Flight Safety Information December 18, 2019 - No. 260 In This Issue Southwest Airlines Nixes Boeing 737 Max Planes From Its Fleet Until April Incident: KLM B772 near Kazan on Dec 16th 2019, hydraulic problem Incident: Indigo A20N at Bagdogra on Dec 16th 2019, engine problem Incident: Spicejet DH8D at Goa on Dec 17th 2019, unsafe nose gear Incident: Sunwing B738 near Montreal on Dec 15th 2019, fuel leak Incident: Canada Rouge A319 near Nassau on Dec 14th 2019, turbulence rolls engine back NTSB: Icy conditions during deadly South Dakota plane crash FAA must boost oversight to address Allegiant Air maintenance issues: audit Cebu Pacific joins International Air Transport Association Austral Embraer 190 damaged by drone collision FAA proposes $145,000 civil penalty against Sioux Gateway Airport for alleged safety violations USHST Safety Experts Will Offer 21 Workshops at Heli-Expo 2020 Department of Energy Announces $55 Million in Funding for Electric Aviation Programs NBAA New Board Members Bring Backgrounds in UAM, Space Two more airlines just joined TSA PreCheck. Here's all 73 participating carriers Cirrus: Vision Jet part of pilot shortage solution Excitement Builds for Boeing's 1st Starliner Test Launch Friday Call for Papers - ISASI 2020 Safety Management Systems Certificate Program from SCSI IATA Safety and Flight Ops Conference - Baku, Azerbaijan 31 March - 2 April, 2020 Southwest Airlines Nixes Boeing 737 Max Planes From Its Fleet Until April Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max aircraft are parked on the tarmac after being grounded, at the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, Calif., in March. Southwest Airlines - which operates more Boeing 737 Max planes than any other domestic carrier - will suspend the troubled jetliner type from its flight rotation for a longer period than it originally planned. The low-cost airline announced Tuesday it is "proactively" nixing the Max from its schedule until April 13. Southwest had earlier projected it would reintroduce the jetliners by early March. The announcement comes a day after Boeing said it will temporarily halt production of the Max series beginning in January 2020. The aircraft-maker's Max series has been grounded worldwide following a pair of crashes - one in 2018 and another in March - that killed nearly 350 people combined. For months, Boeing has been waiting for Federal Aviation Administration approval of Max software fixes and a subsequent "return to service" for the aircraft type. But as NPR's David Schaper reports, FAA certification is not expected until February 2020 at the earliest. Southwest said its decision is "based on continued uncertainty" surrounding when the Max might get the FAA's go-ahead for takeoff. "By proactively removing the MAX from scheduled service, we can reduce last-minute flight cancellations and unexpected disruptions to our Customers' travel plans," Southwest said in a statement. Southwest said it was removing approximately 300 weekday flights from its typical peak-day schedule of more than 4,000 daily flights. It adds that the change will affect only a limited number of customers and that those who have already booked flights "will be notified of their re-accommodated travel." The move by Southwest follows a similar one by American Airlines, which said last week it does not expect to have the Max planes back in rotation until early April 2020. "Based on the latest guidance, American anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American's fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur April 7, 2020," American Airlines said in a news release. Ross Aimer, a retired commercial airline pilot who is the now CEO of Aero Consulting Experts, which tracks the aviation industry, tells NPR that airlines make their fleet plans years in advance and putting off a return to service for the Max planes might lead to higher airfare rates down the line. "Simply a lot of headaches," Aimer says. "They're losing a lot of seats they could have sold to us," he says. "And equally, the public will not have as many seats available to them. So this is not only bad for Boeing, it's bad for the airlines, bad for the public as well." Southwest announced last week it had reached a "confidential agreement" with Boeing. In a statement the air carrier said the deal is "to compensate Southwest for a portion of projected financial damages related to the grounding of the airline's Boeing 737 MAX aircraft." While the total compensation was not disclosed, the company also said it would share approximately $125 million with its employees through its profit-sharing program. As NPR reported Monday, the 737 Max planes have been grounded since March, but Boeing continued to build new ones. Boeing said there are roughly 400 Max planes in storage. But with the protracted suspension, the company said it "decided to prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft and temporarily suspend production on the 737 program beginning next month." NPR reported last week that Boeing had expected the jets would have a speedy return to service. The report added that Stephen Dickson, the FAA administrator, has been under pressure too. He is facing allegations from lawmakers that aviation regulators have a too-cozy relationship with Boeing, a company the agency regulates. The FAA grounded the Max series on March 13, days after dozens of other countries issued similar mandates following the deadly Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 crash that killed 157 people. That crash happened less than five months after a 737 Max 8 operated by Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia, killing all 189 people onboard. Investigators say a faulty flight control system on the Max played a significant role in both crashes. Boeing has developed proposed fixes for that and other problems, but the FAA and other regulators around the world have promised to take their time evaluating and testing those fixes, vowing they will not be rushed into returning the Max to service before they can ensure the plane is safe. Before the crashes, Boeing had high hopes for the Max family of aircraft. At the beginning of the year, Boeing announced it was ramping up production of the planes to address "a seven-year order backlog." Boeing said it set a new record by reaching 806 deliveries of its 737 series planes in 2018. It beat the previous record of 763 deliveries set in 2017. https://www.npr.org/2019/12/17/788863022/southwest-airlines-nixes-boeing-737-max-planes-from-its-fleet-until-april Back to Top Incident: KLM B772 near Kazan on Dec 16th 2019, hydraulic problem A KLM Boeing 777-200, registration PH-BQB performing flight KL-861 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Tokyo Narita (Japan), was enroute at FL330 about 360nm north of Kazan (Russia) when the crew decided to return to Amsterdam due to a hydraulic pump fault. The crew advised on approach to Amsterdam they needed more time than usual to extend the landing gear and deploy the flaps, in particular the flaps would move very slowly. They would need to stop on the runway. The aircraft landed safely on Amsterdam's runway 18C about 4:10 hours after the decision to turn around and stopped on the runway. The aircraft was towed to the apron about 20 minutes after landing. A passenger reported the crew announced one of the three hydraulic pumps had failed. Due to weather they didn't want to divert to Siberia (Russia), therefore they were returning to Amsterdam. http://avherald.com/h?article=4d0b8f82&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Indigo A20N at Bagdogra on Dec 16th 2019, engine problem An Indigo Airbus A320-200N, registration VT-IZJ performing flight 6E-958 from Bagdogra to Kolkata (India) with 180 people on board, was climbing out of Bagdogra's runway 18 when the crew received an abnormal indication for one of the engines (PW1127G), stopped the climb at about FL165 and returned to Bagdogra for a safe landing on runway 36 about 30 minutes after departure. The airline reported the crew received a caution message and returned to Bagdogra. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Bagdogra about 37 hours after landing. http://avherald.com/h?article=4d0b8cca&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Spicejet DH8D at Goa on Dec 17th 2019, unsafe nose gear A Spicejet de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration VT-SUX performing flight SG-3568 from Surat Gujarat to Goa (India), was on approach to Goa when the crew performed a go around due to an unsafe nose gear. The aircraft subsequently performed a low approach to have the gear inspected from the ground which confirmed the nose gear was not in the down and locked position. The crew therefore prepared for a partial gear up landing. Upon third approach and full stop landing it turned out all gear was down and locked, the aircraft landed without further incident. India's Navy reported instructed the crew to go around due to the nose gear not being down on first approach. The airline stated on first approach the crew selected the gear down, the nose gear indication stayed amber however. The captain therefore went around as a precaution. Concerned that the gear might not be in position the aircraft performed a low approach to Goa, tower confirmed the nose gear was not down. Emergency services were requested and the crew performed a precautionary landing. "On landing the Nose Gear was found to be down and locked. The Landing was normal and safe." http://avherald.com/h?article=4d0b8a65&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Sunwing B738 near Montreal on Dec 15th 2019, fuel leak A Sunwing Boeing 737-800, registration C-GOWG performing flight WG-386 from Cancun (Mexico) to Quebec City,QC (Canada) with 185 passengers and 6 crew, was descending through FL240 towards Quebec City about 85nm south of the airport when the crew requested to divert to Montreal,QC (Canada) due to a fuel leak. The crew declared emergency and landed safely on Montreal's runway 24R about 18 minutes later. The Canadian TSB reported emergency services inspected the aircraft and found a fuel spill. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/SWG386/history/20191215/1710Z/MMUN/CYQB http://avherald.com/h?article=4d0b831f&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Canada Rouge A319 near Nassau on Dec 14th 2019, turbulence rolls engine back An Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319-100, registration C-GBHZ performing flight RV-1986 from Montreal,QC (Canada) to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) with 140 people on board, was enroute at FL380 about 320nm north of Nassau (Bahamas) when the aircraft experienced light turbulence. The flight crew felt unusual vibrations and observed the right hand engine's (CFM56) N1 rolled back with all other parameters including vibrations remaining normal. The crew declared PAN PAN and requested a descent. At FL280 the issue rectified. The crew decided to divert to Nassau where the aircraft landed safely about one hour after leaving FL380. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/ROU1986/history/20191214/1325Z/CYUL/MDPC http://avherald.com/h?article=4d0b81f8&opt=0 Back to Top NTSB: Icy conditions during deadly South Dakota plane crash SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The pilot and a passenger of a small plane that crashed after taking off from a small South Dakota airport on Thanksgiving weekend, killing nine of 12 members of an Idaho family who were on board, spent three hours clearing snow and ice from the aircraft before departure, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary report released Tuesday. The single-engine plane made it less than a mile from the airport in Chamberlain, South Dakota, and only 460 feet into the air before it crashed shortly after noon on Nov. 30, according to the report, which doesn't list a cause of the crash or the name of the pilot. Three of the plane's warning systems - the stall warning, stick shaker and stick pusher - activated within seconds of liftoff, the report states. The crash killed nine members of the Hansen family, including the pilot. The family, which is from Idaho Falls, Idaho, flew to South Dakota for an annual pheasant-hunting trip. They were returning home when the plane crashed. Although the report did not name the pilot, Kirk Hansen had a private pilot certificate and his medical information was up to date with the Federal Aviation Administration. The area was under a winter storm warning at the time of the crash and the airport's weather station reported conditions that were worsening by the minute. Snowfall increased from light to moderate, and visibility reduced from three-quarters of a mile to half a mile. A witness who was about half a mile from the airport reported hearing the plane running well for a few seconds but was not able to see it because of snow and clouds. Gary Robb, an aviation lawyer, said the weather should have dissuaded the pilot from taking off. "It's not just a bright yellow caution," he said. "It's a big red stop sign." Ice on the wings of a plane can make it more difficult to achieve the lift and thrust needed to fly, Robb said. The plane was near its capacity weight, Robb said. The Pilatus PC12 is usually equipped with seating for seven passengers, but is rated on the weight it carries rather than the number of passengers. Federal investigators recovered a "black box" data recorder from the crash site, which should help their investigation into the probably cause or causes of the crash. Their full investigation report will be released in a year or two. https://www.yahoo.com/news/ntsb-icy-conditions-during-deadly-211753356.html Back to Top FAA must boost oversight to address Allegiant Air maintenance issues: audit WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to improve its oversight to address maintenance issues at Allegiant Air, the 11th largest U.S. carrier, according to a report seen by Reuters on Tuesday. FILE PHOTO: An Allegiant Air McDonnell Douglas MD-83 passenger jet takes off from the Monterey airport in Monterey, California, February 26, 2012. REUTERS/Michael Fiala/File Photo The U.S. Transportation Department's Inspector General, in a 31-page report sent to Capitol Hill on Tuesday but not yet made public, said FAA inspectors since 2011 have not "consistently documented risks associated with 36 Allegiant Air in-flight engine shutdowns for its MD-80 fleet or correctly assessed the root cause of maintenance issues." Ultra-low cost Allegiant, a unit of Allegiant Travel Co, said it had not yet see the report and did not have an immediate comment. The FAA said in a letter attached to the report that it agreed with eight of the nine recommendations made by the inspector general and partially agreed with the remaining one. Allegiant carried about 14 million passengers last year, serving 122 U.S. cities and Puerto Rico on 450 flight routes. The inspector general opened the probe in May 2018 after a "series of in-flight engine shutdowns, aborted takeoffs, and unscheduled landings" raised concerns about maintenance practices. The report said in-flight shutdowns at Allegiant "continued until July 2018 and were only resolved four months later when Allegiant Air retired the last of its MD-80 fleet." Allegiant now flies an all Airbus fleet. The report found in-flight engine shutdowns forced 21 Allegiant aircraft to return or divert to other airports between 2014 and 2018, but that regulators did not properly track engine shutdown risks. A 2015 maintenance provider failure at Allegiant Air demonstrated "severe violations that represent unacceptable safety risks or could result in catastrophic outcomes should also warrant a more stringent oversight approach," the report said. The inspector general said the airline's maintenance provider failed to insert a cotter pin on a critical flight control component that put some 30,000 passengers at risk. The report said in August 2015, a pilot "almost lost control of this aircraft during takeoff when it unexpectedly tried to lift off prematurely" but was able to abort takeoff and land safely. After inspectors proposed a 30-day suspension for Allegiant Air's maintenance provider, FAA regional officials reduced the suspension to a compliance action. FAA inspectors closed out six of eight compliance actions before ensuring Allegiant Air actually took any corrective actions, the report found. It also found that FAA does not provide inspectors with guidance and comprehensive training to ensure Allegiant Air takes appropriate corrective actions. The FAA said it had "initiated compliance actions at Allegiant Air that have improved safety for the flying public." https://www.reuters.com/article/us-allegiant-tr-safety-report/faa-must-boost-oversight-to-address-allegiant-air-maintenance-issues-audit-idUSKBN1YL29U Back to Top Cebu Pacific joins International Air Transport Association Leading Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) is now a member of the International Air Transport Association, the trade association for the global airline industry. CEB is IATA's largest member among Philippine carriers, comprising 44 percent of total domestic passenger volume and 46 percent of total domestic cargo, based on data from the Philippines's Civil Aeronautics Board. IATA is comprised of over 290 member-airlines from 117 countries, representing 82 percent of global air traffic. With some of the world's leading passenger and cargo airlines as members, IATA represents, leads and serves the airline industry. Cebu Pacific was formally inducted into IATA by Conrad Clifford, regional vice president for Asia-Pacific. The IATA team also briefed top management of Cebu Pacific on IATA governance, industry concerns and how the organization can support CEB's expansion plans. "We are pleased to join IATA as we can gain access to expertise and learnings on best practices and innovations among global airlines, as well as help formulate policies on critical aviation issues. Moreover, we will also be able to share our own operational experience and contribute to further developing the airline industry as a whole," said Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of Cebu Pacific. For his part, Clifford said the entry of Cebu Pacific augurs well for the growth of the country's travel and tourism sector. "We warmly welcome Cebu Pacific, Asia's oldest low-cost carrier, to the IATA family. Today about 20 percent of our members globally are low-cost carriers and we encourage more to join. We look forward to working together with the Cebu Pacific team to help shape industry standards, best practices and policies that ensure the safe, efficient and sustainable growth of aviation in the Philippines and Asia. Together with our 290-plus member-airlines, we make aviation the business of freedom," said Clifford. Cebu Pacific achieved full compliance with the IATA Operational Safety Audit, joining a registry of 437 carriers worldwide that have strictly complied with an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. Recently, Cebu Pacific was named the Most Improved Airline for 2020 by airline safety and product review web site airlineratings.com, citing the carrier's commitment to "expand its global footprint using new generation fuel-efficient aircraft." As of end-September 2019, Cebu Pacific ramped up capacity by 23 percent, totaling 19 million seats. The carrier flew close to 16 million passengers on 121 routes with more than 2,600 weekly flights. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/17/cebu-pacific-joins-international-air-transport-association/ Back to Top Austral Embraer 190 damaged by drone collision Chemical analysis of impact traces has convinced Argentinean investigators that an unmanned aerial vehicle collided with an Embraer 190 shortly before it commenced its final approach to Buenos Aires. Argentinean investigation authority JIAAC says the Austral Lineas Aereas twinjet - operating from Rosario on 22 December last year - struck a foreign object at 4,080ft, some 20nm north-west of Jorge Newbery airport, but subsequently landed safely. Examination of the region of impact, on the fuselage, found an oily gel-like substance as well as fibres. Swabbed samples were analysed by a metallurgical laboratory at the National University of La Plata, which determined that they largely contained carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. These results suggested the material was carbonfibre while the oily substance appeared to contain organic compounds known to be present in batteries. "According to the results from the material analysed, it was confirmed that the object that struck the [Embraer] was an unmanned aerial vehicle," says JIAAC. Analysis of the impact damage indicated the presence of a drone While investigators combed the area in which the drone was likely to have crashed - based on the aircraft's height and speed, as well as wind direction - no debris was located. "Remains of the [drone] could have provided important information for the inquiry," says JIAAC, providing data on its mass, performance, and operator. But based on data from a European Union Aviation Safety Agency study, the drone was probably in the 'medium' or 'large' category. The drone had been flying at night over a populated area within the control zone of Jorge Newbery airport, in the vicinity of the final approach path to runway 13. Regulations prohibit the operation of drones in controlled airspace without special authorisation, the inquiry points out. But it states that it could not determine whether the drone was complying with the rules. None of the 75 occupants of the E190 (LV-CDZ) was injured. Cockpit-voice and flight-data recorder information enabled the inquiry to establish the position and height of the aircraft at the time of the collision. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/austral-embraer-190-damaged-by-drone-collision/135825.article Back to Top FAA proposes $145,000 civil penalty against Sioux Gateway Airport for alleged safety violations WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTIV) - The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed $145,452 in civil penalties against Sioux City's Sioux Gateway Airport for numerous alleged safety violations. In a release, from the agency, the FAA says it inspected Sioux Gateway in May of 2018, June of 2019 and September of 2019 and found numerous alleged violations each time. The FAA alleges the airport repeatedly failed to maintain surfaces, runway and taxiway markings, and visual wind direction indicators. Specifically, in May of 2018 and June of 2019, FAA inspectors found the airport did not properly grade the runway safety areas for both runways to eliminate hazardous ruts, humps, depressions or other surface variations. The FAA also alleges the runway and taxiway markings were not properly maintained, were not clearly visible, lacked proper lighting, marking or signs, and wind indicators were faded, making them difficult to see. And, in September of 2019, during a construction inspection, FAA inspectors found that two taxiways were not properly marked, and one of them was not properly maintained, creating potentially hazardous foreign object debris. Sioux Gateway Airport has 30 days after receiving the FAA's enforcement letter to respond. KTIV reached out to the Sioux Gateway Airport Director about the proposed civil penalty. He said the airport is working through the process with the FAA and they do not have an official statement at this time. To read the full press release from the FAA, click here. https://ktiv.com/2019/12/17/faa-proposes-145000-civil-penalty-against-sioux-gateway-airport-for-alleged-safety-violations/ Back to Top USHST Safety Experts Will Offer 21 Workshops at Heli-Expo 2020 Total is Most Ever for U.S. Team at Heli-Expo Members of the United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org) will be providing their safety advice for Heli-Expo participants in Anaheim at 21 different workshops on a wide variety of topics. Many of the topics link to proposed safety enhancements that the USHST is supporting. The USHST promotes safety and works to reduce accidents through a government and industry cooperative effort that has resulted in a decrease in U.S. civil helicopter accidents since the organization's inception in 2013. The full list of USHST-related workshops scheduled at Heli-Expo 2020 is the following:  Elevating Safety Culture and Professionalism Jan. 27, 11:00 am (*)  Maintenance Safety: First Solutions That Work Jan. 28, 8:00 am  Aviation Fatigue: Identification and Mitigation Jan. 28, 9:15 am  Seeing 20/20 with Enhanced Helicopter Vision Systems Jan. 28, 9:15 am (*)  Human Factors: Protecting Us from Ourselves Jan. 28, 10:30 am  BowTie Methodology for Safety Management Jan. 28, 10:30 am and Jan. 29, 1:30 pm  The IIMC Threat: Avoidance and Survival Jan. 28, 12 noon and Jan. 29, 4:00 pm (*)  The Vuichard Recovery: A Better Way Out of Vortex Ring State Jan. 28, 12 noon and Jan. 29, 4:00 pm  Essential Skills for CRM Instructors Jan. 28, 1:15 pm  Flying Blind Jan. 28, 2:30 pm  What Do I Need to Know About My Flight Gear? Jan. 28, 2:30 pm  Good Data Drives Good Decisions: HFDM Jan. 28, 8:00 am (*)  Helicopter Scenario-Based Training Jan. 28, 2:30 pm (*)  What the FRAT? Flight Risk Assessment Tools Jan. 29, 9:15 am  Simulation: Keep Learning from Your Mistakes Jan. 29, 9:15 am (*)  Autorotations Reexamined Jan. 29, 10:30 am  Autorotations: Reality Exposed Jan, 29, 1:30 pm  Improving Inflight Risk Mitigation Jan. 29, 1:30 pm (*)  SMS for Small-Fleet or Private Operators Jan. 29, 1:30 pm  IIMC: You Can Survive Jan. 29, 2:45 pm (*)  Managing Complexity to Form a Simple SMS Jan. 29, 2:45 pm The workshops marked with an (*) reflect proposed safety enhancements that the USHST is pursuing in order to reduce the number of fatal helicopter accidents. Details about all of the USHST safety enhancements can be found on the web site at www.USHST.org. More information about USHST reports, safety tools, Real Safety presentations and YouTube safety videos also can be obtained at its web site and on the International Helicopter Safety Foundation web site (www.IHSF.aero) and Facebook page. Back to Top Department of Energy Announces $55 Million in Funding for Electric Aviation Programs WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) announced up to $55 million in funding for two programs to support the development of low-cost electric aviation engine technology and powertrain systems. Research on Aviation-class Synergistically Cooled Electric-motors with iNtegrated Drives (ASCEND) and Range Extenders for Electric Aviation with Low Carbon and High Efficiency (REEACH) programs seek to develop commercial-class electric aviation energy technology solutions with the goal of mitigating the emissions caused by passenger aircraft. "Every American should have reliable, affordable, and efficient transportation, and the electrification of aviation systems has the potential to transform the way aircraft consume and use energy," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. "These programs will focus on innovative research and development for flight systems that increase the overall efficiency of aircraft and have the potential to reduce aircraft fuel consumption and emissions" Each year, air travel accounts for nearly 175 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in the U.S., or about 2.6% of domestic GHG emissions. These programs represent ARPA-E's first focused efforts on the development of more energy efficient, electric motor and powertrain systems for commercial aircraft, and awardees will be subject to a rigorous performance metrics review over the course of their funding cycles. ASCEND projects will support the development of lightweight and ultra-efficient integrated electric motors, drives and thermal management systems to facilitate net-zero carbon emissions. The REEACH program will develop a system for the conversion of chemical energy contained in energy dense Carbon Neutral Liquid Fuels to electric power for aircraft propulsion. Both programs will develop technology for use in narrow-body, passenger aircraft. Cost of research will be funded with $55 million available through both of these electric aviation programs, up to $35 million will be available for through ASCEND and up to $20 million will be available in the REEACH program. A portion of funding in both programs will be made specifically available for qualifying small business applicants under ARPA-E's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. To learn more about ARPA-E's ASCEND program, click HERE and to learn more about ARPA-E's REEACH program, click HERE. To apply for funding, visit ARPA-E eXCHANGE. https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-55-million-funding-electric-aviation-programs Back to Top NBAA New Board Members Bring Backgrounds in UAM, Space As the business aviation community continues to evolve, NBAA is adding to its board of directors two new members who bring backgrounds in urban air mobility (UAM) and aviation systems and aerospace. These additions are Kate Fraser, who is head of safety for California-based eVTOL developer Joby Aviation, and Charlie Precourt, a former astronaut who is v-p and general manager of propulsion systems at Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. "NBAA is honored to have the diversity of experience and knowledge that Kate and Charlie bring to our board, which will help inform and enhance NBAA's programs and operations," said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. "As both an aviation young professional and an urban air mobility pioneer, Kate brings fresh ideas and future vision to our organization. Charlie, as a propulsion expert and former astronaut, brings to NBAA deep aviation systems and aerospace experience." Before her work at Joby, Fraser led aviation policy for Uber and has worked with regulators and policymakers to pave a path for UAM. She also has served with the FAA's Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention, collaborating with industry partners on both the Commercial Aviation Safety Team in Europe and South America and the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee. Precourt previously was involved in four space flights and has held several management positions with NASA, including deputy program manager for the International Space Station, chief of the Astronaut Corps and director of operations for NASA at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. A member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame and retired Air Force colonel, he also serves as vice-chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association board of directors. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-12-17/nbaa-new-board-members-bring-backgrounds-uam-space Back to Top Two more airlines just joined TSA PreCheck. Here's all 73 participating carriers TSA PreCheck can be incredibly valuable for frequent travelers. Expedited screening allows enrolled passengers to keep their shoes on and laptops in their bags at more than 200 airports around the U.S. The time savings and reduced hassle are worth the application fee to many travelers, especially those traveling with families. If you have one of the many credit cards that'll reimburse the PreCheck application fee, it makes it an even clearer choice to register for either TSA PreCheck or to get PreCheck access through enrolling in Global Entry. For years, TSA PreCheck was mostly limited to the major U.S. airlines. However, the program has seen steady growth over the past few years to now include dozens of North American and international airlines. And today we are seeing more of that international growth. On Tuesday morning, two more airlines were added to the list of airlines in the TSA PreCheck program: Alitalia Airlines and Qantas Airways. These will be welcome additions for passengers flying on the dozens of weekly flights from the U.S. on the flag carriers of Italy and Australia. With these additions, a total of 73 airlines now offer PreCheck to qualified passengers, including all of the major US carriers. Here's a list of all participating airlines: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Air India, Air Serbia, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Aruba Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Azul Airlines, Boutique Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, Condor Airlines, Contour Aviation, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eastern Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Elite Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, Flycana, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, InterCaribbean Airways, Interjet, Japan Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Key Lime Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Miami Air International, Norwegian Air, PAL Express, Philippine Airlines, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Seaborne Airlines, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Sunclass, Sunwing Airlines, Swift Air, Swiss International Air Lines, Swoop, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, VivaAerobus, Volaris, WestJet, World Atlantic, Xtra Airways Since that list can be overwhelming, here's a quick reference by airline alliance: Star Alliance: Air Canada, Air India, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, EVA Air, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines SkyTeam: Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia Airlines, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air Oneworld: American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways Once you're enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, make sure to add your Trusted Traveler number to your airline profile, so you can score the benefits of PreCheck. Click here for a guide on how to do so for each of the PreCheck airlines. https://thepointsguy.com/news/new-tsa-precheck-airlines-full-list/ Back to Top Cirrus: Vision Jet part of pilot shortage solution Most of the people who are Cirrus customers purchase the planes for themselves. Flight schools are putting the company's Vision Jet to new use as a training opportunity for the commercial pilots of tomorrow. It's helping address a looming shortage that could cripple the aviation industry. At the Cirrus campus in Knoxville, learning to fly a plane is as easy as getting in a simulator and pressing a button. "There goes the nose. And away it goes," said Vision Instructor Pilot Jim Witt, as the simulator shows takeoff. "It's extremely easy." That ease is part of what makes the Vision Jet ideal for learning. Cirrus leaders say universities and flight schools are adding the jets to their fleets in hopes of heading off a growing crisis. "Hundreds of thousands of pilots, over the next 10 to 20 years, are going to be needed to support the transportation needs around the world and Cirrus is absolutely a part of that," said Rob Haig, the Cirrus Executive Director of Flight Training and Operations Chief Pilot. Boeing estimates the aviation industry will need almost 800,000 new pilots by 2037. Flight trainers say new pilots level up, from smaller planes and jets to the bigger commercial airliners. They say the technology in the Vision Jet makes that transition easier. "All of our airplanes come standard with electronic flight displays that show the primary instruments and also the moving maps and the engine pages and that's all very similar to what a professional pilot will experience when they get to the commercial airline world," said Haig. "This system is state of the art at this time. There are not many jets at all that have this system," said Witt. A system they can first learn in the simulator, which makes something complicated seem simple. "Learning how to fly a jet, the first time, is really, really difficult - the big jets - and this jet is easy," said Witt. "I've flown 11 different types of jets and by far this is the easiest one I've ever flown." It's getting careers off the ground and meeting the need in the sky. https://kbjr6.com/2019/12/17/cirrus-vision-jet-part-of-pilot-shortage-solution/ Back to Top Excitement Builds for Boeing's 1st Starliner Test Launch Friday CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The debut test flight of a Boeing Starliner astronaut taxi for NASA is ready to fly, with great weather expected for its launch to the International Space Station Friday (Dec. 20). A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch the uncrewed CST-100 Starliner spacecraft from Space Launch Compex 41 here at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station just before sunrise on Friday. Liftoff is set for 6:36 a.m. EST (1136 GMT). "It's just incredibly proud and humbling to be here this week. It's really a culmination of years of really hard work by integrated NASA, Boeing and ULA teams," John Mulholland, vice president and program manager of Boeing's Commercial Crew program, said in a prelaunch news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today (Dec. 17). "This is really setting up to be a really incredible week." An Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing's first Starliner spacecraft rolls out to the launchpad at Space Launch Complex 41 of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 11, 2019. The mission will launch on Dec. 20, 2019. Starliner's upcoming flight, called the Orbital Flight Test, will launch an anthropomorphic test dummy named Rosie (named after the World War II icon Rosie the Riveter) amid 595 lbs. (270 kilograms) of cargo to the station, including radiation monitoring equipment, clothing, food and holiday presents to the station. The spacecraft will dock at the orbiting lab, then return to Earth around Dec. 28. The weeklong mission should serve as a shakedown cruise for future crewed flights of Starliner capsules for NASA. Boeing is one of two commercial companies (SpaceX is the other) with multi-billion-dollar contracts to fly astronauts to and from the International Space Station on commercial spaceships. NASA picked the two companies to be its commercial crew providers in 2014 to relieve the U.S. agency's dependence on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft to fly Americans into soace. The U.S. has relied on Soyuz vehicles since NASA's space shuttle fleet retired in 2011. "I am really looking forward to the maiden voyage of the Boeing Starliner this Friday," Kathy Lueders, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew program, said at the news conference. Lueders described the uncrewed mission as "a gift, they [uncrewed flights like this] give us the opportunity to really see how the integrated system works through all the phases of flights, but also, more importantly, it helps us as a joint team. How we're gonna work together and get ourselves ready for our crewed mission coming up." While strong winds and chilly weather might be blowing around in Florida this week, current predictions suggest that there is an 80% chance that the weather will be suitable for a safe liftoff. "All l things considered,things are looking fairly good for the week's end," Will Ulrich, launch weather officer with the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. " If the launch is delayed, however, Boeing can make another launch attempt on on Saturday (Dec. 21) and Monday (Dec. 23), if needed. This mission will be a critical test in anticipation of Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT), which will be the first crewed mission for Starliner. Following its Friday launch, Starliner is scheduled to dock early on Saturday at about 8:27 EST (1327 GMT)). After about a week up in space, the craft will make a quick trip home on Dec. 28, with undocking to landing taking just a little over four hours, Boeing representatives said. "We are actually tracking no spacecraft anomalies ... the spacecraft is in really good shape," Mulholland said. "We're Looking forward to a really short, quick and successful mission." https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-oft-test-flight-ready-for-launch.html Back to Top Call for Papers - ISASI 2020 Montreal Sheraton, Montreal PQ September 1 - 3, 2020 With "20/20 Vision for the Future" as our theme, the ISASI 2020 Committee is inviting interested individuals to submit abstracts for papers that address the future of aircraft accident investigation. Presentation topics that support the theme may include, but are not limited to: • Recent accident/incident investigations of interest. • Novel investigation techniques for aircraft, helicopter, and drone accidents. • Data investigation methods, techniques and future developments. • Airport investigation methods and techniques • Future investigator selection criteria and training needs. • Future of aircraft data capture and retrieval and protection of safety information. • Future developments in underwater wreckage recovery. • Future evolution of Family Assistance. We are also interested in papers that address the challenges surrounding the recent 737 Max accidents. While it is not our intent to discuss the accidents themselves, we are hoping to generate thought and discussion on the impact the accidents have had on to the industry as a whole and how it has affected the travelling public. Presentations must be in English and should be 25 minutes long. There will be an additional 5 minutes for questions at the end of each presentation. Abstracts should include the author's current CV [1 page only please] and be sent to isasi2020papers@shaw.ca Important dates: March 20th, 2020 - Last date for receipt of abstracts. May 8th, 2020 - Presenters informed of acceptance and provided with additional instructions. May 22nd, 2020 - Draft program for the 2019 Seminar Technical Program will be published. July 10th, 2020 - Last date for receipt of completed paper and PowerPoint presentation. Any papers not received by this date will be removed from the program and replaced by another speaker. If you have questions related to the paper topics or any other inquiries about the program, please contact the ISASI 2020 Program Chair at avsafe@shaw.ca Curt Lewis