January 23, 2020 - No. 005 In This Issue Zeevo Group's Johnsen Appointed to Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable Board of Directors Greenville Tech Charter High receives grant for rare aviation program in SC Sustainable aviation fuel debuts at Zurich Airport during WEF meet Boeing eyes developing Israeli technology for light aircraft. New Flight Simulator at Purdue University Emissions from Chinese aviation 'could quadruple by 2050 Three Embry-Riddle Students Named 2020 Aviation Week's "20 Twenties" Flying the Safer Skies - Linguistics In Global Aviation LAX Introduces New 'Fly Quieter' Program for Aircraft Operators SurePilot announces free pilot assessment for individuals with launch of Project 2020 Research. Zeevo Group's Johnsen Appointed to Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable Board of Directors Johnsen to Support Ongoing Efforts to Help Propel the Next Generation of Women to Key Leadership Positions in Aviation Zeevo Group LLC ("Zeevo"), a business, finance, and information technology consulting services firm, today announced that its Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Joey Johnsen, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable ("AWAR"), an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to promoting the development and advancement of women leaders in the aviation industry. AWAR held the 6th Annual AWAR Dublin Leaders Luncheon on January 21, 2020 at the Conrad Dublin in conjunction with the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers and Airfinance Journal Dublin 2020 aviation finance conferences. Pictured at the event (L to R): Dana A. Barta, Executive Director, Head of Aviation Finance Team, Global Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley and AWAR Co- Founder & Treasurer; Amelia Anderson, AWAR Co-founder & President; Irena Badelska, AWAR Board Member; Joey Johnsen, CEO, Zeevo Group LLC and AWAR Board Member; Kathleen Murphy, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Avolon and AWAR Secretary; and Murrae Ross-Eskell, Founder and Managing Director, Horizon Executive Search International Limited and AWAR Board Member (Photo: Business Wire) Johnsen is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle-based Zeevo and helped it become one of the leading providers of comprehensive solutions designed to improve the effectiveness and success of processes, policies, tools, and technology for clients in aviation, consumer products, and technology. "Joey is an outstanding female leader who is broadly respected as a reputable voice in decision- making within the aviation and finance fields, and we are excited to welcome her as a new member of the AWAR Board," commented Amelia Anderson, AWAR Co-Founder and President, who formerly served as Managing Director and Assistant Treasurer of American Airlines. "Our Board believes Joey's expertise in operations, information technology, and strategy consulting, with extensive experience in working with the wide and complex array of challenges facing aviation businesses will be extremely valuable as AWAR continues to advance its mission around the world," added Anderson. Johnsen has dedicated her career to enhancing enterprise and shareholder value through finance leadership, transformation, and compliance. Johnsen's aviation background dates back to her Finance Strategic Initiatives function at International Lease Finance Corporation ("ILFC"; now AerCap), where she drove key finance transformation activities. She also held senior leadership positions in finance at several global and large public companies, including Deloitte and Touche and Western Wireless (T-Mobile). "I have been an avid supporter of AWAR and admired the organization's dynamic Board and steering committee for their innovative approaches to coalescing industry leaders around the goal of increasing women representation," said newly elected AWAR Board member Joey Johnsen. "I have tremendous respect for Amelia and the other board members, and I am honored to be joining their Board." Over the past decade, Johnsen has been involved in a number of efforts to champion the advancement of women - from supporting the ILFC Women's Initiative (IWIN), with the objective to accelerate the retention and advancement of women at the lessor, to leading efforts at a large global consulting firm as part of Deloitte's Women's Initiative to promote women through mentorship and coaching. Moreover, Johnsen serves in an advisory role on the ISTAT Foundation Internship Committee, where she spearheads efforts in engaging the membership to shape new leaders. "We look forward to having Joey among us as we continue to support AWAR efforts to foster the full potential of women within the industry," said Murrae Ross-Eskell, AWAR Board member and Founder and Managing Director of Horizon Executive Search International. "The mission of AWAR sends a very powerful message to CEOs and other senior executives - we must work together to further expand focus that will ensure women rise in the ranks and become increasingly represented in every aviation occupation of tomorrow - that's the only way for our industry to achieve sustainable success in the future. AWAR sees this opportunity and I look forward to joining forces with AWAR Board members and supporters to drive change at all levels of the leadership pipeline," concluded Johnsen. About Zeevo Group LLC Zeevo Group LLC ("Zeevo") provides business, finance and information technology consulting services and products to a broad range of clients representing such key industries as aircraft leasing, technology and consumer products. www.zeevogroup.com https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zeevo-group-johnsen-appointed-advancing-102100648.html Back to Top Greenville Tech Charter High receives grant for rare aviation program in SC American Airlines is the latest corporation to back an aviation program at Greenville Technical Charter High School that puts students on the path to becoming pilots, engineers and aircraft technicians. The high school was one of 16 in the United States to receive a grant from American Airlines. A representative from the company presented a check for $8,299 to the school on Wednesday to pay for two drone systems for the program. Doug Adomatis grew up in a family of pilots before he started teaching physics at Greenville Technical Charter High School about five years ago. It's part of the reason that in 2016 he formed with his students an after-school drone club, which he said was the impetus for the school's new aviation program. "They wanted to take it to the next level - they wanted to get high school credit for flying," Adomatis said. "As a science teacher, that's really helpful because I can teach a lot of science through the lens of aviation." Although Adomatis never learned to fly from his dad or grandfather, both of whom were pilots, he's now taking flight-instructor classes to help him better teach the aviation classes at the high school. "It's one of those things in life - you don't know what you have until it's gone," Adomatis said. "So I kind of kicked myself because I didn't take lessons from him, and now here I am taking lessons because I think it's important." The aviation program is in its second year at Greenville Tech Charter High, and it's the only high school program in South Carolina to use curriculum from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, a criteria that was part of the reason American Airlines chose the school for its grant. Students can choose between three tracks in the aviation program - to focus on piloting, engineering or becoming an aircraft technician. That emphasis on piloting is what makes the high school's aviation program different from others in the state, Principal Mary Nell Anthony said. Anthony said with several aerospace industries in South Carolina, it makes sense to offer that career path for students. Along with American Airlines, the school's aviation program has also received support from Lockheed Martin, which donated two flight simulators this past fall. According to the 2019 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook, the aviation industry will need 804,000 new civil aviation pilots and 769,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 20 years to maintain the fleet. Adomatis said he hopes the program shows students a career opportunity they might not have considered, even if they don't end up becoming pilots, engineers or aircraft technicians. "Teenagers are finding their way, and I just hope they find their way. Maybe this is an opportunity to find out what they don't want to do," Adomatis said. "We need to give them pathways, and they need to start out on those paths in high school. And if it means jumping paths, this is a great time to do it - when it's a free and public education and not something that you have to pay for." Grant Carmer is an 11th-grade student at the high school whose family recently moved from Pennsylvania. Carmer, who is considering pursuing careers in engineering and aerospace fields, said he chose to attend Greenville Tech Charter High primarily because of the new aviation program. "In normal math and science classes, you're just learning the basic applications, but this is diving in deep," Carmer said. Adomatis said the school plans to offer all four years of the curriculum and partner with local flight instructors to help students pass the written Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) test, which is necessary to start flight training. The high school's program currently has 17 students taking the classes, which count as electives, but Anthony said the school hopes to get approval from the state Department of Education to count them as Career and Technology Education credits. If the department allows the classes to be CTE credits, the school will receive additional funding to expand the program. https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2020/01/22/greenville-tech-charter-high-school- gets-grant-rare-aviation-program-sc/4539993002/ Back to Top Sustainable aviation fuel debuts at Zurich Airport during WEF meet The Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF Coalition) has reached an agreement to make sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available at Zurich Airport during this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) meet in Davos, Switzerland. This is the first time SAF is available in Switzerland. Neste, a producer of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel, has been awarded the contract to deliver the renewable jet fuel to Zurich Airport. SAF Coalition said that, under a payment-transfer initiative called 'book-and-claim', operators flying to Davos are able to buy SAF supplies even at airports where SAF is not available. The fuel will be available for the aircraft that bought the fuel from Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey, Laurence G Hanscom Field (BED) in Massachusetts and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia, the US. Both initiatives were developed by Jet Aviation, Neste and World Fuels. Compared to fossil jet fuel, Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel has an 80% smaller carbon footprint. The fuel available at the airport will be mixed with fossil jet fuel. The fuel was developed using Neste's exclusive NEXBTL technology and is made from residue raw materials and 100% renewable waste. European Business Aviation Association chairman Juergen Wiese said: "Business aviation aims to be a catalyst in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable transport. The new SAF programme brings us one step closer. "This week at Davos, business aviation is laying the foundation of a physical and traceable SAF supply chain around the world." National Air Transportation Association (NATA) COO Timothy Obitts added: "NATA commends the SAF Coalition and our members from all segments of the supply chain for their dedication and innovation in advancing a number of sustainable firsts for the business aviation industry. "These milestones demonstrate that meaningful change can be achieved through partnerships, education and collaboration." https://www.airport-technology.com/news/sustainable-aviation-fuel-zurich/ Back to Top Boeing eyes developing Israeli technology for light aircraft TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) said on Wednesday it has agreed with Israel-based Tactical Robotics to explore development of a ducted fan propulsion technology with potential uses for piloted and autonomous light aircraft. Financial details were not disclosed. Through a joint working group, the two companies will determine what opportunities may exist in developing, producing and marketing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) products including Tactical Robotics' own Cormorant autonomous vehicle. Due to its compact, Humvee-sized footprint, Cormorant can conduct emergency response missions such as delivering food, water and supplies during natural disasters or in combat environments, Boeing said. It can also carry up to four patients for medical evacuations. Aviation ducted fan technology uses a fan mounted in a cylindrical duct to produce thrust. This arrangement can enhance airflow velocity and pressure when compared to an open rotor. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-tactical-robotics-aircraft/boeing-eyes-developing-israeli- technology-for-light-aircraft-idUSKBN1ZL0UX Back to Top New Flight Simulator at Purdue University WEST LAFAYETTE - Students at Purdue Polytechnic Institute have a new tool to use in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. A Boeing 737 NextGen jet flight training simulator has been installed in the Holleman-Niswonger Simulator Center at the Purdue University Airport. The simulator is qualified under FAA regulations and reduces the amount of flight hours needed by students. This is the second MPS simulator added to the program, after a Hawker 900XP was installed last year. "With the acquisition of the two MPS devices, Purdue is well positioned to optimize its technology, giving our students an unparalleled competitive advantage in the aviation industry," said Manoj Patankar, head of SATT. "Our distinctive industry partnerships will position our students for advanced standing with airlines and business aviation partners." Purdue and MPS will also develop a training program for students, which MPS Chief Executive Officer Capt. Phillip Adrian says "will have significant opportunities with major U.S. carriers immediately after graduation." https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/41590523/new-flight-simulator-at-purdue-university Back to Top Emissions from Chinese aviation 'could quadruple by 2050 Carbon emissions from China's aviation sector could be almost four times higher by the middle of the century, according to new analysis. With per-capita aviation emissions in China still far below those of nations such as the US and UK, the findings show they have potential for considerable growth in the decades ahead. Published in the journal Energy Policy, the study comes at a time of mounting concern about the climate impact of aviation, one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. The authors highlight the lack of prior research into a national sector that has seen demand and emissions soar in recent years. Amidst talk of electric planes, the growth of the "flight shame" movement and pledges from industry, global emissions from commercial aviation are still expected to roughly triple by 2050. The global sector is currently responsible for around 2% of emissions, but this share could increase to a quarter if the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement is met. With much of the future growth in aviation emissions expected to come from emerging economies in Asia, there is debate around how best to deal with this issue and which nations should shoulder the most responsibility. Rapid increase A fast expansion since the 1980s has seen China's aviation sector rise from being virtually non- existent in the late 20th century to the second largest in the world by 2005. This trend has accompanied an increase in average wealth, as well as people migrating to urban areas in China. Given the country's large size, only around 10% (pdf) of flights are international, compared to 84% of European flights. [The area of China is twice that of the EU.] According to analysis published last year by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Chinese flights emitted 95m tonnes of CO2 (MtCO2) in 2018, making up 13% of global aviation emissions. This placed the country second in the emissions ranking, behind the US, on 182MtCO2, and ahead of the UK, on 30MtCO2. On a per-capita basis, further ICCT analysis shows Chinese emissions are relatively low - just 0.09 tonnes of CO2 compared to 0.57 for the US and 0.86 for the UK. Nevertheless, according to the new study's lead author Jinglei Yu and his collaborators at the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology and Nankai University: "The rapid increase in [China's] air transport is expected to continue, which poses critical challenges to this industry in terms of reducing carbon emissions." The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that China is due to overtake the US as the world's largest passenger market by 2029. However, the authors note in their paper that there has been little research addressing CO2 emissions from Chinese aviation. They set out to assess how much these emissions might increase. Different futures The team found that, by 2016, CO2 emissions from Chinese aviation were 91 times higher than they had been in 1979. They estimated emissions based on consumption of aviation-grade kerosene and concluded the sector would be responsible for 130MtCO2 by 2020. The necessary data was obtained from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which records information about all civil aircraft flying domestically and internationally. To understand changes over the next three decades, they created a model to forecast the long- term carbon emissions, taking into account the growth rate of distances being travelled, fuel consumption and replacement rate of biofuels as fossil-fuel alternatives. They also used a model known as an LMDI (logarithmic mean Divisia index), which is widely used to analyse the main contributing factors to CO2 emissions. The team then devised eight different scenarios classified as either "benchmark", "development" or "low-carbon". All of the scenarios assume demand for flights China will continue rising significantly in the coming decades and do not consider limitations on demand growth. Government plans, such as the "13th Five-Year Plan for China's Civil Aviation Development" and industry reports from the likes of Boeing and Airbus, were used as the basis for these different scenarios. Key to differentiating their scenarios is the uptake of biofuels. The authors note that so far "the alternative fuel factor has not yet played a role in emissions and the future development trend is uncertain". Under their "benchmark" scenario, in which demand rises while average distance travelled and fuel efficiency remain constant, and biofuels are not a factor, emissions rise to 456MtCO2 by 2050, 3.5 times higher than in 2020. For the "development" scenario, in which the average distance travelled by passengers continues to rise, the emissions nearly quadruple to 516MtCO2 by 2050. However, for the more ambitious low-carbon scenarios in which biofuel replacement reaches 25% or even 50%, this rise is significantly curtailed - to 310 and 208MtCO2, respectively. Sola Zheng, a researcher at ICCT specialising in Chinese aviation, tells Carbon Brief the numbers "seem realistic", adding that they are based on "reasonable projections of traffic growth and fuel efficiency improvement", and chime with growth predicted by the industry. However, she also notes: "Deployment of aviation biofuel is highly uncertain so there is no good baseline for assessing the scenarios with significant level of biofuel replacement used in this study." Growing demand Apart from the UN International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) widely cited - although potentially unrealistic - estimate of worldwide aviation emissions tripling by 2050, regional and national projections for emissions growth are thin on the ground. Figures can also vary based on which flights are being included for each country and often traffic projections are cited instead of emissions. Despite what Tim Johnson from the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) describes as this "minefield of partial information", the figures that are available suggest growth in the aviation sector - and accompanying emissions - will generally be slower in historically richer nations. An EU report (pdf) from last year predicted CO2 emissions from European aviation will increase by 21% by 2040. Johnson tells Carbon Brief: "China's growth is likely to be higher than the global average. The air transport markets in Europe and North America are relatively mature and are forecast to grow at around 4% per annum. China, as the paper notes, has been averaging 13% per annum growth for the last couple of decades and future projections for the Asia-Pacific market show that 7-8% per annum is likely." Besides China, both India and Indonesia are predicted by IATA to enter the top five air passenger markets by 2026. Airports Council International has found that "most of the world's fastest-growing airports" are in emerging markets. (China has plans to increase its number of airports from around 235 today to 450 by 2035.) While IATA has cited "demand from people in developing economies" as a key factor behind rising future emissions, ICCT's per-capita analysis shows that people in Australia, North America and Europe are having a disproportionate impact. Furthermore, Dr Daniel Rutherford from ICCT notes that not only do rich nations, such as the UK and US, host major aerospace manufacturers, they are also "responsible for a disproportionate amount of historical emissions, so it's reasonable for those countries to take extra and early action to address climate change". Finding solutions The team behind the new paper lay out a few examples of steps that can be taken by China to curb its aviation emissions. These include improvements to fuel efficiency, route optimisation and the development of biofuels. However, other comentators have argued that such innovations will only make "a small dent" in the gap, adding that widespread electrification of aircraft is unlikely before 2050 and that "sustainable" biofuels remain a long way off. Growth of the scale expected in China "won't be compatible with achieving net-zero emissions or limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2C", Johnson says. Meanwhile, the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has developed its Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia), in a bid to achieve "carbon neutral growth". (See Carbon Brief's Corsia explainer.) Rutherford says given its market size, "it's difficult to see the system working" if China chooses not to participate in Corsia. While the nation initially supported the plan, it subsequently declined to participate in the voluntary pilot phase beginning next year. In a statement issued by China and Russia ahead of an ICAO meeting at the end of last year, the nations said Corsia "lack[s] moral fairness": "Given the difference among countries in development stage, historical responsibility and coping capability, the 'one-size-fits-all' approach for Corsia implementation orchestrated by developed countries is a de-facto reversion to the law of the jungle." As ICAO exists merely to set standards and cannot enforce them legally, and China may be unwilling to support Corsia, Andrew Murphy from the NGO Transport & Environment, says the world cannot wait for a "top-down" approach to drive down aviation emissions. "We support a bottom-up approach where wealthier, more ambitious, regions move forward on solutions such as new fuels," he says. https://www.carbonbrief.org/emissions-from-chinese-aviation-could-quadruple-by-2050 Back to Top Three Embry-Riddle Students Named 2020 Aviation Week's "20 Twenties" Students Alexis Hepburn, David Zuehlke and recent graduate Julia Mihaylov have been honored as winners of Aviation Week's "Tomorrow's Technology Leaders: The 20 Twenties" Award for outstanding academic performance, industry and civic contributions and exceptional research while attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The global aviation, aerospace and defense recognition program, administered in partnership with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, showcases 20 students worldwide each year earning STEM degrees who are nominated by their universities. This year's program - an ongoing effort to create awareness of the qualities students need to achieve while in school that will contribute to future academic and business success - had qualified nominees from 49 different universities representing seven countries. "We congratulate Alexis, David and Julia as Aviation Week 20 Twenties honorees," said Embry- Riddle President P. Barry Butler. "We are proud of their outstanding achievements in and out of the classroom and lab. Not only is each honoree an outstanding student, they are mentors to others. Embry-Riddle students land high-paying jobs because of their technical and business skills and their demonstrated leadership. These honorees represent the value top employers see in our graduates." Alexis Hepburn is an undergraduate Aerospace Engineering (AE) student whose current research involves investigating advanced plasma thrusters for integration on small satellites. She is an honors student and member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Eagles Space Flight Team, one of the leaders of the Campus Academic Mentor Program and active in STEM outreach and community service. College of Engineering Professor and Dean Ron Madler said of Hepburn that her research accomplishments "have been significant during her four years and have given her the chance to present her work nationally and even internationally. Because of this, I am confident Alexis will continue to make significant contributions to the profession." After Hepburn recently interned at Raytheon, she accepted a position with the Raytheon Missile Systems Company following graduation this May. David Zuehlke is a Ph.D. honors student in Aerospace Engineering focusing on analytical dynamics and orbital mechanics. His passion for astronomy drives his current research focus in space surveillance using small telescopes. In 2018, he was awarded the Florida Space Grant Consortium Masters Fellowship, which supports outstanding students completing their thesis in areas relevant to NASA. He has spent the past two summers performing research with AE professor and advisor Troy Henderson at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque, N. Mex. He also assists Henderson as a teaching assistant for undergraduate-level Space Mechanics courses. In nominating Zuehlke, Henderson said, "David has expressed a clear passion to perform research in the area of space exploration. He shares this passion and knowledge through volunteer opportunities with STEM activities to the next generation. He has developed the intellect, motivation and skill set required to lead effectively as a faculty researcher or as a project manager in the aerospace industry." In May 2019, Julia Mihaylov received both the outstanding AE Graduate and the Chancellor's Award, the top award for graduating seniors. As a junior, she was named a Brooke Owen Fellow and given the chance to intern at Aerospace Corporation where she received accolades for her work in the Modeling and Simulation Department. As an undergraduate, Mihaylov held leadership positions in a number of campus honors and women's organizations, was Editor in Chief of the campus newspaper and led student research projects that worked on the design and fabrication of an electric vehicle capable of achieving 250 mph and an Earth-based spacecraft landing system. AE Professor Kaela Martin nominated Mihaylov for the 20 Twenties award. She wrote, "Julia produced research that is on-par with advanced graduate students, even as a junior. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory was so impressed with her as an intern, they hired her before she completed her Master's degree in Space Systems Engineering ... Her accomplishments are even more impressive knowing she is a first-generation Bulgarian-American and the first in her family to attend college in the U.S." President Butler noted about the students honored that, "placing three Eagles among 20 honorees is a real point of pride for the university and a positive reflection on the quality of our programs, resources and faculty. We know their success will help inspire future students to become Eagles and fly as high as Alexis, David and Julia have risen." https://www.aviationpros.com/education-training/press-release/21122031/embryriddle- aeronautical-university-three-embryriddle-students-named-2020-aviation-weeks-20-twenties Back to Top Flying the Safer Skies - Linguistics In Global Aviation In Atlanta, where the world's busiest airport fields thousands of flights each day, applied linguistics professor Eric Friginal is working to improve communication and safety in global travel. Friginal recently co-authored "English in Global Aviation" with his former student Jennifer Roberts, now an aviation English specialist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., and aviation expert Elizabeth Mathews. Here, he explains how language and communication affect flight safety worldwide. Why is communication such an important issue for airlines and travelers? For many international pilots, English may not be their first language, but they need to communicate in English, because English has become the global language of aviation. If you're a pilot and I'm an air traffic controller, you're talking to me, but I don't see you. Using equipment like radio and telephone, we're relying on a certain type of phraseology and we're required to use a certain language. In the book, we discuss how communication breakdowns have contributed to at least three deadly plane crashes in the past several decades. This issue isn't necessarily life and death all the time, but intercultural communication can be complicated if one or both parties are non-native speakers. (You can listen here as a pilot and air traffic controller struggle to communicate.) How have countries tried to deal with this issue? Different countries have different kinds of training and assessment practices. Through its International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations has developed recommendations for international aviation, but in terms of the actual implementation there isn't always clear oversight. So Brazil's air traffic controllers may have different protocols from those in China or another country. Currently, no one is technically monitoring and analyzing these things. And the problem could only grow as demand for pilots grows globally. If you look at Asia alone, there will soon be up to 300,000 new pilots needed in the region. In the book, you say that language isn't the only barrier. What else can contribute to misunderstandings? Communication is not only one way. It's the understanding of meaning between two people. In that process, people bring with them not just their linguistic background and proficiencies, but a lot of other things - like their cultural background, pragmatic understanding and preferences - and those have to be considered as well. It's important for the public and policymakers to understand what applied linguists can contribute in the use of language as people perform their jobs. Since Georgia State is in a major travel hub here in Atlanta, are there plans for collaborating with airlines for future research? Our applied linguistics program provides the opportunity to train and work in both academia and real-world settings. We would love to partner with Delta Airlines, since the hub is right here in Atlanta. My ultimate goal is to develop an Aviation English Research Center based at Georgia State in collaboration with other institutions. With expanded funding and partnerships, we could continue to make major contributions to this field of research. https://news.gsu.edu/2020/01/10/flying-safer-skies Back to Top LAX Introduces New 'Fly Quieter' Program for Aircraft Operators In an effort to promote quieter skies around Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), officials announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at incentivizing proactive efforts by large commercial airlines to fly as quietly as possible at LAX. The Fly Quieter program will evaluate airlines annually based on scoring from a variety of criteria, including compliance with LAX noise abatement procedures, the use of quieter aircraft and new technology, as well as engagement with local community groups and other stakeholders. The program is part of Los Angeles World Airports' (LAWA) ongoing commitment to address community concerns about aircraft noise that may affect neighborhoods surrounding the airport. "Effectively addressing aircraft noise requires a collaborative partnership among the airport, the airlines and the community," said Samantha Bricker, Chief Environmental and Sustainability Officer, LAWA. "With the Fly Quieter program, we have a new tool to promote awareness and incentivize compliance with our policies and procedures with the goal of reducing aircraft noise for our surrounding communities." The airport will begin working with large commercial airlines in early 2020 to evaluate their current fleets and operating procedures as they relate to noise. The airport will monitor noise levels of the flights themselves, consider the noise levels of the types of aircraft operating at LAX, and evaluate other voluntary procedures that could reduce aircraft noise impacts in adjacent communities. Airlines will be evaluated within groups determined by the number of flights, both departing and arriving, at LAX. LAX officials will collect data and engage with each airline over the course of the year to allow airlines to improve their scores by taking proactive noise reduction and/or stakeholder engagement efforts before finalizing the annual scores and publicly recognizing the airlines that make the most substantial efforts to address aircraft noise. https://www.aviationpros.com/airports/airports-municipalities/press-release/21122204/los- angeles-world-airports-lax-introduces-new-fly-quieter-program-for-aircraft-operators Back to Top SurePilot announces free pilot assessment for individuals with launch of Project 2020 Research & Development project SurePilot™ announces free pilot assessment for individuals with launch of Project 2020 Research & Development project. Jupiter Aviation Technology Limited has launched their Project 2020 Research and Development project to help continue the development of the SurePilot™ Online Pilot Assessment Tool. As part of Project 2020, SurePilot™ is inviting individuals from all backgrounds to undertake an online pilot assessment free of charge, providing them with a unique opportunity to gain insight into their own core competencies. The SurePilot™ Online Pilot Assessment Tool provides airlines and flight training organisations with a tool that enables the assessment of the core competencies required of commercial pilots. It is cost-effective, reliable, dependable and easily-deployable. In particular, the tool provides evaluation of hand-to-eye coordination (right-hand motor skills and left-hand motor skills), memory recall, reaction time, situational awareness, selective attention and multi-tasking. A final score (the SurePilot™ score), a percentile ranking (equivalent to a stanine or t-score) and performance change (degree of improvement and training potential indicator) is provided. Data collected from assessments that are completed by individuals will be used with the Project 2020 Research & Development project to assess test reliability, refine the processes used to test candidates and to help further validate the SurePilot™ Online Pilot Assessment solution. Quote from SurePilot™: Airline pilots fulfil a mission-critical role within an airline. Identifying individuals that have the core competencies required to fulfil this role is therefore an important task. It is equally important that individuals training for these roles develop self-awareness in understanding their own core competencies. We have launched Project 2020 to support the continued development of the SurePilot™ Online Pilot Assessment Tool, a modern, up-to-date and effective tool that enables aviation human resourcing professionals worldwide to select pilot candidates through testing of core competencies. We're inviting individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of aviation experience or level of education, to undertake a free SurePilot™ Online Pilot Assessment. Participating in a SurePilot™ Online Pilot Assessment will provide individuals with a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of their core competencies and will contribute directly to our Project 2020 Research & Development project. Hyperlink: https://surepilotassessment.com/project-2020/ https://www.avweb.com/press-releases/surepilot-announces-free-pilot-assessment-for-individuals- with-launch-of-project-2020-research-development-project/ Curt Lewis