in prior to the flight planning phase. Toby Potter, Altitude Angel, Vice President, Sales and Partnerships, said: "By incorporating Altitude Angel's industry-leading Airspace Map and Area Reports API into the Drone Safe Register platform, both operators and pilots will benefit from the increased functionality and a greater understanding of the airspace." Mark Boyt, Drone Safe Register, founder and CEO added: "Altitude Angel's airspace data is without rival, so we're very pleased to be integrating it into our award-winning platform." Altitude Angel is an aviation technology company delivering solutions which enable the safer integration and use of fully automated drones into airspace. Through its Airspace Management platform, GuardianUTM O/S, they deliver the essential software platform which enables national deployments of USpace compatible services, safely unlocking the potential of drones and helping national aviation authorities and air navigation service providers to establish new services to support the growth in the drone industry. The foundation components of GuardianUTM O/S are also available to enable third-party UTM developers to incorporate enterprise-grade data and services into their UTM solutions. Altitude Angel was founded by Richard Parker in 2014 and is headquartered in Reading, UK. Altitude Angel's developer platform is open and available to all at https://developers.altitudeangel.com. https://www.suasnews.com/2019/10/altitude-angel-partners-with-drone-safe-register/ Back to Top Further Step Towards Carbon Neutrality Through e-Mobility for Air Cargo Handling Stuttgart Airport introduced four fully electric baggage and cargo tractors for fast, quiet and emission-free cargo handling. Just as powerful as diesel tow tractors, but up to 60 percent more economical, the SHERPA E tractors supplied by Goldhofer are now used to tow all air cargo to the required destination. "In 2018 we first started using zero-emission battery-operated technology to handle passenger and baggage movements on the apron. We have now done the same in the cargo sector by replacing diesel-powered cargo tow tractors with the emission-free Goldhofer vehicles," says Dr. Arina Freitag, Managing Director of Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH. Goldhofer's airport technology experts were closely involved in the planning, organization and installation of the necessary charging infrastructure. "We are delighted that the power, efficiency and sustainability of our high-performance tow tractors are helping Stuttgart Airport to achieve its ambitious climate targets. At the same time, it motivates us to continue developing complete ground handling solutions based on sustainable technologies," says Lothar Holder, CEO at Goldhofer AG and Head of Airport Technology. In October, Stuttgart Airport moved one step closer to achieving its goal of carbon neutrality - by switching its fleet of cargo tow tractors to the Goldhofer SHERPA E. Fully electrically powered, the completely emission-free and low-noise models have replaced the diesel vehicles previously used. The decision was motivated by the improvements available with the new vehicles in terms of economics and operational efficiency plus Stuttgart Airport's commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly working, meaning energy savings and reductions in emissions and noise. This benefits all parties involved: Stuttgart Airport, the air cargo operators and the employees on the tarmac. Continuous and Economical Operation - SHERPA E Goldhofer's electric tow tractors offer the same high levels of reliability, safety and flexibility as the diesel-powered versions, while energy savings can be as high as 80 percent. The highly efficient 400 V lithium-ion battery is designed for fast charging, and intermediate charging is also possible in even the shortest of breaks thanks to Goldhofer's IonMaster technology. The result is 30 percent higher availability than with lead-acid batteries so that the SHERPA E can be operated almost continuously over several shifts. In addition, active temperature management ensures maximum battery service life. The zero-emission SHERPA E can be operated both indoors and outdoors. The vehicle comes with a choice of ballast weights and three cabin options. With these individual configurability options, the tow tractors can be customized to meet the specific requirements and operating conditions at any airport. Powerful, Sustainable and Economical - IonMaster Technology For trouble-free working with the SHERPA E, Goldhofer relies on its IonMaster system, a powerful electric drive based on high-voltage lithium-ion battery technology. As an efficient, modular long- life drive concept, IonMaster technology is the key to the highly economical use of the vehicles operated with a range of charging infrastructures. It ensures virtually permanent availability of the fleet, and the fleet itself can be reduced to a minimum number of vehicles as permitted by the individual airport situation. Pioneering carbon neutrality By replacing its diesel cargo tow tractors with Goldhofer's electrically powered vehicles, Stuttgart Airport has reached another stage on the road to a full e-mobility fleet. As a member of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) climate protection initiative, Baden-Württemberg's largest airport recently received certification for its carbon management program from ACI Europe, the umbrella association of European commercial airports, for the third consecutive time. https://www.aviationpros.com/gse/gse-technology/green-alternative-energy-gse/press- release/21112227/goldhofer-aktiengesellschaft-further-step-towards-carbon-neutrality-through- emobility-for-air-cargo-handling Back to Top Air Force's mystery space plane lands, ends 2-year mission CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - The Air Force's mystery space plane is back on Earth, following a record-breaking two-year mission. The X-37B landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida early Sunday. The Air Force is mum about what the plane did in orbit after launching aboard a SpaceX rocket in 2017. The 780-day mission sets a new endurance record for the reusable test vehicle. It looks like a space shuttle but is one-fourth the size at 29 feet. Officials say this latest mission successfully completed its objectives. Experiments from the Air Force Research Laboratory were aboard. This was the fifth spaceflight by a vehicle of this sort. No. 6 is planned next year with another launch from Cape Canaveral. According to Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett, "Each successive mission advances our nation's space capabilities." https://www.nbc12.com/2019/10/29/air-forces-mystery-space-plane-lands-ends-year-mission/ Curt Lewis