Flight Safety Information November 7, 2019 - No. 229 In This Issue Boeing to invest $1 billion in global safety drive: sources Grounded Boeing jet hits another pothole in path to return Incident: THY A321 near Nuremberg on Nov 6th 2019, hydraulic failure Incident: Royal Flight B773 at Moscow on Nov 6th 2019, engine shut down in flight Incident: PSA CRJ9 near Greenville on Nov 4th 2019, smoke on board Southwest jet makes emergency landing after a fire inside the plane Incident: Westjet B738 at Calgary on Nov 5th 2019, runway excursion on vacating the runway Incident: Peace B735 at Lagos on Nov 5th 2019, engine shut down in flight Airbus A321-231 (WL) - Ground Damage (Costa Rica) French team finds engine fragments that fell off Airbus engine ATSB recommends mandating PW4170 engine modification after incident (Australia) Ryanair quietly grounded Boeing 737 planes over 'pickle fork' cracking Boeing faces new whistleblower complaint Cockpit calamity: Pilot error sparks hijack security alert on passenger plane Chinese airline executives punished amid photo outrage Senior Airline Executives Vow to Fly on Boeing 737 Max Planes to Prove Their Safety to Passengers Air Methods Corp. facing lawsuit over alleged helicopter safety issue Bombardier's Thought-provoking Safety Standdown 2019 FAA plans to increase rest periods for US airline flight attendants Disruptive passenger on flight from Charlotte causes diversion Boeing Just Sent NASA Its Moon Lander Idea for Artemis Astronauts CABIN CREW FATIGUE RESEARCH PROJECT Flight Data Solutions Applied International Aviation Meteorology" course - Nov 2019' Position Available: Audit Production Manager; Air Carrier Boeing to invest $1 billion in global safety drive: sources SEATTLE/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) is planning an initial investment of around $1 billion into industry-wide pilot development as part of a long-term initiative to reduce risks like those faced by the crew in two 737 MAX crashes, people familiar with the matter said. The embattled planemaker is trying to rebuild trust and cooperation with airlines, passengers and regulators around the world after the 737 MAX was grounded in March, following crashes in which a total of 346 people died. Details of the company's "Global Aviation Safety" initiative remain under wraps due to delays in returning the 737 MAX to service, as attention focuses on changes to cockpit software that investigators say played a major part in the two crashes. Boeing will launch the pilot development project after regulators approve changes to 737 MAX software and training and the plane resumes flights, one of the people familiar with the matter said. The company currently expects that to happen in the United States by year-end. The plane is likely to return to service in Europe during the first quarter of 2020, the head of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said earlier this week. The pilot project spending budget, people familiar with it said, will be in addition to the more than $8 billion in costs from compensation to airlines for delayed aircraft deliveries and lower production tied to the 737 MAX grounding. The training initiative is still being developed and will be rolled out over years, one of the people said. While costs are expected to rise over time, the effort may overlap with future aircraft programs. "It will involve significant funds to raise standards around the world and requires Boeing putting its own money in," said another person familiar with the project. Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg was accused by U.S. lawmakers in back-to-back hearings last week of placing profits over those safety standards, a charge Boeing denies. Muilenburg said Boeing would help "build a talent pipeline" of pilots and invest heavily in the pilot-machine interface or fight deck for the next generation, but gave few details. A Boeing spokesman declined additional comment. Part of Boeing's investments will include improving aviation infrastructure, such as air traffic and flight simulation systems, a third person with knowledge of the plans said. It is also considering whether to develop new training materials or methods for various career stages, and fund training centers or recruitment efforts, the people said. Boeing could also create a data-sharing network on aircraft design with global regulators, one of the people said, in a bid to improve outside knowledge of its aircraft technology and operations. The head of the EASA told Reuters in a recent interview that it would demand more data when deciding whether to certify future jets. PILOT SHORTFALL Outlines of the new investment were drawn up in the wake of the crashes as Boeing executives acknowledged that stall-prevention software known as MCAS confused the pilots due to an overwhelming workload, the people said. Investigations have raised questions over whether that was in part due to faulty assumptions about the hazards involved, leading to a design that placed unrealistic demands on pilots. Investigators and global regulators have also pinpointed concerns about certification and training. Boeing says it followed industry practice on reaction times. Experts say that Boeing, as the largest planemaker in the world, and its regulator, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, have played a key role in shaping global standards around aircraft design and operations. Even before the crashes, the aircraft industry was bracing for a staffing shortfall of 1.5 million aircraft technicians and pilots over the next 20 years. Both Boeing and Europe's Airbus (AIR.PA) have already launched beginner training programs to help ease the shortages. The crashes have also sped up a rethink of safety needs in emerging markets, where demand for new jets is driving a huge share of Boeing's business. But airlines face gaps in regulation and infrastructure. Safety experts have voiced concerns that the sheer growth of aviation has lowered the bar for the skills required to enter training, adding pressure for cockpit and training improvements. "There is a large generation of pilots that will be needed over the next 20 years and we need to be thinking about designing our airplanes for that next generation," Muilenburg said at the hearing last week. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-737max-pilots/boeing-to-invest-1-billion-in-global-safety-drive-sources-idUSKBN1XG1R8 Back to Top Grounded Boeing jet hits another pothole in path to return FILE - In this May 8, 2019, file photo workers stand near a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jetliner being built for American Airlines prior to a test flight in Renton, Wash. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker says his airline is feeling more confident that its grounded Boeing 737 Max jets will soon be approved to fly again. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) DALLAS (AP) - Regulators are asking Boeing to revise documentation of its proposed fixes to software on the 737 Max jet, and the company said Wednesday that it is too early to know whether the request will further delay the return of the grounded plane. Boeing says it is in the final stages of making fixes to the Max, which has been grounded eight months after two crashes that killed 346 people. The CEO of American Airlines, a major Boeing customer, said he is growing more confident that the Max will soon be approved to fly again. Regulators began reviewing Boeing's technical documentation within the last week, and the audit has not been completed. The review involves specifications for software to use a second flight-control computer, not just one, on all flights. Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the MCAS documentation was presented in a format used in the past, but regulators want it in a different form, and the company is doing that. He said the company is continuing to work with FAA and other regulators while the audit is being conducted. "It's too early to speculate on how this might affect the schedule" for returning the Max to service, Johndroe said. Boeing has already taken months longer than expected to make fixes to the plane, but it still aims for Federal Aviation Administration approval of its changes before the end of the year. The most important upgrade deals with software in a flight-control system called MCAS. Before both accidents, a faulty sensor triggered MCAS and caused it to push the plane's nose down; pilots were unable to regain control. Pilots were not told about MCAS until after the first accident - it was not described in pilot manuals for the Max. Boeing assumed that pilots would use longstanding procedures for handling a nose-down pitch of the plane even if they didn't know what caused it. "We build those manuals to try to train the pilots on how to respond to the effects of failures rather than diagnose failures," Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said Wednesday at a New York Times conference. A day earlier, Boeing Chairman David Calhoun said Muilenburg volunteered to refuse a bonus in 2019 and stock awards until the Max is back in full service, which Calhoun said would take at least a year. Muilenburg said he will forgo "tens of millions of dollars ultimately" to take personal responsibility. Several relatives of passengers who died in the crashes have said Muilenburg should resign, a move the CEO has resisted. Meanwhile, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said nothing is certain about the Max's return, "but we feel a lot better about the fact that indeed the aircraft is going to get certified sometime in the near future. When it does, we will be ready." Parker said at an investor conference in Chicago that he based his prediction on discussions American has held with Boeing and the FAA. American is already selling flights on five of its Max jets as early as Jan. 15. Southwest Airlines is being more conservative, keeping the Max out of its schedule until Feb. 8. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/grounded-boeing-jet-hits-another-230202563.html Back to Top Incident: THY A321 near Nuremberg on Nov 6th 2019, hydraulic failure A THY Turkish Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration TC-JSC performing flight TK-1503 from Istanbul (Turkey) to Nuremberg (Germany) with 164 passengers and 9 crew, was descending towards Nuremberg when the crew reported a hydraulic failure, they would need to stop on the runway and be towed off the runway. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Nuremberg's runway 28. The aircraft stopped on the runway and was subsequently towed to the apron. The runway needed to be closed for about 30 minutes for clean up due to oil leak at the right hand engine (V2533). The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground about 11 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4cee79fd&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Royal Flight B773 at Moscow on Nov 6th 2019, engine shut down in flight A Royal Flight Airlines Boeing 777-300, registration VQ-BGP performing flight RL-7571 from Moscow Sheremetyevo (Russia) to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) with 448 people on board, was climbing through FL220 when the crew received an oil pressure indication for one of the engines (GE90), shut the engine down, dumped fuel and returned to Moscow Sheremetyevo for a safe landing about 75 minutes after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 16 hours, then departed again and is estimated to reach Punta Cana with a delay of about 17 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4cee877b&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: PSA CRJ9 near Greenville on Nov 4th 2019, smoke on board A PSA Airlines Canadair CRJ-900 on behalf of American Airlines, registration N572NN performing flight AA-5139 from Omaha,NE to Charlotte,NC (USA) with 41 people on board, was enroute at FL330 about 80nm northwest of Greenville,SC (USA) when the crew donned their oxygen masks, reported smoke on board and diverted to Greenville for a safe landing on runway 22. On final approach the crew advised they were planning to stop on the runway and evacuate through the main door. The passengers were rebooked onto other flights. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 38 hours after landing. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/JIA5139/history/20191105/0020Z/KOMA/KGSP http://avherald.com/h?article=4cee8af1&opt=0 Back to Top Southwest jet makes emergency landing after a fire inside the plane DALLAS (AP) - A Southwest Airlines jet made an emergency landing in Norfolk, Virginia, on Wednesday after a report of a small fire in the galley of the plane. The plane was able to taxi to the gate, and there were no injuries, said Steven Sterling, deputy executive director of Norfolk International Airport. Sterling said crew members on the plane bound from Baltimore to the Dominican Republic told air traffic controllers about the fire. Fire fighters found a burned coffee pot and determined that the fire had extinguished itself, he said. Dallas-based Southwest said flight 811 said the coffee pot will need to be replaced and the plane is out of service while it is checked out by maintenance workers. A Southwest spokeswoman said there were 90 passengers and five crew members aboard. They were put on another plane and arrived in Punta Cana about two and a half hours behind schedule. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/southwest-jet-makes-emergency-landing-fire-plane Back to Top Back to Top Incident: Westjet B738 at Calgary on Nov 5th 2019, runway excursion on vacating the runway A Westjet Boeing 737-800, registration C-GWSX performing flight WS-2289 from San Jose Cabo (Mexico) to Calgary,AB (Canada), landed on Calgary's runway 35R and slowed safely intending to vacate via the second high speed turn off D4, the crew steered the aircraft towards the turn off at about 25 knots over ground, the nose gear however missed the taxiway. The aircraft came to a stop with the nose gear on the grass. The passengers disembarked onto the runway and were bussed to the terminal. The runway was closed until the aircraft was towed to the apron. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Calgary about 20 hours later. http://avherald.com/h?article=4cee8595&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Peace B735 at Lagos on Nov 5th 2019, engine shut down in flight An Air Peace Boeing 737-500, registration 5N-BUJ performing flight P4-7150 from Lagos to Owerri (Nigeria) with 90 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing out of Lagos when the crew needed to shut an engine (CFM56) down. The aircraft returned to Lagos for a safe landing about 25 minutes after departure. Nigeria's Air Accident Investigation Board reported they opened an investigation into the occurrence. http://avherald.com/h?article=4cee7dc0&opt=0 Back to Top Airbus A321-231 (WL) - Ground Damage (Costa Rica) Date: 05-NOV-2019 Time: c. 18:20 UTC Type: Airbus A321-231 (WL) Owner/operator: Spirit Airlines Registration: N659NK C/n / msn: 6770 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport - Costa Rica Phase: Standing Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Fort Lauderdale International Airport, FL (FLL/KFLL) Destination airport: San José-Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO/MROC) Narrative: Spirit Airlines flight NK755, an Airbus A321-200, was hit by mobile boarding stairs at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport in Costa Rica. The aircraft had just landed after a flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. On the apron the underside of the left hand wing tip was struck by the boarding stairs, causing cracks. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/230433 Back to Top French team finds engine fragments that fell off Airbus engine A volunteer uses a compass during a scour of an uninhabited wood at the call of the France's BEA aviation safety agency to find pieces of the engine of a Swiss Air Lines Airbus A220 which fell from the aircraft mid-flight, in Perrigny-sur-Armancon PARIS (Reuters) - French volunteer search teams have found fragments from an engine that exploded in mid-air over eastern France in July, officials said on Wednesday. The discovery came in an unprecedented search operation involving 150 members of the public after French air accident investigation agency BEA asked volunteers to help comb a forest for a titanium engine part following two engine explosions on Airbus A220 jets operated by the airline Swiss since July. A third engine suffered a similar blowout last month, forcing it to divert to Paris where it scattered some parts during landing, according to French officials. "Three fragments from the engine have been found by the ... volunteer team ... Thanks to all participants of this first day," BEA said on its Twitter feed. The engine incidents have prompted worldwide engine checks on Airbus A220 and some Embraer aircraft, but no flaws have been found. They have heightened scrutiny of a new generation of fuel-saving engines built by U.S. manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies, after a series of reliability problems. But a version of the engines used on Airbus's larger and more widely used A320 series is not affected by the checks. Reuters reported last month that a U.S-led investigation was focusing on a recent update in engine software that may have inadvertently allowed parts to resonate or vibrate destructively during certain settings. Finding the engine fragment could help confirm the theory, though investigators have not ruled out titanium manufacturing problems. A220 pilots have been told to avoid placing unusually high demands on the engine above 29,000 feet, while a new version of the software is finalised for the first quarter of next year. https://www.yahoo.com/news/french-team-finds-engine-fragments-183704806.html Back to Top ATSB recommends mandating PW4170 engine modification after incident (Australia) The ATSB has issued safety recommendations to the FAA and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney calling for them to maximise a modification that would prevent a component failure of the PW4170 series engine which powers some Airbus A330 airliners. The recommendations follow an ATSB investigation into a 18 January 2018 incident where a Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330-300, which was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, diverted to Alice Springs due to a malfunctioning left engine. Subsequent disassembly and inspection of the affected engine, a Pratt & Whitney PW4170, identified that, as a result of exposure to elevated temperatures, a segment of the third stage outer transition duct (OTD) had distorted and fractured. The large fractured section caused a blockage within the engine that created turbulent airflow, partially blocking a low pressure turbine vane inlet stage and causing an increase in exhaust gas temperature. That in turn led to low pressure turbine blade failure, high vibration and compressor stall/surge events. The ATSB investigation established that there has been a total of 16 similar events globally within the past four years, all attributed to the 'Advantage 70' increased thrust modification for the PW4000-100 series engine, including five involving Malaysia Airlines aircraft. The modification increased the engine outer duct gas path temperature, which led to the distortion and liberation of the outer transition duct segments. Pratt & Whitney, which had ceased production of PW4000-100 series engines for the Airbus A330 in July 2017, has now redesigned the engine's OTD to withstand higher temperatures. The newly designed hardware will be available for retrofit from November 2019 and service bulletins will recommend installation of the new ducts at the operator's discretion. https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/5776951/ao-2018-007_final.pdf https://news.aviation-safety.net/2019/11/06/atsb-recommends-mandating-pw4170-engine-modification-after-incident/ Back to Top Ryanair quietly grounded Boeing 737 planes over 'pickle fork' cracking, becoming the latest airline to act on the problem Multiple airlines around the world have grounded Boeing 737 Next Generation planes in recent weeks after the manufacturer announced a cracking problem in the planes' pickle forks. The pickle fork is the structure that connects the plane body, wing, and landing gear. Ryanair quietly grounded at least three 737NG planes, The Guardian reported, despite saying last week that it doesn't expect the cracking issue to be a problem for its operations. Ryanair appeared to confirm that some planes had been grounded in a statement to Business Insider, saying that it had made a "tiny number (less than 5%) of findings" in its planes. Ryanair's profits have been affected by Boeing's ongoing crises, which include a worldwide grounding of its 737 Max jets following two fatal crashes. Ryanair has become the latest airline to ground the Boeing 737 due to cracks found in the planes, The Guardian reported Wednesday. The Irish budget airline grounded at least three Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) planes due to fissures in the "pickle fork," the newspaper's Naaman Zhou reported, referring to a commonly used name for the structure that connects the plane body, wing, and landing gear. Multiple airlines have grounded Boeing 737NG planes in recent weeks, after Boeing announced the cracking problem in the 737NG, prompting the US Federal Aviation Administration to instruct airlines that fly the planes to inspect them. Ryanair had not disclosed the cracks or grounding until The Guardian published its story. The airline, which has more than 400 737NGs in service, told The Irish Times last week that it was unlikely the cracking issue would impact operations or fleet availability. In a Wednesday statement to Business Insider, Ryanair appeared to confirm the grounding of three planes, but said it would not affect its operating fleet or flight schedules. "This tiny number (less than 5%) of findings would not affect either Ryanair's operating fleet or flights, because the airline has moved to its winter schedule from the end of October," the statement said, adding that Boeing is currently repairing planes for Ryanair. "Ryanair will continue to inspect the remainder of its fleet, in full compliance with the Airworthiness Directive, and we are confident that the tiny number of pickle fork cracks, if any, will not affect either Ryanair's fleet, its flights, or its schedules." The statement also called The Guardian's report "rubbish" and accused it of an "attempt to misreport the story," but did not say what details in the report the company disagrees with. Business Insider has requested clarification from Ryanair, but has not heard back from the airline at the time of publication. Up to 50 737NG planes around the world have been grounded so far, Agence France-Presse reported last week, with Qantas being the last airline to do so publicly. Thousands of 737NG planes are in service globally. Experts previously said that the presence of a pickle fork crack "does not immediately compromise the safety of the aircraft," Australia's ABC News reported. Boeing has not yet responded to Business Insider's request for comment on the cracking issue. Boeing currently faces crises on multiple fronts. Its 737 Max planes remain grounded worldwide following two fatal crashes by the aircraft within six months of each other, both of which are believed to have been caused by an internal software malfunction that employees had previously complained about. A former quality-control engineer has also told the BBC, in a report published Wednesday, that he found faulty emergency oxygen bottles on the 787 Dreamliner, but that the company stonewalled his request for further investigations. Ryanair has previously warned that its profits might get hammered by Boeing's troubles. In July, the airline said the grounding of the 737 Max means it might carry fewer passengers and may even closer some of its airport bases. https://www.yahoo.com/news/ryanair-quietly-grounded-boeing-737-145107656.html Back to Top Boeing faces new whistleblower complaint as former engineer says faulty 787 Dreamliner systems could leave passengers without oxygen in emergencies (BA) John Barnett, a former quality-control engineer at Boeing, told the BBC he had found faulty emergency oxygen bottles while working on the 787 Dreamliner in 2016. He said Boeing stonewalled his complaint. He is now suing the company, claiming it sidelined him and pushed him to retirement. The company has denied those allegations. He also spoke of workers at his plant in South Carolina being under intense pressure to meet tight deadlines and keep costs low, which he says jeopardized the quality of the planes. Boeing has also faced multiple employee complaints regarding its culture and plane quality as 737 Max planes remain grounded worldwide. Boeing has been hit by another whistleblower complaint, this time from a former engineer who says faulty systems in the 787 Dreamliner could leave passengers without oxygen in the event of an emergency. John Barnett, a former quality-control engineer at the manufacturer's South Carolina plant, told the BBC in a Wednesday report that while working on the plane he had found faulty emergency oxygen bottles and that managers stonewalled further investigations into the issue. He worked at the Boeing plant in North Charleston for 32 years and retired in March 2017, the BBC reported. He is suing Boeing, claiming it hampered his career over his complaints about quality issues, allegations the company denies, according to the BBC. Here's a rundown of his allegations, as reported by the BBC on Wednesday: In 2016, he found that oxygen bottles in the 787 Dreamliner emergency oxygen systems were not discharging when they were meant to. These systems are deployed when there a sudden drop in cabin pressure. Masks are meant to drop from the ceiling, which then supply passengers with oxygen from a gas cylinder to prevent hypoxia - the loss of oxygen to the body that can lead to organ damage within minutes. Barnett underwent subsequent tests and found that out of 300 oxygen systems, 75 did not deploy properly. This is a 25% fail rate. Boeing managers stonewalled further investigations into the faulty systems. When he complained about the oxygen systems to the Federal Aviation Administration, it took no action, saying it couldn't because Boeing already said it was working on the issue at the time. Boeing and the FAA have not responded to Business Insider's request for comment on the allegations. The plane manufacturer told the BBC that in 2017 it had "identified some oxygen bottles received from the supplier that were not deploying properly" and removed them from production. Earlier this month, The Seattle Times reported that the Russian carrier Aeroflot formally canceled an order for 22 787 Dreamliner aircraft, valued at $5.5 billion. Barnett also presented to the BBC a culture of constantly being pressured to meet production schedules and keep costs down, suggesting that it has jeopardized the quality of Boeing planes. He said the South Carolina plant allowed numerous defective parts to be "lost" while tracking it through the production process. The FAA upheld this allegation and noted that at least 53 parts had been lost, and it ordered Boeing to take remedial action, the BBC reported, adding that Boeing said it had "fully resolved" the issue. Barnett told The New York Times in April that during his tenure he found clusters of sharp metal pieces hanging over wiring that commands flight controls. If those shavings ever penetrated the wires, the result could be "catastrophic," he told The Times. He added that when he complained, Boeing refused to investigate and moved him to another part of the plant. Barnett also told the BBC that workers under pressure at his plant fitted to the 787 Dreamliner substandard parts from scrap bins - to the knowledge of a senior manager in at least one case. His accusations are consistent with an internal Boeing survey, conducted in November 2016, that found that 29% of engineers felt pressure from managers to certify plane systems they designed themselves - suggesting an atmosphere of rushing through the design and certification process. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the survey. Boeing has also faced multiple employee complaints regarding its culture and plane quality. These complaints ramped up after two deadly crashes by 787 Max planes, which together killed 346 people. In July, a former Boeing 737 Max engineer told BBC Panorama that engineers were deliberately pressured to characterize major changes in flight software as minor changes to avoid FAA scrutiny. In October, The New York Times and Reuters reported on internal messages between 787 Max's chief technical pilot and another colleague complaining of "egregious" problems with the jet's automated anti-stall system, which is believed to be behind the two crashes. Airlines across the world have grounded their 737 Max jets, and Boeing is fighting to get them back in the air. Congress is scrutinizing the firm's role in the production and marketing of the 737 Max. https://www.yahoo.com/news/boeing-faces-whistleblower-complaint-former-110148753.html Back to Top Cockpit calamity: Pilot error sparks hijack security alert on passenger plane Cockpits in large airplanes feature a dizzying array of buttons, levers, dials, and displays that would leave the head of most folks spinning if they were asked to identify each and every one of them (or indeed, just one of them). But as an incident at a Dutch airport showed this week, even the most skilled pilots can get it wrong occasionally. According to media reports, part of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport was put on lockdown Wednesday evening over a suspected hijacking after an Air Europa pilot raised the alarm from the aircraft shortly before take-off. As the Madrid-bound plane was evacuated, military police at the airport tweeted that it was responding to what it called a "suspicious situation." During the emergency, a number of other planes were stopped from taking off, while photos posted on social media showed passengers in the terminal building waiting for updates regarding their delayed flights. But an hour later, it emerged that the alert had somehow been made in error. "False alarm," Air Europa tweeted, explaining that a warning "that triggers protocols on hijackings at airports" had been activated by mistake. The message continued: "Nothing has happened, all passengers are safe and sound waiting to fly soon. We deeply apologize." Airport officials had originally described the incident as a "GRIP-3" situation, an event with potentially major consequences for those in the vicinity. But thankfully, in this case, it turned out to be no such thing, and everyone on the plane and at the airport was safe. It's not clear precisely how the hijack alert came to be triggered, but the BBC noted that Federal Aviation Administration documents show that "pilots can use a special transponder beacon code, typing 7500, to raise an alert for unlawful interference in the case of a hijacking." Whether this happened at Schiphol isn't immediately clear. The idea that the chaos may have been caused by nothing more than a typo reminds us of another incident a few years back when a catalog of errors, which included a pilot inputting a typo in the plane's systems prior to take-off, led the aircraft's software to understand that it was in a different country, causing all kinds of problems for the pilots after the plane took off. https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/cockpit-calamity-pilot-error-sparks-hijack-security-alert-in-amsterdam/ Back to Top Chinese airline executives punished amid photo outrage This photo, which shows a Chinese woman taking the pilot's seat during a flight, has sparked controversy on Chinese social media over air safety. Hong Kong (CNN) - Senior executives of a Chinese airline have been disciplined after one of its pilots was found to have allowed a young woman to enter an airplane cockpit mid-flight, sparking concerns over flight safety. Air Guilin's chairman, general manager, and safety director were among executives who received salary cuts and warning letters amid the controversy, according to an internal document of the airline obtained by the state-run Beijing Youth Daily. The controversy started when a Chinese aviation blogger spotted a photo of a woman taking the pilot's seat during a flight, and used Weibo, China's version of Twitter, to criticize the airline for disregarding flight safety. The photo, which was posted by the woman herself, went viral on Chinese social media, prompting the airline to announce on Monday the suspension of the pilot from flying duties "for life" and an investigation to look into the incident. The pilot was reportedly in a relationship with the woman, who was a student taking a flight attendant course at the Guilin Tourism University, according to the Global Times. When the pilot's suspension failed to calm the controversy, senior executives were also held accountable for his actions. Xu Xin, the airline's CEO, was given a "serious warning" and a three-month salary cut. General manager Qu Taoji received a "major warning," a three-month salary cut and demotion to a lower management level. The deputy manager of the maintenance department Yang Wenzhong, safety director Yin Ruiji, and general manager of the air security department Shi Ziqiao were also given a three-month pay cut. The internal document, which was signed by Xu himself, said the airline decided to take additional disciplinary actions on Tuesday against the "responsible persons" following an investigation. Air Guilin received heavy criticism from Chinese state media outlets after the photo came to light, which may have prompted it to take additional measures to shoulder responsibility and regain public trust. In a commentary on Wednesday, Global Times compared the incident with a deadly Aeroflot plane crash in 1994 which happened after a pilot invited his children to take control of the flight. It criticized Air Guilin for failing to care for the lives of its passengers. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/china-air-guilin-safety-disciplinary-action-intl-hnk-scli/index.html Back to Top Senior Airline Executives Vow to Fly on Boeing 737 Max Planes to Prove Their Safety to Passengers When the controversial aircraft is cleared, airline officials will take demonstration flights. Airlines plan to conduct their own tests on the ill-fated Boeing 737 MAX once federal regulators certify the plane is safe to resume service, according to reports. Carriers who fly the 737 MAX - American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines all fly the planes in the U.S. - plan to conduct demonstration flights with senior company officials and no commercial passengers on board to show customers it is safe to fly, according to The Wall Street Journal. Boeing hopes regulators will approve the software fixes as well as new pilot training plans in the coming weeks. "We look forward to supporting our airline customers, their pilots and flight attendants as the MAX returns to commercial service," a Boeing spokesman told the WSJ. "Restoring the trust of the traveling public in the safety of the 737 MAX once it's recertified is our top priority." The 737 MAX planes have been grounded around the world since mid-March following a pair of fatal crashes that killed 346 people. In October 2018, a Lion Air jet crashed into the Java Sea off Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board. And then in March, an Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed, killing 157 people. American Airlines expects to start flying the 737 MAX jets by Jan. 16, and Southwest Airlines has pulled the planes through at least Feb. 8, according to both airlines. United Airlines has taken the jets off their schedule through January as well, according to Fox Business. European regulators are planning to conduct their own test flights that are expected to be even more detailed, potentially delaying the return of the 737 MAX at airports across the pond by several weeks, the WSJ reported. Meanwhile, a group representing American Airlines flight attendants sent a letter to Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg last week requesting a say in determining if the planes are safe to fly again, Fox Business reported. And the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association filed a lawsuit against Boeing for allegedly lying about the safety of the jets, asking for $100 million. While it's not clear exactly when the jets will be approved to resume service, once they're in the air again, it will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers. In fact, analysts predict it could cause a drastic reduction in airfare prices. https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/boeing-max-737-test-airlines Back to Top Air Methods Corp. facing lawsuit over alleged helicopter safety issue The lawsuit claims an Air Methods helicopter went on 51 flights after the company was notified by the FAA that the copter's pitot tubes were "severely corroded" ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. - A federal civil lawsuit was filed Monday against Air Methods Corp. of Greenwood Village alleging violations of safety standards in connection to an emergency-services helicopter. The complaint, filed by the U.S. Attorney, District of Colorado, claims that an Air Methods helicopter, in Tampa, Fla., went on 51 flights after the company was notified by the Federal Aviation Administration that the helicopter's pitot tubes - crucial in determining airspeed - were "severely corroded," according to a news release. Air Methods operates air-ambulance helicopters across the country. The complaint alleges that on Nov. 4, 2014, an FAA aviation safety inspector identified the problem and that the helicopter "continued to operate" in violation of federal regulations. "If a pitot tube is not functioning properly, it can cause the airspeed reflected on a helicopter's instruments to vary significantly from the actual airspeed, which can present serious safety concerns," the release said. Air Methods was aware of the hazards, according to the complaint, which seeks to recover civil penalties from the Colorado company. "When a federal safety inspector notifies an air-ambulance company that one of its helicopters has a potential safety issue, the company must address that issue," U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn said in the release. "Air Methods kept the helicopter in the air despite being warned about the corroded pitot tubes, and we intend to hold the company accountable for its actions." Founded in 1980, Air Methods has a workforce of more than 4,500 people with more than 300 bases serving 48 states, according to its website. "Air Methods vigorously disputes the allegations contained in the complaint but cannot provide further comment as the litigation is pending," the company said Monday. https://www.ems1.com/legal/articles/air-methods-corp-facing-lawsuit-over-alleged-helicopter-safety-issue-rxeXzlkGoVxA0nr2/ Back to Top Bombardier's Thought-provoking Safety Standdown 2019 Shines the Light on Elevating Standards, Introduces New Aviation Safety Practices • Prominent safety event promotes lifelong learning to disseminate the latest safety knowledge available throughout the industry • 23rd edition of Bombardier's Safety Standdown marks almost a quarter century of aviation safety stewardship • New workshops/presenters focus on human factors in aviation safety, automation and airmanship, fatigue management/alertness assessment, and much more MONTREAL, Nov. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier's 23rd annual Safety Standdown, one of the most comprehensive safety conferences in the aviation industry, is set for November 12-14 in Fort Worth, Texas. This year's theme, "Elevate Your Standards," prompts aviation professionals and organizations to establish new standards to put them on the path to a safer, more productive future. "For two decades, Bombardier has led the industry in knowledge-based aviation training through this dynamic event and this year's theme will most certainly prompt attendees to raise their games to develop a new standards paradigm," said Andy Nureddin, Vice President, Customer Support, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "In close to a quarter century of sponsoring Safety Standdown, our goal has been to foster a community of aviation professionals who are committed to lifelong learning and to disseminating higher standards of safety and professionalism throughout the industry." More than 450 aviation professionals are registered for this year's event with hundreds more expected to participate online. As of 2018, more than 10,000 corporate, commercial and military aviation professionals have attended Safety Standdown seminars around the world. And while registration for the free event has yet again reached capacity, aviation professionals are invited to watch the event live via webcast highlighting select sessions of interest, and interact with prominent presenters via live text. In line with this year's theme, Safety Standdown 2019 will focus not only on how to set, implement and measure high standards, but also on how to systematically elevate standards to entirely new levels. Dr. Daniel Mollicone, an internationally recognized leader in the field of fatigue risk management, is one of a range of influential authors, university professors and industry experts who will be on hand to share ways to establish objective quantitative standards to assess pilot alertness. Among several high-profile returning speakers are Chris Lutat of Convergent Performance and author of Automation Airmanship, who will challenge attendees to apply his Nine Principles of Automation Airmanship to the aircraft, airspace and aircrew. Also returning in 2019 is the popular Dr. Tony Kern, a retired Lt. Col. with the U.S. Air Force. In "Levitation is Not a Magic Trick: High Performance at the Merge," Dr. Kern will look at what it takes to elevate standards. Captain U.S. Navy (Retired) Al Gorthy is also back, challenging attendees in his presentation, "What Defines You," to achieve excellence through continuous improvement. Admission to Safety Standdown has, throughout the years, remained free to all aviation professionals as safety is a top commitment to the flying public. Next year's event will be held in Wichita, Kansas. About Safety Standdown Originally conceived in 1996 as a human factors safety-training event for the Learjet flight demonstration team, the conference quickly garnered a reputation for excellence beyond Bombardier's customer base. In 1999, in response to growing interest within the industry, Bombardier opened the seminar to all pilots. In 2010, Safety Standdown expanded beyond the seminars into a year-round global human factors program offering online resources. Since 1996, more than 10,000 corporate, commercial and military aviation professionals have attended Safety Standdown seminars worldwide, live and through the webcast, including in Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico, Switzerland and the USA. About Bombardier With over 68,000 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. The company is recognized on the 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Index. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier. Notes to Editors Follow @Bombardierjets on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Business Aircraft. To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section. Bombardier and Learjet are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. For Information Matthew Nicholls Bombardier Aviation + 1 514-243-8214 matthew.nicholls@aero.bombardier.com https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/11/06/1942340/0/en/Bombardier-s-Thought-provoking-Safety-Standdown-2019-Shines-the-Light-on-Elevating-Standards-Introduces-New-Aviation-Safety-Practices.html Back to Top FAA plans to increase rest periods for US airline flight attendants The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun the process of amending its regulations to require that flight attendants at US airlines receive a rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours between periods of duty lasting 14 hours or fewer. Under the FAA's current regulations (from 1994), a flight attendant who is scheduled for a duty period of 14 hours or fewer must be given a scheduled rest period of at least nine consecutive hours. For background, in late 2018 Congress passed and President Trump signed the FAA Reauthorisation Act 2018, which included a provision (Section 335(a)) requiring this change in the FAA's regulations by 4 November 2018. Section 335(a) prohibits any reduction in rest periods below 10 hours (for further details please see "Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorisation Act: new airline fees introduced" and "Consumer protection following introduction of Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorisation Act"). After criticism that the FAA was not moving quickly enough in response to Congress' direction, the FAA has now issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking. The notice signals the commencement of a rulemaking process while underscoring that it may be some time before the FAA actually adopts a rule change. Because the FAA has decided that the planned rule change is "economically significant", it has taken the position that it is legally required to publish an advanced notice in which it solicits public comment (particularly in the form of data and studies) quantifying the costs and benefits (safety related or otherwise) of the rule change. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), which lobbied for congressional passage of Section 335(a), has criticised the FAA for not implementing the rule change more quickly. The AFA disputes that, as a procedural matter, the FAA needed to publish an advanced notice as a prelude to implementing the rule change. Airlines, by contrast, have expressed concern about the costs associated with the rule change and how it may be implemented. They point out that they may need to hire additional flight attendants and schedule additional flight attendant hours in order to accommodate longer rest periods while maintaining existing flight schedules. Comments on the advance notice are due by 12 November 2019. After reviewing those comments, the FAA will issue a notice of proposed rulemaking, including the proposed text of the rule change; however, the FAA has not yet published a schedule for issuing the notice of proposed rulemaking or a final rule implementing the rule change. Given the pace of the administrative rulemaking process, this means that the rule change is unlikely to go into effect before 2020. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=cbd3cb1d-af35-40d9-b724-3536063e95d7 Back to Top Disruptive passenger on flight from Charlotte causes diversion Witnesses tell NBC Charlotte it all started when a mother and daughter frantically called on-flight attendants saying another passenger assaulted them. TULSA, Okla. - A plane that left Charlotte landed unexpectedly because of a disruptive passenger early Wednesday morning. A flight from Charlotte-Douglas to Salt Lake City, Utah made an emergency landing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. One passenger took photos as Tulsa Police escorted a man off the flight. According to witnesses on the plane, it all started when a mother and daughter frantically called on-flight attendants saying another passenger assaulted them. Other passengers told NBC Charlotte that the women were separated from the man while the plane worked to make an emergency landing. Once in Tulsa, police arrested James Cholewinski and charged him with public intoxication. Public records show Cholewinski may have ties to the York, South Carolina area. Tulsa Airport Police said the alleged crime is now being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. NBC Charlotte is working to get more information. American Airlines issued a statement to NBC Charlotte saying: "American Airlines flight 807 from Charlotte to Salt Lake City diverted to Tulsa, Oklahoma last night due to a disruptive passenger. Law enforcement met the flight, removed the passenger, and the flight continued to Salt Lake City." https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/police-disruptive-passenger-on-flight-from-charlotte-causes-diversion/275-da7c7952-3d02-4630-8398-8f8124767e35 Back to Top Boeing Just Sent NASA Its Moon Lander Idea for Artemis Astronauts. Here It Is. It's one of several private moon ideas for NASA. An artist's concept of a Boeing moon lander for astronauts for NASA's Artemis program to return humans to the moon by 2024. Boeing is already building a new spaceship and a giant rocket for NASA. Now, the aerospace company wants to go to the moon. On Tuesday (Nov. 5), Boeing delivered a proposal to NASA for a crewed lunar lander to fly astronauts to the moon in 2024 as part of the agency's Artemis program. The moon lander will draw on Boeing's experience in working with NASA on the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Launch System megarocket and the company's own private Starliner crew capsule that aims to deliver astronauts to the moon as fast as possible, Boeing representatives said. "Using the lift capability of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B, we have developed a 'Fewest Steps to the Moon' approach that minimizes mission complexity while offering the safest and most direct path to the lunar surface," Jim Chilton, senior vice president of the Space and Launch division of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, said in a statement. A moon lander for Boeing NASA launched a call for commercial moon lander ideas on Sept. 30, giving companies until this week to submit ideas. The space agency's Artemis program seeks to land at least two astronauts on the moon in 2024 using a stepping stone approach that includes building a Gateway station near lunar orbit and relying on its own Orion crew capsule, commercial cargo ships and lunar landers, and tug-like transfer vehicles to move those landers to and from low lunar orbit. Boeing's moon lander won't need that space tug to move from the Gateway to the moon. "Boeing's integrated lander also can carry itself from lunar orbit to the surface without an additional transfer stage or 'space tug,' further reducing launches and simplifying the steps to a successful landing," company representatives wrote in the statement. "It can dock with the Gateway lunar orbiter or directly with NASA's Orion to eliminate the need for an additional spacecraft, both on time to meet the 2024 mandate." This second concept for Boeing's moon lander shows four astronauts around a sleek, solar-powered moon lander. Boeing's moon lander concept does rely on NASA's SLS, the current megarocket of choice for the agency's Orion spacecraft. An initial version of the rocket, called Block 1, will be used to launch Orion spacecraft. But NASA will need a higher-powered variant, called Block 1B - which features a hefty Exploration Upper Stage - to fulfill its moon landing plans. That Block 1B rocket will be the main ride for Boeing's moon lander. Currently, Boeing is building the first Block 1 rocket, which will use a less-powerful interim upper stage for an uncrewed Artemis 1 test flight around the moon with Orion. So far, NASA has picked the company Maxar to build the power-and-propulsion element for its moon Gateway and Northrop Grumman to build the station's habitat module for astronauts. The Canadian Space Agency will provide a robotic arm, while Japan and Australia have signed on to work with the U.S. on Artemis. But NASA still needs landers to get astronauts to the lunar surface, and the agency has turned to private industry for those vehicles. At the 70th International Astronautical Congress in Washington, D.C., last month, billionaire Jeff Bezos announced that his space company, Blue Origin, had teamed up with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Draper to build its entry for NASA's Human Landing System. But Boeing wasn't far behind. At the same conference, Boeing teased its moon lander entry with concept art emblazoned on the company's exhibition booth. Boeing later released the artwork on Twitter. It shows four astronauts walking around what appears to be a solar-powered lander. A second moon lander concept, released Tuesday, shows a boxy ascent module lifting off from its descent vehicle. Twin solar panels are mounted to the sides of the descent vehicle in the image. "Any lander concept starts with the vast amount of experience Boeing's gained in developing the ISS and its myriad systems, as well as how to operate a vehicle reliably," Boeing spokesperson Jerry Drelling told Space.com in an email. "The demands of a lunar landing mission will require reliable, safe and compact life support systems, operating systems and propulsion systems." . Drelling said Boeing has extensive experience in those fields, gained over 60 years of working with NASA, including on the command and service modules of the original Apollo spacecraft. "The design includes innovations in its engines, composites, and automated landing and rendezvous systems," Boeing representatives wrote in the statement. Some of those technologies were developed for the Starliner spacecraft. Drelling also said Boeing is working with another company, Intuitive Machines, to develop the engine for the new lander. NASA has also tapped Intuitive Machines to build a robotic moon lander for a science mission to launch in 2021. "Our partner, Intuitive Machines, is already test-firing an engine prototype designed for use in the lander system," Drelling said. "This prototype uses methane and oxygen rather than a hypergolic mix." Hypergolic-based systems use two propellants that ignite on contact. Drelling added that the moon lander is one of several Artemis projects Boeing is working on; the others include a Gateway prototype and an uncrewed cargo ship concept. The company is also assembling the first SLS core stage and preparing for an uncrewed orbital test flight of its Starliner crew capsule on Dec. 17. Boeing launched a Starliner pad abort test Monday (Nov. 4). And then, of course, there's the name. Boeing already has a Starliner, but its moonship is decidedly without a moniker. "We don't have a name for it," Drelling said. "It would depend on NASA's contract terms which organization would get to name it." Moonliner, anyone? https://www.space.com/boeing-human-moon-lander-concept-nasa-artemis.html Back to Top CABIN CREW FATIGUE RESEARCH PROJECT Fatigue is a pervasive issue that affects all airline cabin crew. Fatigue may impede cabin crews' ability to consistently and effectively manage passengers from safety, security and service perspectives. As part of our undergraduate research project at Swinburne University of Technology (Melbourne, Australia), we are conducting a survey of international cabin crew primarily engaged in long-haul (LH) and ultra long-haul (ULH) flight operations. This survey asks cabin crew for their views on various issues associated with work-related fatigue and stress. We also seek your views on the availability and effectiveness of various fatigue countermeasures. If you are working as LH or ULH cabin crew, you are invited to participate in this study. You will be asked to complete an online questionnaire, which also includes a consent form. The study takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. To access the study, please go to the following website: https://swinuw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8qBLCKgmpWlraxT Participants who complete the study will be eligible to enter a draw to win the latest iPad (6th Generation). This research project is being supervised by Peter Renshaw at the Department of Aviation, Swinburne University of Technology. If you have any questions, please contact Peter at prenshaw@swin.edu.au Back to Top Contact: info@scaledanalytics.com Back to Top Contact: info@wxriskmanagement.com Back to Top MEL Administration Manager POSITION PURPOSE Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) of the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and manages the development, content, administration, compliance and control of Republic Airways MEL, Configuration Deviation Lists (CDL), Non-essential Equipment and Furnishings (NEF), and policy letters. ESSENTIAL DUTIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Manages the current MEL, CDL, and NEF items and procedures consistent with the FAA MMEL, MMEL Policy Letters and Manufactures Dispatch Deviation Procedures Manual. • Analyze and assess processes of MEL, CDL and NEF items to improve administration, productivity and efficiency during operations. • Coordinates with FAA Flight Operations Evaluation Board (FOEB) and aircraft manufacturer for MMEL proposals. • Attends FOEB meetings and industry workshops; establish networks with other MEL Administrators and benchmarking best practices. • Coordinates with FOEB and engineering to incorporate relief for items installed under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). • Collaborates with lead airline and FOEB for MMEL industry solutions. • Serves as the MEL subject matter expert and provides MEL, CDL, and NEF user support. • Revises MEL, CDL and NEF program to reflect current company changes (e.g. Engineering, Operations, Inflight, and Dispatch). • Provides supporting documentation for all MEL, CDL, and NEF Program changes and coordinates with Republic Airways Technical Publications department to produce temporary and regular revisions. • Schedules and facilitates meetings with the FAA concerning every aspect of the MEL, CDL, and NEF Program temporary and regular revisions. • Oversees all updates of SABRE with MEL, CDL and NEF item information during revision periods. • Coordinates with Flight Operations and Dispatch for all MEL, CDL and NEF related changes. • Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE • High school diploma or general education degree (GED). • FAA Mechanic Certificate with Rating of Airframe and Powerplant. • 5 years related experience. • Previous experience with MEL/CDL/NEF. • Previous experience in aircraft maintenance. • Experience on E170/175 series aircraft or completion of E170/175 Aircraft Systems Maintenance Course. • Microsoft Office skills are required. • Understands and is able to apply Company policies and procedures. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. DECISION MAKING Makes limited decisions and determines best methods to solve problems by referring to established precedents and policies. Impact of decisions is moderately low. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Able to move about the work environment. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Typically not exposed to extreme environmental conditions. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, including overnight and weekend travel. Curt Lewis