Flight Safety Information February 21, 2020 - No. 038 In This Issue A malfunctioning 737 Max warning light could cost Boeing millions in new FAA fines Incident: Baltic DH8D near Riga on Feb 18th 2020, cabin pressure problem Incident: Sundair A320 near Prague on Feb 20th 2020, cabin pressure problem Beechcraft B200 King Air - Fatal Accident (Texas) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang - Gear Up Landing (Florida) Unlicensed pilot accused of flying unsafe aircraft over Northern Virginia Alaska Needs Broad Review of Aviation Safety, Officials Say Highway patrol pilot suffering pain after blue laser pointed at aircraft hits him in eye Istanbul airplane may have crashed 'due to hydroplaning' Prior Aviation Joins the Air Charter Safety Foundation AIM Revisions Clarify Pilot Options on Approaches FAA/AUVSI 2020 UAS Symposium Scheduled Coronavirus Outbreak Could Cost Airlines $30 Billion Gulfstream plans to build a repair center at Fort Worth Alliance Airport with 50 new jobs Gulfstream's flagship G700 business jet makes its maiden flight Attention Aviation Safety Managers Vacancy: Inspector of Air Accidents (Recorded Data) -UK Position Available:...Investigator/Senior Investigator, Flight Operations Quality Assurance A malfunctioning 737 Max warning light could cost Boeing millions in new FAA fines 4 Boeing 737 MAX from TUI fly Belgium are docked in Brussels on Dec. 18, 2019. THIERRY MONASSE-GETTY IMAGES Boeing Co. engineers discovered in 2017 that a software glitch had rendered a warning light on the newly introduced 737 Max inoperable on 80% of the planes. But the company chose not to fix it or to inform U.S. regulators. The next year, a Lion Air jet suffered the malfunction the alert was designed to detect and crashed in the Java Sea. The lack of an alert was cited as a factor in the crash by Indonesian investigators and Boeing's failure to fix it drew stiff condemnation from lawmakers and families of the victims. Now the inoperable warning light is threatening to become a costly new headache for the planemaker: its absence on the jet violated U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The FAA is considering imposing civil penalties, according to documents and officials, which can amount to millions of dollars. "A manufacturer cannot alter the airplane's features after it has been certified," the then-acting head of the FAA, Daniel Elwell, said in a letter to lawmakers last July, referring to the malfunctioning alert. The fines could accrue quickly. The agency's enforcement guidelines say large businesses such as Boeing can be assessed $3,000 to more than $34,000 per violation. That could be applied to each of the more than 300 planes on which the alert didn't work. Moreover, a 2015 agreement to settle 13 separate investigations against Boeing -- some of them involving similar issues of aircraft certification -- gives the FAA a way to take swift action against the company. Boeing paid $12 million in that case, but could be assessed an additional $24 million if FAA finds the violations continued. At the very least, the failure to disclose the inoperative warning light combined with other recent disclosures by the company -- such as messages between employees mocking the FAA -- have significantly soured the relationship between the Chicago-based manufacturer and its regulator. J.E. Murdock, who served as FAA's chief counsel and acting deputy administrator in the 1980s, said he'd never seen anything like what he called Boeing's recent "disregard" for norms during his four decades of working in the aviation sector. "I don't know how this came about, but it's worrisome to me," Murdock said. Boeing's decision to withhold two troves of caustic and sarcastic text messages and emails between its employees from the FAA runs contrary to agency policy encouraging self-disclosure. Boeing had compiled at least some of the messages early last year, but didn't disclose them to FAA until last fall and in January. The FAA said in an emailed statement it doesn't comment on potential enforcement actions. Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the company wouldn't comment on any possible open investigations. The company said it may be subject to unspecified penalties in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission last month, but said it didn't anticipate a significant impact on its bottom line. Crashes involving the 737 Max -- there was a second one in Ethiopia last March, in which the alert also didn't work -- killed 346, grounded the plane worldwide and will cost the company an estimated $18.6 billion. The U.S. Justice Department's Criminal Division has gathered information about the plane through a grand jury. The SEC is also investigating whether Boeing properly disclosed issues with the plane to investors. Congress is also looking into the disasters, including a provision of the law that permitted Boeing to designate employees to perform much of the Max certification functions on behalf of the agency. One such "designee" signed off on the decision not to immediately fix the warning light issue. Elwell's July letter provided a rare window into how the FAA views a high-profile matter that could become an enforcement case. It explicitly said the failure to fix the alert is a violation of agency regulations. The FAA agrees with Boeing that the failure to install a working warning system -- which illuminates when sensors that measure whether the nose is pointed above or below oncoming air disagree with each other -- wasn't a safety violation, Elwell said. However, "once it was made part of the approved type design, it was required to be installed and functional on all 737 Max airplanes Boeing produced," he said. In comments during a Dec. 11 House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, Steve Dickson, who became FAA administrator in August, said he is considering action against Boeing for that and other issues. "I have expressed my disappointment to the Boeing leadership about that," Dickson said at the hearing. "And so, I reserve the right to -- to take further action and we very well may do that." The agency filed two unrelated enforcement cases against Boeing since December, seeking a total of $9.3 million for claims it knowingly installed substandard parts on wings, including on the 737 Max. In November, the FAA stopped granting Boeing employees authority to certify that individual aircraft were built to legal standards. Boeing's actions on the so-called angle-of-attack disagree light also raise questions about the FAA's system of deputizing Boeing employees to conduct agency approvals and oversight. A Boeing employee who was the FAA's authorized representative signed off on the company's decision not to immediately repair the warning light, Representative Peter DeFazio, the Oregon Democrat who is chairman of the House committee that held the hearing, said in an interview. The involvement of the authorized representative was discovered in recently obtained documents, DeFazio said. "That points to the huge problem at Boeing and the problem with the system," he said. The disagree light was standard equipment on earlier models of the 737, known as Next-Generation, and supposed to be included on the 737 Max. But a software change caused it not to function if airlines didn't order an optional display that showed what each angle-of-attack sensor was reading. As a result, 80% of the 387 Maxes the company delivered to airlines didn't have a working disagree light, according to Indonesia's final report on the Lion Air crash off of Jakarta, which killed 189 on Oct. 29, 2018. A second crash, of an Ethiopian Airlines Group jetliner on March 10, killed 157 and resulted in the plane's worldwide grounding. Boeing recognized the error just months after the 737 Max entered service in 2017, the company said in a statement posted on its website last May. The company "followed its standard process" for resolving such issues by consulting in-house experts, it said in the statement. A review found that the absence of a disagree light wasn't a safety issue, according to the statement. There are no emergency procedures associated with the disagree light for pilots and the planes provide flight crews other indications that the sensors have failed. As a result, the company decided to repair the alert in a later software update. Boeing's "senior company leadership" wasn't involved in the decision, it said in the statement. Only after the Lion Air accident did the company inform the FAA. The company plans to ensure that the alert works on the planes before the grounding is lifted. The alert was relevant to the Lion Air crash because it should have activated before the accident and on a previous flight, the investigation concluded. If it had done so, it might have helped mechanics diagnose and fix the issue before the crash, the report concluded. A malfunctioning angle-of-attack sensor is what prompted an automated system to repeatedly push down the plane's nose. It's not clear whether the FAA will bring a case against Boeing related to the 737 Max, and it can take years from the time it starts an investigation it until the agency imposes a penalty. The FAA often waives or lowers penalties if companies promise to spend the money on fixing errors. One potential complication to any such case is the criminal investigation. It's not uncommon for the Justice Department to ask agencies such as the FAA to delay their enforcement cases if they interfere with a possible criminal case. In its settlement agreement between FAA and Boeing in 2015, the company agreed to tighten up its internal audits and make regular reports to the agency about its compliance, including ensuring that aircraft conform to their designs, according to a press release at the time. When asked during the December hearing whether Boeing had complied with the settlement, Dickson said he hadn't decided yet. "But it's something that's under consideration and it could be the subject of future litigation," he said. The largest fine ever paid in an FAA enforcement action was $24.9 million by American Airlines, now known as American Airlines Group Inc., in 2013. If past FAA practice is a guide, the amount of any civil penalties will be relatively low compared to fines levied against automakers or financial institutions in recent years, which has rankled lawmakers such as DeFazio. "I think that when companies become repeat offenders, there should be a dramatically escalating series of fines and actions," DeFazio said. https://fortune.com/2020/02/21/boeing-737-max-warning-light-new-faa-fines/ Back to Top Incident: Baltic DH8D near Riga on Feb 18th 2020, cabin pressure problem An Air Baltic de Havilland Dash 8-400, registation YL-BAF performing flight BT-305 from Riga (Latvia) to Helsinki (Finland), was enroute at FL250 about 80nm north of Riga when the crew initiated an emergency descent to FL100 due to problems with the cabin pressure and returned to Riga for a safe landing about 55 minutes after departure. The airline reported an insufficient pressure indication as cause for the return. A replacement Dash 8-400 registration YL-BAH reached Helsinki with a delay of 2:40 hours. The occurrence aircraft performed a test flight about 47 hours and returned to service about 50.5 hours after landing back. http://avherald.com/h?article=4d3929da&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Sundair A320 near Prague on Feb 20th 2020, cabin pressure problem A Sundair Airbus A320-200, registration D-ASGK performing flight SR-6440 from Berlin Tegel (Germany) to Hurghada (Egypt), was climbing through about FL260 (cleared to climb to FL300) about 40nm north of Prague (Czech Republic) when the crew initiated a descent to FL160 initially, then further to FL100 due to problems with the cabin pressure. The aircraft burned off fuel at FL060 and landed safely back in Tegel about 3 hours after departure. A replacement A319-100 registration D-ASMF reached Hurghada with a delay of 8 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Tegel about 7 hours after landing back. http://avherald.com/h?article=4d392542&opt=0 Back to Top Beechcraft B200 King Air - Fatal Accident (Texas) Date: Thursday 20 February 2020 Time: 06:03 Type: Beechcraft B200 King Air Operator: TLC Air LLC Registration: N860J C/n / msn: BB-1067 First flight: 1982 Crew: Fatalities: / Occupants: Passengers: Fatalities: / Occupants: Total: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 Aircraft damage: Damaged beyond repair Location: NE of Coleman County, TX ( United States of America) Phase: En route (ENR) Nature: Unknown Departure airport: Abilene Regional Airport, TX (ABI/KABI), United States of America Destination airport: Harlingen-Valley International Airport, TX (HRL/KHRL), United States of America Narrative: A Beechcraft B200 King Air, N860J, was destroyed when it impacted open field terrain northeast of Coleman County, Texas, after reporting electrical problems and trying to return to the point of departure of Abilene Airport, Texas, USA. The three occupants onboard sustained fatal injures. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20200220-1 Back to Top Cessna 510 Citation Mustang - Gear Up Landing (Florida) Date: 20-FEB-2020 Time: 12:41 Type: Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Owner/operator: Ejets LLC Registration: N163TC C/n / msn: 510-0039 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB/KDAB), Daytona Beach, FL - United States of America Phase: Landing Nature: Training Departure airport: Daytona Beach International Airport, FL (DAB/KDAB) Destination airport: Daytona Beach International Airport, FL (DAB/KDAB) Narrative: A Cessna 510 Citation Mustang experienced a gearup landing on runway 07L at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB/KDAB), Daytona Beach, Florida. The airplane sustained minor to moderate damage and the two occupants onboard were not injured during the incident. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/23311 Back to Top Unlicensed pilot accused of flying unsafe aircraft over Northern Virginia A man accused of taking a small plane for a dangerous flight over Northern Virginia without a pilot's license has been charged with a felony. Ryan Guy Parker was arrested Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Virginia. According to an affidavit filed in federal court, a witness said he was familiar with Parker because Parker used to run an aircraft washing business at Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg. The witness said on Sept. 27, 2018, he saw Parker at Shannon Airport flying a small plane that he described as "a bucket of bolts" and unsafe. The court document revealed that the plane did not have a certificate of airworthiness from the Federal Aviation Administration. On top of that, several witnesses said it was unsafe to fly that day because of weather conditions and poor visibility. The first witness said he saw Parker fly only about 50 feet above two large airport fuel tanks with 18,000 gallons of fuel inside, adding that an aircraft accident involving those tanks would be the equivalent of a bomb going off at the airport. Two other witnesses saw Parker flying in patterns for about 10 or 15 minutes. One of them recorded video of it. According to the affidavit, when Parker landed, the aircraft bounced and spun out. After the flight, Parker told the first witness he had been working on the plane when the throttle got stuck, and that's what sent him into the air. https://wtop.com/virginia/2020/02/unlicensed-pilot-accused-of-flying-bucket-of-bolts-over-northern-virginia/ Back to Top Alaska Needs Broad Review of Aviation Safety, Officials Say ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska needs a comprehensive review effort to improve aviation safety because its fatal and non-fatal accident rates are far higher than the national average, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday. The NTSB issued a safety recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration calling for the formation of a group focused on safety to better review, rank and integrate Alaska's unique aviation needs into the FAA safety enhancement process. "We need to marshal the resources of the FAA to tackle aviation safety in Alaska in a comprehensive way," NTSB Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt said in a prepared statement. "The status quo is, frankly, unacceptable." Alaska's aviation accident rate was 2.35 times higher than the rest of the nation from 2008 to 2017, the NTSB said. The fatal accident rate in the Alaska was 1.34 times higher than the national average, according to NTSB statistics. The latest fatal crash occurred Feb. 6. A pilot and four passengers died when a Yute Commuter airplane crashed near Tuntutuliak in southwest Alaska. Aviation safety in Alaska has been an ongoing concern for the NTSB. The board in August 2017 met in Anchorage in a rare investigative hearing outside Washington, D.C., to increase awareness of "controlled flight into terrain" accidents, in which an airworthy aircraft is flown unintentionally into ground or water. The hearing focused on an Oct. 2 , 2016, crash of a Hageland Aviation Services airplane into a mountain between the southwest Alaska villages of Quinhagak and Togiak, two tiny communities off the road system. The crash killed two pilots and a passenger. The two villages. like dozens of other Alaska communities, are not connected to the state road system. Flying is a way of life to reach such destinations. The challenge is increased by the need to cross mountain ranges, open water or regions where weather changes quickly. Alaska also lacks infrastructure that is routine in other parts of the country, including technology that can provide certified weather information. Without certified weather information, flying under instrument flight rules is prohibited and must be conducted under visual flight rules. Flying at an altitude of 500 feet (150 meters) is allowed under visual rules. Testimony at the 2017 hearing indicated that pilots sometimes turn off an airplane's Terrain Avoidance and Warning System to avoid repeated alerts or hard warnings when an aircraft drops to 700 feet (215 meters). The FAA has initiatives to improve Alaska aviation safety. But the "silo-like" nature of the FAA's sprawling organization makes it difficult to develop a comprehensive plan for a state such as Alaska, Sumwalt said. The FAA in statement provided by spokesman Allen Kenitzer said the agency has a long history of promoting safety initiatives in Alaska and strongly supports bringing together stakeholders to identify safety risk areas and potential solutions. "The FAA will carefully review the recommendation that the NTSB issued today," the agency said. The NTSB recommendation was prompted in part by a September meeting in Anchorage in which aviation groups discussed how flying safety could be improved. The September discussion focused on aviation regulations that cover charter and business flights. Participants discussed improving pilot training and consistently managing weather risks. But the challenges apply to all aviation operations, the NTSB said. "All pilots must deal with Alaska's challenging geography and weather," Sumwalt said. "We need to give them all the tools and resources to do so safely." The FAA in its response said it holds pre- and post-season discussions with air tour operators to discuss safety lessons learned from recent operations. The FAA has deployed 230 weather cameras throughout Alaska, providing pilots with visual weather information and updates every 10 minutes. The FAA continues to work with the National Weather Service to increase coverage of Automated Weather Observing Stations and forecast programs for 157 Alaska airports, the agency said. https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/02/20/business/ap-us-aviation-safety-alaska-2nd-ld-writethru.html Back to Top Highway patrol pilot suffering pain after blue laser pointed at aircraft hits him in eye Authorities arrested a suspect who faces state and possible federal charges. A California Highway Patrol pilot said he was momentarily blinded and is still suffering some pain in his left eye after his aircraft was hit by a blue laser on a return flight to the airport. "It's pitch black. We're flying and all of a sudden, it's like the sun just came out," pilot Jan Sears with the patrol's Golden Gate Division Air Operations told CBS13 in Sacramento. "It took me a minute to get my bearings." Authorities said the laser incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. Monday as one of its aircrafts -- an Air-31 -- was on its way back to the Napa County Airport after finishing a search. Officers caught the incident on camera as the suspect continued pointing the laser at the aircraft, police said. "The suspect pointed the laser directly at our aircraft striking our pilot in the eye. The pilot was able to maintain control of the aircraft due to the auto pilot being engaged," California Highway Patrol said on its Facebook page Tuesday. Sears, a pilot with the patrol for 12 years, and his team were able to identify the suspect's location and directed the Solano County Sheriff's Office there. "We turned away from it as if we weren't going to look for the guy and the guy kept, you know, pointing the laser at us repeatedly," Sears told CBS13 in Sacramento. Authorities said Solano officers immediately responded and located the suspect at the location of the laser strikes. The laser was allegedly found on the suspect, according to authorities. Sears said he was still suffering pain in his left eye. The Golden Gate Division Air Operations said in its news release that there had been several reports to the Travis Air Force Base tower of military and civilian aircraft being struck by a laser during the last few days. "In a week, we're probably lase'd once, maybe twice. Sometimes we catch them, sometimes we don't," Sears told CBS13 in Sacramento. The division said the Solano Sheriff's Office was investigating whether the man arrested was involved in those other laser strikes. The suspect was arrested for two felonies -- discharging a laser and aiming a laser at an aircraft -- and booked into the Solano County Jail. He could face federal charges along with FAA fines, the Golden Gate Division Air Operations said Tuesday. https://abcnews.go.com/US/highway-patrol-pilot-suffering-pain-blue-laser-pointed/story?id=69107501 Back to Top Istanbul airplane may have crashed 'due to hydroplaning' The cause of the plane accident at the runway at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport that killed three and injured 180 people on Feb. 5 may be hydroplaning, according to initial findings. Water formed due to heavy rainfall on the day of the crash on the runway may have prevented the plane's contact with the runway as the landing gear tires hit the ground. Meanwhile, experts are examining the records about the tires. It has also been revealed that the Indonesian second officer of the plane could not help the system because the officials at the operations tower spoke Turkish and all the conversations were held by the Turkish captain pilot. The problems caused by the Turkish exchange will have to be reviewed by General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), as the talks between the tower and the cockpit should have been made in English. The captain pilot, who had fractures in his spine and ribs during the accident, could not lie face down and doctors had difficulty in attending to his spine injury. The statement made by the captain pilot under difficult conditions has not been revealed yet. Although it has not been confirmed yet, claims suggest that a lightning strike that hit the plane a few minutes before the landing may have caused the captain pilot to land hastily. Meanwhile, Pegasus Airlines started to pay compensation for the passengers injured in the crash. Reports suggest that these payments vary between $25,000-50,000 within the determined legal responsibilities. Compensation to be paid to the relatives of passengers who lost their lives will be determined on a legal basis by an organization working on the issue. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/istanbul-airplane-may-have-crashed-due-to-hydroplaning-152265 Back to Top Prior Aviation Joins the Air Charter Safety Foundation The multifaceted firm joins ACSF's roster of more than 225 member companies whose joint mission is to enable the highest levels of safety in personal, charter and business aviation. Air Charter Safety Foundation Prior Aviation Service, Inc. offers aircraft charter, maintenance, FBO services and flight training, is the latest aviation company to join the Air Charter Safety Foundation .The multifaceted firm joins ACSF's roster of more than 225 member companies whose joint mission is to enable the highest levels of safety in personal, charter and business aviation. "As western New York's largest aircraft charter facility, we can't emphasize enough how important operational safety is to our team on the ground and in the air," said Clark Newman, president and director of operations, Prior Aviation. "We recognize that our membership in the ACSF represents an actionable step toward that commitment to safety, and we're proud to be taking it." ACSF President Bryan Burns said this of Prior Aviation's membership. "We commend Prior Aviation for their foresight in joining our growing ranks," Burns said. "The rapid increase in our ACSF membership is proof that aviation-related companies everywhere recognize the importance of aviation safety and the value that ACSF membership brings to the cause." https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/business-general-aviation/press-release/21126467/air-charter-safety-foundation-prior-aviation-joins-the-air-charter-safety-foundation Back to Top AIM Revisions Clarify Pilot Options on Approaches The FAA recently published revisions to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), including clarifications of "approach category" and its application in determining the appropriate straight-in or circling minimums on an instrument approach. Previous AIM language required pilots to use the next higher approach category if it was necessary to maneuver at a speed above the upper limits of the aircraft's defined approach category, but the revised language removes this requirement. "The AIM revisions clarify an aircraft is certified to one approach category," said Richard Boll, a member of NBAA's Access Committee and chair of its airspace, ATC, and flight technologies working group. "The important thing is to remain within protected airspace, whether in a circling or straight-in approach." To remain in protected airspace, it is still recommended-but no longer required-that pilots use the next higher approach category if possible, Boll explained. Revised AIM language also provides guidance for pilots regarding responsibilities and recommended actions in flying these approaches, using either the minimums corresponding to the category determined by certification or minimums associated with a higher category. The AIM cautions, "If it is necessary to operate at a speed in excess of the upper limit of the speed range for an aircraft's category, the minimums for the higher category should be used." Another important revision, NBAA noted, is a reminder that operations below the MDA or DA/DH require the runway environment be in sight and the aircraft be continuously positioned so that a landing on the intended runway can be made using a normal rate of descent and normal maneuvers. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-02-20/aim-revisions-clarify-pilot-options-approaches Back to Top FAA/AUVSI 2020 UAS Symposium Scheduled Drone Event Announced for June 2020 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) will co-host the 5th Annual FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Symposium on June 16-18, 2020, at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD. The Symposium will bring together representatives from the FAA, other government agencies, industry, and academia. The presenters and panelists will discuss the latest information and advancements related to the diverse uses of unmanned aircraft, and how these new entrants are being safely integrated into the National Airspace System. As in previous years, the FAA will operate an on-site resource center to respond to questions from UAS owners and operators. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about airspace authorizations, waivers, the Part 107 small UAS rules, changes in hobbyists' drone operations, the Remote Identification rulemaking, and other policies and regulations. With interest in UAS technology, uses and operations at an all-time high, the Symposium is an opportunity for commercial remote pilots and drone enthusiasts to get the latest information on the burgeoning industry from leading experts in the field. https://www.pobonline.com/articles/102081-faaauvsi-2020-uas-symposium-scheduled Back to Top Coronavirus Outbreak Could Cost Airlines $30 Billion A passenger wears surgical mask inside an airplane at the... Amid the coronavirus spread, several countries cancelled flights to and from China SOPA IMAGES/LIGHTROCKET VIA GETTY IMAGES Topline: Cancelled flights to mainland China and reduced demand for travel because of the coronavirus could wipe $30 billion from the revenues of global airlines, according to International Air Transport Association. • Overall, the impact of lower global demand for air travel because of the coronavirus could cost airlines $29.3 billion this year-a fall of 4.7%. • Airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region face the biggest hit with a $27.8 billion drop in revenue, while international carriers could lose $1.5 billion in revenue. • This marks a major hit for global air travel, which IATA said was expected to grow 4.1% this year, but is now actually set to contract slightly thanks to local and international carriers cutting back flights because of lower demand. • This decline would mark the first fall in demand since the global financial crisis in 2009, the body said. The impact of the Coronavirus on airlines has dwarfed the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak that caused a $7 billion drop in revenues. Crucial comment: "Airlines and governments are in this together. We have a public health emergency, and we must try everything to keep it from becoming an economic crisis," said IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac. Key background: Dozens of major airlines have cancelled or cut back flights to mainland China amid travel lockdowns, and international efforts to curb the spread of the pneumonia-like virus. Yesterday, Australian flagship airline Qantas warned its profits could fall $99 million this year, after it cut 16% of its flights between Australia and Asia until May. Franco-Dutch carrier Air France-KLM warned its earnings could fall $215 million between February and April, because of a fall in demand. The airline has cut its routes to Shanghai and Beijing until mid March. Meanwhile, China's government is reportedly drawing up a rescue plan for leisure and travel conglomerate HNA Group, which had faced financial trouble that predates coronavirus. The group's flagship Hainan Airlines could be sold off as part of the rescue deal. https://www.forbes.com/sites/isabeltogoh/2020/02/21/coronavirus-outbreak-could-cost-airlines-30-billion/#214a56a1237 Back to Top Gulfstream plans to build a repair center at Fort Worth Alliance Airport with 50 new jobs The business jet maker also plans to move workers from Dallas Love Field to Fort Worth. A Gulfstream G650 parked in a hangar at Fort Worth Alliance Airport on Feb. 20, 2020. FORT WORTH - Business jet maker Gulfstream plans to build a new maintenance facility at Alliance Airport, adding 50 new jobs and stealing another 150 to 200 people from its Dallas Love Field operation. Gulfstream said it will start construction on the $35 million, 160,000-square-foot building in the third quarter of this year and plans to have it finished in early 2021. The service center will do maintenance on Gulfstream's fleet of business jets from across the world and include crews to do airframe inspections, engine changes and interior refurbishments. Savannah, Ga.-based Gulfstream is planning to move 150 to 200 people to Alliance from its repair facility at Dallas Love Field, where it has 580 workers. It will also give up a few smaller hangars there, said Gulfstream president of customer support Derek Zimmerman. "We recognize that we need to support a growing fleet, and we need to have an airport that can support that growth also," Zimmerman said Thursday at an event announcing the new facility. "We see a lot of traffic coming here from Mexico and Central America and South America, but really, an airplane can come from anywhere." Gulfstream, which is owned by defense contractor General Dynamics, makes noncommercial jets that are popular with business executives because they can be custom-designed for either professional or family use. Gulfstream has been expanding its maintenance operations over the last year with new facilities in Wisconsin, Georgia, California, Florida and the United Kingdom to service its fleet of about 2,900 planes worldwide. Gulfstream's new facility on Alliance Airport's northeast side will include an 80,000-square-foot hangar that is big enough for nine of the company's G650 aircraft. The building will also have 20,000 square feet of office space and 44,000 square feet dedicated to other repair work. Gulfstream doesn't intend to seek any economic incentives for the project, Zimmerman said. But he said a key part of the decision to expand was to allow partnerships with local schools that specialize in aircraft repair training. Gulfstream will try to give Dallas Love Field employees the option to stay there or move to the Fort Worth shop depending on where they live, Zimmerman said. Gulfstream has about 230 employees at Dallas Love Field doing aircraft maintenance and 350 working on aircraft cabins. One factor in expanding into Fort Worth and relocating jobs from Dallas was the commercial airline traffic at Love Field, Zimmerman said. Love Field is dominated by Southwest Airlines, which is headquartered there. Alliance Airport, on the other hand, is a major airport for cargo operations such as Amazon Prime and FedEx. "Relocating jobs from Dallas, what more can I say?" said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2020/02/20/gulfstream-plans-to-build-a-repair-center-at-fort-worth-alliance-airport-with-50-new-jobs/ Back to Top Gulfstream's flagship G700 business jet makes its maiden flight The G700 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream Aerospace have scored a double first as the Gulfstream G700 business jet and two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines made their maiden flights at the same time. On February 14, 2020, the G700 powered by the Rolls-Royce engines took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia at 1:19 pm EST for a two-hour-and-32-minute test flight. Unveiled at the 2019 National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, the G700 is Gulfstream's new flagship business jet. With its wingspan of 103 ft (31.39 m), it's the largest aircraft ever built by the General Dynamics subsidiary and its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 (668 mph, 1,074 km/h) for 6,400 nm (7.365 mi, 1,853 km) or long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85 (630 mph, 1,015 km/h) for 7,500 nm (8,630 mi, 13,890 km) makes it the fastest, longest-range production business jet available. According to Gulfstream, the G700 has the longest, widest and tallest cabin of any business jet, with up to five living areas and 20 panoramic oval windows. It features an "ultragalley" with over 10 ft (3 m) of counter space, room for a crew compartment or passenger lounge, an ultra-high-definition circadian lighting system to reduce jet lag, a speakerless surround sound system, and a shower in the master suite. The Gulfstream G700 taking off on its maiden flight Up front, there's the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck with electronically-linked active-control sidesticks, touchscreen consoles, and Gulfstream's Predictive Landing Performance System. In addition, the aircraft boasts new winglets that help it to operate from weight-restricted, short-runway, and high-altitude airports. Powering the G700 are two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, which were developed for the business jet at the Rolls-Royce Centre of Excellence for Business Aviation Engines in Dahlewitz, Germany. Generating 18,250 lb of thrust, the new engine with its 51.8-in (131.6-cm) bladed disk fan combines the company's Advance2 engine core with a brand-new low-pressure system for greater efficiency. A 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel for the first flight. The St. Valentine's Day flight was the first in a series of ground and flight tests that are being conducted by five flight prototypes and a structural test article. The first customer delivery is slated for 2022. "This is a truly great moment for all of us and we are very proud," says Dirk Geisinger, Director of Business Aviation for Rolls-Royce. "The cutting-edge Pearl 700 is a perfect fit for the Gulfstream G700 and will help the aircraft deliver an unrivaled combination of ultra long-range, speed, and performance. We have already achieved more than 1,500 testing hours and 5,000 cycles, and we are fully committed to supporting the G700 flight test program." https://newatlas.com/aircraft/gulfstream-g700-business-jet-maideon-flight/ Back to Top Back to Top Vacancy: Inspector of Air Accidents (Recorded Data) -UK The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is recruiting a Recorded Data Inspector. Air Accidents Investigation Branch Flight Data Recorder Are you passionate about aircraft accident investigation and looking for a high profile role at the leading edge of aviation safety? Aircraft accident investigation has never been more demanding and the AAIB remains one of the leading air safety investigation authorities in the world. The purpose of this role is to investigate all recorded data aspects of aircraft accidents and serious incidents involving civil aircraft operating in the UK, its overseas territories and Crown Dependencies, and to assist those in other countries when there is a significant UK interest. Further information including how to apply can be found on the Civil Service Jobs website. The deadline for applications is Friday 20 March. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vacancy-inspector-of-air-accidents-recorded-data Back to Top Position Available: Investigator/Senior Investigator, Flight Operations Quality Assurance Date: Feb 7, 2020 Location: Flight Training Academy (DFW-FTRN) Additional Locations: None Requisition ID: 37019 Intro Are you ready to explore a world of possibilities, both at work and during your time off? Join our American Airlines family, and you'll travel the world, grow your expertise and become the best version of you. As you embark on a new journey, you'll tackle challenges with flexibility and grace, learning new skills and advancing your career while having the time of your life. Feel free to enrich both your personal and work life and hop on board! Why you'll love this job • This job is a member of the Investigating team within the Integrated Operations Division. • Responsible for providing analysis of operational flight data as well as producing reports and presentations for the Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program. What you'll do • Conducts daily work flow processes for the FOQA program • Assesses events and trends, identifies operational hazards, and validates corrective actions • Develops new data analysis products and methodologies for data mining • Coordinates with the Flight Department for data analysis needs • Coordinates regularly with Allied Pilot Association (APA) FOQA gatekeepers • Coordinates with Tech Ops Department regarding support of the FOQA program • Creates flight animations of actual events for use in operational departments • Assists with accident and incident investigations • Participates in FOQA Monitoring Team meetings • Participates and contributes to the American Airlines SMS process • Develops, prepares and presents analysis of flight data • Represents American Airlines at industry FOQA related meetings All you'll need for success Minimum Qualifications- Education & in related field or equivalent experience/training • 3 years related job experience • Experience working with data mining tools such as Tableau, Business Objects, Access, etc. • Experience performing data analysis and building various related reports in MS Office products Preferred Qualifications- Education & Prior Job Experience • Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Mathematics, Engineering, or Statistics • Basic Programming knowledge/experience • Master's degree in related field • Knowledge of aeronautical theory and aviation operations as applied to commercial aircraft • Must be able to handle multiple projects with changing deadlines • Previous experience within a FOQA program • Familiarity with GE Aviation flight data software (previously Austin Digital) • Experience using CEFA animation software • Private pilot license or higher • Experience at an air carrier Skills, Licenses & Certifications • Knowledge of aeronautical theory and aviation operations as applied to commercial aircraft • Proficient using MS Office software • Must fulfill background checks to qualify for unescorted access privileges to airport security identification display areas (SIDA), if applicable • Must be able to secure appropriate airport authority and/or US Customs security badges, if applicable • Must be able to handle multiple projects with changing deadlines What you'll get Feel free to take advantage of all that American Airlines has to offer: • Travel Perks: Ready to explore the world? You, your family and your friends can reach 365 destinations on more than 6,800 daily flights across our global network. • Health Benefits: On day one, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. And that's just the start, we also offer virtual doctor visits, flexible spending accounts and more. • Wellness Programs: We want you to be the best version of yourself - that's why our wellness programs provide you with all the right tools, resources and support you need. • 401(k) Program: Available upon hire and, depending on the workgroup, employer contributions to your 401(k) program are available after one year. • Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include our Employee Assistance Program, pet insurance and discounts on hotels, cars, cruises and more Feel Free to be yourself at American From the team members we hire to the customers we serve, inclusion and diversity are the foundation of the dynamic workforce at American Airlines. Our 20+ Employee Business Resource Groups are focused on connecting our team members to our customers, suppliers, communities and shareholders, helping team members reach their full potential and creating an inclusive work environment to meet and exceed the needs of our diverse world. Are you ready to feel a tremendous sense of pride and satisfaction as you do your part to keep the largest airline in the world running smoothly as we care for people on life's journey? Feel free to be yourself at American. Additional Locations: None Requisition ID: 37019 Nearest Major Market: Fort Worth Nearest Secondary Market: Dallas Job Segment: Engineer, Quality Assurance, Data Analyst, Operations, Engineering, Technology, Aviation, Data Curt Lewis