Flight Safety Information July 14, 2020 - No. 141 In This Issue Incident: Canada A333 near St. John's on Jul 4th 2020, hydraulic failure Incident: Jazz DH8D at St. John's on Jul 7th 2020, smoke on board Incident: Yakutia SU95 at Vladivostok on Jul 11th 2020, tail strike on landing Accident: LATAM Brasil A319 at Sao Paulo on Jul 9th 2020, abrupt maneouver injures flight attendant Incident: Azul E195 at Sao Paulo on Jul 7th 2020, engine shut down in flight Incident: American B738 at Detroit on Jul 11th 2020, tail strike on go around NTSB: Plane got caught in wake of jet over Kahului during March 17 landing RR Trent engine fan blade failure on A330-300 leads to enhanced inspection processes American Airlines reaches out to US senator maskless on flight F-16 crashes at Holloman; pilot successfully ejects US regulators downgrade Pak's air safety rating over pilot certification Three people who traveled on recent Delta flight have tested positive for COVID-19 4 TSA agents at Nashville airport test positive for COVID-19 in past week Flight Safety Foundation: Flight safety improves with aviation standard PASO AGM Reaffirms Strong Commitment To Pacific Regional Aviation Safety And Security Ryanair flight diverted after 'bomb note' found in toilet IN*FLIGHT Data receives one-year BVLOS certificate from Transport Canada American Airlines to warn staff this week about potential furloughs Boeing lands $1.2 billion deal for eight F-15EX fighter jets Aviation Scholars to Speak with NASA Astronauts Aboard Space Station Leasing Aircraft & Engines, Return Conditions, and Transition - Course Join RTCA for a free two-part webinar on Wednesday, July 15 at 1pm ET...featuring NTSB and GAMA ERAU - Aircraft Crash Survival Investigation and Analysis - Course Online Unmanned Aircraft Systems from SCSI AVIATION SAFETY SURVEY GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Incident: Canada A333 near St. John's on Jul 4th 2020, hydraulic failure An Air Canada Airbus A330-300, registration C-GEFA performing flight AC-7204 from Montreal,QC (Canada) to Zurich (Switzerland), was enroute at FL370 about 60nm west of St. John's,NL (Canada) prior to the ETOPS entry when the crew received a yellow hydraulic system low pressure warning. The crew consulted with maintenance and decided to return to Montreal. The aircraft climbed to FL380 for the way back and landed safely back in Montreal about 3:50 hours after departure. The Canadian TSB reported maintenance installed a new hydraulic actuator and bled the yellow system of air. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/ACA7204/history/20200705/0018Z/CYUL/LSZH https://avherald.com/h?article=4d9ea477&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Jazz DH8D at St. John's on Jul 7th 2020, smoke on board A Jazz de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-GKUK performing flight QK-8991 from St. John's,NL to Halifax,NS (Canada), was climbing out of St. John's about 30nm west of the airport when the crew detected smoke in the cockpit, at the same time a flight attendant reported haze in the cabin. The crew further received "FLT COMP HOT" and "#2 BLEED HOT" indications followed by a lavatory smoke detector triggering. The flight crew donned their oxygen masks, declared Mayday and returned to St. John's for a safe landing about 25 minutes after departure. Emergency services inspected the aircraft from the outside and reported they did not find any evidence of smoke or fire, the aircraft taxied to the apron. The Canadian TSB reported the aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/JZA991/history/20200707/1010Z/CYYT/CYHZ https://avherald.com/h?article=4d9ea35d&opt=0 Back to Top Back to Top Incident: Yakutia SU95 at Vladivostok on Jul 11th 2020, tail strike on landing A Yakutia Sukhoi Superjet 100-95, registration RA-89035 performing flight R3-491 from Yakutsk to Vladivostok (Russia), landed on one of Vladivostok's runways 25 but struck its tail onto the runway surface. The aircraft rolled out without further incident. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Vladivostok about 58 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=4d9e9e6d&opt=0 Back to Top Accident: LATAM Brasil A319 at Sao Paulo on Jul 9th 2020, abrupt maneouver injures flight attendant A LATAM Brasil Airbus A319-100, registration PT-TMO performing flight JJ-3269 from Aracaju,SE to Sao Paulo Guarulhos,SP (Brazil) with 77 passengers and 5 crew, was on approach to Guarulhos Airport when the flight crew performed a maneouver in manual flight to reduce the speed. A flight attendant fell as result and received serious injuries. The flight crew requested medical assistance and continued for a safe landing on runway 27R about 10 minutes later. Brazil's CENIPA reported the flight attendant was standing at the time and fell. The flight attendant received fractures to fibula and ankle in her left leg. The occurrence was rated an accident and is being investigated. https://avherald.com/h?article=4d9e9ac3&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Azul E195 at Sao Paulo on Jul 7th 2020, engine shut down in flight An Azul Linhas Aereas Embraer ERJ-195, registration PR-AUP performing flight AD-9350 from Sao Paulo Viracopos,SP to Porto Velho,RO (Brazil) with 90 passengers and 5 crew, was climbing through FL280 out of Viracopos Airport when the crew declared PAN PAN reporting a low oil pressure indication for the right hand engine (CF34), the engine was shut down. The aircraft returned to Viracopos for a safe landing on runway 33 about 50 minutes after departure. The aircraft stopped clear of the runway, shut the left engine down for a safety inspection by emergency services and subsequently was towed to the apron. Brazil's CENIPA rated the occurrence an incident and did not open an investigation. The very same day another E195 of Azul suffered a similiar failure, see Incident: Azul E195 at Sao Paulo on Jul 7th 2020, engine shut down in flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=4d9e98d1&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: American B738 at Detroit on Jul 11th 2020, tail strike on go around An American Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N823NN performing flight AA-2559 from Dallas Ft. Worth,TX to Detroit,MI (USA), was on final approach to Detroit's runway 04L when the crew initiated a go around, the aircraft's aft belly contacted the runway surface however. The aircraft climbed back to 5000 feet maintaining routine communication, positioned for another approach and landed on runway 04L without further incident about 15 minutes later. On Jul 13th 2020 the FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT WAS LANDING AND WENT AROUND STRIKING TAIL, DETROIT, MI." The aircraft remained on the ground for about 22 hours, then positioned to Tulsa,OK (USA) and is still on the ground in Tulsa about 22 hours after landing in Tulsa. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL2559/history/20200711/1605Z/KDFW/KDTW https://avherald.com/h?article=4d9e849c&opt=0 Back to Top NTSB: Plane got caught in wake of jet over Kahului during March 17 landing Pilot survives after Cessna flips over on airport runway A single-engine Cessna flipped over after a hard landing at Kahului Airport on March 17. According to a report issued June 29 from the National Transportation Safety Board, student pilot Paula Whiteley of Makawao failed to avoid the wake turbulence of a heavy jet while approaching the runway, which resulted in the loss of control. State Department of Transportation photos A student pilot flying a single-engine Cessna solo failed to avoid the wake turbulence of a heavy jet while approaching the runway, which resulted in loss of control and a hard landing at Kahului Airport, the National Transportation Safety Board said in assessing the probable cause of the March 17 crash. Upcountry resident Paula Whiteley, 50 on the day of the crash, suffered minor injuries in the nose-over landing on the main runway. The Cessna 172 had "substantial damage" to the right wing, lift struts and empennage, the crash factual report said. In its probably cause report issued June 29, the NTSB said the pilot was instructed by the air traffic tower controller to follow a heavy jet airplane. She saw the jetliner and confirmed it with the tower controller, who then cleared the pilot to land behind the heavy jet and provided a caution for wake turbulence. "As she maintained a final approach to land 'past the numbers' and prepared for the landing flare, the wings suddenly rolled right, and the nose dropped. She attempted to correct, but the airplane landed hard, skidded off the runway, and nosed over," the probable cause report said. While the plane was being removed from the runway, a couple of Mainland flights were diverted to Kona International Airport on Hawaii island, said Maui District Airports Manager Marvin Moniz. The student pilot had an estimated 78 hours of total flight time and four hours as pilot in command, the probable cause report said. The flight originated from Hana Airport at 8:45 a.m. Winds were calm and skies clear during landing at about 9:15 a.m., the report said. The registered owner of the four seater Cessna 172, built in 1977, is Fly Maui LLC. https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2020/07/ntsb-plane-got-caught-in-wake-of-jet-over-kahului-during-march-17-landing/ Back to Top RR Trent engine fan blade failure on A330-300 leads to enhanced inspection processes A fan blade failure in an Airbus A330's Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engine due to a fatigue crack has led to enhanced inspection processes and technical solutions that reduce the likelihood of future similar occurrences, a new ATSB investigation report details. In June 2017, an AirAsia X Airbus A330-300 sustained an engine failure while operating a scheduled passenger flight from Perth to Kuala Lumpur. About one hour into the flight, during a step change in altitude, the flight crew heard a metallic bang, significant vibrations could be felt through the airframe, and an 'ENG 1 STALL' warning was triggered. The flight crew executed the relevant engine malfunction procedure and commenced a single-engine return to Perth. While the airframe vibrations continued during the return to Perth, the aircraft landed there without further incident. On the ground an inspection found about three quarters of one fan blade was missing from the failed left engine. Subsequent detailed structural analysis determined that the failure of the fan blade was due to a fatigue crack which had initiated from within the blade's internal structure where an internal reinforcing membrane joins to the blade's convex skin panel. Detailed structural analysis determined that the failure of the fan blade was due to a fatigue crack. The report notes the blade manufacturing process produced a variation in the internal membrane-to-panel acute corner geometry that, in combination with the inherent high level of blade panel stress, could lead to increased localised stresses in those corner areas and the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracking. The investigation also determined that the scheduled inspections recommended by Rolls-Royce to detect cracking in Trent 700 fan blades were insufficient to detect early onset fatigue cracks in the membrane to panel bond before those cracks could progress to failure. Rolls-Royce have taken a number of proactive safety actions to mitigate future blade failures. These include reviewing the design and manufacturing of the Trent 700 fan blade and releasing service bulletins covering engine inspections (one of which was supported by a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued Airworthiness Directive). The engine manufacturer also introduced new a control system modification, designed to shut the engine down quickly when fan blade failure event occurs to reduce damage to the fan shaft. During the complex manufacturing process of Trent 700 fan blades, a latent issue developed that was not realised for a number of years, the investigation notes. This demonstrates the importance for manufacturers of critical components, and regulators monitoring the manufacturers, to have systems in place to quickly identify core issues and put in place measures to mitigate risk. https://news.aviation-safety.net/2020/07/13/rr-trent-engine-fan-blade-failure-on-a330-300-leads-to-enhanced-inspection-processes/ Back to Top American Airlines reaches out to US senator maskless on flight Washington (AFP) - American Airlines said Monday it had contacted top Republican Senator Ted Cruz about its coronavirus prevention policies after a photo of the Texas lawmaker without a mask on a flight went viral on social media. "While our policy does not apply while eating or drinking, we have reached out to Senator Cruz to affirm the importance of this policy as part of our commitment to protecting the health and safety of the traveling public," AA said in a statement. Aides to Cruz told US media that he was drinking a coffee at the time the photo was snapped. The senator is holding a coffee cup and a telephone in the photo, but there is no mask in sight. "For the well-being of our customers and team members, we require face coverings to be worn onboard," AA said. "We expect our customers to comply with our policies when they choose to travel with us." The company refused to say which flight Cruz was traveling on Sunday, and whether or not he wore a face mask while not drinking his coffee. Wearing a mask in the United States has been politicized in recent months. For months, President Donald Trump did not wear one in public -- he was only seen in one for the first time on Saturday when visiting a military hospital. Health experts and scientists have called on US politicians to set an example as the coronavirus pandemic rages in the United States, particularly in Sun Belt states like Texas. Texas's Republican governor Greg Abbott has made wearing masks in public places mandatory -- a measure he long resisted putting in place. https://www.yahoo.com/news/american-airlines-reaches-us-senator-maskless-flight-224703576.html Back to Top F-16 crashes at Holloman; pilot successfully ejects An F-16C at Holloman Air Force Base crashed while landing Monday evening. The pilot was being treated for minor injuries after ejecting. An F-16C Viper from the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico crashed while landing Monday evening, the base said in a release. The fighter jet's pilot ejected successfully and is being treated for minor injuries, Holloman said. The crash occurred at about 6 p.m. local time. Pilot killed in Shaw F-16 crash 'loved his family, his country and loved to fly' Air Force 1st Lt. David Schmitz died in the crash of an F-16CM Fighting Falcon at Shaw Air Force Base late Tuesday night. An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way, the base said. This is the second F-16C crash in less than two weeks. 1st Lt. David Schmitz of the 77th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina died July 1 when his Fighting Falcon crashed while on a routine training mission. Another F-16 from Holloman's 49th Wing also crashed last October during a training flight. That jet's pilot ejected as well, and was treated at a hospital afterward. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/07/13/f-16-crashes-at-holloman-pilot-successfully-ejects/ Back to Top US regulators downgrade Pak's air safety rating over pilot certification Pakistan last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has suspended PIA's authorization to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier's operations. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded Pakistan's air safety rating after the agency raised concerns about pilot certifications. The decision, disclosed on an FAA spreadsheet dated July 15 that was posted on an agency website and confirmed by an agency official, means the U.S. air safety agency determined Pakistan does not achieve international standards and now has a Category 2 rating. Pakistan last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. The Pakistani embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The new rating means Pakistan airlines could be subject to additional inspections at U.S. airports and could not add additional flights. A company spokesman told Reuters last week the airline was planning to expand the current special flights arrangements to re-initiate a regular schedule from Pakistan to the United States to provide direct flights. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has suspended PIA's authorization to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier's operations. Pakistan's grounding of pilots with dubious credentials followed the crash of a PIA jet in May that killed 97 people. https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/us-regulators-downgrade-pak-s-air-safety-rating-over-pilot-certification-120071400360_1.html Back to Top Three people who traveled on recent Delta flight have tested positive for COVID-19 "We have been made aware of three customers who tested positive for COVID-19 and recently traveled on Endeavor Air from Atlanta to Albany," according to a statement provided by Delta Air Lines spokesperson Kate Modolo. Endeavor Air is a regional airline and subsidiary of Delta. "We are working with local officials and following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's protocol in their outreach to customers and employees. Customer and crew health and safety are our top priority," the statement said. There were 44 passengers on the flight. The passengers became symptomatic on July 7, a day after the July 6 flight, according to a Facebook post from the Rensselaer County government in upstate New York. "Any passengers on the flight are advised to call their home county health department," the post also said. Three Delta Air Lines passenger jets are parked among other airliners at the Pinal Airpark on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Marana, Ariz. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, Delta wide-body aircraft are being moved to storage in Arizona. It was not immediately clear where or when these passengers became infected with the virus, which has sickened more than 3.3 million Americans, according to Johns Hopkins data. USA TODAY has reached out to the CDC for more information. Delta Air Lines requires face masks, now a given on major U.S. airlines. The Delta incident is not the first recent case involving airline passengers arriving in Albany and then testing positive for COVID-19. Three residents of Warren County, New York, who flew on two Allegiant Airlines flights from Florida to Albany in late June tested positive after returning home, the Warren County Health Services department disclosed July 1. Six additional passengers from Warren County did not test positive but were directed to quarantine, the department said on July 3. The health department for Warren County, which is located 45 miles north of Albany, said it "worked around the clock'' to contact more than 200 Allegiant passengers on the two flights, one from Punta Gorda and one from St. Petersburg/Clearwater. One of the three passengers fell ill shortly after arriving home and quarantined, the department said. The two others, a couple, did not quarantine and went grocery shopping and visited a restaurant drive-thru before they tested positive. The incidents involving travelers to New York come in the wake of the state's new travel restrictions on travelers arriving or returning from a long list of states with a spike in COVID-19 cases. N.Y., N.J., Conn. quarantine advisory: List of states expands to 19, including Delaware, Oklahoma and Kansas Doug Myers, spokesman for Albany International Airport, said passengers headed to Albany, for example, fill out a health form on their departing flight and are supposed to turn it in when they land to aid in contact tracing. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/07/13/delta-air-lines-passengers-test-positive-covid-19/5426856002/ Back to Top 4 TSA agents at Nashville airport test positive for COVID-19 in past week NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - Four TSA workers at Nashville International Airport have tested positive for the coronavirus over the last week, according to the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA reported the newest positive case Tuesday morning involving a screening agent. The agency said the employee last worked at the airport on July 8. The severity of their symptoms was not immediately released. Thirteen TSA screening officers at the Nashville airport have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The TSA said 1,078 of its employees, both screeners and non-screeners, have been diagnosed with the coronavirus since mid-March. The agency added 671 employees have recovered from the virus, while six have died. https://www.wkrn.com/community/health/coronavirus/4-tsa-agents-at-nashville-airport-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-past-week/ Back to Top Flight Safety Foundation: Flight safety improves with aviation standard Global aviation safety has come a long way in 10 years, with significantly less aviation accidents in the onshore resource sector since 2012. The BARS Program has evolved amid border lockdowns to assess the safety of aircraft operators remotely. The trend corresponds with the Flight Safety Foundation's Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) Program 10th anniversary. BARS Program managing director David Anderson said the reduced aviation accidents in onshore resource sector directly correlate to the growth of the BARS Program. "The Flight Safety Foundation developed the first Basic Aviation Risk Standard in collaboration with 12 Australian and American resource and mining companies to provide a more efficient means of monitoring, assessing and analyzing safety risks associated with contracted aircraft operators," said Anderson. "As one of only three globally recognized standards, BARS' Global Safety Data Analysis Program is a collaborative industry initiative that aggregates audit information to identify gaps in aviation risk management and improve safety standards across the industry." Since 2010, the BARS Program has grown to evaluate more than 200 aircraft operators and businesses contracting aircraft in a range of sectors including mining and resources, defence, agriculture, energy, government, insurance, humanitarian, corporate, and emergency services. Mining company, Cerrejon, joined the BARS Program in 2012 after fellow BARS member organization (BMO), BHP Billiton, introduced the company to its auditing processes. Cerrejen aviation manager Yesid Suarez described becoming a BARS member as a 'win-win' for both the BMO and aircraft operator. "The BARS Program provides a ready-made framework to manage aviation risk providing us and our staff more confidence while travelling," Suarez said. "As a BARS member, we are proud to be part of a program that is constantly identifying risks and trends to advance safety for all." Because contracting organizations with BARS membership share audit information, they also share the cost of auditing, with subscriptions to the globally recognized standard costing $53,000 instead of incurring independent contract aircraft audit costs, which could exceed +$2 million annually. Exemplifying its leadership in the aviation industry, the BARS Program has evolved amid border lockdowns to assess the safety of aircraft operators remotely. "Without the BARS Program, and now our remote monitoring audit solution, companies in a range of different sectors would need to wait months in the current climate for an auditor to be able to physically travel to conduct an assessment of an aircraft operator," said Anderson. "BARS is continuing to offer businesses and governments that rely on contract aircraft peace of mind by ensuring safety standards are maintained at a time when many organizations are facing uncertainty and widespread restrictions. "Now more than ever, BARS operates to ensure standards are met for contract aircraft enabling them to carry people home safely." https://www.verticalmag.com/press-releases/flight-safety-foundation-flight-safety-improves-with-aviation-standard/ Back to Top PASO AGM Reaffirms Strong Commitment To Pacific Regional Aviation Safety And Security Pacific regional aviation safety and security and the importance of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) during the COVID-19 pandemic was recognised by the PASO Council of Directors at their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 1 July 2020. There was strong participation at the Council's first virtual AGM from Council Members, who reinforced their desire to support and promote the importance of PASO during the COVID-19 pandemic. The AGM was attended by nine of the 10 signatories to the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty (PICASST) and three Associate Members. COVID-19 disruption to Pacific aviation safety and security, and its impact on PASO's governance and operations was the focus of the AGM. The PASO Council recognised the generous ongoing financial support from the New Zealand government to strengthen PASO with new $2.2million (NZD) funding provided in April. The PASO Council also recommended re-scheduling the Regional Aviation Minister's Meeting (RAMM) to early 2021 to continue to strategically progress and strengthen Pacific regional aviation and COVID-19 response and recovery. "The pandemic has been devastating to the global economy, with no harder hit than the aviation sector. Disruption to aviation connectivity has been extreme and appears likely to remain that way for some time. Jobs across the world in the travel and tourism sector have been lost, and more are at risk. The future remains uncertain," said outgoing PASO Chairperson, Mr. Wilson Sagati, OBE. "We now face considerable COVID-19 disruptions to trade, tourism and regional connectivity and our region will need to be reactivated with safe aviation systems ready to respond when borders are opened once again." https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2007/S00034/paso-agm-reaffirms-strong-commitment-to-pacific-regional-aviation-safety-and-security.htm Back to Top Ryanair flight diverted after 'bomb note' found in toilet A flight from Krakow to Dublin was forced to land after a note was discovered in a toilet claiming there were explosives on board. The Ryanair flight was diverted to Stansted Airport to allow Essex Police officers to carry out checks. Two RAF jets escorted the plane which landed at about 18:40 BST on Monday. Police said nothing suspicious was found and two men have been arrested on suspicion of making threats to endanger an aircraft. The men, aged 26 and 47, remain in custody and the plane has been handed back to Stansted Airport and the operator. A spokeswoman for the airline said: "The plane landed normally, but was taxied to a remote stand where passengers disembarked safely." Footage of the RAF jets scrambling was shared on Twitter. The Ryanair spokeswoman previously said the aircraft and passengers were "being checked by the UK police who will decide when they may travel onwards to Dublin on a spare aircraft". "Passengers in Dublin waiting to depart to Krakow are being transferred to a spare aircraft to minimise any delay to their flight," she said. Police confirmed all passengers were safely brought off the plane. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-53398339 Back to Top IN*FLIGHT Data receives one-year BVLOS certificate from Transport Canada (OKOTOKS, ALBERTA) - One of Canada's most skilled operators in the world of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems has received a one-year Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) allowing the company to conduct repeated drone flights Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). With a flawless safety record, IN*FLIGHT Data has been a Canadian leader in pushing the envelope for safe, extended-range flight. The new Transport Canada approval opens the opportunity for ongoing, repeated BVLOS flights on behalf of IN*FLIGHT Data's clients. "I'm thrilled with the Transport Canada approval," says IN*FLIGHT CEO Chris Healy. "I cannot tell you how happy this makes me, nor how proud I am of our team. This is definitely a lifetime career highlight for everyone." In Canada, drones - known officially as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or RPAS - are regulated by Transport Canada. The federal agency tries to strike a sound balance between encouraging innovation and entrepreneurialism - and the safety of both manned aircraft and people on the ground. As the rules currently stand, all BVLOS RPAS flights require special permission from Transport Canada. To obtain that permission, the agency must be satisfied the operator is flying safe equipment and is qualified - including having a deep understanding of airspace law and traffic in Canada. In addition, Transport Canada examined IN*FLIGHT Data's Standard Operating Procedures, emergency protocols, training and track record before determining that the company merited approval for ongoing BVLOS flights. "I won't kid you: This was a long and very detailed process," says Healy. "But Transport Canada takes these applications very seriously as it should. We're so pleased to be one of the very few in the country to have cleared this very high bar." The SFOC means that IN*FLIGHT DATA can now fly well beyond the range that can be seen by the pilot's naked eye in all regions of Canada, day or night, above or below 400' Above Ground Level BVLOS for public safety and until the summer of 2021. This opens the door for long-range data acquisition on behalf of clients, including the ability to use cameras and other sensors to monitor long-range assets such as pipelines, power lines, and even coastlines. Such flights can also be used for complex 3D missions where the area of interest is scanned by laser using LiDAR or Light Detection And Ranging. RPAS can be deployed for Search and Rescue missions, oil leak detection, mapping, and even the delivery of critical medical supplies. "Receiving this SFOC approval is more than just a validation of how we carry out business," says Healy. "It also greatly expands the kinds of business IN*FLIGHT can carry out, as well as where and when these missions can take place. We look forward to a gathering a greater variety of data, over greater distances and for more clients, than ever before." In addition to being an RPAS pioneer in Canada, CEO Chris Healy serves on Transport Canada's Remote Traffic Management Action Team, helping to shape the framework for safely integrating manned and unmanned aircraft in Canadian airspace. A Project Management specialist, Chris is also the chair of the RTM National RPAS Operators Group, representing the interests of drone operators across Canada to Transport Canada. About IN*FLIGHT DATA: Based just south of Calgary, this RPAS service provider has built an outstanding client base since its 2014 inception, carrying out missions for private companies, organizations, and government agencies. It holds three Guinness World Records for its drone flights, has a perfect safety record, and also trains pilots. Learn more about the company at: http://www.inflightdata.ca https://www.suasnews.com/2020/07/in%E2%80%A2flight-data-receives-one-year-bvlos-certificate-from-transport-canada/ Back to Top American Airlines to warn staff this week about potential furloughs • American Airlines is the latest carrier warning staff about potential furloughs. • United last week warned close to 40% of its staff that they could possibly be furloughed if there aren't enough volunteers for buyouts and early retirements. • Airline revenue has plunged but carriers are prohibited under the terms of $25 billion in federal aid from laying anyone off until Oct. 1 American Airlines is planning to warn employees this week about potential furloughs, the latest carrier to prepare staff for job cuts as the coronavirus pandemic roils the airline business. The terms of $25 billion in federal coronavirus aid prohibit carriers from laying off workers or cutting their pay rates through Sept. 30, but weak demand is forcing airlines to ready cut costs. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires employers to notify staff about possible layoffs or temporary furloughs generally 60 days in advance and it is not guaranteed that employees who receive these warnings will be laid off. Fort Worth, Texas-based American earlier this month said it is overstaffed by about 20,000 people for its reduced fall schedule. The notices will go out to front-line employees like pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and others, according to people familiar with the matter. Delta and United appear most agile among hard-hit airlines, says Wolfe Research senior airlines analyst American had more than 133,000 employees as of the end last year and labor accounted for more than a third of its operating expenses. American has some 15,000 pilots and has already offered early retirement packages under an agreement with the Allied Pilots Association, their union. "Our expectation is that WARN notices will be sent next week," said Chip Long, American's managing director of flight line operations, in a July 10 audio message for pilots, which was heard by CNBC. "Again, our hope is to very soon engage with APA and seriously explore every opportunity to take care of our pilots while taking care of our airline." The APA wants the airline to expand early retirement options to more pilots and warned that it could drive up costs as certain pilots will need to be trained on new aircraft. Furloughs are usually based on seniority, meaning newer pilots are more likely to lose jobs. The exact numbers of pilots who would receive the notices wasn't immediately clear. American didn't comment. Delta, for its part, has warned more than 2,500 pilots about potential furloughs, while United has told more than 2,200 of its pilots. American has estimated it will be overstaffed by up to 8,000 flight attendants this fall. Airlines executives are urging employees to take buyouts and early retirement packages, but they have also warned they would have to turn to furloughs and job cuts if there aren't enough volunteers. United last week told close to 36,000 employees, nearly 40% of its workforce, that they could be furloughed. Southwest Airlines on Monday told staff that passenger numbers would need to triple by the end of the year to avoid layoffs and furloughs. Some airline executives have recently fretted about the impact from higher coronavirus cases and travel restrictions on new bookings. American Airlines won't take delivery of 17 737 Max planes until financing is secured A little more than 8 million people passed through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at U.S. airports in the first 12 days of July, down nearly 73% from the same period a year ago. Airlines are now scrambling to tout new safety protocols such as mask requirements and enhanced cleaning procedures onboard. JetBlue Airways on Monday said it would extend its policy of blocking middle seats for Airbus A320 and 321 planes that make up the bulk of its fleet through Sept. 8, just over a month longer than previously planned. Delta is capping capacity on planes at 60% through the end of September. CEO Ed Bastian told staff on July 2, "I expect we will continue to block middle seats beyond that date." https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/13/american-airlines-to-warn-pilots-this-week-about-potential-furloughs.html Back to Top Boeing lands $1.2 billion deal for eight F-15EX fighter jets The Air Force contract is a win for the company's military sales division amid turmoil in the commercial aircraft sector The Defense Department plans to spend $1.2 billion for eight Boeing-developed F-15EX fighter jets over the next three years, the company and the Air Force announced Monday, a contract that will provide a much-needed boost to the embattled aerospace manufacturer at a time when the market for commercial aircraft remains in a state of turmoil. The deal marks the first major purchase in a long-term, $23 billion program to update the Air Force's aging fleet of fighter jets and provides a competitive option for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Under the terms of the deal, Boeing will build a new version of its F-15, an older fighter jet developed in the 1960s, with new automated flight controls and electronic warfare capabilities. The newer model, known as the F-15EX, will be designed to carry heavier weaponry than smaller, stealthier jets like the F-35. "The F-15EX's digital backbone, open mission systems, and generous payload capacity fit well with our vision for future net-enabled warfare," said Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics. A Boeing news release published Monday boasted that engineers would be able to adapt from older F-15 jets to the new F-15EX in a matter of days. Its larger payload capacity will allow it to carry hypersonic weapons, a major recent priority for the Defense Department. "We listened to our customer every step of the way when developing this exciting jet," said Prat Kumar, Boeing vice president and F-15 program manager. "What we will soon deliver is a modern and robust aircraft that supports our nation's defense by incorporating the latest systems, sensors and weapons." Military-industrial complex finds a growth market in hypersonic weaponry Although a purchase of this size was expected based on the Defense Department's recent budget requests, it nonetheless comes as a massive win for Boeing at a time of historic vulnerability. Boeing's commercial aircraft division, once a cash-generating machine that enabled the company to underbid its rivals on major defense competitions, has lost billions due to equipment flaws in its signature 737 Max jet. Global travel restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic have led many of Boeing's airline customer to cancel orders. The turmoil in commercial aviation has upped the profile of Boeing's military sales divisions, which are coordinated by the company's Arlington-based defense, space and security division. A majority of Boeing's sales came from government contractors in the company's most recent quarter, a mark of how the company's dual crises have reshaped its business. As it moves aggressively to restore confidence, Boeing flies into an uncertain future That division has been bolstered by a series of high-profile wins in recent years, including a $9.2 billion contract for Air Force training jets and an $805 million contract to develop aerial refueling drones. The F-15EX program gives Boeing a stable source of short-term cash and a seat at the table in a lucrative Pentagon fighter jet business dominated by Lockheed Martin. The contract announced Tuesday carries a ceiling of $23 billion, and Pentagon planning documents call for purchases of roughly 12 per year. But analysts caution that the long-term value of the program could hinge on political factors. If the defense budget were restricted by new leadership in Congress or the White House, the F-15EX might be at risk. "There's a very good chance that if the Trump administration ends, this program is going to end," said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with Teal Group. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/07/13/boeing-f15ex-contract/ Back to Top Aviation Scholars to Speak with NASA Astronauts Aboard Space Station Aviation scholars from across the nation will pose questions to NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The educational downlink event will air live at 1:10 p.m. EDT Tuesday, July 14, on NASA Television and the agency's website. NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will answer prerecorded questions from students participating in the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) Young Eagles Ray Aviation Scholars program. EAA is a community of more than 240,000 members in 900 local chapters who embody the spirit of aviation by sharing their passion for flying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft. This downlink is produced in partnership with NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, which directly benefits today's air transportation systems, the aviation industry, and the passengers and businesses who rely on aviation every day. Charles Precourt, retired NASA astronaut and EAA board member, will provide opening and closing remarks for the event. Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Network's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS). For nearly 20 years, astronauts have been continuously living and working on the space station, testing technologies, performing science and developing the skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Through NASA's Artemis program, the agency will send astronauts to the Moon by 2024, with eventual human exploration of Mars. Inspiring the next generation of explorers - the Artemis Generation - ensures America will continue to lead in space exploration and discovery. https://www.aviationpros.com/education-training/schools-colleges/press-release/21145949/nasa-aviation-scholars-to-speak-with-nasa-astronauts-aboard-space-station Back to Top Leasing Aircraft & Engines, Return Conditions, and Transition - Course Date(s): Tuesday & Wednesday, 4 & 5 August 2020 Register: Email registration form to training@aais.org.sg Time: 9.30am - 1pm Closing Date: One week before course date. Venue: Virtual training via MS Team Fees: AAIS Member: S$763/pax Public: S$913/pax (excl. prevailing GST) About the Course: Whether you are a lessor/lessee or in a lease management company, this unique and interesting course is designed for personnel wanting to enhance their understanding of the complicated maintenance aspects for aircraft lessors and lessee. The attendees will be more knowledgeable of what lease clauses require, what banking and financial institutions should know, what airlines/MROs and lessors must know when managing or returning the aircraft, and what regulators really require in order to issue import/export and airworthiness certificates. Handling of the transition of aircraft from one lessee and regulatory authority to another, including contract negotiation, modification implementation and new aircraft lease initiation will also be discussed. In 1980, airlines leased three percent of all aircraft and owned 97 percent. By 2014, airlines leased approximately 40 percent of all aircraft (by operating lease). This number is projected to increase to 50 percent in the next few years (Reed Business Information Ltd, 2014). Learn the best ways to manage aircraft lease return so there is no disruption in airline operation and no penalties. Aircraft lessors usually require that the aircraft undergo heavy maintenance at an EASA or FAA certified MRO.What are the consequences to look out for, especially in terms of clauses pertaining to maintenance and lease return conditions? At the conclusion of this course, participants will: * Determine the specific regulations, directives, advisory circulars, orders, and/or technical information needed for companies seeking a better understanding of Aircraft Leasing processes in an international context. * Be able to apply ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices * Have a much deeper understanding of aircraft leasing clauses in particular the do's and don'ts Who Should Attend? Persons involved with aircraft/engine leasing or leasing management, MROs involved with aircraft leasing, Industry, finance institutions, and airline personnel involved with contract negotiations and development would significantly benefit. Course Content: This packed one-day training will include a focus on the following key topics: * Role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) * Basic Principles of International Aviation Airworthiness Standards * Aircraft Registration - the state of registration * Aircraft Operation - the state of the operator * National Regulatory Bodies * Review of various Aircraft Lease/Maintenance Agreements * 3 Most Relevant clauses: Delivery, Redelivery and Maintenance. * Aircraft Configuration and Control * Airline Reliability Programs and MPD Adjustments * Contract Maintenance Management and Supply Chain Preparation * Maintenance and Airworthiness, including Skin mapping, Dents and Buckles Reports - Modifications and Alterations - Aircraft Records Documentation - Major and Minor Repairs/Alterations, Modifications Including STCs Repair Data * Instruction for Continued Airworthiness, Ageing Aircraft and EWIS Requirements * Successful Lease Returns and Transitions and Avoiding Delays - Top 10 Tips About the Instructor: Mr Michael Daniel, Member, AAIS Panel of Experts Mike is an International Aviation Safety consultant with over 33 years with the FAA as a Senior Manager, ISO 9001 / AS 9100 / AS 9110 Principal / Lead and Internal Auditor, Credentialed Supervisory Safety Inspector and Accident Investigator, and FAA Academy Instructor. With several FAA overseas postings, he project managed the first FAA Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASA MIP) with Germany and France. He has also considerable experience with managing various regulatory requirements, FAA & EASA Certification and Maintenance (MRO & AMO), Part 121 Air Operators, Part 135 Business Aviation Air Operators, and Aircraft Certification. Mike graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (B.Sc. Aeronautics), a holder of FAA Maintenance Licenses with Inspection Authorization, and is a licensed pilot. He is a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI), Flight Safety Foundation, SAE International, Chartered Quality Institute, and the Project Management Institute as an accredited Project Management Professional. He had previously served in the United States Marine Corps. *Note: AAIS reserves the right to adjust the course pricing and to re-schedule or cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances, course commencement is subject to minimum class size requirements. https://aais.org.sg/virtual_leasing_ac_engines/ Back to Top Join RTCA for a free two-part webinar on Wednesday, July 15 at 1pm ET featuring NTSB and GAMA. The Honorable Robert L. Sumwalt, Chairman of the NTSB presents: "Lessons from the Ashes: Improving Transportation Safety Through Accident Investigation" followed by a conversation with RTCA's Terry McVenes and an audience Q&A session. Pete Bunce, President and CEO of GAMA presents: "The Future of Advanced Air Mobility". Details: https://bit.ly/3in09Lj TO ALL PROFESSIONAL PILOTS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS, members of their Management, Regulators and related organizations (airplane, helicopter, civil or military) WE REQUEST YOUR SUPPORT FOR A JOINT AVIATION SAFETY SURVEY (JASS) ON: "AERONAUTICAL DECISION-MAKING, INCL. MONITORING & INTERVENTION IN PRACTICE" Dear aviation colleague, you are invited to participate in a research project conducted by the department of Psychology at City, University of London, which aims to elicit your views and thoughts on Aeronautical Decision-Making, including Monitoring and Intervention in normal operation,by which we mean routine line flights without any incidents or technical malfunctions. The questions deal with teamwork and decision-making issues in various Pilot-roles, e.g. the role of the Pilot Monitoring (PM), Pilot Flying (PF), Pilot in Command (PIC) and Co-Pilot, and respectively in the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO)-roles of the coordinating and radioing/radar ATCO as well as pilot's and controller's training and occupational picture. This survey is completely anonymous - no identifying information will be requested or collected - and all responses will be treated as strictly confidential. The survey is approved by City's research and ethics committee (Approval Code: ETH 1920-1414). The introductory section of the survey will provide you with further information and the informed consent. Please click here to access the survey or copy the survey-link below into your browser. https://cityunilondon.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6n7cxeunMyfy0fz By completing the questionnaire, you can - in addition to supporting aviation safety research - even do more good as we will donate a minimum of €2 for the first 1000 fully completed responses to the UNICEF COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund which helps to care for vulnerable children and communities all over the world. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email: aviationsafety@city.ac.uk or tom.becker.1@city.ac.uk or via phone: +49 172 7178780. We thank you very much in advance. Your support is truly appreciated. Best regards, Capt. Tom Becker Prof. Peter Ayton Back to Top GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Dear Participants, You are being asked to participate in a research study of your opinions and attitudes about stress and mental health. This research started almost two years ago. The purpose of this study is to examine mental health issues in aviation, specifically Part 121 airline pilots. During this study, you will be asked to complete a brief online survey about your opinions on various life circumstances, stress, and mental health topics. This study is expected to take approximately 15 minutes of your time. In order to participate, you must possess an FAA issued Airline Transport Certificate (ATP) and you must also be currently working as a pilot for a Part 121 air carrier that is headquartered within the United States. Participation in this study is voluntary and data will be collected anonymously, stored confidentially, and you may choose to opt out of the study at any time. We sincerely appreciate your consideration and time to complete our study, as it is another small but important step towards increasing safety in aviation. Please click on the link below to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7ZG6M6L For more information, please contact: Tanya Gatlin - Student Researcher Gatlint1@my.erau.edu 281-924-1336 Dr. Scott Winter - Faculty Advisor winte25e@erau.edu 386-226-6491 Curt Lewis