Flight Safety Information - March 23, 2021 No. 060 In This Issue : Incident: Commut E145 at Little Rock on Mar 21st 2021, bird strikes on approach : Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 - Gear Up Landing (Brazil) : Incident: Airest SF34 at Budapest on Mar 2nd 2021, 4 runway edge lights damaged on departure : Nigeria suspends Emirates flights over COVID-19 tests : One pilot dead, one missing after two Taiwanese fighter jets crash : Bristow achieves new aviation safety standard : COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating 22nd March 2021 : US TSA adds new airlines to PreCheck expedited screening programme : OIG: FAA Could Better Predict, Prioritize and Communicate Safety Risks : NYC Copter Crash Exposes Deadly Loophole for Aerial Sightseeing : NTSB to consider stricter regulatory requirements for some revenue passenger-carrying general aviation operations : Alaska Airlines appoints Constance von Muehlen Chief Operating Officer : CAE to provide Phase 1 and 2 pilot training to Irish Air Corps : New questions raised about military's F-35 fighter jet : Boeing enters into $5.28 billion revolving credit agreement Incident: Commut E145 at Little Rock on Mar 21st 2021, bird strikes on approach A CommutAir Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of United, registration N16183 performing flight UA-4332 from Houston Intercontinental,TX to Little Rock,AR (USA), was on approach to Little Rock's runway 22L when multiple birds collided with the aircraft. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 22L. The aircraft was unable to continue its schedule and is still on the ground in Little Rock about 14 hours after landing. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT STRUCK MULTIPLE BIRDS CAUSING A DENT ON THE NOSE CONE AND RUPTURING THE FUSELAGE, LITTLE ROCK, AR.", stated "UNKNOWN" damage and rated the occurrence an incident. A replacement Embraer ERJ-145 registration N12160 performed the next morning's return flight UA-4357. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e4c6704&opt=0 Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 - Gear Up Landing (Brazil) Date: 22-MAR-2021 Time: Type: Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 Owner/operator: Private Registration: PT-JGA C/n / msn: 268 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: José Coleto Airport (JBR/SBJI), Ji-Paraná, RO - Brazil Phase: Landing Nature: Passenger Departure airport: Porto Velho-Belmonte Airport, RO (PVH/SBPV) Destination airport: José Coleto Airport (JBR/SBJI) Narrative: A Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 made a belly landing at José Coleto Airport (JBR/SBJI), Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, after an electrical failure in the landing gear. There were no personal injuries. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/249016 Incident: Airest SF34 at Budapest on Mar 2nd 2021, 4 runway edge lights damaged on departure An Airest Cargo Saab 340A freighter, registration ES-LSG performing flight AEG-550 from Budapest (Hungary) to Timisoara (Romania), departed Budapest's runway 13L at 09:00L (08:00Z) and landed in Timisoara following a seemingly uneventful flight. Hungary's KBSZ however reported following the departure 4 runway edge lights of runway 13L were found broken. FDR and CVR of ES-LSG were secured in Timisoara, an inspection of the aircraft revealed no damage to the airframe. The occurrence is being investiated by the KBSZ. Later Mar 23rd 2021 the airline stated, that following the readout of the flight data recorder their aircraft is no longer suspected to have been involved. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e4c6a98&opt=0 Nigeria suspends Emirates flights over COVID-19 tests ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria suspended the airline Emirates from flying into or out of its territory last week after the carrier imposed additional COVID-19 test requirements on passengers from the country, the aviation minister said on Monday. Emirates said last week passenger flights to and from Nigeria had been suspended until further notice in line with government directives, but did not give details. Aviation minister Hadi Sirika told a news conference that the airline had demanded passengers from Nigeria undertake three COVID-19 tests within 24 hours, leading the government to suspend its operations, with the exemption of cargo and humanitarian flights. "To make us go through three tests within 24 hours does not make sense. Since they insist, their operations remain suspended," Sirika said. Last month Nigeria lifted a suspension of Emirates airlines flights imposed after the carrier sought additional COVID-19 tests for passengers from Nigeria. In addition to requiring a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before flying from Nigeria, the airline added an extra requirement of having a rapid test four hours before departure. Dutch airline KLM commenced flights in and out of Nigeria this month, the minister said. https://www.yahoo.com/news/nigeria-suspends-emirates-flights-over-183416799.html One pilot dead, one missing after two Taiwanese fighter jets crash Taipei (CNN)Two Taiwanese fighter jets crashed on Monday in the third such incident in the past half year, at a time when the Beijing-claimed island's armed forces are under increasing pressure to intercept Chinese aircraft on an almost daily basis. While Taiwan's air force is well trained and well equipped, mostly with US-made equipment, it is dwarfed by China's. Beijing views the democratic island as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control. Taiwan's air force said two air force F-5E fighters, each with one pilot aboard, crashed into the sea off the island's southeastern coast after they apparently collided in mid-air during a training mission. One pilot was found and airlifted to hospital by helicopter but later died, while the other is missing, air force Chief of Staff Huang Chih-wei told reporters, adding the aircraft were in good working order. The air force has now grounded the F-5 fleet and suspended all training missions, he said. The US-built F-5 fighters first entered service in Taiwan in the 1970s and have been mostly been retired from front-line activities, though some are still used for training and as a back-up for the main fleet. Another F-5 crashed in October, killing the pilot. The following month a much more modern F-16 crashed off Taiwan's east coast, and the pilot of that aircraft also died. In January of last year, Taiwan's top military official was among eight people killed after a helicopter carrying them to visit soldiers crashed in a mountainous area near the capital Taipei. The incidents have raised concern about both training and maintenance, but also the pressure the air force is under to respond to repeated Chinese flights near the island. Taiwan's Defense Ministry has warned Chinese aircraft, including drones, are flying repeatedly in Taiwan's air defense identification zone, seeking to wear out Taiwan's air force. https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/22/asia/taiwan-fighters-crash-intl-hnk-ml/index.html Bristow achieves new aviation safety standard Bristow Group is the first helicopter operator in the UK to achieve a new mandatory international aviation safety standard designed to ensure the airworthiness of its aircraft, underscoring the company’s commitment to safety and industry leadership Bristow was notified it officially achieved the certification – Continued Airworthiness Management Organisation certification (known as Part CAMO) – on 22 March, well ahead of the required compliance date of August 2021, determined by the Civil Aviation Authority, following European Aviation Safety Agency guidelines. Part CAMO includes new procedures, which for the first time, formally require the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a management system that includes safety management and compliance monitoring of those responsible for airworthiness operations. Excellent safety record to highest standards “Bristow is renowned for our excellent safety record and adherence to the very highest standards in engineering maintenance,” said Matt Rhodes, Director UK Oil & Gas at Bristow. “Part CAMO formalises an approach that we’ve upheld as an organisation for many years and provides our customers with assurance that our fleet is maintained to the highest specification at all times.” Through a series of audits at its base in Aberdeen, Bristow successfully demonstrated its system includes clearly defined lines of responsibility and accountability, safety policy, identified actions to mitigate risks, continuous training for personnel, and monitoring systems. Comprehensive requirement for airworthiness organizations While the use of a management system has been mandatory for operators for several years, Part CAMO includes a comprehensive requirement for airworthiness organizations. Bristow established and has upheld a set of guidelines that has gone above and beyond existing industry requirements for several years. Creation of the Part CAMO certification provides international validation for the stricter safety guidelines that the Company adheres to. “Our fleet support teams provide the foundation for the safe and efficient running of our aircraft, and achieving this accreditation is superb recognition for their continued hard work and commitment to delivering an industry-leading standard in aircraft engineering,” Rhodes added. A few months ago, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency extended the contract for its search and rescue helicopter service with Bristow Helicopters. https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/bristow-achieves-new-aviation-safety-standard COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating 22nd March 2021 Japan Airlines is certified with the 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating Japan Airlines has today been Certified with the highest level 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, becoming one of the few airlines worldwide to achieve this recognition for COVID-19 safety standards. The Skytrax COVID-19 Rating is the world’s first and only assessment and certification of airline health and safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic that is based on professional and scientific investigation of the standards being provided by an airline at the airport and onboard flights. Mr Yuji Akasaka, President and CEO of Japan Airlines said: ”Since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the JAL Group has taken proactive steps to implement and strengthen key measures against COVID-19 to provide customers a safe and secure travel experience. Through the efforts of our dedicated staff at the JAL Group, it is certainly an honor to be certified and receive the highest 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by Skytrax. The JAL Group will continue to strengthen our COVID-19 measures and look forward to the day when people around the world can travel safely.” Japan Airlines has introduced a well-measured portfolio of safety practices to reduce the risks related to the spread of COVID-19, and this includes all elements of enhanced physical distancing, hand hygiene, and increased disinfection and cleaning protocols in the airport and onboard flights. As part of the “FlySafe” commitment, Japan Airlines has expedited the rollout of touchless technologies for domestic check-in and bag-drop and recently launched robot customer service assistants to help customers with flight information. Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “Japan Airlines is a consistent industry leader in matters of cleanliness and hygiene, and we are delighted to see that the airline has reinforced these already robust protocols to lower the risks of coronavirus transmission. The airline has applied a great deal of Japanese logic and efficiency in the setup of high-movement areas such as check-in, boarding, and arrival, and has introduced practical and genuinely useful technologies to assist customers on their journey. The combination of factors here is vital to reinforce confidence in air travel.” Premium passengers will find new low-contact procedures in the First-Class lounge as JAL has launched electronic a la carte dining ordering and table service and shower booking system. The airline also provides guests with a novel anti-viral wallet for storing face masks when dining. Onboard flights, JAL has made small but important changes to service delivery to reduce contamination risks, and this includes adapted handling for meal trays and bar items, use of food covers, revised systems for mid-flight dining, and increased inflight sanitisation of high-contact areas such as washroom fixtures and fittings. In addition to this, PPE disposal bags are given, and customers can request spare face masks and sanitiser wipes throughout the flight. The COVID-19 Safety Audit of Japan Airlines was completed in March 2021, and for the home base airport standards, Japan Airlines was evaluated for it’s domestic and international operations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of Tokyo Haneda Airport. The COVID-19 analysis incorporates relevant areas from the IATA Health Safety Standards Checklist, ICAO CART Take-off guidance and WHO recommendations. The audit evaluates the scale and efficiency of an airline’s enhanced health and safety protocols introduced during the global pandemic, to determine standards of social distancing, cleaning systems and standards across both airport and onboard environments, and all associated measures to enhance customer and staff safety (eg. face mask usage, service systems in the airport and onboard flights). The airport audit assessment covers check-in facilities, airline lounges, boarding procedures, deplaning procedures, baggage claim, arrival, and transfer options at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The airport service elements include all airline provided options, not areas under direct control of the airport operator. Aside from the cleanliness objective, this evaluates the airline service processes for reducing customer and staff contact wherever practically possible. Onboard flights, cabin cleanliness includes systems and techniques for cleaning common surface contact areas, customer and staff use of face masks and PPE, and protocols to control this, adapted cabin service procedures including catering, in addition to assessing amenities and cleanliness of essential comfort items. A 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating confirms excellent airport processing standards that considers all practical elements of contactless technology, customer handling, and social distancing protocols for check-in, boarding, and arrival. Airline lounges meet a high standard of cleanliness procedures and consistency, with good measures in place that facilitate social distancing, and safe delivery systems for food and beverages. Onboard cleanliness and cabin presentation is at an excellent quality level and may use new techniques for UV sanitisation, and mass disinfectant treatments which are scientifically evaluated. The onboard service systems for catering are adapted for COVID-19 times, with reduced contact delivery and enhanced food safety measures for meal presentation. ABOUT JAPAN AIRLINES Japan Airlines was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan. A member of the oneworld alliance, the airline now reaches 430 airports in 66 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners. Awarded as one of the most punctual major international airlines and a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax, JAL is committed to providing customers with the highest levels of flight safety and quality in every aspect of its service and aims to become one of the most preferred and valued airlines in the world. ABOUT SKYTRAX Skytrax, the International air transport rating organisation, was established in 1989 and is based in London, United Kingdom. The World Airline Rating programme is a leading international Rating system operating since 1999, which classifies airlines by the quality of product and staff service. In 2020, Skytrax launched the COVID-19 Safety Ratings covering airlines and airports across the world, providing independent, expert evaluation and certification of airline and airport COVID-19 hygiene and safety measures. https://skytraxratings.com/japan-airlines-is-certified-with-the-5-star-covid-19-airline-safety-rating US TSA adds new airlines to PreCheck expedited screening programme The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has added five new airlines to its PreCheck expedited screening programme. The new additions are international carriers LATAM Airlines Group, TAM-Linhas Aereas, LAN Peru and Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador, which offer service to destinations across South America. American airline Air Choice One was also added to the programme. With the latest additions, the total numbers of domestic and international carriers participating in the TSA PreCheck reach 82. TSA PreCheck provides low-risk travellers with a seamless screening experience at more than 200 US airports. Passengers eligible for TSA PreCheck include members of the three US Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programmes – Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. Travellers who enrol in the programme receive a unique ‘Known Traveler Number’ (KTN) once approved. They can start using TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints nationwide when travelling on any participating airline by adding the KTN to an airline reservation. Passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food items, laptops and light jackets while screening. Eligible passengers can avail the service when departing from a US airport or connecting on domestic flights in the country. TSA noted that a PreCheck five-year membership is available to US citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents for a cost of $85. Last month, 100% of passengers using TSA PreCheck lanes waited for less than five minutes during the screening process. https://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/tsa-precheck-screening-south-america/ OIG: FAA Could Better Predict, Prioritize and Communicate Safety Risks To enhance safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aviation industry use data to proactively detect risks and implement mitigation strategies before accidents and incidents occur. Since 2007, FAA’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) program has drawn together a wide variety of safety data and information across government and industry to identify emerging, systemic safety issues. In 2013, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Transportation reported that FAA had made progress implementing ASIAS, but the system lacked advanced capabilities, and aviation safety inspectors’ access to ASIAS confidential data remained limited. Now, OIG’s follow-up review has found that FAA has made progress in implementing ASIAS since the 2013 review, but work remains to improve the program. For example, by September 2020, ASIAS grew to include data from 41 airlines, which according to FAA represents 99 percent of air carrier operations. However, OIG found FAA has not yet established a robust process for prioritizing analysis requests. FAA plans to make incremental enhancements to ASIAS, but OIG’s review found it does not expect to fully integrate predictive capabilities until 2025. In addition, while FAA provides some ASIAS information to aviation safety inspectors, it does not provide access to national trend information that could improve their safety oversight. Further, inspectors do not widely use non-confidential ASIAS data for air carrier oversight due to the lack of guidance and the existing availability of similar data through other FAA databases. OIG made three recommendations to improve FAA’s ability to better prioritize ASIAS efforts, provide improved data to aviation inspectors, and communicate the intended use and benefits of non-confidential ASIAS data. FAA plans to implement all recommendations by June 30, 2022 with some action being complete by August 31, 2021. https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/airport-aviation-security/oig-faa-could-better-predict-prioritize-and-communicate-safety-risks/ NYC Copter Crash Exposes Deadly Loophole for Aerial Sightseeing By Alan Levin • More than 40 deaths since 2016 trigger calls for tighter rules • NTSB holding meeting on need for ‘stricter requirements’ The five people who signed up for a helicopter sightseeing flight above New York City three years ago might have expected that aviation regulators were looking after their safety. But the reality of that fatal flight on March 11, 2018, was very different. The operator had declared that it was an “aerial photography” flight that made it exempt from stricter commercial rules. After the aircraft lost power and splashed down in the East River, all five drowned because they were tethered into the seats with restraints that hadn’t been approved for safety, investigators concluded. They were among more than 40 people killed since 2016 in air tours and other flights-for-hire that are exempt from commercial aviation safety rules. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board plans on Tuesday to call for tighter rules over such flights that operate commercially. The flights include World War II aircraft, hot-air balloons, planes carrying parachutists and helicopter air tours, according to an NTSB press release on the meeting and recent accident reports. “These operations are not subject to the same maintenance, airworthiness and operational requirements as other commercial flight operations,” the NTSB said in the release. Typically carrying passengers for hire triggers more government oversight, but thousands of flights a year sidestep such enforcement through a variety of exemptions. “This was an issue when I was chairman of the NTSB and is a growing issue,” said Jim Hall, who oversaw a special report on air-tour safety while he headed the safety board in the 1990s. “Some of these safety issues are under the radar screen of the general public and the media,” Hall said. “We see individuals being killed in these accidents still that do not need to happen.” In addition to the 2018 helicopter crash, multiple cases illustrate the loopholes, according to NTSB records: • On Oct. 2, 2019, a 75-year-old B-17 bomber crashed in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, killing seven people. Because it was a historic aircraft, the operator had an exemption from the normal Federal Aviation Administration commercial rules and had had little or no contact with agency inspectors in the two years before the crash. • A hot-air balloon crashed near Lockhart, Texas, on July 30, 2016, killing all 16 people aboard in the deadliest U.S. aviation accident since 2009. The pilot had multiple health problems that should have prevented him from flying and had taken prohibited drugs, but balloon pilots are exempt from receiving medical checks most others must get. • A turboprop carrying parachute jumpers slammed into the ground shortly after takeoff from an airport in Mokuleia, Hawaii, on June 21, 2019, killing all 11 people aboard. Even though the parachutists had paid for the flight, it was regulated as if it were being operated by a private pilot. • A pilot and his passenger died on Oct. 21, 2017, in Four Corners, California, after losing control during a “Top Gun” acrobatic demonstration. Normally, such flights would be considered commercial and subject to higher FAA scrutiny, but this one was being operated under an exception for “flight training.” • The FAA, which is charged with regulating the aviation industry and ensuring safety, is crafting new regulations to tighten oversight of balloon pilots and to require more rigorous internal safety organizations for such operators, it said in an emailed statement. “The FAA has a number of initiatives under way to improve safety” and has worked closely with NTSB on the issue, it said. The agency has at times faced challenges. A 2018 law setting policy for the FAA required the agency to “streamline” how it approves flights operated by private owners, which includes many of the cases being reviewed by NTSB. The NTSB didn’t say what findings or actions it intends to take on Tuesday. The safety board, which has no regulatory powers, typically issues recommendations to the FAA and industry groups. The FAA and other entities receiving recommendations have no legal obligation to follow them, but they must respond and the suggestions often lead to changes. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-23/nyc-copter-crash-exposes-deadly-loophole-for-aerial-sightseeing NTSB to consider stricter regulatory requirements for some revenue passenger-carrying general aviation operations The National Transportation Safety Board announced its intent to hold a public board meeting March 23, 2021, 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, to consider a draft report on recommendations for the implementation of stricter regulatory requirements for some types of revenue passenger-carrying general aviation operations. The NTSB has a long history of concerns about the safety of various revenue passenger-carrying operations, including sightseeing flights conducted in hot air balloons, helicopters, and other aircraft and parachute jump flights. These operations are not subject to the same maintenance, airworthiness, and operational requirements as other commercial flight operations. The five-member board will consider the need for broader oversight and additional safety requirements for certain types of revenue passenger-carrying general aviation operations. In keeping with established federal and local social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, while also ensuring the NTSB’s compliance with the Government in the Sunshine Act, the board meeting for this event will be webcast to the public, with the board members and investigative staff meeting virtually. There will be no physical gathering to facilitate the board meeting. WHO: NTSB investigative staff and board members. WHAT: A webcast of a virtual board meeting. WHEN: Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 9:30 a.m. Eastern time. HOW: The board meeting will be webcast only, there will not be a public gathering of NTSB investigative staff or board members. A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com/. https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/ntsb-to-consider-stricter-regulatory-requirements-for-some-revenue-passenger-carrying-general-aviation-operations/ Alaska Airlines appoints Constance von Muehlen Chief Operating Officer von Muehlen is a 30-year aviation veteran with deep safety, compliance and operating experience SEATTLE, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Alaska Air Group announced the appointment of Constance von Muehlen as Chief Operating Officer of Alaska Airlines, effective April 3, 2021. Upon assuming this role, von Muehlen will join Alaska's Executive Committee and report to Ben Minicucci, who becomes Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2021. She succeeds current COO, Gary Beck, who has announced his retirement following an impressive 47-year career in aviation. A 30-year aviation veteran who received her leadership training flying Black Hawk helicopters as a Captain in the U.S. Army, von Muehlen brings a proven track record of safety and operational excellence to the role. As COO, von Muehlen will oversee the day-to-day operations on the ground and in the air for Alaska Airlines, focusing on delivering on Alaska's commitment to genuine, caring service that ensures a safe, reliable, hassle-free and welcoming experience for all guests. She will also serve as board chair of McGee Air Services, where she will oversee operations at Alaska's ground services subsidiary. "Constance is a deeply trusted leader who brings out the best in people. She unlocks the potential of each individual to drive a solution-oriented team approach," said Minicucci. "Constance has an impressive ability to manage complexity, simplify systems and see around corners to meet the future demands of our business. As we welcome guests back to the skies following the COVID-19 crisis, I can't think of a better person to oversee our recovery." Most recently, von Muehlen served as senior vice president of maintenance and engineering where she led all safety, compliance and operational performance of the airline's mainline Boeing and Airbus fleet. Prior to that, von Muehlen served as Horizon Air's chief operating officer, where she oversaw the customer service, inflight, pilot, maintenance and system operations control teams. Before joining the airline in 2011 as Director of Engine Maintenance, von Muehlen spent 20 years in aviation maintenance, including her role as general manager of Pratt and Whitney Canada's service center in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, and as director of airframe maintenance at Air Canada. She holds a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a certificate in Executive Leadership Training from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. She also completed an executive MBA at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Upon assuming this role, von Muehlen will make Alaska Airlines history by becoming the company's first female COO. Learn more about von Muehlen's approach to leadership on Alaska's Blog. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-appoints-constance-von-muehlen-chief-operating-officer-301252677.html CAE to provide Phase 1 and 2 pilot training to Irish Air Corps CAE USA has secured a contract to deliver Phase 1 and Phase 2 military pilot training to the Irish Air Corps. The US Air Force Security Assistance Training (AFSAT) Squadron, part of the USAF Air Education & Training Command (AETC) awarded the contract. Under the contract, training will be provided to 14 Irish Air Corps students over the next 18 months. Phase 1 training will take place in Florida at CAE USA subcontracted small business partner SkyWarrior Flight Training. The business will provide an airforce-approved initial flight training (IFT) programme. Phase 2 primary flight training will take place at the company’s Dothan Training Center in Alabama, US. In this phase, academic, simulator and live-flying training will be provided in CAE-owned and operated Grob G120TP military trainer aircraft. Irish Air Corps student pilots will start training ‘leveraging the CAE Trax Academy pilot training continuum’ upon arrival at the CAE Dothan Training Center. Finally, live-flying training will be delivered in the Grob G120TP aircraft. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/cae-phase-1-2-pilot-training-irish-air-corps/ New questions raised about military's F-35 fighter jet The House Readiness Subcommittee Chairman said of continuous spending on $1.7 trillion program: "That has got to stop." NORFOLK, Va. — After years of cost overruns and delays, and operational challenges like maintaining supersonic speed, keeping cabin pressure and remaining in control when flying above a 20-degree angle, now, the chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee is suggesting that Congress may cut back on purchases of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. "The F-35 is a huge problem," said Rep. John Garamendi (D-California). "And one of the principal problems is, we buy more planes, we're not able to maintain the older ones, so we buy more, the worse the overall performance has been. That is going to stop." Rep. Jackie Speier (D-California) added: "It's never worked. And we keep paying for the fact that it doesn't work, and paying all the maintenance costs. It just seems like, stupid-is as stupid-does. Why are we doing the same thing over and over?" The subcommittee also asked questions about the origin of key electronics for the F-35, and whether they may be compromised in some way. "Let me ask this, do any of the parts from the F-35 come from China?" asked Speier. Navy Vice Admiral Dean Peters, Commander Naval Air Systems, said manufacturers watch for those kinds of defects. "We track the main components very closely, and I don't know of any main components that come from China," he said. "However, as you go down into the supply chain at the third and fourth tier, it's very likely there are some electronic parts that come from China." The Government Accountability Office came out with a new report that indicated the DoD had not finished developing the F-35 aircraft simulator, which delayed testing and again delayed the decision on when to start full production. The latest Pentagon estimate puts the entire F-35 program's cost — when all orders are filled and the entire fleet is operational — at more than $1.7 trillion. https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/national/military-news/new-questions-raised-f-35-fighter-jet/291-a2c65a48-d750-45fb-b607-261765197f93 Boeing enters into $5.28 billion revolving credit agreement (Reuters) - Boeing Co said on Monday it had entered into a $5.28 billion, two-year revolving credit agreement, as the U.S. planemaker contends with a prolonged slowdown in commercial air travel fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the company had approached a group of banks for a new $4 billion revolving credit facility and had the option to raise the size to as much as $6 billion. (https://reut.rs/3rbbe5p) "We have no current plans to draw on our credit revolvers, as we continue to be confident that we have sufficient liquidity and are not planning to increase our debt levels," said Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith. Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase Bank, BofA Securities and Wells Fargo Securities are the joint lead arrangers and joint book managers, the planemaker said https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/12927/000119312521089532/d149318d8k.htm on Monday. The credit agreement is scheduled to end on March 19, 2023, Boeing said in a filing. Investment-grade rated companies use revolving credit facilities as backstop financing, with these facilities remaining undrawn for the most part. In January, Boeing posted a record annual loss as the health crisis compounded problems for the world's largest aerospace company that was reeling from the grounding of its best-selling 737 MAX jets after two fatal crashes. https://www.yahoo.com/news/boeing-enters-5-28-billion-205022922.html Curt Lewis